Noob info please

[Gregori]

Hiya peoples.

I was recommended this forum from some friends. I'm a bit (ok, a lot) confused about all the stuff here, so I thought I'd ask...

I've only ever ridden a bike once before - yeah sad but true, and I'm going through a mid-life crisis after having broken up with my ex.

My brother recommends me getting a cheapo 250 to practice on, but ultimately i want something bigger, perhaps a 750 or 900 or thereabouts, to use for commuting around town and also to make an occasional run to Auckland and back here to Napier.

What's the recommended price range for a 2nd hand machine? What make and model is good? I'll have around 10 grand to spend after I've bought the 250.

Also, where in Napier should I go to to get the clothing kit, eg boots, helmet etc. I already have a solid jacket.

More also's... if I want to buy a second helmet for a potential girlfriend, what size should I buy?

More also's... is there a bike club here in Napier?

Thanks for any help.

Greg

[Nasty]

hi Gregori ...

Being in napier is a really good thing ... I would take time to have a look at:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=46301

or if you are looking for someone to chat to mentors:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=99
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/mentors.php?do=list

This guy is in your area drop him a PM
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=1844

Cheers and enjoy the site.

[MIXONE]

Just three quick bits of advice from me.
1.Try out as many bikes as you can and buy the one that "fits"
2.Don't be in a hurry to buy a 750/900 as they tend to be a little powerful for new riders.Do it in stages.
3.Don't buy a second hand helmet!!!!!!

[yungatart]

Hi Greg
Welcome to the site.
Kbers usually meet at 1.30 pm on a Saturday at BP Taradale Rd in Napier for a ride.
Take it slowly geting that big bike...our rides are learner friendly and we don't tolerate dick head behaviour.
Find a bike that fits you, if you want one checked out PM Mstrs or one of the other guys in HB, they will go with you, if you like
Do you have a licence yet?

[spookytooth]

Best to take the girl freind along to get a lid that fits,plus if you choose it for her it will be the wrong colour

[Gregori]

Thanks tons for your responses.

LMAO @ Spooky's advice!

Ta heaps for the welcomes.

I don't have a licence yet... didn't know I even needed one! *groan*

Is Ocean Beach a good place to practice? And do I need a licence to ride there?

[varminter]

If you get a cheap secondhand helmet for a girlfriend, choose one with the same size head (girlfriend that is), a simple template of cardboard will suffice, be sure to check the size before asking for a date, breaks the ice at parties:done:

[Howsie]

Hi Greg, welcome to the site and good on you for wanting to get a bike.

Im in the same position as you, first time owning a bike, etc etc

As you can see i have the new Kawasaki 250R which i find an absolutely terrific machine, enough get up and go for a newbie like me.

I am originally from Napier myself and will be heading down there early next month on the bike. I cannot recommend any shops at the moment but practice places could be the firmans marine carpark on Tamatea Drive, carparks galore at Park Island, (just not early weekend mornings due to sport, also mind the trees and the odd soccer boot lol) basically anywhere you know that has a large area with no cars.

Yes you need a Class 6 licence (motorbike) for anything over 50cc. Learners is easy, sit your Basic Handling Skills Test (if you can ride a bicycle or a scooter without falling off you will be fine) then once passed, play scratch and win at the AA for the theory test.:headbang:

I echo the advice before in saying dont be too eager to get a bigger bike, especially as you have very little riding experience. Learn to use everything the 250 has got to give before you upgrade.

250 second hand prices are inflated due to so many more people getting a bike. Shop around, haggle and decide on what type of bike you want, sports or cruiser.

If you would like to know how the ride from Auckland to Napier will be like on a two fiddy, PM and ill catch up with you when im down in Feb :)

[Ixion]

Thanks tons for your responses.

LMAO @ Spooky's advice!

Ta heaps for the welcomes.

I don't have a licence yet... didn't know I even needed one! *groan*

Is Ocean Beach a good place to practice? And do I need a licence to ride there?

Do remember that the size of machine that you may legally ride is determined by the licence you hold.

For 18 months or so (there are ways to perhaps reduce it to 12 , but no less), you are restricted to 250cc.

A class 6 licence (ie not a car one) is required to ride on any NZ road or beach.

[Subike]

Also the girlfriend has to walk
you can not carry a pillion passenger on a resticted licence

[Disrespective]

For 18 months or so (there are ways to perhaps reduce it to 12 , but no less), you are restricted to 250cc.I thought that if he's over 25, as i suspect he is, you can get a full licence in as little as 9 months. 6 Months between Learners and restricted and then 3 more between restricted and full if he sits an approved course. I'm not saying that he should do it that fast. (i'm in the same situation almost) Just that it can be done that fast. http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/28.html is a good link to check for such things.

[ynot slow]

Gear is a must get first,buy that first,then a bike.Too many buy a bike and a 250 for say $5000 plus and have zilch for safety gear.

Also maybe grab an off road type bike to learn on,say XR,DR,TTR 250,usually cheaper for same aged road bike,once licence is got,you can pootle offroad,beach areas and hone the skills.

You will pick up a good off road bike cheaper than a road one for similar age,and bloody good fun.Then when the full licence is got you have option of keeping it and getting a road bike.

Used to work with a guy who bought a Hyosung 250 new,complete with gear and cost him $8500,said what are you doing when you get full as he was 21yr old,he said sell it for a 750 or so.I said you should've grabbed an offroad bike second hand and upgrade losing less money.