New guy wants some advice

[Neil_BB]

Hey all,

I haven't been on a bike for 20 or so years, I'm looking to get back in to it but before buying a bike I wanted to canvas real riders out there for advice. I rode trail bikes for 4 years doing a little road riding but mostly dirt, enduro's etc... I rode my brothers Norton Commando for about 6 months on the road and loved it!

So to start from the start... I don't have a licence so I need to buy a bike that will meet those requirements i.e. 250cc and sit my restricted. Some of the advice I've had so far is that I need to buy something that I can re-sell because, and using their words, "I'll get pissed of with the lack of power a 250cc delivers and will want to get a more powerful bike". So my first questions are... what 250cc bike is good for a) a learner? b) will re-sell quickly?.

I'd really appreciate some experienced advice... thanks in advance...

[Mully]

In answer to point b, anything with a 250cc engine will sell quickly (and at an enormous price).

If I was buying a 250, I'd look at an older GN, the race reps are too expensive. Plus if you fall off, GNs are cheaper to fix.

[davereid]

If you have enjoyed dirt riding in the past, why not get a chook-chaser ? You can use it as a commuter, use it as a learner, and take it fishing on sundays. When you get your full licence keep it !

[Paul in NZ]

Go see Pete at Wellington MC's

There are a couple of grouse 250's there at the moment and he will give you some decent advice as well. Vicki and i were in there yesterday looking at some bikes.

Happy to meet up with you and introduce you if you want.

Cheers

Paul N

[Grub]

Happy to meet up with you and introduce you if you want.

... and collect your commission?

[BigRed2007]

Sup bro,

To me I am also a learner but I like the Gz250 cause its really good and helps with having your feet close to the ground. Really depends on what you like but suzuki gz250 is a great bike to learn on/ get your license.

good luck

[Sparky Bills]

If you have done dirt riding before, we know you can ride. (some of the best road racers come from dirt)
Id be looking at an inline 4, 250 four stroke. ie: ZXR250, CBR250 or a Bandit 250 etc.

They are fast enough to learn on, and on a twisty road, a good rider could beat a much larger bike

Good luck.
PM me if you want any other info.

[Paul in NZ]

... and collect your commission?

I'm pretty sure you know I'd never do that...

[Grub]

I'm pretty sure you know I'd never do that...

Look don't spoil a good stir-up. How's a man going to get any kicks around here.

[Neil_BB]

Hey all,

I wasn't expecting so many responses... thanks all... I'm now convinced to get either a GN250/similar or a road worthy "chook chaser" (I liked that one!) to get me started... I can see myself dropping it... so something with fairings is just going to get damaged. Hey for 6 months I can put my pride on the back burner until I can get a larger bike.

I really appreciate all of you coming back to me... I can see I'm going to have some fun on this site and perhaps hooking up with some of you on the road...

[Neil_BB]

Hey thanks Paul... let me know when you're in town i.e. the weekend and meet up at Wellington MC's... Hey no worries if you're on commission as long as it's not added to the cost of the bike!

[Marvon]

I was in your same position 6 months ago - bought a GN 250 - great for me, mainly commuting

[Paul in NZ]

Hey thanks Paul... let me know when you're in town i.e. the weekend and meet up at Wellington MC's... Hey no worries if you're on commission as long as it's not added to the cost of the bike!

Hi Neil

I work in town and not far from Wellington M/C's - happy to come in on a sat morning if needs be but weekdays are easier for me. There are a couple of good deals coming up or 250's a little crasherfairy tells me!

You can use the pm (Private message) function to contact me if you like. Cheers

Paul n

[90s]

Like you I rode for quite a few years, then spent over a decade and a half off motorbikes (and on mountain bikes instead).
Now I've been back a year.
You might be able to make a case based on your previous experience to 'jump' the 3-stage process. Its worth a shot. Having lost (ie. really lost the record of it not had it taken away from plod) my old licence (which I now found) I was making a case when I found I could convert a holiday licence I had from Rarotonga to a full.

As for bikes, if you have to take the 250 route and like road bikes I would get an RG150 again. Much faster than a GN, more enjoyable - more everything.

If you can stand a 2s of course.

Welcome back to bikes.

[breakaway]

+1 for the RG150. I used to have one, is a great learner bike, and you can pick it up resonably cheap. Most will already have "learner scars" so not to worry