Newbie astounded by choice

[Arnifix]

Hi all,

Completely fresh biker here, not even sat my tests etc yet, seeking a bit of sage wisdom re: bikes and gear.

Basicly, I'm a big guy 6'4", 130kg, looking for a cruiser style bike (as have been told by another rider that these would suit my build). Have been researching a variety of bikes, but one that stood out was the Jincheng JC 250-6. There is a bloke selling one in good nick for cheap and was wondering if anybody here knew about this bike? Chinese bike so a bit worried about the build quality, so all advice/info would be appreciated.

Other than that, any advice on gear for a begineer would be great.

Cheers all!

[tri boy]

Basicly, I'm a big guy 6'4", Chinese bike so a bit worried about the build quality, so all advice/info would be appreciated.




You'll kill it very quickly. Stick with something that has earned a decent reputation.
Also try and get a special license due to your build, allowing a bigger cruiser.
Somebody will give you the details about going about it.
Welcome to the site.

[Creeping Death]

Basicly, I'm a big guy 6'4", Chinese bike so a bit worried about the build quality, so all advice/info would be appreciated.




Also try and get a special license due to your build, allowing a bigger cruiser.


Aye?A special licence?Ain't heard of that one,a special licence due to height/weight?I'm almost around the same,118 kg,6'1.Mind you,I was around 97kg back in 1987 when I first started riding lol!

Is it true theres a special licence to ride more cc's because of height/weight?

[PirateJafa]

You can get a license exemption to ride a bike that is on the "approved" list if you can put forward a suitably persuasive case.

I have a copy of the approved list if you want to check if a bike is on it.

[puddy]

+1 for the proven reputation thing. I'm 6'5 and 135-140 kgs, and ride a GSXR1000. Don't listen to any skinny-scrawny-pencil dick-fag who tells you that a cruiser would suit 'your build'. Ride all sorts of bikes and decide for yourself (over time obviously). There's fuck all difference in room/comfort between a sports bike/tourer/cruiser (having your knees around your ears/chin/chest), unless you're one of the aforementioned 'weeds'.

[sil3nt]

They ride completly differently in China. Most if not all over their riding is under 50kph. They tend not to thrash them like we do which is why we find them unreliable. Don't rush into and get what you want no what someone else wants you to get.

[James Deuce]

They ride completly differently in China. Most if not all over their riding is under 50kph. They tend not to thrash them like we do which is why we find them unreliable. Don't rush into and get what you want no what someone else wants you to get.
"Thrash"?

They're sold here not fit for purpose.

[Dean]

Hi arnifix, my brother weighs 180kg and is about 6'3, and he has applied for an exemption. Should be easy for you to apply for an exemption, but must be persuasive . If you can go to your nearest motorcycle dealer and take pictures of you sitting on various 250s to show your size/build and how hard/dangerous it is when you sit on the bike. Im happy to help you out with an application and can lend my bike for you to take the pictures.
All the best

[Dean]

Just another bit of advice, i have seen the jincheng bikes, i strongly suggest for the same price to have a look at the gn 250. The gn250 i have owned and was a reliable good learner bike, suspension was good and would be better than the jincheng and the gn would have a bit more grunt than the jincheng also.

[Slyer]

Didn't I sell you my guild wars?

[Creeping Death]

[QUOTE=Dean;2014142]Hi arnifix, my brother weighs 180kg and is about 6'3, /QUOTE]

Holy FUCK!:mellow:

[Dean]

[QUOTE=Dean;2014142]Hi arnifix, my brother weighs 180kg and is about 6'3, /QUOTE]

Holy FUCK!:mellow:

Yea, pretty much when you see my brother you will remember him. From what i know he is shying towards 200kg, one of the biggest riders ive seen. Hes saving up for a boulvervard s40 i think its called because of exemption, at the mo hes riding a honda cb125t, give him a bit of room if you see him. The poor bloke gets hassled and laughed at.
But yea arnfix you can get a exemption, my brother flew through his.

[Arnifix]

Thanks for all the advice and help dudes!

The GN250 has been on my radar for a while and am popping into a dealer to have a look at it and a few other bikes tomorrow so will try and get some pictures. I read the thread on exemptions (which I will have to get anyway as my work finishes late) and it sounded like they were quite difficult to get, so figured I probably wouldn't be able to get a CC exemption, but maybe I'll give it a go if people here have actually gotten them.

@PirateJafa: A copy of the list would be choice mate!

@Slyer: Yes you did, on another forum, a long long time ago ;)

The other question I've been thinking about was what kind of protective gear is worth the money? I can find lots of helmet and bike info, but am yet to sort out what's good value for money in the clothing department. Last thing I need is to shell out cash only to discover that I've bought rubbish. Any tips?

[Slyer]

I still have your name and address on a bit of paper, I know this because it's the same bit of paper that my xp home key is on. :bleh:
Join our biker gamers social group. ;)
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/group.php?groupid=69

[mynameis]

Who ate all the pies?

[RocKai]

How about a Suzuki Intruder VL250? They look way better than the GN.

[WLG Commuta]

Just another bit of advice, i have seen the jincheng bikes, i strongly suggest for the same price to have a look at the gn 250. The gn250 i have owned and was a reliable good learner bike, suspension was good and would be better than the jincheng and the gn would have a bit more grunt than the jincheng also.

I had a GN250 for a while and its pretty bomb proof and holds value for re sale later so highly reccomend this bike if your spot one for sale, second hand i reckon would be the way to go for the short time you'll own it considering your 'issues' for want of a better word.
I bought all my gear second hand on Trade Me and was stoked at my sometimes half price prchases for something hardly used.
Just be wary of second hand helmuts, may pay to buy one new??

[Dean]

Who ate all the pies?
Off topic:nono:, give something helpfull to arnfix alright.

How about a Suzuki Intruder VL250? They look way better than the GN.
He said a the start he was looking for a jincheng, jincheng are quite frankly the cheapest 250s new on the market. The vl250 are expensive theres no denying that, im sure if arnfix had the money he wouldnt be suggesting buying the jincheng in the first place. However i once looked at chinese bikes and ended up with the mighty GN250 the best for there price, very cheap affordable bikes.

[varminter]

As they say, try allsorts. Had a GN for a while,loved it apart from the fact that it gave me severe back ache and a numb arse. Might tell you if your right for a cruiser.

[Insanity_rules]

Hi arnifix, my brother weighs 180kg and is about 6'3st

DUDE!!!!!

Seriously if you can't get an exemption then you should test ride a few to get a feel. Something like a hornet CB250 or dare I say it a hyobag (hyosung for those not in the know) GT250 or even a suzi or honda 250 cruiser could do the trick. I have a mate who's 6'1 who just got a VL250 and he said it was very comfortable.

[Arnifix]

DUDE!!!!!

Seriously if you can't get an exemption then you should test ride a few to get a feel. Something like a hornet CB250 or dare I say it a hyobag (hyosung for those not in the know) GT250 or even a suzi or honda 250 cruiser could do the trick. I have a mate who's 6'1 who just got a VL250 and he said it was very comfortable.

I just got back from having a look around town. The GN250 felt veeeery small, which was a touch annoying.

Was a little foolish though. Sat on a VL250. It felt soooooo good. I suspect I will have to sell my flatmates kidneys to afford it, but it's a small price to pay.

[Slyer]

Go the VL250

[varminter]

Get one kidney from two flatmates, it's more humane.

[Irontusk]

I'm a bit over 6' and have a VL250, it is actually a little small, but only slightly (also, it's made for people with tiny feet.. to have my left foot in the right place on the peg, it puts the shifter in a soft spot on my boot, which it is quickly wearing out..) But I don't think it's so small that I would get away with an exemption. I'm only 65kg though so you'd get some leverage there.

There were a few other new riders on here when I bought mine that were also on VL250s, some of which were in your weight range and said that they carried them around fine.. but I'd expect the 250 to be veeery sluggish, I always want more power out of mine as it is.. and I had someone on the back of mine a few weekends ago, didn't go too fast but it did feel much weaker.

The other thing to consider is that if you CAN get the exemption, you get one shot at doing the full test early (the test is done on the bike you intend to ride) if you pass, you are straight onto your full, if you don't pass well enough you still have to live out the normal licence periods, and you get an exemption to ride that specific bike.

[RocKai]

I just got back from having a look around town. The GN250 felt veeeery small, which was a touch annoying.

Was a little foolish though. Sat on a VL250. It felt soooooo good. I suspect I will have to sell my flatmates kidneys to afford it, but it's a small price to pay.


Haha told ya, Chinese bike are just freaking unreliable :girlfight:, that's just money down the drain. They maybe good at making rice cooker but other than that flammable PJs and Lifan motorcycle just don't cut it for me.

Personally the VL I felt it fits nice and comfortable for me, I'm 5"10, but for someone over 6" it will feel too small after awhile. I reckon you can make do with it since it is not alot more expensive than the GN but It should last you for a while until you can move up to, say a Suzuki Boulevard, or a VL 650, those will fit you much better for your size. Shop around for a good deal.


but I'd expect the 250 to be veeery sluggish, I always want more power out of mine as it is.. and I had someone on the back of mine a few weekends ago, didn't go too fast but it did feel much weaker.

I agreed. Even though I'm 75kg, it feels very sluggish on the motorway, get push around easy with car and winds. It can hold up 100-110 but quite a vibration for a Single Cylinder, numb hands after a while.

You should try to get your exemption after sometime learning on the 250 :zzzz:

:beer:

[Arnifix]

Well, I managed to score a cheap VL250. Fingers crossed all going well it will be here on the 20th.

[RocKai]

sweet dude, then let's Ride :ride: :rockon:

[Slyer]

How cheap is cheap? :)

[Arnifix]

How cheap is cheap? :)

$4.8k delivered to the door. Cheapest I could do in Wellington would have been $5.5k.

[sil3nt]

very nice! cheapest on trademe is 4.9 sounds like you did well

[Anarkist]

Who ate all the pies?

Deans' brother, obviously.

[Arnifix]

I have a sore throat from sucking in too much 125 exhaust, but that was a mean as day. BHS done, now I have to practice all that and get the theory sorted! :Punk:

Big thanks to Andrew and Pat from Roadsafe for their excellent tuition. Highly recommended!

[RocKai]

BHS done, now I have to practice all that and get the theory sorted!
Hand in your exemption of licensing with your application for Learners :lol:;)

[Arnifix]

Just arrived this arvo, awww yeah!

[Slyer]

Veeeery shiny dude.

[KiwiPhoenix]

How you finding the ride?

[RocKai]

Fk, I'm Jealous!!!

Enjoy dude, why is the bike alone??? Where are you?

[RocKai]

Is that a V-Twin 250 Intruder? I thought it was a single cylinder.

[Arnifix]

Yeah, V-Twin. It's a smooth ride but still learning so no big adventures just yet. Just been tootling about in carparks mostly, but went out on the road for the first time today which was pretty intimidating. Wish the weather was a bit nicer so I could do it more often though!

And I was taking the pictures! Can't trust the flatmates girlfriend.

[BMWST?]

Yeah, V-Twin. It's a smooth ride but still learning so no big adventures just yet. Just been tootling about in carparks mostly, but went out on the road for the first time today which was pretty intimidating. Wish the weather was a bit nicer so I could do it more often though!

And I was taking the pictures! Can't trust the flatmates girlfriend.

was a nice day!I picked up a new bike today,rode Paraparaumu,to Welly Nice,bit Windy is all!

[Arnifix]

was a nice day!I picked up a new bike today,rode Paraparaumu,to Welly Nice,bit Windy is all!

Today was good, just some of the recent weather has been a little uninviting ;)

[vindy500]

Hi arnifix, my brother weighs 180kg and is about 6'3, and he has applied for an exemption. Should be easy for you to apply for an exemption, but must be persuasive . If you can go to your nearest motorcycle dealer and take pictures of you sitting on various 250s to show your size/build and how hard/dangerous it is when you sit on the bike. Im happy to help you out with an application and can lend my bike for you to take the pictures.
All the best

maybe he should apply for a diet?

[YellowDog]

Thanks for all the advice and help dudes!

The GN250 has been on my radar for a while and am popping into a dealer to have a look at it and a few other bikes tomorrow so will try and get some pictures. I read the thread on exemptions (which I will have to get anyway as my work finishes late) and it sounded like they were quite difficult to get, so figured I probably wouldn't be able to get a CC exemption, but maybe I'll give it a go if people here have actually gotten them.

@PirateJafa: A copy of the list would be choice mate!

@Slyer: Yes you did, on another forum, a long long time ago ;)

The other question I've been thinking about was what kind of protective gear is worth the money? I can find lots of helmet and bike info, but am yet to sort out what's good value for money in the clothing department. Last thing I need is to shell out cash only to discover that I've bought rubbish. Any tips?
You have had some good advice on here. By all means try out a cuiser however if you get a Chinese 250cc cruiser, you may as well sit in front of your TV and get a mate to push your armchair around your living room.

Try lots of bikes until you get an idea what suits you.

[Irontusk]

You have had some good advice on here. By all means try out a cuiser however if you get a Chinese 250cc cruiser, you may as well sit in front of your TV and get a mate to push your armchair around your living room.

Try lots of bikes until you get an idea what suits you.

He already has the Intruder.

And yeah its a V-twin, RocKai, maybe you're thinking of the GN250.. or the VL125 (which we don't get in NZ, luckily!)

[NOWOOL]

+1 for the proven reputation thing. I'm 6'5 and 135-140 kgs, and ride a GSXR1000. Don't listen to any skinny-scrawny-pencil dick-fag who tells you that a cruiser would suit 'your build'. Ride all sorts of bikes and decide for yourself (over time obviously). There's fuck all difference in room/comfort between a sports bike/tourer/cruiser (having your knees around your ears/chin/chest), unless you're one of the aforementioned 'weeds'.

There's a world of difference in comfort between bike types. The cruisers by far have the most leg room. and if even that's not enough you can add highway bars.
Even the tourers restrict your leg room especially the full-faired ones.

[gilly]

There's a world of difference in comfort between bike types. The cruisers by far have the most leg room. and if even that's not enough you can add highway bars.
Even the tourers restrict your leg room especially the full-faired ones.

No doubt a dumb question, but . . . What are highway bars?

I ride a VL250 and find that my backside rests on the front edge of the pillion seat. I'm only 5'10" but being a lady means the derrière does tend to stick out a bit more than a mans
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

P.S. Love my Intruder. Find its not to heavy, hubbies got a M50 that I steal sometimes it I want to go for a blat.

[Irontusk]

I ride a VL250 and find that my backside rests on the front edge of the pillion seat. I'm only 5'10" but being a lady means the derrière does tend to stick out a bit more than a mans


I'm a bit over 6', I originally took my pillion seat off because it looks better without it.. but I put it back on a while ago because I found that I kept sitting half off the seat, so I was on the guard a bit.. the pillion seat holds me forward a bit. I'm a guy, so no ass. Lucky with the M50.. alot nicer than the VL250?