Just starting out.. what's good?

[Smokin]

I was thinking of a friend that has one in christchurch, seems to go really well and is quite quick for its size, seems very light and nimble coz he really chucks it around.

[MidnightMike]

I have a bike that im putting up for sale soon, check my profile for a photo, it will be around your price range too. PM me for more info if you want.

[jeremysprite]

I'd vouch for the fxr's, put some good tyres on it (bt39s?) and they're great. Up to 30km/l, top speed of around 145kmh, and easy to work on. The fairings also seem to be more resilient (sp) to landing on tarmac than older, late 80's bikes' fairings.


Ownership of an FXR150 also allows you privileged access to high-profile, exclusive clubs.

[kiwifruit]

My brother took one for a test ride and says it rides like a truck. What do you guys think?

they dont handle like a truck
great learner bike bike not as "exciting" as say a rg150

[Str8 Jacket]

they dont handle like a truck
great learner bike bike not as "exciting" as say a rg150

or KR..... NOw thats an exciting bike!

[Mr. Peanut]

Here's a few nice ones, that GN250 is awesome

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-68863514.htm

If you could get the extra cash this is an excellent bike.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-68689043.htm

A good cheapy here
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-69366934.htm

If you checked it out VERY CAREFULLY you might consider this one
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-69182306.htm

Hope that helps....

[hXc]

hXc: That is a real nice bike... but personally i like bikes wid fairings. Lol, and I really can't spend too much on a bike (there goes my dreams of a real nice bike ) but yea.. aprx. $2000-2500 as I also have to get gear

That only cost me $2800 including new paint job and dent removal.

[hXc]

Spada will still set you back $4000 in good condition

Where'd you hear/see that?! My Spada had a couple of dents, but was still perfectly fine. Only reason I got 'em fixed was I didn't like the original colour and thought I may as well get the dents fixed too. All up it cost about $2800

[Patrick]

LOL, Hmm... slight problem there... Im a chick :P. But i wish i could have a 1000! IT'd be sooo cool

I thought increased length was good for chicks???

Fairings? Why? Just more to damage? 250 naked Bandit was my first, awesome learners bike and some do appear in your price range.

Get rid of the horse though, money gobbling bastidges....

[Meekey_Mouse]

Hey, thanks MrPeanut for the links. I'm thinkin I might be able to, POSSIBLY, get a bit more $ from selling keyboard etc.. so it might take me a little longer but I think it will be worth it.

After some thought I highly doubt I'd drop I bike, but you just never know and crap happens.. so I think I will go for an unfaired bike.

Patrick: Increased length in height is gd for chicks but not much else

[Back Fire]

After some thought I highly doubt I'd drop I bike, but you just never know and crap happens.. so I think I will go for an unfaired bike.

hehehehe... everyone drops bikes go for a lil honda VTR or hairnet if you want nekkid... GN's are... well.... GN's...

[Ghost Lemur]

Got to agree with the majority here. Get an el cheapo nekkid bike. Any of the following.

GN250
CB250RS
FZR250
Bandit

Seriously I was the same when I first joined the site. Wanted a zxr/cbrrrr. But listened to the good advice got me a $400 wof&reg 81 CB250rs. Had a blast. Learnt lots and then got taken out by a cager. Net result postive.

Oh, and don't think because you start out on a "slow" naked bike means you'll always be a slow rider. Look around the site for a guy by the name of Motoracer. One of the fastest guys here, and he started off on a cb250rs.

Lets be honest, it doesn't matter how "slow" a bike is. Whatever you get, you're not going to be pushing it's limits for a while yet. When the time comes where you do find the bikes limitations you can always upgrade to something else. 250's hold there value well. The ones that don't are the sports bikes that get dropped. Really going that path is the only option that has a potential money loosing effect if something goes wrong.

Have you considered a dual sport bike? Something like the XT? You can have your on road fun, but also explore some gravel and dirt. Gain some valuable skills on how to handle a bike with next to no traction.

Best bet though is to look around, bum some rides on as many different 250s as you can and find what suits you best now (not what'll suit you best in six months).

[Meekey_Mouse]

Ghost Lemur: Thanks heaps for the advice I'm defintly lookin at an unfaired bike now.

I use to ride a lil TT250 that we did up. I rode it round the farm a bit and practiced loosing the front weel, locking the back wheel, going on gravel etc.. It was a great lil bike.