How did you choose your two wheels?

[Lula]

I’m curious to know how some of you have gone about choosing your bike. Did your partner or someone else have influence on the brand and model or did you do your own homework and test ride until you found it?

And what kind of things did the bike need to have or not have?

How much did weight, colour and height factor into your decision?

[scracha]

Drew and Flame got me very drunk and told me Ducati's were ace and never broke down. The deal was done.

[Number One]

1: Must be reliable
2: Must be able to reach the ground! Short leg syndrome - genes are a bitch sometimes
3: Must be able to pick up off ground (just in case!) and wrangle! Must feel I am it's boss and it is my bitch - the bigger heavy whales don't do it for me.
4: Must not be too high maintenance
5: Must be atleast a bit pretty and sexy and MUST NOT be hideous in colour! (My first bike the exception - Puke colour scheme on my RG150 Black with Bright Purple and Orange graphics :sick:)
6: Must not be tooo grunty as hubby will steal - I mean borrow it.
7: Must be able to do atleast 120km...I may want to pass someone one day you know...just might happen
8: I Must look hot on it...tall order maybe but a girl can dream can't she - anyone else guilty of checking themselves out as they ride past large glass facades he heheheee - shirley I'm not the only one

ALL THIS SAID - I'd just love to have any bike at the mo...working on one just waiting for all the buerocrats to decide it's fate...let's all pray for write off people!!!! BTW the rider was unharmed so don't hate me for that comment! :lol:

[007XX]

Drew and Flame got me very drunk and told me Ducati's were ace and never broke down. The deal was done.

Flame's trying that one with me too, except she just let me sit on her 749 :pinch: :drool: instead of getting me drunk...cunning bloody woman! :laugh:

Just as well I'm not lawfully ready to trade up yet! :baby:

However, when it cam to my VTR, 007XY saw it and heard it at Holeshot and told me to go and have a look. I was always partial to the noise of the Vtwins and he told me she sounded awesome.

So I went to check her out, didn't think much of her at first glance (thought the silver was a bit drab :sleep:), but then Jamie (salesman) started her and I just fell in :love: with her...I took her for a test ride (200kms in a weekend :eek:) and never gave her back.

For my next bike, I will be more demanding, and will definitely test ride many more bikes. Ultimately though, I tend to trust my gut instinct and go by: reputation, looks, sound and the way it feels on the road.

[Number One]

I was always partial to the noise of the Vtwins and he told me she sounded awesome.

:drool: I love the sound of VTwins...that's why I looooved my slightly naff old Spada...found myself getting off the gas lots too so I could hear that decelleration sound - such a geek :eek::whistle:

[jrandom]

How did I choose my two wheels?

:confused:

They just came with the bike.

[sunhuntin]

i was getting my POS ginny fixed for the millionth time in a year, turned around and saw the sexy ass of the 250. i was hooked... went and had a nosey in the window. the guys at the dealer pulled her out and let me sit. i mulled for a weekend, test rode on the monday [also made dad take her out] and bought i think on the tuesday.

asking other virago owners on here also helped tip the scales. and some 15,000k later [in just over a year] she hasnt had nearly as many major problems as the ginny had in 10,000k.

[Nasty]

I blame Yungatart and Mstrs ... they turned up to the track on day with the tart on her bike .. I sat I enjoyed I purchased one off Trade me and its great!!

[rwh]

I tend to buy bikes that will break down around new year, when I want them for holiday riding.

Richard

[Qkchk]

Height - Im lucky when it comes to height (taller than some males) so that doesnt have any influence on my buying.

Comfort - I have learnt in the past that depending on how much riding you want to do that comfort is a big player. If you are into corner carving then a race rep bike is for you but dont expect to do 400+kms in one sitting. The bike I have now (07 VFR800) is on the fine line of being really comfortable and still a bit sporty. I traded my R1 on it because my riding has changed with ageing(so it seems - maybe the word maturity comes into it?), guess Ive done the 'girl racer' thing now and its time to move on. You never know, I may get another crotch rocket someday. :scratch: (Becides I can always steal Qkkids ZX10R)

Weight - Over the years Ive ridden a huge variety of bikes. Ive have owned a couple of BIG Bikes (Busa and RF900) and a couple of small ones (NC30, ZX2R) the power is nice with the big bikes but usually when you get more power they get heavier (with exception for the R1) and so make manueovability a BIG issue. Not as easy to push a 1300 out of the garage as a 400........

Looks and Manufacture - I havent had any experience with Non-Jap bikes, so I cant comment on exotics. I like the reliablity and cheaper maintenance of Jappas tho. I dont tend to stick to one manufacturer. They are all good at what they do, some models suck whereas some of the other models excell. As for looks - it has to look like a motorbike and not something that ran up the backside of a bus.

Colour - As for colour I had bugger all choice with my current bike - either Black or Burgandy. Must say this is my first Black bike, it looks nice but is a bitch to keep clean and free of scratches. I usually try and buy colourful if I can. (Bit more visability on the road)

Sound - Got to sound nice and not like a bloody sewing machine! I owned a Bernina ZXR for 5 years and now cant stand the sound of a constricted small capacity motor..... Always love a well-piped V2 (SV1000,VTR,TLR,RSVR.......dare I say it, maybe even a Ducati) but I think the V4 would be the bees knees with the right pipe. :niceone:

When it comes down to the crunch and youre ready to buy a bike, it can depend on alot of other things:

What can you afford?
What you are going to get for a Trade-In (if applicable)
Any bling been through in or already attached?
What kind of riding are you realisticly going to do? Racer or Touring?
Are you going to take Pillions at any stage?
Track Days or Road Rides?


In all there are 2 beautiful words that can make or break a love for a bike:

TEST RIDE

[NighthawkNZ]

The bike choose me... i didn't choose the bike... but being a VTwin helped

[Hitcher]

How did I choose my bike? Bistard told me it was the one for me. "Fair enough," I said. "Here's a cheque then."

[scumdog]

Me?
I just looked around for the type of bike everybody else loves to hate and despise and thought "Yup, THAT'S the bike for me!!"

[Lula]

How did I choose my two wheels?

:confused:

They just came with the bike.

Thanks for humour jrandom but this question being in the Biker Angels forum was mainly directed at the ladies :shifty:

[Mike748]

The bike has to have capabilities well beyond my own ............ I need the extra help.

[007XX]

How did I choose my bike? Bistard told me it was the one for me. "Fair enough," I said. "Here's a cheque then."

Gosh you're easy! :dodge:


:drool: I love the sound of VTwins...that's why I looooved my slightly naff old Spada...found myself getting off the gas lots too so I could hear that decelleration sound - such a geek :eek::whistle:

Eerrrr...ummm...:o I do the same...:p


I blame Yungatart and Mstrs ... they turned up to the track on day with the tart on her bike .. I sat I enjoyed I purchased one off Trade me and its great!!

Me thinks these two have a lot to be blamed for :laugh: We luff them lots though :hug:

[jrandom]

Thanks for humour jrandom but this question being in the Biker Angels forum was mainly directed at the ladies :shifty:

I didn't notice that.

The likes of me, Hitcher, and scumdog don't look at the forum a thread's posted in before replying; we just use 'New Posts' or 'Today's Posts' to see what's going on.

Anyway, everyone knows that ladies choose their bikes based either on what a man tells them to buy, or on what looks prettiest and least threatening.

:yes:

[insane1]

saw it at colemans one day took it for test ride burger250 and bought it the same day .

[Rosie]

I did a lot of homework myself when I bought the sherpa, but Clint helped out quite a bit.
I wanted a dual purpose bike, I wanted to be able to touch the ground, but I've got short legs, so that meant that I had a fairly narrow range of bikes I could look at.

My criteria were:
1. Dual purpose - able to do gravel and easy off road riding
2. Low enough seat that I could get the balls of my feet on the ground
3. Comfortable for short touring/day trips on the seal
4. Fairly light
5. Electric start

Once we had a list of potential bikes, I started looking around dealers, and trademe for suitable bikes that I could try out, and to get an idea of the availability of different bikes.

The sherpa and XT225 were looking like the most likely options, so I arranged to test ride them both.

They are both fairly similar bikes, and were incredibly different from the 2-stroke 150 road bike I'd been riding before. They both looked like daggy farm bikes, and felt a bit strange to ride. The sherpa was a nicer package overall, but I didn't exactly fall in love with it. It was going to need a bit of personalising, and I wasn't sure about buying a brand new bike that I felt needed things changed on it.
That month Kiwi Rider did a review of the sherpa, and they really liked it.

I agonised for about a month, before deciding to buy the sherpa. I could get it in silver/black/orange, or black. I liked black a little more, but the silver model was an '06, it was cheaper, so I bought it. I've since accessorised with some more orange and grey, and it looks pretty good.

[vifferman]

The vifferbabe chose it. Her criteria seem to be (in order):
1. Colour
2. Comfort
3. Looks. (Going on these, it would've been the VTec model, as she "liked its eyes".)

[99TLS]

was looking for a bike after 18 months off, saw the TLS on tard me , went for test ride , loved it bought it

[Hitcher]

Gosh you're easy!

That was never in doubt. But, despite popular opinion, I am not cheap.

[Jantar]

My first bike was the cheapest I could find.

The next couple were the best I could afford.

Then it was the best available irrespective of price (the RE5).

Now its the bike that best suits my purpose.

[trump-lady]

I wanted a sport tourer that didnt look old and fuddy duddy, would be comfortable on long rides, could hold some mean pannier bags to hold all my shit(clothes) when Im on tour, but still looked sporty, was easy and forgiving cause I was a newbie.
I researched test rode and found the Triumph Sprint which has the best of both worlds.

Hated the color so I then painted it pink and walla.

Im very happy

[sweetp]

I choose my bike much to the disgust of my partner (mechanic and bike enthuisit) but it was "the one" - even if it was a 150. On saying that I choose well and he has come around. My next bike I researched well - based on recomendation of the engine I need for my riding style and then the all important hight factor.

I did try out a number of bikes but settled on the one that meet all my needs (could get at least one foot on the ground, vtwin, not too heavy etc). Really why I bought the particular one I did was it was the model I wanted and at a good price.

Colour did come into it a little - I would have been fine with most but happened to find the one I wanted. I truely believe if you have a general idea of what you want then shop around and the right bike will find you. But at the end of the day you are going to spend a decent amount of time on it so you need to sit on it and feel like you love it.

[scracha]

Flame's trying that one with me too, except she just let me sit on her 749 :pinch: :drool: instead of getting me drunk...cunning bloody woman! :laugh:


I'm so over sportsbikes......they're for "short man" syndrome types...especially the litre ones. I'm starting to get over the Ducati thing very quickly too. Back to a bombproof Jap Adventure bike methinks.

[Ghost_Bullet]

I went totaly on impulse, desire, lust and love. The griso stood out to me as just wickedness on wheels. The style is hot, the ride is hot, and it makes me feel gurd!!!!!

I never expected to buy new. I watched a video clip on the motoguzzi web site, everyday for over a month, the sublimial messages hit me.

I never test rode anything else other than the breva.

Approval from Mrs Bullet was the very last, "lets go get it!!"


<a href="http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2517936230100338616UzHBjT"><img src="http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/39942/2517936230100338616S200x200Q85.jpg" alt="me again"></a>

[Rashika]

Anyway, everyone knows that ladies choose their bikes based either on what a man tells them to buy, or on what looks prettiest and least threatening.

:yes:

hell yeah, the Buell is about as unthreatening as a pussycat. :sleep:

I saw it... fell in love with it... I rode one... and I bought one, cos I knew this was the bike that would keep me interested & excited and quite literally on the edge of my seat for the next 10 years. And so far it is proving just that.
Now after having riden a few japas (R6, GSXR, GSR: nice but a bit blaise), a brit (Daytona: kinda cool but lacking in the Vtwin SOOOOOOUUUUNNNNNDDD) a few Ities (Ducati, MG, Tuono, MV Augusta: slightly nicer but still didn't catch me), even a couple of real HOGs :msn-wink: (ta scummy) but it still makes me grin everytime I get on the Buell.

And I guess that is what is really important about choosing ya bike, that it really has to be something you love everytime you get out there and ride it... whatever it is, and being all so diff we have so many ways of looking at bikes... that is truely a good thing!

[jrandom]

that is what is really important about choosing ya bike, that it really has to be something you love everytime you get out there and ride it...

+1,000,000

:2thumbsup

Y'all saw my public witterings over the last couple munfs about what bike I was going to get next. Not much more to say, really. Betty the GSX1400 is a comfy couch wrapped around a truck engine, and I'm all about it.

[pete376403]

The 1100 was bought becuse it suited the purpose and was cheap.
The KLR was bought mainly because none of the guys I normally ride with had one - wanted an adventure style 650 and was damned if I was going to buy a BMW.

In each case the purchase has turned out to be very satisfactory.

[Big Dog]

My height and width eliminates a lot of choices.
Practical things like the fact I like taking pillions and that it will be a main mode of transport eliminate a lot more.

After that it's what gets my pulse racing that is good value at the price I can afford or con myself in to believing I can afford.

[McJim]

I've wanted a Ducati since I was 14. Any Ducati. I got the only one I could afford. It doesn't piss oil everywhere any more though.

[madmal64]

When I was looking for a replacement ride, I was test riding V Twins and was nearly sold on a brand new SV1000. Kerry Thornton was at that stage working at Motorad and suggested I take the Aprilia out for a ride.
Well that was it! After a decent test ride I was hooked.:2thumbsup
Its my 1st V Twin and it took me a while to get used to the different power delivery after ride IL4s for so long.
It suits my type of riding perfectly and having the factory luggage made the choice so much easier.

[STUPY]

I’m curious to know how some of you have gone about choosing your bike. Did your partner or someone else have influence on the brand and model or did you do your own homework and test ride until you found it?

And what kind of things did the bike need to have or not have?

How much did weight, colour and height factor into your decision?


well i choise the hyosung because of the size of it's frame as all the other 250's where like tonka toys in size, colour was a bonus. also did alot of back ground research to make sure that the bike was gonna last. very very happy with this bike and would "RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE":first:

[Ocean1]

I do it the same way everyone else does.

I make a list of the features most important for the use I'll be putting it to.

I do a bunch of research, ask people who know their shit, whittle the field down to 3 or 4 and then get as much time test riding as I can.

Then I go buy the one I thought I wanted in the first place.

Not quite true, the principal prospects have to fit me, and they have to perform within the profile I originally specified. But we all have a formidible capacity to rationalise, to bullshit ourselves. If something irrational about a product takes our fancy it doesn't take long for our subconcious to tweek the facts to suit.

All of the above holds true for the Buell. For me the bling, (and the hook) is technical innovation, I love new and elegant design solutions, especially when they work better than the traditional ones. I was lucky though, this time I didn't shoot myself in the foot. The Buell genuinely does do the job bloody near perfectly for me, both on paper and in fact.

[007XX]

I'm so over sportsbikes......they're for "short man" syndrome types...especially the litre ones. I'm starting to get over the Ducati thing very quickly too. Back to a bombproof Jap Adventure bike methinks.

I hear you... Coming back up from the Taupo races, we stopped (incidentally :whistle:) to our favourite bike shop, and I saw a Street Triple. It ain't Jap, but gawd, I so love the comfort, sound and looks of it...Next thing: test ride :woohoo:

[MarkDv]

My '89 XV1100 I bought on looks alone, only did one short test ride and it was hosing down so didn't go far. After having it for a couple of years I was keen to look at the new model, wandered into Waikato Yamaha saw the xvs1100 and fell head over heels, didn't even test ride. just sat on it and the fit was too good. Wife jumped on the back to try her seat and i got the approval nod.

2 months later i ordered my bike off Whanagrei Yamaha and have not looked back. Must admit I knew the brochure backwards before I made the decision to buy it, also had a look at the Boulevards, but can't get past the headlight, rest of the bike looks good except the droopy headlight.

So now thinking in terms of the next one, which i might be allowed to buy in 2010 lol

[yungatart]

I blame Yungatart and Mstrs ... they turned up to the track on day with the tart on her bike .. I sat I enjoyed I purchased one off Trade me and its great!!




Me thinks these two have a lot to be blamed for :laugh: We luff them lots though :hug:

Why thank you, I think!
I chose mine cos of the colour..tis red, so I knew it would be fast.
Well, what did you expect, I'm a girl!

Seriously, tho, I chose it because of its riding position, its physical size (I fit on it), and its engine size (500cc). Tho at times it is a bit top heavy, but I am getting there....(just don't know exactly where there is..)

[buellbabe]

Qkchk...yr post was a good read... some excellent points made.

My first bike was a trailbike and it was a case of saw it and had to have it... plus it was affordable and at the age of 16 going on 17 that was a big issue.

With my Harleys too $$ influenced my purchases. I have often wondered why I was attracted to HDs and have decided its simply because I am a redneck/rebel at heart! When I first bucked the trend amongst my bike riding mates (all of them blokes!) and bought an 883 I was told that you can't go round corners on a Harley and they they are pretty much good for nothing.
Well I soon found out what a load of bollocks that was!

But there came a time when I felt that the HDs just weren't enuf of a challenge anymore and that was when a salesman at Shafts (now AMPS) said "you should testride a Buell...I know the way you ride...trust me you will love it".
Well he was right. There are so many things that people consider when buying a bike:height, weight, colour, performance etc...
All I know is that from the moment I got on this bike (and I still own it 104,000kms later) it was as if the bike had been personally made for me. The fact that I could barely get a foot to the ground and that it was pretty out there to look at mattered not one bit.
All that matters to me is that it rides like a dream. :love::love:

[Maha]

Dont need 23 lines of text to explain this....:no:
I knew what i wanted so went and got it!

[Her_C4]

Dont need 23 lines of text to explain this....:no:

Hmmm I guess I do.. :msn-wink:

My first bike was a gn. I bought it because I wanted to ride and had no bloody idea about what sort of bike to buy, and no one to ask (I hadn’t found KB at that stage), so I didn’t want to spend a lot of money that might prevent me from purchasing my next steed. I foudn the cheapest one available and rode in the gutters for ages before finding a carpark to practice in – all gud. :niceone:

Then it shat itself – leaky petrol tank, solenoids, leaky petrol tank, battery and did I mention the tank that sprouted new holes approximately two weeks after it was fixed? EEEEvery time!!!…. So that got me thinking and counting my pennies with the upshot that I decided if I was ever going to have a bike that kept going long enough to actually get my licence – then I would have to upgrade the 250… but nothing expensive mind…. Just a couple of $$k’s, and leave all the REAL dosh for my 400. (You can tell I am really a very practical and well able to manage my fiscal responsibilites can’t you?)

Yeah right. :doh:
I went to Lower Hutt motorcycles and test rode every 250 they had – and then promptly bought the most expensive one there (CBR250RR).

When I got my full, I left it a wee while (at LEAST two weeks) and went looking through every bike shop I came across so I could see what was for sale in my price range. I despaired of ever getting a bike that I wanted as I couldn’t touch the ground on anything. Finally one bike shop told me that it was an SV650 lowered or a cruiser – there were no other options!!! I was gutted… truly. I have nothing against either bikes / type but in my searching I had come across a multitude of sportsbikes and really wanted one.

About two or three weeks later I was wandering around another bike shop and espied an early model Honda 600F that I could jjjjuuuuuust about get tips of both toes down on, so I fired back to work and asked a mate to come and have a look at it for me (he has ridden forever), and maybe take it for a test ride. All the way back to the shop I justified the purchase, telling him how I didn’t really like the bike, but I could touch the ground and it was cheap enough – I would just ride it until I found ‘the’ bike… the one you just know is yours when you first set eyes on it.

Well, we got to the bike shop and I never made it inside! :eek:

Outside parked in the sun, all glistening and shiney was a 2002 Ducati 748 resplendent in yellow (Thanks V!). I couldn’t focus on anything else – I turned and said to my mate that if I could touch the ground on it , then it was mine – no question, no concern for budget (had no price on it) … he thought I was joking (poor fool). As fate would have it and I spoke to my mate, the salesman came out the door and said “Well, that warms my heart to hear that – give me one day and I will have it lowered enough for you to take it for a test ride” – the rest as they say is history (most of it on here damnit!!)….:blank:

My latest acquisition? Well I stalked it really… knew that was what I wanted, pined for a while (or was that ‘whined’ for a while) and hestitated just long enough to pretend to justify the expense to myself… an opportunity came up and I grabbed it with both hands. (Worth pointing out that an astute observer noted that when I first saw it I touched it as though the choice had been made and I owned it already…..)

I guess we all choose things differently – for me to truly ‘own’ something the decision has to come from the heart.:devil2:

[Xaria]

I had a careful list of things I needed in my first bike:

fuel gauge (A friend was always running out)
Rev counter
Short enough I could fit on
Had to have a bit of agreement in the Dunedin KB group that I would get from Dunedin to Alexandra (where my parents are) and still have a smile on my face.


Well, I got no fuel gauge, no rev counter, I fit on it beautifully and I have gone for some huge rides and still smile. So 2/4 isn't too bad.

I test rode a couple of bikes, but the consensus at the shop was to try the VTR, I tried it with Nighthawks old helmet, it fell over my eyes and I told him, I think I like it but I cant really tell as I felt too unsafe with the helmet, got a new helmet , tested bike again, stopped and said "I'm smiling; aren't I?" and the rest is history...

Saying that, I am counting down until I can get my full and go for a 400 - 600. More listing, testing, deciding... Hmmm

[dino3310]

i've wanted a Suzuki DR since i sold my last one 19years ago,
other wise i just buy what i can afford which isn't much so i've had the odd crappa but a least i'm still riding.

[Blue Velvet]

Performance and handling. Price. Availability of parts.

It's an ugly bike so it wasn't looks that influenced my purchase. Heh. Tail tidy is going on tonight, I hope getting rid of the 'stinger' will make me like it more...

[jrandom]

Availability of parts.

:laugh:

:shutup:

[ManDownUnder]

I've wanted a Ducati since I was 14. Any Ducati. I got the only one I could afford. It doesn't piss oil everywhere any more though.

You got a Jap motor in it then?

[nzmole]

I had an idea of what a bike was in my head but no thought for make or model and off I went. Saw my Hyosung Aquilla 250 she was the 3rd bike I tried it was weighty felt like it could move and had the look I wanted.:niceone: I tried other 250 cruiser types and found them small and piddly at the side of this babe so I bought her. A test drive had me hooked.

[Okey Dokey]

Price- only had so much money to fool around with!

Gixxer- Partner had one years ago and it was great.

Colour- Anything but black, please!

CC- Country gal so needed a bit of open road strength, contending with headwinds, etc

Size/weight- sport bikes are generally pretty light, and the newer ones just keep getting lighter. I'm average size so no restrictions there.

[BarBender]

Wif my head? :scratch:

[HornetBoy]

Knew what i wanted as soon as i started riding-a fully faired 600cc one that you could be at 50km and not sound like a sewing machine ,and not get bowled around by the cross winds etc ,plus something within my budget as im not going to bankrupt myself for a toy :bash:

[Rockbuddy]

anything but a suzuki, lol most of my riding friends seem to have spuzuki's so to be different i ended up with a couple of kawasaki's, why did I choose them? i didn't they chose me :cool:

[NUTBAR]

How did I choose my two wheels?

:confused:

They just came with the bike.

:clap::clap::lol::lol:

[Lula]

And bravo1 - what made you decide on getting a brand new R1?

[Lissa]

I chose my first bike (GN250) for the following reasons:

1. Price and realiablity (I didn't want to buy something that would need a lot of maintenance)
2. Something safe to learn on
3. Chose the Black one, cause I like black!

Even though it was a good first bike, it wasn't long (3-4 months) before it frustrated the hell out of me, it was way too slow, I didn't like the riding position and some people gave me stick about having a GN. But other than that I am quite glad it was first bike, and learn't a lot. My Bandit is a better bike, but there is no way I would have been able to learn on it, I needed the first 4 months on the GN to get some confidence.

[skelstar]

I chose my first bike (GN250) ... Even though it was a good first bike, it wasn't long (3-4 months) before it frustrated the hell out of me, it was way too slow...
Having said that you were riding it around the Wairarapa main-ish roads which aren't interesting unless your doing at least $1.60 (seems that way). Bandit is a more capable open-road machine.

[Lissa]

Having said that you were riding it around the Wairarapa main-ish roads which aren't interesting unless your doing at least $1.60 (seems that way). Bandit is a more capable open-road machine.
Yea but the GN I couldnt even pass cars that were going 90kms, and if I didnt manage to actually start to pass a car, if they happened to speed up (which sometimes they did) I was stuffed. I tell ya, takes a lot of skill get the timing right on a GN to pass. I love my bandit, and so do you! :msn-wink:

[skelstar]

I love my bandit, and so do you! :msn-wink:
I do. It's mint. Even better when theres a cutie on the back :)

[Johnny_5]

YZ125 - Price and weight were some of the biggest deciders for me for off roading.

Cheap bike that I can buy and outfit for the same price as a bigger bike with out the guards, etc. I can pick it up easily and kick starting it is no problem. I'd like a 250F but they're expensive, heavy, lots of maintenance. Also I've passed too many 250F's sitting on the side of the trail with a rider worn out from trying to kick start the damn thing.

Sherco 4.5i - kind of fell into it. It used to by my boyfriend's. I really liked it when I rode it, had a button and fuel injection. I figured it would work better for dual sport stuff and high speed types of races. I love not having to deal with jetting on it.

[Coldrider]

Thanks for humour jrandom but this question being in the Biker Angels forum was mainly directed at the ladies :shifty:
I chose mine because it matches my bag.

[Lula]

I chose mine because it matches my bag.

Oh how cute, does it match your lipstick too?

[Coldrider]

Oh how cute, does it match your lipstick too?

Nah I'm serious, had me pack rack powdercoated in peppermint to match.

[swt 3]

My decision was on Make, then type, what suited me & style of riding I wanted to do. My first bike was passed onto me when my partner upgraded, so I got lucky. Being Triumph fans, the Bonneville America was my first & still riding it. Was real cool. Just before Xmas 07, I bought ,my first brand new bike, yes, another Trumpet, Street Triple. So, I have the best of both world's now. Colour wasn't an issue.. . . black, black & black again. :clap:

[Lula]

My decision was on Make, then type, what suited me & style of riding I wanted to do. My first bike was passed onto me when my partner upgraded, so I got lucky. Being Triumph fans, the Bonneville America was my first & still riding it. Was real cool. Just before Xmas 07, I bought ,my first brand new bike, yes, another Trumpet, Street Triple. So, I have the best of both world's now. Colour wasn't an issue.. . . black, black & black again. :clap:

Hello again swt 3. When are you guys coming up to Auckland next for a scoot? Will PM you.
Glad to hear you are still enjoying your Street Triple just done over 3,000kms on mine in less than 4 weeks.

[maxworldbiker]

Chose my 650LS "Cherry Bomb" because I'm a short ass. I like to get both feet down to feel in control of the machine, something with a bit of grunt under its tank, and I need to be able to pick her up quickly if she gets dropped. The LS ticks all boxes. I also chose her because when I bought her (as a wreck on Ebay UK four years ago) it was much worse than I feared when I finally got to look at her, in such a mess that my heart nearly broke and I couldn't walk away from the poor old tart. All rebuilt, resprayed and gorgeous now. Love her to bits, best bike I've ever had and she's taken me all over England, right across North America (check out http://max-thestateimin.blogspot.com), all around the South Island twice, and all going well she should take me all around the North Island in March this year. Even when I have enough pennies to buy something much newer, I'll never part with her. After the journeys, highs. lows and dramas we've had together, on the road and at the side of it, she's part of me.

It needs to be about practicality AND aesthetics, cos as well as what you want it to do, you also want it to look good. I've always had a fondness for cruisers, for both reasons. Your choice should tick the safety and control boxes as well as feeling comfy for the type of riding you do. I'm a long, LONG distance cruise gal myself. My mate rides a Suzi bandit, she prefers the more sporty feel bikes and doesn't go long haul.

Decide what you actually really want, try a few configurations, and take it from there.

[Paul in NZ]

Dunno.. Just let my groin lead me...

[Xile]

Just fall in love with it on TradeMe, loved riding it (plus good to reach the ground lol)...and it was red :innocent:
Premium criteria: reach the ground and not heavy to handle.
Then, can't help meself, I'm a girl, and yeah, it was looking hot!!! :devil2:

[Number One]

1: Must be reliable
2: Must be able to reach the ground! Short leg syndrome - genes are a bitch sometimes
3: Must be able to pick up off ground (just in case!) and wrangle! Must feel I am it's boss and it is my bitch - the bigger heavy whales don't do it for me.
4: Must not be too high maintenance
5: Must be atleast a bit pretty and sexy and MUST NOT be hideous in colour! (My first bike the exception - Puke colour scheme on my RG150 Black with Bright Purple and Orange graphics :sick:)
6: Must not be tooo grunty as hubby will steal - I mean borrow it.
7: Must be able to do atleast 120km...I may want to pass someone one day you know...just might happen
8: I Must look hot on it...tall order maybe but a girl can dream can't she - anyone else guilty of checking themselves out as they ride past large glass facades he heheheee - shirley I'm not the only one

ALL THIS SAID - I'd just love to have any bike at the mo...working on one just waiting for all the buerocrats to decide it's fate...let's all pray for write off people!!!! BTW the rider was unharmed so don't hate me for that comment! :lol:

Buerocrats couldn't make that deal work - thank good ness as I ended up with something way better. I love you Scream Extractor...oh and BTW I think I look shexxxy on it - it sounds good and I do check my reflection out when riding past shops! :Punk:

[LittleAngel]

Hi all - Am a newbie to KB! Who knew there was a place to talk about bikes, riding and all things petrol!!!??? :clap:

I learnt to ride over a year and half ago as my husband rides and I ddin't like being a pillon!

1. We bought the standard learner bike = GN250, the cheapest we could find so not to waste money and we knew we'd get it back when we sold it (yup we did!)...

2. I upgraded to my husbands 'work' bike = Honda NV400.. at the time I thought this bike was really big and fast! I didn't find anything wrong with this bike - could reach the ground (am tallish so never really a problem) was light enough to eventually throw around corners and could get up to 100k+ without rattling and nearly losing all the bolts etc like the GN!!!

Third Bike was my husbands choice of bike - I had only ridden 2 bikes and still didn't really know much about them (On restricted at this stage) - got a Yamaha FZ750... Felt like this bike was made for me. Was the right height, weight and had enough snot to keep up with the boys and eventually leave in my dust! (or maybe they were being nice???) .. I could ride for hours and still be smiling... Handled like a dream in the wet and wind!

Current bike is a Suzuki RF900RR - again my husbands influence, however I knew by this stage that I wanted a sports tourer with enough grunt to give me the adrenaline buzz but also that I could be comfortable..Both me and hubby thought it might have too much power and be too big, but its sweet!! Love it to pieces! :2thumbsup (minus its mechanical failings currently!! :crybaby:)


"Apparently" my next bike is a cruzier preferably a HD (says hubby) but I have news for him... and its all bad!! :no:

I have never test ridden a bike and the thought scares the crapper out of me!! I have accidently dropped (stationary) 2 of my previous bikes :doh: and the thought of dropping a bike thats not mine is an expensive thought! :eek5:

[Rogue]

A bike with low Km's and in very good condition, a motor that gives good hp with a bit of tweaking (have gone from 122+rwhp to 140+rwhp cost $1,100) and are able to get loads more out of it a good price up to 180rwhp.
Must have good suspension, frame etc
weight is not a factor as I intend to get rid of a lot of it (have already lost 11kg)
Colour is not a problem as I intend to replace the body work with custom plastic and paint it the colours/colour I like
yes I like custom bikes I do not like the one's that are out of the box :puke:
Why be a sheep when you can be a wolf :devil2:

[mister.koz]

GN250, cause it made loud noises and the clutch and brakes worked.

I quickly sold and went to the zxr after getting the gn up to 100km/h and realizing the true definition of the word commuter.

[KiwiBaz]

The first bike I ever owned was a 1970 Triumph T100R Daytona.
Looked at it throught the shop window, fell in love and bought it.
I had not even ridden a bike up till then.
The last bike I bought was a 2006 Z1000, saw one in Aussie, liked the colour and looks, ordered one when I got home.
I guess its the look that grabs me, have never test ridden a new bike, tend to just buy them on looks.

[Joliet]

I was originally going to get a scooter just for commuting because I'm just getting my car learners and it needed to be 50cc .. though after waiting around for one to catch my eye, my guy (Romeo) found my Yamaha RD50 on trademe and after a bit of convincing from him and a quick call to my dad to see if it was worth it, we went to view it and I pretty much fell in love. My dad said the bike was in excellent condition and said it was worth the money. I bought it the next day and now I pretty much can't wait to get on it (it's currently in bits waiting for the right parts to be ordered). So yes, my guy really did have quite a lot of say in the matter!

[Meekey_Mouse]

As many other chicks have said... It was other people who mainly influenced my first two wheels... My brother got me into the sport and my family helped me find the first bike.

I bought my first bike, a 2005 (or was it 06?) GSX250, because it was at a very good price, had low kms, would be reliable... And I fell in love with it on TM. It was a Purdy blue colour :love:
The bike only lasted a few months before I got bored on it and it was too big and heavy for my liking. Had a few bikes since then all needing differenet requirements.
My next bike is hopefully going to be an 06 or 07 GSXR 600 or 750 because of these requirements:

1st: I like to be able to touch both feet firmly on the ground, by at least both balls of my feet or preferably near flat foot. That year of gixxer meets this perfectly :jerry:

2nd: Must be within my price range: This is mostly why I don't have a big bike yet :crybaby:

3rd: Must have a straight frame and been mechanically looked after.

4: Must be purdy and sound nice... When I first saw the gixxers I didn't like them at all... But now, the more I see them the more I like them :drool:

[bikerchick]

I had ridden a XVS around at MotorMart and didn't like it. Then we drove around to TSS and Stu showed me an XVS I told him I just road one and didn't like it, he said just listen to this you will love it. When she started up she sounded so beautiful she puuurrrred like a kitten. I brought her as soon as I could, and she turns alot of heads!

[Hanne]

YeaH, I saw Madison on trademe and loved the colour. Kmew I wanted a fully faired bike, liked the look of zzrs so took my partner and his dad to check it out. Of course aesthetics were important, they just checked the engine stuff. And I knew as soon as I sat on her that she was the ONE

[shazza]

My first bike was a gn 250 and got that as a learners bike I got my ducati purely cause it looked good and suited me heaps of people told me they are expensive to service but I didnt care I liked the bike its custom and it suited me and still does love my duc i think I choose well as you know women choose with their eyes lol:2guns:

[Lula]

For those of you looking for a second bike I just tested the Suzuki Gladius 650. Very ideal bike for the novice rider, light, low and comes in pink!

Check out the pic on my profile if you want to see how it looks.

[Maha]

Talking about this very subject yesterday.
I wanted to flick the Triumph and went through (in my mind) a number of bikes. First was a Daytona, then it switched to a FZ1, then onto the big nakeds...I settled for the CB because, there was brand new one here in town, it would do everything I was looking for in a bike, the price was just right, the sales service was bang on, I needed to look no further.

[Thani-B]

For those of you looking for a second bike I just tested the Suzuki Gladius 650. Very ideal bike for the novice rider, light, low and comes in pink!

Check out the pic on my profile if you want to see how it looks.

Thats what I was thinking of getting but only have a GN at the moment and am unsure of moving to a 650 from a baby 250. Have been looking on trademe at 400's as I think a "middle bike" might be the best thing.

Opinions on this?

[LBD]

upgraded to the latest model af an earlier bike I was satisfied with.....S4 to S4RS

Did you know when you hod the shift key down and type S4RS you get S$RS....how fitting

[ital916]

Thats what I was thinking of getting but only have a GN at the moment and am unsure of moving to a 650 from a baby 250. Have been looking on trademe at 400's as I think a "middle bike" might be the best thing.

Opinions on this?

Doesnt matter what you jump to...the right hand controls how quick you go. Funny how people think that a 200cc difference will be the difference between a frothing at the mouth beast of a bike and a nice novice ride. A 400 can kill you too if ya mess it up.

Test ride lots of bikes, find one you like and makes you go "ooooh yummy". Dont listen to the scaremongering.

[Maha]

Thats what I was thinking of getting but only have a GN at the moment and am unsure of moving to a 650 from a baby 250. Have been looking on trademe at 400's as I think a "middle bike" might be the best thing.

Opinions on this?

If you are comfortable/confident with where you are on a bike, dont be put off by a 600 for your next purchase. I went from a GN to a YZF600 inside 12 months. Not saying that jumping to a 600 is right for everybody, only you can decide that, just test ride one, you may be suprised.

[Beemer]

If you are comfortable/confident with where you are on a bike, dont be put off by a 600 for your next purchase. I went from a GN to a YZF600 inside 12 months. Not saying that jumping to a 600 is right for everybody, only you can decide that, just test ride one, you may be suprised.

That's true - I went from a Suzuki RG150 to a BMW F650CS - a little heavier and a lot faster - but I didn't get any tickets on that (I did on the RG!) and I didn't fall off or kill myself either. Basically, buy what you feel comfortable riding is the best advice.

[CookMySock]

Doesnt matter what you jump to...the right hand controls how quick you go. Funny how people think that a 200cc difference will be the difference between a frothing at the mouth beast of a bike and a nice novice ride. [....]. Dont listen to the scaremongering.The right hand doesn't control how fast you go at all. It's a function of the right hand times the torque curve times the engine rpm to the ^^ of the brain lock. Newbies will shift into mild brain lock at about half throttle and 5,000rpm on a 650 vtwin, or a third throttle and 9,000rpm on an inline four. If they are concentrating on cornering at that time, you had better hope like hell they have the presence of mind to wind that throttle off in the next 1.5 seconds or they are about to double their speed - a concept foreign to them beforehand.

It isn't scaremongering, it is real concern. They will be fine - just watch the brain lock with the tap open more than half, and don't be an arse with the speed - especially anywhere near corners, or they will have the next stage brutally foist upon them - "push HARD on the bars NOW son, or meet your maker."

Steve

[sinfull]

The right hand doesn't control how fast you go at all. It's a function of the right hand times the torque curve times the engine rpm to the negative power of the brain lock. Newbies will shift into mild brain lock at about half throttle and 5,000rpm on a 650 vtwin, or a third throttle and 9,000rpm on an inline four. If they are concentrating on cornering at that time, you had better hope like hell they have the presence of mind to wind that throttle off in the next 1.5 seconds or they are about to double their speed - a concept foreign to them beforehand.

It isn't scaremongering, it is real concern. They will be fine - just watch the brain lock with the tap open more than half, and don't be an arse with the speed - especially anywhere near corners, or they will have the next stage brutally foist upon them - "push HARD on the bars NOW son, or meet your maker."

Steve
Only for that first time though lol it's amazing how a fast heart rate slows ya down !

[Happybug]

I've always chosen my own bikes. Ex hubby used to make suggestions, but since he preferred the smaller bikes and i liked the bigger ones, it was always up to me. My first ever bike was a beautiful gsx250 with spoked wheels, then i went straight to a GS1000S, which was a huge whale of a thing. I did have hubbies 550 and 400 to try, but i never felt right on the smaller frames, and i never enjoyed having to work the gears as much on the smaller bikes. I'm definitely a lazy rider. i've always made sure i could touch the ground with both feet flat, that i could pick it up when it fell over and that i felt confident riding it.

[Thani-B]

Doesnt matter what you jump to...the right hand controls how quick you go. Funny how people think that a 200cc difference will be the difference between a frothing at the mouth beast of a bike and a nice novice ride. A 400 can kill you too if ya mess it up.

Test ride lots of bikes, find one you like and makes you go "ooooh yummy". Dont listen to the scaremongering.

I wasnt only talking about the difference of cc's. Also the riding position, style of riding, weight etc. Until last weekend I had only ever ridden the GN, hopped onto a ZXR250 and found that Im going to have to change my riding style and everything. It scared the shit out of me. Stalled it 3 times and then almost started crying cos I was too scared to actually go. Once I was moving I was ok, its just the prospect of pretty much having to learn to ride again that I think I might struggle with on a higher cc bike.

[Pussy]

Gladius would be a great bike for you, Thani

[The Stranger]

Most important thing is it must be a sleeper.
If you buy an XT660 with a whole 41hp no one expects you to be fast.
You go on a group ride and take it easy, no loss of face - that's what everyone expected.
You give it shit and clean up more than a few sport bikes and egos get deflated as they can't work out why they just got whipped by someone with a 100hp deficit. Penises shrink fast.

[crazyhorse]

You either like a brand or you don't.

Or its about the looks of a bike - or the sound.

Choose something you like. So long as you fit ion it and its within a horsepower you can handle.

Happy riding

[mstriumph]

How did you choose your two wheels?

:msn-wink: they came attached to a bike it took about a week for the grin to leave my face after i'd test-ridden it only once!

[mstriumph]

I wasnt only talking about the difference of cc's. Also the riding position, style of riding, weight etc. Until last weekend I had only ever ridden the GN, hopped onto a ZXR250 and found that Im going to have to change my riding style and everything. It scared the shit out of me. Stalled it 3 times and then almost started crying cos I was too scared to actually go. Once I was moving I was ok, its just the prospect of pretty much having to learn to ride again that I think I might struggle with on a higher cc bike.

until i got the fazer i'd never ridden a modern bike .... i went to it straight from my 72 650cc bonneville :devil2: .............. yep - it scared the bejaysus out of me butwhat a BLAST!!!

[Motu]

I think the BMW badge is a very powerful symbol - it makes a statement.It says ''This guy is very cool,and he knows how to spend his money well''.I don't really like the bike,but I don't think that's important in the real world.

[usa-vtwin]

My 1st road bike was a stretched, raked Triumph hard tail chopper lol... the 2nd is my current Harley..it was always British/American for me....I picked my bike on price 1st, although I loved the look, and it had the add-ons I wanted. My next bike will be either a Fatboy or a Night Train...in time for the 2010 National Hog Rally down here in CH CH.

[buellbabe]

:msn-wink: they came attached to a bike it took about a week for the grin to leave my face after i'd test-ridden it only once!


Same for me! Test rode it ... bought it. Love/lust on first ride :devil2:

[Danae]

I'm still looking. ^^

But I'm very partial to white sports-style bikes. I've tested a GN250, GN125, VTR, and a Kawasaki GPX 250. Loved the kawa, real stable and I like the riding position on it.
So I'm pretty much just looking on tardme atm for a nice 250 that catches my eye. :]

[Gubb]

I'm still looking. ^^

But I'm very partial to white sports-style bikes. I've tested a GN250, GN125, VTR, and a Kawasaki GPX 250. Loved the kawa, real stable and I like the riding position on it.
So I'm pretty much just looking on tardme atm for a nice 250 that catches my eye. :]
White Honda Hornet. Can't go wrong.

[Burtha]

price, it looked purdy, in *excellent* condition for a second hand bike with seriously low km's, was in the cc range I wanted and although it was a little tall for me (I am not short for it, he-hem) I have just had a lowering kit installed so tis now perfecto-mondo!

[monkeymcbean]

Did alot of looking as to what style of bike I perfered.

What was being offered in the mid weight bikes.

Then did alot of reading about different bikes in the sport touring catagory, what looked good, from riding a naked 250 I already new i wanted something with a bit of a fairing.

Wanted it to be reliable, not to expensive, not to heavy, have some sort of decent handling since i was comming from a 250.

So with all the above did some more reading on the model bike i have now, im of average height, so this bike from what other people mentioned seemed to tick the right boxes as far as fit, plus the model i got had some rudimentary seat and hande bar adjustments.

Bought it over the phone new from a bike shop up North sent down by truck delivered at work. Took a big breath, started it up and took the long long way home. Perfect enough.

[lovesracingbikes]

Well have to admit I didn't have any choice with my bike I have now.
Budget and a serious accident on my CBR600 left me with only one option.
A Yamaha FZR250cc. Have done 8,000k's so far on it.

I do like the sports bikes over the cruiser styles, or sport/tourers.

As a lot of ladies have advised on here, test ride, for at least one hour. If you
are going through a dealer, they will let you do this.

My next purchase will be in the 400-600cc range depending on weight. Due to the accident, I cant hold the heavier bikes up now.:no:

[jellywrestler]

We spent quite some time "trying on bikes" (her term not mine) for my girlfriend and the second most important thing from colour was its managability when switched off. Its no good getting something that looks good goes fast etc if your biggest risk is tipping over in a carpark etc.
Bear in mind small clip on type handlebars dont give you as much control as higher wider ones do when either riding or manueovring them around.
As for colour, we found the bike we liked and grabbed it in the colour she wanted.

My girlfriend is relatively short and checked out seat heights and once i pointed out this was not all it seemed as bikes with the same seat height often feel differnt due to the width of the seat.
Ended up with a Honda Bros she liked it so much she's on her second one now.

[NighthawkNZ]

How did you choose your two wheels?

They were on the bike I bought at the time... :scratch:

[gatch]

My spada was owned by my brother and I thought it was the coolest thing on 2 wheels, took posession of it at 17. still have it, albeit it looks alot different to how it was...

Will look at a vfr400 in future, big bike power is definately a blast, but after riding a few I find that there isn't much more fun to be had than working a gearbox to make decent forward velocity in the slow bits of the road. Love it !!

[Lula]

I think the BMW badge is a very powerful symbol - it makes a statement.It says ''This guy is very cool,and he knows how to spend his money well''.

Gahh, I'd like to meet one of these guys. I bet they wear nice shoes too :shifty:

[Thani-B]

until i got the fazer i'd never ridden a modern bike .... i went to it straight from my 72 650cc bonneville :devil2: .............. yep - it scared the bejaysus out of me butwhat a BLAST!!!

Have been spending a bit more time on the ZXR and really enjoying it, will just have to get used to having the extra weight on my arms, dont have that on the GN. And should have my full soon so can start test riding yay!

[1wheel riot]

im dont have a partner so that dident come in to it but the look was a big part it had to be a sports bike and well finshed and it had to have 100 hp + less than 180kgs handle well be black and have a low rider position and do 250km+ not to much to ask i thort.

[Brian d marge]

I get an idea in my head

I get some steel

I build it

Last one was my Race Enfield, the one I have just started on , is going to have a plunger frame, but as to the rest of it , I am not sure

dont know ,, it will happen ,,,,,,,,it will just feel right

see phaffing around in 3D thread

Stephen

[bikergirl]

I had no $$$ and on a restricted licence when i started spotting Buells when out rideing my zxr250. started looking into them when one day my mate rang me and said he had a XB9R firebolt needing a new home. Told the bank i needed a new kitchen and to hock it up on the mortgage and got my full and the bike all in 2 weeks:rockon:

[1wheel riot]

it had to be a black spots bike and a giza