Bikes

[Abo Bob]

I'm just doing my Learners course atm and wondering where's the best place to look for bikes to buy and what kind should I get.

I've been told a Suzuki GS500 would be good but I couldn't find any listings for them in the Trading Post.

I'm thinking about 400-600cc and fairly upright ordinary kind of seating position - not a racer.

Is $3-4000 realistic for something reliable?

ta.

Also I see "new sprockets" in a number of adds. How many k's do sprockets last? Are they expensive?

[VB-]

your limited to 260cc when learning.

sprockets get replaced..... from my crap memory, with about every second set of tires.

budget... not sure, i dont look at bikes much, but i think you could buy something nice for that. try the trading post, and www.bikepoint.com.au

[Tangles]

Dont waste cash on a learners bike; just not worth it.

Get a budget 250cc and learn to ride safely, and have fun doing so. A ZZR250 kawazaki would be my suggestion..........and then upgrade once 'ready' to a nice 600/750/900 or dare I say 1ltr&beyond

or do a little research on what Exactly size displacement you can have for singles, twins and 4cyls - something like a Suzuki SV650 v-twin might be legal and a good bike to boot.

all the best with your new life-journey - its been a VERY fulfilling journey for me

edit: sprockets are cheap. normal wear & tear item, go by the wear on the teeth

Edited August 19, 2006 by Tangles

[VB-]

i didnt actually think to check where u were, theres a 260cc limit in Vic, but i dunno bout NSW

[ctjet]

i'm thinking about going down this path... i've been told Honda are quite reliable bikes, and their 250cc range is quite good... any truth to these rumours?

[Abo Bob]

Honda CBR250. That's what I'm learning on at the Learners place. They are good little things I think.

I am limited to 660cc and 150kw/tonne.

[Birnie]

I checked this out awhile ago for interest sake.

You are limited to 660 (if over 30 i think which is me )

But there's also a specific list of bikes that are allowed too.

You can't pick any 600 CC bike ..eg an R6 is definately off the list.

The list is on the RTA site somewhere.

Shouldn't be too hard to find.

[sloazr33]

I have a CBR250RR, its a fun little thing to ride, sounds good when you hit redline @ 19000rpm

[Abo Bob]

The list for anyone else watching.

Mature age riders NSW - that's me, over 30.

Moto cycle riders handbook pdf

[wilch]

Hmmm, tough decision here. What is your aim after you've got your full licence? Do you want a sports bike at all?

But Abo Bob, my friend, when I think of you I think of this:

Look, even has a basket for your groceries!

[Abo Bob]

Thanks for that Wil. My car goes faster than most bikes so this is just for cruising around on nice days.

[kimbod]

I'm just doing my Learners course atm and wondering where's the best place to look for bikes to buy and what kind should I get.

I've been told a Suzuki GS500 would be good but I couldn't find any listings for them in the Trading Post.

I'm thinking about 400-600cc and fairly upright ordinary kind of seating position - not a racer.

Is $3-4000 realistic for something reliable?

ta.

Also I see "new sprockets" in a number of adds. How many k's do sprockets last? Are they expensive?

Bob. If you are an older guy, use the bikes at the riding course. Pay the hire fee. Don't pay lots for your first bike ,maybe even an old rego'd dirt bike because somewhere along the line you will drop it. After you have an unlimited license ride every bike you can demo up to 600's. Take your time and get something you are comfortable with. Build up your experience and do advanced riding courses and ride days.

Don't worry about sprokets and chains ,use a good quality chain lube and regular cleaning and lubing will help the last. Chains, sprockets etc are consumerables they wear out. Take a bike riding mate along with you to try bikes . Also use good helmets and gloves.I'm and older guy and have a Fireblade which I tour on , do track days, etc. I love Phillip Island and the snowies

Good Luck , and remember you WILL come off or be bumped off by some idiot. You will also become a much better driver as well

[wilch]

Awww, I was just giving you a bit of crap...

Hmmm, I don't know much at all about the cruisers. I know a few of my friends started on Suzuki Across's. But they all moved onto sports bikes (R1's, R6's).

[kralster]

Hey Tangles.

Just rode my cousins brand new GSXR-750 today.

Absolutely brillant.

It makes you remember how pathetic cars are in comparison to a motorbike.

I'm really thinking of getting rid of the r34 and going for another new bike.

Abo Bob, tangles is right don't waste your money on a learners bike. Chances are you'll drop it. And you don't want to spend too much money.

I'm a fan of twins as they don't need to be revved as much so maybe look at a cb250. Or if you want something a little more exciting a Honda Sparda is damn nice. They use the same engine as the VTR250. Only most of them are alot older.

Also when you get your full license don't go for the most expensive bike you can afford. Riding something that is too powerful for you. Will end up making you a worse rider as you will be too scared.

You see lots of wankers that go fast in the straights then slow right down for the corners. And corners are where the fun on a bike.

Have fun, any questions just ask us. And welcome to a new biker.

P.S.

Don't be foolish and say your car is faster then most bikes because you are just embarassing yourself.

A new 600 that can be had for 15,000 and have a 3 year factory warrenty. Will be faster then your line in any corner or drag comp.

Edited August 19, 2006 by kralster

[Tangles]

Nice work ! .... makes me want to go for a ride

Seriously, Abo Bob - take a Suzuki Sv650 for a test drive, Im sure its legal for you, and its a VERY good bike. Ive seen a couple of these bikes (in capable hands) do some amazing things...... very very stable, predictable, good brakes, top engine, decent suspn but a tad-limited there for adjustments.

Meh - cant have it all when on a budget ! have fun working it all out......

ps-read keith code: a twist of the wrist :sorcerer:

[Bl4cK32]

Being a avid rider myself its good to see some good advice. Can i also add a few points :

If you are buying a first bike, it is always good imho to learn on a 250cc bike, as its a tad easier to get a hang on learning how to ride, and understanding the basics. For example,a 250cc is lighter and easier to control if u have to do an emergency brake etc. I used to lock upand swing my rz250rr rear end a few times too many due to my own stupidity of going too fast Fun.

2. No matter what bike u have, ALWAYS get insurance. Same as cars really, but bikes suck for repairs. A fairing piece would be worth 1/2 the bike...no joke

3. Never skimp on poor rubber. It can mean the difference in traction if u hit white paint on the road, and its like ice when wet, especially if your lent over a little.

4. Buy leathers and wear them...for gods sake dont look like those knobs riding in shorts and thongs. Ive had a mate get gravel rash from dropping his. They use a stiff bristle brush at the hospital to get all the ashphalt out of your skin...seriously painful ive heard.

5. Maintenance...gotta keep it goin good.

In SA its learner 250cc resticted on learners and p's. Then p's for 12 months, then open slather on what u want to ride.

[kralster]

SV650's are great.

They look horn (Espically the K3 and new models) They have about 70 hp or so and will do a mid 12 quarter mile.

I just found them to be lacking in the suspension and braking department, but i don't believe you'd be able to tell when you first start riding. Put an exhaust on them and they have a nice V-twin sound.

Also the chassis is a bit to flexible but you'd have to be going rather hard to know that.

[legend01]

Hi Bob

I agree with the sv650 but I don't think that they will be in your pricing range some of the older zzr600 would be a good buy if you could find them for the price though now is the time for looking . Sprockets are not all that expencive chains are, good ones anyway, my sprockets are still the originals and still in new condition after 10,000 klms i beleive regular checking and lubing of the chain prolongs life of both chain and sprockets,you might fint most of the 600 type bikes you try will all feel a bit racey for you being tall .Best of luck finding one they are fun

Cheers Peter

[R33S2]

If you are just using it for a commuter, you dont need anything flash, as said a 600cc will do fine, ive had alot of bikes mostly fast 2 strokes and lost my licence alot, they are just too dam quick, I now ride a yamahaha 650 vstar, I went for a cruiser because they are good and grunty and this one is shaft drive (I got sick of checking/changing chains) but top speed lets me keep my licence and it looks good, there are so many different types/sizes you can spend alot of time just looking and you have to decide what type you want (commuter, race, cruiser etc) and remember that most car drivers cause bike accidents SO BE AWARE and wear leathers, They do scrub the gravel out with a stiff brush and yes it does hurt.

[cowie165]

Re: sprockets

I was under the impression guys changed them to alter the gearing of the bike. You could replace the main sprocket with 1 less teeth and it'd accelerate faster with a commensurate top speed drop.

Adam I had a ZZR250 for a learner bike. Great fun, easy to handle and a very comfortable riding position.

The guys advocating wearing your gear are right on. If it's too hot for leathers it is too hot to ride.