First bike dilemma

**Angelique** · 18th March 2008, 19:30

Hiya,
Have been reading through the forum as am looking around for my first bike (yay!) I realise there are a number of variables, and I keep hearing differnt things from everyone, but what should I be looking for? Are there any bikes that are recommended as it were for newbies (read the GN post, sounds good but everyone says different things)... Any advice would be much appreciated

**desmo dave** · 18th March 2008, 19:39

Seems to be a popular topic
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/M...eadid=24787041

**Rosie** · 19th March 2008, 07:49

Everyone is going to have a different opinion on a good first bike.

A good way to get yourself started could be to go around lots of bike shops and see what 250's they have, and have a sit on them. This will give you an idea of the kinds of bikes that are out there, and you can see what riding positions seem more comfortable, which bikes you like the look of etc. And if you are little like me, you get an idea of which bikes you can touch the ground on (both feet flat on the ground, or close to it, can help your confidence a lot when learning).

Personally, I would advise against getting a bike with fairings (those nice shiny plastic panels that cover the entire bike). Even laying the bike down at very low speed (a parking mishap, say) can cause a lot of damage to plastic bits. And there is a reasonable chance that the bike will have a little lie down at some time during the learning process.

**Radar** · 19th March 2008, 08:17

Originally Posted by Angelique

Hiya,
Have been reading through the forum as am looking around for my first bike (yay!) I realise there are a number of variables, and I keep hearing differnt things from everyone, but what should I be looking for? Are there any bikes that are recommended as it were for newbies (read the GN post, sounds good but everyone says different things)... Any advice would be much appreciated

Welcome to KB Angelique. We can give you lots of suggestions but its a bit early now - it would help if we know how much you have to spend, what style of bike you prefer, and what you plan to use your bike for. Rosie's advice is good - go to as many shops as you can and actually sit on various bikes in the showroom. Be careful not to get talked into buying by a clever sales person, at least not yet. Also look on Trademe - there are many there! Once you find a few bikes that you like, come back here and tell us the model, year, kilometers and price.

Be patient - allow a couple of weeks at least. And get ready to have some fun - looking at bikes and talking to bikies is a great experience.

**Katman** · 19th March 2008, 09:11

I would suggest looking at single or two cylinder options. The more cylinders you have, the more it will cost for servicing and repairs should anything go wrong with it.

**fizbin** · 19th March 2008, 09:35

Hey man
Yeah i was in the same boat as you 2 weeks ago. what to buy? will i like it? how much do i spend?
The thing i found was i just had to get out and look at a few ride a few and see what i liked the best.
If you are going to finace a bike then remember that you will not be able to finance anything over 10 yeras old so chioces there can be pretty limited if you are not looking at spending a lot of money on a bike.
I whent out one weekend and looked about 20 bikes in shops + off trademe, that gave me a good idea of what i liked as well as what sort of price i was looking at. once you hae decided on the price then you can get down to the task of trying to find a good bike at a good price.

**Angelique** · 11th July 2008, 15:47

After many months of looking and debating I have finally found a bike to fall head over heels for.
Depsite being very set on a kawasaki zzr I am just too small and lack the upper body strength to hold the damn thing up... so thanks to the magic that is trade me I have found a very lovely 2007 Yamaha Scorpio Z to learn on...yes its a naked sports bike which has already been dissed but I love it

Thanks to all who gave me such good advice while looking- it is much appreciated :

**Ragingrob** · 11th July 2008, 15:54

Don't be shy to come join the Auckland Uni bike club and meet a good bunch of us

We organise bike fix-up nights, rides, and have a few beers and a chat every Friday arvo in at uni

**Angelique** · 11th July 2008, 15:56

Id be keen...although Im not at Auck Im at Massey but as long as you guys dont discriminate on the basis of campus Im in :P

**Ragingrob** · 11th July 2008, 21:33

All good haha, it's a good way to meet new people no matter where they're from. I think there are one or two people from Massey that hang around with us time to time anyway

**CB ARGH** · 11th July 2008, 21:48

This may have been said in other topics or this very one, but I'm too lazy to read the other comments.

Basically it's like choosing a girlfriend.

If you can sit on it well, it's good.
If it is comfortable to ride, it's good.
If it likes being washed, it's good.
If it's cheaper than the others, it's good.

However, there are downsides.

If it doesn't perform well when you ride it, it's bad.
If you can find a better price just around the corner, it's bad.

That's all I can say to help. Just that.

**TOTO** · 12th July 2008, 01:25

Hey I'm in massey and i'm always up for a ride (people know). Send me a PM if you keen for a ride , whenever, wherever. or if you see me in the bike parking , I ride the white honda hornet

Originally Posted by Ragingrob

All good haha, it's a good way to meet new people no matter where they're from. I think there are one or two people from Massey that hang around with us time to time anyway

Surely EJ will jump to the sky when he sees another scorpio lurking around

Keep it rubber side down

**tate35** · 12th July 2008, 01:30

Hi there,

I realise that this post was started back in March, so you may have already purchased your first bike. Anyway, I just bought my first bike a little rgv150, it works for me. My advice is just to buy something that suits you, that you feel in control of, rather than feeling that the bike is over-powering you.

Happy searching and riding (if already have bought)

Originally Posted by Angelique

Hiya,
Have been reading through the forum as am looking around for my first bike (yay!) I realise there are a number of variables, and I keep hearing differnt things from everyone, but what should I be looking for? Are there any bikes that are recommended as it were for newbies (read the GN post, sounds good but everyone says different things)... Any advice would be much appreciated