First bike. How long do you own it for?

[sadza]

Hi everyone,

I'm relatively new, decided to try my hand at biking after seeing the sexy new Ninja at Big Boys Toys. I have ridden a dirt bike before about 5 years ago, but not really a road bike; so I'm not a complete newbi, but I don't have a lot of experience either. I just got my learners this afternoon ;)

Anyway on to my question... How long would you expect to own a 250 for? The reason I ask is because I would like to buy a new bike, but it doesn't make sense if I am just going to sell it rather soon (i.e. after restricted or full). I would mainly be using the bike for commuting to the city pretty much everyday and a bit of weekend riding close to home.

I'm 6ft and about 115 kgs, so would a 250 not be a great choice in the long run? I don't intend to do cross country/touring, but would like a bike that rides comfortably. I've read that the Ninja 250r is quite fiesty for a 250 and fairly comfortable even for bigger blokes.

I'm still undecided what to buy, I just like the look of the ninjas. I need to go and try out a couple first.

Any thoughts on Keeway? Or imported used bikes?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[breakaway]

Apply for an exemption on the grounds that you are too big for a 250 and get a 600. For information on how to do this, do a few searches for 'exemption'.

Also, stick to the major Japanese brands (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda etc). If you don't, you will almost certainly have trouble.

[Hitcher]

Piece of string. How long do you cut it?

[Swoop]

I'm relatively new, decided to try my hand at biking after seeing the sexy new Ninja at Big Boys Toys.
What is it with the 250 Ninja's?
One of my students has had this ingrained into her psyche... "must have"-itis.

[sadza]

I've just been reading up about exemptions, thanks for suggesting that breakaway. I didn't even consider applying for an exemption.

@Swoop: I've always wanted to get a road bike, it's kinda just been at the back of my head. The ninja looks the part and is affordable. I guess it was the combination of those factors :p

I suppose the crux of the issue is this: I can afford to buy a new 250, and I would rather only buy once. But if the consensus is that I would probably (I know you can't give definitive answers on the very little information provided) be best suited with a bigger bike 400/600 I would try just buy a cheap 250 and upgrade later.

Looking at TradeMe though, there isn't too much of a difference between getting a brand new 250 v secondhand. New being 7k and secondhand being 4 - 5 (post 1998 models).

I definitely don't know much about this subject so any advice is appreciated.

[PrincessBandit]

Hi everyone,



Anyway on to my question... How long would you expect to own a 250 for? The reason I ask is because I would like to buy a new bike, but it doesn't make sense if I am just going to sell it rather soon (i.e. after restricted or full). I would mainly be using the bike for commuting to the city pretty much everyday and a bit of weekend riding close to home.

Going by your height and weight it sounds to me too that an exemption is the way to go. Do the search as suggested, but just a sneak preview - go on "safety" issues in relation to your size vs a 250cc.

In answer to your question I've quoted, it obviously depends on lots of things - budget, different uses, your attention (read "boredom") span with one bike, physical limitations. I still have my first bike (the mighty ginny) as my husband and son have since used it to get their licences too. Besides, I'm sentimentally attached to it despite pretty much only riding my bandit now.

If money weren't an object for me I'd have a lovely wee stable, complete with a nice cruiser. (But I'm not about to cross over to the dark side yet!)

[blairh]

Looking at TradeMe though, there isn't too much of a difference between getting a brand new 250 v secondhand. New being 7k and secondhand being 4 - 5 (post 1998 models).

This was basically my choice. Buy a 2nd hand 250 for $5k - $6k, or get a brand new Ninja with a warranty for $7k... not a tough choice really!

I only weigh about 70kg, but I can get the Ninja up to 150kph when passing no worries, so I'm sure it would pull you along no worries =)

[sadza]

Thanks for all the replies...

It seems that I should just accept that I should get a 250 and sell it later. Sticking to the well known brands also seems to keep retail value up.

In regards to the exemption, would the fact that I have limited experience make much of a difference? I was sort of budgeting around 7 for a bike + gear on top. If I were to get an exception what make/models should I be looking at?

Thanks for the replies thus far. It's not an easy decision and at the moment I am car-less & bike-less; so trying not to rush into anything.

[discotex]

If you buy new you will lose a grand or two when you trade up but no biggie. Second hand you can probably sell for what you pay as they've all depreciated already.

Are you over 25 sadza? Personally I don't think an exemption is really worth the hassle if you are because you'll be able to get your full in 9 months.

[sadza]

Yeah, ideally I'd like to get a fairly new bike for that grand or so cheaper :P I see a couple of 250r's have been sold as seconds for 6. I don't like the idea of buying 4 or 5+ year old bikes for marginally less than new; but a barely used 08 model for 1k cheaper is appealing.

I'm 20 actually so I have to do the full rigmarole. Are there any other 250 alternatives to the ninja besides the hyosung? (comparable in price and being NZ new)

I have sat on a ninja 250r and the hyosung, didn't really like the more forward riding position of the hyosung on the faired version. The naked version felt a bit better and is slightly larger than the ninja. However I'd prefer to stick with a name brand & the fact that hyosungs require twice as much servicing compared with the kawas (according to Mt Eden Motorcycles).

Decisions, Decisions!

[RantyDave]

Contemplate getting a Yamaha Scorpio. They're a (very) basic first bike and substantially less shitty than a GN250. Nowhere near as much fun as a Ninja 250, or not as cool looking but it does have the advantage of preserving cash for the "real" bike a year later - I believe they are $4k+OTR.

Aha, for instance - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-188771168.htm

FWIW I started with a second hand Yamaha SR250. It was fine, and hardly depreciated at all. Don't buy a Hyosung.

Dave

[discotex]

Personally I'd go with the Ninja for peace of mind. Mt Eden sell both if I rember right so should be able to give you an idea of relative warranty issues etc.

Whichever you get it's well worth asking them to swap out the stock tyres for something better. Should be able to get a good deal on some of your gear as well. That's one of the big bonuses for buying new.

[sadza]

Thanks Dave I will check out that bike. It definitely appeals to the student within.

When buying new from a dealer, how negotiable is the price? For instance Mt Eden has the ninja at $7500 cf $7000 at some other dealers. Does a bag full of cash induce discounts like when one purchases a car?

If I go secondhand, you obviously don't get dealer discounts on gear so what is the best way to get gear in that case?

Finally, no one has mentioned anything about used Jap import bikes? I know some dealers can "source" used imports that come with 6 month warranty or something. Anyone have any experience?

And finally, very off topic: Does anyone commute to work (on a bike) where one has to wear a business suit? Is this feasible? Any tips?

[HTFU]

Spend your time sorting out an exemption, 6ft and heavy is not going to be good on the 250cc. My gpx is pefect for me at 5'9" and 75kg but wouldn't want to be any bigger.

Then get something like the Suzuki 500cc twin cylinder sports bike that was selling for $7800 new a few months ago. It has the more upright bars like the naked hyosung but is faired like the ninja.

edit - . Black or Blue
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-124400699.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-130923190.htm

[discotex]

My gpx is pefect for me at 5'9" and 75kg but wouldn't want to be any bigger.

Someone needs an HTFU pill.

I'm 6' and fit on my old ZXR250c fine. Admittedly only 80kg but still. Plenty have done it without issues on Hyosungs or Hornets.

Bike shops will negotiate for cash in hand. Probably especially now with finance harder for people to get. If they don't cut you a mean deal on the combined bike/gear then walk away and try someone else.

If you go 2nd hand then Cycletreads or Motomail are the place to go for gear. Cycletreads have more reasonable priced gear and Motomail have more top end depending on your taste. Motomail outlet shop is worth a look too. Often have great deals on old stock.

[sadza]

Thank you to everyone who has offered their thoughts. I'll have to wait until next weekend to go and test a couple of the machines mentioned.

I'll let you know the outcome.

[HTFU]

Someone needs an HTFU pill.

I'm 6' and fit on my old ZXR250c fine. Admittedly only 80kg but still. Plenty have done it without issues on Hyosungs or Hornets.




<img src="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/image.php?u=214919&dateline=1217379372" border="0" alt="" /></div>

I am sweet on my bike comfort wise, but 115kg will be pushing the limits of the suspension when cornering on most of the new 250s available ( based this on my experience with the gpx, GN and comments on KB regarding the Keeway and Yamaha cruisers).

I still think a exemption is this big mans best option and the GS500 would be the best value for money for a new, user friendly big bike.

[boman]

I am 6ft about 100kg, depending on who's scales I use. Ride a 250 bandit at the moment. Had her for about three years. Paid $4000.00 for her, sold her after I get my full in a couple of weeks for $3000.00. Never considered buying new as I new from past experience that a 250 will get too small too fast. If you can get an exemption do so. Spend your money on a 600 that will suit you for longer than a 250 will. IMHO.


:wari: :scooter: :mellow:

[vifferman]

I owned my first bike until I killed it 15 months later (t-boned a car at about 65 km/h).
It rose from the dead when the guy who bought its mangled carcase resurrected it.

[Little Miss Trouble]

Don't forget that the Ninja is a GPX in raceyer (sorry Hitcher is that a word?) clothes.

And I do just so happen to have an 07 GPX for sale...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=85319

[1 Free Man]

Thoughts from an old fart. (newbie to)
Buy a new bike. get full insurance cover on it. Most important. Ride it for the 12 months it will take you to get your full licence. Have a shit load of fun on it. Sell it and upgrade. Loose a few bucks on the deal but hey, you will never get fun and pleasure from anything for the same price.

I know I am there and doing it. $6k's worth of bike $1,000,000 worth of fun.:niceone:

[sadza]

Thanks for all the advice. Now the long wait until the weekend!

[Gubb]

With regards to the exemption:

I'm taller, and wider than all of you who have posted your stats in here. I'm also glad I didn't go down the exemption route. Personally, I think it's a good rule and it prepares you for the real world. It's the people in a hurry to buy their first litre monster that scare me the most. I think car drivers should have to go down a similar route.

Take your time, absorb as much information as you possible can, ride by yourself, and in groups. pick up tips for everyone, and see what works for you.

As for bikes, I settled on a Hyosung, purely for it's size, and I could afford to buy new. The Ninja's weren't released at that time. If I had to do it over again, I would have a Ninja. Although they are noticably smaller than the Hyosung, they tick all the right boxes, and if I can commute on it, almost anyone can.

That being said, if your after a Hyosung (with a new engine) and lots of bells and whistles let me know. Not to shit on my own pillow though, but you'd have to be brain damaged to take me up on it.

[piston broke]

absolutely agree with gubb about exemptions.
i don't think there need be any.

[ckai]

I'm with Gubb also. I'm not as big (just over 6ft and around 90kg) but I'm more than happy with my 250. In saying that an extra 25 kg would make a difference.

Since you're only 20 go with the full term and really learn something on your bike first and don't be in a hurry to jump up to the big boys. I know the extra power and speed will light your tyres but so what if you're a little slower? Work the corners and piss off the bigger bikes by keeping up with them around the twisties :)

You mentioned that you want be touring that much? Well, there's nothing better than getting in with a group of good guys and going for rides around the "block".

I brought new and I'm only going to have mine for a max of 1 year before my full. I got a good deal and guaranteed trade so I have that assurance.

But hey, digest everyone's advice. At least you'll know you heard both sides of the story.

[discotex]

+1 for the last 3 posts. The longer you stay on the 250 the better you will learn to corner. Once you get on the bigger bikes you tend to get lazy and use straight line speed.

[TOTO]

+1 on the last 4 posts.

[HTFU]

I'm with Gubb also. I'm not as big (just over 6ft and around 90kg) but I'm more than happy with my 250. In saying that an extra 25 kg would make a difference.

Work the corners and piss off the bigger bikes by keeping up with them around the twisties :)

But hey, digest everyone's advice. At least you'll know you heard both sides of the story.

Its not so much the speed its the handling that will be the issue and especially in the twisties. My bike will scrape just about everything as the suspension is just soft and even by keeping it fairly upright and hanging off it the big bumps and tight corners result in touchdowns. I do not know of any 250s with suspension that will handle 115kg.

One of my mates is that weight on a light day and his sons gsx 250 wasn't too happy about him being on it. Nothing worse than soft suspension, reckon it will limit the big boys ride more than the engine size.

Another good option other than the 500cc Suzuki would be a second hand 250 with a shock upgrade. I know you can get the Kawasaki GPX on trade me for around $4000 and a Hagon shock upgrade for the GPX is $795 and available in NZ. Good use of $5000 on a bike purchase.

Maybe the new ninja 250 has a harder spring and if that's the case buy it.

[iangee]

I'm with the guys who say not to bother with an exemption. I just applied for an exemption to excuse me from the restriction on the night time hours and what a hassle that was, they granted me an exemption with many limitations on the exemption granted, I went back and they had to re-consider. They finally came back with something that suited but they still restricted me to certain timeframes rather than just letting me ride anytime between 10pm & 5am. If they are so strict just on these hours I can't imagine what it would be like to ask to skip straight to a full license! I'm very happy with my Ninja, i've done just under 3000kms and can still scare myself on it, I'm certainly not ready for a bigger bike yet. Good things take time... Oh and the rear shock absorber does have a 5 way adjustable preload on it. Good luck!