Getting back in the saddle

[pixc]

OK...give me some ideas..please. I had a doosie of an accident last year. Ive been back in the saddle for 9 months, riding gpz600, then gsx600. My leg is being 'reconstructed' atm and have lost alot of strength. A month ago I dropped my gsx whilst stationary. At that point I realized 200kg bike was just too much for me at the moment.
Ive decided that maybe I should go back to 250cc to get my confidence back and complete my license. Its going to frustrate the hell out of me 'stepping down' but im feeling that thats what I need to do. I know this question has been asked a million times, but what bike do you think might make it less painful stepping down? I'm thinking cbr250 or zxr250. both light and it seems alot of people think they are the stongest of the 250's.

Im guessing that within 6 months I will be soo frustrated with the wee bike that it will get my A into G and motivate me to get my full license, at the same time get my confidence back. Am I wasting my money? What other bikes would suit this job? I prefer the sport/tourer bikes. Ive found that with a bad back, the sport bikes are very comfy to ride.

[Goblin]

Awesome to see you're back in the saddle after such a horrific crash! Stoked for ya! Either 250 would be a good choice but have you thought about something like a Aprilia 250? They're farken fast and light as.
All the best with the reconstruction, I hope you dont have anymore problems.

[pixc]

Aprilia is probably a little too much money I want to spend on a ring-in. Reconstruction seems to be going good. Phase one is over. Ive got a great plastic surgeon. It really is amazing what they can do...even if I do feel abit like Raggity Anne. Grace hospital in Oropi, TGA..THEY HAVE WINE AND BEER ON THE MENU!

[nodrog]

tauranga is full of good bike shops, i suggest that you take a wander around and shit on a multitude of different bikes, move them around, and get a feel for them, and not just 250's. its not about the weight of the bike, its about how well it is balanced. a poorly balanced 160kg bike is going to be more of a pain in the arse than a well balanced 200kg bike.

eg, a ZX14 can be pushed around like a lightweight bike because it is very well balanced and carries its weight low.

dont just think because a bike is a 250, that it will instantly make life easier.

[Goblin]

That's great! Way better than public horsepiddle eh.

After looking for a 250 for my daughter to learn on I'm shocked at the prices of 250s. They're all stupid expensive! CBR or ZXR would be the better of the 250s but still a big step down off a 600. Then again, time will get you used to it. I went from a ZZR1100 to a CBR600 and thought it was the most gutless thing ever! But I got used to it again.

[pixc]

i suggest that you take a wander around and shit on a multitude of different bikes

Your right, I need to try on a few different bikes..but shitting on them just isnt my style


dont just think because a bike is a 250, that it will instantly make life easier.

Im not thinking that a 250 will make live instantly easier, but it will make me legal.

[nodrog]

Your right, I need to try on a few different bikes..but shitting on them just isnt my style .

it will get you some attention in the shop though :yes:

[kave]

What about a Suzuki SG350 Goose? They handle like they are on rails, have enough power to do the ton, have a really low seat height, are lighter than most 250's and you get a lot more for your dollar, as they are hugely underpriced because no-one wants to get a 350 after getting their full. I just sold mine because it wasn't going to be suitable for long distance 2-up touring, but I really miss it.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-177688888.htm

http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/View/Used/SUZUKI-SG350-Goose-2003/16539.aspx?N=4294967251+0&No=180&Nf=P_Capacity%7cBTWN+250+400%7c

[madbikeboy]

Sorry to hear about your dramas...

Okay, if I were in your position, I'd want something friendly, and light, and something non-threatening. I'd steer clear of strokers, they're fun, but they're like a grenade rolling around on the floor while you've still got the pin in your hand (and this is coming from someone who has owned a few, soooo...).

I'd steer clear of 250's, they're way expensive for what you recieve.

I'd buy a CBR400rr (really cute, fun noise, and they're little and light, and miniature Fireblades, and they're so reliable). Or I'd buy a VFR400, again, same as above, plus they have a single sided swingarm if you buy the right year, and I think it's a great looking bike.

They're both very rideable, and they're also reasonably priced, plus if you look around, you can find a real mint one.

Do the rehab on your leg correctly, I didn't and I'm paying the price now... :done: