Newbie - Wellington

[Insanity_rules]

what kind of bike do you think you might like? Cruisers might have generally lower seats and maybe suit shorter people (like me). But then when I tried some out I didn't like the nearly-lying-down-feet-way-out-in-front riding position at all, so cruisers were no good after all. Plus I didn't think the cruiser look was really me You need to be comfortable with riding it so go and sit on some different types and see what style you like and feels ok first. Then try some different bikes of that style and work out which one suits you best in terms of the important things like riding position and comfort and wallet-depletion.

For shorter people looking for a naked non-cruisy roadbike I reckon have a look at a Honda VTR250 - nice and stable, low-ish seat, doesn't feel topheavy - but then I'm kind of biased

My girlfriend (about the same height as me) didn't like the naked look (ewww - you can see all its innards) and went for the Kawasaki GPX, which is also pretty small and has a low seat but is faired. And red, in her case. Red ones go faster.

Go sit on some, see what you think.

I concur with Lard Embargo. VTR is cool but hey try on a few bikes for fit and finish. Hey Lard I see you also have a honda of Doom, well done! I have the infamous VTZ of doom (Well infamous on the TCWNR and a few tukka runs).

[Colapop]

Went out to the Roadsafe course this am (a couple mates were doing it) A good crowd there despite the rain. This is definitely the way to go and seeing them teach this morning just reaffirms my recommendation of them. Andrew and Lynn of Roadsafe are the way to go. Very good teachers and very comprehensive knowledge imparted.

[disableduser]

Thanks Lard Embargo.
I definately don't want a cruiser; and prefer the look of the Kawasaki - no offence ha ha.

I'll keep an eye out for the red ones.
As others have said - Roadsafe will definately be my first stop.


Thanks.

[rwh]

First off get a hold of Stephens driving School or Roadsafe and get yourself along to a learner day... Roadsafe do a whole day thing... This Saturday (?) Udy st Petone. Have a look, ask questions, see how you go...

There's also Streetwise (who is a member: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=5442 ) - that's who I did mine with, and I understand is rather more relaxed - teach a bit, then do a bit of the test, then teach the next bit and so on. If you don't get it right first time, maybe a bit more teaching and have another go. I understand Roadsafe is a bit more formal, but of course I've never done one of their courses ...

Richard

[Colapop]

Well, there you go. Glad I don't know everything... Thanks Richy

[rwh]

Also, surprisingly nobody's yet mentioned ...

Don't forget to get some decent gear. Hopefully you're more conventionally shaped than me, and can actually find good clothing that fits ... I had helmet, gloves, jacket and boots from day 1 (well, the boots came after my BHS), but have only recently got custom leather pants (& jacket). I would have got pants much earlier if anything off the shelf had fitted.

Richard