Learner in need of advice

[Blue4]

Hi all, I'm new to KB so I'm I'm looking forward to learning heaps from you guys. Sorry if I'm asking the same old questions but finding my first bike is proving quite hard. Firstly, I have been looking at dealers in Auckland but second hand 250s seem so expensive. Not to mention that some of the sales guys aren't to helpful to newbies! I know you can pick bikes up cheaper on Trademe but I guess for my first bike I need to know I'm not buying a lemon!

I did however test ride a Hornet at the weekend. A bit nervous to start with (first time with traffic) but after about 10 mins, loved it. Couldn't get the smile off my face all day after that. Thats why a really need to get that first bike. So, what do you guys think about Hornets? What seems crazy is paying around 6000 for say a 7 or 8 year old import when you can get a brand new Hyo for 7500. I just wanna get on the road and get back that feeling I had on the test ride so your help and advice will be much appreciated.

[ital916]

Easy on there mate, it's great to be so enthusiastic but you gotta keep a level head when buying bikes . The hornets are a great bike, but write down a list of what sort of riding you are going to be doing and then test ride bikes that suit your requirements. You can get new cruisers for 6-7k and a old brand new gpx for 5k-6k. New hyos and kwakas are around 7k too like you said. DOn't be scared by tradme, if your unsure, ask a kb person to come with you and buy them a brew afterwards to say thanks. Test ride, test ride test ride. Welcome to the madhouse mate. Have fun riding and stay safe. And when you get your bike get good tires! They keep you on the road, If you don't got the rubber there'll be no hubba hubba, just a screech bang POW KAPLASH and lots of hurt.

[marioc]

good advice there

[Gubb]

If you don't got the rubber there'll be no hubba hubba, just a screech bang POW KAPLASH and lots of hurt.

...Backs slowly out of the thread.

[98tls]

Fwiw think about a trail bike as a first ride,not so bad (expensive) to fix when you have a newbie whoopsie and you can go play off-road a bit which will only improve your skills both on/off road,just a thought.

[fizbin]

Hey man
I know how you feel! i only picked my first bike up on Saturday!
Thing i found. Shop around and test ride as many bikes as you can. I was adamant that i was going to get a Hyo as i like the look and feel of the bikes, but then i test rode the Suzuki, and the Honda CBR. it cam e down to price for me, i picked up my Suzuki for around 4600, but that was only because i missed out on the one for 3800 by a whisker.
I guess what i am trying to say in my waffling sort of way is try as many bikes as you can the one you like might end up being completely different from the bike you thought you were going to get.
Good luck man i hope you find one soon!

[Radar]

Blue4, all the above is good advice. Be patient. Be sure to get a bike shop to do a pre-purchase inspection (that you will pay for) and see if the owner will get a new WOF. If the owner resists either of these, walk away and look elsewhere. Trademe is fine - you will save around $500 or more compared to dealers and if you are enticed by a dealer's warranty, be sure to check just what it will cover - post your questions here and someone will sort it out quickly.

Don't forget to include the cost of safety gear, as well as gear that will keep you warm this winter.

[Blue4]

Thanks guys for all your advice. Much appreciated.