Any advice for a newbie starting out in Wellington

[kazza_nz_05]

Hi everyone.
I am really wanting to learn to ride a motorcycle. My first experience was on a 125cc Automatic scooter in Rarotonga :scooter: (main mode of transport) and absolutely loved it. And with Petrol prices and Parking prices in Wellington not the cheapest thought I could save myself some extra cash as well as learn to ride a motorcycle...

What advice do I need to start training? I have been to the LTSA website and read up on the licence requirements. I am looking for a good training school I guess. I have no idea how to ride a clutch motorcycle??

I don't have a bike or any gear either.....

Any advice would be great..


Cheers
Karen

[u4ea]

Hi Karen and Welcome to kb!!!!!!Im relly the last person to give advice but the Welly crew will tuck ya under their wing Im sure!!!!!!Motorcycling is about what you feel is right for you.....leather ...codura...sport bike or the cruiser style...ask questions.....they will save your skin.....

[Maha]

Hi everyone.
I am really wanting to learn to ride a motorcycle. My first experience was on a 125cc Automatic scooter in Rarotonga :scooter: (main mode of transport) and absolutely loved it.
Cheers
Karen


Rarotonga is where i got the idea also...in Sept 03'...got back home and bought a GN 250 brand new. Then went and my BHS (Basic Handling Skills) test, which is a must. And a GN250 is perfect if you have never been on a bike ever, very user friendly, i now own a Triumph Sprint. There are alot of cool people down your way to help you, and help they will. Lissa is one you should talk to, she is in Marsterton but has been where you are only a few months ago....good luck..Mark

PS: Going back to Raro this Sept....yay!

[madmal64]

http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/

are a local motorcycle training outfit. Have not had any experience of them myself.
I would reccomend a basic handling course and Im sure you will get plenty of good advise here on KB.
Welcome the the madhouse

[DVS 69]

Get stuck in and dont be scared to ask questions bike riders are the bestest people in the world and you will find in time ........... When your out and about you'll meet the nicest people on a honda:yes: Like somebody else said you will have to think of what kinda riding/bikes you like or want to do which will give you a idea of what kinda gear you mite want also. I myself would rather have my ass covered with leather if i was to go for a skate down the road, (ya gotta prepare for the worst). Plus you ladys look dam good in the leathers too :Punk: Anyway good luck and good on you its one of the best familys ever as you will meet lots an lots of people in the strangest places and its always a talking point:rockon:

[DVS 69]

Get stuck in and dont be scared to ask questions bike riders are the bestest people in the world and you will find in time ........... When your out and about you'll meet the nicest people on a honda:yes: Like somebody else said you will have to think of what kinda riding/bikes you like or want to do which will give you a idea of what kinda gear you mite want also. I myself would rather have my ass covered with leather if i was to go for a skate down the road, (ya gotta prepare for the worst). Plus you ladys look dam good in the leathers too :Punk: Anyway good luck and good on you its one of the best familys ever as you will meet lots an lots of people in the strangest places and its always a talking point:rockon: Im here for a good time not a long time so dont hold me back

[Kwaka14]

Did you keep your tourist licence as you may be able to convert it over to a full licence if you have a "full" car licence in NZ

[Drum]

Welcome to the site Kazza.

Contact Roadsafe (see madmal's link).

They do a course on Saturdays that is designed for those who have never ridden before, and by the end of the end of the day you have your Basic Handling Certificate, which you need to get your L Plate (after passing the scratchie test at the AA/ LTSA).

Hope to see you out there in the near future. Good time of year to start riding too!

[cowboyz]

Did you keep your tourist licence as you may be able to convert it over to a full licence if you have a "full" car licence in NZ

when someone suggests they have never ridden a clutch motorcycle before.. offering ideas about how to bypass the licence scheme is probably not the best course of action.

You need to learn how to ride first. I am sure someone from wellington will help you out here. Then go sit the BHS which is pretty simple stuff really. Then learners and you are away on the road for some practice. More time in the saddle = more experience = better/safer rider.

[Nasty]

Do a good course ... Roadsafe are good .. they have a multitude of courses ... and go for rides with people you can trust ... look up the mentors on the site and work with one of them as well .. they are people who are experienced and know lots about riding and bikes .. and enjoy :)

[Lissa]

Welcome to the site. :) I am sure someone from the welly area will help you out, browse the site .... there is alot of information hidden within. :yes:

[skelstar]

Read http://www.rideforever.co.nz/ back to front and back again. Very good advice in this site.

[Terminated]

Welcome to the site Kazza.

Contact Roadsafe (see madmal's link).

They do a course on Saturdays that is designed for those who have never ridden before, and by the end of the end of the day you have your Basic Handling Certificate, which you need to get your L Plate (after passing the scratchie test at the AA/ LTSA).

Hope to see you out there in the near future. Good time of year to start riding too!

I did my learning with Roadsafe, never ridden before and progressed with a Suzuki GN250, Honda Shadow, and now Suzuki VStrom. Here is my training log:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?entry=101

Heads Up and Enjoy

[MyGSXF]

I am looking for a good training school

Hi Karen :wavey:

WELCOME TO KB chick!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :Punk: your life will never be the same... :shutup:

I also THOROUGHLY recommend "Roadsafe".. :2thumbsup check out my link below..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=804098&postcount=1

Andrew & Lynne are a wealth of knowledge, & will be able to point you in the right direction, to go from here!!! :scooter:

Jen :rockon:

PS: please tell them Jen from Nelson says 'gidday'!!! :yes:

[Hitcher]

And TSS Motorcycles in Lower Hutt are very learner friendly. Good/fair advice on bikes and gear, and they even run regular 250 rides over summer.

Once you're mobile you'll find no shortage of friendly like-minded people to ride with. Do a search for The Cruisy Sunday Ride, which leaves from Caltex Rimutaka on SH2 in Upper Hutt most Sunday mornings (weather permitting).

Also send a PM to BuckBuckNo1 and he can walk you through all of the resources the site has to offer new riders starting up.

We've all been there!

I look forward to seeing you out and about sometime soon!

[Terminated]

Also send a PM to BuckBuckNo1 and he can walk you through all of the resources the site has to offer new riders starting up.

We've all been there!

I look forward to seeing you out and about sometime soon!

PM received and replied to.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[Renegade]

Welcome!! I did my handling test with andrew at Roadsafe aswell and will totally recommend them, they made it so easy, so...stop wasting time and get booked in!!

[puddy]

First thing ya have to do is MOVE TO AUCKLAND!Roads are better for riding up here.Nicer people too!Good luck.:yes:

[kazza_nz_05]

Well I headed off to Motomart and TSS motorcycles today with my other half. Was a really good experience. And the customer service from both shops was really good, i was really impressed. Being a very learner learner (still waiting to sit my learn to ride and BHS ). I was a bit intimidated as being female I thought, no one would be so helpful..I was wrong. Great range to gear to choose from and good discount if you are getting kitted out head to toe, which I definitely will be. Bike wise, I was shown the Hyosung Aquilla(?spelling) 250cc and the bike i feel in love with Yamaha Scorpio 225cc. I even got to sit on it, and it was not too heavy at all. Hubby liked it as well (which is unusual for him, hes scared that something may happen to me on the bike thats all). He thought the Aquilla was cooler - looked like a harley. I was like that looks too big for me to ride, too scarey...LOL.....Anyways I am sold on the Yamaha Scorpio. Just need to book in for my tests and away I go.
By the way I love browsing the forums on here. Very informative. Cheers Karen.

[Stickchick]

I'm a learner learner like you and believe me there is no shortage of help in here. Everyone is so friendly and willing and its great how most of them are willing to go that little bit extra for complete strangers.

Good luck with BHS. Sometimes if they don't think you are ready the first time they will let you come back at no extra cost. Well they did for me up here anyway. most places will make you feel more relaxed before taking the test which can be a huge help.

Also Welcome to KB :yes: :Punk:

[Hitcher]

Use the "search" facility for some great reviews of the Yamaha Scorpio. Even Frosty liked it...

[Baldyheed]

Hi Karen, and welcome to the site. Do not be in a rush to buy gear, and make sure that it fits properly, and feels comfortable. This is especially important when buying a helmet.

It is a marvellous cameraderie that bikers have, and you will have many happy times ahead. Might even be able to get the other half over to riding a bike.