Motard as a first bike?

[Maha]

If the dealer is charging a $3000 premium, then that's a bloody expensive warranty and on a bike as simple as a DRZ, there's feck all that couldn't be fixed for that. And of course, it may just not go wrong.

I agree, but someone recently bought a second one of those that had a fucked bearing, which was replaced under warranty, that wouldn't happen on TM purchase, buyer beware.

[FlangMasterJ]

Didn't read through the thread but yes, a motard as your first bike is a great idea.

[Matariki]

Buying second hand doesn't have to be scary. Ideally you want to buy a motorcycle that you can see in person and have a ride on (I wish I had done this with my second bike, it ended up costing me $1000 to get it road worthy ), if you're unsure, why not ask someone who is experienced with motorcycles to go with you and have a look too. It doesn't necessarily have to be a motorcycle mechanic. Check out listings that are local to your area first, or that you could easily drive to (without making any special trips, this will make getting the motorcycle home easier if you decide to purchase it).

Whatever you do, don't make a blind purchase over the internet. I know its common sense, but sometimes when you're excited about something you tend to forget (I learnt the hard way ). Motorcycle stores often sell second hand motorcycles too and might be a better option for a first purchase, even though it will cost a bit more. Smaller motorcycles are better to learn on, I personally wouldn't recommend going any higher than 400cc for a first motorcycle. Be sure to get a manual too for your motorcycle (Haynes manual), this will make it easier when it comes to doing your own maintenance, or when you need to call the mechanic.

[curly]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-651822400.htm

[Matariki]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-651822400.htm

Nice motorcycle, although it may be tempting to bid on it, I wouldn't advise the OP to do so unless he has seen the motorcycle in person first or has a friend (or KB member) check it out for him.

[tias]

Thanks for all the input!

That is a very nice bike indeed, CHCH is a bit far for me to check it out though.

Thanks for looking, I would have missed that one since my search was set to Auckland only.

[Matariki]

Here is a Yamaha WR450 that is in good shape and can be ridden by a learner rider - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-651763831.htm

[ZondaX15]

Here is a Yamaha WR450 that is in good shape and can be ridden by a learner rider - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-651763831.htm

Wouldn't a WR450 be a little fast for a first bike?

[nerrrd]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-651822400.htm

Lots of groovy-sounding modifications there...but would it still be LAMs compliant?

Something to keep in mind while you're looking: "Any motorcycle modified in a way that increases its power-to-weight ratio is no longer LAMS-compliant, regardless of whether it appears on the list."

[pete-blen]

here yer go... push the LAMS limit..XT660X

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-278149693.htm

[seb]

Wouldn't say its pushing it. if its 48hp and 173kg dry. i figure that as about 126kw/tonne. Theres some bikes on the list with alot higher than that.

Edit: wait.. maybe you meant on cc's

[kevfromcoro]

here yer go... push the LAMS limit..XT660X

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-278149693.htm

that is 1 nice scoot.........

[pete-blen]

Wouldn't say its pushing it. if its 48hp and 173kg dry. i figure that as about 126kw/tonne. Theres some bikes on the list with alot higher than that.

Edit: wait.. maybe you meant on cc's

I did ......

But while yer thinking HP...
remove the snorkal + 2hp..
stage 1 & 2 air filters + 5hp.. that one may have , it's got the stage 2 air box side filter
injection mods + 5hp
for $350 yer now have around 60hp...
And a motor that will do 120,000k before yer need to lift the lid..
they are a bit on the heavy side & yer can't do a lot about it...As a
lot of there weight is in the motor.... but thats why the do the mileage...

[saf-kiwi]

I've had two DRZ400SM's, a 2005 which I bought new and a 2008 bought second hand. Definitely don't buy a new one, unless you're keen to lose a lot of cash.

Traded the 2008 a couple of months ago on a 2008 KTM690SM, yes the one with the beak. It's an awesome bike for sure, but I can definitely recommend the DRZ.

[tigertim20]

I did ......

But while yer thinking HP...
remove the snorkal + 2hp..
stage 1 & 2 air filters + 5hp.. that one may have , it's got the stage 2 air box side filter
injection mods + 5hp
for $350 yer now have around 60hp...
And a motor that will do 120,000k before yer need to lift the lid..
they are a bit on the heavy side & yer can't do a lot about it...As a
lot of there weight is in the motor.... but thats why the do the mileage...

do all that, and she will not be lams complaint anymore. all good at wof time, but have an accident and your insurance assessor notices and you might have some issues