First Time Bike Owner...

[Beren]

Hey there, Should be joining the bike owners club in the next 6 weeks or so and would appreciate a bit of advice.

I am over in NZ which means that I have to spend probably 12 months on a 250cc max size bike... and to be honest my only experience was mucking about on a little 100cc dirt bike back when I was a kid. So actually the restriction is probably not a bad idea.

I am about 35 miles from work of which 5 miles is always very congested motorway... so I need something that is happy at 70-75mph but that I can also use to learn how to ride properly. Whatever happens if it is a bike that does that comfortably I will probably hang onto it and get a 2nd bike if I want more grunt... so I don't mind laying out a bit of cash.

Any thoughts on bikes I ought to go and have a look at? I am currently leaning towards a 250 Ninja... '09 onwards - seem to be a reasonable mix of speed/comfort with good ability on winding roads (The roads here are the main reason for the bike... truly epic ) as I get a bit more experience.

 

[Beren]

I think it depends how far from auckland you are... the ones round here are pretty good. I havn't really explored too far out yet though.

I get that it is possible (I cannot yet admit that I am going to drop it Obviously!) that I might drop it at some point... Or more obviously that the missus will drop it ;p but I doubt that this is going to be my dream bike. It is the bike I am dreaming about at the moment, but if I get into it I would expect to end up with this as a commuter and something else for fun!

 

[Beren]

Took a little longer than I thought it would... finally got round to passing my learners license and getting the funds arranged - to hopefully buy a bike this weekend...
The top three contenders at the moment are the Honda VTR250, Honda Hornet with a Hyousong as an outisde possibility. - Having looked at a few I like the 'naked' bike look and yeah I admit I might drop it at some point.
If anyone knows any issues outside the ordinary on them that would be awesome. Or if there are any similar ish bikes I ought to look out for?