Pretty much made up my mind

[Lucy]

sorry, up too late. shoulda been a pm.

[Hawkeye]

Haven't really thought about it too much. Most of the bikes I like seem to be around the 750-900cc range. Not sure how much of a step up it will be. What do people recommend?

I'm in no rush, if I feel that i'm not ready for a bigger bike then I'm sure that I will hold on to whatever 250 i'll get for longer.

Your talking as if it is next week when you are going to move up!

It is going to be a minimum of 9 months before you can get your full. The skills required to ride a big bike should only ever be learnt on a smaller bike that you are capable of handling and one which is not going to put you into an early grave.

You just need a bike to get out on the road and start leaning those skills. Until you have some K's out there, how do you expect to make a decision on your next bike. Yes there are bikes out there that we fall in with. The problem is they are either too expensive for most pockets, or they are not suitable for the type of riding being done.
A friend of mine has just sold a 2 smoker because she was only commuting 30k on it. She spent more time cleaning the plugs because they were constantly sooting up. Cool bike to look at but totally impractical for the riding she was doing. (she also has a HD for week-ends).

Dont' worry about the big bikes until it is time. Think of now, and the learning curve you have to go through.

[Chisanga]

Your talking as if it is next week when you are going to move up!

It is going to be a minimum of 9 months before you can get your full. The skills required to ride a big bike should only ever be learnt on a smaller bike that you are capable of handling and one which is not going to put you into an early grave.

You just need a bike to get out on the road and start leaning those skills. Until you have some K's out there, how do you expect to make a decision on your next bike. Yes there are bikes out there that we fall in with. The problem is they are either too expensive for most pockets, or they are not suitable for the type of riding being done.
A friend of mine has just sold a 2 smoker because she was only commuting 30k on it. She spent more time cleaning the plugs because they were constantly sooting up. Cool bike to look at but totally impractical for the riding she was doing. (she also has a HD for week-ends).

Dont' worry about the big bikes until it is time. Think of now, and the learning curve you have to go through.

I'm not thinking about big bikes really. I was just trying to answer someone else's question.

[Hawkeye]

I'm not thinking about big bikes really. I was just trying to answer someone else's question.

Not a problem... Just don't get suckered into something because of what the masses on here think. It's only 2 or 3 days ago someone recommended (attached below .. ) for a newbie..
Ok That's extreme, but peer pressure can be a thing

[Wenier]

From a V-twin 250 to a 750-900 ya gonna notice a huge difference and if ya werent very confident in being able to really ride the 250 hard it would set ya back in starting to ride at a comfortable and smooth style on the larger bike.

Thats jus in general of course.

[hec]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO

[Indiana_Jones]

I'm 6' 3" and I find the FXR150 is comfy, wouldn't wanna be on it for hours on end, but I rode a GN125 and I looked crack up lol

-Indy

[crazybigal]

are you dead set on buying new?
what about the these, all good bikes secondhand.

kawasaki zzr250
hondas vtr250
suzuki bandit

I have had all 3!
zzr is easy going no fuss inline twin. avarage power and brakes.

vtr nice riding position, not so good in the head wind though!, good re-sale.
fantastic brakes for a we bike.

bandit, well built, little screamer inline 4. good fun, servicing will cost you more than the honda.
Im 6'3 80kg and i could ride all of them all day no problem.

[vifferman]

If you're not planning on sticking with the 250 for long, then buy summat that's either really cheap (but reliable), or that will hold its value (if you don't trash it).
I'm about as tall as you (give or take a cm), and I'd recommend getting a trailie, for two reasons: They usually have a decent amount of room, they're robust when you drop them (no panels to break), you can do some dirt riding which is excellent for learning some MadSkillz, and they're easy to work on.

Did someone say summat about the Spanish Inquisition..?

[McJim]

IS the Hyosung GT250 the same as the GT250R except for the R model being fully faired?

There are a couple of differences.

Handlebars - Comet has one piece 'R' has clip ons (lower down..more racey)
Footpegs - Comet they are about 15mm forward of the position on the 'R'
Readout - sexy digital readout on the 'R' - plain ol' dials on the Comet.

Same frame/suspension/engine/gearbox essentially.

I have doubts about parts availability from Hyosung. I have a VTR - got me a crate damaged one to save on cost - fixed it myself.

Would you consider an old Spada by Honda? It will save you money and keep it's value.....

[Roj]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO

They can be a good choice, but it really depends on what you want to use it for.

There are many riders who have learnt on offroad bikes, you tend to learn a wider range of skills

A friend of mine has an XT225 with dual purpose tyres, can do a bit of light off road work and happily commute in town, even had no trouble traveling 300+ ks to the cold kiwi.

[Chisanga]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO

That's an interesting suggestion. But, to be honest, when I imagine myself on a motorbike, I just don't see me being on a trail bike.

Don't have anything against them really but I guess they just ain't my thing

[Chisanga]

are you dead set on buying new?
what about the these, all good bikes secondhand.

kawasaki zzr250
hondas vtr250
suzuki bandit

Considering the small difference between new and second-hand prices on most bikes I pretty much decided to buy new.

I've seen some bikes on the shop floor for $6k having done 34,000 km etc. I think it is just worth it to spend the extra dosh to get a new bike, better warranties, knowing nobody has thrashed it before you etc.

[Chisanga]

I have a VTR - got me a crate damaged one to save on cost - fixed it myself.

Would you consider an old Spada by Honda? It will save you money and keep it's value.....

What is your opinion on your VTR? Is it a 2005? I don't think they do black any more. Seem to have good power for a bloke my size +- 95 kg and comfortable for my height 6'1" although I only rode it for 15 mins or so.

See above post regarding my thoughts on second hand bikes

Edit: Where in East Auckland are you? I'm in Bucklands Beach myself.

[crazybigal]

yes but your a noddy if you pay some shop like red baron 6k for a 3k bike!
find somthing on retardme you like and get someone with bike experience to look at it or get it checked by a pro. when your done with it, you should be able to sell it for what you payed for it.
Lots of people only buy from a shop cos they are poor and have to finance them
you wont get your 8k back on your vtr after a year!

Considering the small difference between new and second-hand prices on most bikes I pretty much decided to buy new.

I've seen some bikes on the shop floor for $6k having done 34,000 km etc. I think it is just worth it to spend the extra dosh to get a new bike, better warranties, knowing nobody has thrashed it before you etc.