Learning to Ride a Bike

[kgx]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.

[James Deuce]

There's plenty of second hand GNs around for a lot less than $2000. Don't forget you'll need $700-$1000 for riding gear, and about $500-$600 for the rider training and licensing programme.

There are a huge number of issues to be aware of, hence my suggestion for rider training and a budget for gear. We could crap on all day about what you need to watch out for , but at the end of the day you are better off buying the bike, buying some gear, and then going to a training school to learn those things in a practical fashion.

[kiwifruit]

yep, what Jim2 said, get into it and have fun

[Macktheknife]

Hi Kgx,
Welcome to the site, you would be advised to also get yourself into the site mentoring program, find a mentor in your area and go from there. Bikes are usually a matter of fit for size and and budget, gear is really important, get the best you can afford.
PM me for any help on what and where if you like.
Mack

[McJim]

Yeah - I bought my Helmet, Gloves, boots, Trousers and jacket and then had to wait another 3 months before I could afford to buy a bike. Used to sit in the living room with my helmet on while playing road rash on Playstation.

$2000 on a bike will get you GN250 or FXR150 second hand.

What do you want to do on the bike? Commute? Hoon? Pose? Race? Different bikes for different things.

Most 250's are $5000 or more so best of luck snapping up a good deal.

[BUNGY]

I was in your position about a month ago. Managed to pick up a kR150 for 2000 in good condition which has been great to learn on. Also know people who have learnt on FXRs and RGV150s and they seem pretty good as well. Find a bike you like the feel of and get out there and learn. Once you get the hang of riding it alot of fun.

[07fatboy]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.

don't know about this 1 but i reckon get licence on driving school bike first then save up for a good bike in the mean time...get a cheep clapt out heap learn to ride out in the paddock in the grass doing emergency braking and ovals blee blee blah blah learn to get it going and keep it going once yove sorted that out saved some foldies and buy a decent bike just my 2 cents

[Swoop]

Good on ya for getting onto 2 wheels!!!

Hang around here. Some folks will be moving onto larger bikes when the time comes, and they may be keen to offer theirs to you when they do.

[Steam]

I got my good reliable old GN250 for $800 from a priest who was leaving the country, so there are some great bargains out there, you just got to wait and shop around heaps. Buy gear first tho, (my gear cost more than the bike!)

[texmo]

Get a GN250 like they all said. Also read read and read, most people dont have a clue what they are on about so listen to the proffesionals like keith code author of ' A twist of the wrist' technical books sell ti for $50 and some libarys have it.

[kgx]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

[Maha]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

the BHS guy aint going to fail you cos of what you wear, unless you turn up in a t-shirt and shorts (not that stupid aye?)
I started on a GN but i also had all the gear (very important)... so dont leave it to long, i have some RJAYS pant for sale....real cheap as new.
You have made a good decision to get onto a bike...keep making good decisions..

[James Deuce]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

Wearing the gear isn't a pass or fail issue.

I've definitely moderated what used to be a fascist stance on all the gear all the time, BUT as a newbie you're about 1 billion times more likely to crash in the first 6 months. More power to you if you don't, but by GOD it hurts when you do.

[sunhuntin]

good on you for getting on to two wheels.
theres some cheap ginnys [gn] on trademe....i recommend a 250 as they are gutless, lmfao. 250 is just enough power for a newbie. ive never ridden anything less.

general shoes are ok to do the test in, but get some cowboy boots or similar asap. my wreck, i would have smashed my foot but for wearing proper boots.
get a decent jacket too, and gloves...fingers are the first thing to get cold!
as above, get out on a paddock and go for it...weave, stop start, gear changes, learn where your indicators are etc. i learned to ride, and had my first bin on a rugby field...watch out if its rained or theyve just cut the grass.

buy a cheapy bike to begin with, so if you do crash you dont smash up a new bike.

[gijoe1313]

Ahh good on ya fer taking up the two wheels of freedom! Just get as much info and research as much stuff as you can! Good gear is a must! So, read the mags, troll the forums and get out and sit on as many bikes as you can!