Hello from a complete newbie

[Scorpygirl]

Hi there and welcome. I have only just joined up too but am already a member of Ulysses. Just thought I would say hello

[pAceMaker]

hehe im in the same boat. Selling my car so I can buy a bike. Been looking at scooters but I would rather buy a bike.

Know of anyone in Tauranga that will let me practice and do the basic test?

[MagicMarker]

Welcome to the site, hope you get a bike soon!

[Skunk Control]

Welcome to KB

[pAceMaker]

have to try and sell my ford laser now ><

[SlowHand]

update!!! I got me my learners. Just gotta decide what bike to get now....

[pAceMaker]

good stuff.. im looking at getting http://www.motogb.co.nz/Details.cfm?ProdID=89

[SlowHand]

not really a fan of the GN's. plus i got my idea for leathers all sorted. Even got drawing like Spiderman

[Scorpygirl]

One suggestion:
Get an older bike to start with, and no farings as if you lay the bike down it doesn't cost you so much, keep away from pocket rockets, take it carefully at first and don't let anyone else push you beyond your limits.

Also get some good gear, some 250's often sold with a starter kit of gear don't skimp there if you can.

Great advice Raster!!!

Welcome mate. Have come off learning in the car park doing less that 15 km and the boots took a scrapping - took a bit of the top layer off, but my feet were saved and I was wearing leathers so my legs were pretty much saved too, just a bit sore and a bump on my knee!! Good gear is worth its weight. The other thing is never, ever buy a second-hand skid-lid (helmet) as you don't know what condition it's in and if it's been dropped or been in an accident!!

Good luck

[SlowHand]

My problem is I want a some what reliable bike - which normally is a no with engines. (yes I have had quite a ride with cars...) and prefer to find a dealer so I can get warrantee/guarantees.
Main prob is I have stuff all knowledge on bikes, and yeah I do prefer to start on a old bike. but the word 'reliable' doesnt like 'old' as a friend....

Any advise for me given the situation?

[mstriumph]

..... treat them like that and you'd be just about right lol

ohhhhh - and welcome!

First piece of advice: When your on a bike, treat everyone else on the road as if they are a homicidal maniac who wants to kill you.. You need to be more paranoid when on a bike

[Posh Tourer :P]

And anytime someone on a sprotbike tries to take the piss, just head down a bit of gavel road and laugh yourself silly watching them squirm (as you disappear in the distance)

Or alternatively, get something like a CB250RS, put some good tyres on it, and blow them away on a gravel road anyway.

As for cool factor, VTR250? FXR (at least for those who know little about bikes - it has a half fairing....)? Hornet? Hyosung GT250?

[Ixion]

Or alternatively, get something like a CB250RS, put some good tyres on it, and blow them away on a gravel road anyway.

As for cool factor, VTR250? FXR (at least for those who know little about bikes - it has a half fairing....)? Hornet? Hyosung GT250?

Can't get new CB250RS (as far as I know). Is a pain for beginners, you can't get any decent sporty single cylinder 250's now. 'Tis sprotbikes or the GN250/XV250 cruiser types. Vt250 I think is styilll available , and the Hyosung, but they're damn dear. I suppose the sport singles suffered the fate of those who fall between two camps. The beginners who can't see past top speed want full blown sprotbikes, and the communter types just want the cheapest possible.

[SlowHand]

those RG150, KR150 things appeal to me, fairly small outlay for a fairly new bike. And from what i read around this site, not that bad..... any other thoughts?

Edit: Oh and any recommendations for honest and good dealers? if any? I've been bitten too many times by this sort of stuff, and will absolutely explode if it happens again. Part of the reason for going to a bike is cause I had enough of cars...

[Ixion]

those RG150, KR150 things appeal to me, fairly small outlay for a fairly new bike. And from what i read around this site, not that bad..... any other thoughts?

Edit: Oh and any recommendations for honest and good dealers? if any? I've been bitten too many times by this sort of stuff, and will absolutely explode if it happens again. Part of the reason for going to a bike is cause I had enough of cars...

I would really suggest spending some time on a "forgiving" 250 before tackling a twosmoker, if you have no experience. Two smokers very nice BUT, they have their odd little ways. Ms Str8Jacket has had quite a few K's up on her GN now, she's past the "how do I make it go - eek what do I do now" stage.

However , as always, there will be people who started out on an RGV250 and lived to tell the tale. 'Tis all relative - depends on how bold (or foolhardy ) you are.

Incidentally , two smokers are two smokers. They sometimes throw their toys out of the cot for no real reason. best dealer in the world can't be sure it won't happen. And remember, they do need more maintainence than a 4 stroke. Easier to do , if you do your own, but they do need it.

EDIT: Incidentally, when a model of bike seems cheap secondhand compared to others, there's often a reason for it. Which is not to say the RG/KR aren't good bikes. For the right person. And given an EXPERIENCED rider who knows how to wring the necks of the little bastiges, they can give much bigger bikes a surprise.

EDITITY EDIT: BTW, if you do get a two smoker COVER THE CLUTCH