Uprgrading CCs before licence allows?

[slimyxylofone]

Hi everyone, I've been riding a GN250 for about two months now, and I'm getting a bit sick of it . I've got about 1,500km under my belt and in a few weeks I'll be blitzing my way down from Auckland to Dunedin (1800km) on it. So that'll be a good experience, even with the sore arse I'll get!

My question is, how many people have ignored their licence conditions and upgraded to a 400cc or even 600cc bike before they have their full? If so, did you ever run into any problems with the police, and has anyone regretted upgrading so early?

I've been thinking about upgrading to maybe a Suz Bandit 400 or 600 after I have my restricted and another 3-5000 kms on the GNs clock. How does this sound to everyone? I thought that a bandit would be a good transition as it would be a little more forgiving than a racing replica like a GSX-R or the like, and the powerband wouldn't be a real shock after the GN. Am I correct in thinking this?

Will insurance companies still insure a restricted on a 400cc bike? Do bike shops allow test rides on bigger bikes with only a restricted?

Thanks to anyone who could provide some feedback!

[Devil]

If so, did you ever run into any problems with the police?

Will insurance companies still insure a restricted on a 400cc bike?

It's called breaking your licence conditions, and no, they wont insure you.

[ManDownUnder]

I'd suggest you get (quite) a few more miles under your belt before going for more power too.

Nothing personal but if you've only got 1,500kms - you ain't seen nothin' yet. No hurry and learn to ride, so when you DO go to the bigger beast it's doesn't rhow you off, or under a bus.

And yeah - Insurance Companies won't go near you. Tell 'em lies and they'll take your money (and lots of it) but not pay out...

[sAsLEX]

Tell 'em lies and they'll take your money (and lots of it) but not pay out...

tell them the truth and they will take your money then just not pay out


I am riding a 400 on a R. No probs from the fuzz, though I regularly pay my extra road tax, they seem to understand that they have had their "contact" so dont need to harass me anymore.

[skelstar]

I can TOTALLY understand your desire for a bigger bike, but do you reckon youve gone far enough yet? Best idea is to ask the mates that you ride with and see what they think. Notably the ones that are good riders, on big bikes, and ones who you think are sensible/responsible.

I would say that no bike shops would let you test ride bikes on a restricted licence...unless you know them and they do you a favour. Insurance companies would insure you (maybe) as third party, but it would only cover you for fire/theft. Riding into the side of a Merc or Ferrari would more than a physically painful experience.

Surprising the number of people that ride outside of their licence restrictions. A few dont even have licences!

Welcome to the site BTW.

[slimyxylofone]

Yeah I realise 1,500 is fuck-all! And I definitely wouldn't go for such an upgrade at the moment. I was wanting some others' experiences, as I would only be thinking of doing this in about a years time, at which point I'd likely be up around the 7-8000km mark (my original 3-5000km was pretty conservative) and would have some very extensive touring of the south island.

How does the power on, say, a Bandit 250 compare to a GN? I don't want to buy another bike and then proceed to get sick of it again is all

[chickenfunkstar]

I upgraded a wee bit soon, but I had about 20,000k under my belt, I'd say that its a really good idea to do a few k's before you upgrade.

As for getting caught, obviously don't do anything to draw attention to your self, keep to 109 on the open road etc, and you Should be ok. There's still checkpoints, I went through two and never had a problem but ya never know. Make sure you've got a few demerit points 'in the bank' just in case.

You won't get insurance.

[ManDownUnder]

Yeah I realise 1,500 is fuck-all! And I definitely wouldn't go for such an upgrade at the moment. I was wanting some others' experiences, as I would only be thinking of doing this in about a years time, at which point I'd likely be up around the 7-8000km mark (my original 3-5000km was pretty conservative) and would have some very extensive touring of the south island.

How does the power on, say, a Bandit 250 compare to a GN? I don't want to buy another bike and then proceed to get sick of it again is all

I'd suggest a riding handling training course too. Well worth it!

[Sniper]

Bad idea. Ask ducatilover.........

[skelstar]

I too have done about 20000kms in 6 months (all L-licence).

At about 10000kms I thought I had it all pretty sussed. There were def faster riders around on a 250 but I thought I had learned it all. Nutting down the Takas behind an SV1000S riding the best I ever had, I got a gust of wind that put me in a situation I hadnt experienced in 10000kms. I reacted like a learner and ended up binning (a little). Who knows, on a bigger bike I with better brakes I may have been going a lot faster? Probably.

[gamgee]

bandit 250 is probably about twice as powerfull as a gn250, go get yourself either a 2 or 4 cylinder 250, they are a lot more fun, and can actually handle cruising at 100kmh

[zadok]

I bought an XZ550 while I was on my restricted licence (not thru a dealer). I still had my CB250RS at the time and would go for sneaky rides around the neighbourhood on the 550. I made sure I wasn't doing anything stupid to attract attention to myself. When I had my full licence, I sold the 250. You run the risk of getting caught and no insurance etc.
I'm not condoning this of course.

[gamgee]

and going from a gn250 to a bandit 600 would be a very bad idea!!!

[Highlander]

I bought an XZ550 while I was on my restricted licence ...
I'm not condoning this of course.

I was starting to worry about you then mate. Good thing you clarified.

Note that I edited your Quote. Does that, mean I miss quoted now ?

[Finn]

I got my litre bike with no bike license at all but was booked into the CBTA course. My circumstances were a bit differant as I've owned several bikes before. So I took it really easy until I got my full.

Some words of wisdom. If you're going to ride with the wrong class of license make sure you only bend one law at a time. In other words, don't pull a wheelie while splitting with a pillion at 140kph with no rego... and with the wrong class of license.