First Thread, GN250?

[pommie girl]

Hi there. Well, for what my opinion is worth ... I bought the GN250 as my first bike and thought it was superb for what I needed i.e. cheap, brand new, warranty, reliability and when I dropped it (as you're going to do), it didn't show any damage whatsoever. I upgraded to a GSX250 after about 8 months (well, I think it's an upgrade) and that's a whole different kettle of fish. The GSX rides so much better, I believe, than the GN but when I had an accident the fairing cracked and that's costing me about $180 to replace.

Definitely do try out some bikes - like surfchick said, sit on them, see how they feel, but the proof of the pudding's in the eating, so they say, and you probably won't know what really suits you until you find out what you don't like! Best bet, don't spend too much on your first bike ... save that for when you know precisely what you want.

[Storm]

Yeah, the last thing I wan't to do is take a bike for a test ride then due to my lack of experience stack it! Wouldn't that be an interesting one to try and explain!

Dont worry, I once took a test bike out and had a con rod blow out the front of the engine while I was on it and had to explain that one to the dealer

[Twig]

Dont worry, I once took a test bike out and had a con rod blow out the front of the engine while I was on it and had to explain that one to the dealer

And did he by it?

That makes me feel a little bit better about taking a bike for a spin!

[SuperDave]

Hey mate and welcome to the site.
Would recommend the FXR, I've had it for 8 months or so and havn't had any problems. Was easy to learn on and has a nice even powerspread. Powerwise it's very good for its engine size and type and can easily make 120kph.

[Storm]

And did he by it?

That makes me feel a little bit better about taking a bike for a spin!

Yeah he was more worried that I was alright, which impressed me greatly( and I already knew he was a top bloke anyway), and that the bike had tried to throw me(which it had had a fair old go atdoing ! )
Phil Turnbull's in Palmy folks, where you can break a bike and not pay a cent or even buy another bike.-how many can say that?

[magnum]

hi and welcome.a gn would be a good first bike,albeit not very sporty

[Beemer]

Many people told me I should have bought a GN250 - AFTER I had bought an RG150! Too late then, but they are good bikes for learning on, very forgiving - whereas the RG was a bit of a handful for someone with NO experience! But having said that, I wasn't bored with it once I had my full licence and I actually ended up keeping it for three years from new. If the FXR had been around when I bought my bike, I probably would have gone for one of them - a bit more stylish than a GN, nice and light, and they are electric start aren't they? I know of quite a few people with full licences who choose to ride them so they must be okay.

Everyone told me I would want to upgrade as soon as I got my full licence but I was happy to continue riding the RG for another two years - it went well, I could keep up with most people I rode with, and I didn't have the money to upgrade anyway! I think it takes a while to figure out exactly what you want later - it's only when you have the experience you can appreciate the difference between different makes, models and styles of bike. You may fall in love with a cruiser, you may want a naked bike, a sports bike, a Harley even! Learner bikes will always be in demand, so don't worry about wasting your money on a bike you won't want to keep forever.

[ricksta]

go to red baron... they have a big range of 250cc bikes. Some bikes come with a learner package: free $300 worth of ANY gear u want and free service after 3 months or 3000Kms (i think) and all the bikes are serviced before they get into the showroom...

make sure the bike is comfy for u...get the feel of the bike... have both ur legs up on the pegs dont worry the stand is strong enough to hold u... if it doesnt feel good dont get it.. simple after all ur paying for it.

red baron didnt let me have a test drive i told them i just got my learners... but i'm happy with my bike

oh by the way... welcome to KB

[FEINT]

Most of the stuff has been covered pretty much.

There are many great bikes floating around with great owners. Some of them just outgrow them, you can get them for a more reasonable amount of money (in comparison to the dealers). Even though the dealers give you 3 months warranty, a bike that is 10 years old +, well if it goes wrong, it will go wrong after the 3 months. Do get them checked out before purchasing. You will probably move up from a 250 once you have learnt how to ride.

You need good gear! Shop around for the cheapest / best value for money places. I personally like Cycletreads.

I am sure there are some nice bikers on KB that would be more than willing to check out a bike for you. Personally I can't help you as I am not that good at looking at bikes. But I can try. If u need, send me a PM.

[Twig]

Thanks to all who have posted! I've just purchased a Honda CD250U. Mint, never been dropped, and runs/rides really smoothly. The only thing wrong, if you can call it wrong is a small rip in the seat (really easy to fix)!

FEINT: Where in Auckland is Cyclethreads?

Thanks again for everyone's useful feedback!

[Gremlin]

Here's Cycletreads

[Twig]

Thanks Gremlin, I'll check it out!

[FEINT]

Look for Mike (he's from KB).... the guys there are pretty friendly and will look after you.

72 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/

[Storm]

Thanks to all who have posted! I've just purchased a Honda CD250U. Mint, never been dropped, and runs/rides really smoothly. The only thing wrong, if you can call it wrong is a small rip in the seat (really easy to fix)!

FEINT: Where in Auckland is Cyclethreads?

Thanks again for everyone's useful feedback!

Dont be shy with pictures.