help a bike noobie

[Big Dog]

Well no comment on the snip haven't been there. My first road bike was bought without a testride coz I was not allowed a test ride without a license. But comfort was taken into consideration ie it was the biggest 250 avail at the time. Second road bike involved a hour long test ride. Third bike involved doing three laps of my intended commute and a couple of lengths of the north western.

[Motu]

Well,the snip was not a sucess - oh,they say they'll do it again for no charge,so I can't complain about that eh?

Every bike I buy either doesn't go or has so many things wrong with it that a test ride only confirms it's a piece of shit.Fixing a bike is no challenge to me - getting enough cash to afford a perfect bike is.

[k14]

I think there are too many guys here that get the short end of the stick. Being 20 i dont think it will be happening to me any time soon, but come on guys. Why don't you get the misses to get their pipes blocked!!! Or am i missing something??

[Sharkey]

I guess its cheaper and "easier" for the guy to get it done.

I understand that it is reversible, however why you would be mad enough to want to go through that twice is beyond me....

[jrandom]

I think there are too many guys here that get the short end of the stick. Being 20 i dont think it will be happening to me any time soon, but come on guys. Why don't you get the misses to get their pipes blocked!!! Or am i missing something??

Tubal ligation costs several thousand dollars. Vascectomy costs about $300. And after however-many years of the missus having to remember to take a pill every day and flood her system with synthetic hormones some of us might just reckon it's our turn to look after the issue...

[marty]

getting the snip is not all bad. i had mine done about 8 years ago - no complications, and apart from a bit of bruising and post 'kicked in the nuts' feeling didn't give me any grief. still - i didn't ride a go fast screamer back then. made the missus happy, and i wouldn't advocate having tubes tied - there is a higher failure and complication rate with that that with any other form of contraception.

anyway mops - has this helped you choose a new bike? i'd still advocate an RS/RGV/TZR/CBR, but if you're going to have the snip, then maybe a GN or GS.......

[k14]

Well, hopefully by the time i get to that age they would have invented some other way of doing it. Cause i am not going to let a doctor play around in that area

[matthewt]

K14: I guess the main reason we get the snip is that after our wives going through all sorts of stuff having children it isn't that hard given it's a 30 minute procedure and "generally" things go OK.

Having said that my infectecion spread on Friday/Saturday so I'm now on stronger drugs. Took some painkillers and rode the MV from Picton to ChCh on Sunday and had a ball. Great ride down with sod all traffic and I only saw one cop.

[MikeL]

... had a ball?

!!

[mops]

thanks guys for constuctive replies.

as for the snip - definitely no, at least at this time.
ok, so i got the info so far :
i need a helmet, jacket, gloves and preferably boots.

as for the choice of bike.... hm.... i'm still confused.

basically i want to bike that i'll learn on, and for riding only in sunny days. i want it cheap and nasty, so i wont be too worried with if it i drop it on the ground or something (you call that spill ???). and definitey yes, something easy to maintain DIY styles . Ok, i'm thinking hrere of something sub $1k, old and lotsa of kays, bad paint, scratches, but warrantable, etc.

as for books about the techniques of driving a bike/maintenance, what would you recomend ???


as well i do not know anyone who owns/knows stuff about bikes, so i'll need some tips and stuff on what to look for when byuing a bike


thanks in advance

[Hitcher]

Hello everyone.

Now, i do not own a bike, but always wanted to. I would like to get my first bike, do the license, etc, etc. I have few questions. I would like to start with a standard road bike (excuse me if i get the technial terms wrong, i do know stuff about cars and computers but not bikes yet ).

What would be a good bike to start ??? I only drove few 50cc schooters before. i dont want it flash neither i need it any fast, but I want it cheap to run and easy to maintain, cheap to insure (3rd party only), etc. probably once i got my full license for a bike i'll sell that and get something else. please recommend make an model.

Now, would a budget of $1000-$2000 be siutable for a start ??? that must include the bike itself and any accesories i'll need (eg. helmet). while i'm at it, what accesories will I need for standard road use ??? if 2k is not enought, how much would i need ???

whats the typical fuel consumption of a typical =<250cc bike ???

what kind of insurance premium am i likely to pay ??? 3rd paty only, i'm 22 years old, male, clean drivers license for last about 5 to 6 years, for last two years driving turbocharged subaru ???

thansk heaps in advance.

Have I got a deal for you! I have a Yamaha FZX250 Zeal for sale. In red, 22,000km on the clock, heaps of wear left in its Dunlop Arrowmaxes, a Givi mini screen...
But don't take my word for the capabilities and outright fun of riding a Zeal -- Google it and read the reviews! Lowish seat height if you are vertically challenged or a person who likes to get both feet very down. Great brakes, brilliant exhaust note (for a 250).
If you're in Wellington we could talk turkey (gobble gobble) and once you have your L plate you could take it for a blat.

[Hitcher]

Motorcycling is expensive and, when it comes to bikes, you get what you pay for. Also as a learner you're going to be spending at least four months riding your first bike (fast-track competency-based option for the over 25s) so it's best to get something that goes well and feels good.
If you've going to scrimp on your bike, at least invest in good gear that fits well and is functional. Good gear will set you back over $1,000 -- unless you're never going to go far or ride in the rain (good practice if you aspire to ride a Harley...)

[wkid_one]

Motorcycling is expensive and, when it comes to bikes, you get what you pay for. Also as a learner you're going to be spending at least four months riding your first bike (fast-track competency-based option for the over 25s) so it's best to get something that goes well and feels good.
If you've going to scrimp on your bike, at least invest in good gear that fits well and is functional. Good gear will set you back over $1,000 -- unless you're never going to go far or ride in the rain (good practice if you aspire to ride a Harley...)

I agree. Most new bikers spend all their money on their bike and forget about the gear side of things. As JR said - you are more than likely to fall off - provided you have the right gear on - you are likely to come away with this unscathed.

Be choosy about your bike - the 250cc bike range is over-inflated in price as there is a specific demand for these bikes due to the licensing laws. Also - given the nature of learner bikes - you can buy a whole heap of trouble if the owner hasn't been overly caring about the bike.

Check things like the front fork staunchions near the pinch bolts as these are extremely expensive to replace and will therefore show any major damage from a big off (generally scraps/gouges).

Also - remember, if you are serious about biking - this is only a stepping stone. You are likely to get bored on this bike quickly if you take to riding - so choose wisely. There is nothing worse than buying something you get sick off quickly.

Most of all - have fun.

[marty]

1985 HONDA CB250RS

Capacity 250cc
Type Road
Location WBOP New Zealand
Price NZ$1,395
Colour Red



Description good 1st bike

Publication BikePoint Forever, Page: 0, NCWM11023-310-007703
.................................................. .....................................

this for sale in matamata. can you really go wrong?

[marty]

oops here's the picture: