Cruiser or sports?

[MrMeow]

Hey all.
Im on to my learners. (yay!) and now in the market for my first bike.
I managed to convince my father (50) to get his licence too and we are going halves in a bike.
Now we just have to sort out the dilema of getting a bke that suits both our tastes, budget(4k) and ability(none).
We both have no experience biking so it needs to be a easy bike to ride, with a bit of gusto for when we get a bit more experienced.
Im leaning towards a sports bike like an nsr250 but my father wants to go for a cruiser more like a gn250.
Can you guys reccomend a good sports/crusier bike to get?
Thanks all

EDIT: i have tested a couple of bikes FXR 150, RG 150, Gn250, an old gsx 250. We probably want a four stroke as the powerband on the RG was a bit intimidating for a learner like me.

[hXc]

Don't get either! You'll scare yourself shitless on an NSR and bore yourself shitless on a GN. Get a naked, the best of both worlds - not overly sporty, but not cruisy.

I'm bias, but try and find a Honda Spada VT250. They're rare, but they are beautiful machines. One is in my profile if you want a look. They're a V-twin so they have enough power for fun, but not too much. They're power curve and torque curve is predictable and they're forgiving. Nice to cruise at a comfy speed, or go a little faster, if you're capable. They're a very capable bike and will give most bikes a run for their money in the corners, with the right rider.

[hXc]

Im leaning towards a sports bike like an nsr250

We probably want a four stroke as the powerband on the RG was a bit intimidating for a learner like me.

Contradictory mate. NSR is a 2 stroke performance bike. If the RG scared you, don't even think about an NSR.

[Ixion]

What hXc said. You say you were intimidated by an RG150. Nothing wrong with that, props for recognising that it's a learning experience. But the NSR250 is many times the intimidation of an RG150. After 40 years and a LOT of experience of two strokes, I'd have no worries about jumping straight on an RG150. But I'd approach an NSR250 with respect and caution.

Stick to 4 strokes, the 250 two smokers are NOT a beginners bike. Yes , I know there are people who have done it and survived. Those who haven't don't write in with their experiences.

[MrMeow]

i wasn't serious about the nsr thing.. i was just trying to show the difference mine/my fathers taste...

so any recomendations for a good half way mark...?

[hXc]

i wasn't serious about the nsr thing.. i was just trying to show the difference mine/my fathers taste...

so any recomendations for a good half way mark...?

I'm bias, but try and find a Honda Spada VT250. They're rare, but they are beautiful machines. One is in my profile if you want a look. They're a V-twin so they have enough power for fun, but not too much. They're power curve and torque curve is predictable and they're forgiving. Nice to cruise at a comfy speed, or go a little faster, if you're capable. They're a very capable bike and will give most bikes a run for their money in the corners, with the right rider.

I said that earlier. Profile for a pic.

[gijoe1313]

Hey congrats on getting on two wheels of freedom (both of you!) As you probably know the two fiddy market is completely screwed - but obviously you'll eventually find a nice ride that caters to your needs. Yeah, me being bias as well - go the naked bikes! I would say Hornet, but the prices on these rides are ... not for everybodies budget!

Anyhow, keep looking, testing and then tell us when you get one!

[Fub@r]

Don't get the GN............get yourself a nice naked V-Twin

[Fat Tony]

I haven't a clue what the restrictions are for newly qualified bikers over there but my first bike after doing my test was a naked SV650 - brilliant fun - comfy - good all rounder for both the newly qualified and your old man in my opinion - even had a laugh on track with it

Obviously if you're not allowed that sort of capicity just totally ignore the post (or get an SV restricted?)

*Edit, Ahhhh, just noticed the 250 references... ignore me... everybody else does.

[hXc]

Obviously if you're not allowed that sort of capicity just totally ignore the post (or get an SV restricted?)

250cc or under. Nothing bigger, even restricted.

[Lias]

A Gn250 isnt a cruiser.. Its a commuter bike.

Viragos and GZ250's are nice 250 cruisers to pick up, mate of mine just brough a mint GZ for $4k so its in your budget range too.

[BarBender]

Good suggestion by whoever it was to get a naked.

I rode a GT250 Comet for a couple of weeks while my bike was getting repaired. Great bike and would recommend it to anyone starting off.

[jafar]

Yamaha has brought out the 225 scorpio , I havn't ridden one but they are selling for around $3700.00 brand new , might be worth a look

[shaneh]

I'm a learner with only a few days experience on 2 wheels (many years on my farm quad) and just bought a Hyosung Comet 250. I spent all day riding it yesterday and found it to be really forgiving.
Power is smooth, no chance of a wheel stand dumping me on my arse. Everything seems to work. Except gears changes are confusing. Not much feeling through new boots or poor gearbox design, not sure which. But find myself atempting to change gear, not sure that it has changed (no positive clunk) and so give it another kick. Oops, just changed up two gears. Never mind, bike just keeps going. I'd better get this sorted before I start doing proper speeds.

[Mr. Peanut]

You don't want an NSR, it isn't a first bike.

The Kawasaki GPX250 is awesome, you can do anything on them. Parts EVERYWHERE, millions of them around. A totally over looked bike. I think Twin 250s are worth the extra buck. Inline fours are overpriced and to be honest, not a lot faster (you can do 140km/h 2 up on a GPX).

That said, if you can get a multipurpose bike (trailbike with lights) go for it. Once you get into motorcycling more, you'll realise what a good idea it was; and when you upgrade to a bigger bike, you'll have a handy traily. They dont break when you drop them, and the resale value is very good. Engines are usually bullet proof and cheap to fix.

Out of all the bikes you tested, if the GSX250 is in decent nick, go for it. I hope that helps, and good luck! Whatever you choose, you're going to have a blast.

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/