Noob's bike?

[EJK]

I am a noob and thinking to buy a bike.

Honestly I am not a rich guy who can afford to buy a GT250R or a GPX250.
Im only 17 years old who would like to get on two wheels rather on four.

I am looking towards a Yamaha Scorpio Z or a used Suzuki FXR150.

And my other option is the Lifan LF125 motorbike which looks quite cool but not well known.

So what do you guys think? what bike should i go for?
Price range is around 3000 to 4000 max.

Please help :(

[Macktheknife]

Go for the scorpio z, great bikes to learn on and good value.
Don't bother with the Lifan crap.

[avgas]

FXR or if you can afford it RG.
What is the Scorpio worth?

[norwester]

Stick to the Yamaha I would not feel safe riding a Lifan...funny maybe it's just ME..
i have been using a Yamaha XT225 to get my bigboys license for the past eight years a great machine......

[EJK]

Lifan is crap? oh ok lol

Scorpi costs around 3750's. Varies +-100 depends on the dealer.

Some dealer also PAYS for the on road cost.

Im thinking to buy one from Red Baron in Auckland.

P.S. I don't want to buy a two stroke one

P.P.S I HATE GN250. I test rode them once but down shifting and low speed riding is HARD AS. I test rode a FXR150 later that day and FXR was PERFECT. No fuss downshifting,PERFECT low speed riding etc

I think i will go for FXR, because it is designed for "Sport Touring".
What do you guys think about that?

[Little Miss Trouble]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of gear. When I was looking Red Baron had a deal for basic gear for $500 when you buy a second hand 250, not sure if thats still going?
Since your on a budget go for low-cost gear all over and upgrade when you can or if you REALLY want to ride in jeans at least get some knee and shin armor that velcros around you legs underneath the trousers. I picked some for $30 from Cycletreads.

[EJK]

Ah cheers for the information.

[breakaway]

Check out the RG15. A few on trademe for around $1500 atm.

[EJK]

Do you mean Suzuki RGV150? Isnt that two stroke?

[Steam]

I am a noob and thinking to buy a bike.


Off topic, but how'd you choose your name, and what does it mean?

[ZeroIndex]

Hello n00b... welcome to the n00b-farm... the FXR as a first bike on a low budget is probably your best move...

[breakaway]

Do you mean Suzuki RGV150? Isnt that two stroke?

I mean RG150 sorry. Yes it's a two stroke, and is a lot of fun. RGV150 is shit. Alternatively if you want, you can get a FXR150, which is a 4 stroke.

[vamr]

P.S. I don't want to buy a two stroke one

What in the world is wrong with you?!?

[EJK]

Because.... i heard that for two storke, i must mix two oils... errr... i cant be bothered doing that...

Mt Eden Motorcycle dealers suggested me to not get a two storke for a beginners bike. since i know nothing about bikes, i decided to trust this man.


how'd you choose your name, and what does it mean?

First 3 alphabets are my initials, and the rest is Korean lol It means "Idiot" lo

[breakaway]

No. You don't have to mix shit. You put the petrol in the tank, and the oil goes in the oil reservoir, under the seat (On the RG150 anyway). It mixes itself. Almost all bikes that you will encounter these days are 'self-mixing'.

I'd get a two stroke, simply because two strokes go way harder than four strokes of similar displacements

[Rosie]

2-stroke 150's are nice sensible little bikes to learn on. (I've got one, and I'm sensible :innocent: ). No premixing, you just need to top the oil up every few hundred k's. You can tootle along on them when you are first learning, without worrying that it's going to 'get away on you', then learn to get more power out of it as you become more experienced. And there's the 2-stroke smell :love:

From what I understand, 2-stroke 250's are more performance oriented bikes and aren't really suitable for beginners.

[EJK]

Thanks for all the suggestion but Im not really looking for speed. Top speed of 130kph is all i need (and will need).

P.S. Eventho I have a million, I wouldnt buy a ZXR250, CBR250RR, FZR etc...

[breakaway]

In that case, FXR150 is the bike for you.

[EJK]

FXR... right I will begin my search :)

[Dave-]

FXR150 represent.

lovin' it

[EJK]

lol I want one now :)

[Pancakes]

A guy at my work has an FXR and likes it, is a good guy, but it has started getting some rusty bits. People say the Hyo's rust but man, his has some good pitting in the weld joins etc. Do look for that when buying (any bike, not picking on FXR's). Rust will be most easily spotted on weld joins because of two different metals reacting, on the stamping on the head/steerer tube and anywhere flat that water can sit. If you find something you like do scope out the nooks and crannys. If it's good thats great, if it's not good you found it before you paid for it, if you find it's not as great as you first thought but still like the bike point things out and ask for a discount, can't hurt! And yeah, you may not have seen ATGATT before, all the gear, all the time. Damn straight you can guess the one time you come off will be when your "just popping over" somewhere and jeans and a hoodie don't stop crap. Get some gear for sure.

Have fun! See you out there!

[EJK]

Oh, on Friday, I bought the Yamaha SX-4 Scorpoi Z for $3700 from Red Baron. My dealer was Max and he gave me 12 months yamaha warranty, 12 months reg, 12 months WOF, + ORC and plus a free "CAN" magnet tank bag worth 60 bux. What do you guys think? The delivery is comming in this Monday :D can't wait.

[Lucy]

Oh, on Friday, I bought the Yamaha SX-4 Scorpoi Z for $3700 from Red Baron. My dealer was Max and he gave me 12 months yamaha warranty, 12 months reg, 12 months WOF, + ORC and plus a free "CAN" magnet tank bag worth 60 bux. What do you guys think? The delivery is comming in this Monday :D can't wait.


Sounds like a good deal. congratulations! I was interested in your comments on the GN and downshifting, didnt really understand what you meant, but I concur with the low speed- found that the hardest bit on the RRRS course. Which I recommend you do by the way.

Have fun.

[EJK]

The downshifting? well, It was like this:

I test rode a brand new GN250. I went upto 3rd gear and tried to shift it down. The gear goes down but the light is still on 3rd. lol

[AliJax]

Well Done EJKDDORAI.

I'd be interested in your first weeks use of your new bike.

Look good those Scorpios, sat one one but not ridden one yet & sounds like you've got a good deal out of Red Baron to.

[EJK]

Thanks guys.
But its really pouring down in Auckland. Damn.. the forecast says it will continue till Friday.
Well, My favourite place in Auckland is Mt. Eden summit lol If you see a guy riding a Scorpio on Mt. Eden, then chances of being me is high lol

But seriously, It is a fun place. You guys should visit there sometime when u get chance :D

C u there

[delusionz]

Thanks guys.
But its really pouring down in Auckland. Damn.. the forecast says it will continue till Friday.
Well, My favourite place in Auckland is Mt. Eden summit lol If you see a guy riding a Scorpio on Mt. Eden, then chances of being me is high lol

But seriously, It is a fun place. You guys should visit there sometime when u get chance :D

C u there

Haha I live next to the mountain, look out for a black & denim rider on a black ninja lol

[EJK]

Haha I live next to the mountain, look out for a black & denim rider on a black ninja lol

Omg is this who I saw today? lol I'll race ya to the top next time lol jks

[delusionz]

Omg is this who I saw today? lol I'll race ya to the top next time lol jks

Yep! :scooter:

[Deviant]

Hey bro,

I just bought a Suzuki GN250. Arrived this morning, delivered from Coleman's Suzuki.
I chose the GN250 because everyone touted it as a real learner's bike. I took it halfway down my street, shitting myself the whole way, hit the kill switch and walked it back.

In my defence, it's my second time ever on a bike (first being a GN125 last Saturday in my Basic Handling Test), and there was someone coming up the road, a lady about to walk into my path without looking, and a girl getting into her car right behind her, so having never driven/ridden on a public road before, I was in a bit of a busy situation there.

I strongly recommend going for something lighter than a 250 for your first bike, this little beast is going to take me some serious practise to get used to before I can use it for it's intended purpose (commuting to the North Shore).

I'd say go as cheap as possible, because you're probably going to have a couple of small spills once you get used to it and get too cocky- everyone told me that.

Good luck, and wish me some too because I need it!

[vifferman]

I strongly recommend going for something lighter than a 250 for your first bike, this little beast is going to take me some serious practise to get used to before I can use it for it's intended purpose (commuting to the North Shore).
There's no way around it really - apart from a scooter; motorbikes are heavier than bicycles. However, once moving, the weight disappears, as they are dynamic beasties that have revolving things like gears, flywheels, wheels etc that act as gyroscopic stabilisers. The trick is to practice lots, especially slow-speed manouevres in a safe environment. That's why dirtbikes are the ideal choice for a beginner.

[breakaway]

In my defence, it's my second time ever on a bike (first being a GN125 last Saturday in my Basic Handling Test), and there was someone coming up the road, a lady about to walk into my path without looking, and a girl getting into her car right behind her, so having never driven/ridden on a public road before, I was in a bit of a busy situation there.

That's how I started. Only, when I hopped on my bike, I had zero experience. Scary ain't it :dodge::shutup:

[Deviant]

Yeah, first time is a bit of a buzz. My previous experience was a couple of rides on mopeds years ago, and the Basic Handling Test on that GN125 last weekend.

But I'm mostly scared about the fact that the gloves don't give me much flexibility for my fingers. They cost over $100, good ones from Motomail, but I still feel a bit clumsy in them and that doesn't help my confidence when it's hard to activate the indicators. I guess I'll get used to them eventually.

The GN125's are way lighter than the GN250's though, and I'm also thinking that a dirt-bike would have been a better choice. But, I have it, so I'll learn to ride it. I'm definitely looking forward to it!

[Bullitt]

My experience with dirt bikes is they wernt any easier to ride than a GN for a learner. They might be lighter but theyve usually also got a higher seat, plus the tyres arnt so good on the road.

Its abit daunting when you first start but you do get the hang of it pretty quickly. Just look at the diverse range of people who ride bikes, all it takes is the desire and abit of practice.

[carver]

I am a noob and thinking to buy a bike.

Honestly I am not a rich guy who can afford to buy a GT250R or a GPX250.
Im only 17 years old who would like to get on two wheels rather on four.

I am looking towards a Yamaha Scorpio Z or a used Suzuki FXR150.

And my other option is the Lifan LF125 motorbike which looks quite cool but not well known.

So what do you guys think? what bike should i go for?
Price range is around 3000 to 4000 max.

Please help :(

i got a NXR 125 honda..the price is lower than your listed...pm me for details

[Pancakes]

Hey bro,

I just bought a Suzuki GN250. Arrived this morning, delivered from Coleman's Suzuki.
I chose the GN250 because everyone touted it as a real learner's bike. I took it halfway down my street, shitting myself the whole way, hit the kill switch and walked it back.

In my defence, it's my second time ever on a bike (first being a GN125 last Saturday in my Basic Handling Test), and there was someone coming up the road, a lady about to walk into my path without looking, and a girl getting into her car right behind her, so having never driven/ridden on a public road before, I was in a bit of a busy situation there.

I strongly recommend going for something lighter than a 250 for your first bike, this little beast is going to take me some serious practise to get used to before I can use it for it's intended purpose (commuting to the North Shore).

I'd say go as cheap as possible, because you're probably going to have a couple of small spills once you get used to it and get too cocky- everyone told me that.

Good luck, and wish me some too because I need it!

Bro your thingy doesn't say what part of AK but pipe up and I'm sure there is someone nearby that will take your bike and you to some desertet carpark while you practice. No worrying about indicators and all that shit. Open spaces and you can get into a nice putt-putt gear and get used to the thing.

Contrary to popular belief you don't have to bin it, not due to your own fault anyhoo and if you keep your eyes out you'll dodge those other fools to (and give their mirror a good whack if you want :Punk:)

Straight up dude, a wee while and you'll read that post and laugh, baby steps when your a baby and you'll grow up in no time. Bea great to see you out there, you'll quickly realise a 250 is no where near big enough!

[Squiggles]

GN's are a blast to ride round town, use mine to go on any trips under 20k from home, very agile and light (compared to bigger beasts like the ol GSXR i had (230kg)) Gloves will bed in in time and you wont even notice you're wearing them. Oh, and dont forget that sidestand when you're stopped (gf did that twice on mine)

[McJim]

Oh, on Friday, I bought the Yamaha SX-4 Scorpoi Z for $3700 from Red Baron. My dealer was Max.

Belated congrats dude - buying new from there should be fine since they are kind of bound by the RRP. I assumed their used bike prices were inflated beyond that of the other dealerships to allow them leeway to haggle - WRONG! I tried to get them to move on a 1998 CBR600 (that was actually a 1997 but registered a year later.) since I had found a lower mileage one at another dealer for $1,500 cheaper. I didn't tell them this at the time as I wanted to test their honesty. They would move a total of $500. Never been back...never will.

[EJK]

Ah really...
However Mr. Deviant, who was your dealer? btw congratulations on your new 250cc!

Well, when I bought a scooter from Colemans Suzuki, I practices for like 20 minutes on THAT street lol I was afraid to go on to the K' Road lol

Well that what I did when I had ABSOLUTE 0% experience on road.

P.S. My dealer was Esley James. He isn't that nice...

[Deviant]

Ah really...
However Mr. Deviant, who was your dealer? btw congratulations on your new 250cc!

Well, when I bought a scooter from Colemans Suzuki, I practices for like 20 minutes on THAT street lol I was afraid to go on to the K' Road lol

Well that what I did when I had ABSOLUTE 0% experience on road.

P.S. My dealer was Esley James. He isn't that nice...

Thanks man. Not sure of the dealer's name, a tall white guy with dark hair- I think his name started with A... not sure. Really tall guy. Seemed really nice.

I bought my gear (helmet gloves pants) at Motomail and the guy there was exceptionally helpful. I really couldn't have gotten anyone better for my needs in my honest opinion. He showed me what was good, what was cheap, and what was not worth the high price for a learner vs what was not worth the risk to my safety just to save $50. I left there feeling like I'd spent less than I expected and got exactly what I needed.


Pancakes-

If you know of an area here I could ask someone to do that, let me know. I took it for another ride today, down the end of the street. Busy as hell traffic at the first corner (always), and I was still not confident enough to go off my semi-quiet street yet, so walked it home again.

I'd love a chance to take it to some massive sealed carpark where I can prctice to my heart's content without worrying about traffic, people watching, stalling at lights, indicating and all the other shit you need to worry about when you hit the central city roads I'm surrounded by.

I'm in Newmarket, so if any older and more experienced riders are in this area and feel like lending a new rider a hand, please hit me up.

I'm off work today and tomorrow, working all weekend. Not sure about next week yet. Just let me know your days off when you might be willing to help me out, and I'll try to arrange it around your schedule.


Cheers all,

Deviant.

[Pancakes]

Not familiar with Newmarket enough to recomend anywhere but someone will but their hand up for sure. Maybe ask in the Uni Bike & Scooter club page under clubs. There will be some city dwellers in that lot for sure.

Good luck, see you out sometime a!

[EJK]

I'm in Newmarket, so if any older and more experienced riders are in this area and feel like lending a new rider a hand, please hit me up.


Wow, you sure do live in the area where its busy as Queen Street lol

Well good luck on your practicing lol
Since I am a beginner too, I don't have any authority to give you any suggestions lol
But this is how I practiced. I STRAIGHTLY WENT ON RIDING ON ROADS eventho I stalled at lights lol! omg... It was embarrassing...

Ah once again, I live nearby K'road which is not as busy as Newmarket... the condition was not too difficult lol

[Deviant]

haha, sounds tough!. I'm at the top of a slight hill, with a very busy rd at the end of the street, first intersection, a massive hill immediately right, and a very very busy rd paralell left- so I'm pretty much fucked to put it bluntly, hehe!

Love my bike, but need room to practice on.

[discotex]

haha, sounds tough!. I'm at the top of a slight hill, with a very busy rd at the end of the street, first intersection, a massive hill immediately right, and a very very busy rd paralell left- so I'm pretty much fucked to put it bluntly, hehe!

Love my bike, but need room to practice on.

Hey have you got a car? I know, stupid question really but if you do you could get someone to ride your bike to the target carpark. There's gotta be somewhere around Newmarket that'd do the trick. Maybe the Museum or the Newmarket train carpark or something.

I'm working weekdays but I'm in the city so could meet up after work or whatever. PM me if you're keen.

[Conquiztador]

Hey bro,

I just bought a Suzuki GN250. Arrived this morning, delivered from Coleman's Suzuki.
I chose the GN250 because everyone touted it as a real learner's bike. I took it halfway down my street, shitting myself the whole way, hit the kill switch and walked it back.

In my defence, it's my second time ever on a bike (first being a GN125 last Saturday in my Basic Handling Test), and there was someone coming up the road, a lady about to walk into my path without looking, and a girl getting into her car right behind her, so having never driven/ridden on a public road before, I was in a bit of a busy situation there.

I strongly recommend going for something lighter than a 250 for your first bike, this little beast is going to take me some serious practise to get used to before I can use it for it's intended purpose (commuting to the North Shore).

I'd say go as cheap as possible, because you're probably going to have a couple of small spills once you get used to it and get too cocky- everyone told me that.

Good luck, and wish me some too because I need it!

Take her to a empty space like a parking lot on a Sunday. Ride round and round and round for hours. U get it. We all did.

See U on thr road!

Oh and, the 250 will feel small in about 2 week. Promise!!!

[Deviant]

Hey have you got a car? I know, stupid question really but if you do you could get someone to ride your bike to the target carpark. There's gotta be somewhere around Newmarket that'd do the trick. Maybe the Museum or the Newmarket train carpark or something.

I'm working weekdays but I'm in the city so could meet up after work or whatever. PM me if you're keen.

Thanks all for the tips. I've had a good think about my options, and I think the best thing will be getting someone to take it to somewhere I can have a free ride with no/very little traffic. There's no carpark for the Newmarket trainstation anymore, it's a construction site (presumably for another apartment block). And getting to the domain requires getting out into quite a bit of traffic, Remuera Rd, Broadway, past Khyber Pass, crossings, a couple more intersections. I can barely ride to the end of my street! hehe!

Tomorrow I have the day off so I'll spend quite a bit of time going up and down the road, getting used to throttle/clutch, and hopefully get up the confidence to go to the domain.

If anyone here has a day off tomorrow, this Sunday, or any time the weekend after this, I would really appreciate transport to somewhere I can ride in peace for a few hours. So far, the weather looks pretty bad though. just started raining.

I don't have a car, only my bike. Just got both my car and bike learners a couple of weeks ago. I really really can't wait to get mobile! But I know that if I got out in traffic now, it would be a very dangerous situation.

[breakaway]

Drop me a PM if you like. There's a carpark opposite my house that I used when my mentor taught me, and I'm willing to ride your bike there if you like (I'm in three kings near mt roskill grammar school)