Motard as a first bike?

**tias** · 16th October 2013, 18:38

Hi all,

Recently got my learners, about 16 years too late, but still bloody stoked.

I've wanted a Motard since I was a kid but I had talked myself out of it, thinking it's crazy to start with that. Surely an old GN250,... euh... CB400 or something like that makes more sense ...
And then yesterday (being out of the loop for quite some time) I read about the KTM Duke 200 which they say is a great learner's bike. So I was like

I do think that the Duke is a little too expensive to start with for me, calculating in insurance, gear, ORC,...

So, my questions are, is it silly to start with one (one that might not be so learner orientated as the Duke200) and do you guys have any recommendations for a beginner (never popped a wheelie in my life) on what bike to get and even where to get it from? Specialised motard shops out there? Also, do they look funny at you when you go for your next exam and you show up with a motard and say

?

Much appreciated!!

Ts

**strandedinnz** · 16th October 2013, 19:02

Why not get a nice DRZ400SM? Cheaper to buy, cheaper to service, cheaper to fix and more powerful for better cruising speeds ... Just not as pretty :-)

Read the reviews of the KTM .. I think you'd get tired of it's lack of power quicker than you think, plus the factory tree would need to go, adding more $$$

**AllanB** · 16th October 2013, 19:14

Better than starting on a ZX10 .............

**tias** · 16th October 2013, 19:40

How do you mean cheaper to buy? the DRZ400SM is over 11K, the Duke is at 7.5k? Granted it's half the power, but for my first bike I'm not looking to spend so much or am I missing something?

**Matariki** · 16th October 2013, 19:48

Trademe, and get one that's second hand.

Here's a good example of what you're probably want to be looking for - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-630013290.htm

**tias** · 16th October 2013, 20:02

Thanks for that!

I wasn't even looking at the dirtbikes to be honest.
So, I would then just change out the wheels? Isn't that quite expensive?

And I'm right in thinking that you guys don't think it's silly to get that as a first bike? Or are you looking for a good laugh to see a noob on his back on the road, hugging his bike.

**tigertim20** · 16th October 2013, 20:07

Originally Posted by tias

How do you mean cheaper to buy? the DRZ400SM is over 11K, the Duke is at 7.5k? Granted it's half the power, but for my first bike I'm not looking to spend so much or am I missing something?

what you are missing is why the fuck would ya buy brand new when you are in the early stages of your riding life when you are most likely to drop the thing?

nothing wrong with a motard as a first bike, lots of options out there, go try a few out for size

**Bonzo** · 16th October 2013, 20:10

Originally Posted by tias

Thanks for that!

I wasn't even looking at the dirtbikes to be honest.
So, I would then just change out the wheels? Isn't that quite expensive?

And I'm right in thinking that you guys don't think it's silly to get that as a first bike? Or are you looking for a good laugh to see a noob on his back on the road, hugging his bike.

DRZ400SM Is a supermoto bike and handles amazing on the road! great for getting through traffic and monkeying about! supermoto's and enduro type bikes are probably the best kind of bike to get for learning on as they are soo forgiving. compared to the Duke 200 they would be a lot cheaper option as you can get one new for around 10k or as cheap as 4.5k ish for an older one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-650040173.htm

Oh and if you get one I get more Tards to ride with!

**tias** · 16th October 2013, 20:35

As a newbie I am a bit worried spending my money on trademe, I have no idea what to look out for just yet, as in what could be wrong with it and such. The Duke 200 is 7k brand new which is too expensive for me anyway. I'll pop into some shops on the weekend and have some chats with the people there. Hopefully they'll know about some decent bikes in my price range and I can get going from there.

Really looking forward to get riding and hopefully meet some people to ride with so I can learn quicker!

My mind is at ease and set on buying a motard!

Cheers fellas!

**SMOKEU** · 16th October 2013, 20:54

Originally Posted by tias

As a newbie I am a bit worried spending my money on trademe, I have no idea what to look out for just yet, as in what could be wrong with it and such. The Duke 200 is 7k brand new which is too expensive for me anyway. I'll pop into some shops on the weekend and have some chats with the people there. Hopefully they'll know about some decent bikes in my price range and I can get going from there.

Really looking forward to get riding and hopefully meet some people to ride with so I can learn quicker!

My mind is at ease and set on buying a motard!

Cheers fellas!

I suggest avoiding dealerships in your price range since you'll likely end up paying another $2000 over buying privately. Look on Trademe, and find a reputable motorcycle mechanic who will do a pre-purchase inspection for you. Expect to pay around an hour labour for a reasonably thorough inspection on a single cylinder bike.

**Bonzo** · 16th October 2013, 21:11

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I suggest avoiding dealerships in your price range since you'll likely end up paying another $2000 over buying privately. Look on Trademe, and find a reputable motorcycle mechanic who will do a pre-purchase inspection for you. Expect to pay around an hour labour for a reasonably thorough inspection on a single cylinder bike.

yep Red baron are crazy expensive they wanted nearly 8k for a 05 DRZ CRAZY!!