What bike for new learner rider?

[efp0wa]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting a new bike from a dealer. Not really sure what i'm after.

I'm a learner rider so need something good to learn on. I've seen a few bikes that i Like but i'm unsure of what direction to go in.

I'm interested in a Honda CBR125R, Honda Magna, Suzuki DR200SE street legal. Obviously Honda don't make the Magna anymore so I'd need something second hand.

I will be using it to commute to and from work. Aswell as out to the country where my girlfriend has just moved. I like the idea of the DR200SE as it would be ok for mild off roading i assume.

Suggestions please. Don't really want to spend more than $5500 if I can help it.
Don't really know if i want a sport, cruiser or whatnot.

[crazyhorse]

If you get a DR, and use it to commute to work, then you will have road tyres on it, not knobblies, so doubt you will do any off-road stuff on it whilst visiting your gf.

Would suggest a proper road bike for commuting purposes- - my thoughts only

[efp0wa]

Ahhh good point.

What about this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/Vi...989/36672.aspx

or this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/Vi...008/33834.aspx (is that road legal?

I'm also liking the looks of a Honda VTR250, Yamaha SX4 Scorpio. Or Honda Hornet (really like the looks of these!) http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/Vi...996/34904.aspx

[The Pastor]

i'd go for a r1 or something simerlar.

[Rosie]

If you get a DR, and use it to commute to work, then you will have road tyres on it, not knobblies, so doubt you will do any off-road stuff on it whilst visiting your gf.

Would suggest a proper road bike for commuting purposes- - my thoughts only

For something fairly gentle, power-wise, like the DR200, you can get reasonable dual purpose tyres that will be fine for the seal, and for mild off roading.

I haven't been on the DR, but know a couple of people who have them. Dual purpose bikes tend to be pretty good for commuting. On the open road the DR would probably run out of puff around 95-100 km/h. Depending on how much open road riding you'd be doing, that might be a problem.
My sherpa is 50ccs bigger than the DR, and can generally get along at 100-110 km/h. I think it's fine on the open road, but I can see that it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.

[crazyhorse]

i'd go for a r1 or something simerlar.

Why not go for a hyabusa then

stay away from hyosungs, they do not have a good history.....

Can alway garantee the suzuki's, honda's or yamahas are good reliable bikes. Besides, you only need it for up to 2 years, and then its what you want to have................. good luck on your learners

[The Pastor]

Why not go for a hyabusa then

stay away from hyosungs, they do not have a good history.....

Can alway garantee the suzuki's, honda's or yamahas are good reliable bikes. Besides, you only need it for up to 2 years, and then its what you want to have................. good luck on your learners

nah too much power for a learner.

[efp0wa]

LOL R1, yeah right!

[merlin]

nah too much power for a learner.

I learnt on a CBR 250RR MC22. Great bikes. Reliable and sturdy. Nimble and light. Fast and forgiving.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

Not suitable for off road at all...

I think you should base your purchase decision on the type of riding you will do most of...otherwise you'll just compromise too much.

Goodluck with your License and on finding your bike

[The Pastor]

I learnt on a CBR 250RR MC22. Great bikes. Reliable and sturdy. Nimble and light. Fast and forgiving.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

Not suitable for off road at all...

I think you should base your purchase decision on the type of riding you will do most of...otherwise you'll just compromise too much.

Goodluck with your License and on finding your bike

my mc22 seems to handle off road just fine!

[merlin]

my mc22 seems to handle off road just fine!

Good for you dude

TBH...I have never taken mine offroad...I just assumed road bike = road bike..

[The Pastor]

They are great on the sand

[efp0wa]

What about a 96 Honda Hornet?

[skinman]

IMO the magna is the best of the 250 cruisers but all the ones I saw when I was looking were over 10yrs old.
I got a Yamaha Virago as for the same money it is only 4yrs old. The suzuki intruder is another option if that is your thing.

[mattian]

IMO the magna is the best of the 250 cruisers but all the ones I saw when I was looking were over 10yrs old.
I got a Yamaha Virago as for the same money it is only 4yrs old. The suzuki intruder is another option if that is your thing.

Have you seen the Kymco Venox? similar look to the Magna only newer and looks waaaayyyyy flippin cooler. You might find a second hand one around $5000 or so. I brought mine new for $7000 all up. Saw me through to my full licence and no problems at all.