What bike would you recommend for a newbie?

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tazcsv, Feb 25, 2:56pm
Funny how all the guys i ride with are all self taught on the road and all are still here, must be something in it.
rednsr, Feb 25, 2:57pm
Yutz.

Ive made mistakes and learned from them,
Still i have never been near an off road bike.
Im gunna lay down the Gauntlet here and challenge wrong 2 to a race
splinter67, Feb 25, 2:57pm
Your right(about the bus) but getting the basics of bike control off road might stop you falling off in front of the same bus on the road or dont new riders fall off
wrong2, Feb 25, 2:59pm
that also has nothing to do with the best way to prepare learners for the dangers they face on the road
jmma, Feb 25, 3:01pm
You da man(o:
tazcsv, Feb 25, 3:02pm
Onroad and Offroad cannot be compaired together. You could be a superbike champ but that doesnt mean you can ride a dirtbike well and the opposite.
kazbanz, Feb 25, 3:37pm
what in the name of all thats holey does that have to do with learning to ride!
The point is to seperate the two learning processes. Pure mechanical riding skills and road awareness. The best place to learn the mechanical skills is a place where falling off causes no damage to the person or the bike.
But given that you raise the point -Name a national or international road race champion at random.
,Andrew Stroud maybee -a bit bigger star--. Valentino Rossi or maybee old school -.Kevin shwanz
Or give your own list of names.
Im betting all of em ride trailees in the off season -the three I named ride trail bikes and mountain bikes to stay in condition
tmenz, Feb 25, 4:09pm
I would choose something that is physically lightweight so I can concentrate on developing riding skills that are inherent in the dynamics and inertia of the bike without having to arm-wrestle with sheer weight at low speeds where the stability of the bike is minimal.
gunhand, Feb 25, 4:24pm
I think you would find that anyone in the top ranks would take to MX or GP quite well actaully. Natural talent is, just that.Wether they would win world titles is a different story but they wouldn't be embarressed.Wayne Gardner crossed over to V8 supercars and did ok as have a few others.
And the idea of learning on the dirt or on a dirt bike is so you can become one with the bike before venturing onto the streetsand facing all the other hazzards the road throughs up atyou. Better to consintrating on one situation than many.
To those who have children, did you teach them to ride a pushbike but just throwing them out on the road at be done with it or did you perhaps take them to a tennis court or similer place to learn in relative safety!
And as said dirt bikes tend to be a bit more forgiving when you drop them.
plasticboys, Feb 25, 5:19pm
a boss hoss would be the best learner bike
richynuts, Feb 25, 5:45pm
Get a dual purpose trail bike like a dr250, xlr250, xt250, trailer it down to the local off road track, beach or river bed, take off the mirrors, indicators, etc then go for it! If you can drive a manual car you will have no problem riding a bike,get your confidence up and really learn how to throw the bike around with plenty of fast gear changing, don't be scared to try some jumps andslides etc and make sure you have good riding apparel. Then maybe try riding on the road though go through the proper licensing process first.
kazbanz, Feb 25, 8:47pm
I guess the day had to come where you and I agreed on something
planespotterhvn, Feb 26, 5:31am
Agree. Most dual purpose trailbikes handle better than a GN or a Scooter, great learner bikes and you eill keep up with city traffic on a 100-125 cc fourstroke. 50 cc scooters do not keep up with city traffic flow.
planespotterhvn, Feb 26, 5:33am
Agree.
Learn about counter steering.
rednsr, Feb 26, 6:31am
Valentino Rossi broke his shoulder doing trail riding in the 2009-10 off season.
Lorenzo I think broke his hand or wrist.
So I conclude, that while riding a dirt bike may teach you something about riding, it poses more of a threat to your immediate health than road riding safely or road racing.
With the exception of Marco Simmoncelli
planespotterhvn, Feb 26, 6:39am
Listing 566090751
rednsr, Feb 26, 7:13am
Over priced and old technology. better off getting an SV650
planespotterhvn, Feb 26, 7:42am
Big heavy and tall seat height. Trail bike better.
rednsr, Feb 26, 7:42am
Learn How to Back it in.
sw20, Feb 26, 7:45am
They are narrower than a lot of lower seat bikes. That is why they are popular with women. My flatmate is all of 5'6" and she has no problem having both her feet on the deck when stationary on her SV650.
rednsr, Feb 26, 8:37am
You've got no idea what you are talking about.
You are a typically uninformed NZ Blowhard
rednsr, Feb 26, 8:39am
Also you make it seem as though all learner riders are of short stature.
You are lacking in neurological prowess
brummoi, Feb 26, 7:00pm
well, I did the ACC subsidised training for novice riders today and thought I'd give you all some quick feedback. Overall, the training was excellent and unbeatable value at just $20 for a full day. The training provider was Roadsafe and the instructor, Andrew, fairly hard case.

I've only been riding for 6 weeks or so and know I have everything to learn. There were a few theory and feedback chats but, apart from a brief spell on the motorway (a first for me), most time was spent whizzing around very twisty, hilly roads just outside Wellington. Only towards the end did I have a few scary moments and feel that I was getting out of my depth and / or too tired to concentrate at the level needed for a noob, so backed right off. That said, I was encouraged from the word go to ride my own ride and not to feel pressured to go any faster than I felt comfortable with.

The main areas of instruction were road positioning, cornering techniques, hazard identification, U turns as well as a dummy run through the restricted test which I unsurprisingly failed gloriously.

So, great value, very hands-on and fully practical training. Definitely recommended. Similarly subsidised training is also available for more experienced riders for I think $50. Why wouldn't you!