New Bike, New Rider All New.

[mr_fett01]

Thanks for all the responses, there is a lot of great info there.
I have seen some good prices on the GN125 on trademe ($1600), that is obviously a bargin. The 250 goes for a wee bit more. I suppose my top dollar would be around the 4k mark (that puts the scorpio in range) but would love to find a bargin, if you know what I mean.
One question is would a 125cc be able to handle the road between petone and Wellington on a regular basis? probably but it may be a stretch... The feeling I am getting is the Scorpio with the bigger engine would be better.
I would have every intention of riding some of the back streets in the Hutt to gain experience and confidence. There is a block not far from me that is away from the main roads.
Plus like people have said, on rainy/windy days i will take the train.
Other than the GN's or the scorpio what else should I consider as a first bike (that could handle the commute to Welly)?

[captain_andrey]

I travel the hutt-city route every day and the traffic seems to flow at 120-130km/h there in good weather. It would be pretty scary on a 125. Also the wind gusts around the porirua offramp can be pretty violent. I would really advise a bigger bike.

[Badjelly]

I travel the hutt-city route every day and the traffic seems to flow at 120-130km/h there in good weather. It would be pretty scary on a 125. Also the wind gusts around the porirua offramp can be pretty violent. I would really advise a bigger bike.

So how well does your Hyosung handle it?

[captain_andrey]

Just fine. A bit too good actually. Already used up half of my demerit points allowance
I can handle the wind just fine when I tuck in the racing position
But the most important thing is that its a very comfy ride for a 250 sport. I'm 192cm tall and I dont really fit on anything else.

[tate35]

Hi all, I am thinnking about getting into the world of motorbikes and I am looking for some advise. The main reason for getting into biking is using it to get from the Hutt to Wellington city and save some money and time, that makes it a 40k round trip.

I have done a bit of research and reading on these forums about the best bike to start on. I have decided that the best option for a learner is either a Suzuki GN 250 (older model), or a Yamaha Scorpio. I think that the scorpio has better fuel economy than the GN250 but I am happy to be corrected.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Hi Mrfett01,

Welcome do'nt think about it - do it Once you get on that bike you will wish you had done it sooner

Good luck in finding something suitable

[Gizzit]

Hi all, I am thinnking about getting into the world of motorbikes and I am looking for some advise. The main reason for getting into biking is using it to get from the Hutt to Wellington city and save some money and time, that makes it a 40k round trip.

I have done a bit of research and reading on these forums about the best bike to start on. I have decided that the best option for a learner is either a Suzuki GN 250 (older model), or a Yamaha Scorpio. I think that the scorpio has better fuel economy than the GN250 but I am happy to be corrected.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Hi there Mr Fett01,
Welcome to KB.
When I came back to riding bikes about 18 months ago, I nearly bought a late model GN250, but changed my mind after taking advice from a couple of different motorcycle mechanics. Apparently if you can get a real good late 80's model, it may be worth it, but other wise there are known issues with rust and breakages with the later/latest model GN's (I think they have now stopped making them, but could be wrong).

I think the Scorpio is a good choice. I rode a new one of those, and think that having ridden a "newish" model GN and the Scorpio, that the Scorpio is better value. I found it fun to ride too. And yes .. you will probably get better gas/milage with the newer engine design of the Scorpio.
No doubt loads of disgruntled GN owners would readily disagree with me, and to be fair, GN's have been around for a long time. However, the older ones were made in Japan. The later models have been made in China I think. Apparently the quality is not the same.
I would suggest you read up as much as you can, and ride them both, and then make your choice!

And ....... have fun riding !! Cheers,

Grant.