So my Credit has finally recovered enough and today I got approved for a $5000 loan for a bike & all the gear, so now I'm looking for a bunch of advice.
First question is, how much practice time would you recommend to pass the BHST?
I've not ridden a bike as anything but a pillion before. I've been driving cars for over 15 years now & currently have a manual so listening to an engine and road rules are not a problem. I do have experience with 4-wheelers about a 10-15 years ago, so I'm familiar with the gear change but probably need some practice, but I pick up physical skills pretty fast and don't seem to forget them ever (didn't drive a manual for 10 years, but was like I never stopped first time I got back in one).
Second question, suggestions for bikes that would be good or bikes I should avoid? Also what size engine should I go for?
I'm female, 170cm tall and weight around 95-100Kg in street clothes. I've also got a messed up back that means I have to have a forward leaning riding position with my heels under or slightly behind my hip, even just sitting on a bike without that for a few minutes I can feel my back starting to ache & cramp up, I also won't be able to ride with more than a really light backpack, like wallet, phone, e-cig, light jersey and maybe a drink bottle is the max I could do. I'm in Kaiapoi and studying in town, 40-50Km round trip each time, I can do up to 300Km a week when I'm busy. I want something for commuting, day trips around Canterbury with my step-Dad and trips to my Grandma's in Golden Bay every few months with a reasonable amount of gear.
Bike HAS to have the forward leaning riding position, have some way to attach a 17" laptop size backpack and still have at least a little bit more go left at when keeping up with open road traffic. I'd prefer a half or fully faired bike that I can get paniers/top box/pack rack/etc for at a reasonable price.
I've got a bunch of bikes on my TM watchlist & am heading round the Christchurch bike shops on Friday with my step-Dad. He's had a bike as long as I've been alive (or possibly longer), so great for helping with gear and making sure I don't buy a lemon, but he only changed bike when the one I remember from when I was a kid got written of by a moron driver a couple of years ago, so he's not so up to date on current bikes.
Third question, which insurance company has the best rates and service for bikes?
Fourth question, What's a good amount to reserve for gear? Any recommendations?
I've been eyeing the two piece suits from Curvento in Wellington. Has anyone dealt with them? what where they like & what's their gear like? Recommendations for boots, helmet & gloves? Especially any that come in colours other than black? any tips on from other ladies on finding gear to fit large bust & hips with small waist.
Last question, who do you recommend for maintenance & WOF in Christchurch or Kaiapoi/Rangiora Area?
Would be great if they where wiling to teach me to do it myself for the stuff that's not to complex or need to many tools. Failing that, anyone in Canterbury willing to teach me about motorbike maintenance?
TIA
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