Recommend large learner bike? (over 250cc)

[no_8wire]

Hi All

I am about to apply to LTNZ for a exemption from the 250cc limit for a learner bike as I have trouble fitting on most 250cc bikes.

I went it to Red Baron in Auckland and took photos of me on various 250cc bike to accompany my application for exemption for the size of the bike, as advised in some posts on this forum.

However, reading through some of the forum articles, it also seems like a good idea to also provide LTNZ a list of bikes that you do fit on so they can either approve a certain bike, or engine size that you would like, instead of them choosing for you.


I also sat on a Honda CB400 and Yamaha Dragstar which seemed to be of the right size to fit my frame and reach( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory

[disenfranchised]

I'd be surprised if you get an exemption...you're just not that big.

I'm 6'4" and 100kg, and my Hyosung is a great fit.
The hornet is a good size also.
Crusier styles I can't really comment on, but I expect that the two yamaha models would be fine also...VStar or something isn't it??
I find my wifes ZZR a little small feeling, but it's still fine to ride...and I expect that most other bikes would be the same.

I did find the one bandit I had a go on too small...and the CBR's look too small also.

[xwhatsit]

Yes, I can't figure this one out either. Bikes like the GT250R, GT250, DR250 (in fact nearly all dual-sports) are relatively large -- larger than 400s and 600s. The 250 crusiers are very capacious. As Ixion said once (paraphrased), it's amazing how that extra engine capacity seems to extend to the frame... not.

Sounds like you just want an excuse for more horsepower. You being 20kg heavier than me is going to make SFA difference on a bike with more than 30hp, and definitely not detriment performance to the point of being dangerous (whatever that is, you see plenty of fat fucks riding FXR150s at bucket racing).

[98tls]

As has been said methinks on just height/weight alone you have no chance of getting the exemption mate.6.2 isnt that tall and 95 kg aint that fat.

[MsKABC]

My husband is 6'2" and he managed on a 250 GPX. Looked a little silly and was a little uncomfortable on long rides, but there are other bigger 250s out there that would fit you.

[no_8wire]

xwhatsit - What other 250 cruisers would you recommend?
I tried a Hyosung and it was ridiculous. Same deal with a suzuki gn.

I may fit a sports bike but I do not want to ride one, I just dont trust them and would feel more confident on a lower, longer bike with their more upright seating postion etc.

I have photos of me on the bikes, and then on bikes that are roomy enough to position my legs and knees appropriately. Hopefully they accept my reasoning in the accompanying letter, and if not, for $22.20 its worth a shot even if I dont get the result Im after.

[quickbuck]

Okay,
As said you aren't that big.
You are roughly the same size as me.

A GSX 250 (2003 on) have plenty of leg room. But if you do want an exemption then I recommend a CB400. Great bikes those. As you said, they are a comfortable ride. Based on the big brother.... in fact some are even called "Project Big 1".
Stay away from the GN and the like, your back WILL suffer as you are taller than many.... as you have almost discovered.

You could always look at a 250 trailie, and motard it. I struggle with the KLX250 due to it's share height! Lots of room on that....

Hope this helps a little, happy hunting.

[jaymzw]

( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory

Im also 95kgs and 6'2"

You will fit to a 250 fine.

I ride a CBR250 with no problems.

Dont want to shoot you down though, you seem to have the right idea with asking for a non sports bike

[Grant`]

I talked to the licensing guy (in Tauranga) and he reckoned there quite dificult to get them, as i wanted to sit my full license on my ER6 as i had purchased it about a month before sitting my full license.

[no_8wire]

Sounds like you just want an excuse for more horsepower. You being 20kg heavier than me is going to make SFA difference on a bike with more than 30hp, and definitely not detriment performance to the point of being dangerous .

If I wanted more power I would simply move to a sports bike in the 250 range like a RGV with 62hp, rather than ask for an exemption to ride a larger cruiser. I mean a 535 Virago has only 42hp, same with a Honda VT600, it has only 39hp

I will try LTNZ and will see what their decision is...

[CookMySock]

Which Hyosung did you try? Why was it rediculous? There are three different Hyos with three quite different seating arrangements, the GT250 naked, the GT250R, and the GV250.

Steve

[no_8wire]

Which Hyosung did you try? Why was it rediculous? There are three different Hyos with three quite different seating arrangements, the GT250 naked, the GT250R, and the GV250.

Steve

It was the GV250. As stated, I am after a cruiser rather than a sports styled bike.
The seat only came up to about halfway up my thigh when I stood next to it.
When I sat on it my knees were covering well over half of the "aprilia" sticker, eg well up the fuel tank. Thats what it felt like anyway. Looked like a circus bear on a trike.

[CookMySock]

I think you will find even the GV650 is about the same size. Looks like you are going to be a circus bear on a trike no matter what you ride. :lol:

As you say, pay yer 22 bux and see what happens. I will really come down to what you can persuade them of. Good luck!

Steve

[mtroskill]

I'm 6'4-6'5, 95kg and am comfortable on 2008 ninja 250.... was considering exemption, but they are apparently more stringent now... ending up not needing it

[greminn]

Adding my 2-4 cents worth to this as someone who went thru the exemption process to remove the 70km speed limit...

My thoughts is that it would be a looooong shot. If you:

- had a bigger bike already
- it was your only form of transport
- needed it for work/something
- cannot use public transport for some reason
- etc etc

Then you might get past the initial NO phase, which will get someone up higher to review for you.

If you go in there and say, i want to ride a bike, dont want "A" particlaur type of bike as i dont like them, and im too tall/wide they will say no.

(Dont want to be harsh, but thats how they look at it)

Good luck anyways :)

Simon

[no_8wire]

Its not because I dont want a particular bike, but for safety reasons

Well thats the line of reasoning anyway...:niceone:
I am going to try get the 70km/hr removed or raised since I live in a high speed zone & dont particularly fancy cars coming around a corner at 100 to find me doing 70...

Its ALL about safety guys...

:niceone: hehe

[-JT-]

The Suzuki VL250 cruiser is bigger than the GN. I'm 6'1/90kg and fit it comfortably, plenty of space.

[greminn]

Its not because I dont want a particular bike, but for safety reasons

Well thats the line of reasoning anyway...:niceone:
I am going to try get the 70km/hr removed or raised since I live in a high speed zone & dont particularly fancy cars coming around a corner at 100 to find me doing 70...

Its ALL about safety guys...

:niceone: hehe

How long have you had your Learners?

[gunnyrob]

The older single cylinder BMW F650 GS are Aussie LAMS legal bikes. Big and docile, easy to ride.

[Tank]

Which Hyosung did you try? Why was it rediculous?

Bloody hell - we could be here all night answering that.


Back to the exemption - they have cracked down on it - best to try and either ask for one of the lams approved bikes or exemption to bypass L and R periods and go directly to your full licence - then you can ride what the fuck you like.

Search for my post about going directly from "L" plates to a full licence.

[carver]

Hi All

I am about to apply to LTNZ for a exemption from the 250cc limit for a learner bike as I have trouble fitting on most 250cc bikes.

I went it to Red Baron in Auckland and took photos of me on various 250cc bike to accompany my application for exemption for the size of the bike, as advised in some posts on this forum.

However, reading through some of the forum articles, it also seems like a good idea to also provide LTNZ a list of bikes that you do fit on so they can either approve a certain bike, or engine size that you would like, instead of them choosing for you.


I also sat on a Honda CB400 and Yamaha Dragstar which seemed to be of the right size to fit my frame and reach( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory


GSXR1000

its all you need

[supraman_nz]

Im taller than you and went through the process of getting an expemtion.
First of all

- APPLY NOW , if you want to try regardless of what bike get the process going as it takes forever. You can change your mind on the bike during the application.

- Regardless of what we or anyone else thinks is a "good" bigger thank 250cc bike for a learner LTNZ couldnt give too shits. They will only approve on bikes from their list, which is only available through applying and no where else ( which is just a pain in the ass).

- Also you need to go to a doc's office and get your hight and weight certiftied.

- I applied to get an exemption on a ER6N and got denied but was told i would pretty much get it if i chose one off their list of bikes, most of which arnt made and can be found in piles of rust. So even if you arnt sure what bike you want just pick one at random or one you might want and try your luck. You can always change if they think your suitable for a exemption.

Finally the hyosungs are good learner bikes for the bigger person, I rode around fine on a GT250R for 6 months. Just their reliability can be a bit ho hum.
I have also ridden round on the new 250 Ninja and it wasnt too bad. Only my knees were a bit over the tank, but i could of lived with that (if I hadnt got my full).

Your final option would be spend a couple of grand and have a holiday in rarotonga and come back and get your full licence. Then get what ever damn bike you want. Just make sure you have the experience to back it up..

Good luck

[no_8wire]

Cheers for that.
Got my BHS onSaturday and my licence on Sunday
I also submitted my application for exemption on Sunday, now just got to wait the 3-4 weeks for a reply before I buy a bike.

[bikejam2]

I gotta mate who's 6'6 and weighs 115kg, bought himself a 2008 hyosung gt250r and sez he finds it to be a comfortable ride. Personally, I'm 6'0-6'1, weigh 105kg and I got a 2008 suzuki vl250 intruder which is a cruiser and I find that a comfortable ride. I think it's probably worth looking around a bit more.I too don't wanna rain on your parade but if you still wanna try for the exemption, I say good luck to ya!, and if you get it, good on ya! :done:

[no_8wire]

Exemption has been applied for, now just need to wait on LTNZ

[no_8wire]

Got exemption for a larger bike up to 650cc, based on approved list of bikes.
No exemption for 70kmhr limit on a learners, however I have the choice of going and sitting my restricted now if I want. ie, cant remove 70km restriction but can bump you up to restricted if you pass the test.

Anyone interested in my posting a list of the approved bikes for exemption etc?

[greminn]

Hey - the forum search tool is your friend here!!!... :) Did a search for "approved list of bikes" and got this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80648

there is a PDF attached... Dont know if its correct, but a starting point?

[awayatc]

Good onya mate....... good for trying and good for getting it.
Didn't some people say you weren't big enough or something like that..?

You never know untill you try....well done

[no_8wire]

No no no. I dont need the list, I have the NZTA Approved List already.
I was asking if I should post it for other peoples referance.

And yes, some had said that I wasnt big enough etc, but it seems I am.:yes:

A big plus also is that the bigger bikes seem to be cheaper than the 250cc :woohoo:

[Gubb]

(I am 6'2" and 95kg)

I'm taller, and wider than you, and I managed to do it just fine.

Stop looking for excuses. Man up and do it like everyone else. Learn to suck eggs.

[no_8wire]

Did you not pass school certificate english?
Your reading comprehension skills leave alot to be desired.
How plain can I put this...

I GOT THE EXEMPTION.

What need do I have to look for excuses when I have the exemption?
You are not making much sense(btw the preview button is there for a reason.)

:bash:

[Dean]

Hi no 8wire, don't let gubb get to you, he is just trying to start an argument.

But anyway congratulations on getting your exemption, your very lucky (my brother tried and he is 180kg and about 6ft4 but hasnt got a reply).
Im very tempted to apply for an exemption, im 6ft1 about 93kg, usually i wouldnt but you succeded wouldnt hurt for me to try.

So have you got a bike in mind, there are many reviews on this site on various makes and models to ensure you get the best performing bike :)

[sil3nt]

Go on post the list of bikes up so we can all be jealous of your selection :bleh:

[no_8wire]

There you are...
My choices at the moment is
either Suzuki LS650, Yamaha XV535/650, Honda VT500, CB400-650

[HenryDorsetCase]

here's an interesting if slightly OT factoid. I was in Peter Stevens last week in Melbourne, sifting about, and looking at a very tidy Honda RVF400. A snip at $8990 (or was it $9990) plus ORC. Thick end of ten large anyway. When I expresed some surprise to the sales monkey, he said "But Sir, its learner legal"

Yes, an NC35 is learner legal, but an NC30 is not. The NC30 has two extra horsepower and or is 2kg lighter taking it over the limits.

I thought that was very interesting. Not much use to our OP though.

My advice? get a perm. But I say that to everyone.

[Dean]

All those bikes are in all honest opinion- slow, underpowered. I would of thought the list would contain bikes with substantial amount of torque to power certain people that are over weight . After all i would imagine most who apply for exemptions, are heavy and need a bike that can power their weight on the motorway, steep hills etc.

[no_8wire]

Thats true.
But then again, personally I think even small cc bike will seem fast to someone coming from a car, like myself, since you are more exposed.

These larger bikes will hopefully give me leg room which was what I was after. (As has been said, Im not that fat so as to slow me down that much more of a comfort thing) Plus if I wanted to go "fast" I would get a sportier bike.

But I think these should be decent enough to learn on.

[Gubb]

All those bikes are in all honest opinion- slow, underpowered.

You've ridden them all then?

[Hiflyer]

hahaha dean bro 250's can be fast you just gotta ride it fast

[phred]

Hi All

I am about to apply to LTNZ for a exemption from the 250cc limit for a learner bike as I have trouble fitting on most 250cc bikes.

I went it to Red Baron in Auckland and took photos of me on various 250cc bike to accompany my application for exemption for the size of the bike, as advised in some posts on this forum.

However, reading through some of the forum articles, it also seems like a good idea to also provide LTNZ a list of bikes that you do fit on so they can either approve a certain bike, or engine size that you would like, instead of them choosing for you.


I also sat on a Honda CB400 and Yamaha Dragstar which seemed to be of the right size to fit my frame and reach( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory
I am same height and slightly heavier and got an exemption for a VT750.
Was great for learning on. If you are interested I will sell it to you.
You may need to check with LTNZ, I understood the rules have been changed and they now tell you what the options are and so your preference may not be included.

Damn - missed some of the posts and didnt realise the exemption was got and current rules limit your options.

[CookMySock]

Will they let you ride a GV650? It's not really a learner bike though - I'ts heavy and its plenty quick for a 650 cruiser.

Steve

[sil3nt]

They removed the RVF400 :( The only bike i would ever had considered! Actually thats a lie i like the looks of the EX400 and 500

[no_8wire]

Will they let you ride a GV650? It's not really a learner bike though - I'ts heavy and its plenty quick for a 650 cruiser.

Steve

Yup a GV650 is on the approved list. As is a GT650

[Dean]

Thats true.
But then again, personally I think even small cc bike will seem fast to someone coming from a car, like myself, since you are more exposed.

These larger bikes will hopefully give me leg room which was what I was after. (As has been said, Im not that fat so as to slow me down that much more of a comfort thing) Plus if I wanted to go "fast" I would get a sportier bike.

But I think these should be decent enough to learn on.

NO 8WIRE -I'm not implying you are fat, don't mean to offend if it sounded that way, just that many others who do apply for an exemption are overweight and a 250cc motorcycle cant hold certain speeds.

Gubb- Not exactly, twas my opinion, opinions aren't based on facts or reliable evidence, but you can prove me wrong by mentioning a bike on the list that has reasonable power.

[no_8wire]

haha no worries Dean, I hadnt construed your comments in that way. No offence given, I have a far thicker skin than that anyway.

[YAMASAKI]

All those bikes are in all honest opinion- slow, underpowered. I would of thought the list would contain bikes with substantial amount of torque to power certain people that are over weight . After all i would imagine most who apply for exemptions, are heavy and need a bike that can power their weight on the motorway, steep hills etc.

Dude I think you need to re-read the list. My KTM(yes its on the list) will quite happily lift the front wheel in third and i weigh more than No 8 :2thumbsup...
some of them are heavy and underpowered but there are several VERY nice bikes on the list. Personally i'd go for the Yamaha XTX660, Aprilia SXV450/550 or KTM LC4 600, lots of tourqe and easy to ride (MX based).

[Dean]

Dude I think you need to re-read the list. My KTM(yes its on the list) will quite happily lift the front wheel in third and i weigh more than No 8 :2thumbsup...
some of them are heavy and underpowered but there are several VERY nice bikes on the list. Personally i'd go for the Yamaha XTX660, Aprilia SXV450/550 or KTM LC4 600, lots of tourqe and easy to ride (MX based).

The power of those bikes sound definitely capable of motorway steep hill speeds, was just wondering if a person overweight ( weight varies but someone say 130kg or more) purchases this bike, how will the bike handle with very heavy loads. I assume most would want the bike to be comfortable with their weight on long trips, not just commuting. Being an MX motorcycle i would assume it has great suspension, just would the motor be under stress on long trips with a very heavy load?

[YAMASAKI]

My old FZR250 handled 200kg on it... just, ie. me and my 100kg mate. would've looked pretty funny though :buggerd:, so I'm sure if they're capable of carrying a pillion then they'll easily handle 150kg +

[Badjelly]

Yup a GV650 is on the approved list. As is a GT650

Last time I looked, the NZ list was a copy of the Aussie list. In Aus, several companies sell two versions of some of their bikes, a full-power version and a detuned version with a power:weight ratio low enough to satisfy the regulations. Eg a recent Two Wheels had a comparative test of (I think) a detuned SV650 and GT650. (The detuned version is considered to be a separate model and there is no officially approved method of restoring it to full-power spec. And the difference in power is considerable, by the way.)

So the GT650 and GV650 that appear on the list are probably the detuned versions, which are not currently sold in NZ.

On the other hand, if the NZ licensing authorities will give you an exemption for a full-power Hyosung 650, then I'm not going to tell on you. :banana:

And to the person who said the bikes on the list are underpowered, er yes, that is the point. I don't recall the maximum allowed power:weight ratio, but you can find it easily enough by searching on this site. I do recall that the weight they use for the calculation is the bike weight (dry?? wet??) plus 90 kg to account for rider and gear.

[Dean]

My brother weighs nearly about the amount of you and your mate (200kg) and he rides a honda cb125t!!! but his suspension is now stuffed, and it can only get to 50kph with him, it literally fell apart causing him to crash around the manly roundabout when i was riding with him. He flew so fast because of his weight and flipped over into a bush with no gear on. (he is a ledgend though he didnt even get hurt no scracthes etc anyway)
But my point is that your fzr suspension and life in the motor wouldnt of been long due to the stress you put it under having that much weight (no offense).
So a ktm may be able to take a heavy pillion or person but in the long run will the bike still be running fine, will the engine still have life left etc.

[Hiflyer]

haha no worries Dean, I hadnt construed your comments in that way. No offence given, I have a far thicker skin than that anyway.

ahh you will go far in kb then my friend, if you sift through the utter shit that most people post then you will find some good advice!

ignore wankers that try to aggrivate you just for fun and have fun on your larger-than-250cc-bike :mad: haha good on you!

respect to my similar sized bruva from anutha mutha!

[Dean]

ahh you will go far in kb then my friend, if you sift through the utter shit that most people post then you will find some good advice!

ignore wankers that try to aggrivate you just for fun and have fun on your larger-than-250cc-bike :mad: haha good on you!

respect to my similar sized bruva from anutha mutha!

Alright then no 8wire if in some way i have been a dick to you on this thread (i dont think i have) i will buy you a 6pack of steinlager pure the best there is:apint::headbang::banana:. Im looking at getting wasted this weekend anyways.

[Hiflyer]

Alright then no 8wire if in some way i have been a dick to you on this thread (i dont think i have) i will buy you a 6pack of steinlager pure the best there is:apint::headbang::banana:. Im looking at getting wasted this weekend anyways.

i wasnt meaning you bro :) peace

[The Pastor]

i'd go the ktm 660 SMC or if its ont he list the drz400SM

[Dean]

i wasnt meaning you bro :) peace

Either way, bunch of 2fiddy riders on kb, ride up north set up tents and get on the piss for the night, sleep it of and ride back. :) im down for that.

[McDuck]

Harden up and deal with it

[no_8wire]

Ended up getting a very tidy LS650 which should suit me nicely until I get my full.
1st thing is get some 4" risers and a straight bar

Then possiblely getting a new rear guard setup like so:
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/82/91560082_full.jpg


Riding it back from takanini to out west already had a guy in a Jag try to kill me. Joys of riding!

:niceone:

[6ft5]

Congrats . . ride safe

[LaytonNZ]

xwhatsit - What other 250 cruisers would you recommend?
I tried a Hyosung and it was ridiculous. Same deal with a suzuki gn.

I may fit a sports bike but I do not want to ride one, I just dont trust them and would feel more confident on a lower, longer bike with their more upright seating postion etc.

I have photos of me on the bikes, and then on bikes that are roomy enough to position my legs and knees appropriately. Hopefully they accept my reasoning in the accompanying letter, and if not, for $22.20 its worth a shot even if I dont get the result Im after.


Yamaha Virago, Yamaha Star.. Bigger 250's

[zuum]

How does Ducati Monster 400 fit here, I can see DM 600 on list but not 400?
I tried sitting in CB's, Ninja, FZR, Hornet etc... and these feel quite small also quite light compared to Monster (I took my mates Monster for quick spin round Unitec and it felt much more comfy). Im 185cm weight over 100 Kg, add all gear and it will be 110 - 115 kg at least.

[GPXchick]

My husband is taller and heavier than u, his gt250r hyosung is a perfect fit? Are u sure u tried all the bikes

[NighthawkNZ]

the VTR250 is a big(ish) bike for a 250

I'm 6'1" and 100kg and would happily ride it with no issues... as said the Hyosung GT250 is a big(ish) 250 as well.

[zuum]

Obviously have not sat on all of them, but the ones that my mates have to get a feel. Have not sat on VTR so cant comment, it looks similar to Hornet which was okish but I would not get it unless I would be forced to do so (not a fan of Honda's after never ending car issues in past until engine blew up - yes i know its a bike we are talking about and its better, blah blah blah... but... no to Honda). Hyosung may be bigger but I didn't like it. I guess that there is no point getting bike you don't like/enjoy.

Out of all the bikes that i sat on/took for a spin round block I liked Ducati Monster the best also its 30-40 kg heavier and looks more solid (I don't know, for some reason it makes me feel it will be safer/better to ride?). While looking at specs its a bit less powerful than Ninja or CBR's yet its really responsive and handles like dream. I also heard its quite good for beginners if you can overcome the 250 cc limit. That's why I want it :)

Since I'm new I just want to know if I will have chances to get it now, or wait until I get full license and be stuck with my MX50 (sluggish as hell when going up hills :\ )

[wysper]

I am after a cruiser rather than a sports styled bike.
The seat only came up to about halfway up my thigh when I stood next to it.


Be aware that almost all cruisers have low seat heights. It is part of what makes them 'cruisy'.

Some of the biggest cruisers I have ridden are only mid high seat heights at best.

[wysper]

HAHAHAHA Just realised how old this thread was.

[racefactory]

If you want a bigger bike just get one. Try for an exemption if you want, if not then just ride more carefully.