RGV250 for a first bike...

[magicmonkey]

I would recomend something like a CG125 or an AX100 etc. Cheap, won't get too badly damaged when you drop it, well you probably will, most learner riders do. I wouldn't get something like a CBR250, they write off really easily. Too much plastic.

Thing is, those bikes are tiny!! I'm 6 foot 4 and after having a look at a few of the GN250's which are buzzing around town all day I've come to the conclusion that I won't be able to ride a bike that size without having my knees around my ears!

[rachprice]

I am the same, I'm not excessively tall but have really long legs so its a pain in the ass!

The RGV though is one of the most severe race positions, legs tucked up body right forward....though I never really knew any different so didnt bother me so much.

Maybe go sit on an RGV? I would offer you mine but I don't have it anymore

[SMOKEU]

Thing is, those bikes are tiny!! I'm 6 foot 4 and after having a look at a few of the GN250's which are buzzing around town all day I've come to the conclusion that I won't be able to ride a bike that size without having my knees around my ears!

I'm about your height and I can easily ride a mini pit bike. You will be able to ride almost any small bike quite easily.

[TygerTung]

I think you would find a CG125 or an AX100 MUCH more comfortable to ride than an RG250 or other small sportsbike. My friend is over 6 foot and had a CG for a first bike, no problem there. They may be a little small, but I think you would still fit.

Actually if you are quite tall, maybe you should go for a trailbike? They will crash well and you will be nice and comfy as they are big.

[McWild]

I know it's ages away but I'll have my VJ21 in Wellington in November if you want to have a sit.
Probably not much help but still, you could have a look!

At 6'4 you'd have to really enjoy the sportsbike position to be comfortable.

I'm 6'1 and my RGV is a little bit cramped, but I like it that way so it's all good.
I find my friend's CBR250RR (MC22) really cramped though, not sure I could handle it long term.

The RG150 and MC19 CBR250Rs still have sporty positions but the bars are quite a bit higher, so you'd probably fit them better. ZXR250 bars are also a little higher.

Dual purpose bikes are awesome if you want a physically bigger bike. Somehow gruntier than the GNs, but not too much so, and bloody high. They certainly don't do top speed, but they'll do any job you require of them.


If it was me deciding, I wouldn't go for the little AX100s and CG125s. It's not that they're bad bikes; but I think if you want to get more involved with bikes you would be better off with something a bit more modern. I imagine you would also get rather bored with them quickly too. They are however cheap, simple, and safe. And stylish, depending on your taste.

[TygerTung]

Yeah they are not always a long term thing, but they are a good sort of bike to ride around for 6 months, pick up some great skills, then get something a bit bigger. You sort of have to be into wee bikes though. Wee bikes are heaps of fun

[Nibblet]

Interesting reading some of your comments. I started green on a NSR250, yes did get a bit of a shock the first couple times at WOT when the power band kicked on and started lifting the front wheel, but as long as your mature and realise that motocyclist are organ donars you start to settle down. Like people have mentioned if your prepared to ease yourself into it rather then hop on and give it full tit they not too bad. But they a suited to more of a toy then for a commuter.

[kiwifruit]

I wasn't allowed a RGV250

[magicmonkey]

Interesting reading some of your comments. I started green on a NSR250, yes did get a bit of a shock the first couple times at WOT when the power band kicked on and started lifting the front wheel, but as long as your mature and realise that motocyclist are organ donars you start to settle down. Like people have mentioned if your prepared to ease yourself into it rather then hop on and give it full tit they not too bad. But they a suited to more of a toy then for a commuter.

At the moment I've pretty much settled on a ZXR250 which I'm off to see this weekend (unless there's a problem with it I'll be getting myself some keys!) Basically because it's in my price range, has a good reputation for being forgiving on learners and should be able to dish out some more fun when I'm ready for it (until then I'll be shifting at low revs and spending a LOT of time in car parks!).

I'm taking into account the fact that I'm approaching 30, I've been driving for half of that time and I'm someone who knows to back off if things get scary. I'm sure I'll give myself a fright every now and then but I'm old and ugly enough to have got the boy racer attitude out of my system...

[magicmonkey]

Get yourself a road registered dirt bike. It will fit your size and be a great learners bike.

An RGV250 is not a suitable learners bike.

yeah, that's pretty much the conclusion I've reached as well. What do you make of the ZXR250?

[imdying]

They're fun and not particularly difficult to ride, I and most of my friends learnt to ride on them or similar. For the first wee while you'll find the top end rush incredible, but it won't take long before you're looking for more. Probably wouldn't at 6'4" though, they're not very roomy.

Retards can and do die on many types of bike. Try not to be one.

[AxN]

At the moment I've pretty much settled on a ZXR250 which I'm off to see this weekend (unless there's a problem with it I'll be getting myself some keys!) Basically because it's in my price range, has a good reputation for being forgiving on learners and should be able to dish out some more fun when I'm ready for it (until then I'll be shifting at low revs and spending a LOT of time in car parks!).

I'm taking into account the fact that I'm approaching 30, I've been driving for half of that time and I'm someone who knows to back off if things get scary. I'm sure I'll give myself a fright every now and then but I'm old and ugly enough to have got the boy racer attitude out of my system...

I was in the same position as you are a month back. Approaching 30, been holding my full class 1 license for 6 years, but only have 6L and new to the bike scene. After did a bit of reading online, looking through local offerings of 250cc bikes. I went with the ZXR250.

The guy who sold me the bike was really helpful. And I did feel completely out of depth for a good first 5 mins on the bike having had only rode a 50cc scooter and a 110cc Honda to pass my BHS.

But I am sure if you are sensible and keep it real to your ability, you should be fine. I am also looking into a few riding courses to go to next week just to boost my skills and keep myself safer on the road.

[magicmonkey]

I was in the same position as you are a month back. Approaching 30, been holding my full class 1 license for 6 years, but only have 6L and new to the bike scene. After did a bit of reading online, looking through local offerings of 250cc bikes. I went with the ZXR250.

The guy who sold me the bike was really helpful. And I did feel completely out of depth for a good first 5 mins on the bike having had only rode a 50cc scooter and a 110cc Honda to pass my BHS.

But I am sure if you are sensible and keep it real to your ability, you should be fine. I am also looking into a few riding courses to go to next week just to boost my skills and keep myself safer on the road.

At the moment I'm still worrying quite a bit about breaking the bike, getting the right gear, will the bike be a lemon etc etc etc so it's good to hear my plan has been put to work before

[AxN]

At the moment I'm still worrying quite a bit about breaking the bike, getting the right gear, will the bike be a lemon etc etc etc so it's good to hear my plan has been put to work before

Good luck to you! Keep us updated

[magicmonkey]

Good luck to you! Keep us updated

Heh, I wouldn't worry about me being quiet! I get the impression that the next 6 months of my life are going to be spent either on 2 wheels or on here asking how to get better at it!