Wee man with big bike dreams (ikov)

**ikov** · 3rd July 2014, 06:24

G'day ladies and gentledudes,

Names Ish and I'm new around these here parts.

I finally got around to getting my bike license I picked up my first bike earlier this year... I've looked up many a thread on the forum and on a solo ride on my CBR150R(its a ball of furious noise but not much else) I met some forum dudes that convinced me to join.

within 30 minutes of joining, i'd signed up for a ride forever course and now have mine full.

This has obviously highlighted the need for a bigger and more capable bike that will see me good for the next lil bit of gaining confidence and skills. Problem is that I'm about 5 foot nothing and built like I have tree stumps for appendages.

It narrows my options considerably, but those options currently include a honda CB400 vtec3, suzuki SV650 and a ninja 650.
watch this space for further developments and feel free to chime in with some advice (good or bad, we'll decide later).

Cheers!
Ish

**awayatc** · 3rd July 2014, 06:57

Suzuki 650 are a good bike, no doubt the others are to.
650 plenty big enough to thoroughly enjoy yourself.
take a few test rides if you can before you commit yourself.
plenty of bikes for sale.
good luck

**ikov** · 3rd July 2014, 17:58

cheers for that! I've been told by a workmate that it'll be plenty enough as well. He used to own one and reckoned the front end is occasionally jittery but nothin you cant fix. Same sentiments comes through in most reviews. It's still my pick too. However, what would you guys reckon is a acceptable mileage on 10-11 yr old bikes in good condition tho? Is there a rule of thumb?

**kave** · 3rd July 2014, 23:37

As a fellow person of limited height I can recommend the Suzuki Goose (SG350), it has a really low seat height and is an awesome bike, it's the bike I most regret selling. If you want more cc's then you could try a Suzuki GSX1200y (Inazuma), I ride one of these and it also has an amazingly low seat height and is really easy to manouver.

Acceptable mileage really depends on engine type and size, a 250cc inline-4 will probably be getting towards the end of its life around 50,000km, a big unstressed 1200cc or similar will probably be good for 150,000km. For a SV650 I personally would be happy buying a bike with 50-60,000km on the clock so long as it has been well maintained.

**Kornholio** · 3rd July 2014, 23:50

Suzuki GSXR1000 any year... you'll thank me later

**Maha** · 4th July 2014, 05:58

I know where there is a 650 Bandit (probably for sale) that has been lowered. Heated grips/Micron muffler and coloured LED lights (red & blue)

**Ribit** · 4th July 2014, 08:51

Gudday Ish

Met ya on the awhitu ride with Kartik.
Was good ta meet ya. Good luck with the hunt.

**Hitcher** · 4th July 2014, 08:56

Originally Posted by ikov

However, what would you guys reckon is a acceptable mileage on 10-11 yr old bikes in good condition tho? Is there a rule of thumb?

Mrs H has a Suzuki GSF650S K6. It is closing in on 140,000km. It's in bloody good order, burns no oil and barely discolours it between services.

Rule of thumb is take good care of your ride and make sure it is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and buy a used machine whose ride history is flawless.

**varminter** · 4th July 2014, 19:16

DL1000 & a ladder

**ikov** · 5th July 2014, 11:05

Originally Posted by kave

Acceptable mileage really depends on engine type and size, a 250cc inline-4 will probably be getting towards the end of its life around 50,000km, a big unstressed 1200cc or similar will probably be good for 150,000km. For a SV650 I personally would be happy buying a bike with 50-60,000km on the clock so long as it has been well maintained.

yeah thats what I figured too. looking at a v-twin sv650 with 76k on the clock. it'll come down to history and condition for me.

Suzuki GSXR1000 any year...

sorry mate, i'd probably wrap myself around the first lamp post i saw.

@Ribit - nice to see you on the forum! took your advice and did sit through twist of the wrist2. i reckon i'll just read all his other work instead. :P

@Hitcher - thanks for the input!

@varminter - more a safety step kinda guy myself!

**tri boy** · 5th July 2014, 11:21

Originally Posted by ikov

Problem is that I'm about 5 foot nothing and built like I have tree stumps for appendages.

It narrows my options considerably,
Ish

Research footage of Gaston Rainer.
A pocket rocket for sure.
Height is no impediment.
Ladies must love your tree stump appendage

**ikov** · 5th July 2014, 16:48

HAHAHAHAHAH

I neither admit nor deny this claim.

Anywhos, got myself around Barry's Point and Grey Lynn today looking around and attempting to mount various motorcycles to try out as many options.

Rode the CB400 vtec that had popped up on the radar before....

I reckon the engine sounded like

to me. And I honestly found my lil CBR just plain difficult and odd to ride again. The bloody 400 was easier and more forgivin to ride than me own 150!! As for seat height, its easier for me to flat foot one foot on the 400. I think we've found a winner.

As for anyone curious about the SV650, nice bikes... fairly common, but the stepped seat was the doozy for me. getting my leg over it required limbering, prep and stretching. i shit you not, this was a similar and common theme for a few bikes. A rear seat that is comfortable is critical for when i manage to convince the missus that not all motorbikers die every time they ride.

yeah, suzuki GSX650F.. comfy seat, just not quick enough moving over to plant opposite foot (left to right or vice versa). Could have had something to do with my riding pants being grippy (a good thing generally), so figured I'd factor in riding gear over my wishful thinking (that i could get by without the sticky pants). Ninja 650 good height, but didnt seem to click for me. Quite narrow that. BMW 800ST same as GSX650F.

**Maha** · 5th July 2014, 18:31

An option is to get a bit added to the soul of your riding boots, my wife had 12.5mm added to her boots. Would also help a bit with a slightly taller seat height.

**ducatilover** · 5th July 2014, 19:00

CB400s are damned excellent bikes in every aspect. Can't really go wrong with them.
As for kms? Buy on condition, not milage. My Bandit was stripped down around the 50,000km mark and everything inside measured perfect. It has now just hit 60,000km and runs like a dream (a small revvy dream...)