Intermediate bike advice?

[superjackal]

Hi all,

This is my first post, so take it easy on me.

I've been riding for roughly a year and have put about 7,000 km into my little VTR250, most of it during daily commute. I just took my restricted test, so it's going to be another 18 months before I can get a 'proper' bike (I'm now thinking an SV650). Anyway, I have started to look into possibly getting something in between for the meantime: most likely a Kawasaki ER500 or a Suzuki GS500. I know these bikes tend to get mixed reviews and are labelled boring and whatnot, but would they be a good step-up bike from a 250? I mean would they prepare me well for a bigger bike? Or should I just not bother and keep riding my VTR (which I do love, by the way) all the way to the 650? How are service costs for the 500 bikes? Anything else I should think about? Thanks!

Oh, and to answer your question, I just had my ER-5 serviced and it cost $240.

[BuzzardNZ]

He's done a year on a 250, which was more than enough for me. He's getting frustrated with it which means it's time for another step. A rider with 12 months and 7000kms experience should be able to handle a GS/ER. You're right - nothing wrong with the VTR - except he doesn't want it anymore. He wants a bigger bike and a ER-5 or GS500 is great, fun next step - hence his post.

Sounds like he really wants an SV650. I think he should just save his $ and do his learners/restricted time on the VTR ( a bloody good bike in my opinion ) and then get the bike he actually wants as opposed to something with a tad more HP to give him some 'big bike' experience. Either way, his call at the end of the day. That's just how I'd do it.

[Grashopper]

I think the more bikes you use as step ups, the more experience you get and the more often you get the 'yay, a new bike and a bit more power' feeling . You would miss out on so much fun if you step from a 250 directly to a 'big bike'. And it can be quite dangerous too.

The step up bikes don't have to be new and expensive. An ER-5 really doesn't cost the world anyway. For example, this one would go for $2000: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...-LAMS-approved

[superjackal]

I think the more bikes you use as step ups, the more experience you get and the more often you get the 'yay, a new bike and a bit more power' feeling . You would miss out on so much fun if you step from a 250 directly to a 'big bike'. And it can be quite dangerous too.

The step up bikes don't have to be new and expensive. An ER-5 really doesn't cost the world anyway. For example, this one would go for $2000: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...-LAMS-approved

Good post. Must say though, that while I had a 250 I wanted nothing more than to upgrade. After upgrading that desire went away and hasn't come back yet.

[Grashopper]

Good post. Must say though, that while I had a 250 I wanted nothing more than to upgrade. After upgrading that desire went away and hasn't come back yet.

Lol, that was because you didn't have just any 250. You had a GN
His VTR has about twice the power of a GN250...

[BuzzardNZ]

Good post. Must say though, that while I had a 250 I wanted nothing more than to upgrade. After upgrading that desire went away and hasn't come back yet.

Sounds like maybe you moved up too quickly if you keep dropping your 500. Just saying...

[Glowerss]

I think the more bikes you use as step ups, the more experience you get and the more often you get the 'yay, a new bike and a bit more power' feeling . You would miss out on so much fun if you step from a 250 directly to a 'big bike'. And it can be quite dangerous too.

The step up bikes don't have to be new and expensive. An ER-5 really doesn't cost the world anyway. For example, this one would go for $2000: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...-LAMS-approved

Honestly, the whole "intermediate" bike thing really depends on the individual.

I went from a 250 Hornet which realistically has 30-35hp (and creates no power to speak of under 8k rpm) to a VFR800 which is some 100+HP and generates power EVERYWHERE. The VFR also has something like 40+KG on the hornet. My first time throwing a leg over anything more than 40hp, I rode it back from Hastings to Auckland on a rainy as hell Sunday. And I'm a pretty average rider at best. Maybe the VFR is just an exceptionally well behaved bike, but at no point did I really feel like I was in over my head.

I reckon that if somebody has had the same 250 for 2 years and can really really ride the wheels off the thing, they'd be OK on just about anything.

The question really is, do you want a new bike? And do you want a LAMS bike, or do you really want the 650? If it's the 650, just keep saving your pennies as the new bike feeling will fade, and you'll be in the same situation.

[nzspokes]

but at no point did I really feel like I was in over my head.

Dont worry, you will be. Ive dropped back to 110hp and can still catch me out.

[ivelramit]

Haha, this turned out a pretty good discussion. Exactly what I was looking for. I think I am leaning toward the (gradual) upgrade - but not at all costs, only if I can find a good deal and not lose a lot of money on it. (BTW, the VTR would probably stay in the family.)

[Ender EnZed]

I think the more bikes you use as step ups, the more experience you get and the more often you get the 'yay, a new bike and a bit more power' feeling .[/url]

+1000

Every upgrade is the biggest giggle. If it's the fastest bike you've ever ridden it's probably going to feel like a fucking rocket ship. Why would you deprive yourself of that sensation (which is pretty much the best ever)? 10 to 30 to 60 to 75 to 100 to 120 to 140 to 150 to 175 is about how it went for me and for every step up, at the time, each was singularly the greatest sensation of power and acceleration I'd experienced. It was fucking hot.

Even if you're the most skilled and sensible rider in the universe, if you go from a 30ish hp 250 to a 150
If you understand what's going on, the only reason to step up quickly is if you're a) posturing, b) delusional or c) a genuine outlier with regard to your skill and brain chemistry (extremely unlikely; see a) and b)).

[george formby]

Back in the day, far, far away, I went from a KMX 125cc 2t trail bike to a GT750 4t Kawasaki. Put both of them through hedges. The 750 once, the 125 most weekends. They were first & second owned bikes. Had loads of bikes since.

Sat here now with a travel rug over my legs, my tartan woolie booties on & a cup of milo, virtually cold, with skin on it beside me, all I really want is a 250 2t again. Not a LAMS approved one. Oh, and a trials bike. Funny things bikes. Never had a bad one.

May your next bike be your hearts desire OP.

[superjackal]

Sounds like maybe you moved up too quickly if you keep dropping your 500. Just saying...

Not biting, Troll.

[The Reibz]

I went from a 250 straight to a 1000. Save your coin and get the bike you want. I wasn't one to fuck around with gradual upgrades, that shit in my opinion is a waste of time and money. If you can ride the shit out of a 250 and trust your right wrist, then you can ride anything.

[baffa]

You should pick what you actually want.
If you actually WANT xyz bike, but cant due to licensing, so you go for DCF bike because itll do for the mean time, youve just wasted time and money. You're better sticking with what you have until you have your full.

Alternatively if you actually like the lams approved ride, and could see yourself riding it even after you have your full, that's clearly the bike for you.

As long as you have plenty of practice in all conditions, and a decent amount of common sense, I see no issue with stepping up from a 250 to something much more powerful.

I rode a VTR250 to rotorua, traded it on a CBR900RR, and rode it home a couple a years back, through traffic and all sorts, and at no point did I feel overwhelmed. In saying that though, Ive learned recently that its almost harder to adapt your riding to cruisers, than it is to step up from small hp to big hp bikes.

Jumping from a CBR1000 to a 400cc cruiser is a bit of a mindfuck. But I get to do it daily =D

[Erelyes]

I went from a 250 straight to a 1000. Save your coin and get the bike you want. I wasn't one to fuck around with gradual upgrades, that shit in my opinion is a waste of time and money. If you can ride the shit out of a 250 and trust your right wrist, then you can ride anything.

Fair opinion well said. Thing is tho, some people aren't even sure of what bike they want yet. How can one say 'Repsol fireblade, 100% the bike for me' without having ridden one for a week. I reckon one's experience is the richer for trying out different bikes (in saying that, I'm on my 2nd bike having just passed restricted with no plans to change before my full....... yet )

And in terms of not upgrading in order to save coins - well, I think he can upgrade for next to nowt - one LAMS bike is going to depreciate much like another. Only way you'll really lose out $$$ wise is if you buy/trade with a dealer (which has adantages though - got my 1st (scorpio) from a dealer, andit was the right thing for me to do at the time as I had no idea of what to look for when buying a 2nd hand bike).

I'd love to say I agree with your last comment but I'm not experienced enough to know - so will have to take your word for it and hope you're right