Another Cantabrian...(samnz)

**samnz** · 8th April 2008, 19:55

Greetings all. Sammy here. Wife and I been lurking around here for a while (2sams).

Couple of years back we were looking at going 'two wheeled' but we got cold feet. Just lately I/we -'ve finally decided to go for it this time and we've been scouring the net, forums, reviews, asking all our bikey mates etc etc.

Initially I was looking for economical alts for commuting to work (for her: school / uni)...but over the last few weeks I have been totally overwhelmed by the 'culture' of m-o-t-o-r-b-i-k-e-s

and the whole riding thing - group mike rides (sorry for the terminology - typical noob)

We aren't purchasing for a few months yet so I hope you don't mind me/us popping in from time to time - throwing questions L R and C.

I just picked up a duopack road code thingy for bikes and we're just reading through it. When time permits, will go for our Learners.

No bike just yet. I'm particularly interested in the Scorpio. Read pretty much every Scorpio thread on the forum and absolutely impressed by its power, speed and style. Wifey is more for a cruiser style (Intruder & Marauder). I'm 169cm - she's 182cm so yes...I'm a shortarse compared to her

I'm not really fussed as long as I can cruise at 100kph for 40km or so.

We've both got s/wagons (Caldina/Carib) will be holding onto one of them to cart the dogs around, gear, shoppin etc.

I'm woffling so I'll cut it here and say 'looking forward to chatting to you all!' Take care

Sammy

**Zuki Bandit** · 8th April 2008, 20:04

Good on you (and the missus)! Once you have been bitten by the bug you wont be able to shake it. Good times ahead

**samnz** · 8th April 2008, 20:38

I'm getting a kick out of riding my niece's 80cc dirtbike/trailbike thingy (see - noob speak

)around the paddock. Not the best for practising on, but heaps of bloody fun!!!

W has experience on farmbikes and scooters where as I'm totally green...so taking it nice and easy

She's a Masternite as well

Cheers

**fire eyes** · 8th April 2008, 21:47

welcome you two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Oakie** · 9th April 2008, 14:55

Welcome. What is the budget for your bike?

**Jimmy B** · 9th April 2008, 15:00

Welcome and good luck finding a bike, ride em all. May I suggest you start off with a K8 Hayabusa

**yod** · 9th April 2008, 15:02

yes

more cantabrians....moooore

welcome

**tri boy** · 9th April 2008, 16:14

Welcome to the "sams".

A family that rides together......fights for the best bike

**samnz** · 9th April 2008, 17:08

Welcomes are all good - but money's better

What a great community and so looking forward to meeting up with anyone and everyone!

Yeah Oakie - we'll be looking at anywhere up to about 4k - even though Sho' (wife) has a bigger budget in mind if she wants a cruiser. But all in all, if it so happens that we come across an ideal commuter which will haul me 40kms@100kph no probs, is economical and of sound reputation...I'd be receptive to maybe 5k. If the bike ends up cheaper ... all the better and more leathers for me!

I'd like to think we will be "replacing" an existing vehicle (as opposed to supplementing our means of transport) therefore it will be used by either of us - come rain or come shine. We do rely heavily on our cars as we live out of town. I'm a workaholic so I rarely take sickies

goodey2shoes. Sho's a 'geek nerd' so she needs to continue her studies and travel to uni, seminars etc.

I'm starting to realise that owning a bike is more than I expected. I mean - these get togethers you all have ... how freakin great is that??!!!! I don't see

"TOYOTA CALDINA OWNERS - LET'S GO DRIVING!"

I'm starting to be a pain in the arse at work even, asking biker mates about their preferences, experiences, knowledge etc...and I'm getting more and more excited about it as the days roll on.

UH OH...woffling again

I'll stand back and catch my breath. See ya!

**samnz** · 9th April 2008, 17:23

I'm a shift worker. Start as early as 4am on earlies, and finish as late as 10pm on lates. Is there some form of dispensation on a Learners?

Ta

**SDU** · 10th April 2008, 17:39

Welcome to the nuthouse. Plenty of locals around to hook up with once you're under way for rides & drinkies, watch for meeting's to meet folks.
I'm sure you'll get sorted. No question is to dumb. Don't forget to use the search function on here for answers.
Ring LSTA to see if they will help you with a dispensation thingy.
Don't forget to get some good gear sorted too. Check out the manchester st shops- Pitlane, Street & Sport ...& Just motorcycles -Hawke st. Shop around.

Don't knock it-a 80 dirtbike is a fun way to get started- great to learn skills in a paddock. I learnt a lot from sliding around in the dirt.

Happy hunting

**blossomsowner** · 11th April 2008, 21:53

Hi there. i am new to this posting forum thing but have some experience with bikes. They must be big, shiny and have large numbers in the horsepower column........but to help you a bit......my wife recently bought a new 250 intruder because she likes the cruisy style. I tried marauder, magna, and virago for her and the intruder was by far the best........didn,t feel too small, cruises at 100+ easy........unlike the others which struggled, and handles real easy. overall a fun relaxed ride. Yes it cost more but only $500 more than magnas that were 13 years old.
Once you get hooked on bikes its all over.......

**samnz** · 11th April 2008, 23:14

Funny - we had a wee disagreement today

It was basically over the style and size of the Scorpio...too small for her. She's dead set on a cruiser - as for me, I JUST WANT A BIKE! One that'll get me to work - on time, and on the smell of an oily rag.

So I've gone back to the 'drawing board' and looking closer at the cruisers.

The Intruder is definitely on the list and after Crashe's comments and in-depth views I'm really liking the Virago. I see the Hyosung 250 cruiser poppin up here and there but not many reviews or experiences are shared.

I sat on a GZ250 a couple of years back and the size and comfort were great. From a distance they actually look intimidating, until you actually sit on it and realise everything is in reach and in sight.

I rang up LTSA and asked about exemptions for Shift Workers on a Learners. It is possible to work outside of the restricted hours but costs $22.40 for the application. Not a biggy so will do that.