I need a bigger bike (cursivelogic)

**cursivelogic** · 28th July 2011, 13:00

Hi all,
I've been riding for about two-and-a-half years, on my VS 150 scooter, and I have my full class 6 license. I originally chose a scooter because I have a phobia of changing gears >_> However, I ride about 50km a day on open road/highway, and I'm a little underpowered!
Because my dream scooter (Honda SH 300) isn't available in Australasia, and I don't like the look of maxi scooters, I've been looking into "real" bikes. I've just about decided on a Honda VTR 250: now the search begins!
I look forward to learning from you all~ n_n

**jim.cox** · 28th July 2011, 13:25

What you need is a MotoGuzzi Convert

900 cc of purebred Italian

coupled to semi-automatic gearbox

**cursivelogic** · 28th July 2011, 13:33

Originally Posted by jim.cox

What you need is a MotoGuzzi Convert

Ahaha! Nice idea, but that would be too easy. I really want to learn properly.

**Spearfish** · 28th July 2011, 13:44

Originally Posted by cursivelogic

Hi all,
I've been riding for about two-and-a-half years, on my VS 150 scooter, and I have my full class 6 license. I originally chose a scooter because I have a phobia of changing gears >_> However, I ride about 50km a day on open road/highway, and I'm a little underpowered!
Because my dream scooter (Honda SH 300) isn't available in Australasia, and I don't like the look of maxi scooters, I've been looking into "real" bikes. I've just about decided on a Honda VTR 250: now the search begins!
I look forward to learning from you all~ n_n

Why are you wanting to stay around the 250 bracket, size, confidence, need?

I don't know your skill level but I have to suggest seriously consider getting some training in if not at least a few hours around quiet roads if you haven't used a geared bike before.
Nothing worse than automatically squeezing the rear brake in a hurry forgetting its now a clutch or stalling at the lights or getting tied up finding first when the lights go green etc.
Dont let that even remotely put you off though its not hard just different and its just a machine.

The VTR's are very nice though.

**Edbear** · 28th July 2011, 13:47

I may suggest a nice C50T...

**cursivelogic** · 28th July 2011, 14:01

Originally Posted by Spearfish

Why are you wanting to stay around the 250 bracket, size, confidence, need?

I'm keeping to a 250 because it's all I need for the moment, and it will still be an upgrade. Potential power = temptation! Also fuel efficiency, and the 250s seem to be designed for learners. And they're generally cheaper, so if I drop it it's not a big deal. And they're smaller, with a lower seat height (I'm about 5'5").

Originally Posted by Spearfish

I don't know your skill level but I have to suggest seriously consider getting some training in if not at least a few hours around quiet roads if you haven't used a geared bike before.
Nothing worse than automatically squeezing the rear brake in a hurry forgetting its now a clutch or stalling at the lights or getting tied up finding first when the lights go green etc.
Dont let that even remotely put you off though its not hard just different and its just a machine.

As for skill level, I've clocked up almost 30k km in all conditions and on all roads on my scooter. I've also spent a couple of happy hours on a Yamaha TTR 125 - but that was just riding in circles (in a steep, uneven paddock), and I didn't get out of third >_<
I'll definitely need to spend a few hours practising, especially emergency braking! But I'm reasonably confident that I can retrain without too much trouble.

Originally Posted by Edbear

I may suggest a nice C50T...

They're beautiful! But a bit out of my student price range v_v