Got a real beauty....pity I can't ride

[gismo]

I brought my helmet for $180... a HJC.
I had to get them to get one in for me as my head is quite small. The helmet is a youth medium.

I find that it cuts out the noise nicely. And i dont get the ear ringing at the end of a ride. I dont wear ear plugs.

I brought my jacket for $230 and my pants were given to me. I wouldnt even think about going out without them.

All i need now is some good gloves.

Happy riding

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=52318 .. Have a read of this thread too. Its got heaps of awesome hints for a newbie biker like yourself.

[n0regret5]

wow. you went right out there and bought the best (wait for skidmark to argue me on this) 4-stroke learner bike available. good!! re: helmet you can pick up a pretty decent one for $150-ish, my first helmet was $120 (8years ago) and lasted (someones gonna get angry with this) through 5 crashes..:-)
i recommend getting a good quality helmet and if you're spending less than $200 don't get your hopes up about it saving your life too much..pick up a nice arai or zeus something, $350 is great for a helmet and you can always pay it off.

now i want an mc22 again.:-(

[pukana,BLAH!]

First of all I want to thank everyone for their replies I'm amazed the thread got to 2 pages so quickly. I have just sold my car and have got roughly a grand to get some gear, I am looking hard at the trademe gear simply due to bang for buck ( I hope I don't start a flaming session ). I think my helmet will be the most expensive purchase.

As for removing the fairings....They are a bit rough, as you'd expect for a 16 year old bike. I have done a bit of car painting myself and have a mate who is a car painter, so I was thinking about painting the bike anyways. I have had some people saying that a custom painted bike will not fetch as much re-sale wise. What are your guys opinions on this?

Also are there any decent bike schools around Forrest Hill area?

[Nagash]

The re-sale bit is true.. people don't like custom painted bikes because the colour you choose to paint, appeals to you! And everyone's different. Someone may pay heaps extra if they particularly like the colour, others will not be interested at all and stick to the stock colour. I wouldn't really say it's worth it for a 250.. especially one you're learning on. when you scratch it, you'll cry.

A grand should get you some good gear, i've sent you a PM on a good selection of High quality cheap gear.

I'll have a quick look around for some bike schools for yah. Is that forest hill in Henderson valley? Cause you'll be right near me.

[pukana,BLAH!]

Thanks a lot Nagesh I appreciate your advice and will be going to check out cycle treads this Saturday. No unfortunately it's Forrest Hill on the shore.

Once again Thank you, your advice is appreciated

[sefer]

Personally I'd say people not liking custom paint has more to do with the stigma of 'they're trying to hide how crappy it looked/how many times it's been dropped' rather than colour (unless you paint it hot pink or something or just make a crap job of it ). If your straight up about why it was painted when it comes to resale I can't see it being an issue for anyone.

In saying that, as pointed out, don't bother for a few months, your bound to do some damage at some point.

[glice]

give this guy a text or call chris 02102357344. not sure if he still runs corses but hes good and in albany. and he supplies a bike.
whats up with everyone saying you WILL drop your bike. yea theres a big chance but not everyone does.

[Ragingrob]

Nope not everyone at all drops their bike. I wouldn't bother taking the side fairings off a 16 year old bike, unless they were in MINT condition, but even then... Just don't drop your bike! It's a very low seated bike with a low centre of gravity, so it's pretty hard to not be able to get your feet down in time or whatever.

[Nagash]

Nope not everyone at all drops their bike. I wouldn't bother taking the side fairings off a 16 year old bike, unless they were in MINT condition, but even then... Just don't drop your bike! It's a very low seated bike with a low centre of gravity, so it's pretty hard to not be able to get your feet down in time or whatever.

I think when people refer to 'dropping' the bike they mean low siding.. instead of just knocking it over on your drive way. If you can stop a bike low siding by putting you're feet on the ground, i'd really like to see that! (Not taking the piss, it's probably possible)

And the chances that a rookie will low side their bike are extremely high i'd say. Ofcourse not 100% guarenteed, but i'd say it's better to be cautious so looking at your first bike as if you *will* drop it, is a good thing. Stops you buying a brand new expensive jobby...

[fizbin]

shop around for your gear motormail (spelling?) is a good place to start gear is reasonable price. re: helmet price doesn't always = comfort my $100 helmet was 100x quieter than my current $500 lid.
also as soon as you get you learners get yourself to the AWNR and lear some shit
Gubb lives on the shore and woudl prob give you a few pointers if you pm him

BTW welcom to the site and hope to see you on the road.

[Ragingrob]

I think when people refer to 'dropping' the bike they mean low siding.. instead of just knocking it over on your drive way. If you can stop a bike low siding by putting you're feet on the ground, i'd really like to see that! (Not taking the piss, it's probably possible)

And the chances that a rookie will low side their bike are extremely high i'd say. Ofcourse not 100% guarenteed, but i'd say it's better to be cautious so looking at your first bike as if you *will* drop it, is a good thing. Stops you buying a brand new expensive jobby...

Ah ok I guess I took it too literally haha. I think putting my foot out to prevent a low side would result in some kinda leg snappage

[pukana,BLAH!]

I'm not planning on dropping the bike but I will be expecting it.

[rphenix]

Take the side fairings off. you are going to drop it. put them back on in 6-8 months

+1 from me

[nodrog:Me]

did all you guys take the doors and shit off your first cars too?

[littlegixxer]

I wish i had the dough to buy an mc22, neway the gsxr-250r will suffice 4 me!

i wouldnt skimp out on the helmet of all things, my nolan is an average helmet and it was $500 i wouldn't spend less than 300 on a helmet, after all it is your brain.

advice for the 250, it will feel pretty fast considering you havnt ridden before, i got a 125 before the gsxr and that was still a big step in terms of performance, taking country corners @ 140 is pretty intense, oh yea just remembered, make sure you have good tyres, i had a shot one on the front wen i got it, %*#! scary!