good bike for a returnee

[hdus001]

Hi
I am returning to riding after more than 5 years. Am sitting the learners test soon. Which bike would you recommend for a rider with medium skill level? The ones that I have in mind are:
Suzuki Bandit 250
FXR150
Honda CRM250 (road legal)

Basically what Im after is one thats not too heavy, within $3000, and does not require me to visit garages too often. I havent used any of the bikes mentioned above, am just basing it on pics I saw on the internet. Whch one would you guys recommend?
cheers
Hans

[parsley]

Since you're a returning rider I'd stay away from the 150 - you'll get bored real soon. Or is this just for the full licence test then you'll switch to something bigger immediately?

[Motu]

Welcome - the CRM250 seems a bit out of place there,but good choice! Similar to the DT230 I ride - same power and weight,a bit taller in the seat,but with better suspension and no electric start,not that you need one,it's just a luxury.They are crazy and aggressive around the streets,it's hard to curb the desire to think the back streets are an MX track,getting the holeshot from the lights - but even though they come on pretty strong I don't think they are too much for a learner,just go easy on the throttle until you get the feel of it,they are very light and pull the front up out of corners...nudge nudge,wink wink.Now that I'm getting the DT230 out on the open road I'm very inpressed on how it copes,it's a little bike,but a big hitter in the power stakes,more than enough to keep me happy - I don't know about the CRM250,but the DT230 will do 165kph with standard gearing,don't see why the Honda can't either.You can get a Mugen kit to boost the power to 50hp...if you ever need it.Not what I'd really suggest for a learner road bike,but go for it if you want to.

Oh,easy maintanence,it's a 2 stroke - stupidly simple.

[hdus001]

hmm..so the CRM250 is pretty tall is it? I'm a shortie at 170 cms (5'7")..think it'd be too tall for me?

[James Deuce]

You dwarf Motu and he used to have an XLV750. If you don;t stop you'll be fine.

Welcome back btw.

[ducatilover]

the bandit250's are all right a wee bit slow but thats what i think about anything slower than my bros650, seriously though i rode one and it went allright [of course it was red] i would say get a twosmoker for that bit of fun, but not a 150, please dont get a 150 welcome to the site

[thealmightytaco]

I got an FXR to start on, damn good bike really and super hyper mega cheap on gas. Really, if you're not gonna break the law with ya speedin' then it's perfect. But in saying that, I've also got an old NSR that's up and running now and I'm lookin' at keeping that and selling the FXR, cause it's fun to haul ass up to the speed limit at least!

[thealmightytaco]

I got an FXR to start on, damn good bike really and super hyper mega cheap on gas. Really, if you're not gonna break the law with ya speedin' then it's perfect. But in saying that, I've also got an old NSR that's up and running now and I'm lookin' at keeping that and selling the FXR, cause it's fun to haul ass up to the speed limit at least!

I'm straddling all over the fence really, just ride stuff and see what takes your fancy I say.

[thealmightytaco]

How did I post that twice?

[thealmightytaco]

How did I post that twice? 'Cause you gotta wait 30 seconds between posts, and until then it gives you your last post in advanced mode for you to tweak. I'll be watchin' that.

[ducatilover]

How did I post that twice?

you tell me then well both know

[thealmightytaco]

It's a double post bonanza

[ducatilover]

we're gonna die of post over dose runnnnnnnnnnnn

[dawnrazor]

fireblade?

[crash harry]

Get a 250. If you live in aucks, you're gonna be on the motorway, and I don't reckon that the 150s have enough grunt for motorway travel. Sure they can do 100k OK, but they really don't wind up quick enough to get out of trouble. Unless you want an RG150, but you sail low maintenance so I guess that counts 2-strokes out...

You might find a Kawasaki ZZR250 or GPX250 for that money. They're cool bikes to ride and real easy to get along with.