Buying a first bike, looking at Suzukis.

[sarujin]

Hello,

Well from the title, I'm looking at buying a first bike for myself. I've been reading the recent topics here on sportbikes, which is the style i want to get. But you americains talk about bikes alittle out of my league.

Well I'm a kiwi, and I don't have my licence yet, but when I do I'll be stuck on a learners for 6month, and a restricted for 18 months. The problem with this is we have an engine size limit. The max size I can get is 250cc.

So I've been recently looking at a few bikes, just japanese as thats all in my price range. Its down to three companies, Honda (expensive), Yamaha (not sure), and Suzuki (looks good).

So i was wondering if any of you people know anything about the Suzuki Fxr-150, have any of you rode it? or can you suggest any other bikes in the under250cc range, that are right on the cheap side of the scale.

The only problem i've got is, i'll have to buy the bike before i can get my licence. Because I need to be able to ride a bike to get my licence. A nice Catch22.

Oh and I'rd be using the bike for commuting too and from University. Since its going to be about 10km or more of solid stopped rush hour traffic, i've decided a bike is the fastest way to go.

Thanks for any Help.
Sarujin

[speediva]

Hi there, and welcome to your new addiction!

Don't forget about Kawasaki, unless they are priced very high like the Hondas... I like your licensing system over there. Granted, it may not work as well as planned, but at least it's not letting unholy 16 y/o terror on the road with liter-sized bikes.

I'll have to do some research into what options are available to you Kiwis under 250cc. Would the availability of bikes in Oz be indicative of the availability in NZ???

[sarujin]

Yeah Aussie should be pretty similar for bikes. More so then the cars between the two countries, as we don't really get bikes as Japanese imports.

If anything new bikes would probably be a bit cheaper in Aussie, just like new cars are over there. But 2nd hand bikes might be more expensive then over her in NZ.

Oh one other question, how much has it costed you motorcyclists to kit up with all the gear you need? also what have you got in the way of gear?

sarujin

[Kennedy200]

Every once in a while, there is a British bike magazine that shows up on our news stands. It is called Which Bike? It has a picture and a brief description for about every different scooter and motorcycle sold in the UK.

Here in America, new street bikes with 2 stroke motors are very rare. And bikes with motors smaller than 500cc arent very common. Since we dont have restricted liscenses, small motor bikes arent big sellers.

If you want, you could go to the forums on www.gixxer.com and ask. There are quite a few European guys on the board that could help you out. (Just to warn you, gixxer.com can be a fast moving board. If you post a topic, there is a chance that it may get pushed to another page in an hour or two. You will have to check your posts frequently.)

As far as gear....
I alwys wear a full face helmet. My current helemt is an Arai RX7-RR4. It is a top of the line helmet. I didnt want to compromise on the safety of my head. I had no problems spending $600 (US) on it.
I wear a Joe Rocket leather jacket. It has padding in the shoulders, back, and forearms. I want a quality jacket for when I crash. Stay away from Technic jackets. They tend to rip apart when you crash. They offer very little protection.
Foot and ankle protection is important too. You need to wear shoes / boots that go over your ankle.
Also, wear heavy denim pants. They arent the best, but they are beter than nothing.

[speediva]

Also look to Shoei for helmets. Arai tends to run a little wide as Shoei tends to be more slender, but longer. Both companies are VERY reputable.

Don't forget to wear motorcycle gloves, as well. They'll be cut to curve naturally over the hand grips and throttle, and thus much more comfortable. Make sure they have some sort of padding/protection, and it's also advisable to get something that has Kevlar threadding so they don't tear apart on impact.

You can also ask a question over on SBW.com when they finish upgrading on the 27th. SBW has all sorts of riders on all sorts of bikes, and newbies are ALWAYS welcome.

[Km-t]

It's not as bad as you think to get your licence. I don't know where exactly you are in NZ but I'm from Otago. Look up the yellow pages for driving schools or go to AA. The AA usually has schools or private instructor contact details for motorcycle instructor. Many of these instructors and school provide the motorcycle for your handling test which I guessing by now you know that you have to have that before you can sit your learner theory test. Cost me $35 for my handling test. Then once you have your licence, only then can you purchase a bike from a dealership. If you can't get you licence yet the only way to get a bike is to buy privately. Also if you want to get to your full sooner, spend the money on a defensive driving course. It's cuts the 18 months down to 12 and may well be worth it.

As for the FXR 150, I have had mine for two months now and its great. Nice and economical, especially with fuel prices still going up. Looks-wise its a pretty neat naked bike. If you haven't already have a look on trade-me for pics and get an idea for price ranges. My only caution would be that if you live in a town/city where it gets icey alot over winter, is now really a good time to by it. Mine has had to sit in the garage for a few mornings already as there is no way i would take it out in those conditions ( nor would many experienced riders - even if you can control your bike its the cars around you that you have to worry about. Most of them follow way too close and may hit you.) All that said I'm finding my FXR great for learning on, good enough that I wish I could sit my restricted now (it's my first bike for while I'm on learners), I am that confident now on it. It's nice and light so that if you do have the misfortune of dropping it, for any reason, it is nice and easy to get up. Make sure you can find someone to show you the best way to pick up your bike. Even if you manage to not to ever drop a bike in your life (not likely - ask anyone) it is a skill well worth know just in case. Even if it is to help someone else.

Basic specs for FXR 150 (eg 2001 model)
single cylinder, 4-stroke oil-cooled DOHC, electric and kickstart.
Also has digital speedo large print, backlit and includes gear display.
2nd hand mostly sell under $3000.

Hope this all helps. It was a bit to wade through (almost a novel)

Good luck.

[aussieidiot]

not sure if you guys have these but check out
Honda CBR250R or CBR250RR
Yamaha FZR250rr
Kawasaki ZX2R

all the best sub 250 learner legals over here