Newby without a bike!

**newby** · 14th July 2008, 19:56

Hi, new to the site, but have been reading around alot of the threads. I know there are several other similar topics but i need advice on some bikes to look at before purchasing!

I plan to use one mainly for open road cruising (between Auckland and Palmerston North) and want something which will be fuel efficient and run along at 100km quite comfortably. I have no ambition to do any great speeds! I dont break speed limits at all!

I will go to the shops and sit on a few and see what comfortable for me, im only short (5'5) so that may limit my options!

I have experience with farmbikes lol, but nothing with road bikes which im sure are a whole different beast than a 125cc farmbike lol!

So any tips/advice would be good! What ever i get will probably be on tick, so not looking at just being cheap, but good value for money.

I have had the ninja suggested to me....

Cheers guys!

**CB ARGH** · 14th July 2008, 20:04

Welcome to Kiwibiker forums mate,

Well there's heaps to choose from. Depending on what you're willing to spend and what you're looking for. Sit on heaps of bikes!

**tate35** · 14th July 2008, 20:07

Hi Newby,

Welcome to KB. Auckland to Palmerston is a fair distance for a newby biker, but go on you anyway.

Good luck also in finding something suitable

**newby** · 14th July 2008, 20:08

Thats my plan

I really dont know much about the different types of bikes (ie, nothing at all) so is there anything more suited to a 6hour ride rather than a 10min trip to the dairy for a chocolate bar? What are the actual differences between a sports bike, and a cruiser for example? Im a newby in everyway when it comes to bikes...

**newby** · 14th July 2008, 20:10

Yeah i know, i should prob add im a truck driver, so being on the road an paying attention etc for that distance is only half a days work for me, but the riding part is new. When i usually drive i only usually stop in waiouru for a piss then on my way again with no problems

**fridayflash** · 14th July 2008, 20:13

hi and welcome! have you thought about a road/trail machine?
such as the suzuki dr200,or kawasaki shearpa 250
yamaha xt225 etc etc,these types of bikes are easy to ride
especialy seeing as you already have some experience on this type
of machine,and a lot of fun allround.plus the addad bonus of being
capable of a bit of back country exploring to boot!

as far as roadbikes goes,the most popular lately is the yamaha scorpioZ
which from what i hear is a great little bike and outstanding value!

good luck

**sinfull** · 14th July 2008, 20:16

Your prolly gonna come to regret that name you picked lol
with todays bikes the 6 hr trip aint no biggy, most will handle it !
Biggest issue would be comfort ! yr budget will come to play a bit too ! Ya dont wanna be paying it off forever !
Like the man said sit on plenty of bikes !

**sinfull** · 14th July 2008, 20:21

Originally Posted by fridayflash

as far as roadbikes goes,the most popular lately is the yamaha scorpioZ
which from what i hear is a great little bike and outstanding value!

good luck

The Mrs has a scorpio which i got her for xmas, great lil bike, motor seems to be a beauty and for 4 k new good value !
Only downfall is at 90k yr not left with a hell of a lot of overtaking power !
Bit like passing in yr truck , ya do need a run at em lol ! But they are good for 120 130 perhaps 140 at the red line .

**rottiguy** · 14th July 2008, 21:24

Welcome mate, do you have a full license otherwise ya stuck with 250s I would suggest a 4 stroke 250 road bike of some description you will get better fuel economy out of it. Just take heaps for a test ride.
there may be some others who are keen for a ride to Auckland so make sure you post either in manawatu rides or pm me and me or someone may be able to ride up with you

good luck with the bike hunt

Originally Posted by newby

Hi, new to the site, but have been reading around alot of the threads. I know there are several other similar topics but i need advice on some bikes to look at before purchasing!

I plan to use one mainly for open road cruising (between Auckland and Palmerston North) and want something which will be fuel efficient and run along at 100km quite comfortably. I have no ambition to do any great speeds! I dont break speed limits at all!

I will go to the shops and sit on a few and see what comfortable for me, im only short (5'5) so that may limit my options!

I have experience with farmbikes lol, but nothing with road bikes which im sure are a whole different beast than a 125cc farmbike lol!

So any tips/advice would be good! What ever i get will probably be on tick, so not looking at just being cheap, but good value for money.

I have had the ninja suggested to me....

Cheers guys!

**sleeqe2000** · 15th July 2008, 11:53

Recommend CBF250 - great learners bike with Honda reliability.
You can get them for 5k new plus on road costs. I can get upto 400km's on a tank of petrol which is great for commuting. Sits nicely at 90km/h.

**nodrog:Me** · 15th July 2008, 11:54

Suzuki GSXR1000

**boomer** · 15th July 2008, 11:56

Originally Posted by nodrog

Suzuki GSXR1000

why stop there...?!? ! why not get a 1098 or a ktm 8?

**nodrog:Me** · 15th July 2008, 11:58

Originally Posted by boomer

why stop there...?!? ! why not get a 1098 or a ktm 8?

dont be a dick, those arent learner bikes!!

**Rosie** · 15th July 2008, 12:32

Originally Posted by fridayflash

hi and welcome! have you thought about a road/trail machine?
such as the suzuki dr200,or kawasaki shearpa 250
yamaha xt225 etc etc,these types of bikes are easy to ride
especialy seeing as you already have some experience on this type
of machine,and a lot of fun allround.plus the addad bonus of being
capable of a bit of back country exploring to boot!

as far as roadbikes goes,the most popular lately is the yamaha scorpioZ
which from what i hear is a great little bike and outstanding value!

good luck

+1 for the super sherpa

I've done Rotorua to Wellington on mine a few times, you have to be a bit tactical with your overtaking, but otherwise it's no trouble at all. The upright seating position is nice and comfortable, and the extra suspension helps on nz's lumpy, badly sealed roads.

Go around lots of bike shops, and have a sit on all the road legal 250s you can find. See what riding positions seem comfortable, and talk to the staff about the kind of riding you'll be doing, and what your riding style is likely to be - if you just want to cruise fairly sedately, having to change gears every couple of minutes is going to get annoying (especially on a long trip). Conversely, if you have a more active/sporty riding style, you might get bored with a bike with a smooth/sensible power delivery.

**FROSTY:Me** · 15th July 2008, 12:41

Unquestionably I'd suggest the Suzuki gs500's. --Given you hold a full bike licence.
Reasonable price new for a faired one.
Good but not agressive power delivery
Handling is in the not bad region
Brakes are pretty darn good
they are darn bullet proof
Other than the fork chrome theres nothing to be afraid of buying an older GS

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