Textbook wannabie

[digs_nz]

Cheers for the replies. A bit of that tech bike stuff went over my head, but nvm.

I do want a twin, not a single, as it will probably be better value for money in the long run.

Will check out the bike shop, and have emailed Andrew Templeton (you confirmed it, but I already came across his site yesterday anyway)

Bit worried about the sitting up thing, it sounds like less fun, and something which will be a bit annoying after I get used to the basics.. I'll definitely look at it properly though.. How can I tell from a photo of a bike (on trademe, for example) whether its sitting upright or not?

Edit: Nvm, gah. I get it I think. Dont buy a sports bike, is it?

[superman]

I've had my Ninja about 3 weeks to ride. Very forgiving (for a bike), if you come up too fast for a corner it's all good because the fact the bike is so light and engine braking it allows you to safely slow down in through the corner. Even though it doesn't feel nice like accelerating WOT as you can especially when you've got the corner right.

Spending all your time from 10-13,000 RPMS it screams and is a blast.

The amount of time you spend WOT is good fun. I had a Honda Prelude 2.2L VTEC car before hand, and the acceleration is about the same (fastest car I've owned to the slowest bike I'll own )

Reliable as anything, though Honda's seem really good too, they were a close choice for me. But I ended up deciding I can get a Honda when I go up to 600cc when I get my full. 1.5 bloody years away.

[zmlam]

The upright GNs' (which I'm pretty sure is sitting upright) have a different handlebar that bends back towards you to help you 'situp'. Bit like the cruiser type, plus the handlebar is rather wide. Perhaps that's part of the definition?

Not trying to push the VTR, its listed under 'sports' category in trademe. I think in terms of sitting up position, its in between a sports and full sitting up type bike.

I sat on a late model ninja a while back, that actually felt really comfortable with the posture (though I wonder if you lock the steering, doesn't your fingers get caught in between the tank?).

Was told when I got my basic handling skills cert to find my first bike - sit on a lot of bikes, there's one that feels right for you.

[Latte]

Yeah the VTR will let you sit more forward than a GN, GN almost feels like you'll fall backwards. I let a friend ride my Mille and I got to ride his VTR back along SH16, was a hoot, handles well, nice and light, doesn't tire out your wrists etc. And they look good too.

[AxN]

Go to a bike shop and just sit on a few bikes to test out the ergonomics...

[JATZ]

Whats with all this road bike stuff ?

Get a DR/KLX/XR or the like, why be restricted to sealed roads
and you could chuck a set of road tyres on it for road work/commuting

[Cayman911]

GN almost feels like you'll fall backwards.

The GN feel's like you are riding a garbage can, i suppose you are....

[digs_nz]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Still just in the very initial stages.. am taking the handling test on 8th January.

Heres a couple of bikes I've been looking at:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-341840200.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=340793991

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-341237456.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-338919166.htm

Can someone explain the difference between Ninja 250 and Ninja 250r; R is a sports version of some sort, yeah?

Never really heard of Hyosung, are they a good buy? Don't really like the look of the VTR250, but I'm going to head into a shop nearby and look at a few and then make my mind up on that.

[Slyer]

Ninja 250's are the same bike just one is a newer model. The new one has pretty much the same engine but a bit detuned. Just looks are the difference really!
(And what a difference)

[Gibbo89]

Never really heard of Hyosung, are they a good buy?

Some love them, and some don't. They are physically big so you don't look like your riding around on a wee 250, they get huge k's out of a tank, something stupid like 400k's out of the 17 litre tank or whatever it has. the 2010 model has efi, the rest are carburetored (think I spelled that wrong).

People have said to not go for the 06 model, as it had some issues. (sidestand, clutch cable, maybe other stuff. If you buy one, obviously just buy one as late model as possible, ask for service history etc. But remember to leave money aside for gear and insurance.

Expect to pay roughly 10% of the bikes value in regards to premium. Excess will depend hugely on your age and record etc.

Good luck

p.s looking at the 4 options you showed us, I think I'd like that red hyosung the most. Just bear in mind that the hyosung is probably more bent over when you are on it compared to the ninja.

[varminter]

I tried a Hyobag back when I was looking for a better 250, liked it heaps, nice full size bike. Too bad I couldn't afford it. Dagerousbastard (not been here for a while) raved about them.

[sil3nt]

You really need to ride them to see what you like best.

The GPX 250, Ninja 250R and Hyosung are essentially the same thing. Can't really go wrong with any of them you just need to find which one you prefer.

Also save money and buy locally so you don't waste anything shipping it. Plenty of bikes in Wellington and there is no need to rush. Just wait for the right one too pop up.

[digs_nz]

Just thought I might update.

Got my basic handling skills test on saturday, heading in to get my learners this afternoon, or some time this week at least.

Cost me $140 at Roadsafe (Andrew Templeton) - I think I got jipped! Apparently it only costs $42 at the vtnz, but obviously need motorbike hire as well.

But the course was easy (again, ridden farm bike before) and took about an hour. Hire was some Suzuki 125.

[mrchips]

Good luck on the scratchie, great weather for riding !

fwiw, Bikes with no fairings suffer less damage when they 'fall over', otherwise you can't go wrong with somethinglike this....2005 GSX 250

These bikes are great value for money, low mileage + with packrack.

At this price if your not mechanicaly inclined, you could afford to book it into a bike shop for a full service... oil change, valve check, chain & sprockets, tyres etc... would set you up for some trouble free motoring.

[avgas]

Cheap road legal dirt bike. Ride it for 6 months then get something quicker.
The dirt bike won't lose value as long as it gets another wof - so effectively you will be riding for near free for 6 months. Enough to get some skills.