AKL new wannabe rider (slickaz)

**karmakillernz** · 3rd September 2007, 17:59

Originally Posted by bull

Im 6 foot and 120kg and my Hyosung is great - nice big bike and has enough power to cruise the limits - (even 146km/h on private road), the ride position i find comfy and maintenance wise its been great - coming up to 14000km since new and no problems.

I have to agree with that. While I've only done 1/10th the distance as Bull here, but I've found the comfort of the GT250R great (I'm 196cm/105kg). It's got plenty of power for around town and I can confirm that it'll take you well past the 100km limit of our roads so you won't have trouble keeping up with groups. Plus it looks damn sexy.

Originally Posted by bull

Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think.

Not compulsory, but sometimes not always avoidable as I found out on Saturday...

**slickaz** · 3rd September 2007, 18:06

Thanka the excellent input you guys. ive learnt alot from this.but anymore advice is highly appreciated.
one thing is maintanance that bothers me alot.
i dont have a problem with spending..but i dont want to get caught in the middle of the road on a rainy day.
which is the best servicing place for bikes in akl?

some great advice in the older cheaper bikes vs the newer bikes, also naked vs faired.
however im still bending towards the good looking hyo just because i trust myself and have a good feeling i wouldnt be risking the bike or my life on the roads im a conservative and cautious driver, and will probably be the same with bikes.
having said that there are many cheaper second hand hyos on trade me for very good prices, i saw a 07 hyo for 5.5gs..

**The Lone Rider** · 3rd September 2007, 18:10

Don't forget to try not just sports bikes, but some cruisers. You might end up liking one over the other.. or you might end up hating one type, or you might up hating one type except you ran into just one you actually really like.

Try try try.. two wheels? Test ride it.

And v twins rock.. just my bias opinion on that one though

Whats wrong with getting caught in the rain? If its raining I don't get caught, I go out on the bike. Just needs a rub down on the leather when I get back home.

**karmakillernz** · 3rd September 2007, 18:17

Originally Posted by slickaz

one thing is maintanance that bothers me alot.

I don't think you'll have many problems with a new or newish bike, provided it's been treated properly. Take it in for it's full services at the right times and always keep a check on your fluid levels and you should be fine.

I would suggest looking at the unfaired version of the Hyosung also (GT250 - no r). I haven't tried it but it has two main differences:

the riding position is a bit different which may result in a more comfortable ride for long daily commutes.
if you do drop it, you don't have to worry about breaking the fairing because, well, it doesn't have any...

**Renegade** · 3rd September 2007, 21:28

the hyo is a bigger bike, looks good and mine has been very reliable, never had a problem, serviced every 4000ks at a cost of about $100 - $150 in the shop.

i think the 07 hyo has a six speed which would be nice on the longer trips just to drop the revs a little but mine dosnt struggle with the 5 speed, if your worried about dropping it you can just put crash bungs on, wish i had, will on my next bike.

**karmakillernz** · 3rd September 2007, 22:21

Originally Posted by Renegade

i think the 07 hyo has a six speed which would be nice on the longer trips just to drop the revs a little but mine dosnt struggle with the 5 speed,

Nope, they're still 5 speeds, but the GT650R is a 6 speed.

**delusionz** · 4th September 2007, 08:15

I recommend comprehensive insurance if you buy a new bike, or an expensive bike with fairings. Star and NAC do under 25 learners, it is expensive, but it is worth it.

**slickaz** · 4th September 2007, 09:01

i just turned 25, admitedly yes i am looking to take up riding as a hobby.
and yes i would eventually like to shell out about 15gs on a nice big 600 or a 900cc+ to get some power to take it around the hills etc. but at the moment and as far as i can see ie the next 12 months to 24 months i wanna get to learn the ways of riding and i will probably be doing alot of it in the city.
i have never looked into riding a cruiser, i have never sat on one either.
earlier in the post i accidentally said i have never ridden before, infact i have, but my experience is limited to the (dont laugh) 50cc scooters. i hated not having enough power and have vans and trucks overtake me. but im hoping the ~40hp vs the scooters 2hp would change that.
ive got two options here ive got a guy selling his CBR250RR for 4.5 and a 2007Hyo GTR250 for 5.5 there is also a naked version for 4Gs, but im sort of leaning (purely uncontrollably) towards the faired versions...hey! im 25, still a kid..lol.

**disenfranchised** · 4th September 2007, 09:16

Originally Posted by slickaz

...im 25,just turned 6ft3 and ~95kgs.....

I'm 6'4", 95kgs....and I got my Hyosung last year.
Was definitely sized to fit for my height.
I got the naked bike because its cheaper, and the bars felt a bit more comfy.
When I eventually get my full I'll probably try and find a bike with fairings to upgrade to (maybe another hyosung..who knows)

The hornet is also a pretty good fit for the taller rider. Everything else seemed a bit small.

**slickaz** · 4th September 2007, 11:26

how do you find your hyo after a year? has it given you any major drama? i keep hearing mixed review, but cautiousness is making me pick the worst of the reviews eg, it rusts terribly within 6 months or the engine parts made of carbdoard or something etc etc.

**slickaz** · 4th September 2007, 11:45

Hi All,
My History with motorcycles:
have ridden 50 cc when i was 12, then again when i was 22. total of about 3 years of 50 cc. never more..

Ive always had an urge to discover riding and getting a bike but never got around to doing it.

however last weekend i was driving to Whitianga, and enjoying the scenery, when first this complete idiot on a trail bike zoomed past me i didnt even see where he came from...i was cursing at him but it didnt reach him quick enough he was out of sight within 30 seconds around the bends.

then on sunday, midday,on the way back, between Whitianga and Thames i was driving back and a bunch of bikers on sports bikes rod eup behind me.
3 bikers, each one eventually passed me and the 2 cars in front. very carefully and not to annoy any of the car drivers.

the coolest thing tho was each time they passed a car they did the thank you waving gesture and blitzed. i thought that was a very noble gesture. being an AKL driver that was of applaudable character..anyway i thought that is so neat, you take a long ride feeling one with the wind and air and enjoy it but also have the class to appreciate and thank other drivers for them moving aside so you can go past.

so if those riders were KBrs then good on you for that..i found a new respect for good riders that day and that made up my mind that i want to ride like that too..and i hope to have the same politness on the roads as you guys do..
anyway thank you for makin me feel wlecome and i cant wait to get my license and the bike and join you lot on cruises

**Kflasher** · 4th September 2007, 12:26

Sweet dude, welcome.
There are plenty of KB's out there with good advise (and others).
Find a mentor if that's your thing... baby steps.
See ya around.

**Lteejay** · 4th September 2007, 12:49

Have fun learnin - summers coming

**carbacca** · 4th September 2007, 13:23

if you are getting a new one then you will have the warranty to fall back on if you have any problems. rusting- havnt come across any yet and mine doesnt sit inside the garage, it sits at the side of the house under the awnings. clutch cable needs to be kept well lubed or its suspectible to fraying and eventual breakage but thats no biggie as long as you are aware of it. usual bike maintainance things like lubing the chain etc will definitely help (i do mine every 2-3 weeks). other than that parts are piss easy to get from korea off the internet as long as you have a credit card

and its a great looking, new-ish 250 sports bike for the money.