Hi all (MattyP)

[MattyP]

Hi all,

It's been great reading through all your stories and seeing some really sound advice - cheers.

I'm just getting back in bikes, having not ridden for about 10 years. My first bike was a new RG150 back in 1998, I then had good spell on an FZR400 and have ridden various mates' bikes (NSR250, GPX250, RGV250) for short stints.

Being 28 with a 3 month old son, you can imagine this 'crisis' (as my partner calls it) has brought with it much persuading and assurance that I'm not going to end up a statistic! In support of this, I've already purchased armoured pants, jacket, gloves and a new helment.

Now, the hunt for the bike! My budget is ~7K and I'm looking firmly in 250cc territory (baby steps, it's been a while). My heart is really stuck on a Hyosung GT250R because it looks fantastic and is a physically better fit than the alternative fully-faired bikes out there.

I've just bought an Odyssey for the family (today) and am selling my Skyline 25t, so as soon as she sells - I'm shopping. I can still remember the feeling I got when the Red Baron truck backed up the driveway and unloaded my RG150 - true love!

When I get my bike I'm looking to coming out to one of these Wednesday night beginners sessions in Auckland and putting some faces to the posts hopefully

Cheers,
Matt.

[fireball]

be good to see a new face on wednesday nights... sure you can handle the fun?

oh and welcome

[MattyP]

be good to see a new face on wednesday nights... sure you can handle the fun?

oh and welcome

After driving an Odyssey I'm certain ANYTHING on two wheels will be fun!

[MyGSXF:Me]

Welcome to Hotel California.. you can check out any time you like.. but you can never leave...

MwaaAAhahahahhaaaaa...

Jen

[fireball]

After driving an Odyssey I'm certain ANYTHING on two wheels will be fun!

will be good to see you! tell wifey to get a bike too!

[T-Thunder13]

welcome! good luck with the bike hunting. dude i just bought a honda hornet and im actually in love with it, i just cant get enough, best bike ive ever ridden. have a go on one

[deanohit]

Welcome to the mad house!! If you get the Hyosung, you'll be on the best looking 250. ;-)

[MattyP]

will be good to see you! tell wifey to get a bike too!

Now, this is where I could use some advice! Has anyone successfully turned their spouse from a non-believer to an enthusiast?

My partner has never ridden a bike on the road and nor will she be able to with me for a while, because:

1) I'm having to go through the whole learner licence thing again.
2) I don't want to buy a whole set of gear just to find out she doesn't like it (and I'd never take her on the back without full gear)

I guess what I'm asking is the impossible: How do you spark the interest in someone who isn't in a position to experience it first-hand? With me, I knew I just *had* to have a bike, and prior to the delivery of my new RG150 in `98 had only ridden a couple of dirt bikes, but the bug had bit hard by then. I just wish I could summon the bug to bite her!

I guess the proof will be in the pudding as she sees how relaxed, elated and goofy-grinned I am after coming back from a decent ride. Here's hoping!

[MattyP]

welcome! good luck with the bike hunting. dude i just bought a honda hornet and im actually in love with it, i just cant get enough, best bike ive ever ridden. have a go on one

Thanks T-Thunder, I've had a look at the few on TradeMe and if I decide to go the naked route - I think the Hornet would be it. Nice bike!