Suggest a bike for Mrs Oakie

[Dodgyiti]

The 750 Breva is a great small block with comfort, good brakes and pep, and has a wicked tank range. Proven engine, will go forever if you treat it right.

[laRIKin]

Here is the bike that SDU was talking about.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...29&key=1119461

I can not comment as I have not ridden one yet.
But I have not heard of any bad reviews about them.
If you want us to we can pop around and take some photos and do a test ride for you.

[Oakie]

This is the bit I remembered from that report I mentioned:
"the ride is pretty good as long as the road surface is reasonably smooth, but if the going gets a bit bumpy and/or you up the pace, then the weaknesses of the budget non-adjustable suspension are exposed. The front is far too soft and under-damped while the rear is the exact opposite. Small bumps will really jar the backside without warning as the front wheel has ridden over them without a murmur. Not a real problem, as the well-padded saddle will soak up a lot of the impact. However if you catch a bump mid-corner with the bike well leant over, then the front gets real shakey and on one occasion almost tore the bars out of my hands."
The link to the full report is here: http://www.motorbikestoday.com/revie...a_750_2004.htm

[James Deuce]

I could write a massively negative report for every bike I've ridden too.

[Oakie]

I could write a massively negative report for every bike I've ridden too.

Having done nothing more than look at the bike I couldn't even begin to say if the report is fair or not. Nice looking bike though. No doubt about that.

[doc]

Ahhh! Did you notice he said about $5k? Heck, I'd happily offer you $5k for the Sporty..!

Take it quick Scumdog. Someone on KB'r will be able to offer you advice on the "Futures market" then you can thank me.

[FREE2B]

Thanx for the interesting feed back. Will have to take one for a spin I think. The suspension is the main thing I dont like bout my bike at the moment (out grown it I think) although its been a great starter, so want to get the next one right.

[Oakie]

We had a 'sitting on bikes' session on Saturday morning and the Eliminator and Virago (250s) were the only bikes that Mrs Oakie found to be really a good fit for her. (The Eliminator is the parallel twin version, not the current V twin)

I'd really appreciate comments from anyone who happens to have ridden both on how they compare. I think I'm leaning toward the Virago as there seems to be a lot around and I haven't actually heard anything bad about them...but it's not my choice to make.

Virago riders ... the reports I've read indicate Viragos are safe and easy to ride, can handle the open road speeds pretty well and they're reasonable on gas. Anyone disagree or want to add anything good or bad?
Anyone out there with an Eliminator can also feel free to contribute about that model.
Cheers!

[magicfairy]

We had a 'sitting on bikes' session on Saturday morning and the Eliminator and Virago (250s) were the only bikes that Mrs Oakie found to be really a good fit for her.

She would fit the Suzuki LS650.

[Oakie]

She would fit the Suzuki LS650.

We actually passed throught the local Suzuki dealer and she spotted one of those. Thought it looked 'cute' and sat on it but got off pretty fast when I told her it was a 650. Her confidence isn't up there enough for a 650 ... yet.

[slowpoke]

Seeing as how she's supposed to be in the kitchen have you thought about something from the Breville or Tiffany range? A kitchen chair has quite a low seat height and provided maintenance is up to scratch then suspension performance is usually of quite a high standard.
Some of those new fandangled microwaves have got plenty of grunt however nothing beats the fun factor of motorised rotary appliances.
Long trips to the rubbish bin and back can be tackled in relative comfort if the optional (at extra cost) baggage handling accessory is fitted. Fuel consumption is also optimal as fuel and refreshments can be supplied in situ........

[crashe]

We had a 'sitting on bikes' session on Saturday morning and the Eliminator and Virago (250s) were the only bikes that Mrs Oakie found to be really a good fit for her. (The Eliminator is the parallel twin version, not the current V twin)

I'd really appreciate comments from anyone who happens to have ridden both on how they compare. I think I'm leaning toward the Virago as there seems to be a lot around and I haven't actually heard anything bad about them...but it's not my choice to make.

Virago riders ... the reports I've read indicate Viragos are safe and easy to ride, can handle the open road speeds pretty well and they're reasonable on gas. Anyone disagree or want to add anything good or bad?
Anyone out there with an Eliminator can also feel free to contribute about that model.
Cheers!

Ask me any question you want to know about the VIRAGO

I own one and have done so for the past 7 years.
Just taken my baby around the clock..... so she is now a new baby with 00400kms on her...

Yep they are great to commute around the city on and also great out on the country roads.

They are very easy to handle...
Just maintain them and they will last you a very long time.
A very comfy seat and a ideal learner bike to learn on.
Tyres: If you get the right sort of tyres on them they will last you a long time.
Last set lasted me: Rear 37,000kms Front 43,000kms
Chain: lube it every 500kms and full clean and lube 3,000kms
Fuel: 9.5 litre tank - I do around 200kms before hitting reserve. Sometimes 220kms depending on where I have traveled.

I travelled around 1600kms in Dec from Ak to Lower Hutt back up via Rimataka's to Hastings to Taupo to Ak to Whangarparoa and back to Ak - cost approx $84 all up.

Parts are easy to get for the 250 - Mt Wellington, Aussie or Japan.
Most are in Mt Wellington or Aussie.



PS: The eliminator - chat to yungatart as she owns one.
She can tell you all about that bike



PSS: I have a full pic of my bike on my profile now. The only known black and white on in Auckland. There is one also a Black and white in Tauranga too.

[magicfairy]

We actually passed throught the local Suzuki dealer and she spotted one of those. Thought it looked 'cute' and sat on it but got off pretty fast when I told her it was a 650. Her confidence isn't up there enough for a 650 ... yet.

Don't be put off by that - it may be a 650, but it is NOT powerful. I found mine as smooth and easy to ride as the GN 250 I used on the training course. Probably cos it is a single.
Nothing like the power of a 650 twin / sports bike.
In the US where beginners can ride anything, lots of women for it cos it is so light and low powered, and often grow out of it in a few months.

That little bit of extra power over a 250 can really help when on the open road and getting out of trouble. Maybe take one for a ride yourself and you will see what I mean. But of course only if she likes it. It is really low to the ground which makes it EASY to manage.

[Oakie]

Seeing as how she's supposed to be in the kitchen have you thought about something from the Breville or Tiffany range? A kitchen chair has quite a low seat height and provided maintenance is up to scratch then suspension performance is usually of quite a high standard.
Some of those new fandangled microwaves have got plenty of grunt however nothing beats the fun factor of motorised rotary appliances.
Long trips to the rubbish bin and back can be tackled in relative comfort if the optional (at extra cost) baggage handling accessory is fitted. Fuel consumption is also optimal as fuel and refreshments can be supplied in situ........

Oh dear. Just wait until Mrs Oakie sees this....

EDIT: OK, she's seen it...she laughed a lot and then mentioned something about you having to extract said 'motorised rotary appliance' from your arse should you ever come within 50km of Christchurch.

[Oakie]

Thanks for all that info Crashe. Really helpful.