Newbie looking for guidance

[Gremlin]

Hi there all,

Just another friendly auckland newbie looking for advice/seeking to extract the knowledge of the experienced...

I am looking to start the license process within a month , and was also looking for advice in starting... I googled (as you do) and came up with this awesome site. I have already read a great amount of posts learnt a great deal, so hopefully not too many repeat questions.

On the topic of bikes, I would like to go the way of a bike with fairings, and I realise that I might (possibly inevitably) put it down, but I really like the look of fairings (non-naked)even if I end having to replace the odd one. I also don't mind being warned about falls. Although not the same, I have done 1000's of k's on road bicycles in college in training and team competition a couple of years back, so I know that it might happen. That said I don't intend on looking for a cage to hit

1. Suitable bikes have been covered, except that I'm not quite within the normal range. Someone hinted to size in another thread and at 6ft 3 and 100kg (big boned ), I doubt I will fit every bike. What could be suitable/not suitable bikes. I'm not looking for bikes to help constipation, nor do I want to push the bike up a hill. Various decent sized 250's seem to be the way.

2. Who would be the awesome dealerships to service bikes at in Auckland and for taking a bike to when considering buying (no mates are bikers). Would there be any out Howick way?

3. The main factors for me are reliability, handling and being a poor student, price. I'm hoping to duck under $2000 - $2500 (excluding gear). The bike would mainly be used for commuting (free parking at uni ), but once skills match bravado longer rides would be fun, even track days. Having pedalled a bicycle to 80km/h I do seem to have acquired a taste for speed *cough* err legitimate speed

I have spotted a possible on Trademe (Honda NSR 250R SP - mitts off ). Hondas seem to be one of the bikes of choice, especially for entry, but the nsr doesn't seem to be spoken much about? Please voice any others, I don't have blinkers

[Jantar]

Hi there all,


On the topic of bikes, I would like to go the way of a bike with fairings, and I realise that I might (possibly inevitably) put it down, but I really like the look of fairings (non-naked)even if I end having to replace the odd one.....


3. The main factors for me are reliability, handling and being a poor student, price. I'm hoping to duck under $2000 - $2500 (excluding gear). The bike would mainly be used for commuting (free parking at uni ), but once skills match bravado longer rides would be fun, even track days. Having pedalled a bicycle to 80km/h I do seem to have acquired a taste for speed *cough* err legitimate speed

For your first bike I would strongly recommend that you stay clear of one with fairings. You are going to drop the bike within your first few months of riding, and you seem to accept that OK. But do you realise that to replace the fairings on a decent 250 will set you back as much as you are prepared to pay for the whole bike? $1500 - $2000 would be cheap for a complete set.

Welcome to the forum, you'll find plenty of people here who can give you all sorts of advice and assistance.

[Krusti]

Rule 1.....Don't get motorcycle unless you can afford some protective gear.

Rule 2.... See Rule 1

Helmet must be new not second hand...Other gear...Trade Me?

Welcome

[FEINT]

Welcome to the site!

Gear is alot more important than the bike! You only have 1 layer of skin. Get good gear with good armour. Cordura or Leather, that has been covered in this forum, have a search around.

Dealers tend to be more expensive for bikes, but they give you a 3 month warranty I think. Private sales are good. Trade and Exchange is good, but you have to go round and see each bike . Trademe is a better place, as photos can be seen etc, but the prices tend to go up a bit more.

NSR are fast bikes!

Good luck finding a bike! Hope to see you on one of the cruises.

[wari]

HOW-dy ... :spudwave: ... didn't read yurrr intor-roduck-torry post ... itwas too long - no off-ence... I'm inta farst intros ... ... enjoyda site mate ...

[Gremlin]

For your first bike I would strongly recommend that you stay clear of one with fairings. You are going to drop the bike within your first few months of riding, and you seem to accept that OK. But do you realise that to replace the fairings on a decent 250 will set you back as much as you are prepared to pay for the whole bike? $1500 - $2000 would be cheap for a complete set.

err... didn't know it was quite that ridiculous. I read somewhere that the gn250 does have a soft suspension. Would that be true for all those sort of naked bikes?? I never fitted any of my bicycles with suspension for the simple fact of too much compliance. I think I would have an unnerving time everytime I braked for a corner and the bike dipped

I don't mind the sporty feel or the ride position, as I'm used to racing road bikes (well, a couple of years ago) which really streeetch you out

Gear is alot more important than the bike! You only have 1 layer of skin. Get good gear with good armour. Cordura or Leather, that has been covered in this forum, have a search around.

When I said excluding gear, I didn't mean I would be riding in jandals. Then I may as well step in front of cars and save myself the bike purchase. As much as it hurts, I'll pay for good gear. Reading the cordura vs leather, I might try good cordura, coz I'll be commuting in all weather, and its easier to dry, breathes, and as long as I can find something really waterproof.

One thing for sure the helmet will be new. I rode into a parked car in 3rd form (yeah the joke was still around in 7th form) and the helmet was completely destroyed but I was fine. Always wonder what could have happened...

[Jantar]

.... I read somewhere that the gn250 does have a soft suspension. Would that be true for all those sort of naked bikes?? I never fitted any of my bicycles with suspension for the simple fact of too much compliance. I think I would have an unnerving time everytime I braked for a corner and the bike dipped...

The GN250 suspension is softish, but I believe that it has quite a lot of preload adjustment. In other words you can set it up to suit your weight and riding style. It is a good beginners bike, and one i would recommend. I can assure you that with any modern bike the suspension will not dip TOO far under braking unless you are really pushing the limits.

You should also consider the honda CBR250 which is another good learners bike, and a bit sportier than the GN250.

Do you have your licence yet? If so go to a few different bike shops and have a good look at what is available. Take one or two bikes for a test ride. You'll soon find something that suits you. After you have been riding for 6 mths to a year then trade up to something a bit sportier. You'll be ready for it then. Enjoy the experience.

[limmy]

Hello newbie,
I live out east as well so feel free to send me a PM if you think i can anything.

As the other guys have mentioned. You can't go too budget on your gear. They literally save your skin and much unnessary agony. Being a poor student i would say your main consideration should be how reliable the bike is. if you have to take it in to the shop it probably won't be cheap.

anyways....have fun

[Biff]

Welcome
Although you sound far too well balanced to be here. Never mind, we'll corrupt you soon. Mwahahaha.

[White trash]

Buy any machine with the letters "S", "R", "X" and "G" in the title and you'll go far son.

Welcome by the way.

[Gremlin]

yep, I know I can't skimp on clothing, so now the trick is finding a bike that is on the cheap side while still having good handling and reliability.

I have been thinking about the gn250, and what everybody has said. With most (anti-honda hardcore fanatics aside ) it and the hondas seem to be the best bet.

What sort of price (for the average - I know there are a lot of variables, just sort of a pointer) would I be looking at for the suzuki (would a second hand cost much less than 3k?) the cbr and the nsr. I kinda like the nsr, but having no experience my opinion isn't that valuable... :unsure: I want to try to get a good bike for less than $2500.

I haven't got my license yet, so I can't test ride. I might wait until then, but there is a nsr on trademe, and I have asked for some pics... but its speaking to me.

when you want a bike checked by a shop (I think? it is the safest option), does the seller take it for you and then you pay??

[Gremlin]

Buy any machine with the letters "S", "R", "X" and "G" in the title and you'll go far son.

I'm guessing that this opinion is a little biased as that is what you?? (or somebody) keeps saying to others...

Although you sound far too well balanced to be here. Never mind, we'll corrupt you soon. Mwahahaha.

Only because you guys are well beyond the norm... but you can try

[Zapf]

perhaps a honda Jade...

a member here, velox has one and she is bloody quick

its basically a naked CBR250

[ManDownUnder]

HOW-dy ... :spudwave: ... didn't read yurrr intor-roduck-torry post ... itwas too long - no off-ence... I'm inta farst intros ... ... enjoyda site mate ...

Wow a spelling bypass - I've never seen the effects of that one before! :-)

(sorry, it had to be said)

[Madguitarist!]

Welcome Gremlin, you'll find all the info you need here on this site...and then some!