What is a good first road bike?

[ForcedFalcon]

Hey guys, So as the title says whats a good first road bike? I've been looking around for my first bike but wanted some peoples opinions before i went out and spent my money.

I've owned a DT175 just to have some fun in the forest and down the beach with friends so I'm not a complete beginner but not the most experienced person.
I was looking at a few FZR250's but I've been told they have carb problems and the front forks have problems?

Any opinions and pros/cons on the FZR250 and other bikes would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

[skippa1]

what you should do is use the search function and read the multitude of threads that are exactly the same. Then once reading them, you will discover that opinions are like arseholes, we've all got one and they are all different. Then as a final step, you will go out and buy the shiny red one that you had your eye on.

[Laava]

If you are not a small person and are mature, ie you won,t be doing wheelies and burnouts everywhere, I would recommend that you get something a bit bigger than a 250 for the road. Just my 2c

[Berg]

What licence have you got? That makes a difference these days.

[clonak]

Just go all out and get a 1Ltr. You wont be able to regret it.

Theres a few threads in the Newbies section on this same topic. Check out the lams list and google a few bikes, if you see something you like, take one for a ride. If it feels good, buy it. Dont bother with what anyone else says about it, if they make a bad coment about it, they are just jelous.

But you also need to facter in price range, style of bike, distance traveling, likely hood of you actually enjoying it(so you would want something that will hold its value...). Seen a few people go all out on a bike, then never use it.

Or just buy the first cheap bike you see that runs with wof/reg. Thats what I did, to see if I would actually like it. Turns out I loved it. Not the bike, hated the bike, but love riding.

[Conquiztador]

FWIW:
- Decide how much you can pay
- Decide what you want
- Go and get it.

[cheshirecat]

yes as above, motorcycles are personal and emotional beasties.

What i would say is the larger the bike the safer it can be providing you keep control of brain and wrist which is easier said than done. Also prangs at familiarity stage - and there will be - tend to more often be of the uber slow speed variety which we all do/have done 'cause the buggers still fall over when we let them go, which is still no excuse for getting a three wheeler.

[bosslady]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ney-no-barrier is one of the most recent threads on newbie bikes. Of course important details needed for ppl to provide recommendations would be knowing what licence you have, I'm assuming nothing or learners? how much you want to spend? are you more of a cruiser or a sport bike guy? I'm not knowledgeable enough to be giving recommendations based on the fact I'm a sucky newb and know jack shit. I got a 2005 gn250, despite many on here saying they're craps basically, not my concern though, I just want to learn, can always upgrade further down the track...

[ForcedFalcon]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ney-no-barrier is one of the most recent threads on newbie bikes. Of course important details needed for ppl to provide recommendations would be knowing what licence you have, I'm assuming nothing or learners? how much you want to spend? are you more of a cruiser or a sport bike guy? I'm not knowledgeable enough to be giving recommendations based on the fact I'm a sucky newb and know jack shit. I got a 2005 gn250, despite many on here saying they're craps basically, not my concern though, I just want to learn, can always upgrade further down the track...

Yeah i have no bike license at the moment, Looking to spend around $3000 and definitely sport bikes. That's why i was thinking of a FZR250 or something like it since it'd have good power but not so much I'm going to kill myself. And being only 17 i want to learn ( Even though I've had a bit of experience with dirt bikes ). Pretty much just after something reliable to get from A to B but with a bit of power for sun on the weekends.

[bosslady]

is that 3k just for the bike or for your gear aswell? that's quite an add on to the cost. I just spent $2100 on a bike and about 1k on gear. Don't forget about rego, warrant, the cost of insurance which you won't be able to get without a license, another cost again for the bhs, learners application and theory test. Not trying to put you off, just giving you something to consider...

[ForcedFalcon]

is that 3k just for the bike or for your gear aswell? that's quite an add on to the cost. I just spent $2100 on a bike and about 1k on gear. Don't forget about rego, warrant, the cost of insurance which you won't be able to get without a license, another cost again for the bhs, learners application and theory test. Not trying to put you off, just giving you something to consider...

Roughly 3k was just for the bike. I already have riding gear passed on to me from my older brother and a helmet that i got for drifting. Also already did my research before buying a bike and saw the cost of the theory test and basic handling etc. I'm pretty much sorted apart from which bike to buy, That's why i wanted to know the pros and cons of an FZR250 and other similar bikes. Thanks for the info though

[baffa]

If you are after a sports bike, the GN250 is your only choice.

[ktm84mxc]

On what planet would a GN250 be a sports bike ? It's a commuter with cruiser styling . A Suzuki 250 sports go for a Bandit-gsxf. GSX twin etc, A Honda CBR/Hornet would be outta your price range but the VTR250 possibly sneak in.
Best to stick to the new LAMS approved bikes as it'll make selling it a lot easier when you want to upgrade, which you'll be doing soon as you get that full license.

[baffa]

You must be joking. The GN250 would be better than all of those poxy options.

[Jeff Sichoe]

I'd go for the 250 Bandit, lots of grunt for a smaller bike, handles well, can survive low speed drops without too much worry (mainly clutch / brake levers snapping) and a heap of fun

Can also handle 100kmh no sweat, and feels stable at that speed.

Also light enough that WHEN you do drop it, you can get it back up yourself, and more then likely be on your way without having to call big bro to come help!