Which learner bike?

[Drew]

I've just quickly pulled up on trademe bikes within my area although I don't mind travelling. What do you reckon?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/635939869

http://www.trademe.co.nz/629586729

http://www.trademe.co.nz/633607379

This one was dirt cheap but deregistered http://www.trademe.co.nz/636897618

Also cheers for all the comments. Wasn't expecting to get this much feedback.

Oh Christ, there's just no hope!

Seriously though, that dereged one is the pick of the litter. If it seems ok, buy it subject to an AA test, and a letter of non interest from the cops.

That way it's 500 bones on top of purchase, and you're off.

I'd offer a grand, it's what the guy is after I imagine.

[mossy1200]

No

No

No



http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-636909211.htm

Offer 2400

Yes

[EJK]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-634454100.htm

Go nuts!

[Laava]

Try this one Ben. Cheap as chips and when you are bored with it and have learnt what you need to, you will get your money back when you sell it. Cheap to run and should be cheap to maintain. On a good day I wouldn't be surprised if you could see 110 kmh with a brisk southerly up your freckle!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-636825009.htm

[russd7]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-634454100.htm

Go nuts!

definately a thumbs up for this one, good price too

[cbfb]

Another bike you could look into that is in your price range is the Suzuki Bandit 250 (GSF250). I've been told they have a bit more oomph.

I agree they are worth looking at, if you want to wait a few weeks I could sell you mine I've had very little problems with it that weren't caused by me and it is good to ride. I would buy another if I had my time again and indeed have the 600 & 1200 brothers on my shortlist for my next bike.

250 Bandits were getting up there in power before LAMS - earlier versions (I am quoting the GJ74A which I own) had around 45 horses with a weight of 176kg, which wasn't too bad. Quicker than the average 4-wheeled highway obstruction anyway. Later versions were restricted, not ridden one but on paper still not bad.

Edit: Forgot to say, the GSX-R250 engine is used in these; I noticed you mentioned the GSX in your original post.

[arcane12]

The SX-4W aka Scorpio - I freaking loved mine as a first bike. Super easy clutch, plenty of low-down torque (being a single), nothing particularly complicated about them. Thoroughly recommended.
They are just over 4k new, you should be able to get one with next-to-no kms for $2000-2500. You may well wish to add 500 to that budget for halfway decent tyres. Try to get a model with alloy rather than wire wheels.

I would rattle around on one of those for 6 months and then get a 250 'sports' or some variant of LAMS bike after that. That's what I did / am doing.

Yes. The Scorpio was a great first bike, agile, basic, yet suprisingly fun. The only big draw back is you won't want to stay on one forever. I did about 6 months on mine before I wanted something bigger. And as a less than competent bike mechanic when I started (and now too ) every new (old) bike is a slight gamble. I do regret not trying to stick it out on the Scorpio till I got my full (2+ years from go to woe), but then I have had a great deal of fun on the new bike...

Can you borrow/beg/steal a 250 to get started on, or do some training so you can get your license and then test some bikes for yourself? If you can find something you love first up, you might be sorted! Unless you get the bug and decide to start touring...

[f2dz]

I'd go with VTR at that price range. A Hornet has more power if you can find one, but most go for a bit more. If you up your budget a bit a Ninja 250 is also a good choice. Ride each of em if you possibly can, but might be hard to convince people to let you if you're on your learners.