Next please...

[stevewederell]

Well folks I've had my Chinese friend (GN250), for about 7 months, and been riding for the same time. Took it to work two days after my lovely lady taught me how to use it...

I feel the need...for something a little, not a lottle more powerful. Don't get wrong, I love the troublesome little cow, but it's time.

I have another 5 months to go before I take the full test but I want the collective wisdom of the KB crew before I buy up.

I still feel a kinship with cruisers, so I"ll think I'll stick with this style...perhaps I"m part magpie, I so like things that shine and sparkle!

If anyone can suggest what they think the right bike for me would be I'd love to know, reasons would help a stack too!!

Cheers to you all
Steve

[mark247]

How much do you want to spend and how much more power do you want?

[riffer]

Not quite a cruiser, but the perfect step up for you would be a GS500 or similar.

Parallel twin, upright riding position. Totally sensible, but with 50-odd horsepower enough to give you a good hurryup without scaring you in the process.

If you have the bucks I'd suggest a Kawasaki ER-6.

You could also look at a SV650 (not the S model which has clipons).

Here's a few:Cagiva Canyon


Honda FT500



Suzuki GS500


Of all those, I would go for the GS500, but that's just me. I have no idea of your budget and the new GS500 is about $7500 new.

[Headbanger]

If I were looking for a little nipper, I would be taking one of these for a test ride.

[FROSTY:Me]

riffer---250 licence bro.
Honest advice for ya man--Its only a few months --bite the bullet.
If ya can't --XV250, Kawasaki er250 ( I think) twin.
Maybee try a hyobag250 or a magna 250

[rainman]

Honest advice for ya man--Its only a few months --bite the bullet.

What he said. Unless you can find a 250 Intruder or a Virago to test ride and see how you like the cruiser style in the meantime of course. I went from a GN to my Suzuki VZ800 and love it but I'm an old fart and wasn't looking for a ton of power and speed, just a comfy commuter that could do the odd longer trip if required. You may find you like a SV650 or GS500, or even a 900 Hornet more. Or maybe you'd want a bigger cruiser? Once you get your full there's a long list of options.

Don't be in a rush, test ride as many as you can, think about your usual style of riding (commuting/open road), your psychology towards speed (will you kill yourself or lose your license in a week if you get a quick bike), and your budget. Then test ride a few more until you find the right one...

[Headbanger]

riffer---250 licence bro.

I believe the thread starter is just intending to start looking at bikes now in preparation for when they can ride a bike bigger then a 250.

[rainman]

I believe the thread starter is just intending to start looking at bikes now in preparation for when they can ride a bike bigger then a 250.

Ah bugger. So we're supposed to read the posts before replying, then?

[James Deuce]

Yeah riffer, 250 license, and that Canyon is mine, so back off buddy!

[FROSTY:Me]

I believe the thread starter is just intending to start looking at bikes now in preparation for when they can ride a bike bigger then a 250.

hmm--i read it as he wants a faster bike now--hmmm

[kiwifruit]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=nz250

[Headbanger]

hmm--i read it as he wants a faster bike now--hmmm

Well.... I reserve the right to be wrong


In which case I shall concur, Waste of time upgrading now, Unless money is no issue.

[stevewederell]

Well some of that made sence. I'll clear some Q's up.

I don't want a huge amount of power, enough to get up and past nana if she's slowing up my ride and enough for a comfortable cruise on open road. I will have paid most of the Ginny off in another 5 months so depending on what I can get for her, maybe all up spending 6-7K.

Riffer - The Canyon, not bad looking, is that what they call a naked sport? FT500, not my thing at all, looks like a farm bike lol. GN500, also no reeeally what I'm after but rating looks sensible for my experience.

Headbanger - sharp looking bike, i fear it may spread me over the road tho, how many beans does THAT have?

Frosty - The plan is to spend next 5 months to research all the bikes I can, but do want to move up from the 250 club.

Frosty/Rainman - I'll have to do some searching to find out what the hell those bikes are, it's all hip-hop to me!

LOL - You're all right. I am looking for future, AND I do what bigger now!

Kiwifruit - Again not really my style.

Hey thanks for your tips guys, I'll be keeping ears and eyes open. Just thought, is there anything out there (apart from the Chinese GN250) to stay away from?

Cheers
Steve

[merv]

Yeah riffer, 250 license, and that Canyon is mine, so back off buddy!

Give me a call when you're ready to hit the gravel Jim2

[woodhillkamikaze]

I just 'upgraded' to an unrestricted ZXR 250.... its mint as custom paint job and I got it at a steal... about half the price of wat its worth. I got it up to 185kms the other day before running out of 'track' lol its quick enough to... doesn't take much to hit 100... but its all relative... look for well known and proved brands like Hondas, Kwakas and Yamahas... just my 1 cents worth... lol