Another noob! (Danboy)

**Danboy** · 17th April 2006, 20:38

Gudday all,
Just thought I'd introduce meself. I'm Dan and I'm from Rotorua.
Looking to get my licence and buy my first bike etc. I'm a late bloomer(31yrs).
Always wanted a bike(ridden a few without a licence in my early years) but never got one.
Time to stop procrastinating. Any recommendations on a first bike would be great. Baring in mind I'm 6' and 100kg's, so I don't want to it struggling up the hills. Haha.
Is there any way I can shorten the time on getting through the licence stages? Don't feel like bein' stuck on a little 250cc for that long. Not so much for power reasons, just like a bigger feeling bike.
Catch ya! :spudwave:
Cheers.
D.

**MidnightMike** · 17th April 2006, 20:51

Heres one here if you think you need more power

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...601&key=364602

Welcome to the site btw.

**OMG** · 17th April 2006, 21:08

Welcome to KB. I'm like you, on started riding when I hit my 30s, something I should have done many many years earlier!

I started on a GSX250, was a good learner bike (quite big for a 250, so didn't feel much different geting the 600 after that), and very popular.

re shorting license period, you can do CBTA courses, and because you are a 'mature' rider, you don't have to wait between them, so as soon as you have your learners, you can do your restricted, and as soon as you have your restricted, you can do your full. (see www.roadsafe.co.nz not sure if there is anyone in Rotorua who does them though).

Good luck with bike buying.

**kickingzebra** · 17th April 2006, 21:16

Hey Dan, as you are over the magic 25, your license process is much shorter anyways, but if you do a defensive driving course while on your restricted I believe, then the whole thing goes by in less than a year I think.
As far as power goes, and for your size... Maybe consider a 2 stroke race rep, eg suzuki RGV 250, honda NSR 250...
Depending on the money you want to spend, I have a mate with an 05 aprilia RS 250, 800 kms (yes, 800, not 8000) on the clock. They are the pick of the bunch, as they are newer, still factory supported, faster, lighter, better handling, but the down side is cost, $12000 to $13000. however, if it is street cred and power you want (assuming you have ridden enough to not be intimidated/killed by said power) Then that is the must have bike. You don't want to be dropping them though!! gets expensive. RGVs/NSRs can be had for 3 to 5 grand, early 90s models.

If you aren't super experienced on bikes, then starting on something a bit less imposing isn't a bad Idea, I have a zzr 250, produces OK power, and comfortable for 1, 2 at a pinch, failing that, try CBR or zxr 250s. These are 4 cylinder howlers. The have alright looks and go, but I suspect may be a tad uncomfortable for someone of your dimensions.
Hope that helps a bit, Welcome to the mad house!!

**limbimtimwim** · 17th April 2006, 22:00

1998 onwards Honda VTR250 will suit your dimensions. What it won't suit is your lust for power. But it'll do untill you upgrade.

**Danboy** · 17th April 2006, 22:01

Cheers guys. Great to have such good replies so soon.

Gonna look at both those links....and narrow my list down on the bikes. Might steer away from the 2 strokers for the moment....I used to race karts so know about the engines....not so nice for those long trips lol. Keep the info coming though.

D.

**Danboy** · 17th April 2006, 22:38

Found a useful link I thought I might post. You can sit your learners through to your full including any training you want etc. at this place and cut the time down as much as you want. No waiting to get your full!!!!

(As long as you pass of course

) lol
http://www.passrite.co.nz/cycles.asp
Email them for info.
Enjoy!

D.

**kickingzebra** · 18th April 2006, 08:36

Dan, Just looking at the LTSA website...
You have to spend the 6 months on learners still, but with an approved course, because you are over 25, restricted is only 3 months, without said course it is 6 months. Wher LTSA info conflicts with someone elses, I would believe the LTSA. Beaurocracy for you... The important thing is to get the learners quickly, because then, even if you dont have a bike, The time is ticking over.
All needed for that is Practical handling cert and book and do the scratchee learners test.

**Fishy** · 18th April 2006, 08:48

Welcome to the site mate!.

**kiwifruit** · 18th April 2006, 10:55

welcome to the site,
will catch you for a ride one day

**Matt Bleck** · 18th April 2006, 11:38

Welcome to the site mate. you'll have to come down to Hennessy's one friday nite and meet up for a quite beer or two!!

**Insanity_rules** · 18th April 2006, 17:04

Hey welcome Dan, I'm in the very same boat as you! quite common so I understand to hit consience in thirties and get licenced up. Good on yer mate.

Good luck on the hunt for your first legal ride dude.

**BEAMER89** · 18th April 2006, 21:35

Welcome to KB Danboy, enjoy the site mate.:spudbooge good luck on getting your licence/ bike.

**simo j** · 18th April 2006, 23:04

welcome to k.b.site.let me know if you are meeting up at hennesys ill try and slip over. cheers .:

**Bend-it** · 19th April 2006, 13:47

Welcome! I'm 27 and only just got into bikes too... I ride a Suzuki Bandit 250, which would suit your power needs fine. A large framed 250 would be the hyosung gt250. It has the same frame as the gt650, just 250 engine. The only set-back is power. They're still ok, cruise at 100 no problems etc. Very smooth poer delivery at low-ish revs. Very comfy bike to ride, just not a quick death mobile!

Looks pretty good, and cheap too! About $6000 brand new...