Some advice please!

[Ulsterkiwi]

Hi all
New to the forum but already have a question.
I did try searching for a previous version of my question but didnt find anything, apologies if I missed it.
Have just got my learners. Previous experience was scooters in mediteranean islands 25+ years ago and a few goes on a honda trike around the same time. So yes, no clue.
Am trying to research my first bike and would like some advice before I head out into the world of dealers and trademe.
I am inclined to getting something cheaper to start off with as I have no firm ideas about the kind of bike I would ultimately like, having no experience to call on. Am aware dealers will try to sell what is on the shop floor to some extent at least. TM sellers just want rid of their bikes and dont worry so much if its the right one for me and fair enough too!
One thing I would like a bit of input on is what folks here consider a useful bike for taller people. I am 1.96m or 6'4" in old money. I did my BHS on a GT125 and to call it cramped would be an understatement.
So, what ya think?

[speeding_ant]

What's your budget?
What kind of riding will you be doing (commuting, fun)?
What style of bike do you like (Chopper, naked, sports)?

[Drew]

You my friend, want a Suzuki GSXR1000. It's comfy as for the taller types if ya get an early one, you'll love it.

You're welcome.

[The Reibz]

Hayabusa RCC Ultra Turbo, I hear there is a LAMS chip avaliable for them now...

Ok serious time. Get a FZR400, I started on a FZR250, great bikes. Should be able to pick up a cheap one. I even think there is one in the bike trader section for like 1600 or something.
Be prepared to learn alot of mechanical skills regardless of what you buy.

[Drew]

Ok serious time. Get a FZR400, I started on a FZR250, great bikes. Should be able to pick up a cheap one. I even think there is one in the bike trader section for like 1600 or something.

He said six foot, four inches tall. FZR400 is a very retarded suggestion I'm afraid.

[Paul in NZ]

A LAMS approved trail bike? edit - sorry adventure bike - trail bike...pfft... how '70's'....

[Ulsterkiwi]

What's your budget?
What kind of riding will you be doing (commuting, fun)?
What style of bike do you like (Chopper, naked, sports)?

Yeah, sorry should have indicated that.

Budget is not set in stone but don't really want to spend more than $6k first time out, I would be confident on picking up a decent car for that but am rapidly finding out that means nothing, its not comparing apples with apples.

I am looking at commuting from Kapiti to Wellington and perhaps a weekend fun run

Style, I am more concerned about being comfortable than the look to be honest and whilst cruisers appeal aesthetically they all seem to be low to the ground and I wonder if they are cramped.

I do understand I will have to try some bikes out, I was thinking that the collective experience and knowledge on here would be useful to tap into and let me bypass things which will be a waste of time.

While I am here again I was wondering if a 250 should be discounted altogether? I am around 110kgs to go with the long frame. I dont fancy struggling up the Ngauranga gorge every evening with no reserves of power left to get out of trouble.

Cheers for all the replies folks, much appreciated....even the "retarded" one :-)

[BigAl]

I think you need to investigate what bikes are on the lams list, the gixer thou may be but certainly not an R1

Then go around the local shops and see what you like the look of and fits. Don't discount buying from a shop as you may not pay much more than privately and get some peace of mind.

[10bikekid]

I don't own any of these so its a should be a non prejudice but purely functional comment

given all your requirements (all lams approved)

1, Kawasaki KLR650, best all-rounder, good buying, roomy, good weather protection, cheap to run and very reliable (my KTM only gets half these ticks)

2, Honda XL650 Transalp, great bike but not cheap

3, BMW 650 Funduro, Bit of both of the above

[blackdog]

KLR650 seems to be the sensible choice, yes.

[Milts]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-601103628.htm

TBH you don't need to spend $6k for a good LAMS bike.

You will also get much better feedback/advice if you pick a few potential models and ask about pros and cons, rather than just starting a blanket "what bike should I buy" thread.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-601103628.htm

TBH you don't need to spend $6k for a good LAMS bike.

You will also get much better feedback/advice if you pick a few potential models and ask about pros and cons, rather than just starting a blanket "what bike should I buy" thread.

fair comment, I guess I go and try and few and report back, thank you all again.

[Mrs Shrek]

fair comment, I guess I go and try and few and report back, thank you all again.

A good place to start would be Wellington Motorcycles (they sell other bikes besides HD's)
Pete (crasherfromwayback) is a good guy to deal with, he'll even make you a coffee

[Drew]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-601103628.htm

I was very impressed with the one I rode, and it was a real rough piece of shit looking thing. But they're very small.

, he'll even make you a coffee

I thought we'd all agreed to stop calling it "coffee"?

[McFatty1000]

While I am here again I was wondering if a 250 should be discounted altogether? I am around 110kgs to go with the long frame. I dont fancy struggling up the Ngauranga gorge every evening with no reserves of power left to get out of trouble.

Haha yeah, a 250 may be on the small side (or at least most) - I've got a friend who sounds slightly smaller than you but looks like a giant trying to ride a scooter on my bike.
Go for a lams if you can