Is a GN250 an ok bike to start out on?

[Ender EnZed]

Is a GN250 an ok bike to start out on?

Yes.

[FilthyLuka]

Lol. No. They're pieces of shit and you WILL get laughed at. In terms of street cred (and performance) they're more or less a scooter. You can do better.

Hahahah, i never got laughed at for riding my GN but then again 35-38 odd horses at the wheel made it a bit different...

They take to 'west auckland' style performance tuning very very well. If you like to tinker with engines, get a GN. If you want something to ride and will get someone else to service it, get something else.

Actually, scratch that. Get whatever you want, chances are someone on the internet is gonna hate it regardless.

[nzspokes]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......

[Mom]

People recommend GN250's when they're being polite.

No, I think they are a fantastic learners bike, and I will be hard pressed to change that opinion.

However, it really depends on what the OP wants from their first bike. A round town commuter? GN250 hands down. A commuter bike they want to play on out of work hours...?

[newhere]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......

Im so happy you didn't get the GN!!! Take one for a ride in about 3 weeks and you will be thanking your lucky stars to

[nzspokes]

Also time to start looking for a helmet, gloves etc etc

[jaffaonajappa]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......

Congrats!!!
Now....get a brand new helmet.
The other gears....in my opinion....its better to get some quality 2nd hand used gear, then the shiny junky New stuff at the same cost.
Theres a few recent threds in these forums......excellent quality $200 helmets. (search for SHARP s)

[nzspokes]

Congrats!!!
Now....get a brand new helmet.
The other gears....in my opinion....its better to get some quality 2nd hand used gear, then the shiny junky New stuff at the same cost.
Theres a few recent threds in these forums......excellent quality $200 helmets. (search for SHARP s)

Just seen nice AGV helmet new on TM in my size for $200. Hmmmmmmm

Got some boots, mates got a jacket that he wore a few times. So getting there.

But got to get a licence first.

[nzspokes]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.

[The Lone Rider]

For $2,000 see if you can pick up a honda rebel 250. Slightly higher on budget would be a intruder 250, then higher still is the magna 250

Nothing wrong with GN assuming you plan to upgrade when you get a full license.

All are reasonable, it just pays to know what you are getting in the purchase. I have tried all of the above mentioned bikes, and the new model intruder was a great platform.

Edit -

Get a helmet that breaths. Fogging helmets are ass.

[nzspokes]

I think this will be the winner for me. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=384983582

[jaffaonajappa]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.

Nothing against Trademe.....and some of the sellers on there are well known and respected KB members from what I can gather.

but for your first helmet - absolutely nothing is more important that making sure you get the 'correct' sized helmet. And although this seems odd...the different brands are suited to different shaped heads. Well sometimes.
So...highly recommend you visit some local retailers.
HEre in Auckland, the two most popular are:
www.cycletreads.co.nz just over the bridge / shore.
www.motomail.co.nz parnell area

actually....check out the SHARK helmet for $200...if the special is still on.

Heaps of threads on these forums...some research now could save you $$$ and/or pain later on.

[DrunkenMistake]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.

they are shit. Great company and all but i dont recomend that helmet. I personally had one

[nzspokes]

they are shit. Great company and all but i dont recomend that helmet. I personally had one

Fair enough. Going to try on an AGV for size. I like the look of the TM one but it has to fit right.

[nzspokes]

Got the CBX home. Road up and down the drive. First ride in 20 years. Nervous at first. But it goes well. No real battery problem apart from a lack of use, starts fine now.

Rolling restoration has started. Getting clutch and brake levers tomorrow. Sat will be spent with a beer and a tube of autosol for the chrome. Then adjust brake and gear controls to suit me.

Guess I better work on that licence thing.....