Looking for a first bike...

[MystikEagle]

Well, I went and sat my learners about two weeks ago, (passed 100% ), and am now in the market for my first bike.

I have been told that both the GN250 and the Virago250 are good learners bikes. I hate the look of the scorpio and definatly don't want a full on sports bike.

I do like the classical looking bikes though. I took both a Suzuki Volty and a Honda Magna for a test ride yesterday. I love the look of the Volty but the Magna felt a lot more sturdy and stable.

Could anyone suggest any other bikes to take for a ride or even give me any more info on these two bikes?

[007XX]

I had a GN250 and they are good little learner bike indeed, but you will outgrow it in no time to be honnest.

I traded mine after a few months for a VTR250...that was about a year and a half ago, and I am still very much in with my VTR. All around fantastic ride, that just keeps on giving when you're ready for more but is very forgiving with learners' little mistakes.

Also, they hold their value really well for resale time.

I am nowhere near thinking about trading mine in. In fact, I am going to change her looks a little to make her all mine.
PS: when I got her, she had about 8000kms on the clock...last weekend, we just hit 21000kms. They're an awesome tourer and are also perfect in traffic filtering.

Give it a try and test ride a few others, but I very rarely heard of anyone who didn't like them.

good luck and keep us posted on how you get on.

[MystikEagle]

The VTR250 is a bit too much of a sports bike for my liking. I prefer to be a little more upright than the riding position of bikes like that. But thank you alot for your help!

[fatzx10r]

hey congrat's on the licence i don't really know much about the 250 cruiser type bike's, but a couple more to have a look at would be the honda rebel and kawasaki eliminator

[CookMySock]

Hey Bro, search trademe for "GV250"

Steve

[Fatt Max]

Well done on the Licence. I got mine 2 weeks ago and hopped straight on to a Suzuki VL250 Intruder after 4 years on a Yamaha CV50 moped.

The VL250 is a great upright bike, long wheel base and really comfortable to ride. It's like anything though, you have to try a few out but the VL250 gets my vote.

Keep well away from these Keeway Cruisers. They look cool, are cheap but are very badly made. I was looking at one of these and a very good friend who is a seasoned biker warned me right off them.

Well done again, happy bike hunting

[Griffin]

Tall, blonde, blue eyed AND work in a chocolate factory??? Will you marry me?

Anyway - in answer to your question. The virago is an ok bike - reliable and common... if you like the Cruiser style bikes have a hunt around for an XVS250 Dragstar (they're like a virago on steroids). Same make but chunkier and look more like a 400cc. Very good learners bike - I had one and loved every minute of it.
You could also check out the Suzuki VL250 (intruder) - another good learner cruiser but they still look a bit anorexic.

The GN250 - although common for a learners bike - are almost like sitting on a bicycle and like someone above said - easy to outgrow.

Go around a few bikeshops and check out whats available / what catches your eye

[MystikEagle]

Thanks for all of your help! I have been keeping an eye out on trademe and looking around the shops but because I don't really know much about motorbikes, I have no idea what I should be looking for!!!! Thanks for your suggestions, I will certainly look at the mentioned bikes.

Tall, blonde, blue eyed AND work in a chocolate factory??? Will you marry me?

Lol, I have never had anyone be so outright before! (Send me a pm )

[Griffin]

Is she desperate or something and not just for a bike? . Enough said!

Look - just because Im ugly, twice her age and live nearly a thousand kilometres away doesnt mean that we cant form a good solid and lasting relationship based on her implied good looks and apparent cool job in a chocolate factory... This is modern romance at its purest dude.

Dirty old man meets innocent young girl online in a forum relating to common interests, they fall in love due to an appropriately placed emticon and live happily ever after in cyber space

You must be so proud to be Amerriken... after all - you guys invented this shit... thanks dude

[MystikEagle]

I was going to make a suggestion about a couple of bikes I've heard of, but after reading this and then checking out both profiles, o.m.g!

Is she desperate or something and not just for a bike? . Enough said!

Look - just because Im ugly, twice her age and live nearly a thousand kilometres away doesnt mean that we cant form a good solid and lasting relationship based on her implied good looks and apparent cool job in a chocolate factory... This is modern romance at its purest dude.

Dirty old man meets innocent young girl online in a forum relating to common interests, they fall in love due to an appropriately placed emticon and live happily ever after in cyber space

You must be so proud to be Amerriken... after all - you guys invented this shit... thanks dude

Lol, well that is my good laugh for the day! As much as I would love to find that special someone, and as much as I believe in relationships begining from the net, I think I'm gonna have to pass.... Sorry

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions on the bikes!

[firefighter]

Well, I went and sat my learners about two weeks ago, (passed 100% ), and am now in the market for my first bike.

I have been told that both the GN250 and the Virago250 are good learners bikes. I hate the look of the scorpio and definatly don't want a full on sports bike.

I do like the classical looking bikes though. I took both a Suzuki Volty and a Honda Magna for a test ride yesterday. I love the look of the Volty but the Magna felt a lot more sturdy and stable.

Could anyone suggest any other bikes to take for a ride or even give me any more info on these two bikes?

My ma had a virago 250 was a pretty cool little bike for what it is- perty slow going up the kaimais with me on it (over to the oak from tauranga) thats for sure- i really had to time the hills right to get up them with good speed (under my weight mind you the poor thing!) probably less effort needed for mum, but a good learner bike if you really don't like sports bikes and don't want a boring old GN

[Griffin]

well it was nice while it lasted... I guess I was only really after you for your staff priced chocolate anyway

[The Pastor]

my advice is golden, pay attention.

but a cheap gn for the duration of your learners.

Why?
-Chances are you're going to drop it. they dont break easily
- you can sell it for what you bought it for.
-cheap on gas
-easy to control
-low seat hight makes it easier to catch if your footing slips
-cheap insurance

once you've learned to ride the bike and the things you dont do on a bike (after you get your R / 6 months is a good rule of thumb) you can then get a nice pretty bike and you wont drop it due to learning errors.

[Nagash]

Choices you have in the 250 cruiser cruiser range are somehwhat limited,

Lets see if I can remember them all..

Virago, Dragstar, Rebel, Aquila, Gn250, Magna, Intruder, Marauder, Elimanator.. and I believe that's it out of the recognised brands.

Really, with the exception of the Gn250 (Ridiculously under powered), Magna (massive bike), and Aquila (It's Korean.. come on..) they're all pretty similar bikes and will suit your riding style fine.

Main differences between them is seating position and size, so just have a little sit down on each of them, see what fits, see what you like, and you can't really go wrong.

There are slight differences in engine peformance and handling capabilities, but it's a 250.. to learn on.. in the end of the day it really doesn't make all that much of a difference to be blatant.


Cruiser 250s for the win! Hell, i'm only just in the process of selling my Rebel 250 now. They can keep up with the sportier 250's no sweat, if you learn how to corner them right.

Welcome to the biking world, and I hope you find the bike you're after.

[Rosie]

I have been keeping an eye out on trademe and looking around the shops but because I don't really know much about motorbikes, I have no idea what I should be looking for!!!!

You should have a sit on every < 250cc bike you can find, to get an idea of different riding positions, to see what is comfortable for you.
Also, while you are at the bike shops, start shopping for some gear, so you'll be all set to go, once you find the right bike