Typical "first bike" questions I guess

[CDFloss]

Hi, wanting to get my learners and a bike in the next month or so. I've spent the last 6 or so hours of my Sunday reading up on this and other forums (which would be why my eyes feel like balls of 80-grit!), and I'm just as confused as before, if not more (regarding a suitable first bike).

A little background; I want a bike primarily for commuting in and around Wellington (but also some weekend recreational trips). I rode a bike or two about 17 years ago, but they were little off-roaders, and I was about 10, so its safe to say I'm a noob. I've done a basic riding course, and things came back very quickly (ie. balance, breaking, shifting, etc), to the point where the instructor said I may as well do the basic handling test straight away (but I'm still going to do a slightly more advanced course first). I'm 179cm tall (think that's about 5`11 for you old timers), and "rather big" (ie. over 100k's).

I'd like to spend no more than 5k for a bike + gear; is this realistic? A quick search on good ol' trade me brings up an 88 & 91 GSXR, a 92 Katana, a 94 ZZR, etc. I'm looking at getting a 4-stroke (appologies to the smoke-lovers out there), but there seems to be slim pickings under the 4k mark at the moment.

The flip side of my equation obviously has to be the gear, which I don't want to skimp on (I like my skin/bones just the way they are thanks). So is about a grand reasonable for a helmet, jacket, boots, gloves, pants (...anything else?), or am I living in lah lah land? Obviously this figure is just initially, and I'd buy more gear as I got more cash in hand over the coming months, but I don't want to skip any "core" protective gear from the start either.

Think that's about it. Looking forward to getting on something with 2 wheels in the near future.

Cheers
Dave

[DingoZ]

Was in the same boat as you when I got my bike...

Got a 2007 Hyosung GT250R (brand new) - Good bike, full size so it does suit the taller rider. They are on trademe and other places for good dollars.... Also got a gear package from the bike shop.... Helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves all for around $600.00, and it is not crappy gear either....



Have fun looking at lots of bikes, and ask lots of questions from dealers and people on here..

[CDFloss]

Yup, my problem is that I havent even sat on many bikes yet, so need to start making the rounds around the bike shops I guess to get a feel for what fits. I have had a good look into the Hyo's, and reckon they seem pretty good bang for your buck, but I dont want to spend on a new one. They get crap from some old school "purists" I guess, but a new name always will until its been around for long enough.

Brand recognition is different everywhere in the world. I'm originally from South Africa, and I knew guys there who would only ride Aprilia's, and would laugh as Suzuki's, and others who swore that Honda's were absolute shite... so I take most thing's I read at either extreme (pro or against) with a pinch of salt. The problem is that I dont want a 20 year old bike that may go like the clappers, but will require weekly maintenance, or that might not quite get me to work every now and again. Obviously some old bikes will run without any problems, but I dont know enough yet to spot them. Equally, some new bikes might be lemons, but at least then you have a warrantee to fall back on I guess.

Anyway, I do plan on having fun looking around. Had an absolute blast on the little 125 I used on the riding course, so itching to get stuck in!

[CDFloss]

Also got a gear package from the bike shop.... Helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves all for around $600.00, and it is not crappy gear either....

Can I ask which bike store you went with? Have you had any particularly good/bad experiences with any of them around here? Cheers.

[DingoZ]

Yeah no probs...

Same with anything I guess. Some like them some don't...

I have not had one thing go wrong with my Hyo. And it's coming up to 8000km's...

I got the bike and gear package from TSS Motorcycles in Lower Hutt.. They also do the servicing of the bike as well.... Reasonable prices as well....

Not shopped anywhere else, so I can't comment on other shops service. As TSS looks after me and looks after my bike with excellent service and I can't fault them where that is concerned.

But best advice is go and look at heaps of bikes. Sit on heaps. Take some for a test ride if you can. And then buy the one that suits your needs...


Also in relation to gear. Have a look at the range in the shops. And then have a look at Quasimoto's range as well.. He has a great range of gear. Deano (on KB) is Wellington's new area rep. So he is a guy you should talk to regarding gear as well...

[FROSTY:Me]

First bike. Buy a Scorpio 225. Dart things are really neat to ride and brand new under 4k

[BiK3RChiK]

The sport bikes for commuting in and around Wellington might not suit you. Try out the cruisers and such IMO...

[Merlin733]

Just been through all that, i'm a bit taller...got myself a 250 hornet...good bike but like most 250 has its limitations. Got the bike for 5k . Shop round for gear, bought most of my stuff from quasimoto can recomend it. Talk to as many people as you can, most are really helpful. I got jacket, pants ( quasimoto)and gloves for $500 then spent a bit more on helmet, so 1k should get you everything you need. Look for specials.
Good luck

[DingoZ]

The sport bikes for commuting in and around Wellington might not suit you. Try out the cruisers and such IMO...

I commute to and from work every shift on my bike. Through Wellington. So do about 5 others on Hyo's and about 40 other sports bike riders who work at the same place. Does the job fine thanks. No worries, no problems at all

[90s]

I would look in Biker Politics & Law if I were you and not getting a bike for a few months. See "bottom just fell out of the 250 mkt" thread.

Basically sometime this year - probably later - the 250cc limit goes and you could get a decent 400-600cc bike that someone of your size and needs would find a much better commuter than a current 250.

250 prices will come right down too - which won't be good if you buy now, but if you are waiting will pay off.

On the other hand, if you are getting a bike sooner anyway, good luck.

[Lucy]

You could buy my GN......until the law changes and you get a bigger bike.

[CDFloss]

Basically sometime this year - probably later - the 250cc limit goes and you could get a decent 400-600cc bike that someone of your size and needs would find a much better commuter than a current 250.

It depends how long before this new law comes about though - from what I've heard and read, its only a proposal at this stage isn't it? Which would mean lots more government red-tape to plough through first before being set it stone. If so, it'll be a year or more at least. Anyone else have some insider info re this?

I agree that the 250's are rediculously over-priced right now though!

I popped into Wellington Motorcycles today, but they only had bikes from about 8k upwards, which is more than I'm willing to spend.
At the moment I think I'll be looking at something like the Hyo' Comet, or GSX. Anyone here ride a ZZR? There's a 95 model on trademe (auction 146449024) which is in my range, but havent heard/read anything about these bikes yet.

Once again, thanks for all the input!
Dave

[nivram]

You can't go wrong with a Hyo a lot of bike for not that much $$$ I got my Comet new from Motorad great bike had not problems for an extra $1000 or so you can get the Tupperware on the front and get the 250R.

I personally just couldn't justify the extra money for the 250r as I don't plan on keeping my comet for to long but they are nice looking. The hyo comet is great for commuting cheap as to run and service.

Re the cost of gear if you get a bike and gear package your bound to save some money and get a discount as I did, got all my gear for just over a grand. Oh and if you can pay cash that will get you a bit more for your money

[Icemann]

Am getting back into riding after 20+ yrs away. Picked up Yamaha Scorpio today 2007 8000k's for $2000 + a couple of scratches. Riding gear more expensive than bike, but definitely do not want to skimp on helmet. Will do until graduate up to the big boys bikes in one year.

[sweetp]

TSS is great for gear (although Brenda is leaving next week so you might want to get in and see her soon) and they are very helpful. In general the bike stores all carry the same sort of gear and TSS has a great range.

As for the hyo, my flatmate (6' and over 100kg) used it as his learner bike and loved it. Very economical, easy to maintain and are reliable. Has enough power to not make you want more while you are learning. Incidentally he is going to sell his - after 4k for it.....