New to bike riding in AUS

Hi all,

I have driven bikes (150 cc) for @ 10 years but not in AUS. In AUS I need to
start with 250cc as per law and hence my choice is narrowed down to 250cc.

I like bikes and wanted one for hobby/weekend drive. Most likely, I will be
keeping the bike for few years and won't be selling it once I get full
licence. Thus, I am looking for second hand, low cost, reliable bike.

Probably, I won't be even going for long drive, only want it for riding
little bit in weekends.

Please suggest what should I go for.

Thanks in advance.

Guju

 

<SNIP>

If you are in NSW you are not limited to 250. The restrictions in NSW
are around poer to weight ratio. The RTA website has a list of what is a
LAMS (learner Legal) bike.

Personally I would look for a 2nd hand 535 Virago Cruiser.

That is the first of a number of peoples subjective opinions on what
bike to get - I think you may be better off looking around until you
find what YOU like - then ask opinions on it's mechanical
strengths/weaknesses.

 

There's your problem.
In Australia we RIDE our bikes.
Depending on which State you are going to be in that statement is not
necessarily correct.
In New South Wales there is no 250cc limit per se.
It's more power to weight which means larger bore bikes can be used as
learner bikes under the L.A.M.S scheme.
The gs500 is one as is the el500 and a few others that fit the
guidelines under lams.
I'm sure a sydneyite will supply you with the correct website.

If you are stuck with 250cc state then a spada/honda vtr or a gpx/zzr250
seem the popular choices.

So long as you don't "drive" it you'll be fine.

 

Whereabouts in Oz will you be living and how old are you? You may
find you have more options than simply "250cc or under". Do you have
a motorcycle or car license in your country?

Anyway, my recommendations for 250's are VTR250, GPX250, ZZR250,
Across.

 

You don't have to ride a 250.

Since you posted from a sydney based news server, I'm going to assume
you are in New South Wales, and point you to

http://evilurl.com/lickSPURTMUFF

for a list of motorcycles in NSW which are approved for novice riders
{this will re-direct you to the correct location}.

This list gives you all motorcycles which are approved for novice riders
to learn on - and you will note it includes ALL motorcycles under 250CC
with a couple of exceptions.

So, if you can find a 150cc bike you're happy to pass your licence
requirements.

Check out the web site www.rta.nsw.gov.au for more information about
obtaining a motorcycle licence in New South Wales.

DaZZa

 

Dear Stan Gifford, Smeer115, James Rolfe, DaZZa,

I thank you all for your input.

I am in Sydney and am weighing 100 kg. I am 30 Yrs old. I will look at RTA
site and other sites suggested and do some research.

Should I buy bike through Dealer or Private? If dealer, can you suggest some
around Parramatta area in Sydney.

Thanks,

 

....and, equally valid comment is that a bike doesn't have to be 250cc.

Not a bad suggestion if a cruiser type bike is what turns on Guju.

A very sensible comment indeed.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Guju is of the opinion:

If you've got any form of mechanical clue with bikes (or can drag someone
along who is) then go private if possible. Dealers will take one look at
you with your large wads of cash, bend you over the bike of your dreams, and
proceed to ram something large and pointy up your fundament. The *only*
thing they're good for is for someone to scream at when your new bike dies a
week after you get it, but they'll still laugh at you as they roll around in
the cash they liberated from you.

Sorry, got a little carried away there.

Basically, it's going to be significantly cheaper going private, but dealers
usually (always?) give a few months warranty on what they sell, and
occasionally have bikes that you can't find privately if you're after a
particular model.

Pick something fairly popular, like a GPX, ZZR, or equivalent, and pick from
one of the half million or so in the trading post each week. There's lots
not because they're crap, but because they're like arseholes -- everyone's
got one. Some people like BT Humble are freaks, and have several (bikes,
not arseholes). You can also look to the larger bore bikes since you're in
NSW, but there's not so many in the older second-hand market.

- Matt

 

Dealers offer the benefit of having multiple bikes to choose from in the one
location. You can choose between the half a millions or so each week in the
trading post, but you have to travel to see each one. They might also offer a
warranty, and discounts on other stuff.

Nev..
'03 ZX12R

 

He's smeered smee!

 

So he has!

Postman Pap

 

I feel like my name has been smee'd

 

If you know what you are doing mechanically, and know what to look out
for in a used bike, then go private.

You'll generally save money, however that saving will be at a higher
risk, as you don't have anything in terms of warrenty or guarantee on
the bike.

If you have a little more money to spend, look at a dealer - there are
several in Parramatta & nearby suburbs.

You can also look at online advertisements - check out

http://www.bikepoint.com.au

&

http://www.bikesales.com.au

for ideas.

DaZZa