First bike??? Help required people

**dunitpazza** · 29th October 2006, 15:34

Ok so I just found this site, had a look round, thought it was quite cool and registered... now, I passed my basic handling skills test and theory for my learners the other day, that was the easy bit... what would you guys recommend for a first bike? I've had about 2 years experience riding a 50cc scooter! woo hoo!

**Maha** · 29th October 2006, 15:42

How much do you want/got to spend???
Looking to buy new/2nd hand????
Do you intend to keep the 250 longer than you require??? (once you got your full)?

**dunitpazza** · 29th October 2006, 15:48

i've got about $2500, keen to get as new a bike as possible and will prob upgrade when i've got my full, cheers

**Roj** · 1st November 2006, 18:11

Originally Posted by dunitpazza

i've got about $2500, keen to get as new a bike as possible and will prob upgrade when i've got my full, cheers

Think about what your main uses are going to be.

A lot of bikers learnt on trail / offroad bikes, these have the advantage of being slightly cheaper to repair when you fall off, none of the expensive plastics, I was bought up on the farm and was riding farm bikes from a young age, and then got a trail bike to start.

I started with sports type bikes (this is a relative term given when I started riding) when I bought my first road bike. A sports bike is good to learn on because it teaches you ( or hitting the road does) to pay attention to riding. They tend to need more work when riding

I had a Gt250X7 in the early 80s which was one of the first production 250s to be able to hit 160 km/h, but it was very hard work to ride, being a 2 stroke twin I had to constantly use the gears to get the speed.

If you want easy riding then touring style bikes are better, they don't generally go quite as fast as a sports bike but are slightly more forgiving to ride, unless you push them hard.

look around and don't rush into buying the first nice sports bike you see, an older bike in good condition will serve well to learn on, a fzr250 or zxr250 are very quick 250s, the zzr250 is not as quick but more a touring style but the same basic motor as the zxr

And a hint for when you are riding, try to occupy the same space as a car, ride where you can see the driver in front in their rear view mirror, that way they can see you.

**MattRSK** · 1st November 2006, 18:13

Get a Turbo Hayabusa. Just go easy on it for the first week or two.

**WarlockNZ** · 1st November 2006, 18:20

Your not going to get much for $2500 in the 250cc range im sorry to say .. it's a sellers market for 250's.

Although, i think one of the lads on here is selling off his zxr's .. i think he wanted 3500 or close for one of them.

It all depends on what kind of machine you want to ride, street, sport or the other kind

I'm sure you'll be able to find something tho.

**WarlockNZ** · 1st November 2006, 18:25

how about this one
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=74672313&key=345355

or this one

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...883&key=345355

**WarlockNZ** · 1st November 2006, 18:29

or if you feel like death on wheels ... try this ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...935&key=345355

**MattRSK** · 1st November 2006, 18:33

**lukelin250** · 1st November 2006, 18:33

get a gn250 and save up for a zxr or cbr rr while riding and learning your skills on that.

**WarlockNZ** · 1st November 2006, 18:34

Originally Posted by MattRSK

I'd buy that

**WarlockNZ** · 1st November 2006, 18:35

Originally Posted by lukelin250

get a gn250 and save up for a zxr or cbr rr while riding and learning your skills on that.

Did you learn on a ginny??

Now don't get me wrong, i have nothing against the gn ... but if you are planning on riding a sport ... start on a sport.

**Unforgiven** · 1st November 2006, 18:36

The optionsare almost endless.

I went for a 4 stroke sports bike for the reliability and the hope I wouldnt get too bored before I got my full and because I do a lot of milage.

I would recomend 4 stroke as they are more reliable and cheaper to run and easier to ride, but not as fun.

Try to save up another $500 or so, a lot of 250s are around the 3-4000 mark.

Test ride a few different ones and see what you like. Things to look at are seat height, riding position, leg room, comfort, etc.

If you arnt too mechanicly minded get someone to check it over for you, there are plenty of guides on the net with what to look for and how to check it.