Im planning on buying my first motorbike in the next few weeks.I was going to pick one up second hand, and have seen a few that I liked, but Im not sure what to look for when I go view them. I dont have anyone local who can help me so any advice would be appreciated
neo_psy,
May 16, 10:44am
If you actually know nothing about what to look for, find a bike you like and actually pay for someone to have a look at it. Bike shop/mechanic etc is your best bet. The Yamaha Scorpio is highly rated as a learner bike - as long as it's not running the factory tyres. What's your budget! And what sort of bikes do you like!
rtawhoa,
May 16, 10:52am
Budget is about $1500-$2000 and I was looking at a GN250 mainly because they tend to be in the price range.I did look at the scorpio's but they are usually out of my budget.
countrypete,
May 16, 10:56am
You really can't beat a GN250.They are mechanically bullet-proof and hold their resale value well.Later ones made in China can get corrosion on the chrome parts if they are not cared for, but if you look after them (ie clean occasionally and crc the chrome), they offer great value for money.They are easy to ride, light and economical to boot!
stevo2,
May 16, 10:57am
GN250--- Very reliable bike that will go forever. you cant get much more basic or reliable. dont expect to win traffic light drags though. Cheers Stevo
neo_psy,
May 16, 11:00am
Look at pre-2000 GNs - made in Japan.
Get the spoked wheels, not the alloys wheels. Alloy wheeled ones are Chinese and not good quality.
rtawhoa,
May 16, 11:01am
Thats what I had heard too.Does age and high kms matter!There are 2 bikes with similar high kms but one is 2006 vs 1998!
rtawhoa,
May 16, 11:04am
Ok thanks that cleared up my kms question.Does height matter much with the GN's!One guy I spoke to said that it would be to low for my husband to ride comfortably.(It is primarily going to be my bike but he'd probably use it occasionaly too)
chris_051,
May 16, 11:04am
try and pick up a GSX250 for that price or even a ZZR. A GN250 is only good to learn to ride down to the shops and back. They strggle to do 100kmh, you won't get any feel for how a proper bike corners or brakes. As soon as you are comfotable in riding you'll wish you never bought the piece of shit GN.
johnf_456,
May 16, 11:06am
Second gn250 for a first bike
neo_psy,
May 16, 11:08am
Easiest way is to get your husband to sit on it it too. Height is misleading, as seat shape is often a factor.
I agree with Chris_051 too - the ZZR/GSX are much better intermediate bikes. And the GPX Kawasaki too.
rtawhoa,
May 16, 11:14am
Thanks for the alternatives.When I went into a bike store the salesman said that racing shaped bikes would be too hard for me to learn on.Ive been riding a scooter for the last 3 years and spent 2 years overseas riding a 125 (cruiser and step through), so Its not like Im starting from scratch!
The CB250 looks good.
chris_051,
May 16, 11:22am
You'll be fine on the sportier bikes then. DONT waste your time on a GN, you will regret it. Your old scooter will give it a run for its money most porbably in all areas handling, braking, engine performance. My first bike was a CBR250 which is as sporty as they come. That salesman is full of shit. Your budget limits what you can buy but shop around for a bargain.
countrypete,
May 16, 11:50am
I guess if the GN250 was a p.o.s. then it would not be the most popular learner's bike on the road.I bought one new for my daughter, and it easily sits on 100km/h.As a first bike, you can't beat it, and WON'T regret it - and the OP said it was a "first bike".However, if you have some experience and want a sportier bike, there are alternatives.But each option has its pluses and minuses - a CBR250 or similar are more expensive to maintain, fall out of tune more often, and use more fuel, but are faster and sportier.Horses for courses.
berg,
May 16, 12:10pm
Another thought is the Hyosung 250 Comet. Nice upright seating and OK power from a relatively reliable V twin. I borrowed a Hyobag GT250R when I did my restricted licence and it went ok. They turn up often at good prices. Mrs Berg used a GN250 to do her licence on and it was solid reliable but a bit down on power. A Cycleworks pipe and a carb kit improves things though.
miz_kati,
May 16, 12:38pm
keep in mind the "long term bike". if you're going to upgrade then dont spend everything on the first bike.
chris_051,
May 16, 1:00pm
Also keep in mind that 250s keep their value, if it is in the same condition as you bought it with reasonable kays, there is a possibility you will sell it for the same price or even more.
chris_051,
May 16, 1:03pm
Consider the OP has been riding a scooter and a 125 for 3 years, the GN will be a waste of time. As I said it is good for learning to ride around town, especially for someone who is learning from scratch, if wanting to get into proper riding look elsewhere, something that has a bit of power with decent brakes and suspension will be a far better and more enjoyable option, and will be a much better stepping stone to a bigger bike.
fordfan62,
Mar 13, 6:14pm
Want to allow that much($1000-1500) for gear as well,boots,gloves,lid,jacket,p- ants,most although can be scored from mates,trade me,but helmet,unless new and wrong fit for mate,but a new lid which fits.Having said that my $1000(at time)Shoei was bought 2nd hand in new condition,as didn't fit well,he bought another brand for more lol.
Also grab an off road maybe,then can play on beach,forest and add to skills,then can trade,sell or keep when full licence is got.Mate bought a new Hyosung 250GTplus gear new,cost him $8750 approx,after getting full licence the bike value is bugger all as trade 3-4yrs later and less than 20000km.
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