A newbie (Garfield)

**Garfield** · 11th March 2011, 14:51

Hi everyone, yes I am afraid I am a wannabe/newbie here.

I am looking at converting from the four wheeled variety of vehicle. I have my first lesson booked for next week to see if I am suited to motorcycling or if it is suited to me.
I am thinking of riding for mainly commuting as I travel approximately 50k a day to work and back.

I have been looking through the various 250cc bikes out there mainly in the cruiser or touring style.

My problem is I am 6'4" so would like some advice please... I am currently going around the local dealerships and seeing which bikes are suitable for my height. I also like the look of the Yamaha Scorpio, the GN250 for sheer economy but what about the cruiser style bikes (including Hyosung etc.) Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the opportunity to rant on.

**The Everlasting** · 11th March 2011, 15:03

Welcome to KB,yes the best thing you can do is go to the dealerships and find something that you feel comfortable on,but if you can't find anything 250cc that suits,you might be able to apply for an exemption to get a bigger bike.

**Grasshopperus** · 11th March 2011, 19:59

Welcome Garfield,

Yeah, ditch the car, I sold my VP clubsport a couple years ago and started commuting on a zxr250 and never looked back (I'm 6"1). Is traffic pretty shocker in Wanganui during rush hour? Anyways, there's been heaps of people come on KB looking for 250cc bikes for the taller gent.

Here's some threads that might be useful
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=tall

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=tall

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=tall

**Garfield** · 11th March 2011, 20:08

hi and thanks for the welcome, traffic here in Wanganui is not too bad, my commute to work will be highway riding virtually all the way to work.

I went to one of the local dealers today and tried out a couple of bikes, I tried a cruiser style but it felt too low and uncomfortable. I also tried a Hyosung 250 cc sport style but again it felt odd leaning so far forward 9that may be because I am not used to riding a bike) the sales guy was really helpful and suggested that I try a 'naked' version of the Hyosung which has slightly higher bars and is more of an upright position.
He also suggested a road legal trial bike.... any thoughts on that one?

**Ocean1** · 11th March 2011, 20:15

Originally Posted by Garfield

He also suggested a road legal trial bike.... any thoughts on that one?

Trail bike presumably, a trials bike is a silly idea.

It's a good suggestion, especially if you're a big guy, the extra suspension travel makes for a bigger bike and it'll likely fit you better. They allow a very natural posture too.

It'd also give you the chance to try a bit of mild off road stuff, and that's a good place to teach yourself the basics.

**Garfield** · 11th March 2011, 20:29

My apologies on that typo big fingers little key board!

In all seriousness I had not considered a trail bike. At least it may make for a more comfortable/natural position and as you say give me a good learning sphere for the next couple of years until I learn and eventually graduate to a larger bike.

**Garfield** · 14th March 2011, 17:47

Hi I thought I would let you know that the newbie has had the first lesson. The instructor was awesome very patient and explained everything so well.

I started with anticipation and trepidation but soon settled into the bike and began to enjoy the lesson.

I rode the instructors Yamaha Scorpio and found that it was comfortable and did not make me look ridiculous due to my height (the instructors words and observations not mine).

I have booked another lesson and the instructor reckons that I will also be confident enough to sit the basic handling skills at the end of the lesson.

Just thought I would keep you up to speed with my progression from four wheels (not completely letting the four wheels go, keeping my quad bike) to two wheels.

**mrmeal** · 14th March 2011, 18:09

good efforts mate! The GN is a good starting point for a bike, another is a Honda CB250 or hornet. A fried has one which I rode recently, neat little unit. plenty on the fun factor and awesome for a learner too. I ride a GSXR 750, but not daily. I'm a hobby rider rather than an everyday commuter. The trail bike, if your body size allows you to easily drop both feet to the floor could make for a very maneuverable little machine, I haven't had too much experience on road going variants myself, my legs aren't stretched for my smaller frame so I didn't really look at them in my learner/restricted days. You need to be comfortable on what ever you settle for though as you are the one in the saddle. Happy hunting, try a Hornet if the opportunity allows, gn250's are a good safe bet too. Both I'd think are suitable posture to the scorpion. But again I have no personal experience. The main thing is you are on your way. let us know how you get on with the BHS test.

**Garfield** · 18th March 2011, 15:29

Hi all,

just an update............today I had riding lesson number 2.......felt far more comfortable this time and relaxed into the ride (not exactly a ride more of a chug around a local car-park but no doubt you get the idea) and the bike.

The instructor then took me through the basic handling skills test and announced that I had passed that part...whooooooooo whoooooooooooo!

Then it was off to the local AA to take the theory and passed that part.........now the serious part starts and looking at the bikes....I am still taken by teh Yamaha Scorpio but shall shop around a little while longer and see what happens...

**howzer** · 18th March 2011, 18:28

Hi

I ride a scorpio and its my first bike. Mostly i just ride it in the weekends but quite long trips 250k+. I find it can be a little sore on the ass but commuting it would be ideal. You will get tired of it, so if your not thinking of upgrading after you get your full get something a little better. If you can qualify for an exemption that would be better still. Go the scorpio!

**Garfield** · 28th March 2011, 20:15

There I was looking at some of the commuter bikes on Trademe...GN250's and the like when Mrs Garfield quietly says "You need something that will handle the journey, not just a bike that is good around town.....why don't you look at those bigger 250's"?

Now what can a man say...........only that this may cost me more than a bike!
I try explaining that I am concious of the expense but she is insistent that I look at the bigger 250's...........with that in mind (and my height being the major factor at 6'4").........looking at the Hyosung Comet, CBF 250 VTR 250................time to ask your expert opinion on the Bandit is this any good for a tall guy or should I avoid this one?

**Number One** · 28th March 2011, 20:38

Welcome Garfield! MY FAVOURITE cartoon character EVER!

Enjoy the ride

**Garfield** · 30th March 2011, 19:54

Well today I took a couple of bikes for a test ride to see if they suited me or if I suited them....I rode a VTR 250 and a Honda Magna........I felt that I was not suited to the VTR for some reason, I felt uncomfortable which is probably due to my height and my inexperience.
I then rode the Magna and it felt more natural and I enjoyed the ride. Perhaps I am more suited to the cruiser stles as I found it like sitting on an armchair which has been part of the family for years..... I am off to try a couple of different cruisers so I can have a more varied opinion before making mu final decision, I have been warned off the Chinese made bikes such as the Lifan and to look at the Keeway's with some degree of suspicion,,,,,,,,,,,,,any advice from you guys on KB? I shall have a look at them regaedless as my budget may well mean that all I am able to afford is one of these machines.