Bikes for beginners

[Wrench]

Just got me RE license and now im hunting for a decent fun bike to learn shit on.
what are some of the bikes you've owned/ridden and would recommend?

[turboknapp]

Got a Kawasaki Klx 250 SF for sale if you want, motocross styles bike with motard slicks. Great commuter and fun to ride, no need to worry bout kerbs or round abouts just jump through em

[Lozzle]

If you like sounding obnoxious and filling people's cars with smoke when they don't let you past, you can't go past 2 stroke!

[EVLO]

Had a Ninja 250r, sporty looking but slow as shit (like 99% of 250's)..

Now LAMS is in you can get some 650cc bikes etc, lots more variety...

[mr_mike]

If you like sounding obnoxious and filling people's cars with smoke when they don't let you past, you can't go past 2 stroke!

thanks to lambs u cant ride a 2t on RE anymore.

check the lams list there is some nice 450cc+ supermoto bikes on there. They will put the biggest grin on ur face everytime u ride one, wheelies and stoppies for fun but also being able to hold corner speed means u will be passing average riders on bigger bikes with ease.
Straight line most will top out about 180ish i think and u will usually get between 100-150km range for ur $7 to fill the tank.

Around the city they are pretty much unbeatable, with the added bonus u can hop curbs, do stairs, take short cuts across parks and generally act like a complete hooligan.

Downsides- The seats can be pretty uncomfy but unless ur commuting u should be moving about on the seat anyway
Fuel range can be a bit limiting, altho larger Safari tanks can be fitted a mate a has a DRZ400 with Safari tank and he will do around 220km to a tank.
Maintenance must be kept up, some of the more agricultural and toned down road trails will do 5000km between services, the more race orientated(ie:fun) bikes u'll be dropping the oil every
2-3000km and doing a new piston every 15-20,000km

[RK 86 WA]

^ Also to add, motards are not short to medium people friendly.

[vbroom]

beginner bike?
ninja 250. vtr 250. cbr250.

fun bike?
http://bikesevolution.com/photos/69/10/aprilia-sxv-550_4acbe.jpg

lams approved i'm pretty sure.

[D3FEKT]

What sort of bike are you looking at. Not everyones liking but if Sports - Look at a Hyosung GT650R.
Probably one of the bigger/more powerful LAMS bikes. Cheap servicing and parts, and still quite economical.

[Wrench]

im torn between like a VTR250 or a motard of some description.. just trying to get a feel for what others have used/recommend..

ps. that aprilia is hott

[DBLDOSE]

KTM Duke 200.

Or wait for the mythical 390 that was meant to be here last month.

Also what is that Aprilia...

[tmz_99]

meh, if you're looking at the VTR250 have a look at the Honda Spada... a little older (may be a little cheaper) but far better to throw around, nicer frame...

[zeroyon]

Only buy a 250 if :

> It's super cheap and you have a budget
> You are a small frame person
> You want a road / trail (Even then iffy call)

With Lams much better of with a bigger bike.

[Wrench]

Also what is that Aprilia...

pretty sure its an SXV 450. i like it.

[Lozzle]

thanks to lambs u cant ride a 2t on RE anymore.



Oh, didn't think of that!

If I was doing my time again, I'd go a supermoto :)

[DBLDOSE]

Only buy a 250 if :

> It's super cheap and you have a budget
> You are a small frame person
> You want a road / trail (Even then iffy call)

With Lams much better of with a bigger bike.

I disagree. My KTM 200 is perfect for what i use it for, peak hour commuting.

Being a motard its also cheaper to fix when you drop it.

I'm 6'2" 80kg and it fits me fine.

[vbroom]

KTM Duke 200.

Or wait for the mythical 390 that was meant to be here last month.

Also what is that Aprilia...

SXV 550
its amusing how they classify this as something suitable for a beginner to ride on.
it will flip your shit faster than anything else.

i agree though. KTM duke 200 would be a good choice.
light and agile enough to have fun on and not overly powerful.

either way, you'll probably end up selling whatever you get in a year once you get your open class licence so..

[KPWISHN]

Berg Fs570 ftw

[Lozzle]

SXV 550
its amusing how they classify this as something suitable for a beginner to ride on.
it will flip your shit faster than anything else.


As someone who rode a SXV550 once - I concur. It's an animal.

[DBLDOSE]

As someone who rode a SXV550 once - I concur. It's an animal.

Yeh if I had a bigger budget to cover insurance + higher maintenance costs, I think I would have picked one up.

[mr_mike]

SXV 550
its amusing how they classify this as something suitable for a beginner to ride on.
it will flip your shit faster than anything else.

i agree though. KTM duke 200 would be a good choice.
light and agile enough to have fun on and not overly powerful.

either way, you'll probably end up selling whatever you get in a year once you get your open class licence so..

its a 450, the 550 isnt lams approved.

gotta ask yourself aswell do u want a bike to keep for a couple of years or a bike u'll keep for 12-14mths then trade up. If ur gonna keep it for a couple of years then try heaps of bikes and get something thats gonna suit you and ur lifestyle. If ur gonna trade up then just buy something cheap and reliable.

[Ghost Who Walks]

Or you could go the scooter route.
I have a PX200 Vespa, 200cc, 4 speed manual-slightly tuned, and it goes well or,
go for a Vespa 300 Supersport. Had a ride of one of these today, 300cc twist and go, enough grunt to
beat almost anything at the lights(cars) and fun to ride.

[Wrench]

Im more than likely going to head down this route. Honda VTR250 with straight bar and clip on mirrors. looks nice imo.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q112/rudleo/vtr250/b02.jpg

[mr_mike]

Or you could go the scooter route.
I have a PX200 Vespa, 200cc, 4 speed manual-slightly tuned, and it goes well or,
go for a Vespa 300 Supersport. Had a ride of one of these today, 300cc twist and go, enough grunt to
beat almost anything at the lights(cars) and fun to ride.

you can try sugar coat it all you want but the fact is ur still riding a scooter and unless its for a joke or to get beer thats just gay. if u think a 300cc scooter has "grunt" go ride a real bike and see if you share that opinion. Also why go thru the hassle of getting ur bike lic so u can ride a scooter? when u can ride a slightly slower but equally as gay 50cc on ur car lic.


Im more than likely going to head down this route. Honda VTR250 with straight bar and clip on mirrors. looks nice imo.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q112/rudleo/vtr250/b02.jpg

nice chuck a belly fairing on and they look awesome, gives them a much more slammed look.

[Kaido]

SXV 550
its amusing how they classify this as something suitable for a beginner to ride on.
it will flip your shit faster than anything else.

i agree though. KTM duke 200 would be a good choice.
light and agile enough to have fun on and not overly powerful.

either way, you'll probably end up selling whatever you get in a year once you get your open class licence so..

SXV 550 on lams is restricted and from what i read on psb i real pig in lams form

[Passage GT]

Lams bike to suit a fat bastard like me?

[Lozzle]

Here's the list...

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/LBU_DL_B_LAMS_Approved_MC_.pdf

[Passage GT]

i don't really know much about bikes, mainly something that's physically bigger and torquey enough to move my arse.
i think the Hyosung gv650 looks alright, lams approved and i like cruisers, there's no twisty's or tracks up here to enjoy a sports bike.

[vbroom]

Im more than likely going to head down this route. Honda VTR250 with straight bar and clip on mirrors. looks nice imo.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q112/rudleo/vtr250/b02.jpg

that's my brothers old bike!
most modded vtr in perth :)
it was really nice to ride as well. smooth and easy.

[HANS YOLO]

you can try sugar coat it all you want but the fact is ur still riding a scooter and unless its for a joke or to get beer thats just gay. if u think a 300cc scooter has "grunt" go ride a real bike and see if you share that opinion. Also why go thru the hassle of getting ur bike lic so u can ride a scooter? when u can ride a slightly slower but equally as gay 50cc on ur car lic.



nice chuck a belly fairing on and they look awesome, gives them a much more slammed look.

the instructor i had on a ride day @ RAC rode a scooter on the day. He races super sports and has multiple bikes. He told us that everyone on the advanced ride session after our beginner one would be chopped by his scooter and we hung around to watch...indeed, he smoked them all

but agreed, still gay...you ain't picking up any flange riding a scooter!

in other news..my Hyo 250 is up for sale..PM if interested

[Jase]

i don't really know much about bikes, mainly something that's physically bigger and torquey enough to move my arse.
i think the Hyosung gv650 looks alright, lams approved and i like cruisers, there's no twisty's or tracks up here to enjoy a sports bike.
Ive been considering getting my Lic and getting cruiser too.

I have been looking into Honda Vt / VLX 600's and the Yamaha vstar / XVS 650. Apparently both easy riding, heaps of aftermarket parts for bobber/chopper look if you are into that as well. They both have hidden rear spring so they kind of look like rigids. Chop the gay rear wheel arch off, replace with a small one, spring seat and better pipes they look pretty decent. Might be worth a look?


Yamaha
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac339/andreyrav/Snapbucket/DC9E901B.jpg

VT 600
http://www.usabobbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Honda-Shadow-2001-VLX-600-Bobber-Motorcycle.jpeg

If any one has experience with these, keen to hear

[Passage GT]

Ive been considering getting my Lic and getting cruiser too.

I have been looking into Honda Vt / VLX 600's and the Yamaha vstar / XVS 650. Apparently both easy riding, heaps of aftermarket parts for bobber/chopper look if you are into that as well. They both have hidden rear spring so they kind of look like rigids. Chop the gay rear wheel arch off, replace with a small one, spring seat and better pipes they look pretty decent. Might be worth a look?


Yamaha
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac339/andreyrav/Snapbucket/DC9E901B.jpg

VT 600
http://www.usabobbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Honda-Shadow-2001-VLX-600-Bobber-Motorcycle.jpeg

If any one has experience with these, keen to hear

Those look really cool, how much do they go for?
Dude at work has been riding for years, he has a Harley and took another workmate to test ride a gv650 which he ended up buying, said it was really nice to ride, he pretty much sang it's praises big time and said it had no dramas keeping up with him on a casual ride and cruised at 110kph easily
The same bike has a non lams version too with more power, I'm sure it would be easy to remove the lams spec mods too

[Wrench]

that's my brothers old bike!
most modded vtr in perth :)
it was really nice to ride as well. smooth and easy.

read the build thread on PSB. do you know where the bike is now? would like to do something similar

[Jase]

Those look really cool, how much do they go for?
Dude at work has been riding for years, he has a Harley and took another workmate to test ride a gv650 which he ended up buying, said it was really nice to ride, he pretty much sang it's praises big time and said it had no dramas keeping up with him on a casual ride and cruised at 110kph easily
The same bike has a non lams version too with more power, I'm sure it would be easy to remove the lams spec mods too
I seen a few of the older stock Hondas as cheap as 3.5 with late model one 4.5-8
Yamaha seem to be at the higher end of that scale, but I think they're generally a bit newer. There was a nice vstar bobber on gumtree for 7 a little while back
Fenders, seats, pipes etc aren't too badly priced on the net

[mr_mike]

as cool as the bikes above look they are both heavily modified so obviously taken alot of work to get them lookin like that. Do they have hardtail conversions?

[Jase]

Yea theres a fair whack of mods on both
The Honda has been hard tailed, with new bars, grips, springer seat, air intake.

The Yamaha I believe is still sprung rear end, otherwise similar mods to the Honda. Nothing super outragous. Hondas rear end look very similar to the yamaha when not welded
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac339/andreyrav/Snapbucket/3199E143.jpg

Theres a few over east on gumtree atm
http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/blnc/130420/516r1/51898ga_20.jpeg

This one looks to be all blue collar bolt ons off the net + paint
http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/blnc/130329/208r1/63131l2_20.jpeg

In stock form they both look pretty homo ... sorry for kinda hijacking thread, and about large pics, unsure how to resize when linking :)
http://www.destino.com.au/storage/yamaha%20xvs%20650.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION= 1358814489234
http://www.destino.com.au/storage/yamaha%20xvs650%20bobber%20kit.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_C ACHEVERSION=1358814711244

[Passage GT]

i couldn't see myself modding a bike like that, i'd be one of those that buys a bike for learners/p's and then upgrades once i've got my open licence.
been reading reviews on the efi hyosungs and they've all been very good, just gotta talk the missus into one now (she'll be getting her licence too)

[Sampy36]

Some of those bobber style bikes look awesome.

I'm still on my R-E's and have a motarded KTM 450EXC-R. Stupid power for a 'learner' bike and awesome fun...when I'm not rebuilding it. But that's the fun bit :)

One of my favourite LAMS bikes is the CB400 Super 4, though it's expensive and probably a bit on the small side for me. Other than that I have ridden the KTM Duke 200, awesome handling but a bit small and I couldn't live with aneamic power after coming from a 450. Duke 390 will be great when it comes out, but I doubt we will see it much before christmas.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Honda%20CB400%20Super%20Four%20SE.jpg

[Yarms]

Some of those bobber style bikes look awesome.

I'm still on my R-E's and have a motarded KTM 450EXC-R. Stupid power for a 'learner' bike and awesome fun...when I'm not rebuilding it. But that's the fun bit :)

What year is your ktm, im looking at one for my first bike, what are your service intervals? Recommend?

Cheers chris

[Halle Terry]

R1

[Sampy36]

What year is your ktm, im looking at one for my first bike, what are your service intervals? Recommend?

Cheers chris

It's a 2008 model. Recommended service intervals are every 15 hours, Full Syn oil and filter change. I do valve clearance checks every 4th oil change.

This is my second KTM and I am a big fan of how it rides. Being honest though, the reliability of the XC4 motors is pretty average. The XC4 is the motor found in the KTM big bore enduro bikes between 2008 and 2011, that is the 400EXC, 450EXC-R and the 530EXC. The motor has seperate oil circuits for the gearbox and the engine compartments and the oil pump O-Rings and/or crankshaft seals tend to blow out resulting in oil transfer. Obviously if you don't pick up on this you can end up running one of the circuits with no oil which will end in oil starvation and mechanical failure. This is mostly a problem with 08 and 09 models, most 10's are fine and I haven't heard of any problems with the 11's.

The 250's and the 450SX-F run a different motor that is by most accounts bulletproof, I never had a problem with my previous 250SX-F. Same deal for the 2012 onwards EXC's which are all new, and the pre 2008 EXC series with the RFS motor. So unless your are mechanically inclined and can get a good deal on 08 or 09, I wouldn't recommend them. Buy newer if you can afford it, or older if you can't, or just be a sheep and buy a WR450f ;)

[dattoman]

On the hunt myself
Something sports bike like suited to a larger individual
But cheap cause not keeping it long anyway

[Yarms]

haha well i was looking at 2011 450exc , husaberg , husky, drz400sm or just got a ninja 300 fml so hard .

[Riggs]

I still don't understand why people stress so hard about their first bike. Just sit on a few and what ever feels comfy buy it. As soon as you finish your R-E you will upgrade anyway so who gives a shit. I don't care what bike it is, if its lams restricted its fucking slow and don't try and argue with me on that point as it's a fact.

Even if you buy a lams Ducati 659 (which the bloke next door to me just did) it is still shit gay slow. If you remove the restrictor plate (about a 5 min job) its still a 659 which is enough for some but not all and if you decide you are going to want a faster bike you have lost all the resale value of having a lams bike.

So I will say it again, buy anything that you can comfortably sit on for less than $5k.

But hey, if you want to go split hairs be my guest.

[sethor]

I still don't understand why people stress so hard about their first bike. Just sit on a few and what ever feels comfy buy it. As soon as you finish your R-E you will upgrade anyway so who gives a shit. I don't care what bike it is, if its lams restricted its fucking slow and don't try and argue with me on that point as it's a fact.

Even if you buy a lams Ducati 659 (which the bloke next door to me just did) it is still shit gay slow. If you remove the restrictor plate (about a 5 min job) its still a 659 which is enough for some but not all and if you decide you are going to want a faster bike you have lost all the resale value of having a lams bike.

So I will say it again, buy anything that you can comfortably sit on for less than $5k.

But hey, if you want to go split hairs be my guest.

100% agree, not sure why many are recommending bikes which are maintence intensive (Motards/Roadtails). I'd still highly recommend the VTR250, it's bulletproof, comfortable, accommodates larger riders, readly available, reasonably priced & you should be able to onsell it a year later with little loss.

[Halle Terry]

100% agree with Riggs.

If I had to pick one get a VTR250. Otherwise just grab what you can.

[Crispymk2]

Got my learners permit last week. First ride was from York to Midland on a CBR250R in wet/patchy weather and I loved it.

I'm waiting to see what price the KTM DUKE 390 comes out at and take it for a test ride.

Otherwise between a DUKE 200 or just an old VTR250

[mr_mike]

The duke 200 is a very very small bike, they look cool till u see someone sittin on one and see just how small and skinny they are. People really need to have a look at the LAMs list there is some pretty decent bikes on there. Plenty larger bikes that u will feel more comfortable on as well as having bigger brakes and better suspension.

[Kaido]

100% agree, not sure why many are recommending bikes which are maintence intensive (Motards/Roadtails). I'd still highly recommend the VTR250, it's bulletproof, comfortable, accommodates larger riders, readly available, reasonably priced & you should be able to onsell it a year later with little loss.

i love my husky 610Te but it was motard and not my 1st bike. top speed was around 150/160km/hr had plenty of torque down low and was bucket loads of fun, it was fairly light of the maintenance just oil change every 3,500km or so and it took fuck all oil! only down size was having such a small fuel tank.

but they still go for upwards of 6k, much better off with a vtr 250 they are a fun bike to ride or if you can find one that isn't fucked out cbr250rr are fun.

Motard are great because if you drop them you do fuck all damage plus they wheelie! haha

[Crispymk2]

The duke 200 is a very very small bike, they look cool till u see someone sittin on one and see just how small and skinny they are. People really need to have a look at the LAMs list there is some pretty decent bikes on there. Plenty larger bikes that u will feel more comfortable on as well as having bigger brakes and better suspension.

Yeah, I have seen they look pretty tiny which is why I'd like to wait for the 390

I'm not huge either so even the 200 would be fine for my intended use - short runs through traffic to the city and out to Midland, all 60kph zones.

[DBLDOSE]

Yeah, I have seen they look pretty tiny which is why I'd like to wait for the 390

I'm not huge either so even the 200 would be fine for my intended use - short runs through traffic to the city and out to Midland, all 60kph zones.

390 is same chassis as the 200.

I'm 6'2" 80kg and I fit on my 200 fine.

I think there are a lot of people on here that are talking about the 200 haven not ridden one let alone own one.

I don't know about many other LAMS bikes. I had a 250 efi hyosung, was a heap of shit. Thing was falling apart bit by bit on every ride.

My 200 gets me to uni/work/mates, will sit on 110, does 250km+ to a tank, costs $12 to fill, $550 a year to insure full comp as a 20 year old male with my R license. Don't know why people aren't recommending this bike more, I challenge you to find a better new commuter bike sub $6k.

[Crispymk2]

Thanks for the info mate.

I missed out on a 2012 200 with 300kms for $4,500 last weekend :-(

[1SPRINT]

Just go all out on a big bike and run the gauntlet, more fun that way

[mys1]

VTR 250 was a great bike - thrashed the ring off it, commuted, passed test on it, binned it and enjoyed every minute.

It was absolutely gutless though don't spend ANY money on mods - waste of time!

The step up to a KTM 990 super duke was an incredible shock to the system.....

[Nand0s]

New Honda CBR500R looks good for a starter learner bike with a bit of power

http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/img/Honda_2012_CBR500R_White_Black_Supersports_Motorcy cle_main.jpg

[Niva]

Do you need your road licence to take a bike around barbs? been looking at bikes today, 00 gsxr 750 etc.... are they like cars where the stock brakes are fucked after 2 laps?

[AMPERAGE]

Put a CBR500R ABS on order last week.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcA-_vGPBlk/UVlZ6l3oXSI/AAAAAAAAHMI/A2BcMypRV9I/s1600/BikeSpecial-honda-cbr-500r-04.jpg

[mys1]

Do you need your road licence to take a bike around barbs? been looking at bikes today, 00 gsxr 750 etc.... are they like cars where the stock brakes are fucked after 2 laps?

No shouldn't need one

For your first track day you shouldn't even be using breaks. Just proper form and riding style

[Riggs]

Do you need your road licence to take a bike around barbs? been looking at bikes today, 00 gsxr 750 etc.... are they like cars where the stock brakes are fucked after 2 laps?

No licence required, a competency in riding is a must however. You pay for a MA day licence (similar to a CAMS day licence).

Flush the fluid, throw some new stock pads in, check the lines are in good knick and you will be fine. Do the oils and make sure you don't have 5 year old tyres. First timers will hardly use the brakes anyway.

These are the best two to book through:

http://www.trakdayz.com.au/

http://www.ridedayswa.com.au/

Have a read on what you require. If you have never been to the track before start with Group 1 Trackdayz as they start slower. Group 1 Ridedays would be on par with Group 2 Trackdayz.

Trackdayz is a private company, Ridedays is run by the Motorcycle Racing Club of WA. Nearly all the coaches currently race or have retired from racing so there is a wealth of knowledge to learn from.

[yumafia]

http://www.destino.com.au/storage/yamaha%20xvs%20650.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION= 1358814489234
http://www.destino.com.au/storage/yamaha%20xvs650%20bobber%20kit.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_C ACHEVERSION=1358814711244[/QUOTE]

I picked up a 2013 XVS650 Custom Very happy with it. Those bikes are not gonna do 200Km/h but are very comfy to ride and depends what you want it for there is a big difference between riding a cruiser and sports bike. on mine u get belted by the wind like no 2morrow but I was choosing between FZ6R and chopper I don't regret my choice one bit. Same money but fz6r very cheaply made bike. Plus I already started getting mods for mine and the sound is unreal.

[ENYXR]

Has anybody ridden one of cbr500's posted above? or any of the 'bigger' LAMS approved bikes?
I'm looking at getting my R-E license soon with no real interest in getting the big bike license as of yet and I'm torn between getting a supermotard or a LAMS approved 'sport' bike

[Crispymk2]

We have a demo at work you are welcome to take for a spin.

The Honda Shop in Midland

[ENYXR]

Currently I don't have any sort of bike license but once I do I'll definitely come have a look mate

[KPWISHN]

Get a supermoto. More fun!

[HANS YOLO]

my 06 Hyo (10.5k on it) is now for sale...aftermarket leavers and exhaust...just been serviced so running very well...3k ono (cheapest on bikesales for WA currently) - will get round to sorting out a proper add hopefully tonight

[ENYXR]

Get a supermoto. More fun!

Definitely leaning more towards this option, having raced in enduros when I was younger I'd be comfortable on one from the get-go as well

[mr_mike]

Supermotos are awesome fun and just make u giggle everytime u ride one. But you really have to restrain urself from doing stupid stuff ALL THE TIME.
One of the good things tho is the speed you do on them, messing about u feel like ur hooking along look at the speedo and ur only doing 70-90kph so ur lic is kinda kept safe that way. just lost in other ways.

[mr_mike]

this video pretty much sums up average supermoto riding
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RyGLKLzUpDE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Klutch]

I'm really enjoying learning on my KTM 250EXC, handles tight corners nicely and tons of power..to the point getting on the powerband scares me, 2nd gear front end gets light and feels like it wants to get up!

[ENYXR]

Pretty much sold on the supermoto idea, will be a bit more exciting with most of them being allowed under LAMS, will have to sort out my Ls in a few weeks I think

[tinto]

Any recommendations for a riding school near South Perth?
I don't have my own bike so will need them to bring theirs.

[dattoman]

this video pretty much sums up average supermoto riding
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RyGLKLzUpDE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Not sure I could act that retarded
Might have to stick with a sport bike then

[HANS YOLO]

Any recommendations for a riding school near South Perth?
I don't have my own bike so will need them to bring theirs.

Call Tai @ Elite

[mr_mike]

+1 for elite i done my RE's thru them. Supplied bike and gear.

[Kaido]

Supermotos are awesome fun and just make u giggle everytime u ride one. But you really have to restrain urself from doing stupid stuff ALL THE TIME.
One of the good things tho is the speed you do on them, messing about u feel like ur hooking along look at the speedo and ur only doing 70-90kph so ur lic is kinda kept safe that way. just lost in other ways.

apart from the part where you are always doing wheelies haha!

i <3 my husky motard was great fun cutting through parks and wheelie off curbs! and if you do drop it then normally do fuck all damage, previous owner hit a cat in my old husky at like 60km/hr drop the bike, all it did was smash the indicator. he pick it up and wheelie it down the street lol!

[crabman]

Anyone know what the go is with registering written off bikes from pickles? They have started putting the bikes on the e-salvage website so are easier to buy without taking time off work. My old yam is getting really tired and now I really cant afford to get a DRZ400SM i want to keep an eye on the auctions for a cheapie. THere are always Hyo 250's with scratched fairings on there, like a yellow one at the moment that looks like you would take it over the pits as is lol.

[HANS YOLO]

Crabman...bloke i work with posted the following to me:

my beautiful yellow Suzuki DR650 is officially available for purchase. I’ve still got to clean it and advertise it but thought I’d get the word out early. Going to ask about $3400 which will make it one of the cheapest current model DR650’s on the market in the whole of Australia! 2004 model, 26,000km, very reliable and great condition. Oil changed twice as often as the book says (over the last 20,000ks while I’ve had it). What a bargain!

[mr_mike]

mannheims usually have heaps on the website, can bid online for them. Buy unlic, get fixed, lic then ride.

Though u are taking a big chance buying a crashed bike sight unseen. Even bigger chance if ur buying a smashed bike sight unseen that u cant even start. Plus the auction places are usually pretty vauge with there damage descriptions. Example: LHS damage- that could be a broken clip on or it could be needing everything on the LHS replaced.

[crabman]

DR650 Lam's approved?? I dont think they convert to a motard, arent they a fairly big bike?

This thing looks like it fell on it side at walking pace.

http://www.pickles.com.au/damaged-salvage/item/-/details/CP-10-06--Hyosung--GT250--Motorcycle/552151636

[mr_mike]

why would u buy a smashed unrego'd Hyosung when u can buy a lic undropped one for a few hundred more. Auctions are ok if u can grab a bargain but u need to know what your looking at and have contacts or know how to fix yourself otherwise it doesnt work out to be any cheaper and ends up taking u 3 times as long.

[crabman]

Did you even click the link?? Obviously if that was the case, it wouldn't make sense at all. But if at the last 5 minutes it is looking cheap, those are anywhere between 3500 ad 4k on gumtree, why wouldnt you. From the pics, it is a straight up panel cost writeoff, at worst a new lever/mastercylinder for the front brakes, gear shifter looks intact, albiet lightly damage. Their shit house photos dont help here lol. More than competant enough to repair mechanical damage. I am wondering about the relicensing process if anyone here knows it. Could you literally take a bike over with plastics still scratched as long as everything worked and it passes? No need to be inspected by an authorized motorcylce repairer or similar bs.

[mr_mike]

Lookin at the damage you would be lookin at about $1500-2k in parts if you do it yourself. But if its a write off then i dont think u are allowed to fix it your self must be done by an approved repairer and signed off. So the repair cost could now be $3-4k cos Dale Brittons or who ever repairs it is not gonna put chinese fairings on it they put genuine korean. Add in another $300 for licensing and fee's plus the days off work running around diffrent places dropping it off and picking it up etc. So unless you got the bike for $500-1000 its still not really a bargain for a 7 year old bike.

[HANS YOLO]

i sold my 06 Hyo with 10.6k on the clock for 2.8k...if that helps your decision

if i were you, drop dollars on a new CBR500...ride it for a year then sell it for 500 clams less what you paid :)