Just got my Learners and want a 250cc bike. Help please?

**Alexofbbulgaria** · 13th July 2012, 23:36

Hey guys so I've been thinking about getting my bike licence for a while so I did Basic handling and theory all this week, I am keen to start riding but I don't yet have a bike!!!

I do not know anything about motorbikes to tell you the truth, I have been told that If I wanted a cheap bike my BHS instructor told me not to go below $1,000 as its more trouble than its worth. What I would like to know Is what is a good reliable bike that is not too expensive to get parts for in NZ??

I'm afraid to jump for the first thing that I see that is cheap until I have first talked to some experts

So if any experts out there could help me out here please tell me about your first bike/bikes and what you recommend and would advise to stay clear of

I'm sorry if someone has already asked this I haven't had a thorough look through yet. Thanks in advance everyone, I cant wait to get my first bike and get on the road.

**neels** · 13th July 2012, 23:43

You've said you've been warned not to go under $1000, how much is your maximum to spend. Makes a big difference when bike shopping.

**Alexofbbulgaria** · 14th July 2012, 00:39

I was hoping to not go much higher than 1500, but if the bike was good and well recommended by you guys then I'd be willing to go over that by a hundred or two. It'd just mean that I wouldn't be on a bike until a later date than I had anticipated.

So I hear laws changing 1st of October and the 250cc bikes with grunt will be no longer allowed unless you get an exemption. Is it at all realistic to be expecting to find one of the following bikes under $1,500:

Aprilia RS250 (all models and variants) 250
Honda NSR250 (all models and variants) 250
Kawasaki KR1 (all models and variants) 250
Suzuki RGV250 (all models and variants) 250
Yamaha TZR250 (all models and variants) 250

**Alexofbbulgaria** · 14th July 2012, 00:47

just got the answer to that question on my own, that's a no to under $1,500. Still any suggestions for something cheap and reliable aswel as been not to difficult to source cheap parts if something broke. I will be using this bike for mostly riding to university, so 50km/h speed but the ocassional weekday and most weekends going over the harbour bridge and on motorway to see my girlfriend in Browns Bay. That is the main reason I want the maximum cc a leaner can get. I weigh 105kg and am slightly above average height, I think im 185cmish. I hope that can help with recomendations. I hear stories about different rideing styles and being cramped and all this and I'm so unsure what to start with now argg

EDIT: I am also starting to learn that a good 250cc is out of my price range, at least as far as I have seen. So if there are any recommendations for under 250cc bikes that can basically keep up with a average 250cc bike would be much appreciated

**Lelitu** · 14th July 2012, 05:13

your best bet is to go to the local bike shops, and sit on them
take them for a test ride if they'll let you.

a good bike for you is likely to be nothing like a good bike for J Random internet person.

there were a half dozen 250's I was looking at when I bought my bike
all but one was simply too small and cramped
the one I bought was pretty much bottom of the list when I started looking in the shops
and turned out the best fitting of them all.

**Sed57** · 14th July 2012, 09:46

Suzuki GN250 or a Yamaha Scorpio are probably ones to consider. They have a more upright riding position, so you'll be able to gentle start working on your core strength when you're riding. I'd stay away from any sports bikes, my first bike was a Hyosung GT250S and it's just massively uncomfortable. Because I haven't worked on any of my core strength it's not long before all my weight is on my hands, and they start going numb after 20 minutes of riding.

I'm not sure if I've even seen any bikes around the $1500 mark, especially 250cc, but I can't think of any decent bikes under 250cc. You'll probably have more luck with around $2000? This is just from my own limited experience as a new rider. Don't forget about the costs for your riding gear!

**Akzle** · 14th July 2012, 10:09

Originally Posted by Lelitu

your best bet is to go to the local bike shops, and sit on them
take them for a test ride if they'll let you.

a good bike for you is likely to be nothing like a good bike for J Random internet person.

there were a half dozen 250's I was looking at when I bought my bike
all but one was simply too small and cramped
the one I bought was pretty much bottom of the list when I started looking in the shops
and turned out the best fitting of them all.

+1 on this.
also. do a search. i'm sure this topic has been done to death.

personally i'd go for a larger one. a 400 on the LAMs list, ie.

it is unlikely (as you've found) to get any of the two smokers for under 1.5k
IF however, you want one, now would be the time to buy, as having ridden one for X months, you're more likely to get the legal "exemption" you MAY find an rgv150-250 or an NSR in your price range, but it's likely to need more money thrown at it in short order.

the best bet would be get an older (80s-early 90s) bike, they're easier to work on and generally more "bulletproof", while not as sporty or l33t or fast as a newer bike, they're more forgiving of ignorant/bad owners.

basically.. find some biker people. ride their bikes (/or at a bike shop). decide what you do/dont like about each and find the best fit.

personally i've never put a bike down without being hit by something first, but a lot of people worry about being n00b and dropping their bike - if this is you, get one with less expensive plastic bits on the sides.

Originally Posted by Sed57

Suzuki GN250 or a Yamaha Scorpio are probably ones to consider. They have a more upright riding position, so you'll be able to gentle start working on your core strength when you're riding.

the centrist-upright riding position doesn't suit everyone. it suits me because i started on farm bikes, it's also a good high position for in traffic, giving you more visibility, and the bike is "more stable" under you.
i never advise a GN. (all the GN hags will jump into this convo now...) and have no exp with scorpios...

of course, OP, you could buy a Hyobag gt250...

I'd stay away from any sports bikes, my first bike was a Hyosung GT250S and it's just massively uncomfortable. Because I haven't worked on any of my core strength it's not long before all my weight is on my hands, and they start going numb after 20 minutes of riding.

you're doing it wrong.

**hayd3n** · 14th July 2012, 10:37

Originally Posted by Sed57

Suzuki GN250 or a Yamaha Scorpio are probably ones to consider. They have a more upright riding position, so you'll be able to gentle start working on your core strength when you're riding. I'd stay away from any sports bikes, my first bike was a Hyosung GT250S and it's just massively uncomfortable. Because I haven't worked on any of my core strength it's not long before all my weight is on my hands, and they start going numb after 20 minutes of riding.

I'm not sure if I've even seen any bikes around the $1500 mark, especially 250cc, but I can't think of any decent bikes under 250cc. You'll probably have more luck with around $2000? This is just from my own limited experience as a new rider. Don't forget about the costs for your riding gear!

your not suposed to have all your weight on the bars use your knees to grip the tank and you may find it easier

**nzspokes** · 14th July 2012, 10:45

If you find something you like, as on here for someone to come with you to look. That way you will get an opinion from somebody thats not emotionally attached to the bike.

**Alexofbbulgaria** · 14th July 2012, 11:20

Yer I spent all last night looking on here, and reading all the past threads with practically the same question I had. Thanks for all your advice, I have realised that I need more money so what I am going to do is start gathering gear starting with a good Helmet then, gloves, boots, pants then maybe a jacket before I buy my bike. I am thinking it will be close to January when I will be riding but I might just rent a bike for a day here and there just so I'm still getting experience and getting ready for my restricted as I plan on doing it as soon as possible.

If any of you have any old gear that you have forgot about and would be willing to sell I would much appreciate that

Also thanks for the offer/Idea to invite one of you guys along, I will definitely do that as I don't know how to tell a good bike from a bad bike except from trying all the electrics and seeing if it moves forwards and gears work lol I will post on here bikes that I'm looking at or ask someone to come with and help explain what to be careful for and how to check important things and such.

Thanks to everyone so far

**Akzle** · 14th July 2012, 14:21

i have connections in auckland.

also. i come through monthly or so.
i will PM you when in town. or call/txt me.
i know a guy with a few spare bikes.. in pieces, and a few guys with spare gear (how big is your head?) so might be able to scratch something together for you and get you on the road...

PS. an 800$ shitter is still gonna be fun. i haven't paid more than 2k for any bike i've had (purchasing) but then i've been given a few at mate's rates that are probably worth more... so...
helmet, gloves, rock n roll!!

**Akzle** · 14th July 2012, 14:26

Originally Posted by hayd3n

your not suposed to have all your weight on the bars use your knees to grip the tank and you may find it easier

that's the beginning of a long list of things to ammend the problem....

holding onto a bike by the bars is the opposite of what is good. it will heavy-as-f*ck your cornering for one.

**Alexofbbulgaria** · 14th July 2012, 16:06

Originally Posted by Akzle

i have connections in auckland.

also. i come through monthly or so.
i will PM you when in town. or call/txt me.
i know a guy with a few spare bikes.. in pieces, and a few guys with spare gear (how big is your head?) so might be able to scratch something together for you and get you on the road...

PS. an 800$ shitter is still gonna be fun. i haven't paid more than 2k for any bike i've had (purchasing) but then i've been given a few at mate's rates that are probably worth more... so...
helmet, gloves, rock n roll!!

That sounds freaking amazing, I cant wait to get on the road, I am good at fixing stuff so even if I was given a bike and a whole load of pieces that are good or two shitty bikes id be able to tinker around and try make a working whole one hahaha

I reckon my head is in the medium/large, and yer I wouldn't even mind a 800dola shitter as long as I am learning to ride haha getting on the road is what i want. My number is 0278130588, flick me a text when you are in Auckland it would be great to meet up

**Akzle** · 14th July 2012, 18:34

i do emphasize MIGHT be able to.

asked about helmet because i have an old hjc.. i think it's medium (ex missus'). i have a fat head so no use to me.. was gonna give it to the kids but... meh. also a medium-large shark sitting somewhere with a visor scratched to hell...

i will discuss it with teh bruhahas and be in touch.