New learner bike/accessory advice?

[Sly_guy]

Hi,

First post.. but i've been reading a fair bit...

I've booked my Learners course and test thing at the Riderskills training place this Sat...

I used to ride many years ago (10 ish), over in the UK, on a Yamaha RSX100 (the UK limit for learners is 125cc), now, at the time, i was 120+ KG, so that was slow as hell :)..

Once I pass the test (fingers crossed), I intend to buy a bike and gear.

I'd love to be able to afford a Kawasaki 250 Ninja, but they're a bit out of my price range...

Essentially, i've got $5k to spend, but that really needs to cover EVERYTHING.

I intend to use the bike for commuting about 12k in to Auckland CBD.

I've had a look on trademe, but i'd ideally like to buy a bike from a known source, so i've got some sort of warranty / comeback.

So, as a complete newbie, i'd love to hear some thoughts on suggested bikes, places to get gear from etc..

I've found these forums VERY helpful so far... so thanks for that ! Cheers in advance

[Kiwi Graham]

Get yourself along to a few dealers and have a look at what you can get for your money. You will often find you can negotiate a discount on clothing etc and include it in the deal. Take your time and check them all out. If you buy your bike privatley check out Cycletreads on the North Shore for your gear, in fact check them out anyway...if you end up being kitted out head to toe they will do you a deal too. The actual bike is a personel thing to you... sports, cruiser, dual purpose, scooter?

Good luck and welcome to the world of two wheels. ;)

[Slyer]

Yeah come to barrys point road in taka, 3 dealers and cycletreads which do tyres and gear/accessories. :)

[Qkchk]

You should of dropped me a line......

1. To sort out your BHS
2. To point you in the right direction for your first bike, with examples to sit on and kick tyres.

Im a One - Stop - Shop!

[Sly_guy]

You should of dropped me a line......

1. To sort out your BHS
2. To point you in the right direction for your first bike, with examples to sit on and kick tyres.

Im a One - Stop - Shop!


Got any availibilty for BHS this weekend ??? :) i see from the website your running one ??

[Slyer]

Riderskills is good too, he's a good guy.

[Qkchk]

Got any availibilty for BHS this weekend ??? :) i see from the website your running one ??

Did you want to do just the BHS test itself or get some training in before sitting the test?

[Sly_guy]

Did you want to do just the BHS test itself or get some training in before sitting the test?

It's been 10 ish years since I was on a bike.... so, erm... probably a good idea ! :D

[Qkchk]

PM Sent


10 Charac...

[Sly_guy]

I'd reply to the PM, but can't.... :) something about post count not being high enough...

I emailed the address on your website instead (info@ridertraining.co.nz) ...

One global question though... is $5k going to get me a decent setup ?

[KiwiKat]

Hi,
Once I pass the test (fingers crossed), I intend to buy a bike and gear.
I'd love to be able to afford a Kawasaki 250 Ninja, but they're a bit out of my price range...
Essentially, i've got $5k to spend, but that really needs to cover EVERYTHING.


There is a really mint GSX250 going up for sale soon. I would buy this for my daughter (if I hadn't just bought her a car.) Check out OSCARNZ, Manawatu. I know it's a bit out of your way, but it could be bloody good value.

[Qkchk]

I'd reply to the PM, but can't.... :) something about post count not being high enough...

I emailed the address on your website instead (info@ridertraining.co.nz) ...

One global question though... is $5k going to get me a decent setup ?

The new Yamaha Scorpio 225 are going for $4,250 but Im sure Troy would look after you and do you a deal. Thats a brand new bike with a warranty and runs cheap as chips!

[Slyer]

Yes!
So you're looking at a 250 sportsbike? With or without fairings?

[Sly_guy]

OK, so, this is where i'll get laughed at !!!!

Fairings ???? erm. are they the plasticy bits on the sides ?:confused:

I ideally would like a bike that's not going to kill me in 2 weeks... but is going to keep a smile on my face for the 1 year + till I can pass my full test.

No leather tassle bikes for me though ! :)

[Slyer]

Yer that's them. The ninja 250 is an example of a faired bike
http://images.google.co.nz/images?q=ninja250&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
whileas a hornet is a naked (non-faired) bike.
http://images.google.co.nz/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&q=honda+hornet+250&btnG=Search+Images


I ideally would like a bike that's not going to kill me in 2 weeks... but is going to keep a smile on my face for the 1 year + till I can pass my full test.
Any 250cc bike will do that, the rest is up to what you want. :)

[Sly_guy]

Hmmm, still not sure which i prefer to be honest !!!

I guess if there's the fairings on, it's an arse to maintain ?, having to remove etc ?

One thought... are most bikes electric start these days ? my old two stroke gave me a right leg like a professional wrestler !

[Qkchk]

Hmmm, still not sure which i prefer to be honest !!!

I guess if there's the fairings on, it's an arse to maintain ?, having to remove etc ?

One thought... are most bikes electric start these days ? my old two stroke gave me a right leg like a professional wrestler !

Majority of the 250cc (and smaller) bikes are Electric start. With exception of the 250cc 2-Stroke Racers NSR, TZR, RGV etc.. The Scorpio has both which can be really handy if one forgets to turn the main ignition switch off. :shit:

[davebullet]

My partner and I recently bought a Honda VTR250. It certainly isn't as easy to handle when you are a learner like me on your BHS at low speeds compared to the old Suzuki GNs, but comes into its own for real world riding. At your budget, you won't be able to get a VTR newer than about 5 years old though.

I've never ridden a Scorpio, but I do appreciate the power / get up and go on a V-twin like the VTR. Being a naked bike (one without fairings) it is easy to clean / spot condition of the engine and other normally hidden areas before riding (I like to check my bike over before hoping on).

For the money, the Scorpio definitely is worth looking at.

Like you - I rode many years ago and redid my BHS recently. Always pays to learn from an instructor to get good habits & break the bad ones.

All the best and let us know how you go.

David.

[Sly_guy]

Thanks to Qkchk for sorting me out with the BHS test on Sat...

Suprising how strange it felt getting on a bike for the first time in 10 years..

I passed, but was wobbly enough to make me very concious of my own mortality on the roads... which I guess is a very god thing at this stage ! :)

I've now been and picked up a road code for motorcyles, (and also found out that i'm down on the "database" as a woman..... and need a passport to prove i'm not.... don't ask...)

I never actually had to sit a Theory test in the uk.. as back in the late early 90's it was just a matter of being asked a few questions at the end of the practical test... I'm a pretty competent car driver, but clearly don't know the exact ins and outs of the NZ road rules.. and looking through the Road Code, it looks like i'm probably going to need to read it thoroughly and remember shit loads for the test..

Can anyone suggest any dummy tests, or anything like that, so i know when i'm up to the right kind of level to go and sit the test..

Help a man with $5k burning a hole in his back pocket to buy a bike... :)

Cheers

[Qkchk]

Can anyone suggest any dummy tests, or anything like that, so i know when i'm up to the right kind of level to go and sit the test..


Give this website a go.............. Motorcycle Online Test (http://www.drivinginstructor.co.nz/test.php?q_category=Motor%20Cycle)

[CookMySock]

IOne global question though... is $5k going to get me a decent setup ?Yes, but not including gear. However 6K will, so you might be better to save hard over the next month, and maybe delay another month, and then try to swing 6.5k or even 7k. 5 to 6 to 7k is right on the cusp of ordinary bike vs cool bike. The idea here is to have an awesome summer experience on a great bike, rather than have a mediocre end-of-spring experience, and a mediocre summer experience, on a fairly average bike - if you see what I mean. Spring is not that great time of year to be riding anyway. Only other advice - learn to steer with the bars.

Welcome to biking. Whatever you get you will enjoy it immensely.

Steve

[davebullet]

Make sure you don't scrimp on gear. I reckon $1,500 is probably about right for helmet, jacket, pants, boots and one pair of gloves. Good gear will keep you warm and dry while riding - very important to maintain concentration and adequate feel of controls not to mention enjoyment!

A decent jacket will have a wet weather zip our liner and good (ie. hard) armour in the elbows and shoulders. A back pocket for a future purchase of a back protector is always a nice feature to have.

Make sure you get boots. Not only do you want to keep your feet warm and dry, but you need to protect them in the case of an off, or even a slow drop on the driveway. This happened to my partner, bike fell on her leg. She was fine (not a scratch nor bruise) - boots with ankle protection took the weight of the bike.

Make sure your jacket / clothes are snug fitting. Not so tight as to restrict movement, but no bagginess that will billow and cause balance anomalies (and make you feel cold) at higher speeds.

Cheers,
David.

[Sly_guy]

Qkchk, thanks for the links to the Road Code tests....
I'm fine with the motorbike stuff (well, i think so anyway....), it's more the general Rode Code questions that i'm having to study at the moment... (of which there is a test for on that site also....)

Things you just take for granted when you've been driving for umpteen years, and also things that are specific to NZ (such as "The best way to check for hazzards is to get out of the car and walk around it..., and you can't park within 6 meters of a junction on an unmarked road. etc....)

I've just gone through and can get most of them right, so i think i might have a crack at the actual test this week.

Back to the bike front for a moment...
I know i'm looking at $4,300 on the road for a Scorpio....

On the second hand market, I can get something like GN250, 06, 5k, for $3k,
Do you folks think the Scorpio is worth the extra ?

Cheers,

[Sly_guy]

Well,

Just arrived back from the AA... with a temporary Learners License in my hand... :D..

Glad Qkchk gave me those links.... and that I bothered to do some study on the road code... some, well, not that straightforward questions in there !!!

I think the only one i got wrong was about parking over a marked manhole cover !!!

[Rosie]

Congratulations!
Now you can go bike shopping :scooter:

[Slyer]

Good work. One thing you'll notice when you get your license back is that it will say learner regardless of what car license you have!

[Sly_guy]

Well, no one can accuse me of passing my license and not using it :D...

I decided to leave work a little earlier today (i've been doing lots of overtime) and go and have a peruse at Mt Eden Motorcycles....

Last night, I was thinking about the whole thing a lot (as you do when considering spending $$$$), and was wondering if maybe I should look at the possibility of slightly "higher" end bike than either the Scorpio or the GN250...

I've been out for a test ride on both a Kawasaki Ninja 250, and a Hyosung GT250R.. Just went for a few k's around the area, but was surprised i'd not forgotten how to ride too much.... and didn't kill myself, anyone else, or drop the bike... :D, which is a good start... :D (did leave the indicator on a couple of times tho.... it has been 10 years +)


Now, these were / are out of my price range.... and the whole fairing thing as a newbie potential "dropper" concerns me...
So, with that, and price in mind, I'm VERY very tempted to push the budget to the Hyosung GT250... I can get one for $5995 +ORC, and then spend around $800 on semi reasonable gear.

Now, I didn't actually get to test ride a GT250, (just the R), but i'm assured that the engine and the ride are virtually identical, other than hight handlebars (which again to me as a noob, is a good thing..)

Am I just being greedy ?, should I just settle for a Scorpio, or 2nd hand GN or similar while I still VERY much consider myself a newbie.


What are your thoughts for me ?,

Cheers!!!

[Slyer]

Have a look at the Honda VTR or Suzuki Bandit's.
Don't get a hyosung if you can help it...

I'm glad I bought an old cheap bike when I crashed it!

[Sly_guy]

Don't get a hyosung if you can help it...

I'm glad I bought an old cheap bike when I crashed it!

Really ? I read lots of places saying they're really good ?

The fact that it has a 2yr warranty is cool to i thought...

[Slyer]

They have a bad rep around these parts and have heard of their bad quality from plenty of places.
EG:
WkqDzeCVkX0

[Sly_guy]

Well, contrary to the above ^^^^, i've gone ahead and bought a Brand Spanker of a Hyosung GT250...

Managed to thrash out a good a deal.. I pick up tomorrow ! :D

[Dan Mapp]

good on ya, Have a fun summer

[Slyer]

Noooo what have you done?!

Enjoy it. :bleh:

[ferriswheel]

Good thing you didnt get a GN (shitty china shit)

I got my Yamaha a couple of weeks ago n I paid 3 for that onroad
only got 3 month warrenty though

[Sly_guy]

Well....

Picked up the bike about 5:30 - 6:00 ish, and have just walked in now... I did pop home very briefly to say hi to the mrs....

Have just done my first 50k's :D...

Wow.... what an experience... most emotions were thrown in there at some point... Fear, when some cock pulled out straight in front of me, as if i wasn't there (HELLLOOOO BIG FAT BLOKE ON A BIG BRIGHT FUCKING RED BIKE!). Sheer Joy as i cruised down along Kohimamara Beach front...

The first 10k or so... boy did i find things a bit awkward... struggling to feel the gear changes in the boots, forgetting to turn off the indicator, all proper newbie mistakes (i hope)..

I bought all my gear new, so I guess things will "soften" a bit with time too...

Absolutally amazed as to how quickly one can get up to 70 (ok, 90:Oops:).. I will certainly have to keep my eye on that speedo..

I've read a few threads where people were suggesting that people cosidering GT250's should look at more powerful bikes, cause they're "Gutless".. well, if i'd got more power than i currently have, I'm pretty sure i'd be under the wheels of something even quicker !!! so, I have NO concerns with the performace (and dont think I will have for a long while yet...

I need to get a bit stronger too... Pulled up at home, and we live in a subsection down a really steep hill, and had to turn the bike around to put it in to the car port.... christ... how you fellas do that shit with big bikes, i dont know (but hope to find out at some point :D)

I'm glad I went for a good ride (by my standards) tonight, just to build up my confidence a bit... I'm very concious that i've got a lot to learn, and will certainly see this as a long, on going learning process.

So, that's me.... a Biker..., with a nice shiny red bike sitting outside :scooter:

[bezajel]

Cool, enjoy your new bike :D

I love my shiny red Scorpio, it's certainly managed to get a few emotions outta me lol... though I probably don't find it as easy to slip up to 70(/90) because I'm a noob who's never driven anything faster than a bicycle before :)

[CookMySock]

Sheer Joy as i cruised down along Kohimamara Beach front...You will never forget this summer. Take your time - roll in the pleasure of it.


I'm very concious that i've got a lot to learn, and will certainly see this as a long, on going learning process.Don't be in a hurry - the thrill of learning something new will be over all too soon - spin it out over as long as you can.


So, that's me.... a Biker..., with a nice shiny red bike sitting outside :scooter:I know what you mean - it is "you" ay. It certainly is "me".


Heres looking forward to a long fine summer. :scooter:

Steve

[98tls]

Well....

Picked up the bike about 5:30 - 6:00 ish, and have just walked in now... I did pop home very briefly to say hi to the mrs....

Have just done my first 50k's :D...

Wow.... what an experience... most emotions were thrown in there at some point... Fear, when some cock pulled out straight in front of me, as if i wasn't there (HELLLOOOO BIG FAT BLOKE ON A BIG BRIGHT FUCKING RED BIKE!). Sheer Joy as i cruised down along Kohimamara Beach front...

The first 10k or so... boy did i find things a bit awkward... struggling to feel the gear changes in the boots, forgetting to turn off the indicator, all proper newbie mistakes (i hope)..

I bought all my gear new, so I guess things will "soften" a bit with time too...

Absolutally amazed as to how quickly one can get up to 70 (ok, 90:Oops:).. I will certainly have to keep my eye on that speedo..

I've read a few threads where people were suggesting that people cosidering GT250's should look at more powerful bikes, cause they're "Gutless".. well, if i'd got more power than i currently have, I'm pretty sure i'd be under the wheels of something even quicker !!! so, I have NO concerns with the performace (and dont think I will have for a long while yet...

I need to get a bit stronger too... Pulled up at home, and we live in a subsection down a really steep hill, and had to turn the bike around to put it in to the car port.... christ... how you fellas do that shit with big bikes, i dont know (but hope to find out at some point :D)

I'm glad I went for a good ride (by my standards) tonight, just to build up my confidence a bit... I'm very concious that i've got a lot to learn, and will certainly see this as a long, on going learning process.

So, that's me.... a Biker..., with a nice shiny red bike sitting outside :scooter: One of the best posts ive ever read on here.Have fun,take no notice of anyone that rubbishs a Hyo or for that matter any bike you own.Enjoy.

[Slyer]

Awesome man, how was the wind for you?

[Sly_guy]

Awesome man, how was the wind for you?

Erm... bloody windy...

I went out again yesterday... to work out my route in to town... ended up just cruising around, and at one point ended up on the motorway heading north (erm, think it was between otara and mount wellington)...
I had to keep the speed above what i'm legally supposed to be doing just to flow with the traffic (that's my excuse..) but, christ at 100k it was blustery as hell....

Might consider on of those screen things before long :)

[Slyer]

Having fairings makes it a bit easier. :D
As long as you don't go over 100 you'll be sweet, don't sweat the 70kph limit.

I can't imagine going much faster than 110ish.. must be so intense.

[Sly_guy]

I think to be honest... there was an awful lot more still there when I did hit 100...., and it didn't take long to get there either.

Still happy I didn't go for a faired bike... I personally just prefer the naked look.

The mrs needed some milk today, so I said i'd pop out... got down to the supermarket, parked up, jumped off.... started to take helmet off, and realised that i'd need something to carry the bloody stuff in :)...

[Slyer]

Duct tape, never leave home without it!

[Rosie]

Erm... bloody windy...

I went out again yesterday... to work out my route in to town... ended up just cruising around, and at one point ended up on the motorway heading north (erm, think it was between otara and mount wellington)...
I had to keep the speed above what i'm legally supposed to be doing just to flow with the traffic (that's my excuse..) but, christ at 100k it was blustery as hell....

Might consider on of those screen things before long :)

You do get used to the wind as you get more riding practise. :yes:

[Heineken]

One of the best posts ive ever read on here.Have fun,take no notice of anyone that rubbishs a Hyo or for that matter any bike you own.Enjoy.
I second that!:rockon:

[CM2005]

Good stuff fella, heapsa new bikers on here, which is mint.

[The Pastor]

Yes, but not including gear. However 6K will, so you might be better to save hard over the next month, and maybe delay another month, and then try to swing 6.5k or even 7k. 5 to 6 to 7k is right on the cusp of ordinary bike vs cool bike. The idea here is to have an awesome summer experience on a great bike, rather than have a mediocre end-of-spring experience, and a mediocre summer experience, on a fairly average bike - if you see what I mean. Spring is not that great time of year to be riding anyway. Only other advice - learn to steer with the bars.

Welcome to biking. Whatever you get you will enjoy it immensely.

Steve
my motorcycle cost $3700 Basic full gear can be bought for about 800 (helmet, pants jackets and gloves)

What are you on about bro.

[CM2005]

Yeah my GPZ cost 1000 (needed a $600 alternator) and my riding kit cost around a grand, only because of a $500 dollar lid. Rjays leather jacket was 250, spidi gloves 60,prexport boots $150 all brand new.

7 grand is p[ossible overkill, but at least you'll have decent re-sale value

[Sly_guy]

I did end up spending around a grand on gear... Got a KBC helmet, A Dryrider Jacket, erm, some boots, and some cool waterproof trousers (well, I like em!).. the only thing I think I will need to upgrade come winter is to a better pair of gloves... I've felt the cold through these ones already, so, can imagine that they will suffer in Winter !

Just done a week of riding the bike now, and I'm getting more confident.. I'm commuting about 15k each way every day, and it's straight in to the CBD, so talk about throwing myself in at the deep end :)... having to be VERY concious of other people seeing me.. but touch wood, not been hit, or fallen off yet :D.

One thing I am finding, is that my right foot seems to trail the brake a little, someone mentioned I might be able to adjust the pedal to a slightly lower position, has anyone done else done that ?, or am I just being a noob, and need to sort my shit out ! ? :D

Really enjoying it though, want to go out for a ride, just for the hell of it, this weekend, but i'm stuck working from home at the moment... Can anyone suggest any enjoyable routes (being english, that's a word i'm having to be careful how I pronounce !!!!), around the Auckland area, just for a bit of a cruise ? (i'm in Ellerslie, so would be starting from there ! :) )

[Slyer]

lol enjoyable roots.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2008-10-22&e=1673&c=1
Come to this, there's a casual group ride every wednesday night and then carpark practice to refine one's skills.
Would be good to see you there!

[Sly_guy]

I may just do that ! :)...

I've had a read, and sounds just like what I need....