First timers looking to get out and about

[Graphiix]

Hey everyone.

I'm new to the site so I apologize if I come across a bit ignorant regarding how things work around here.

Some of my buddies and I have come up with a very rough idea of exploring the North Island on scooters at the end of the year.
So I've been doing a bit of preliminary research and I'm after some advice concerning the best way to approach things.

I've started looking for scooters on Trademe around the price of $1000-$1500 @ 100 - 125cc. We currently don't have any
motorbike licenses but understand to be able to ride such bikes we will need to obtain our learner licenses and display L plates.

I guess my biggest question is what size of engine will be required for such a trip? Estimating a week to 2 weeks max riding around. I'm
under the impression that 50cc won't handle the trip (which would have been nice in regards to not having to obtain the learner license)
plus will be idiotic when on the open road only getting around 50kms.

We all have differing levels of bike experience and some of us plan to partake in smaller 'tester' trips before we head off on the big one.

So any tips, advice, suggestions or alternative sources of information you can offer? Please bare in mind we're on quite a strict budget yet want to ensure a safe and reasonably comfortable trip.

[Flip]

You can go anywhere on anything if you have enough time. I often travel around the country on an old side valve combonation / side car that only does 80 kph max. A good friend went to the brass monkey in central otago from wellington on a wee 50cc moped, it just took 3 days to get there. I actually thought some 50's were faster than 50 kph, a girlfriend has a suzuki 50 that used to do 70, and would pull wheelies off the lights with big fat me on it.

If you are on the slowest bike just leave first and try to keep in front of the group.

I did some video for a guy called "scooter boy" who was traveling around NZ on a 50cc jap moped. I rode with him for a short while over the hast pass and I was on a 88ci Harley. He was a bit slower than me on the straights but not far behind in the twisties.

It actually sounds like a great idea, just do it on a good quality bike and join the AA before you leave home.

[haydes55]

Go on a 50cc if you want a laugh. Although if you need to carry anything with you, under seat storage isn't exactly huge and a backpack may be sore on the shoulders (although I found a tramping style bag is better). A 125cc will get to the speed limit and you could try find one with a top box for extra undies.

If you get your learners you aren't limited to small capacity scooters. Check out some older learners approved bikes which would handle 100km/h easily. Start stalking trademe. Hunt out a bargain.

[Road kill]

I took two days to ride a Suzuki A50 with a pack strapped to the back of the seat from Auckland to Napier.
I stayed to the left of the fog line as much as possible an never had any real trouble with other traffic.
It was one of the best trips on a bike I've ever done.

Anyway,it's a great idea so do it an keep us all informed.

[Drew]

Whatever you can get your hands on.

I dare ya to do it on a Suzuki FA50. Rule is, you need to keep the basket on the front.

[Old Steve]

If you get your learners you aren't limited to small capacity scooters. Check out some older learners approved bikes which would handle 100km/h easily. Start stalking trademe. Hunt out a bargain.

I agree with wot he said. Check out cheap 225/250 cc learner bikes, such as a GN250. The frame will be a bit bigger and the pillion seat will make big enough to strap baggage, the tires will be larger diameter so you'll get a more comfortable ride, and you'll be able to stay with traffic (100 km/hr wouldn't be a problem).

get your BHS, get your 6L, and ride around town and out on the open road as much as you can before leaving.

And have fun.

[Graphiix]

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I'm more excited than ever to make this happen.

Wow I didn't know that LAMS approved bikes were so plentiful; anything under 250cc and I should be alright, with a few exceptions of course, and stock standard. This definitely widens my search parameters. I'm looking at the bikes people have suggested, and at the moment it may be slim pickings but I'm sure something will turn up (even a FA50 with the basket on; fingers crossed ).

Even if we did end up getting 50cc scooters, it sounds as though we shouldn't be too much of a bother to other motorists so that's still a possible option at the moment.

In reply to getting an AA membership, thanks for the advice, this might end up saving our asses more than once when we finally get out there.

Are there any other models I should keep an eye out for? Anything I should be considering while planning this thing?

FYI; this idea was inspired by the Top Gear Vietnam Special which I hope to one day imitate in other countries.

[Vinz0r]

I have a Bandit 250 for sale you might be interested in, PM sent with details.

[fridayflash]

Whatever you can get your hands on.

I dare ya to do it on a Suzuki FA50. Rule is, you need to keep the basket on the front.

Hmmm...fairly badass, but not quite as staunch as the honda express with re-coil spring starter..

[G4L4XY]

Make sure you have the right gear too, if your going through winter she's gonna be cold

[Metastable]

Why a scooter? Do you want to do it "just because" and the scooter is it, or would you be open to something like a CBR125?

The little CBR isn't a bad bike.... even a CB125 or GN125/250.... they'd all work probably better than a 125cc scooter.

[st00ji]

bikes up to 660cc are now learner legal provided they are on the approved list, so theres probably a few older bikes out there that would do what you want no troubles.

might not be exactly what you are after though, i can see the attraction of the top gear vietnam style trip. not so sure about the idea with new zealand motorists coming up behind ya.

[Rhys]

If you get a Honda don't forget the handle bar tassels, always look better in pink