Life after 250cc - What did you test ride first?

[Deviant Esq]

As some of you know (and some don't care... :bleh:), I recently got my full licence, my pass to biking freedom. I've now had it nearly three weeks and until today, hadn't even test ridden anything! That's now been rectified - I took a K7 SV1000S out for a boogie this morning (here's the write up I've just done... (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1351702#post1351702) fair warning: long-ish writeup).

Anyway, thinking about it afterwards it got me curious - what did everyone else test ride first, before anything else, when they were ready to upgrade from their 250? Don't worry about the legal side of things, doesn't matter whether you were patient (like me) and waited until you got your full or not... what was the first big bike you test rode, and what did you think? What did you test ride after that?

Cheers :cool:

[Taz]

I went 50cc, 250cc, 400cc, 360cc, 400cc, 600cc, 1000cc, 650cc, 750cc, 600cc, 1100cc. They were just the ones I owned. Being in the bike trade at the time I got to test ride a lot of bikes. But working in the trade means you can't afford any of them so I went to a career that actually pays decent money :)

[HRT]

07 CBR600RR... little bit of a step up from what I had

[McJim]

I bought the Ducati before I sat the test.

I had ridden an XTX660 once and a ZX6R (636) on Pukekohe.

I bought the Duc coz I've always wanted one. It was important to get it and keep it for a while before I tried other bikes and burst the bubble :rofl:

Seriously though I have since ridden some younger bikes and am surprised how well the handling of the 10 year old, underpowered Italian compares against some modern bikes.

I also get comments of "that little six hundy twin pulls out of corners well doesn't it?" from people on bigger bikes.

[James Deuce]

"that little six hundy twin pulls out of corners well doesn't it?"
No it doesn't actually, it's shit, but the rider's pretty handy.

250,250,400,250,400,750,600,850,600,600 (+400),750 (+400).

It's a shame you can't buy Japanese 400s brand new off the show room floor in NZ. They are arguably the best compromise in all ways for riding on the road in NZ. But tiny penis/fat gut (I'm as guilty as anyone else!) syndrome tends to mean more 1000s get sold than anything else except scooters, quads, and chook chasers.

[yungatart]

Went from my EL to my EX 500...never ridden anything else, I like what I've got and I don't have a penis...small or otherwise! (Maybe that is the answer, i don't need to compensate!)

[sunhuntin]

Went from my EL to my EX 500...never ridden anything else, I like what I've got and I don't have a penis...small or otherwise! (Maybe that is the answer, i don't need to compensate!)

LOL, i agree.

i test rode the 500 while still on l plates... if i hadnt done it and fallen in love, id still have the plastic plate on the back. i always planned to step slowly through the cc ranks, start 250 and go to a max 600 before going into the 4 digit cc ratings.

[PrincessBandit]

I went straight from the GN to my 650. Didn't get to test ride it as I didn't have my full when we bought it. (The lovely guy from Haldanes rode it out to my place for me). I did spend ages sitting on it and getting a feel for weight (lifting it off side stand) in the shop before settling on purchasing it. Sat on a few other bikes as well but the Bandit fitted like a glove and stole my heart (and my wallet) :whistle:
Only got my full at the start of November and got straight into riding the Bandit - never looked back! Pillioned my 16 year old son on it this morning (posted in the noobs forum) and know that Bandicoot is the girl for me (so to speak) :love:

[arj127]

didnt. New what i wanted. Moved striaght to a 600, the ultimate bike for kiwi roads i reckon

[HornetBoy]

150cc-250cc-400cc-600cc-900cc-600cc and once i get rid of my 600 kat and get a GSXR750 ill be staying with that for years to come, reckon they are great fun and look the bee's knees:niceone:

[FilthyLuka]

i "test" rode a cbr900rr on my learners. Im buying that same CBR900 end of january, man it kicks ass.

[99TLS]

after fanging around on scoots and trail bikes for years my first road bike was a sr 250, then a gs1000 what a hoot,then a cbr250rr, then a rg500 fark me, then cbr400rr, then a rg4oo fark me ,then a few others before getting another rg500, and TL1000s :headbang:

[Forest]

I went from a DT175 to a GPZ305 to a GSX1100EZ.

[blue eyed savage]

250zxr, then 400zxr, then 750zxr. man that was a nice bike. but the little bandit will do for now.

might get an R1 when i get my full. iv just allways loved em

[Coyote]

Since I got my full I've tested a few bikes: Hyosung 650, 03 ZX6R, GSXR600K4, WR450, VFR400, Bought my VFR, 05 ZX6R (with a pillion), ZX10R and a XR650.

Pretty keen for either the ZX10R or the XR650

[Mikkel]

There's still a while to go before I can get my full - but I am pretty sure that the first bike I test ride after I get it will be a Daytona 675... :D

That being said, I'll do whatever I can to try out as many different bikes as possible. Everything from cruisers to 2 stroke sports bikes.

[Unforgiven]

Rode an old honda 400cc twin (CB? i think) a few times when I was younger.
Since Ive had a licence (still on L, have been for well over a year) Ive ridden a 88? VTR1000, 91 ZXR400, 98 CBR400rr and a 92 ZZR1100 (mates bikes)

[discotex]

SV thou was my first ride on a big bike too. Great bike and really good value for money.

One thing I found was that I evaluated the bikes slightly differently the more I got used to them. Keep that in mind and try to remember objectively as you go through them all.

I went through:
'05 SV1000S
'07 GSX-R600
'07 GSX-R750
'07 ZX-6R
'07 YZF-R6
'08 CBR600RR
'05 Z750
'06 ZX-6R (636)

and settled on the '08 CBR600RR. Just cracked 1000km today and I'm totally stoked with my choice.

Read about it here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=61905) if you're interested - although might be better to test ride first to form your own opinions without prejudice.

[Taz]

Rode an old honda 400cc twin (CB? i think) a few times when I was younger.
Since Ive had a licence (still on L, have been for well over a year) Ive ridden a 88? VTR1000, 91 ZXR400, 98 CBR400rr and a 92 ZZR1100 (mates bikes)

What's the hold up?? Why you still on your L's??

[Jantar]

Before upgrading from my 250 I tried a Norton Commando, Triumph Bonneville, Suzuki T500, Honda CB500, Honda CB750 (but couldn't afford any of them). I settled on a Suzuki GT380.

[iwilde]

After a 10yr break from riding (with no licience), KLX250 (did cbta), ZX9r, ZX14.

[Mythical007]

Me I went from my gn 250 to the bike i own now (well the finance company owns more of it than i do at the moment but thats sooooo not the point here)
Got my full in july and bought my baby in august i think... The day i finally got to test ride it I bought it... my boulevard S40 just fitted me perfectly, there really is nothing better than feeling absolutely comfortable on your bike, makes all the difference to me :)

[FilthyLuka]

my boulevard S40 just fitted me perfectly, there really is nothing better than feeling absolutely comfortable on your bike, makes all the difference to me :)

How is the 650 savage? Do you reccon it would make a good daily commuter?

Oops, thread jack.

my bad

[Mythical007]

good daily commuter I usually get stuck in slow morning traffic and shes quite stable at the lower speed, good progressive clutch I think :) A little hungrier on the fuel than my old Gn but still I think shes a great commuter...

Gn250 to Boulevard S40 all the way baby woohoo

[Dealer]

My first test ride was a VTR1000. Believe it or not it was too small for me, so i took the cbr1100 Blackbird out next. Was all sold on the Blackbird, when i decided to testride a Hayabusa. Never looked back, and the Busa's been great. Only word of warning is be careful of the big step up. you have to relearn how to ride on a big bike, it corners completely different. i binned mine 3 weeks after buying it. And i'm a much better rider after binning.

[karla]

good daily commuter I usually get stuck in slow morning traffic and shes quite stable at the lower speed, good progressive clutch I think :) A little hungrier on the fuel than my old Gn but still I think shes a great commuter...

Gn250 to Boulevard S40 all the way baby woohoo

Welcome to KB Mythical. Sounds like a good step up from the GN. Might see you along at one of the local rides sometime?
:niceone:
Karla

[Hitcher]

First test ride after a 250? A Honda Blackbird. I loved the linked brakes and the engine performance, but hated the riding position and the general awfulness for a taller rider.

[ukusa]

started on a XL125 in early 80's, bought my first 250 (1980 XL250) from Eric Woods in about 1984. Full license only took a few weeks from learners back then. Then got an '84 XR350 in '85 I think. Held that for about 7 or 8 years until kids came along then sold. Recent crisis (mid life!) bought about renewed interest in bikes, got a DR350 about 3 tears ago, got the kids some dirt bikes, then went in and test rode a Triumph Speedmaster, bought an America a week later. I can imagine for those getting a license today the thrill of finally breaking the 250cc shackels.

[Bullitt]

Ive so far only riden one bike above 250cc being my Duc.

I dont want to ride anything else incase I find my bike isnt as good as I think it is:stupid:

[SPman]

Upgraded TO a 250 from the mighty 100 twin. Tried the Yamaha RD7, Kwaka A7SS, (which I wanted but couldn't quite afford),H1 (eek),CB350 (yawn), and settled on a SuzukiT250-II StreetScrambler.
Afterward carried on with 350, 500,750,750,750,750,750...........1000,900,1300

[Club Matrix]

First brush with the law at 13 (unlicenced riding a Vespa 180). Then owning/riding Francis Barnett, DOT, 2 x Suz 250, BSA 350, Hon 500/4 & 400, Yam 900, now adding dirt bikes 650, 230. Bikes kind of get a grip on you don't they?

[skidMark]

i'm still on my learners....

been riding 2.5 years.....

have test ridden (from mates)

06 zx10r :eek5: :gob::first:

vfr400r nc30...

old prehistoric gsxr 600

89 gsxr750j



havnt ridden a modern 600 yet though but been pillion on one...

[The Pastor]

250-1000-250

serriously looking at a 1000 again.

[FruitLooPs]

Straight from the RG150 to riding the GSXR750H back to chch from invercargill :crazy:

didn't even realise it was running on 3 cylinders haha, probably saved me :laugh: :clap: May have ridden friends ZXR250 and an FXR150 before hand, not sure though.

[bmz2]

started on a cr125 , then a cr250.Didn't ride for 30years,but went to a m109r ,1800cc ,1 year ago

[Toaster]

i'm still on my learners....

been riding 2.5 years.....

have test ridden (from mates)

06 zx10r :eek5: :gob::first:

vfr400r nc30...

old prehistoric gsxr 600

89 gsxr750j



havnt ridden a modern 600 yet though but been pillion on one...

Nice admission there skidmark.... don't ya mean a suspended learners??!!:Police:

[Toaster]

started on a cr125 , then a cr250.Didn't ride for 30years,but went to a m109r ,1800cc ,1 year ago

AND WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN!!

I am on my fifth bike since 2003 - I guess I like new toys!:scooter:
The M109R is hard to beat for a reasonably cheap bike.

[jrandom]

06 zx10r :eek5: :gob::first:

Yawn.

A. That 10R you rode is quite breathed-upon. It shoots lightning from its arse, leaves bits of its rear tyres sprayed everywhere, and eats sprockets for breakfast. Your standard '06 10R with stock cams, fuelling, intake, exhaust and whatnot is a much milder beast.

B. You're suffering from the litrebike equivalent of being cunt-struck. You should try an '07 R1 or a K5/K6 GSX-R1000 before going on about how much you want an '06 10R.

C. [usual 'stop dreaming and get a fucking job' comment goes here]

D. What the fuck happened to staying off the road while disqualified? There are no litrebikes in jail.

[_intense_]

mmmmm... firestorm (up from a cbr250rr) -"that was fun, lets go again!"

[jrandom]

Oh, yeah.

In response to the original thread question, I bought the Snail, my GSX-R750, before passing my full licence test (I did get it done before I picked the bike up, of course).

Highsided it three weeks later, as you do. Fists of ham on the throttle don't mix well with 118 (according to my Haynes manual) hp.

Spent the next few months pretty much just riding whatever I could get my hands on, and now the Snail sits abandoned in the gargre while I ride around on Betty the GSX1400. GSXRs make my legs hurt.

I'll probably keep the Snail, though. I need a sprotbike fix now and then. A couple of sessions today on Blue Velvet's K7 GSX-R750 reminded me of that.

Still, you can't beat 3500km in one week without a single twinge of discomfort. Big lazy musclebikes ftw!

:D

[NC]

VFR400R
Then Deano was the man and gave me the key to the SP1. Respect:niceone:

[RnB Fan]

Many years ago got caught riding the old mans 50cc Suzuki - $25 fine for "driving without the required class of licence" and I had a pillion passenger - Ah the good old days!

First official bike was a Suzuki DR250. Once I had my full licence I test rode a Suzuki SV650S - didn't like the hunched over position. Next I rode a Suzuki GSR600 - didn't like the handling at all. Followed this with a Kawasaki ER650 - whicj was nice to ride. Finally rode a Cagiva Raptor 650 and that was the one I bought - no regrets so far after 12 months.

[Morcs]

VFR400RR NC30. Legendary bike. I sold myself on it by playing tourist trophy.

On the test ride it broke down, and i still bought it...

4 weeks later jumped on a zx10:)

[Disco Dan]

VFR400RR NC30. Legendary bike. I sold myself on it by playing tourist trophy.

On the test ride it broke down, and i still bought it...

4 weeks later jumped on a zx10:)

ahh yes and we know what happend then ;) :whistle:



250cc Yamaha Zeal
250cc Kawasaki ZZR
600cc Suzuki GSX
1100 Kawasaki ZX11


Test ridden, blackbird and vtr tho plus the ol bandit 250, GSXR600 (hated it).

Rode the 600 and thought 'why the smeg bother with 250s!' then rode the 1100 shortly after and fell in love with it... thrashed the 600 to death before selling it and buying the monster bike ZX1100.

Next bike? Well looking at the concorse or the ZX14 beast or maybe even a tidy blackbird.

[madandy]

after a mighty SR250 I got a GS650 Katana.
Had a rest from bikes ( lost License)
Test rode a VT 250 Spada...lovely bike not enough grunt.
Another rest period...lost license in cage...
AX-100
RF 400
YZF600R
then tested a R1 - too much grunt!
another rest...work vehicle & big mortgage...
now on the 750...bit like a 600 but just that tad wee bit more torque in the real world.

[karla]

Test rode two bikes today, after a year of riding round on my GN250 ... a gorgeous looking, well looked after cruiser - a Kawasaki VN800, and later in the afternoon a Triumph Bonneville. While riding I was thinking the entire time, "Tame the Beast". Somewhere on the summit road it happened - I broke her in and after that she just purred like a kitten! I am so much in love ...:calm:

... or is it lust?

[200BUSA]

So which one do you think you will get then?

[karla]

So which one do you think you will get then?

Little black Triumph rules :first:

I put a token deposit on it today, and am waiting in a state of suspended excitement for Friday when I can collect it. :soon:

Life is Good ~ and it just keeps getting better ...

[200BUSA]

Thats great news,you be careful now.See you for a ride soon then?

[hXc]

Haven't really read the thread, but I would be what you call a 'bike slut'.
I am still on my 250, and in order, these are the 'bigger' road bikes I have had a taste of riding.

Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa.
Yamaha FZ1 Fazer.
Kawasaki EX500.
Suzuki GSXR750 SRAD.
Suzuki GSXR1000.
BMW F650GS
Suzuki GSX1400.
Triumph 955i Sprint ST.

Maybe it wasn't a wise move test riding the 'Busa first...but wow. What a ride! I wonder what's next...

[n0regret5]

started on fxr150 (ok after 50cc scooter) and while i owned it, rode a zxr250 and then a zzr1100..difference between power is fairly cavernous..
then bought a vfr400r nc24 and test rode all kinds of bikes while i owned it, then got my first 1000 and didn't ride anything else till i got a cbr250rr..then back up to vfr400r nc30, then i've just had my eye out for something with massive amounts of power, nearly bought a gsxr1100..kinda glad i didn't, now..
take a TL for a ride before you buy an SV, you'll appreciate where the engine comes from..

[jim.cox]

I never had a 250

went straight from a clapped out Kawasaki 100

to a Suzuki GT550

nothing 'till 7500rpm - then it smoked the rear tyre - and the flexiframe didn't like going round corners. And the brakes were crap too