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Big Dan
15th August 2007, 20:13
As i'm starting to look into what i need to save up for to get a decent learner bike i've just done a quick search on trademe and found this i would like to get the views and thoughts of the KB crew as to give me HELPFUL advice on what to look for in a learner bike


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=113457815&key=606734

Would this be suitable?

Cheers for your thoughts

BD

riffer
15th August 2007, 20:24
Yes it would be a good reliable bike to learn on.

But I wouldn't recommend dropping it. The fairing replacement costs are astronomical.

The GSX250 is a pretty large bike for a 250, around the same size as the Hyosung GT250. Parallel twin, no fancy technology so it would be pretty simple to maintain.

0arbreaka
15th August 2007, 20:52
How much are you looking to spend Dan? Id recomend the gsx or the hyosung gt250r, your a big bloke so the hyosung may suit you a bit better as its got a bigger frame, as I recall its the same size as the hyosung gt650r. Both are reasonably simple bikes.

avgas
15th August 2007, 21:12
How good are you at riding mate? as that usually dictates the bike alot.

Big Dan
15th August 2007, 21:12
How much are you looking to spend Dave? Id recomend the gsx or the hyosung gt250r, your a big bloke so the hyosung may suit you a bit better as its got a bigger frame, as I recall its the same size as the hyosung gt650r. Both are reasonably simple bikes.

I figure 5 Grand would be enought for a decent bike and say 2 and a half grand go gear

0arbreaka
15th August 2007, 21:24
I figure 5 Grand would be enought for a decent bike and say 2 and a half grand go gear

Have a look at quasi's stuff, that might save you a bit on the gear front, you should be able to find a decent second hand bike on trademe for around that price range.

Heres some examples:
-Hyosung gt250r (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-111868373.htm?p=35)
-Suzuki Bandit (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-112107048.htm?p=36)
etc etc

Colapop
15th August 2007, 21:27
We the same size (ish) the GT250 is a good size bike - I fir it quite well. I was actually surprised at what a good fit it was.

riffer
15th August 2007, 21:38
You know you're right Col. Bull was around the other day and we lined up his Hyobag and my RF and the Hyobag is slightly taller and longer than the RF.

White trash
15th August 2007, 22:43
Hey Dave, I've told you. GSXR1000. Any vintage. That's the action son, you'll be hoisting monos in no time.

Failing that, GSX250 is all good. Although, suspect any owner that tells you it hasn't been thrashed. You can't make a 250 go forwards without thrashing.

You're welcome Dave.

Jamie McNair

Big Dan
16th August 2007, 05:52
hey guys i'm Big Dan NOT Big Dave can any of you read?

Riff Raff
16th August 2007, 11:24
hey guys i'm Big Dan NOT Big Dave can any of you read?

No, Dave. Sorry.

clint640
16th August 2007, 11:52
That GSX would be a good rig, but have a look some of the naked 250s like that Bandit also, when you're learning chances are you will drop it...

Cheers
Clint

Blondini
16th August 2007, 12:05
hey guys i'm Big Dan NOT Big Dave can any of you read?:laugh::rolleyes:Hey dave..Great news that you are getting a bike:yes:There are some great mentors in your area..Cool we will see you out there soon:Punk::love:

Pancakes
16th August 2007, 14:44
hey guys i'm Big Dan NOT Big Dave can any of you read?

Your poll isn't working Dave but I recon keep the name, Dan just doesn't suit, they complain about all types of crap.

See ya later Dave.

Bend-it
16th August 2007, 14:51
We the same size (ish) the GT250 is a good size bike - I fir it quite well. I was actually surprised at what a good fit it was.

Really?? Now I wouldn't have expected that at all!! test rode a hyobag before my old bandit and thought it felt big, but that was in comparison to my 50cc Suzuki Sepia I was riding around before that! :scooter:

Big Dan
16th August 2007, 14:57
If i hear one more person call me Dave i swear i'm going to go crazy insane if you will

GGGGRRRRRRRRR

BIG DDAAAAAAAANNNN

Bend-it
16th August 2007, 15:00
Just give up Dave, it's no use...

Blondini
16th August 2007, 16:41
If i hear one more person call me Dave i swear i'm going to go crazy insane if you will

GGGGRRRRRRRRR

BIG DDAAAAVVVVVVVE:yes:.........................

Big Dan
17th August 2007, 18:58
I'm so looking forward to getting on two wheels rather than driving a cage to work

now the hard work SAVING

PirateJafa
17th August 2007, 19:05
I'm so looking forward to getting on two wheels rather than driving a cage to work

now the hard work SAVING

Be patient dude.

I saved for 12 months, making everything a second priority to the Motorbike For Jafa Fund. Not buying lunch at uni, buying the cheap beer - everything.

But now I have my motorbike. And it is so worth it. :D

Chickadee
17th August 2007, 19:06
Hey Big Dan,

How long will you keep your learner bike? Ever thought about VTR250, ZZR250's etc. If you don't want to spend $5K, you can always look at a bike like mine. I've got a Suzuki RG150 (sounds small but goes like stink because it's a 2-smoker). Bigger speed range than the likes of a Ginny. You can pick up one of these for $2k or less depending on condition/mileage. Easy to fix/re-build engines. You just need to top the 2-stroke up regularly - it's a separate inlet/tank to the petrol situated under the seat.

Make sure you invest in proper gear, even a basic set of everything (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves) from the likes of Motomails outlet will be better than just a helmet and jacket. Jeans do f*all to protect ya, worth spending a bit of dosh to save pain and skin.

Good luck shopping for the right bike. Always pays to sit on a few to see what's comfortable and what will give you a good re-sale value when you want to move to a bigger bike aye.

Big Dan
17th August 2007, 19:18
Hey Big Dan,

How long will you keep your learner bike? Ever thought about VTR250, ZZR250's etc. If you don't want to spend $5K, you can always look at a bike like mine. I've got a Suzuki RG150 (sounds small but goes like stink because it's a 2-smoker). Bigger speed range than the likes of a Ginny. You can pick up one of these for $2k or less depending on condition/mileage. Easy to fix/re-build engines. You just need to top the 2-stroke up regularly - it's a separate inlet/tank to the petrol situated under the seat.

Make sure you invest in proper gear, even a basic set of everything (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves) from the likes of Motomails outlet will be better than just a helmet and jacket. Jeans do f*all to protect ya, worth spending a bit of dosh to save pain and skin.

Good luck shopping for the right bike. Always pays to sit on a few to see what's comfortable and what will give you a good re-sale value when you want to move to a bigger bike aye.

I Spose i'll keep it till i feel comfortable and get use to riding a bike.

I'm a pretty big guy and a few KBer's can testify to that thus the name BIG DAN yes DAN and NOT Dave

in the way of gear i plan to get my leathers custom made and i have seen great things from quasimoto

and do helmets come in big sizes?

Chickadee
17th August 2007, 20:07
Yup helmets come in big sizes. I know quite a few riders with big noodles. Just find one that you like the features of. Different headshapes suit different helmets, you will have to try a few to find what's right for you.

If you're going to look like a giant on a peewee bike, is it worth getting an exemption (applications $20) for a bigger bike that would fit a bigger frame (usually you've gotta be real tall to get this). Food for thought.

Big Dan
17th August 2007, 20:30
Yup helmets come in big sizes. I know quite a few riders with big noodles. Just find one that you like the features of. Different headshapes suit different helmets, you will have to try a few to find what's right for you.

If you're going to look like a giant on a peewee bike, is it worth getting an exemption (applications $20) for a bigger bike that would fit a bigger frame (usually you've gotta be real tall to get this). Food for thought.

cheers i'm 189cm and 143kgs but the weight is coming down slowly just to give you an idea of shape and size

what i might start doing is buying things like gloves etc as i save the money

0arbreaka
17th August 2007, 21:36
cheers i'm 189cm and 143kgs but the weight is coming down slowly just to give you an idea of shape and size

what i might start doing is buying things like gloves etc as i save the money

It might pay to buy it all in one go, I find when I do that I get big juicy discounts...:drool:

Big Dan
17th August 2007, 21:40
It might pay to buy it all in one go, I find when I do that I get big juicy discounts...:drool:

good call i might go over to quasimoto and suss out what they have pitty i miss their sales recently

rphenix
18th August 2007, 20:47
I figure 5 Grand would be enough for a decent bike and say 2 and a half grand go gear

The wife just picked up a brand new Hyosung Comet (the naked model of the GT250) for $5995 including on-road, delivery from Baycity Motorcycles. Considering you get a new bike with warranty, servicing and you can rely on the fact it ain't been dropped I wouldn't be looking at buying a second hand one unless its less than a couple of K.

As for gear definently go with Quasi you wont beat the quality/price I love my jacket.

Rob

Pancakes
19th August 2007, 23:16
Dude, if your paying for a bus or whatever you may as well get a loan and so long as the interest is less than your bus-fare and the total repayments are less than the amount you'd be putting aside for the bike and your other travel costs combined you'll be sweet. Start an expences acct for rego etc so it's there when the time rolls around. Finance is awful nasty shit but it can be a cheaper alternative. Get a quote and cost it up. Get $1200 for all your gear too. If you get finance make sure you are only charged interest on the dialy balance, then you can get low payments over a long term but rip throught it, saving interest and building a "buffer" by being in advance for emergencies. PM me if your want more info on finance, I don't do loans but do trouble-shoot contracts for one of the biggest non-bank lenders in NZ and can help you workout the total costs involved etc.

delusionz
20th August 2007, 00:29
That GSX looks all good to me. I'd definitely check it out, Not a bad price but could probably bargain 600 bux or so. Wonder if that GSX is quicker than my Ninja.

Phurrball
23rd August 2007, 20:31
bigDAN -

My 250 Bandit is up for sale nowish.

BIG for a 250 and able to haul my bulk pretty rapidly (~95kg and ~5'10'' in the old money). It's pretty mint too after a full respray and tidy up after a minor crash (I've got photos of the damage before fix-up if you're worried at all...)

Will pop it up in the for sale bit soon. PM me if your interested and I'll fire you through some piccs.

cheers,

Ross.