250 or 125

[twoplankskier]

Hi there,
i am getting my learners licence on thursday and i am looking for a smll bike under 250cc's to ride for a while. i would prefer a cruiser style bike but i am open to anything. my price range is up to 3K. i am in christchurch. any info would be great.
thanks,
Graham Mark

[CB ARGH]

Okay, well what always comes first is the thought of safety - how much to you love the skin on your ass? I could say go buy a decent helmet, but I went budget, $160 sorted me with an excellent FFM(I think) helmet that is full flip and all the yibber-yabber. Next you'll need other protection like boots or decent footwear, a jacket, pants, and definately gloves. I reccomend it all, but it's once again up to you. Helmet and gloves a minimum.

Next is the bike. I'm no good here. I'll say right now, you'll most likely have this bike until you get the full license right? Well you don't want to get bored with it. Get one with a bit of grunt.

To be honest I know bugger all, today was my first ride, and it's bloody great fun. Get into biking as soon as possible, because you do not know what fun you're missing out on!

[twoplankskier]

so lucky me...my parents are paying for all gear...what gear would you recomend?

[CB ARGH]

so lucky me...my parents are paying for all gear...what gear would you recomend?

Your best bet is to go into a motorcycle store and have a look around.

What I have:

FFM or HJC (whatever) helmet: $160
Rev'it Leather Jacket RRP $899: $300
Gloves: 70
Boots Spidi B2 (I think): $299
Pants, basic waterproof ones Strada: $200

I just went for stuff that would last ages ya know?

What you buy really depends on your budget. I seriously reccomend checking out TradeMe for the jacket and everything else. A word of warning, NEVER BUY A SECOND HAND HELMET!

[twoplankskier]

ok thanks

im new to nz so could you give me the names of good stores in chch?

[MentalFacility]

I had a VTR250 while on my learners and restricted. I can easily recommend that. It is probably imposable to crash that thing unless you are a complete imbecile. The easiest bike to ride i ever tried, by far.

[Oakie]

When trying to decide what size to get, consider the roads you're going to be on regularly. If you're just going to be doing a commute on 50kph roads then a 125 should be big enough. If a fair part of your riding around town is on the busy 70kph ring roads (ANZAC Drive, QE2 Drive etc then a 250 is probably a safer bet so you can keep up with the traffic OK.

A wee cruiser is probably a good option to start with. Easier to learn on than a sports bike. Alternatively and for the price you mention, you could look at a one or two year old second hand Scorpio to learn on.

[CookMySock]

you really only need a 125 if you are not so strong and cannot manage a heavier bike. My daughter is a tiny wee thing, and while she admires her big brothers GT250R, there is no way she could manage one and it will end in tears. I'll get her a CBR125 or a Daelim RoadwinR, either of which she will love. A different story six months down the track when she has her balance sorted out. I had considered a 200cc motard, but that will be too tall for her.

HTH
Steve

[Griffin]

Hi TwoPlank, welcome to KB... and NZ. Where are you from?

As usual, there will be much advice given to you on here from many and varied people - each with their own opinions and preferences. Like CB states (and hes a fast learner ) the gear is vital... lucky for you that your parents are paying for it. Get thee arse down to a few different bikeshops, talk to the guys that deal with it daily, try stuff on, see what fits and what you like the look of... THEN, do the same for the bike.

Look around (doesnt matter which bikeshops, visit all of them in your area) sit on as many as you can, see what gets your tastebuds watering. There are plenty of good 250cc Cruisers around but try other styles as well... just to be sure

[Jerry74]

Go and see Trevor Pierce in Ferry Rd, lots of 250's to choose from there.

[Ehgreiz]

Hi there,
i am getting my learners licence on thursday and i am looking for a smll bike under 250cc's to ride for a while. i would prefer a cruiser style bike but i am open to anything. my price range is up to 3K. i am in christchurch. any info would be great.
thanks,
Graham Mark

3k is a bit low in price, but you could pick up a Suzuki GN250 for less than that second hand without too much trouble - kinda a mix between cruiser and sports.

myself i just bought a Suzuki VL250k7 Cruiser - fucking beautiful bike (keep forgetting to take photo's with saddlebags on) - 6k first hand + gear etc.

I put half of it on finance - its worth it if you ask me. I upgraded from a Suzuki UZ125 scooter and feel soo much safer on the cruiser - has a lot of grunt as well for a 250 - that vtwin engine is very nice

another bike you can look at perhaps is a Hyosung GV250 Aquila (if i remember the model # right?) - another cruiser but generally a lot cheaper than the Suzuki - i think 5k brand new?

worth a look - best to shop around and have a sit on different styles and take em for a test ride if you feel confident - whatever feels best is what you should get - with finance or without..

my 2cp

[EJK]

Very good advice all above!

Heh, lucky you are learning to ride in a quiet town Christchurch! I bet the Great South Road in Auckland is busier than the Colombo Street!

Welcome to the world of 2 wheels!

[twoplankskier]

great info. much appreciated
cheers

[Imbray]

Hi, welcome to NZ & riding.

I went with the VL250 from suzuki for my 1st bike & loved it, easy to handle & move around but happily does 110 - 115km on the open round, hubby has had her up to 130km, we live out of town so this was important for me & the road to our place your'e at 45 degree angle for a few k's which didn't kill her either.

[-easy--rider-]

go to budget motorcylce spares. they are really good and will sort you out with all the right stuff. i have a good gn250 i will be selling soon for around 2k has a near new engine in it and i will get something from a mechanic saying that the engine is good and youll need about 800-1000 for gear.