Need some advice with first bike

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 14:03

Hi all

first of all - yes i have already researched and read most threads that i think are relevant.

I am looking for a bike that will bring me around town, but is also fun to ride in the country and can be used for road trips with someone on the back.
i have looked at the suzuki gn250, which are sold for about 4'500$ here in CHCH, which is what i can spend at most.

It seems quite nice and reliable but i haven't seen it in action yet because the retailers are all out of stock. One of the things i like most about bikes is the sound. i dont need to go faster than 120km/h but i just love it when its got a deep, grunty sound and i'm not sure if the gn250 can satisfy.

so yeah, to make it short: can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright? And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds?

thanks in advance, stressfaktor.

**Smorg** · 7th October 2005, 14:32

You can buy my 6 hundy for 4k it's got a nice grunty sound and it'll get you to 120 with ease..............even faster if you feel the need

**XTC** · 7th October 2005, 14:45

GN's are sold new up here for $2995 + ORC. Maybe the freight charge to get them across the channel or the exchange rate makes the difference?? Good bike if you're not in a hurry. Then onto something better when you get your full. Don't be in too much of a rush.

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 15:05

i've got my full (overseas licence) yeah i'm not in a hurry but the sound is essential

@smorgen: have u got pictures of it? what kind of bike is it?

**James Deuce** · 7th October 2005, 15:15

GNs sound like a flatulent chicken, your overseas license is only valid for 12 months from date of entry to NZ, and a CBR600 is a sprotsbike that works equally as well as a sprots tourer.

Re. the spelling of sprots: it's how we do things round here.

Welcome to the Hotel California, errr, KB.

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 15:20

thanks for your replys. i can easily convert my overseas licence as i have done it with my car licence

hmmm the CBR600 looks alright if its something like this hehe

**Riff Raff** · 7th October 2005, 15:30

Originally Posted by Stressfaktor

can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright? And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds?

thanks in advance, stressfaktor.

Welcome to KB. :spudwave:
If you have your full licence I wouldn't bother with a GN250. Not much grunt and definately wont satisfy you in the sounds department. What are your preferences in bike style - sports, naked, tourer, cruiser? That would give us an idea of what to recommend for you.

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 15:38

i'm not too much into sports ones, i thought of a tourer or cruiser, as long as its comfortable and has space for 2 people.

**limbimtimwim** · 7th October 2005, 15:40

Originally Posted by Stressfaktor

so yeah, to make it short: can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright?

I see there is a CBR250RR on trademe at the moment. Other side of the island from you though. They sound great if you like the sound of 1 million bees rotating at 16,000 rpm. They are have a good rep. Yes they do 120 no problem.

And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds?

Like a series of not to closely seperated puffs of air escaping from a whoopie cushion.

You did ask me to describe..

**crashe** · 7th October 2005, 15:42

Originally Posted by Stressfaktor

i'm not too much into sports ones, i thought of a tourer or cruiser, as long as its comfortable and has space for 2 people.

Yamaha Virago 1100 is a loverly cruiser.

Kawasaki Vulcan 800 is another cruiser.

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 15:58

@ limbimtimwim (what a name lol) thanks for the tip, that one seems alright. not sure if its a 2 seater though?
i found one of the same type on the west coast. hmm what about something that sounds more like uhm u know... deep and throttling?

i think those two above are a bit out of my price range but the seem alright

**madboy** · 7th October 2005, 16:03

A GN is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Perfectly acceptable for the purpose they were designed. But I'd like to see you try and pull 120k 2-up. And as for the sound? Only if you have a cheap helmet will you even realise it's running.

It sounds like you could be after the lovely noise a twin makes?? I'm not sure what SV650s are worth, or even TL1000s these days, but maybe they or competitors are worth a look?

**Stressfaktor** · 7th October 2005, 16:10

hm i quickly looked up trademe and they seem to be about 10'000...

I'm not looking for anything flash i just need something fun with good sound and a comfortable riding position for 2

**SARGE** · 7th October 2005, 16:11

Originally Posted by XTC

GN's are sold new up here for $2995 + ORC. Maybe the freight charge to get them across the channel or the exchange rate makes the difference?? Good bike if you're not in a hurry. Then onto something better when you get your full. Don't be in too much of a rush.

the price went up to 3300 + orc on Oct 1 due to demand ( i have 2 left btw..)