AKL new wannabe rider (slickaz)

**slickaz** · 3rd September 2007, 11:58

Hi All,
Im new here, and an avid wannabe rider,
im 25,just turned 6ft3 and ~95kgs.
reason im saying that is so maybe some of you experienced riders can help me pick a good bike for my size and weight. im not sure what the usual weight or riders is.
i have yet to get on a bike, i tried sitting on a mates CBR250RR and it felt kind of smallish to me with my knees to close to my elbows while holding the bars.
is that normal?
what bike do you guys recommend?
older bikes such as the NSR250/CBR 250 or
newer bikes such as the Hyosung GTR250

to be honest i want a bike that looks cool and doesnt blow up on me alot.

my intentions for the bike:
ride to work and back everyday, join a bike cruise on weekends.

i have read some of the reviews you've left, there are many that are for the hyosung and many against, the same for other bikes.
one thing ive heard about the hyosungs tho is that they are taller so they are better suited for taller people?
im not looking to go FAST! unless the convoy im with on the cruise regularly go over the speed limit. in which case just to keep up i guess i would need a fast bike (what would the average speed on a cruise convoy be?)

Im very keen on gettin started, im guessing this means alot of time practicing riding.
can someone give me a review of the biking schools in Auckland that i can go get the basic handling test done..is that enough to get started and then practice to that?

Thanks alot and sorry for the many questions. also you guys have an amazing wealth of information here ive been readin the posts.but there are just so many im getting lost.lol..thanks again.

**LardEmbargo** · 3rd September 2007, 12:37

hiya, well when I was looking at getting a bike I sat on the Hyosung (just the naked one, GT250, instead of the faired GT250R) and I thought it was too big and top-heavy for me. But I'm only like a stumpy 5'7 or so. The Hyosung 250's definitely styled as a bigger bike - it's about the same size as their 650 if you see them side by side. So taller people than me might find it suited them better.

Have a sit on one and see what you think anyway, you wanna make sure you're happy with the riding position and comfort and so on cos it's you that has to sit on it.

**avgas** · 3rd September 2007, 12:43

By the sounds of things you want a big single 250??
try a trail bike if you feel the 250 sport bikes dont fit you height wise.
alot of people will tell you that they are no fun - but the fact of the mater is any bike set up properly is fun if you have the balls.

**Ewan Oozarmy** · 3rd September 2007, 12:57

6'3" and 95kg - supermoto is the way forward.....

**Rosie** · 3rd September 2007, 13:28

I'm only short myself, so can't give you too much specific bike advice, but here are some general newbie things to consider:

A lot of basic handling courses will supply the bike for you, and don't assume any prior experience with bikes. If you sit your BHS and theory test while you are still looking around for a bike, the clock is already ticking on the 6months you have to wait to sit your restricted test.

It's a good idea to start looking around for gear while you are looking for a bike (so you are all set to go once you get a bike), and while you are in the shops looking at gear, have a sit on as many different 250s as you can, to get an idea of what feels comfortable.

Since you are 25, you could have your full licence around a year after you get your learners, which is good to keep in mind when you are looking for a bike. Something like a trail bike might not be the bike of your dreams, but if it's less cramped than a 250 sports bike, you may decide that you can make do for a year or so until you're allowed to buy something bigger.

**carbacca** · 3rd September 2007, 14:12

go for a hyo, its good for bigger fellas. plenty of torque from a vtwin so hauls the weight nicely while still getting up to a respectable speed. but i guess i am just a bit biased :P

**slickaz** · 3rd September 2007, 14:28

wow u guys make me feel fat now! and im only a newbie!! hahaha just kiddin..
ps just for the record as Cartman would say "im not fat..im just big boned"..lol..ill add - i used to be a fitness trainer, so the 95 kg is probably from all the protien packs i eat.get the point? lol..

ok back to topic..trail bikes, they sound interesting, can i ride one of those in city limits? will that thing cart me around? speed limits?

im actually quite interested in getting a sports bike type thing just because (stupid i know) of the looks. and being young, and straight im sure the "biker guy" thing still attracts many many of the opposite sex..hehehehhe..childish.yes.but irresponsible no.
im not looking to go fast or do stunts or get busted by the police, i have a (touchwood) Blessedly clean road record, which i intend on keeping. its just for looks and to save on gas and be part of a group that truly knows where the art is in transportation..
so. hyosung then, GTR250 is that is? ive heard they have improved quality, has anyone had any bad situations, maintanance problems? is the 07 better than the 06 in many ways ie will i come across more engine problems?
i had a friend who used to ride on and he swore by it (we r not friends anymore..yes he is still alive. girl trouble) so i cant actually ask him to let me sit on it.
i do intend on going to the dealers this weekend and having alook at what they have.
but first:
how easy is it to maintain a bike?
how much time does it demand? weekly? daily? (if ridden properly and maintained every 5000ks)
what is the best servicing shop for motorcycles in auckland.(majority wins)

**WRT** · 3rd September 2007, 14:30

Originally Posted by slickaz

im not looking to go FAST! unless the convoy im with on the cruise regularly go over the speed limit. in which case just to keep up i guess i would need a fast bike (what would the average speed on a cruise convoy be?)

Can't really offer much advice on the 250's other than to recommend you just try as many different ones as possible. Try the various styles as well, to find the one that suits you best.

With regards to your comments above, the average speed depends on the group of bikers on the ride. Some go fast, some dont. The key to remember, especially when you are just starting out yourself, is to never push yourself. Bikers dont mind waiting at the designated stops, so you should always just ride at your own pace. Trying to keep pace with the faster guys is always a recipe for disaster.

Good luck with your bike shopping and welcome to the site!

**delusionz** · 3rd September 2007, 16:47

i was taught the ideal weight for a bike is between 2x and 3x the rider weight

hyosung will be closest to that for you so go for that

**avgas** · 3rd September 2007, 17:13

Originally Posted by slickaz

im actually quite interested in getting a sports bike type thing just because (stupid i know) of the looks.

The looks are worth $2000 should it fall off the stand or when you drop it learning how to ride.
Think of the price to put a body kit and mags on a learners car, only to let them curb it.
Still think the looks are worth it?
Just some food for thought, as i had a $1000 repair bill on a $3000 bike, 1 month after owning it. Learn on a shit bike then after 6 months get something nice.

**discotex** · 3rd September 2007, 17:23

I've got no idea where in Auckland you are but assuming you can get to Rosebank Rd I'd suggest Riderskills for basic handling.

As long as you can drive a manual car and ride a pushbike they will teach you enough to pass on the first go. They provide everything you need which is a bonus. They have other courses to get you confident on the road as well.

www.riderskills.co.nz

As for a bike... Well you'll get every opinion under the sun here. Your height pretty much rules out a faired 250 sport bike unless you go for a Hyosung. If you can handle going naked you could check out the Honda Hornet or Suzuki Bandit. Naked's survive a fall much better so keep that in mind. That said I learned on a faired sport bike but I could have afforded to fix it had I dropped it.

You could also go down the exemption path. Do a search as a few people have documented the process pretty well.

Once you're up and running with L plate, decent gear and bike you should think about hooking up with one of the KB mentors and/or go to the Wednesday night mentor thingys.

**bull** · 3rd September 2007, 17:40

Im 6 foot and 120kg and my Hyosung is great - nice big bike and has enough power to cruise the limits - (even 146km/h on private road), the ride position i find comfy and maintenance wise its been great - coming up to 14000km since new and no problems.

Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think. Get on one and see if you are comfy.

**fireball** · 3rd September 2007, 17:44

yeah i would say get a ho they ride nice.. and are well suited for the err "bigger learner"

good luck and cant wait to see you on a roadie!

**discotex** · 3rd September 2007, 17:53

Originally Posted by bull

Also nothing wrong with getting a ncie looking bike - and its not compulsary to drop it as a learner as many on here seem to think. Get on one and see if you are comfy.

Sure but with the number of "I dropped my bike today" threads it's worth reminding people of the difference in repair costs and let them make up their own mind if they really want to risk it on a bike they'll probably sell in 9-24 months.

**fireball** · 3rd September 2007, 17:57

Originally Posted by discotex

Sure but with the number of "I dropped my bike today" threads it's worth reminding people of the difference in repair costs and let them make up their own mind if they really want to risk it on a bike they'll probably sell in 9-24 months.

but even the old boys drop their bikes.... *coughs wont mention names*