Just bought myself a brand new bike

**KiwiGeek** · 14th February 2015, 13:46

I finally got off my ass and replaced the SR250 (R.I.P.) I learned on until an idiot cut across in front of me, causing me to hit him, resulting in a broken ankle and a written of bike.

My stumpy legs and creeping arthritis meant I needed a cruiser. After reading and looking I decided on the Suzuki Boulevard S40. I was looking at second hand one and then realised that the prices for 10 year old ones were 75% of a new one, so, since it retains it's value so well, I decided to buy new.

I took it for a test ride and fell in love immediately. There is a good amount of power without being dangerous for an L plater like me. I felt comfortable leaning into the corner, unlike a 250 I tried with a view to buying from a workmate.

So now it is sitting in my locked garage and will be ridden on more than a few club rides.

**James Deuce** · 14th February 2015, 14:48

Good work.

And when you decide that you want something different, you can do this in the shed overnight.

http://www.rycamotors.com/

**KiwiGeek** · 22nd February 2015, 11:06

I was told by Dave from Kiwi Motorcycle Insurance that if you are on a learners or restricted and you start to modify their bike, the insurance companies are very likely to void the insurance on it, leaving you up crap creek without a paddle.

So my one will be staying stock for a while, with the probably exception of saddle bags and a top box.

**Mike.Gayner** · 22nd February 2015, 11:26

Any modification that changes the power to weight ratio voids the LAMS status of the bike, meaning you'd be riding outside your license conditions. Obviously adding weight with luggage etc is perfectly OK.

**madbikeboy** · 23rd February 2015, 13:02

Talk to your insurance provider about modifications. Be careful with your terms, because customisation (saddle bags and tassels) aren't performance modifications (which insurance companies dislike).

Congrats on the new bike, there isn't anything with more promise and hope than a new motorcycle.

**Latte** · 23rd February 2015, 13:22

Wifey got one of these a couple weeks back. Much better than the GN250, just needs another ~50hp.

**KiwiGeek** · 23rd February 2015, 18:13

Originally Posted by madbikeboy

Talk to your insurance provider about modifications. Be careful with your terms, because customisation (saddle bags and tassels) aren't performance modifications (which insurance companies dislike).

Already done that. Dave said there should be no problem.

Congrats on the new bike, there isn't anything with more promise and hope than a new motorcycle.

Did my first commute run today (was training last week and there was no long term parking available) and enjoyed even that. Did a bit of lane splitting but will still be taking it easy on that front for a while.