First bike - but which one?

[ringmybells]

I've got a Keeway Shadowcruiser 250cc. It looks like a Yamaha Virago but without the price tag.

Seems to be alright so far. I only bought it a month ago and I've done one long distance ride (over 100km) without any problems.

Check out the below thread, it might provide you with some helpful info.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64833

[Gizzit]

Welcome to the site mate.
Lots of good advice here as usual. I would just like to second what has been said about a bike certainly worth considering, and thats the Honda VTR 250. These are very good reliable bikes. My son had one, and I found it to be a very high quality 250, and was loads of fun. They are a naked bike, so if you do have the misfortune of dropping it, it's not going to get a fairing damaged and need replacing, and thats expensive. A naked bike is probably a better bet for a beginner because of the possibility (likelihood ?) of having a spill at some stage .... it comes with the territory ...
Another one is the Honda CBF250. It is a good reliable bike, also a naked. My step son has one and he loves it. I have been on it a couple of times and it gets along quite well.

Any of the bikes you have considered would be fine, with maybe the exception of the Yamaha Scorpio, as it may be a little light and slightly underpowered for the open road.

And .... some majorly important advice !!!!

DON'T skimp on riding gear!!!!!! You need it. Factor it into your budget right from the start. The very least is a helmet, jacket, and gloves. With a helmet, make sure it fits right. Not loose at all, but not tight causing any pressure anywhere on your head. You will soon get a major headache if too tight. If it's too loose, it won't provide the protection you need. Try different brands of helmet if one style doesn't suit. Get help from the guys in a bike shop with fitting. I would definitely recommend a full face helmet! You also must have a jacket with armour in it, and gloves. Boots are also necessary, and I rate good trou the same. I won't ride without all my gear on now.

Incidentially .... and a plug for our locals .... you can buy good cordura (or leather if you can afford it ... it's the best for protection) gear on TradeMe or on here.
For cheaper but excellent quality cordura gear, 1Tonne or MohsinBikeWear have good jackets and trou. 1Tonne has helmets, gloves, and boots to. They are cheaper than in bike shops and in my opinion just as good as some of the more expensive "name" gear.
For leather gear ... 1Tonne and Mohsin have it at reasonable prices. For top of the range stuff ... Quasievil (Quasimoto.co.nz) on here has real good leathers.

If you do have an "off", then you will be much much better off with having protective gear on, than not!!

All the very best with your choice in bikes and gear! Have fun !!!!
Cheers,
Grant.

[SARGE]

. Yahama 225 scorpio

[ViragoVixen]

Hi ya, I can vouch for the Ninja (hubby's) and the Virago (mine). Hubby loves the thrill of the ninja and I quite dig the reliability, look, sound and feel of the virago. Yes I'm biased - go figure.

Definitely go for rides and consider what you want from the bike. ^VV