Beginner riding lessons in Auckland

[tuzaizi]

Hi all,

I got the basic handling skills certificate a couple of years ago, and I'm finally getting around to taking the theory test for my learners sometime this month.

I pretty much have no riding experience whatsoever, and the few people I know who ride are beginner/intermediate themselves.

The riding schools that offer lessons either offer them to those who have some riding experience, or lessons for those who need to sit the basic handling skills test.

So I guess what I'm looking for is one-on-one lessons that are more tailored to what I need which is to be taken through all the basics of how everything on a bike works, then move on to basic handling and eventually going at it on my own. It would also be helpful if the person is able to help me pick out a bike and some gear.

I'm happy to pay whatever the going rate is out there.

If anyone has any recommendations please post them here, or inbox me.

[Grashopper]

I can recommend this guy:
Chris Smith
02102366503

He is in south Auckland. I think he has a little Scorpio for beginners to use. Just give him a call.

[Gremlin]

Phil does BHS through to full one-on-one training, NZTA endorsed, CBTA etc etc. He'll be able to work with you from any level you're currently at, through to any level you want to get to

http://www.riderskills.co.nz/

[Grashopper]

When choosing a bike you need to work out where you are going to ride. If you will be just commuting a 125 will be fine but for touring a 400 would be a lot better but heavier so would take more getting used to.
I think as a beginner you can buy a bike up to 650cc now but it has to be LAMS approved. I started on a 125 myself but grew out of it quite quick so buying that small you may not end up keeping it long.

I'm quite glad that I didn't start on anything bigger than my little, tame GN250. I got a new bike after owning the GN for 9 month, but I did happily do 13,000 km on it before I wanted something new. Aside of that, you get to ride many more bikes if you start small and go little steps. I'm already afraid I'm missing out by not owning at least one CBR250RR, Ninja 300 and a little Bandit, too.

(not too mention a Z300... )

[tuzaizi]

Thanks guys, I will call around those places when I get my learners either this weekend or next weekend.

In terms of getting a bike, I won't be using it for commuting, at least not until I get my restricted, so really just a bike to learn on and I don't mind having to swap it out a couple of month down the line.

Please do keep the recommendations, suggestions, tips for bikes, gear and training, and experiences as new riders etc. coming. I will also be browsing around the forum for 'em.

[nzspokes]

Phil does BHS through to full one-on-one training, NZTA endorsed, CBTA etc etc. He'll be able to work with you from any level you're currently at, through to any level you want to get to

http://www.riderskills.co.nz/

I agree with this. Phil is the best. He also has GNs etc for people to ride.

[iranana]

Go for a 125 then but nothing smaller as 125's will be easy to handle but still have good power to keep up with traffic easily around town and on the open road to a lesser extent. Not for long trips though as the wind will blow you around and there is not much power if you have to overtake on the open road. Something like a Honda CB 125 would be ideal. There are a lot of cheap Chinese bikes on the market but I would stick to one of the big Jap brands. There are plenty of bike reviews on the internet if you do a Google search for the model. Good Luck

I dunno about that...those single banger 125's are seriously gutless. I started out on a Suzuki RG150 and that was the perfect learner bike for me. I loved that bike. I honestly wouldn't mind another one... it was awesome in traffic, light, easy to ride, cheap to maintain and really reliable - in the 25,000km I covered on mine it never once missed a beat. I think you'd get tired of a GN pretty quickly... and the inline fours have all been thrashed to hell and back... so 2 stroke 150s are a great learner option IMO...

[Tricia1000]

I can offer you either a BASIC HANDLING SKILLS refresher or my NOVICE COURSE.
You would use my 250cc GN for the novice course.
I wouldn't recommend the 125cc around Auckland, as, depending on your weight, and where you wish to ride it, (hills, speed limits) the 125 often can't keep up with the normal flow of traffic, which then becomes dangerous for you, as following traffic will just try to squeeze past.

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA
0212693246

[Tazz]

Do your lessons then worry about the bike (since it's provided).

If they're any good, whoever you take the lesson/s with will probably be able to give you some advice on what bike might suit you and your ability/confidence level better than anyone on here.

If it's not daily transport, I'd find it hard to get psyched about rocking around on a GN125 on the weekends

My 2c (also as a learner)

[caseye]

Definitely NOT a bloody 125! You have received offers from a number of folk here, take one up and get out there.

[caseye]

But they said they were happy to trade up rather than get a bigger more versatile bike to start with and a 125 would be cheaper than a 250 so they would not loose so much money. As a second bike I would recommend a 400 as 250s are gutless too when you have a bit of experience behind you.

Death trap on wheels, for gods sake if you actually ride a motorcycle you should know that.
Doesn't have to be new or big, but please do not buy a 125 anything unless it is a dedicated off roader.
Get on with your quest, go ride a few bikes, who knows you might like something entirely different to what anyone has so far suggested.

[tuzaizi]

Just got my learners.

As someone suggested further up, I will probably get a feel for riding first before deciding on things like engine size etc.

Thanks all for the input, and thanks to those who've provided their contact details for riding lessons, I shall be in touch sometime next week.

[FJRider]

All information on gaining a license is available at your local License testing station. (look in the Yellow pages) Not everybody lives in Auckland. And contrary to the opinion of most Aucklander's ... it is not the center of the known world.

What motorcycle (and riding gear) you buy revolves around what your intended (main) use of that motorcycle will be. Be it for commute to work ... sunny weekend rides ... off road/back roads etc. A one piece leather race suit is not ideal for the 5km commute to and from work (in all weathers). Even if you got it cheap. Leather is not ALWAYS the best option/choice.

ALL issues of motorcycling revolves around YOUR budget. Don't spend more than you can afford. But it's your neck (and skin) on the line ... and how much YOU want to risk .... should you choose the cheaper options.

Personal preference (if you have one) as to style of motorcycle you like the look of (want ??) eg: Cruiser/sport/duel purpose can play a big part in it's initial cost for you to purchase. Buying a new bike to start riding can be financially silly ... if you do decide motorcycling is not for you. A cheap (legal) bike of any style for the first few months is good ... just for the on road experience. If it "Feels wrong" it may not be wrong ... if you don't know what is right. Just may have the controls/suspension set up for a bigger/smaller rider. 10 minutes with a few simple tools can sort those issues. After riding any bike for a few months ... you will have a better idea what style bike you might prefer. And .. give you a good idea if motorcycling IS for you.

Those "silly questions" you need to get answers from .. from experienced riders ... can be found at most motorcycle shops. Don't go asking at busy times ... replies may be a little terse.
OR ... read through the learner forums here on KB. Plenty of silly questions (and answers) there ...

Buying bikes privately can be cheaper ... but (very) few offer warranties with it. On cheap bikes ... some motorcycle shops only offer limited warranties on their "Trade in's) anyway. "Fit for the purpose for which IT was intended" is the key to getting it though ... getting a 125 scooter for a daily 50 km commute (along the motorway) is hardly what they were intended for ... and if it shits itself doing that ... expect some laughter if you ask for it to be honored.
As a newbie rider ... you can expect a few "oop's" moments when the bike makes contact with the ground (or "other" things) and damage can be done. Even minor damage can be expensive to fix to as new again. On the cheaper bikes (and even on the newer ones) don't be in a rush to fix it if legality and safety are not at stake.