Good bike for a teenager

**talisker** · 10th November 2016, 23:09

Long story but will try to keep it short.

My son (16) has had a bit of shit year at school this year. He's his own worst enemy and not very good at choosing friends so has got into a heap of trouble. (No idea where he got that from....)
He's not going to pass NCEA level 1 which sucks because he is more than capable of it. It's a big frustration for the teachers to see him fail and an even bigger one for me.

He knows he's screwed up and is working hard to change but it's all a but late.
I've cut a deal with him where if he can pass by NCEA by Easter next year (plus some other behavior caveats) I'll pay for his BHS and learners and chuck in a few hundred towards a bike.

Question is whats a good bike for a kid to learn on?
I'm only getting back into riding myself after a break of many many years, never actually had a licence in NZ (I'm a Pommy migrant). Means I'm a little clueless as to whats good and whats not.

**turtleman** · 11th November 2016, 00:48

My kids learnt on a Yamaha Scorpio. Youngest now on a suzuki 800. Was a good reliable ride, cheap to buy (even new) with average quality (it is cheap, after all).
Fairly robust, lightweight, and reliable.

The Wife learnt on the same machine ......

**Akzle** · 11th November 2016, 04:31

hyabusa. obviously. (for fuck sakes!)

but are you really sure you want to be sending your flesh and blood out to play in traffic, if they're "their own worst enemy"?

**JimO** · 11th November 2016, 05:11

vtr 250.....

**jafagsx250** · 11th November 2016, 05:39

If he's tall then a hyosung would be better than the vtr250 but if he's not going far or he is short then i reckon it'd be better. They're not as wide as the hyosung and lower down so very good at lane splitting. The one I rode had an aftermarket exhaust and felt like it pulled a lot harder down low and in the mid range.

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**Oakie** · 11th November 2016, 08:01

Originally Posted by Akzle

but are you really sure you want to be sending your flesh and blood out to play in traffic, if they're "their own worst enemy"?

Akzle makes a point that does have to be considered.

Apart from that ... a bike without fairings to damage for the inevitable drop. Try the Suzuki Inazuma 250. I've ridden one a couple of times as a loaner when my bike is being serviced. Goes well enough with decent handling and brakes.

**jellywrestler** · 11th November 2016, 08:38

how tall is he and what's your budget
what part of welly are you in and where would he likely to be travelling to?

**Jeff Sichoe** · 11th November 2016, 09:09

a tricked out mountain bike might be more appropriate for a wayward teen

**Black Knight** · 11th November 2016, 09:09

I would wait until he is 18,my 16 y/o bulletproof nephew recently had a crash that nearly killed him,something about 16 y/olds and motorbikes.

**cods4** · 11th November 2016, 09:42

You could look at dirt bikes instead. Thats how I got into biking, its a good way to learn the necessary skills with a much lower level of risk than riding on the road.

**Scubbo** · 11th November 2016, 09:49

I've got a great condition 2001 FXR150 thats done less than 6000KM, it's my current commuter but am looking at selling to free up garage space for my other 2 bikes since moving house...

$2200 and it's yours, reg runs out in december, wof till midway through next year

**pritch** · 11th November 2016, 12:40

Originally Posted by Akzle

hyabusa. obviously. (for fuck sakes!)

Knew that was coming, it always does, just didn't know who would be unable to resist the temptation this time.

For the kid in question, a 250 four stroke single. The choice is much wider under LAMS but his decision making skills seem to need work and it may be better if instant thrills did not fall readily to hand just yet.