Bike licensing and good dealers in Palmerston North?

**bobsmith** · 6th January 2006, 23:08

Hi all. It's my first post here and first of all thank you all for such an informative forum.

I'm wanting to get myself a bike (already have a helmet and a jacket so what the hell, I need a bike to go with it....

and I've been trying to find a place where I can do my motorbike basic handling course in Palmerston North to get my learner's and failed miserably.... Is there somewhere where I can do basic handling course in Palmerston North or will I need to look at going to Wellington for a saturday for the course?

Also what dealers in Palmerston North area do you recommend that I have a look around for bikes? (need to have some selection of under 250s for obvious reasons) I was reading around and heard that fxr150 is a descent bike (my budget is around $5000 or less and I still need a pair of pants, boots and gloves) do you have any others you would recommend? (I would prefer 4 stroke and something that I can take on the open road when I need to, which will be not that often...)

Thanks all in advance.

**bobsmith** · 6th January 2006, 23:10

Oh and can anyone tell me where I might find a fxr150 in palmy? A new one would be preferred if they can still be found...

**slopster** · 6th January 2006, 23:16

I think phill turnbull motorcycles does a basic skills test every month or so.

**spudchucka** · 7th January 2006, 07:33

Phil Turnbull is the Suzuki dealer too. They will get you an FXR150 if thats what you want. They are of Featherston Street near Valentines restaraunt, opposite Taonui St.

**Bonez** · 7th January 2006, 10:10

I'd recommend Phil Turnbulls as well. Very helpfull folk there.

**crashe** · 7th January 2006, 11:10

Welcome to KB.

Good luck in finding your new baby...... and when you get her ride safe..
and take care out there on the roads.

There are a few KBers in and around Palmie North... so they maybe able to help you out in finding your new bike.

**yungatart** · 7th January 2006, 11:31

Originally Posted by bobsmith

Hi all. It's my first post here and first of all thank you all for such an informative forum.

I'm wanting to get myself a bike (already have a helmet and a jacket so what the hell, I need a bike to go with it....

and I've been trying to find a place where I can do my motorbike basic handling course in Palmerston North to get my learner's and failed miserably.... Is there somewhere where I can do basic handling course in Palmerston North or will I need to look at going to Wellington for a saturday for the course?

Also what dealers in Palmerston North area do you recommend that I have a look around for bikes? (need to have some selection of under 250s for obvious reasons) I was reading around and heard that fxr150 is a descent bike (my budget is around $5000 or less and I still need a pair of pants, boots and gloves) do you have any others you would recommend? (I would prefer 4 stroke and something that I can take on the open road when I need to, which will be not that often...)

Thanks all in advance.

A Fxr would be a descent bike for me!! It might be a decent bike for you tho. However, if you are communting mostly & a raw newbie, you'd be better off with a GN250, SR250 or the like

**crashe** · 7th January 2006, 11:34

or of course the VIRAGO 250 cruiser.....
They are great commuters and also great for out of town riding...

I know the lads are timing me to see how long it took for me to say that...

**yungatart** · 7th January 2006, 12:12

Originally Posted by crashe

I know the lads are timing me to see how long it took for me to say that...

You've been quicker....

**crashe** · 7th January 2006, 12:16

Originally Posted by yungatart

You've been quicker....

Yeah I know...........

**Pathos** · 7th January 2006, 12:22

fxr150s are great bikes, everyone I know whos had one loved it. They don't really have any major problems and are still quite young (build around 2000). They have a great little engine, awesome brakes and 6 gears. cost me $12 to fill up the other day, $2 a week commuting to work.

Don't pay too much for it tho only $2000~$2500 for one in very good condition. you'll need your cash for proper gear, decent tyres and your next bike.

I reckon they're the prefect first bike, the handling just feels so natural. dont get a gn they suck the qualities shit and ... its a gn.

**sels1** · 7th January 2006, 13:07

Welcome aboard the site.
There are quite a few options now in the sub 250 class so look around and try a few on for size. A street legal trailbike can be a good first bike, you can get your skills up playing around in a paddock and the dirt is softer to fall off on! Be carefull of sinking all your money on your first bike, as you may outgrow it sooner than you think. Go around all the bikeshops, have a sit on what they have got, listen to what they say, and chose something that you feel comfortable on.

**Hitcher** · 7th January 2006, 13:25

ANZA is open on Taonui Street seven days a week. The chaps there should be able to see you right. I am reliably informed that they are less sexist towards women buyers than some other high profile P Nth bike dealers.

**betti** · 7th January 2006, 14:48

from personal experience ANZA, are expensive, inattentive and not bothered unless you're spending a minimum of ten grand, don't let that put you off though.

**KLOWN** · 7th January 2006, 18:47

In my own experiance i have found phil turnbull really helpfull. I have only been biking for about two months and i have a rg150 for my first bike. For me its perfect, fast enough for a 150 and easy to look after also cheaper than an fxr. Look around to get a second hand bike because chances are that u will come off or you will be hit and the bike will be wrecked. Its better to get your skills up and then get a better bike. phil turnbull holds the basic handling cert every second weekend.