AKL new wannabe rider (slickaz)

[slickaz]

Hi All,
Im new here, and an avid wannabe rider,
im 25,just turned 6ft3 and ~95kgs.
reason im saying that is so maybe some of you experienced riders can help me pick a good bike for my size and weight. im not sure what the usual weight or riders is.
i have yet to get on a bike, i tried sitting on a mates CBR250RR and it felt kind of smallish to me with my knees to close to my elbows while holding the bars.
is that normal?
what bike do you guys recommend?
older bikes such as the NSR250/CBR 250 or
newer bikes such as the Hyosung GTR250

to be honest i want a bike that looks cool and doesnt blow up on me alot.

my intentions for the bike:
ride to work and back everyday, join a bike cruise on weekends.

i have read some of the reviews you've left, there are many that are for the hyosung and many against, the same for other bikes.
one thing ive heard about the hyosungs tho is that they are taller so they are better suited for taller people?
im not looking to go FAST! unless the convoy im with on the cruise regularly go over the speed limit. in which case just to keep up i guess i would need a fast bike (what would the average speed on a cruise convoy be?)

Im very keen on gettin started, im guessing this means alot of time practicing riding.
can someone give me a review of the biking schools in Auckland that i can go get the basic handling test done..is that enough to get started and then practice to that?

Thanks alot and sorry for the many questions. also you guys have an amazing wealth of information here ive been readin the posts.but there are just so many im getting lost.lol..thanks again.

[LardEmbargo]

hiya, well when I was looking at getting a bike I sat on the Hyosung (just the naked one, GT250, instead of the faired GT250R) and I thought it was too big and top-heavy for me. But I'm only like a stumpy 5'7 or so. The Hyosung 250's definitely styled as a bigger bike - it's about the same size as their 650 if you see them side by side. So taller people than me might find it suited them better.

Have a sit on one and see what you think anyway, you wanna make sure you're happy with the riding position and comfort and so on cos it's you that has to sit on it.

[avgas]

By the sounds of things you want a big single 250??
try a trail bike if you feel the 250 sport bikes dont fit you height wise.
alot of people will tell you that they are no fun - but the fact of the mater is any bike set up properly is fun if you have the balls.

[Ewan Oozarmy]

6'3" and 95kg - supermoto is the way forward.....

[Rosie]

I'm only short myself, so can't give you too much specific bike advice, but here are some general newbie things to consider:

A lot of basic handling courses will supply the bike for you, and don't assume any prior experience with bikes. If you sit your BHS and theory test while you are still looking around for a bike, the clock is already ticking on the 6months you have to wait to sit your restricted test.

It's a good idea to start looking around for gear while you are looking for a bike (so you are all set to go once you get a bike), and while you are in the shops looking at gear, have a sit on as many different 250s as you can, to get an idea of what feels comfortable.

Since you are 25, you could have your full licence around a year after you get your learners, which is good to keep in mind when you are looking for a bike. Something like a trail bike might not be the bike of your dreams, but if it's less cramped than a 250 sports bike, you may decide that you can make do for a year or so until you're allowed to buy something bigger.

[carbacca]

go for a hyo, its good for bigger fellas. plenty of torque from a vtwin so hauls the weight nicely while still getting up to a respectable speed. but i guess i am just a bit biased :P

[slickaz]

wow u guys make me feel fat now! and im only a newbie!! hahaha just kiddin..
ps just for the record as Cartman would say "im not fat..im just big boned"..lol..ill add - i used to be a fitness trainer, so the 95 kg is probably from all the protien packs i eat.get the point? lol..

ok back to topic..trail bikes, they sound interesting, can i ride one of those in city limits? will that thing cart me around? speed limits?

im actually quite interested in getting a sports bike type thing just because (stupid i know) of the looks. and being young, and straight im sure the "biker guy" thing still attracts many many of the opposite sex..hehehehhe..childish.yes.but irresponsible no.
im not looking to go fast or do stunts or get busted by the police, i have a (touchwood) Blessedly clean road record, which i intend on keeping. its just for looks and to save on gas and be part of a group that truly knows where the art is in transportation..
so. hyosung then, GTR250 is that is? ive heard they have improved quality, has anyone had any bad situations, maintanance problems? is the 07 better than the 06 in many ways ie will i come across more engine problems?
i had a friend who used to ride on and he swore by it (we r not friends anymore..yes he is still alive. girl trouble) so i cant actually ask him to let me sit on it.
i do intend on going to the dealers this weekend and having alook at what they have.
but first:
how easy is it to maintain a bike?
how much time does it demand? weekly? daily? (if ridden properly and maintained every 5000ks)
what is the best servicing shop for motorcycles in auckland.(majority wins)

[WRT]

im not looking to go FAST! unless the convoy im with on the cruise regularly go over the speed limit. in which case just to keep up i guess i would need a fast bike (what would the average speed on a cruise convoy be?)

Can't really offer much advice on the 250's other than to recommend you just try as many different ones as possible. Try the various styles as well, to find the one that suits you best.

With regards to your comments above, the average speed depends on the group of bikers on the ride. Some go fast, some dont. The key to remember, especially when you are just starting out yourself, is to never push yourself. Bikers dont mind waiting at the designated stops, so you should always just ride at your own pace. Trying to keep pace with the faster guys is always a recipe for disaster.

Good luck with your bike shopping and welcome to the site!

[delusionz]

i was taught the ideal weight for a bike is between 2x and 3x the rider weight

hyosung will be closest to that for you so go for that

[avgas]

im actually quite interested in getting a sports bike type thing just because (stupid i know) of the looks.
The looks are worth $2000 should it fall off the stand or when you drop it learning how to ride.
Think of the price to put a body kit and mags on a learners car, only to let them curb it.
Still think the looks are worth it?
Just some food for thought, as i had a $1000 repair bill on a $3000 bike, 1 month after owning it. Learn on a shit bike then after 6 months get something nice.

[discotex]

I've got no idea where in Auckland you are but assuming you can get to Rosebank Rd I'd suggest Riderskills for basic handling.

As long as you can drive a manual car and ride a pushbike they will teach you enough to pass on the first go. They provide everything you need which is a bonus. They have other courses to get you confident on the road as well.

www.riderskills.co.nz

As for a bike... Well you'll get every opinion under the sun here. Your height pretty much rules out a faired 250 sport bike unless you go for a Hyosung. If you can handle going naked you could check out the Honda Hornet or Suzuki Bandit. Naked's survive a fall much better so keep that in mind. That said I learned on a faired sport bike but I could have afforded to fix it had I dropped it.

You could also go down the exemption path. Do a search as a few people have documented the process pretty well.

Once you're up and running with L plate, decent gear and bike you should think about hooking up with one of the KB mentors and/or go to the Wednesday night mentor thingys.

[bull]

Im 6 foot and 120kg and my Hyosung is great - nice big bike and has enough power to cruise the limits - (even 146km/h on private road), the ride position i find comfy and maintenance wise its been great - coming up to 14000km since new and no problems.

Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think. Get on one and see if you are comfy.

[fireball]

yeah i would say get a ho they ride nice.. and are well suited for the err "bigger learner"

good luck and cant wait to see you on a roadie!

[discotex]

Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think. Get on one and see if you are comfy.

Sure but with the number of "I dropped my bike today" threads it's worth reminding people of the difference in repair costs and let them make up their own mind if they really want to risk it on a bike they'll probably sell in 9-24 months.

[fireball]

Sure but with the number of "I dropped my bike today" threads it's worth reminding people of the difference in repair costs and let them make up their own mind if they really want to risk it on a bike they'll probably sell in 9-24 months.

but even the old boys drop their bikes.... *coughs wont mention names*

[karmakillernz]

Im 6 foot and 120kg and my Hyosung is great - nice big bike and has enough power to cruise the limits - (even 146km/h on private road), the ride position i find comfy and maintenance wise its been great - coming up to 14000km since new and no problems.

I have to agree with that. While I've only done 1/10th the distance as Bull here, but I've found the comfort of the GT250R great (I'm 196cm/105kg). It's got plenty of power for around town and I can confirm that it'll take you well past the 100km limit of our roads so you won't have trouble keeping up with groups. Plus it looks damn sexy. :2thumbsup


Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think.
Not compulsory, but sometimes not always avoidable as I found out on Saturday... :whistle:

[slickaz]

Thanka the excellent input you guys. ive learnt alot from this.but anymore advice is highly appreciated.
one thing is maintanance that bothers me alot.
i dont have a problem with spending..but i dont want to get caught in the middle of the road on a rainy day.
which is the best servicing place for bikes in akl?

some great advice in the older cheaper bikes vs the newer bikes, also naked vs faired.
however im still bending towards the good looking hyo just because i trust myself and have a good feeling i wouldnt be risking the bike or my life on the roads im a conservative and cautious driver, and will probably be the same with bikes.
having said that there are many cheaper second hand hyos on trade me for very good prices, i saw a 07 hyo for 5.5gs..

[The Lone Rider]

Don't forget to try not just sports bikes, but some cruisers. You might end up liking one over the other.. or you might end up hating one type, or you might up hating one type except you ran into just one you actually really like.

Try try try.. two wheels? Test ride it.

And v twins rock.. just my bias opinion on that one though :D

Whats wrong with getting caught in the rain? If its raining I don't get caught, I go out on the bike. Just needs a rub down on the leather when I get back home.

[karmakillernz]

one thing is maintanance that bothers me alot.
I don't think you'll have many problems with a new or newish bike, provided it's been treated properly. Take it in for it's full services at the right times and always keep a check on your fluid levels and you should be fine. :)

I would suggest looking at the unfaired version of the Hyosung also (GT250 - no r). I haven't tried it but it has two main differences:

the riding position is a bit different which may result in a more comfortable ride for long daily commutes.
if you do drop it, you don't have to worry about breaking the fairing because, well, it doesn't have any... :)

[Renegade]

the hyo is a bigger bike, looks good and mine has been very reliable, never had a problem, serviced every 4000ks at a cost of about $100 - $150 in the shop.

i think the 07 hyo has a six speed which would be nice on the longer trips just to drop the revs a little but mine dosnt struggle with the 5 speed, if your worried about dropping it you can just put crash bungs on, wish i had, will on my next bike.

[karmakillernz]

i think the 07 hyo has a six speed which would be nice on the longer trips just to drop the revs a little but mine dosnt struggle with the 5 speed,
Nope, they're still 5 speeds, but the GT650R is a 6 speed.

[delusionz]

I recommend comprehensive insurance if you buy a new bike, or an expensive bike with fairings. Star and NAC do under 25 learners, it is expensive, but it is worth it.

[slickaz]

i just turned 25, admitedly yes i am looking to take up riding as a hobby.
and yes i would eventually like to shell out about 15gs on a nice big 600 or a 900cc+ to get some power to take it around the hills etc. but at the moment and as far as i can see ie the next 12 months to 24 months i wanna get to learn the ways of riding and i will probably be doing alot of it in the city.
i have never looked into riding a cruiser, i have never sat on one either.
earlier in the post i accidentally said i have never ridden before, infact i have, but my experience is limited to the (dont laugh) 50cc scooters. i hated not having enough power and have vans and trucks overtake me. but im hoping the ~40hp vs the scooters 2hp would change that.
ive got two options here ive got a guy selling his CBR250RR for 4.5 and a 2007Hyo GTR250 for 5.5 there is also a naked version for 4Gs, but im sort of leaning (purely uncontrollably) towards the faired versions...hey! im 25, still a kid..lol.

[disenfranchised]

...im 25,just turned 6ft3 and ~95kgs.....

I'm 6'4", 95kgs....and I got my Hyosung last year.
Was definitely sized to fit for my height.
I got the naked bike because its cheaper, and the bars felt a bit more comfy.
When I eventually get my full I'll probably try and find a bike with fairings to upgrade to (maybe another hyosung..who knows)

The hornet is also a pretty good fit for the taller rider. Everything else seemed a bit small.

[slickaz]

how do you find your hyo after a year? has it given you any major drama? i keep hearing mixed review, but cautiousness is making me pick the worst of the reviews eg, it rusts terribly within 6 months or the engine parts made of carbdoard or something etc etc.

[slickaz]

Hi All,
My History with motorcycles:
have ridden 50 cc when i was 12, then again when i was 22. total of about 3 years of 50 cc. never more..

Ive always had an urge to discover riding and getting a bike but never got around to doing it.

however last weekend i was driving to Whitianga, and enjoying the scenery, when first this complete idiot on a trail bike zoomed past me i didnt even see where he came from...i was cursing at him but it didnt reach him quick enough he was out of sight within 30 seconds around the bends.

then on sunday, midday,on the way back, between Whitianga and Thames i was driving back and a bunch of bikers on sports bikes rod eup behind me.
3 bikers, each one eventually passed me and the 2 cars in front. very carefully and not to annoy any of the car drivers.

the coolest thing tho was each time they passed a car they did the thank you waving gesture and blitzed. i thought that was a very noble gesture. being an AKL driver that was of applaudable character..anyway i thought that is so neat, you take a long ride feeling one with the wind and air and enjoy it but also have the class to appreciate and thank other drivers for them moving aside so you can go past.

so if those riders were KBrs then good on you for that..i found a new respect for good riders that day and that made up my mind that i want to ride like that too..and i hope to have the same politness on the roads as you guys do..
anyway thank you for makin me feel wlecome and i cant wait to get my license and the bike and join you lot on cruises

[Kflasher]

Sweet dude, welcome.
There are plenty of KB's out there with good advise (and others).
Find a mentor if that's your thing... baby steps.
See ya around.

[Lteejay]

Have fun learnin - summers coming :banana:

[carbacca]

if you are getting a new one then you will have the warranty to fall back on if you have any problems. rusting- havnt come across any yet and mine doesnt sit inside the garage, it sits at the side of the house under the awnings. clutch cable needs to be kept well lubed or its suspectible to fraying and eventual breakage but thats no biggie as long as you are aware of it. usual bike maintainance things like lubing the chain etc will definitely help (i do mine every 2-3 weeks). other than that parts are piss easy to get from korea off the internet as long as you have a credit card

and its a great looking, new-ish 250 sports bike for the money.

[surfer]

Cool attitude dude, enjoy and welcome.

[Aa7]

I got the naked bike because its cheaper, and the bars felt a bit more comfy.

True, these bikes are comfy for the bigger riders, even after hours in the saddle you wont get sore wrists or feel too cramped :niceone: I have even wider motorcross drop bars on my GT250 to raise the handle bars just that little bit more.


if you are getting a new one then you will have the warranty to fall back on if you have any problems. [snip] clutch cable needs to be kept well lubed or its suspectible to fraying and eventual breakage but thats no biggie as long as you are aware of it.

the warranty is a big bonus if you are worried about maintence and mecahnical problems but if you keep them sreviced these bikes are not so bad at all. The clutch cable IS a problem so keep an eye on them and if you fit the MX bars then stick on a cable from a GT650 as it is a tad longer and has a better adjuster in the middle of the cable rather than at the mounting point on the crankcase so it adjusts easier.

[karmakillernz]

how do you find your hyo after a year? has it given you any major drama? i keep hearing mixed review, but cautiousness is making me pick the worst of the reviews eg, it rusts terribly within 6 months or the engine parts made of carbdoard or something etc etc.
You'll find that reviews that complain of bad rusting or weak construction will be the 2005 model or earlier. Apparently the 2006 had a small issue with a flat spot in 3rd gear but that's easily solved with a $40~ replacement (might already be done on a pre-owned bike). Other than that, 2006/2007 models seem pretty solid.

[bull]

had my flat spot taken care of by TSS, FREE under warranty - something to do with CDI unit.