My first bike short list (HELP)

[puppydog]

This is a time of firsts for me. My first road bike, my first post on a website and the first time I am going to let people know my weight!

As the title suggests I have just got my learners licence and am looking for my very first road bike. I have had a look around (well as much as you can when you live in Wairoa) and have discovered that my budget or lack there of, is probably going to drive my decision more than my wants and needs.
Anyway here goes:

Me. 6 foot 3 and 110kg
Use. Back and forward to work on nice days (3k’s) and out for a bit of fun at the weekend if the bike will take it!
Budget. Under $1700!! I literally need to spend as little as possible. As far as my wife is concerned this is “just a toy” and I am subsequently stuck with a toys budget.
Notes. I am not going to travel vast distances so comfort is not my big concern. I want a bike that will be able to handle my weight and still be able to put a grin on my face when I want blow a few cobwebs out of my brain.

Although this is my first bike for road use (apart from a Honda MTX 80cc 19 years ago when I was 16 in the UK) I have done a bit of off road riding on DR and XR 650’s.

To save money I have been looking at some deregistered bikes that I could do up and get back on the road (good or bad idea?) I have all my safety equipment its just the bike that I need.

The List
93 ish ZZR250 (deregistered)
89 ish RGV250 (deregistered)
92 ish KR-1S (deregistered)
91 ish GSX250 (deregistered)
Or
99 ish FZR150 registered
99 ish RGV150 registered

What do you think of the list? All your comments, help and advice will be very much appreciated.

[awayatc]

looks like a bucket list.....

with basket cases....

Bad idea....

Work a bit more and save up...

Reregistering won't come free.

[puppydog]

But I respect my wife’s view that we have more important responsibilities like renovating our house to spend more than this on a bike. I have to work with what I can, and alas that is not much. But I so want a bike.

[Bend-it]

agree with awayatc... You either pay less now and more over the rest of the life of the bike, or save for the next 6 months and spend more tikme riding and less time fixing stuff...


But I respect my wife’s view that we have more important responsibilities like renovating our house to spend more than this on a bike. I have to work with what I can, and alas that is not much. But I so want a bike.

The thing is, you'll end up spending about the same over the next year... Even getting into the $3k range would get you a much better bike... then don't forget helmet and gear...

[puppydog]

The wife (bless her) wont notice the money spent on getting the bike on the road and then keeping it there.
But she will notice the $4500 I want to spend on a 250 Bandit.
I have to work within the confines of the “Household Law”

[javawocky]

In that price range you might want to add the RG150 to your list. It has enough power to move you but might be a little cramped at your hight like the FXR150 might be.

[davebullet]

You need to be honest with her - but also fair to yourself

Get her to decide whether you should have more time to renovate the house (= more expensive bike up front that won't need the upkeep), or less money on a bike now and less time renovating the house (as you'll need to spend time on the bike).

She can't have both - that's being greedy and thoughtless.

Unless you want to have the fun of fixing it up, sounds like the more expensive bike up front will be better off, as she will resent the time you spend on a cheaper doer-upper when you should be renovating the house. She'll soon forget the extra couple of K (the more expensive bike option), but will be constantly reminded of the time you spend fixing it up forgoing the renovations (for the cheaper bike option).

[FROSTY]

ok to help your decision take into account the $1000 minimum its going to cost to get any of the derego'd bikes on the road.
also the kr1 and the RGV Id hardly suggest as being learner bikes. Theyre both pretty quick bits of kit.
In your price bracket Id suggest theres better bikes to concider.
I think you will get a preety reasonable bike for the 2k mark

[awayatc]

Both you and the Mrs will get annoyed with the fact that instead of spending your time on doing up the house, you will spend time doing up your bike.....
Bike should be fun and "time out"....so you are not giving the whole biking idea a real shot .....
therefor the "missus" will never agree to future bike upgrade either....

Bit like getting pregnant, you can't do "just a litttle bit"....

[MSTRS]

Sounds to me that you should be considering this sort of thing
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-211106287.htm

[puppydog]

Yep that DR250S in on my watchlist.

[Ixion]

These things (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-211070017.htm) are stupididly good fun. I was uber impressed with the one I looked over.

So are these (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212209350.htm)


This (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212131709.htm)is a good deal too dear, but they are a splendid bike. I miss mine no end.

[puppydog]

The Suzuki GRASS TRACKER looks cool but the other 2 look a little.........
Well they look a bit...........................
.....
.....
.....
....... Please dont make me ride those bikes.....PLEASE....Ill be good!!!