Motors Motorcycle Mayhem

Yup I doubt you'd have any problems with it, my 850 weighs 250KG to my 90KG, it's not a big deal unless you drop it. I was able to pick up my bike after I dropped it but it wasn't easy. As for the power of it, as long as you're sensible and allow yourself to get used to it slowly I doubt it would be a problem, I've only had mine for three months and I'm already pining for something bigger

Moriquendi

 

Yep. I'm a bit overcautious, so I doubt I'd have problem with power

Great, now to go to the DMV and see what's what. I hear the LA DMV is a giant clusterfrak.

EDIT: wait, I'm going to be starting on this. Either the 2008 (if I can get it under $3000) or the older one if not. Bad idea?

 

My advice, buy a BMW, but then I'm biased.

Moriquendi

 

which? I woulda thunk the beemers weren't exactly starter bikes. I wanted something faired because I'm shallow that way.

 

Blow off the fairing and get some goggles?

jph

 

Awwww. Fine.
Any suggestions in particular, with regard to weight/power/displacement?

 

bmw is a nice bike, but if ur after a naked bike take a look at the aprilia dorsoduro, aprillia sxv550 or ktm lc4

 

Bit big aren't they?
I was looking at 150-250cc to begin with, although all my friends who have bikes say that anything below 250 is a lawnmower.

 

The Ninja was the bike I was looking at, 250cc is a great displacement for a beginner (Especially in NZ where that is the limit)
Personally if you are still learning and haven't had that much experience, get a second hand bike to gain your confidence and ability before spending large amounts on a really nice bike.
As for power, just give it a test ride, if it feels like just the right amount, go for a slightly higher powered one, if you find it hard to control, it is too powerful for you at this time (I doubt I could control a 1000 cc bike easily right now)
As for weight, go for whatever you feel comfortable with. Remember you will have to push it sometimes so you need to be able to do that on an incline. I would say no more than 200Kg although I am no expert.
So if your looking for a new bike in the 250cc range, the Ninja is about the best for price for that style of bike.

EDIT:

250cc is perfectly fine I can easily get up to 140kmph in a few seconds, so they have plenty of speed and acceleration, they use less fuel and are great around town bikes. If you have a long commute then you should really look at getting something a bit bigger for a more comfortable ride.

 

Right. Thanks for the help r4tch3t

 

Mine is my first bike, it's not what you ride but how you ride it. I started on a 125 and then a 500 with the school. The 500 was much easier to ride than the 125 and my 850 is not really that different fro the 500. However if you're after a crotch rocket type of bike then a BMW isn't for you. They are also a bit different from the Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/Yamaha bikes in the way the controls are set up and particularly in the style of clutch use required.

Moriquendi

 

I think I'll just go with the flow. See what they have at the school, see what I'm comfy with and then make a decision.
Thanks all

 

Good God, this thread's moved on a bit since I last posted.

Congrats on the bike RTT, I do love KTMs. You should look into buying a cheap wreck of a car/bike in north devon just for the number plate, the old style local extension around here is 'TT', I've seen a fair few number plates around that end in RTT

I may have found a buyer for my 125, and one of the instructors I know has a beautiful Hornet 400 (grey import) for sale at a good price, so I'm getting closer to finally having a big bike

Although I will be genuinely saddened to see my GN125 go, I love that bike, know it inside out

@stonedsurd: If you're looking for a bike to do your test on, I'd wouldn't recommend a Ninja or any supersports style bike, things like U-turns are bloody difficult on them. Otherwise the new ninja 250's are great bikes, and at 33hp it seems manufacturers are finally starting to cater to the UK restricted market

 

Far from it I'd say! The BMWs I rode were relaxed, friendly and an absolute pleasure to ride - and this is coming from a novice. They are seriously nice bikes, demo one (or three) and they can suit anyone from a novice to a rider of many years experience!

Fixed

The LC4s are lovely. The Dorsoduro has a great motor, having ridden the same engine in its sister bike, the Shiver

Don't listen to your mates, get whatever you want A 250 will still be surprisingly quick!

I have my own private plate to go on it Three letters and a number, although the letters aren't 'RTT'. It will make the arse end of the bike well tidy, as the plate will be nice and small

edit: LOL @ "rtt's death trap" in the thread tags!

 

I never said who's death you'll be causing

As if going to the superbikes wasn't bad enough in causing a surge of motorbike desire, now I'll have you arriving at work on a bike to rub in the fact I need one, too.

 

Forgot to reply to this bit! If the Hornet 400 has an engine anything like the CB-1 400 I learnt on (also a grey import, in fact, is it the same thing?), it's a whole load of fun Makes good power and likes to be revved! Pulls well from 7k onwards and screams at 10k+

Spoiler

what?! the instructors told us to give it some welly!!

Doooo iiitttt

 

Is my exhaust too loud?

6mb .wmv

http://www.eagleworks.co.uk/images/MVI_0447.wmv






oh and a pic of the bike

 

I don't care if it's got a **** gearbox and clutch, I think the Buell XB12Scg is one of the best looking bikes.

 

WANT!

 

Guy lays down to text on motorcycle

Must see if you haven't already.

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=154313