help a bike noobie

[mops]

Hello everyone.

Now, i do not own a bike, but always wanted to. I would like to get my first bike, do the license, etc, etc. I have few questions. I would like to start with a standard road bike (excuse me if i get the technial terms wrong, i do know stuff about cars and computers but not bikes yet ).

What would be a good bike to start ??? I only drove few 50cc schooters before. i dont want it flash neither i need it any fast, but I want it cheap to run and easy to maintain, cheap to insure (3rd party only), etc. probably once i got my full license for a bike i'll sell that and get something else. please recommend make an model.

Now, would a budget of $1000-$2000 be siutable for a start ??? that must include the bike itself and any accesories i'll need (eg. helmet). while i'm at it, what accesories will I need for standard road use ??? if 2k is not enought, how much would i need ???

whats the typical fuel consumption of a typical =<250cc bike ???

what kind of insurance premium am i likely to pay ??? 3rd paty only, i'm 22 years old, male, clean drivers license for last about 5 to 6 years, for last two years driving turbocharged subaru ???

thansk heaps in advance.

[marty]

have a look at this thread - stay away from these if u are a genuine noobie

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...&threadid=1339

[marty]

then have a read of this one for the low down on good noobie bikes - can't really go past a GN250 or vt250 i reckon


http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...&threadid=1123

[riffer]

Here's one on trademe for 2K.

I reckon probably $3500 all up if you add decent riding gear to the price of the bike.

One of these will cost bugger all to insure. Ask jrandom about them:

 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/mcat-0001%2...on-7563035.htm

[Sharkey]

Welcome to motorcycling. Your preference for a good reliable bike, not too fast, cheap.... Admirable. But give it, say three weeks, and you'll be hankering for that 19000 rpm redline.

In terms of gear, don't sell yourself short. You DEFINATELY need a new helmet. Never buy a second hand helmet. Never. Ever. You can pick entry level skid lids for about $250.

As well as that you will NEED good gloves and a proper motorcycling jacket. Leather is probably better, but synthetic is usually cheaper. Maybe $350 for a new cheap jacket and gloves. If you value your legs you will also need trousers and boots. Lots of people don't get these, myself included, but after having a crash and narrowly missing massive grazing, I won't be riding without them again. Jeans are hopeless. Often you can get awesome deals in the T&E for clothing. Just be patient.

[jrandom]

Originally posted by celticno6
Here's one on trademe for 2K.

That's a good deal, assuming the bike has no hidden greeblies (it shouldn't). TPF&T for you on an FXR (based on what I pay) should be about $150 PA, not too bad eh?

Don't listen to these guys sitting on your shoulder tempting you with a 19K redline. Yes, you will *want* it, but one of the sporty 4-cyl 250 Jap imports will have quite a few years and kays on it when you get it and you don't sound like you're the type to have several hundred dollars sitting around at short notice for new expensive gubbins and bits when it suddenly Fails to Proceed. Better to have a bike that works as a transport appliance when needed in your situation. For comparison, an FXR makes maybe 22bhp at the wheel, a Kwak ZXR250 puts out 37 or so (based on a dyno chart I saw hanging off one at Red Baron). The ZXR will get to 190kph, the FXR won't do more than 130 normally but will hit 150 if you wind it on over a flat bit of motorway.

If you *do* get an FXR make sure you get it rejetted as per the recommendations of the guys at the Colemans Suzuki workshop (unless it's already been done). And I would *STRONGLY* recommend an investment of $260 on a pair of Pirelli MT75s (call Leading Edge). They'll probably save you a spill or two in the wet over the stock tyres.

FXRs get about 25-30 kms per litre.

can't think of much else...

[EDIT: oh yeah, buy a NEW HJC, they're the best 'budget' helmet brand, don't even think about a secondhand brain bucket, get a secondhand leather jacket, pants and gloves from wherever, if you don't want to buy flash waterproof riding boots at least do yourself a favour and ride in something sturdy with some ankle protection, and knock yerself out mate! ]

[Jackrat]

Mate,Welcome aboard,I am as usual going to disagee with a little the other guys say.The agree part first but,buy a good helmet,NOT SECOND HAND.
Now the disagree part,,Buy a cheap bike,remember you ARE going to drop this thing,You can get something like an AX100 Suzuki cheap as,I don,t recommend going any bigger than 100-125cc and the list is endless,buy a two stroke for eazy DIY maintainance.If this is your very first bike ever be prepared to come off a few times so keep in mind what can break.Don,t buy anything with a fairing.You will find a bike for under a grand if you don,t go after some squidy bloody race rep, type bike.Keep in mind this is for learning,showing off comes later.
When you are ready you could get a good price for that Subaroo,
an buy a real nice bike.Get into the real deal.May the force be with you.
Cheers.

[James Deuce]

What they all said, including the contradictory bits.

Try to find a bike that fits you reasonably well so that you aren't uncomfortable when riding for more than an hour. Make sure that you can easily see the instruments at a glance and more than your elbows in the mirrors.

Most of all treat the experience like an adventure and HAVE FUN!

[jrandom]

Originally posted by Jim2
Try to find a bike that fits you reasonably well so that you aren't uncomfortable when riding for more than an hour.

Difficult to figure out when getting a first bike but yeah, after 150kms or so on the FXR I need to get off and sit on my hands for ten minutes before I can feel my fingers again. Bzzzzzzzzzzz... probably not likely to avoid this in a cheapie small commuter unfortunately.

[riffer]

Jeez, jrandom, I'd love to just have sore hands after a ride.

Try 50kms on my fizzer. It's gotta have the most painful seat I've ever experienced.

I swear its trying to push me apart about the bit where my legs meet my hips.

You get off that thing walking like John Wayne

But a small price to pay for what it feels like when you pull back the throttle in 3rd gear...

[jrandom]

Originally posted by celticno6
I swear its trying to push me apart about the bit where my legs meet my hips.

Hmmm, I keep hearing that...

[Big Dog]

Welcome Mops,
their not wrong,
You will fall off (this is not a bad thing the earlier the better.)
Buy brand new helmets they start from $199 if you shop around.
Buy what you want and can afford not what others tell you.

If you can't afford lessons get a good book (try the library). Mates can teach you how to use the clutch etc but you will need professional advice on technique, we all have our bad habits even if we don't know what they are. You don't need to die for someone elses bad habits.

Take someone who knows about bikes with you to buy it. Avoid drum brakes at the front and buy a good lock.

Most of all have fun.

IMHO your first spill will decide if your a biker or "I once owned a ...". If your well and truly bit you will be back on quicker than a heroin addict after an overdose.

[Sharkey]

Now don't get me wrong. I am all for buying something cheap and nasty to start with because falling off is a given. All I was saying was that after three weeks you'll be hankering....

I was lucky enough to get a cheap as chips, beat up old zxr250 that didn't notice a few extra scratches.

Happy hunting.

[matthewt]

Originally posted by celticno6
Try 50kms on my fizzer. It's gotta have the most painful seat I've ever experienced.

Nah, try the MV with a swollen testicle !!  Then you will know what a painful ride feels like.

 

[riffer]

Guess I don't really want to know how you got a swollen testicle but I guess, if you've got a few kids like I do, it's probably for the same reason - snip!