Coming around for a cruiser

[Reubix]

Heya Team

I got f**ked over on a purchase of a 250 Rebel, shoulda read the guides on the forums here but in any case I'm flicking it off on TM and looking into something else - besides this whole LAMS thing may work in my favour.

I'm after a nice easy bike to ride for a short person (under 1.7M) that has marvellous fuel economy as I want to explore my new surroundings of the Whanganui-Manawatu region.

I have been looking into the Suzuki S40 Savage, a 2003 model here in town at a dealership with 15k on the clock for $5000. Seems like a good deal but at the same time I want easy cruising at 100KM/H and a decent sized fuel tank. And yeah, leaning towards the cruiser form as it appears to suit shorties like myself but I can be convinced otherwise.

Looking forward to hearing what you gentlemen have to say

Cheers
Reuben

[Dangsta]

The S40 is okay. I nearly got one but was a bit small. A guy responded to one of my questions by telling me to look around the bike shops and test ride whatever gave me a hard-on. You should do that, buddy.

[Virago]

Hiya,

The S40 has the worst fuel range imaginable - around 120 to 140 Km on a tank. While they're promoted as a cruiser, they're basically a "commuter" - not really designed for open road work. A single-cylinder with little power, and crappy suspension.

There's several LAMS options for V-twin cruisers, but the prices are soaring due to demand.

[James Deuce]

Don't focus on being short. Don't limit your bike options because of it. Don't pay that much for a 10 year old S40 either, that's just a rip off.

GO an sit on a whole bunch of bikes. I have a friend, James, who is 5' nothing and rides a Transalp. He doesn't worry about being short, he simply does a half dismount if he's stuck at the lights for more than 30 seconds (he can balance feet up for a reasonably long period of time) and then just leaps back on as he takes off. Short doesn't have to confine you to motorcycle of a particular style. Seat shape is as important as seat height, and in reality you only have to get one foot comfortably flat on the ground.

Try before you buy and don't spend that much on a 10 year old S40. $3500 at the most. Anything more and seller is dreaming. And you won't have a bike for the pool room.

[Reubix]

Cheers for the heads up so far, definitely learning a bit more about this business. Playing the patience card will pay off in the end!

I've re-scanned what's available and there's a few eye catchers but I'm keen to hear what models you'd recommend.

As far as sitting on a few bikes and winding up a couple of K's on a demo I'm not in the best location for that - perhaps I need to go on a shopping trip down to Wellington? I only know of 3 motorbike shops here in Palmy.

Been looking back at the 250's in particular the Magna, VTR's and there's a CBF125 around town but not too sure if I'd go there...

[Old Steve]

If you're looking at 250s again (and I believe they're easier to ride due to lower weight and low c of g) there's the Suzuki Intruder 250 and it's Korean look alike the Hyosung GV250 (both vee-twins) and the Marauder 250 (single). I'm a little challenged on the inside leg measurement and these three are easily riden by a short arse.

[Reubix]

If you're looking at 250s again (and I believe they're easier to ride due to lower weight and low c of g) there's the Suzuki Intruder 250 and it's Korean look alike the Hyosung GV250 (both vee-twins) and the Marauder 250 (single). I'm a little challenged on the inside leg measurement and these three are easily riden by a short arse.

I like all those models, but I've sat on an intruder and it's a bit fat for me, not too sure of the Hyosung range - may test ride one this weekend but not too sure if it's worth paying $5k for a 2007 model with 10k on the clock (from a shop). And finally I've heard the Marauder isn't a good cruiser as it struggles to maintain that 100KM/H cruising speed (a bit like my old Rebel). However they all boast good fuel economy from what I hear?

[Glowerss]

I like all those models, but I've sat on an intruder and it's a bit fat for me, not too sure of the Hyosung range - may test ride one this weekend but not too sure if it's worth paying $5k for a 2007 model with 10k on the clock (from a shop). And finally I've heard the Marauder isn't a good cruiser as it struggles to maintain that 100KM/H cruising speed (a bit like my old Rebel). However they all boast good fuel economy from what I hear?

I had a squiz on a buddys Kymco Venox. Basically the same thing as the Honda Magna. Kymco made em for honda, and when honda canceled production, kymco just continued making em under their own name.

I don't like cruisers on principle, but the magnas/venoxs are good little bikes. Did 120kph without much drama. Both can be had for fairly reasonable coin.

If you're not dead set on a cruiser, there is a wide range of "standard" bikes (IE sit either bolt upright or SLIGHTLY forward) that would suit your needs as well. I had a Yamaha Scorpio which was a brilliant little bike. Sat upright, very comfortable, and at 120kg all full of fluids and the like, coupled with a short set height, it would be good for a short arse.

Other bikes not of the cruiser variety to consider would be things like the Honda Hornet 250 which is another naked standard and comes very highly recommended (be sure to sit on one, however, as I'm not sure of the seat height off the top of my head).

The sub 2008 model kawasakis can be had VERY reasonably and are geared towards the slightly vertically challenged as well. I'm on a zzr250 and of a very average height. I can flatfloot it with some bend in the knee. It handles the motorway better then my 400 did, as 100-120kph sits right where the engine wants to be running. plenty of power to be had for passing or whatnot. And I'm a fat bastard at 120kg. It should handle somebody lighter much easier


If you're looking for an LAMS bike, there's a few things to know. First of all, that not every eligable bike is on the LAMS list. You can have them added very easily by emailing in an application to the NZTA (link is on another thread in this forum or in the general LAMS thread in the biker politics forum).

If you want to figure out if the bike you're looking at is LAMS compliant or not, the calculation is power in Kilowats Divided by manufacturers specced weight + 90kg, x1000.

IE for the s40 its 28kw/ 250kg x 1000 gives you 112 KW/tonne. Well under the 150kw mark. You could definitely find something a bit beefier if you're going to do some motorway travel. A general rule is, unless it's a heavy fucking bike, anything over sort of 50BHP or so won't make the list.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I am shorter than you, betcha. EVERY bike I have ever had has been "too tall" for me. Sure I have dropped a few over the years but only twice I can think of by having incorrect leg length. I have a 28inch inseam in motorbike boots. Its all about developing skills. Practice your slow speed stuff: cones and turns: not only is it good fun it is good for your confidence. If you want a cruiser go for it, but I wouldnt have one as my only bike.

My current bike is a Triumph STreet Triple R. you should get one of them because they are fantastic.

Not LAMS complient though.

If you want to really explore why not a DR650? or something equivalent (DR250 even).

[HenryDorsetCase]

If I was buying any 250 I would buy a Honda VT250 Spada. Great looking thing, strop along quite well and Honda. Sure it makes you gay (theres your first biker injoke...) but the reliability is worth the buttsecks

[george formby]

I am shorter than you, betcha. EVERY bike I have ever had has been "too tall" for me. Sure I have dropped a few over the years but only twice I can think of by having incorrect leg length. I have a 28inch inseam in motorbike boots. Its all about developing skills. Practice your slow speed stuff: cones and turns: not only is it good fun it is good for your confidence. If you want a cruiser go for it, but I wouldnt have one as my only bike.

My current bike is a Triumph STreet Triple R. you should get one of them because they are fantastic.

Not LAMS complient though.

If you want to really explore why not a DR650? or something equivalent (DR250 even).

I concur. The G/F has learned to ride on a trailie & has the inside leg of a Hobbit. It's currently kick start too... It was disconcerting at first for her but with plenty of practice she loves it & has gained huge confidence. She loves the versatility of it, any road is a good road including gravel.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Just last week I was doing slowspeed full lock turns in the carpark, and figure 8s when leaving work. Guy walking thru is like "WTF??"

[F5 Dave]

If I was buying any 250 I would buy a Honda VT250 Spada. Great looking thing, strop along quite well and Honda. Sure it makes you gay (theres your first biker injoke...) but the reliability is worth the buttsecks

Just the thing I was thinking. Taught a lass how to ride one & she wasn't tall & coped with it well. Will handle & go so much better than any cruiser as the steering angle isn't raked out which just handicaps a bike for the sake of trying to look like an A'mercan bike. I rode the Spada & was well impressed how fun it was.

[Reubix]

This info is looking good so far team!

I had a little test ride on a GV250 today - I was pretty impressed. Smooth sailing and a solid ride (could even take my hands off at 100KM/H and it stayed rock solid) plus the fuel tank was attractive at 16L but not too sure if it's worth the money.

I'm not concerned about going fast, just cruising for long periods of time at 100K but at the same time not struggling to get there.

There's a few Hornets around the Wellington region, may have to treck down there and recce those bikes as well as a nice SV400 Red baron has for sale.

What year/mileage is appropriate for the price in regards to the Honda's?

[HenryDorsetCase]

This info is looking good so far team!

I had a little test ride on a GV250 today - I was pretty impressed. Smooth sailing and a solid ride (could even take my hands off at 100KM/H and it stayed rock solid) plus the fuel tank was attractive at 16L but not too sure if it's worth the money.

I'm not concerned about going fast, just cruising for long periods of time at 100K but at the same time not struggling to get there.

There's a few Hornets around the Wellington region, may have to treck down there and recce those bikes as well as a nice SV400 Red baron has for sale.

What year/mileage is appropriate for the price in regards to the Honda's?

Have a wee search around this site for some feedback about Red Baron.

condition is key rather than mileage. But Honda have a reputation for quality which they earned by producing quality products.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-516981414.htm

this is the bike I was meaning. turns out it is a VTR 250

but $6k? tell 'im e's dreamin'