Looking to buy a motorbike

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Looking to buy a motorbike

Cloudmelon

186 posts

Master Geek

#114360 17-Feb-2013 12:29

Hi guys,

Thought I'd ask on here for some advice.

Live in Dunedin and wanting to purchase first road bike, been looking on Trademe at rather a few bikes. But they are usually in North Island. Anyone know of any cheap/reputable bike transporters?

Also any dealers in Dunedin worth visiting? Generally put off by the mark up dealers add, but thinking it might be a good idea to at least have a look around anyway.

Cheers for any help you can provide.

sleemanj

1485 posts

Uber Geek

#763762 17-Feb-2013 13:56

Unless you get an incredible deal, not worth freighting from the North Island IMHO, the ferry is the killer in that. If you can fly up and ride it back, at least you get to have an adventure while you spend the few hundred dollars to do it.

As for the bike, you'll of course need to buy a LAM compliant bike: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/approved-motorcycles.html#overview

Personally, for general road use for new riders, I'd recommend the VT 250 series from Honda, either the late 80s early 90s VT250 Spada if you can find one, the similarly aged VTZ250, or the VTR250 if you want a newer bike (but not as good IMHO).

The venerable Kawasaki Ninja 250, and the Honda Hornet 250 are not a bad choice either. If you are looking for a more cruiser style, the Yamaha XV250, or go larger with the Suzuki LS650.

You could look at the Hyosung series bikes which are not too bad if you like the look, but I'd steer clear of Lifan or Keeway.

You'll note that I've mostly pointed out 250s here. While there are plenty of larger bikes now LAMs approved, it doesn't mean that they are necessarily good bikes for learning (or even good bikes in general). There is a lot to be said for 250cc bikes especially for NZ's roads.

---
James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...

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gzt

16815 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#763764 17-Feb-2013 13:58

What kind of / style of bike are you looking at?

ajobbins

5052 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#763772 17-Feb-2013 14:21

I got a new Hyosung GT250R in December as my first bike. Love it

Twitter: ajobbins

Cloudmelon

186 posts

Master Geek

#763845 17-Feb-2013 17:51

gzt: What kind of / style of bike are you looking at?

Would probably prefer a sport bike, or something similar.

Unless you get an incredible deal, not worth freighting from the North Island IMHO, the ferry is the killer in that.

Had one quote so far, came to $400 direct to my door.

Quite interested in the 250 Ninja, and the Hyosung GT250R.

Paulthagerous

698 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#763856 17-Feb-2013 19:03

I know a couple of ninja owners. Both love them.

Would definitely recommend the 250 than anything bigger. Much easier to learn on.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29661 posts

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#763862 17-Feb-2013 19:30

wow 250 cc ... it's like a V8 for cars ... be careful (you have been warned!)

rscole86

4946 posts

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#763866 17-Feb-2013 19:37

I have a Hyosung GT250R also, an earlier non fuel injected model. Really enjoy it, and as such still have not upgraded. I personally chose the Hyo over the Ninja for a few reasons, price and size, both physical and appearance, and the feel of the bike underneath me. Mine is a nice bright yellow, best thing you can do, especially while you are learning, is be as visible as possible! (another point for the size over the ninja).

ajobbins

5052 posts

Uber Geek

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#763936 17-Feb-2013 22:31

Yep I love that my GT250R is a full size frame. I'm tall and so the 3/4 size bikes like the Ninja 250 and the Honda CBR250 put me off.

Plus the Hyo is the best looking, and the best sounding.

Twitter: ajobbins

Mark

1653 posts

Uber Geek

#764004 18-Feb-2013 10:12

Go Motard .. more fun than a clown on fire! ;-)

I've a DR-Z400SM myself, great fun bike, nice and high up, really easy to navigate through traffic, looks great and has good performance.

But I would second the Honda Hornets, a friend has a CB250 and looking at it you'd not guess it was a 250cc bike, nice big frame and comfy to commute on .. also got a lot of go in it as well.

Another thing you might want to consider is servicing costs ... single cylinder thumpers (like my DR-Z) are cheap to service .. my DR-Z cost $280 for a full head off adjust everything service, for a twin you can double that, and for a 4 cylinder you can double again. Japanese bikes are also WAAAAYYYYY cheaper to service than the lovely Italian models .. just something to bear in mind.
Also check what the service intervals are for bikes, some of the Aprillias and KTMs have to be serviced every so many HOURS :-(

BlueShift

1692 posts

Uber Geek

#764023 18-Feb-2013 10:46

If you want a reliable mode of transport - go Japanese. If you want a hobby - go Italian or UK. If you have a mid-life crisis - go USA.

(my brother has a Ducati, it was his baby, til he had a baby))

Cloudmelon

186 posts

Master Geek

#764222 18-Feb-2013 15:28

Mark: Go Motard .. more fun than a clown on fire! ;-)

I've a DR-Z400SM myself, great fun bike, nice and high up, really easy to navigate through traffic, looks great and has good performance.

But I would second the Honda Hornets, a friend has a CB250 and looking at it you'd not guess it was a 250cc bike, nice big frame and comfy to commute on .. also got a lot of go in it as well.

Another thing you might want to consider is servicing costs ... single cylinder thumpers (like my DR-Z) are cheap to service .. my DR-Z cost $280 for a full head off adjust everything service, for a twin you can double that, and for a 4 cylinder you can double again. Japanese bikes are also WAAAAYYYYY cheaper to service than the lovely Italian models .. just something to bear in mind.
Also check what the service intervals are for bikes, some of the Aprillias and KTMs have to be serviced every so many HOURS :-(

Had a lot of riding experience with the DRZ's (farming), really like the bikes. But think for road riding they would lack the power/comfort. But have been tempted by a WR450F.