My first bike?

[Vorno]

Hello guys, im new to this forum!

I am busy deciding on what I should be getting, whether or not it should be a new bike and of course what type of bike to aim for!

I am looking at the $2000 to $3700 mark (approx).

I have been deciding between the Suzuki GN125, Keeway Speed 150, Lifan GS Sport 200 and the Suzuki FXR 150 (although I cannot find any new ones for the FXR!)

I do not intend to use the bike on the motorway, just for local transport and I will be grateful for any information which you guys can provide for me!
Whether it is a suggestion for one of these bikes, or perhaps another bike? Really, any help would be great!

Many Thanks!!!
*(eagerly awaits replies)*

[cheshirecat]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Can't really offer any advice on which of the above but no doubt replies will be coming in. My own feeling is to least try each one. The other is that we tend to move through bikes quite a bit (my current model excluded) so whatever you end up with you may only keep it for a year before moving on. Just get one that looks standard, clean and not mucked around with.
Oh and it seems to be a buyers market now so haggle - cash is king.

Good luck

[Grizzo]

Welcome Vorno.

Personally, I would go for the Suzukis as I'm not to familiar with the Keeway or Lifan, and dont forget to leave some funds for some gear if you aint already.

[Slyer]

I would say the FXR is the best bet.

[psycho22]

Yeh either of the Suzukis I would say to.

My mums just got a GN250 and for just cruising round town they are great.

[Macros]

I personally would stay with a known brand. The Lifan and Keeway being chinese have a poor name.

[tigertim20]

I would say take each of them for a ride, theyll be completely different from each other.
Have you considered that Yamaha Scorpio thing? its a 225, have heard they are a good wee starting bike, and they are in you price range brand new too

[Vorno]

I personally would stay with a known brand. The Lifan and Keeway being chinese have a poor name.

Hi to everyone and thanks for the welcome!
... When I learned my basic handling skills, I rode on a keeway speed 150 and the tutor did mention that he has never had any problems with his Keeway bikes, even with all the punishment they get from new drivers!

I think my final choice is going to be between the Suzuki GN125 and the Keeway speed 150, since they are cheaper. I will however listen to what other suggestions you guys have got!!!

... For instance there is a 25cc gap between the 2, but how does that hinder performance? hmmm :P

Cheers u guys!

EDIT: hmm i'll look into the Yamaha Scorpio as you suggest!

[XxKiTtiExX]

I'd go for a little FXR150 or Scorpio (personally if I had to start all over again) Have a good look at all your options, and choose which one feels "right" for you as everyone is different when it comes to which bike feels the most comfortable for them.

When I first looked at bikes I tossed up starting out on a GN250 but for my height and build this particular bike was painfully uncomfortable and in the end I opted for a RG150 (absolutely perfect sized bike for my build).

For the price bracket that you are looking at you could easily pick yourself up a reasonably mint condition FXR, take someone with you who knows alot about bikes and you'll be able to pick up a nice bike that you won't have issues with.

Also insure you have enough money set aside to purchase some decent gear.

Goodluck with your bike hunting and hopefully you'll be out and about shortly. :yes:

[Slyer]

Yeah sure use a gn125 for doing your basic handling or whatever but to be honest you'll want at least the FXR or scorpio to have enough power to have fun. There are a lot of good roads out there and you'll be missing out on all of them if the bike can't take them.
IMO if you are looking at such a small capacity bike just for around town you should look at scooters.

[dblancer]

I think we all at some point think we don't need the power of a 250 since hey we are only commuting right?

One point I would stress is your will feel pretty inferior next to all the learners with 250's round town. I'm certainly glad I held out for my baby as she is worth it.

As previously stated, DO your homework, Chinese bikes are generally to be avoided, the japs know what are doing regarding bikes. parts and reliability are the benefits here.
Wikipedia and Google give good feedback on what a bikes REALLY like. BikeZ.com and review sites

you have between 2K and 3700? Man considered a GPX/Ninja? or a CBR or an old GSX? What about the reliable GN250! and a Yamaha Scorpio is a magical little first bike for the money too!
My GPX only cost me 2K which was a steal really.

You will be kicking yourself if you undercut yourself powerwise, hills can be embarrassing if you can get up them. Get 250, it makes sense!

[Vorno]

You will be kicking yourself if you undercut yourself powerwise, hills can be embarrassing if you can get up them. Get 250, it makes sense!

... even if the bike was an FXR 150?? Because I must admit the FXR looks pretty awesome! As for the suggestions on the other bikes, i've looked on trademe and it doesn't look like there are any good deals on there.... mainly just real-old bikes going cheap! Or newish one's which have been dropped or scrapped!

[tigertim20]

even when youre looking online, enlist the help of someone in the know, theyll be able to point you towards the bikes that are good for you. Just because a bike is 10 or 15 years old, doesnt mean that theyre all shit, youll probably find some of them would be bloody ideal for you, and will leave a little change for some quality comfortable gear too

[EJK]

Hello guys, im new to this forum!

I am busy deciding on what I should be getting, whether or not it should be a new bike and of course what type of bike to aim for!

I am looking at the $2000 to $3700 mark (approx).

I have been deciding between the Suzuki GN125, Keeway Speed 150, Lifan GS Sport 200 and the Suzuki FXR 150 (although I cannot find any new ones for the FXR!)

I do not intend to use the bike on the motorway, just for local transport and I will be grateful for any information which you guys can provide for me!
Whether it is a suggestion for one of these bikes, or perhaps another bike? Really, any help would be great!

Many Thanks!!!
*(eagerly awaits replies)*

Hey Vorno

First of all, I concur to steer way away from Chinese brands.

I owned both FXR and Scorpio previously. Well if you are planning to avoid the motorway, GN125 will do just absolutely fine. But since you live in Auckland, Motorway is inevitable (Esp for North Shore) so my suggestion is to have a second thought about the GN125s. Also it is good to have some power that you might need in the future. Besides, within no time you'll get bored of 125cc bikes. Soon you will complain about 125's power.


Comparing between FXR and Scorpio

Urban riding: I found that Scorpios got more useable "grunt" from lower revs, which was really useful around tight corners and urban riding.
However the FXR needed to be reved hard to get the similar punch, which I found a little annoying when riding in town. Also FXR had terribly low first gear. When departing from traffic lights, I was in 3rd gear by the time I reached the other side of the pedestran crossings.

Highway Riding: Both bikes will go on long trips/ rides well. However FXRs do have more sporty position that may tire your wrists. You will find both bike's seats are not LazyBoy, however I think this is depends on every people because I found my FXRs seat really comfortable. While the Scorpio seat almost killed me after 8 hours ride.
On motorways cruising between 100-110kph, both bikes will probably do around 2,500-3,000rpm below the redline which seemed to be terrifying. But later I found out that it's a fact for little single cylinder bikes. I mean come on it's a learners bike, what do you expect?

Services:
For my Scorpio, because I got it brand new (warranty), I took it to the dealers for servicing (1,000kms and 6,000kms service). I paid upto $245 dollars which is quite high for a 225cc bike.

I serviced my FXR (Tightening chain, oil filter etc all the easy stuffs) except tyres and chains & sprocket change. The basic servicing for my FXR was basically free. Tyres and sprockets were cheap too. My friends on bigger bikes gets suprised whenever I tell them my both tyres (best ones, BT39SS) cost me around $220. Chains and sprockers were total $80, whilst on bigger bikes chain alone could cost $200.



You can get a used, low kms, almost brand new Scorpios for around $3,000+ mark.
OR
You can get a used, mid kms, 1999-2002 FXR for around $2,500.


The decision is totally up to you. If you like the GN125, then go for it. All bikes have the bad and the good, and it's a matter of the riders to adopt/ get used to it's property. Test ride them all if you can and go for the one that'll suit you best.

If you have any other questions, just send me a PM or post it up. :niceone:

EJ

P.S. This is totally personal opinion but I'd go for the Scorpio :msn-wink:

[Vorno]

Thanks a lot EJ! I believe that has basically made the decision for me!... Especially the part about the "low gears" on the fxr! I would hate changing to third just for a pull-off!!!

And I think the paint work on the scorpio looks nicer anyways ;)

I'll look into it!

Cheers.

[BiK3RChiK]

You will get very bored with a 125 very quickly IMO. Also, when most get their full, they upgrade anyway, so chances are you won't be having the bike for an extended amount of time. Best thing is to find someone nearby who knows their stuff about bikes and consider 'older' bikes as well. And as people have mentioned allow for the price of gear and insurance too.

All the best finding your new baby and keep the rubber side down...

[YLWDUC]

I would say the FXR is the best bet.

I'll second that. Although biased. Rode an FXR as my first bike, the speedo overreads by 10km/hr but it's nice and narrow, fairly economical at 100km/hr and has good resale value. cheap to maintain.

[dblancer]

But remember these are around 3700 NEW
and sitting around 3000 second hand.

Remember to factor in your gear, and licence fees and on road costs OH and insurance.

It adds up.

There is nothing wrong with older bikes if you do you research and know what to look for. Tho me Im prepared to get my hands dirting and change oil myself, do water etc... do all the easy stuff.

i was sorely tempted by the scorpio as its a solid commuter. Im not sure about the kick start, seems a bit agricultural

A good idea would be good actually LOOK and SIT on the bikes, that was a seller for me anyway.

:rockon:

[CookMySock]

One point I would stress is your will feel pretty inferior next to all the learners with 250's round town.

You will be kicking yourself if you undercut yourself powerwise, hills can be embarrassing if you can get up them. Get 250, it makes sense!Not everyone is this self-concious.

However, I suggest that quite quickly you will get a hankering for the open road, and then you will feel totally inadequate on a GN or similar. And quite rightly so - little underpowered bikes have no place in open-road traffic.

Many of the 250's are just great on the open road, ie any of the inline fours and the GT250R's. They can tour all day, and pass cars and stuff, just like the real thing. You may not feel safe doing this right away which is not surprising, but the thing is, if this is you in three to six months from now, then you need a good sized capable bike, rather than a putt-putt one.

What ever you do, welcome to biking. You will have lots of fun.

Steve

[EJK]

Oh did you see "Target" program on TV3 last night? It was about a Lifan Scooter.

Again, stay away (way away) from Chinese brands...