New Member: Why Not?!

**Black26** · 2nd May 2017, 09:30

Morning all,

I have never been into bikes but the other week I was contemplating driving my 1976 MK2 Escort to work. But na, I don't want it parked on the roadside and I don't want some idiot to steal it.

I asked myself, what's useful way to get to work on a relatively cheap price? A bike! Now I used to ride an old dirt bike around my parents farm and up and down the road but that's as far as it goes.

I'm going to look at booking myself in for my license soon and I was interested in what kind of bikes are legally available for a beginner.

I've done some searching on TradeMe and I've found a huge range of bikes that fit the LAMs requirements.

Essentially I just want to get some opinions on what bikes to look for and what bikes to avoid. I'm not wanting to spend more than 4k on a bike. A lot at this price range are Honda 250s, Ninja 250s or even Hyosung 250s. Does anyone have anything to report on any of these models or maybe some further suggestions as to what would be suitable?

I am 6 foot 2 @ 118kgs. I like the naked style bikes.

**Black26** · 2nd May 2017, 10:03

I know it's a large bike but this is a good price and also LAMS approved.

CF Moto 650nk. I am aware it may be chinese crap but at a low price, could be it worth considering?

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**caspernz** · 2nd May 2017, 11:03

Hyosung would suit a bigger fella, well in as far as it's one of the more generous sized 250 (or 650) around. Use whatever bike the riding instructor has for your course, it'll give you an idea of what you do or don't like.

Just leave a bit of your budget for some sensible riding gear, helmet, boots, jacket, gloves for the bare minimum.

**Black26** · 2nd May 2017, 11:25

Yeah man, absolutely. I will make sure the gear I buy is quality.

The other bike someone has told me to consider is the 4 cyclinder 1990 honda cbr250rr MC22

**caspernz** · 2nd May 2017, 11:48

Mmmm, CBR250RR is a fine bit of kit, but not ideal as a learner bike to my way of thinking...more suited as a fine sunday outing kind of bike.

It just comes down to what appeals to you, some learners prefer soft roaders such as a V-Strom 650, nice easy upright riding position. Think of it like a civilized dirt bike.

**Moi** · 2nd May 2017, 11:49

Originally Posted by Black26

I know it's a large bike but this is a good price and also LAMS approved.

CF Moto 650nk. I am aware it may be chinese crap but at a low price, could be it worth considering?

I understand that the CF Moto was based on [read "copied"] a previous version Kawasaki - how much cross-over there is between the two I have absolutely no idea: some one may be able to enlighten you on that.

As caspernz said, use the bike the instructor has and see how that feels for you and then you can sample a few others - consider how comfortable you are on a bike: can you easily flatfoot it when stopped? with your feet on the pegs where are your knees? how much forward lean are you in with your hands on the bars? Have a look at this website: Motorcycle Ergonomics - it will give you an idea of how comfortable you might be on a bike. However, the final test must be the "sit the bum on the seat" test.

Also consider what you intend to do on the bike - is it just for commuting or are you likely to want to venture out onto the open road on weekends? If you want to be on the open road then a larger bike may be what you want.

Enjoy the journey...