Anyone with a bit of experience want to help a noob shop? :P

[Fenix]

Thinking of getting over to Auckland somewhere around fri/sat/sun with one of the parental units to do some shopping for a bike and some gear. Still unsure as to whether I've (my parents) got (will loan me) the money, but I'm hoping to get a chance to inspect a nice-looking pair of wheels (read: 1997 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm) and need someone who A: can drive a motorcycle and B: knows a bit about checking for damage. Also, any advice on riding gear would be muchly appreciated. Probably be getting a rental car, or bringing a minivan with us on the car ferry. (live on Waiheke Island) Anyway, if anyone has some free time and doesn't mind chapperoning a noob and his loan around the city, I'm sure I can shout some gas money and a meal or something. :yes:

[Biff]

Felix has gone and hired a van
If KBe'rs cant help then no one can

gooooooooooooooooo Kb'ers


Can you tell I failed cheer leading school?



Good luck bro - I'm sure one of the lovely people here will help.

[duckman]

I'd be more than happy to help you out fenix, but while your making your way from Waiheke to Auckland - I'll be making my way from Auckland to Waiheke for the Wine, Food and Jazz festival. Sorry :whistle:

[Fenix]

Thanks Biff Baff, I'm sure someone will. :D

Well, Duckman, do enjoy our lovely collection of wines, foods and awfull music. XP

[duckman]

Well, do enjoy our lovely collection of wines, foods and awfull music. XP

Will do.... Good luck on the bike buying :ride:

[Zapf]

Thinking of getting over to Auckland somewhere around fri/sat/sun with one of the parental units to do some shopping for a bike and some gear. Still unsure as to whether I've (my parents) got (will loan me) the money, but I'm hoping to get a chance to inspect a nice-looking pair of wheels (read: 1997 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm) and need someone who A: can drive a motorcycle and B: knows a bit about checking for damage. Also, any advice on riding gear would be muchly appreciated. Probably be getting a rental car, or bringing a minivan with us on the car ferry. (live on Waiheke Island) Anyway, if anyone has some free time and doesn't mind chapperoning a noob and his loan around the city, I'm sure I can shout some gas money and a meal or something. :yes:

Hello,
don't mind if I ask, have u got your full / restricted / learners license yet?

Zapf

[John]

Hello,
don't mind if I ask, have u got your full / restricted / learners license yet?

Zapf
yes, dont please GOD dont go for a big bike straight away, I just dont like the idea of you being wrapped around a pole man, go for a 250 or something or ignore me :P

[MSTRS]

THat bike will be death on 2 wheels for the novice rider. Which you are, I presume. Don't do it laddie. The 'right' 250 will be any amount for the time being.

[bugjuice]

can't do friday, sometime saturday (gots me a ride on, if this weather picks up), and any sunday, but like SM said, shops shut on sunday.. as an offer..

[StoneChucker]

What sort of person are you? If you're mature minded then ignore the posts saying "don't get a big bike". I don't want to start the whole topic again, but any bike can be ridden gently. It does take control though, so ask yourself seriously if you have that. It's VERY VERRRRRY hard to let boy racers hoon past you at 140, knowing you can breeze by at twice that!

And yeah, what stage are you at with your licence? Do they have similar laws and customs on Waiheke Island? Could you use that licence in NZ? :lol:

[Motu]

After having lived on Waiheke Island for 10 yrs (9yrs ago now) anything over 250 is a waste.Used to try and ''crack the ton'' (160kph) on Onetangi straight,but you are running out of road at those speeds,it'd be even worse now with more traffic.

Damn,that was always a hassle - coming to town and having to find transport,borrowing cars,getting picked up,carting everything you needed to the ferry.Glad to leave that behind.

[Big Dave]

Also, any advice on riding gear would be muchly appreciated. :yes:

Go and see Chris Hyland or one of his minions at Motomail for the gear.
They have some packages already worked out that would 'suit'.

Patrick Stafford at Auckland Motorcycles & Power Sports will give you good advice too.
bd

[Fenix]

Learner's? :P As for the maturity/responsibility, I wouldn't do something I didn't think I could handle. No chance of me doing stupid shit. And frankly, if I'm riding a 1000cc on a learner's, do I really want to draw attention to myself? The cops on Waiheke are slack, to say the least, but if I get pulled over it's already violating my license conditions, plus not riding with an L plate, plus over the speed limit (assuming that's what I did to get pulled over). So I *really* wouldn't risk it. I know it's a stupid idea to go for such a big bike so early, but this has to last me a long while. It's a "present" from the 'rents. If I went to a 250, I wouldn't be able to afford to upgrade when I get my full. If I keep my head down, I hopefully will be fine. I'm trying to sort out a deal with a mate to get a sub-250 that we can share and practice on as well, but with the understanding that he's going to buy my share of it after a few months.

Trust me, I've been working on this plan for a while, and know I'm biting off more than I should try and chew; but I'm also quite confident that I won't screw around. And my parents wouldn't buy me it if they didn't think I was responsible enough to ride it safely. :P I'm sure you're all laughing at me by now, and I have no doubt club 250 will be cracking up as they ride circles around me if I join up for any rides, but oh well. I'll live. And hell, on Waiheke I won't even need to break 70 to beat the street racers. XP I wouldn't let myself get baited in.

[Fenix]

Thanks for the advice, BD. I'll go check them out. :) "Minions". I'm liking the sound of that alreacy. >=)

StoneChucker, the law reads "If you leave us the fuck alone, we leave you the fuck alone." :P And I *think* a Waiheke license is valid in New Zealand. :| Not entirely sure. :P And yeah, I'm a total angel. :innocent: I'm overly caution about everything.

SpeedMedic, nope, not a felix; sorry! As for knowing me by site, unlikely. I don't get out much. But if you do, that'd be awesome. :) It might end up being next week at this rate so who knows. Parental unit needs a prod-start.

[Zapf]

don't you think that on the twisty roads where you live, you would be better off having something more numble ? like a 600 or a 400?

[Fenix]

I don't plan on being here long. :P Just finished high-school, I'll get what I can from the 'rents, then go to Uni in Otago or over in Auckland.

[Fenix]

Ok, ok, I should be fair. There are only about 5 cops that I know of. And they're not *active* most of the day. At almost any time if you pass the police station you can see 2 or 3 cars/trucks just sitting outside. The reason I say "slack" is because it's very rare ot hear of anyone getting a ticket. I think I've heard of more accidents than tickets from kids at highschool (boy racers). I did not intend to insult anyone, and I appologise if anyone took offence.

[Fenix]

The "God Squad"? I recognise the name, but can't put anything to it. And yeah, I know the traffic traps are from over the sea. :P Do have to be very cautious about the traffic traps. If I hear they're out on the island, I'll keep my head down, or maybe just stick to the offroads all the time. It'd be more fun anyway. I'll be very very cautious. I pwomise.

[Fenix]

Ah, yes. My dad used to own a truck/digger that he contracted with. Knew there'd be some reason. :) Well, anyway, I'll try my best to keep outta trouble, and avoid the ebil traffic trap squads. :P

[gav]

You realise no licence, no insurance?

[jrandom]

You realise no licence, no insurance?

That's always been the part that bothers me.

Just wait until Mr Fenix T-bones a Bentley...

[Midnight 82]

:ride:
I don't plan on being here long. :P Just finished high-school, I'll get what I can from the 'rents, then go to Uni in Otago or over in Auckland.

:ride: Hi Fenix, Hey no-one is laughing at you, We are all a good bunch of people here, everyone is just concerned about your saftey. It doesnt matter what we say because it sounds like you have made your mind up on this matter. We just wont the chance to meet and ride with you in the future not hear about another fatal bike crash. I ride a 1000cc but started out on 250s and worked my way up. All we are saying is you can buy a nice 250 bike with the amount this other bike will cost and then some. You being young is not the issue its the fact that you are a newb. Well good luck and welcome to the family of NZ bikes. Let us all know how and what you buy.
Take care hear from you when youre the proud owner of your new ride. :ride: :yeah: :wavey:

[Dodgyiti]

Thinking of getting over to Auckland somewhere around fri/sat/sun with one of the parental units to do some shopping for a bike and some gear. Still unsure as to whether I've (my parents) got (will loan me) the money, but I'm hoping to get a chance to inspect a nice-looking pair of wheels (read: 1997 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm) and need someone who A: can drive a motorcycle and B: knows a bit about checking for damage. Also, any advice on riding gear would be muchly appreciated. Probably be getting a rental car, or bringing a minivan with us on the car ferry. (live on Waiheke Island) Anyway, if anyone has some free time and doesn't mind chapperoning a noob and his loan around the city, I'm sure I can shout some gas money and a meal or something. :yes:

All these replies, and no one offered to help yet. :blank:
I can't really drive 2 passengers around as my car is a 2 seater in the front, and a dog kennel in the back. But I am off work at the mo [ and on crutches] so that wouldn't be a good loan incentive to your folks eh? Plus I can't ride at this time either.
BUt I do know the arse from the difibulator on a bike,
So if you are really desperate, and nobody can help yer, try me on 0212112511 for friday only
Mike

[Fenix]

You realise no licence, no insurance?

I'll get it insured under Mum's name. :innocent:

[jrandom]

I'll get it insured under Mum's name. :innocent:

She's happy to pretend to be the rider for insurance claims? That's all good when you chuck the bike down the road and nobody's watching, but what happens when our hypothetical Bentley-driving third party that you run into gets YOUR name as the rider and raises a stink?

Ah, well, so long as you know the risks, and the fact that if you put in a fraudulent claim you may well get rooted when it comes to getting future insurance policies of your own.

Not My Problem (tm). Have fun on your FahrtStürm...

[marty]

but if you haven't got a licence, and you crash it - it won't matter whose name it's insured under, unless mum takes the *fall*

[jrandom]

but if you haven't got a licence, and you crash it - it won't matter whose name it's insured under, unless mum takes the *fall*

That's what I was talking about in my post just before yours, there. I'm assuming his mum is agreeing to take the 'fall'.

But even *that* won't save Fenix if there's a third party involved that identifies HIM as the rider.

[Edit: As has been pointed out now, mum will need a full bike (class 6) licence. If she doesn't have one, she won't be able to insure the bike, either. But I'm sure that nobody would be dumb enough to think otherwise. Right?]

[XTC]

So has mum got a bike licence??. Why can't she ride the bike you are thinking of buying then?? If you were being sensible and looking to buy a bike you can handle and legally ride i'm sure more people here would offer their help.

[Fenix]

Wow. Thanks for the positive attitudes. I know the risks, and I don't intend on crashing. If I do, *I* will pay for my own stupidity out of my own pocket. But since I seem to have caught a handfull of people on their periods, I'll go back to lurking. Attitude adjustment is in order.

[jrandom]

*flounce*

*plonk* 1. The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

[Motu]

No worries mate :cool:

They sitin around cause theres not a lot of crime on the island.
Except at night when they get the odd disturbing the peace etc.
They average 4-5 arrests per week.. mostly for small time stuff.
Whenever theres anything decent going down, the boys come across from town anyway. Armed Offenders for the P lab thing a while back, and STU (Strategic Traffic Unit) whenever theres a traffic blitz... that you will need to be careful of!!! When theres checkpoints on the island it is NOT usually the local guys.. they are from town and are on a mission to "do those banjo playin islanders" We even took the God Squad over a few weeks ago.. they had a field day.

When I lived there the cops hated a Waiheke posting,although they all enjoyed it there,the workload was just too much and they all left as soon as they could.(one,um...disapeared,a hush hush scandle) Crime was so bad locals started a vigalantie group called the Night Owls who patroled the streets at night and called the cops if they found any baddies - of course the cops would turn up late and the kids would just laugh at the Night Owls and run away.This prompted a breakaway vigalanty group (Night Eagles I think) who carried sticks and weren't afraid to use them.One of the original cops who was there in the early 80s had a lot of commmunity respect - he would go down to Kennedy Point and stop the barge with a bike gang on board,tell it to turn around,they weren't allowd on his Island.Out of uniform he would give out his own punishments.One day I asked a guy ''what happened to your dog?'' 'P*****r shot him,it's not often he misses'

It must be paradise over there now if the cops have nothing to do...

[jrandom]

When I lived there the cops hated a Waiheke posting... It must be paradise over there now if the cops have nothing to do...

Probably is, yeah. Seems that all the properly dodgy sorts have moved to the Barrier.

Mrs Random's dad has been bumming around on Waiheke for about 20 years, now, but I don't think he'll be there terribly much longer. It's gone all posh.

[Zapf]

how about you buy me an R1 or a Honda SP1 and I'll lend you a 250, and we'll swap when you get your full license? I promise I'll look after it like my baby. :lol:

[loosebruce]

Hey Fenix, like i offered before, i'll help ya look at the Strom, i know whats what, but one of my hands is too bung to ride the thing, but i can give a fairly good run down on it with out riding it. I'm free all weekend so you can either PM or call me 021 2236081.

Dont get too angus at the guys on here as they are generally concerned, i dont recall you saying you been blasting round on dirt bikes half your life or have some real riding experience as it would be a different story then, but this site has some wicked people on it and when you need help or someone to ride with you'll always find it here, there's no attitude here just concern there's enough statistics as it is. A bike of that nature 1000cc Vtwin is VERY easy to ride but in saying that VERY easy to fuck up on, they pick up speed amazingly easy and one of the easiest way people new to big bikes crash is they just don't realize how fast they are going, some well come out of a corner start braking when they noramlly do on there 250 and wonder why they dont make the corner and crash as they were going 50-60kph quicker on the 1000cc and didn't notice, the big twins are very effortless in the speed department, believe me i know.

Good to see you dont plan on crashing, but hey, neither did I, or half or pretty much all the guys n gals on this site, shit happens bro, might not be your fault but when some clown runs a red or pulls a U turn in front of ya and you grab too much front brake, it happens all the time and it's very real. In all fairness if you buy a bike, EXPECT to crash, simple as that.
Insurance, fuck it man, forget about it, like the guys have said, has your mum got a full bike licence??? And is she willing to lie (fraud) for you.

I'm not saying your're making a bad move, it's a risky move and quite ambitous, it seems you have a reasonably sensible head on your shoulders and i'm more than happy to lend you a hand, but i hope, no i really hope that you are planning on buying top quality riding gear to go with the bike, not just a jacket helmet and gloves, coz that just dosen't cut the mustard when you hit the road, pants and boots are just as important. There are some really good deals going on gear at the moment and i'd be more than happy to point these out for you too.

All the best Fenix, if i dont get to meet ya take it easy bro. See you on the road :cool2:

[Dodgyiti]

So the only 2 offering help are too gammy to ride :thud: :thud:
:lol:

[jrandom]

Excellent post Brucey.

Hey, Fenix, you reckon you can't afford a big bike after you get your full, if you buy a two fiddy now?

Let's look at that, carefully.

Say the price of a nice minty second-hand VTR1000 is about ten grand. There are some going for less, and they're 14K new, you get the idea. Whatever. So that's how much dosh you got, say.

So, let's say you're under 25. It'll take 18 months to do your time on learners and restricted, if you do an 'approved course' thingy.

So you take your 10 grand, spend $1,500 of it on a reliable old dunger, GN250, maybe an FXR150, good bikes those. You should get $1000 for it when you sell it 18 months later.

In the meantime, your $8.5K left sitting at the bank on term deposit at 6% has turned into $9200 or so, and there'll be a VTR on sale somewhere at THAT price by then, guaranteed. Go buy it, insure it and ride it legally. Sell the two fiddy at your leisure.

What do you lose? Nothing.

That's the safe option. The people here aren't being prats, they're giving you good advice. If you choose to go and illegally ride a 100hp litre twin as a first bike, nobody will be nasty about it, this isn't Kiwi Saints Online, but now's the time when you're still making the decision and are presumably open to and able to use the advice, yes?

So what's your real reason for wanting to buy the VTR now? Because you think your balls will shrink if you don't have a shiny plastic rocket immediately, and with only $10K or so you can't afford a ZXR or CBR250 and then upgrade straight after that? Not such terribly good logic, really.

But then again, there's no certainty that anything bad will happen. In fact, there's a better than even chance that you'll have heaps of fun and come to no harm. So, pay ya money and take ya choice...

[Zapf]

and plus.... tires for a 250 generally runs around the 3xx dollars mark. And a set of tires for the big bikes are like 5xx dollars / set.

Gas wise, a 250 will generally do around 200~250km's per 10~12 dollar fuel up. Where as I hear the VTR's are very thirsty, like 150~180km's per 20+ dollar fuel up.

So with that in mind in terms of running cost, would you be happy running it for the long term?

[Fenix]

But the thing is, I've got $0 in the bank. This is a one-off present from the 'rents. And yes, I do intend to get full gear. Helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves, CE armour, and *fingers crossed* something like a Scorpio SR500i alarm. All this will be a one-off thing from the 'rents, and I can't cut a deal for cash. My parents don't like giving me cash, because I invariably end up spending it. :P

I can get a 250cc, but if I do, I'm stuck with it indefinitly. And I might be moving to the states before 18 months, or moving to university, in either case I won't be *able* to afford a bigger bike myself cause I'll be dealing with my horrendous internet bill, power bill, food bill and rental bill. :| If I could do it any other way, I would, but this is how it's looking.

So yeah, I can blow a few grand of my parents' money now, and get a bike that will last me for a long time, or I can blow 1 or 2, get something that's legal *right now* and that I'll out-grow in a matter of months. It would've been nice to get the benifit of the doubt though.

[Waylander]

Then just go for the 250 for a while just make sure its a good one though you might want to wait till you get to the states if your goin shipping fees from there to here arnt good so it cant be good goin the other way. (unless you get a lucky break:sweatdrop )

[FROSTY]

But the thing is, I've got $0 in the bank. This is a one-off present from the 'rents. And yes, I do intend to get full gear. Helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves, CE armour, and *fingers crossed* something like a Scorpio SR500i alarm. All this will be a one-off thing from the 'rents, and I can't cut a deal for cash. My parents don't like giving me cash, because I invariably end up spending it. :P
. It would've been nice to get the benifit of the doubt though.
Dude then get yaself a brand new Aprillia 250 stroker.
When ya get off the island trade it in on a second hand GSXR or vtwin
You'll have a shit load of fun and they're legal for ya to ride

[loosebruce]

So yeah, I can blow a few grand of my parents' money now, and get a bike that will last me for a long time, or I can blow 1 or 2, get something that's legal *right now* and that I'll out-grow in a matter of months. It would've been nice to get the benifit of the doubt though.

Dont be thinkin theres anything wrong with a 250cc man, 1 or 2 grand, well you could buy a 96 repsol NSR250SP for $8000 if you wanna, and if you "out grow" that bike in 18 months i reckon you should be talking to a race team.

250cc are not slow, it's all in the hips, um corners i mean. I love riding 250cc's man, most fun i have is on a 250cc the only reason the TL1000S gets the nod from me more often is it's abilty to loft the front with ease.

Just outta curiousity have you ever ridden or been passenger on a large capicity bike, i'd take ya for a 30min blat on the back of the TL if i was fit to ride (and the bike was for that matter) i think it would open your eyes a bit more towards large cc bikes.
You could always PM Death INC and see if he'd be upto giving you an intro into bigger bikes :rolleyes:

:niceone:

[Fenix]

I'm honestly not that interested in speed. I want something big for touring. If we move back to the states, I want to be able to have a nice leisurely ride around the country. And quite possibly with a friend of mine on the back. You can get 250ccs that are fast and powerfull, sure. But a 250 that'll take two passengers, comfortably, over a long distance? I can't quite afford a Goldwing, otherwise I would pick one of them. >.> Anyway, I appreciate all the constructive criticism, and I will take it into consideration.

[ZX12R Hoon]

Theres a lot of psychology in this as well. I've seen lots of guys who thought that they were good enough to go straight for a big bike and in the end their riding is badly affected. They are normally the ones you don't want to ride with.
It's about confidence. You get a few scares, let the thing fall over at a stop sign, mayby have an off or two and your confidence gets so badly knocked that they never really get over it. On the other hand, if you buy something you can handle and take the time to build up your confidence the end result is a better rider.
Riding is "in the head". Get that right and the rest is all good.

[Motu]

Probably is, yeah. Seems that all the properly dodgy sorts have moved to the Barrier.

Mrs Random's dad has been bumming around on Waiheke for about 20 years, now, but I don't think he'll be there terribly much longer. It's gone all posh.

Oh,him ''poor bugger,he's going to be jrandom's father in law some day'' we used to say...it was kinda sad in a way.Back then the cops wasted a lot of time keeping track of some guy all in black leathers and black helmet,beard and pony tail who rode around on everything from a lime green step through,various dirt bikes to a black XS1 and green GT750...all with the same plate.A big sigh of relief when he left for Auckland....

[loosebruce]

I'm honestly not that interested in speed. I want something big for touring. If we move back to the states, I want to be able to have a nice leisurely ride around the country. And quite possibly with a friend of mine on the back. You can get 250ccs that are fast and powerfull, sure. But a 250 that'll take two passengers, comfortably, over a long distance? I can't quite afford a Goldwing, otherwise I would pick one of them. >.> Anyway, I appreciate all the constructive criticism, and I will take it into consideration.

Fair enough man, but you'd find that it'd be better to buy a 250cc in NZ, learn the right skills and gain confidence as ZX12R Hoon mentioned then sell it before going overseas and buying ya big bike over in the states, which would proberly work out cheaper. 250cc bikes dont lose alot of value if you get a good one, as peeps on learners and restricted's are always wanting them, hell you could even make money on the right deal, some 250cc prices are insane, but deals are out there.

Goldwing huh :ar15: no swearing under these forums matey

[Waylander]

I'm honestly not that interested in speed. I want something big for touring. If we move back to the states, I want to be able to have a nice leisurely ride around the country. And quite possibly with a friend of mine on the back. You can get 250ccs that are fast and powerfull, sure. But a 250 that'll take two passengers, comfortably, over a long distance? I can't quite afford a Goldwing, otherwise I would pick one of them. >.> Anyway, I appreciate all the constructive criticism, and I will take it into consideration.
Back to the states?? You mean im not the only ex-american oin this site? oh thank the gods!!! Anyway, what part of the states did you live in before?

[dhunt]

I'm honestly not that interested in speed. I want something big for touring. If we move back to the states, I want to be able to have a nice leisurely ride around the country. And quite possibly with a friend of mine on the back. You can get 250ccs that are fast and powerfull, sure. But a 250 that'll take two passengers, comfortably, over a long distance? I can't quite afford a Goldwing, otherwise I would pick one of them. >.> Anyway, I appreciate all the constructive criticism, and I will take it into consideration.
Just curious what do your parents think??? Have you talked to them about this license dilema? Wouldn't they be more keen in keeping you alive and kicking on a smaller bike for the time being and help you upgrade at a later state when you are ready to move on?? I'm betting this will be the cheaper option in terms of the you and the bike staying out of "hospital". Have you got any experience at all on bikes of any discription????

[mouldy]

ok dude vtrs are ok because the are not the last word in horsepwer easy to ride and pussycats down low and they are hondas, if you need riding gear head over to Barrys Point Rd in Takapuna and check out the new Cycletreads and also Cyclespot for vtrs.

[Fenix]

Back to the states?? You mean im not the only ex-american oin this site? oh thank the gods!!! Anyway, what part of the states did you live in before?

I'm not actually *from* the states, but I went over there a while. :P I'm a "Naturalised" American Citizen (dual! American and Kiwi at the same time. ;)) because mum's american and she happened to take us to the consulate at the right time and they were pushing to offer dual citizenship for some reason. So yeah, I fly on a US passport. Only cause it looks cooler. >.> I have family over in Tombstone, AZ. Nanna's getting old, so mum's thinking about moving to Arizona some time in the next few years. And, well, hot isn't my thing, so I'd probably split for more sympathetic climates. And snow... And snowboarding...

[Waylander]

I'm not actually *from* the states, but I went over there a while. :P I'm a "Naturalised" American Citizen (dual! American and Kiwi at the same time. ;)) because mum's american and she happened to take us to the consulate at the right time and they were pushing to offer dual citizenship for some reason. So yeah, I fly on a US passport. Only cause it looks cooler. >.> I have family over in Tombstone, AZ. Nanna's getting old, so mum's thinking about moving (http://searchmiracle.com/text/search.php?qq=Moving) to Arizona some time in the next few years. And, well, hot isn't my thing, so I'd probably split for more sympathetic climates. And snow... And snowboarding...
Northern ariozona isnt bad, not to many univeristies up that way though, might try colorado or utah (beware the mormons PT) some good ones there with plenty of moutain roads for a bike and snowboarding ect.ect.

[Fenix]

My Dad is too busy on his yacht to care about anything I do. :P But my mum is ok with me getting a thou, she thinks I'm responsible enough to not do anything idiotic on it. I've had a bit of experience on quads and farm bikes, a long while back, but nothing recent. I figure if I very slowly start from the start on a big bike, I won't be used to a 250 and take a corner faster than I expect or something, because I'll be used to a thou.

Re:Mouldy, yes, that's also what I've read. The reviews I read kept on calling it "tame" and "boring". :rolleyes: Sounds exactly what I want.

As for where in the US, the idea goes "Front tyre on road, rear tyre on road, accelerate, don't stop for anything but gas, food and sleep untill I've found somewhere I like". We've only seen the western states, a bit of Canada and Alaska so far, so I've still ot 20-odd states to visit. :D

[Waylander]

If your looking for a good size bike thats good for a nice cruise around the country you might think about a yamaha roadstar, Fairly decent bikes those if a bit on the heavy side, or maybe a honda shadow (dont know what the NZ name is) is another good one thats not as heavy as the roadstar.

[GixerBoy]

Re:Mouldy, yes, that's also what I've read. The reviews I read kept on calling it "tame" and "boring". :rolleyes: Sounds exactly what I want.


I am quite new to riding about 2-3 years and had no pryor experience.I now ride a Gixxer thou :Punk: but i started out on a fxr150 which was a cool bike to learn on,then went to a 250 for something bigger and then a gixxer 7fiddy. Each bike i learnt heaps on and if i had gone straight to my thou i would have dropped it or hit something by now. They say tame and boring but these are guys who have ridden alsorts of bikes and have been riding for years, to a new rider they would be very impressive.
There are alot of skills to learn on bikes so it is better to start with something that is a bit easier to control.
Have fun and take care with what ever bike you get :niceone:

[jrandom]

Anyone who calls a VTR1000 tame and boring is fulla shit, or has just stepped off a GSXR1000 or 10R.

And sorry, Fenix, but you ain't got a clue what you're talking about if you want to buy one to 'tour around on'.

I'm starting to think that you're just a spoiled idiot who's absorbed too much nonsense from the American bike forums.

[XTC]

Anyone who calls a VTR1000 tame and boring is fulla shit, or has just stepped off a GSXR1000 or 10R.

And sorry, Fenix, but you ain't got a clue what you're talking about if you want to buy one to 'tour around on'.

I'm starting to think that you're just a spoiled idiot who's absorbed too much nonsense from the American bike forums.
Jeez bro don't hold back..... :laugh:
Let him have it!!! :laugh:

[Waylander]

Anyone who calls a VTR1000 tame and boring is fulla shit, or has just stepped off a GSXR1000 or 10R.

And sorry, Fenix, but you ain't got a clue what you're talking about if you want to buy one to 'tour around on'.

I'm starting to think that you're just a spoiled idiot who's absorbed (http://searchmiracle.com/text/search.php?qq=Bed) too much nonsense from the American bike forums.
umm............ ok whatever.

[Fenix]

Anyone who calls a VTR1000 tame and boring is fulla shit, or has just stepped off a GSXR1000 or 10R.

And sorry, Fenix, but you ain't got a clue what you're talking about if you want to buy one to 'tour around on'.

I'm starting to think that you're just a spoiled idiot who's absorbed too much nonsense from the American bike forums.

Tame and boring compared to other big twins, i.e. the TL1000. And this isn't a VTR1000R model either. Also, the VTR1000 is meant to be very comfortable and powerfull enough to carry two people with plenty of grunt to spare. It also drinks gas like water, but that's not really an issue.

I'm starting to wonder if your mother and sister are the same person. -.- Seriously, I haven't even read an American forum. I am spoilt. I don't think I'm an idiot. And I think you need a serious attitude adjustment. Thanks for the help. Not. :eyepoke:


Thank you some for the constructive criticism, and for others "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all" could come in very handy for you. :2thumbsup

I didn't actually intend to start shit with anyone, and I appologise, I guess I just got a few people's soft spots. Meh.

[Fenix]

I think I'll keep out of this from now on. If a mod happens to look at what is rapidly becoming a flame war, would they please do the honours and lock or delete it? To those that offered help, thank you very much for your offers; to those that offered usefull information, thank you very much; to those that offered what could only be described as flame, go burn someone who cares. :Pokey: Anyway, I'll get in touch with the people who offered their help and make some arangements, but at this rate probably not this weekend. With all the reasonable comments about looking at a lower powered bike, I'm going to re-check my past 2 months of research to see if I can find a compromise. *sigh* Oh well. :thud:

[loosebruce]

Tame and boring compared to other big twins, i.e. the TL1000.

Fucken aye :ar15:

Yeah ya have seemed to hit a few soft spots, wouldn't worry too much not that you are, there's a lot worse than you out there thats for sure :yeah: .
Seems you are thinking the right way though, you're not an idiot by any means.

Just a Q, are you pretty set on a VTR? Or are you open to ideas on other suitable bikes that meet your requirments (sp)? Say do you want a sport bike or would ya look at a cruiser. going by you saying eh you would like a Gol#$%^g. You'd find a good cruiser style bike for around the same money and it wouldn't be chewing up tyres/gas/chains etc as bad as a more sports orientated bike, it'd be a sheetload more comfy for you and a passenger over distance and be alot more user friendly to ride with your experience.
Let me know man, and i'll even have a look around for you and let you know what i come up with, hell i just sit at home all day at the moment so it'll give me something to do. :2thumbsup

[loosebruce]

I think I'll keep out of this from now on. If a mod happens to look at what is rapidly becoming a flame war, would they please do the honours and lock or delete it?

BTW this aint no flame war bro, oh no, no where near, start slagging off the police is a good place to start, or join in on the Public Image of NZ Police thread, batter up :ar15:

[Fenix]

Damn. I like the police. *frowns* Oh well.

As for the VTR thing, I'm not set on anything. The only reasons I was looking at the VTR in particular were I found a 1997 model in my pricerange, and they aren't a hardout street racer/supersport/so on; whereas most other bikes in my price range were around 1990. I'd prefer a later model most of all. And as for cruisers, I admit, I'm completly superficial. I love fairings. Eye-candy. The Gold-thing comment was actually a bit of a joke. :P The other bikes I've seen in my price bracket are early 90s CBR250s, a handfull of assorted early 90s kwakas, a handfull of FXRs, a few early 90s GSXR-750s and a thou, the VTR, a 96 Honda CB750FM (from memory), and a very dodgey looking 2002 kwaka that was about $12000 BELOW what it should have been selling for.

The premium on 250cc bikes is insane. For the same amount of money, and the same year, probably similar milage, I could get either a CBR250RR or a GSXR1100. That just doesn't seem right to me.

[XTC]

250cc sports bikes hold their price due to supply and demand. Everybody not only wants one but has to have one for licence issues.... The GN250 is $2995 new and an excellent learner machine that will do most things including longer trips. Just the young boys don't want them as they think it will make thier dicks 2" shorter... Don't worry I was the same!

[jrandom]

I haven't even read an American forum. I am spoilt. I don't think I'm an idiot.

True. Your responses redeem you. You're not an idiot...


And I think you need a serious attitude adjustment.

Yesterday was a Grumpier Than Usual day.


I didn't actually intend to start shit with anyone, and I appologise...

Jeez, you're too nice!

Aw, hell, just buy the damn Firestorm already. Who's selling it? A private sale? Get your mum to spring for a full pre-purchase mechanical check at Mt Eden MC. You might have to book a week or so in advance. It should cost about $60. That'll give you more peace of mind that anyone here could.

Do you have your 6L licence yet?

[Dodgyiti]

So what is your price range?

VTR1000 eh? :spudwhat:

To be honest, you can tootle around on one 'cause of the torque, same as me commuting on the CBR- revs under 3 grand and you would swear it was a 2fiddy. :cool:

[Mr Skid]

To be honest, you can tootle around on one 'cause of the torque, same as me commuting on the CBR- revs under 3 grand and you would swear it was a 2fiddy. :cool:

I seem to remember you recounting to me how you accidentally wheelied your cbr thou past your boss with the back wheel skidding. :shifty:

2fiddy my arse! :Pokey:

[Fenix]

My price range is somewhere around the $4-$6.5 range for the bike, and another $1-$1.5 on kit and gear. But I'm back-at-the-drawing-board at the moment, will re-enquire after I've come up with a new (or refurbished) plan.

[Two Smoker]

My price range is somewhere around the $4-$6.5 range for the bike, and another $1-$1.5 on kit and gear. But I'm back-at-the-drawing-board at the moment, will re-enquire after I've come up with a new (or refurbished) plan.

If you want to have a yarn aobut bikes, im working on Waiheke at the moment... (Big B Cartage) I know a fair bit about riding bikes, and racing them... i also know what are the pluses and minuses of having a big bike are and a small bike....

My little RG150 can still do a good 130-140kmh with a pillion (this pillion being 6 foot 5 and weighing 95kgs, and im 6 foot and weigh 75kgs...)

Shoot us a PM if your keen...

[Motu]

If you want to have a yarn aobut bikes, im working on Waiheke at the moment... (Big B Cartage)

Lovich's still own Big B? Them wuz the days,the mayhem at Half Moon Bay and Kennedy Point...

[Two Smoker]

Lovich's still own Big B? Them wuz the days,the mayhem at Half Moon Bay and Kennedy Point...

Umm not sure??? But there is still mayhem hehehehe