Author Topic: Re: Good learner bike (Teelas Suprise) The OzSTOC Team Effort! (Read 124033 times)

Streak · « **on:** April 20, 2012, 10:48:54 PM »

Hi All,
Well after our trip, one thing has come our of it, Teela wants to get her license......and well we need a bike to learn on, she has ridden before, but quite some time ago.

I don't have much of a budget $3,000 to buy a little learner for her, I have been looking at the Honda CB400 or the Suzuki GS500 maybe.

Thoughts and options about what I should be hunting around for? Taking not account Teela is not very tall

Interesting though here is a link to Qld learner approved bikes:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/6ac07415-e877-46ca-a81b-d75d1e397f28/lam_scheme_list.pdf

Cheers

Streak

alans1100 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2012, 11:50:54 PM »

If your looking at a GS500 then I'd go Honda CX500.....still going stong. I'm biased......shaft drive ......lol

Whizz · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2012, 08:15:00 AM »

Mate, having had one of my friends do this exact process over the last couple of weeks, I know the questions you are asking. He looked at a VT 400 and loved it. He could have got a VT 250 second-hand for about $3,000 but eventually bought a brand new VT 400 for $10,000 on road. His argument was that if he had bought the cheaper VT 250 he would have had to sell it at the end of the 12 month learning period and buy a bigger, more expensive bike then, so he might as well get the bigger bike now and simply keep it. Also he wants to take his lady friend on the back but can't till the end of the 2 months, so he's simply getting prepared.

Assuming that Teela won't want to stay on a LAMS bike for any longer than necessary I suppose the best advice would be to get the cheapest LAMS machine you can, and spend the next 12 months saving for what she REALLY wants. There are loads of LAMS bikes at dealers, simply because people trade them in after 12 months, but they do seem to move out of the dealers very quickly, so keep trawling the dealers and snap up the first half-way decent machine you find knowing that you won't have it for long anyway.

Cheers
Whizz

Marcus · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:16:59 AM »

Having gone through that only 2 years ago.

I had a Virago 250.

These are the bees knees for learning. Very easy and light to move about.

I think you can pick them up pretty cheap.

Sicman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:19:59 AM »

I learnt on the vt400. It would suit her with low seat height and very comfy. Just shop around till you find one that fits your budget

Skip · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2012, 08:00:42 PM »

All good advise above Streak.
The most important question to ask is, "What does Teela want" in terms of cruiser style or naked, sport etc. Make sure she does some solid test rides and feels comfortable and confident on her initial choice. If not, try a different style. Everyone is different.
A neighbour of mine just bought a cruiser, first bike in over 10 years, and sold it a week later because she didn't feel confident on it in terms of control. She now has a CB 400 and is enjoying it like a pig in mud. She said she feels more confident sitting 'on' it rather than the feel of sitting 'in' a cruiser. An older ZZR is a top little bike as well. The main thing is not to make a rushed decision.

Cheers.
Skip.

Brian · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2012, 08:52:40 PM »

I'm sure you've already spoken with Marissa about her CB400, which I was fortunate to ride over Glorious ( thanks Barry ) it for me,would tick all the boxes.

Streak · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2012, 09:58:41 PM »

Quote from: Skip on April 22, 2012, 08:00:42 PM

All good advise above Streak.
The most important question to ask is, "What does Teela want" in terms of cruiser style or naked, sport etc.

Well after discussion with Teela, and attempting to explain "first bike, less plastic"

She oringally owned 1994 Kawasaki ZZR 250 a few years ago, so she loves her plastic

I would like to find her some thing a little more upright ride position though, I think with her back better riding position is important

IanB · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2012, 11:38:59 AM »

One of those hyosung thingo's.
think they come with a choice of chips.
For the old low power limit they put one in ECU in then, when people had graduated to a higher licence the original 650 chip went in.
For a lower CB400 there is a guy advertising lowering services in Roadrider.
Guy at Browns Plains shooping centre puts platform soles on bike boots.

Marcus · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2012, 12:26:08 PM »

Quote from: Streak on April 22, 2012, 09:58:41 PM

I would like to find her some thing a little more upright ride position though, I think with her back better riding position is important

Go the Virago... It's just simple, and it's so very good

Shaun · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2012, 03:41:03 PM »

I can't compliment the GV250 enough as a great learner bike.

Biggles · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2012, 12:11:23 AM »

You're gonna stay with Honda, aren't you??!!

OzRider · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2012, 01:10:32 PM »

Honda 750/4 yhats what I learnt on

IanB · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2012, 06:58:31 PM »

Why don't you try and sneak another day away from the graft and speed into Springwood in Bris.
Moss St has most of the makes on sale and heaps of s/hand so a quick "fit" check can be done to narrow down the choices.
Remember the choice is now of bikes up to 650 depending on horsepower and don't forget to check out the 400cc and 500cc scooters.
Autobox, handle well and hunt along. And have heaps of "plastic" and space for the girlie bags.

Barry and Marissa · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2012, 09:19:23 AM »

Only advise I'd give is DON'T get a 250 of any kind. You live in Toowoomba, so unless Teela intends to potter around town, any ride you and Teela go on is going to get you out on a highway or on a 100kph back road to somewhere.

Brendan had the ZZ-R250 and found that on the highway they are hard work like all 250's are. If your idea of fun is doing 7,500 rpm at a 100kph then go for a 250. But if not, do NOT consider any bike under 400cc. Brendan sold his ZZR this week and Laurie is checking out a Hyosung GSV650 cruiser for him that's for sale in Lismore literally as I type this message.

Marissa's CB400 Super four is IMHO about as good as a learners bike can get. It feels solid on the road without being heavy. It handles exceptionally well and is simple to ride. It goes like stink when you really get it angry. But Marissa's bike cost $6,500 so it's unlikely you'll find one for the budget you have to work with. The GS 500 would be a good alternative in my opinion, but as Beatup has suggested, hit Moss Street for a morning and sit on all of them.

Marissa and I were there on Saturday with Brendan. Marissa fell in love with a new Yamaha FZ6R, but has opted to hang onto the CB400 SF until she gets her open license so that she can then consider an unrestricted version of the same bike.

Don't get a 250. You WILL regret it shortly afterwards.

Marcus · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2012, 09:30:13 AM »

Quote from: Barry and Marissa on April 30, 2012, 09:19:23 AM

Don't get a 250. You WILL regret it shortly afterwards.

True that...I was constantly looking for an extra gear... The Virago sat beautifully on the road cruising at 80KPH, though...

Streak · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2012, 05:26:16 PM »

Quote from: Streak on April 20, 2012, 10:48:54 PM

Hi All,
Well after our trip, one thing has come our of it, Teela wants to get her license......and well we need a bike to learn on, she has ridden before, but quite some time ago.

I don't have much of a budget $3,000 to buy a little learner for her, I have been looking at the Honda CB400 or the Suzuki GS500 maybe.

Thoughts and options about what I should be hunting around for? Taking not account Teela is not very tall

Interesting though here is a link to Qld learner approved bikes:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/6ac07415-e877-46ca-a81b-d75d1e397f28/lam_scheme_list.pdf

Cheers

Streak

Just resurrecting this conversation for some more thoughts on what I can put to Teela, she is adamant that she does not want anything without plastic, she originally owned a 250 ninja, so any suggestions what we can look at for a cheap learner bike that is a little more sporty? I want something a little bigger than a 250 though

Bikebear · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20, 2012, 06:55:52 PM »

The CB400 and the GS500 are both great bikes for a learner. They handle well and are very easy to ride as well as being bloody reliable.
There are also learner versions of a number of 650cc bikes on the market that are great for starters. The Hyosung GT650 has been around for a while and I wouldn't be surprised if there are a number of secondhand ones around for a good price on Bikesales. They're basically a copy of the SV650. I reckon you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a great bike that will suit Teela and your budget.

ST2UP · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2012, 09:45:54 PM »

Streak, a mate down here is about to sell a 2007 Black GPX 250 for $4,000 with 185 k's on it SERIOUSLY.....
Stayed in his shed covered and registered and has never been outside the 60 k zone of town.....so if you can stretch to $4,000 ????

Chris

Sabie · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2012, 11:06:58 PM »

We bought a Yamaha Virago 250 for my wife to learn on. She's not very tall as well. This was the perfect bike for her to learn on. Has the gear ratio to be able to do highway work, 100k's no problem.

It's about giving the learner confidence. if you go to big too soon you can create problems for the learner. The Virago sold to another learner.
Pauline now has a Yamaha Vstar 650 and a Suzuki Boulevard C50T (800)

That would be my recommendation.

Streak · « **Reply #20 on:** October 21, 2012, 12:19:10 PM »

Thanks for the thoughts so far, i have raised the subject again and after some time on bike sales we have identifed the kind of bike she is keen on......

Suzuki GSX 250

Honda CBR600

Kawasaki ZZ-R600

she is really keen on the fully faired sporty style, all the above where on bike sales for under 3k, reliability is what i am looking for, i have succeeded in creating the understanding that this bike may get a few scratches and dings along the way, so we need to be a little practical.

thoughts?

Biggles · « **Reply #21 on:** October 21, 2012, 12:22:42 PM »

Honda, obviously!! But is their 600cc LAMS?
In reality, a 250cc has all the grunt a learner needs, and is very light to handle.
If she intends keeping the same bike after the L & P plates, then the LAMS 600 would be the go, as the 250s run out of steam in the hills and are frustrating when riding with bigger bikes.

Skip · « **Reply #22 on:** October 21, 2012, 12:52:29 PM »

Quote from: Sabie on October 20, 2012, 11:06:58 PM

We bought a Yamaha Virago 250 for my wife to learn on. She's not very tall as well. This was the perfect bike for her to learn on. Has the gear ratio to be able to do highway work, 100k's no problem.

It's about giving the learner confidence. if you go to big too soon you can create problems for the learner. The Virago sold to another learner.
Pauline now has a Yamaha Vstar 650 and a Suzuki Boulevard C50T (800)

That would be my recommendation.

I agree with Sabie here. A 650 LAMS will save changing bikes later on, but the size and weight can be intimidating for a learner at first. Most important thing is for Teela to test, test and test again. Take your time choosing. She has to be the one to feel confident on the bike. We will all have our thoughts but ultimately Teela has to be the one to choose. I believe the 650 Hyosung is actually the same frame as the 250 so size may be an advantage, that is unless the 250 is larger than average. I'm not sure.
All the best with whatever you decide on Teela.
Cheers.
Skip.

Bikebear · « **Reply #23 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:25:05 PM »

This has a real 'cool factor' and looks sweet to boot.. maybe a little more than you wanted to pay.. Get rid of the pillion pad and rear pegs to single seat it and save a load of bucks on rego. It's a V4 too.. you gotta love that..

http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/details/honda-vfr400-1993-12971402?__sid=13A752A8DF48&SearchAction=N&__No=15&__Qpb=1&__Nne=15&__Ns=p_IsPoa_Int32|0||p_RankSort_Int32|1||p_HasPhotos_Int32|1||p_Make_String|0||p_Model_String|0||p_YearMade_Int32|1||p_PriceSort_Decimal|1||p_PhotoCount_Int32|1&__N=1432%20604%201430%201429%201626%201428%201486%204294967259%2079

STeveo · « **Reply #24 on:** October 21, 2012, 05:58:57 PM »

My suggestion would be to look for a bike with more low and midrange grunt, not a four cylinder 250 that only gets going from 9,000rpm. Those types are very tiring to ride and need lots of concentration to keep them reving. It all looks pretty, but hard to do. There are some good bikes in the 400-450cc range that are no bigger (or heavier) than a 250, but are easier to wobble along with until the rider gets more confidance, with smooth power delivery and forgiving handling. Make it easy and the new rider will like it, too hard and it will stay in the shed.

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Author Topic: Re: Good learner bike (Teelas Suprise) The OzSTOC Team Effort! (Read 124033 times)