How do I start?

**thekingpin** · 10th May 2012, 15:50

Hey guys, I have been looking into getting a motorbike for a while now. I am 16 years old and cars are just too boring to drive. I am looking at getting a 250 because I heard they are great for learners and theres lots of room for improvment. My budget is 3000 and I have nothing at the moment. I know I am going to do a $200 course to get my license. I need to know what kind of price I would be looking at for equipment and what would be left over for a bike. And what kind of bike would be best for me as a beginner. Thanks

**unstuck** · 10th May 2012, 16:02

Try before you buy, visit a few bike shops and sit on a few and get the feel of the kind of bike you like.
Spend as much as you can afford on gear, cos its alot nicer knowing you have good gear on. Have you ridden many bikes? If so what sort?

**thekingpin** · 10th May 2012, 16:08

Nope, never ridden on a bike. Just mopeds. Can you start on any style?

**unstuck** · 10th May 2012, 16:25

Originally Posted by thekingpin

Nope, never ridden on a bike. Just mopeds. Can you start on any style?

No restriction on style, just cc,s. Do you have any mates with bikes, even a dirt bike? Doing that course is a really good idea, but you need to know the basics first.

**Maha** · 10th May 2012, 16:28

You have to start on a 250 and stay on a 250 until you get your full.
So choose wisely (bike wise)
Sitting your BHS (Basic Handling Skills) test is step number one.
As for the gear, both Motomail and Cycletreds will do Learner/beginners packs.

**Fast Eddie** · 10th May 2012, 16:32

its the LAW!!

although that is changing innit? lams..

anyway, good on you for thinking about the gear etc..

when I started I just spent all my money on the bike and then some..

still the same..

buy a bike first, anythings good. pick one you like, and worry bout the gear later. grab a helmet tho

yut UUUGGGHHH

clutch it up to wheelie and buy some more sprockets so you can do doughnuts

**thekingpin** · 10th May 2012, 16:35

What would be the best buy for me with $1900? Reliability and Petrol Costs are my top priority.

**Asher** · 10th May 2012, 16:37

Be aware that the laws are changing around what bikes you ride when on your learners, you could buy a bike bigger than 250cc and wait for the laws to change, they are meant to change around October. Search 'LAMs' here and you will find heaps of info.

As for riding gear there is a huge price range out there, browse trademe for good secondhand gear. I recommend buying a helmet new and trying it on first so you get a good fit.

You could spend winter saving and slowly buying gear and be ready to have an awesome summer on the bike.

**Fast Eddie** · 10th May 2012, 16:39

Originally Posted by thekingpin

What would be the best buy for me with $1900? Reliability and Petrol Costs are my top priority.

dunno, those are both the bottom priorities for me..

haha..

1900 is a reasonable amount for a commuter or decent bike. If you can go up to 2,500-3 you could get almost anything.

**SMOKEU** · 10th May 2012, 16:43

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

its the LAW!!

clutch it up to wheelie and buy some more sprockets so you can do doughnuts

+1 to that.

**mossy1200** · 10th May 2012, 16:52

I got this for $101 dollars. Buy something and do it up. Sit learners on a loan bike and do up a lams bike for October. Buy your gear while you wait as it comes up for a good price. new helmet and the rest new or second hand.

**sil3nt** · 10th May 2012, 17:36

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-472680445.htm

You would be silly not to get this assuming the bike runs fine (which it should since they are very reliable and its only 5 years old.

**Maha** · 10th May 2012, 17:43

Originally Posted by thekingpin

What would be the best buy for me with $1900? Reliability and Petrol Costs are my top priority.

Not alot of credence should be taken from what one or two have said, especially when you are a 16 year old looking to get into motorcycling..
A 250 bandit/vtr or hornet? something along those lines would be perfect and put you in good stead when the time comes to step up.

Suzuki Bandit...http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-472834788.htm
Honda Hornet...smart looking and very tidy..http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-470993562.htm

The link that sil3nt put up is good buying also.

**nzspokes** · 10th May 2012, 18:06

I would see these guys for your BHS, they also have a couple of different model bikes for you to use which may help with bike choice.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...Skills-testing

I cant recommend them enough.