Motorbike Buying

[reubsrover]

I own a nice old Siii and I just got my learners for a motorbike. Putting the two together what would make the perfect bike got me.

Obviously a little more info is required:
The bike needs to be legally drivable by a learner
I want it to last as long as I look after it
I need to be able to do long hi way/freeway miles on it so top speed should be at least 125/130
I will need room for a little bit of gear
Finally I'm after something classic that is easy to work on and has an enthusiast base and available parts

I don't know where to start looking so suggestions eagerly anticipated.

[p38arover]

Forget classic.

Your age? I ask 'cos I'm of an age (and waistline) where crouching over a tank is no longer comfortable. It's also hard on the wrists.

You are limited to LAMS bikes of up to 660cc. You could buy something which could be derestricted after you get your full bike licence.

Depending on your height I suggest one of the larger, i.e., 500-650 bikes that will continue to do service after you get your licence. A small 250 gets a bit tiring after a while. For example, look at the Suzuki GS500F (faired) or GS500 (naked) - a popular bike with novices and can be ridden long after you get licenced.

See also Approved motorcycles for novice riders (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html)

[Chucaro]

A used BMW R850R will be my choice, is a very well balanced bike and will be good for long trips as well.

[p38arover]

A used BMW R850R will be my choice, is a very well balanced bike and will be good for long trips as well.

It's not approved for learners. Too big an engine.

[richard4u2]

any thing from the honda or kawa retro style would be my choice , my self i ride a kawa er5 (500cc)

[Bigbjorn]

Buy a bit of quality not pressed sheet metal, cardboard, planned obsolescence, and overpriced spare parts from the Orient. Look at a Guzzi, BMW, Triumph, Laverda, MV, Cagiva.

[TerryO]

At the risk of having Vlad put **** on me again for mentioning this brand, bang for your buck it is hard to go past a new Hyosung 650 which is a LAMS approved bike, either the sports model or the conventional model which is cheaper are both good.

I would not buy one older then a late 2009 as the new models are far superior to the older models with better fuel injection and brakes etc. These bikes also handle very well for what is considered by many as a cheap manufacturer.

Right now the new bike market is flatter than a pan cake with new bike sales down around 40% since the beginning of the GFC so go and haggle a really good deal, you will be very surprised at how much of a discount you will get. If a bike shop won't haggle just ring around until you get a really good deal.

Right now the new bike deals are to good to ignore plus you get warrenty, purchase price includes stamp duty and 12 months rego which needs to be added on when you buy a second hand bike and you won't need to buy new tyres or chains and sprockets that often are worn out.

Good luck.

cheers,
Terry

[Pedro_The_Swift]

At the risk of having Vlad put **** on me again for mentioning this brand,
Terry

:Rolling::oops2::wasntme:

[reubsrover]

Forget classic.

Your age? I ask 'cos I'm of an age (and waistline) where crouching over a tank is no longer comfortable. It's also hard on the wrists.

You are limited to LAMS bikes of up to 660cc. You could buy something which could be derestricted after you get your full bike licence.

Depending on your height I suggest one of the larger, i.e., 500-650 bikes that will continue to do service after you get your licence. A small 250 gets a bit tiring after a while. For example, look at the Suzuki GS500F (faired) or GS500 (naked) - a popular bike with novices and can be ridden long after you get licenced.

See also Approved motorcycles for novice riders (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html)

Well I'll have to forget it if there's nothing classic that's appropriate and from the responses it seems that way.

As for age I'm a skinny 22 yr old

[Pedro_The_Swift]

one of the 650 chook chasers might be a go,,

[x-box]

Get a BMW GS650 single cylinder, plenty torque, quick enough, comfy on long rides (been there done that plenty times), enough space for camping gear, great dealer service and parts easy to come by and not as expensive as you'd imagine. Damn nice bike and will go for as long as you put fuel in it. It is also light and easy to ride.

[William]

There are so many choices. Personally, I like the cruisers and a couple of years back got the Yamaha xvs650 classic. For me it was the perfect Lams bike. I got so many comments from people not believing that it was a 650cc, they all thought it was bigger.

There are many of these on the second hand market that are 2-3 years old with low k's, full service history and thousands less than a new bike price. They are easy to work on, parts are readily available and there is plenty of after market bling if you like that sort of thing.

They will easily run all day at 100-120kph, you'll get more than 300 k's on a tank before you need to switch to reserve and they are very comfortable. I recently sold mine and having put nearly 15,000 K's on since I bought it, it sold for only $500 less than what I paid for it.

Good luck with whatever you choose, ride safe and stay upright!

[bcj]

xr400 or newer drz400 - take you places those road bikes won't , enough poke to be fun ,resonably light & ok on road. Get 2 set's rims,1 for on & 1 for off-road tyres + rack on back.
On the road I like the 600 duke monster, or if a classic a Pantah

Brett

[Chucaro]

Get a BMW GS650 single cylinder, plenty torque, quick enough, comfy on long rides (been there done that plenty times), enough space for camping gear, great dealer service and parts easy to come by and not as expensive as you'd imagine. Damn nice bike and will go for as long as you put fuel in it. It is also light and easy to ride.

Yes, is a BMW so is a gem ;)

[JamesH]

I was disappointed not to see the Kawasaki W650 on that list, looks like it will have to be W400. Then when you're allowed, you go the Triumph Bonneville (or W800 if youve fallen in love with the 400)

Anyway, what I'm saying is this, the less a bike looks like a Bonneville or a seventies Italian, the uglier it is.

A Hyosung would go nicely with a SSaangyong in the garage.

[Bigbjorn]

A mate has a very nice 1988 Moto Guzzi Lario Sports 4 valve available. It is lams approved. I will pm you his contact details if interested. Bike is in Brisbane.

[Nero]

There are so many choices. Personally, I like the cruisers and a couple of years back got the Yamaha xvs650 classic. For me it was the perfect Lams bike. I got so many comments from people not believing that it was a 650cc, they all thought it was bigger.



Personally I wouldn't recommend a cruiser as a learners bike the seating position and peg position do not allow for good control when learning this is not helpful. They also tend to have short travel suspension so they achieve "the look" which when travelling on backroads is not helpful to anything.

[ramblingboy42]

There is a "classic" everyone is forgetting....the Enfield.....made in India but there is absolutely nothing wrong with it if its your style. reasonably cheap, so easy to maintain.

[Ace]

If you are doing some highway riding definitely a 400cc or above. We bought a 250cc to learn on, we had to compromise on size because my wife was learning on it aswell and a Kawasaki 250 fitted the bill nicely. We only ride our around town as a cheap to and from work ride. But on the open road it struggles with my 90kg's on board to get above 90km/h, not that I am allowed to do that on my L's :D

[richard4u2]

There is a "classic" everyone is forgetting....the Enfield.....made in India but there is absolutely nothing wrong with it if its your style. reasonably cheap, so easy to maintain.
the trouble with the enfield after a couple of years old they look really old , a mate has one and i could not recomend one

[VladTepes]

Finally I'm after something classic that is easy to work on and has an enthusiast base and available parts


This is going to be a problem. Most non Japanese "classic" (read, older) bikes are not exactly going to be up there in the reliability stakes, and parts prices may be a tad scary too.

Someone mentioned Laverda. These are BEAUTIFUL bikes, with amazing engineering, which you should avoid like the plague.


Buy a bit of quality not pressed sheet metal, cardboard, planned obsolescence, and overpriced spare parts from the Orient. Look at a Guzzi, BMW, Triumph, Laverda, MV, Cagiva.

ha ha it was Brian who mentioned Laverda.
Mmmm Guzzi.... mmmm.....


At the risk of having Vlad put **** on me again for mentioning this brand, bang for your buck it is hard to go past a new Hyosung

No risk mate, an absolute certainty.
http://gorlackers.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/poo-pin2.jpg



A mate has a very nice 1988 Moto Guzzi Lario Sports 4 valve available. It is lams approved. I will pm you his contact details if interested. Bike is in Brisbane.

Like this ?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/417.jpg



Personally I wouldn't recommend a cruiser as a learners bike the seating position and peg position do not allow for good control when learning this is not helpful. They also tend to have short travel suspension so they achieve "the look" which when travelling on backroads is not helpful to anything.

Rubbish. Well, partly. There are a huge number of cruisers and some (eg the Guzzi California) handle very well thanks.
Sadly none of these bikes are LAMS approved.

[VladTepes]

Looking at the approved list
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/lams_list_110201.pdf

the things that appeal might be
Aprilia: Pegaso
BMW: F650, G650
Cagiva: Canyon 500 / 600
Ducati: Monster 600, M620ie LITE


THese are just the ones I'd personally consider. You need to first decide what STYLE of bike you want.

Don't discount the Japanese offerings there is a lot of value to be had in 2nd hand Jap bike, good build quality (usually) and easy parts availability. In fact being realistic - hard to go past for a first bike.

My first bike was a Honda CD250. Twas a good little thing but not so much on teh highjway !

[reubsrover]

I should also mention that I'm after something around the 3 grand mark so this may rule out the BMW although it does look like a very nice bike...
and as for sitting on 80kmh well yes in NSW I'll have to but I also spend a bit of time in Vic where Learners aren't speed restricted.

Thanks for the input so far...plenty of suggestions...a great starting point for my research.

[MickS]

My two bobs worth...

- stay away from R.E. or korean bikes, unless you want to spend half your time on the side of the road. Any perusal of bike forums will confirm this.

- as far as LAMS cruisers are concerned, they are very nice (Yammy's at least) but they do struggle on the MOST test in regard to the cone weave and u-turn...fact.

- stay away from grey imports, which are often flogged through "Learner" world type dealers. They are usually bitzas taken from various bikes of the same model to make a complete bike. They have no service history.

- You will be very lucky to get an adventure tourer at that budget. As far as cruisers on that budget, you are looking at the older 250cc Yamaha Viragos, Hondas and Suzukis style cruisers.

- Do you want to be bent over like a pretzel on a sports/sport tourer? Possibly not if doing big highway kilometres. If you like a classic style, I would be inclined then to look at naked bikes. More upright, yet have that kind of cafe racer type look. In your budget, you are probably looking at the Honda VTR (again 250cc range due to your budget). It has an external trellis frame, which gives it that Ducati type look. It is easy to ride, stable in traffic and is comfortable on trips. Similar to this:

http://www.motorsports-network.com/honda/models/vtr2502.jpg

The Japanese bikes should not be overlooked...yes they are everywhere, but that means parts are plentiful and servicing is cheaper.

For ****s and giggles, you could always go a 2 stroke Aprilia 125...learner legal and they go like the klappers :D

[p38arover]

Buy a bit of quality not pressed sheet metal, cardboard, planned obsolescence, and overpriced spare parts from the Orient. Look at a Guzzi, BMW, Triumph, Laverda, MV, Cagiva.

Brian, I think you may be out of touch.


I was disappointed not to see the Kawasaki W650 on that list, looks like it will have to be W400. .

Yes, would have thought the W650 would be there. I quite like the look of that bike - British style without the oil leaks and poor build quality!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/427.jpg


I'm afraid your limited funds does put a damper on our spruiking of various bikes..... :D

...otherwise I'd also suggest the Suzuki SV650U (it might be possible to derestrict it). The 650 twin is not bad. I have much the same engine in my DL650 V-Strom and it's great to ride.

[Chucaro]

......British style without the oil leaks and poor build quality!

There is nothing wrong with oil leaks, British bikes are like a LR on 2 wheels :D

[Bigbjorn]

There is nothing wrong with oil leaks, British bikes are like a LR on 2 wheels :D

The poms invented the oil leak. Rolls Royce developed it into an art form.

[Bigbjorn]

[QUOTE=p38arover;1449221]Brian, I think you may be out of touch.



/QUOTE]


No, I am not. I am heavily involved in the motor cycle collecting and restoration hobby. I am one of the principal suppliers of special purpose tools to the hobby. I supply rare, obsolete, hard to find, and "no longer available" taps and dies plus a broad range of engineer's cutting tools and other items used by restorers. I have seen plenty of Jap Bikes with the pretty bits stripped off and seen how cheaply many are made under the facade. I am also aware of the ruthless obsolescence policies as regards supply of spare parts after 8-10 years of the principal Jap makes and the staggering prices of their parts. USA after-market suppliers are the way to go for bits.


I surely don't like the dog rooting a bowling ball riding position of many current bikes. Could not possibly be comfortable for more than half an hour.

[bob10]

You are certainly getting some good suggestions on what type of bike, but by far the most important thing you should do for your safety, is to book into an accredited advance riders course as soon as you can . I rode a bike for work most days for 24 years, only a CT110, we had to attend a course every two years, and it never ceased to amaze me the bad habits we all picked up in that time.The course is worth every penny, you have only one life.Bob

[Redback]

One bike that is very good, is the NTV650 Revere, very reliable, easy to ride, comfortable and good value for money.

Baz.

[UncleHo]

G'day Reubsrover :)

I would be thinking of maybe an earlier BMW like the R series R50/6 R60/6 R75/5 or 6 good touring machines,low centre of gravity well balanced and the worlds best crash bars (cylinder heads) I have riden Beemers since the 60's and their comfort and riding position (negative weight on the shoulders at 80-100kph) takes a lot of stress out of riding ;)

Good examples of these should still be found at affordable prices :)

or look for a good Honda 500/4 from the 70's


cheers

[reubsrover]

You are certainly getting some good suggestions on what type of bike, but by far the most important thing you should do for your safety, is to book into an accredited advance riders course as soon as you can . I rode a bike for work most days for 24 years, only a CT110, we had to attend a course every two years, and it never ceased to amaze me the bad habits we all picked up in that time.The course is worth every penny, you have only one life.Bob

True Bob, I'm certainly planning on it before too much longer. Any suggestions as to the company or are most good? Also I assume you need your own bike?

[reubsrover]

A mate has a very nice 1988 Moto Guzzi Lario Sports 4 valve available. It is lams approved. I will pm you his contact details if interested. Bike is in Brisbane.

Hi Brian definately interested if pricing is reasonable for my budget and I can carry a small amount of gear.

Thanks

[reubsrover]

So far something like this would have to be the perfect choice but of course my only experience is with a registered ag farm bike and little scooter things in Thailand so feedback will be helpful. The other advantage is the price less than $3000

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/424.jpg (http://www.bikesales.com.au/Tig/UI/PagePopup.aspx?R=10246723&PhotoID=gc5458572384560435422&h_mid=2822754&f_mid=2822755&c_mid=5220338&pid=140964&tabID=1409177)


1984 BMW K100RS

[MickS]

So far something like this would have to be the perfect choice but of course my only experience is with a registered ag farm bike and little scooter things in Thailand so feedback will be helpful. The other advantage is the price less than $3000

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/424.jpg (http://www.bikesales.com.au/Tig/UI/PagePopup.aspx?R=10246723&PhotoID=gc5458572384560435422&h_mid=2822754&f_mid=2822755&c_mid=5220338&pid=140964&tabID=1409177)


1984 BMW K100RS

Not learner legal....1000cc. So unless you get something pre-1960, your choices are confined to this list...

Approved motorcycles for novice riders 01/02/11 (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/motorcyclesfornovicedrivers.html)
(http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/lams_list_110201.pdf)

[richard4u2]

the trouble with the early BMW's is they dont have a side stand only center stand and that use to drive me up the wall lifting the bike onto the centre stand all the time . i had a r90 1992

[bob10]

True Bob, I'm certainly planning on it before too much longer. Any suggestions as to the company or are most good? Also I assume you need your own bike?
Good to hear, mate.Yes you need your own bike, part of the reasoning is the exercises you do are designed to build your confidence ,and improve your balance and awareness on the bike you use as your daily ride. You get to do emergency stops at speeds of up to 60 km/hr, on the straight line and around a corner, all such exciting stuff! As for the best course, you will have to do some detective work in your area. A suggestion is any motorcycle club should know and put you onto the best in your area. Good luck, and safe riding Bob

[Nero]

So far something like this would have to be the perfect choice but of course my only experience is with a registered ag farm bike and little scooter things in Thailand so feedback will be helpful. The other advantage is the price less than $3000

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/424.jpg (http://www.bikesales.com.au/Tig/UI/PagePopup.aspx?R=10246723&PhotoID=gc5458572384560435422&h_mid=2822754&f_mid=2822755&c_mid=5220338&pid=140964&tabID=1409177)


1984 BMW K100RS

Run away + not learner legal, if its got more than two cylinder and a BMW badge it will be far more trouble than its worth (this include the modern ones BTW).

[Bigbjorn]

G'day Reubsrover :)

I would be thinking of maybe an earlier BMW like the R series R50/6 R60/6 R75/5 or 6 good touring machines,low centre of gravity well balanced and the worlds best crash bars (cylinder heads) I have riden Beemers since the 60's and their comfort and riding position (negative weight on the shoulders at 80-100kph) takes a lot of stress out of riding ;)

Good examples of these should still be found at affordable prices :)

or look for a good Honda 500/4 from the 70's


cheers

Uncle, those Bayemvays are mostly in the hands of collectors these days and are getting a bit pricey. Hondas that old are usually rooted and in need of a full and expensive restoration, or restored ones are offered for sale at ridiculous prices and don't sell.

Two weeks ago I had a look at a '62 Matchy 650 twin for myself at the Haigslea Museum 'twas for sale. A recent restoration which LOOKED very nice if a bit too dear. Unfortunately it had two serious oil leaks from places that should not leak oil and a dicky clutch. Made me wonder what sort of restoration, and what a good look into would reveal as shortcutted or incompetently done.

I told him I was interested and if he fixed it properly to give me a call. I also told him I would only pay 2/3 max of his ask and that if I was happy with the job.

[SuperMono]

Have a look around for a Yamaha SR500 or maybe the later SRX600.

SR500https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[cinders]

XL 250. Solid as and will go forever. Muck around with the sprockets to give you a cruise speed you're happy with and away you go.

[p38arover]

Run away + not learner legal, if its got more than two cylinder and a BMW badge it will be far more trouble than its worth (this include the modern ones BTW).

Yes, a friend with a modern K has found that out.

[gatesy]

The kawasaki GPX250 and ZZR250 are very good starter bikes. Bullet proof and comfortable, They wont rip your arms off though. I started on the GPX but went to an RGV pretty quickly, which is a great bike but lots of work and fairly uncomfortable. The FZR600 is another good bike as is the GSXF600.

[TerryO]

This is going to be a problem. Most non Japanese "classic" (read, older) bikes are not exactly going to be up there in the reliability stakes, and parts prices may be a tad scary too.

Like this ?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/417.jpg




There are a huge number of cruisers and some (eg the Guzzi California) handle very well thanks.
Sadly none of these bikes are LAMS approved.




I've been waiting for this opportunity, now your proven that your full of it Vlad ...Do you really like and recommend these Guzzi heaps of poo? They are the biggest pile of unreliable Camel dung god ever put on this planet. Guzzi should go back to making crappy tractors like they did decades ago because even the new ones feel like a slow old crappy tractor to ride.

In a good year they sell about 100 new ones a year in Oz which thankfully shows there aren't that many nongs who like riding crappy bikes in this country.

I tell you what you get any Guzzi ever made and select your rider and I'll get a Hyo and one of the blokes I know who occassionally rides a bike and lets see which one laps a race track faster. ;)


Cheers,
Terry

[Nero]

In a good year they sell about 100 new ones a year in Oz which thankfully shows there aren't that many nongs who like riding crappy bikes in this country.

I tell you what you get any Guzzi ever made and select your rider and I'll get a Hyo and one of the blokes I know who occassionally rides a bike and lets see which one laps a race track faster. ;)


Cheers,
Terry

I was actually expecting you to ask for the contact details after a tirade like that. They actually sell about 350 a year in Australia.

Careful who you challenge on your 250 hyosung you never know what people have hiding in their sheds.










https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/03/416.jpg

[MickS]

Have a look around for a Yamaha SR500 or maybe the later SRX600.

SR500http://www.motorcyclepartsx.com/yamaha-sr500_files/yamaha-sr500.jpg

Out of his price range.

[TerryO]

I was actually expecting you to ask for the contact details after a tirade like that. They actually sell about 350 a year in Australia.

Careful who you challenge on your 250 hyosung you never know what people have hiding in their sheds


If your so proud of the old vibrating tractor engine why hide it in the shed? ...It doesn't look that bad! ;)

By the way I wasn't talking about a 250 Hyo I was speaking about the LAMS approved 650 which goes pretty good and handles very well for what it is.

As for tirades, this was meant to be a bit of a joke and was aimed at stirring up Vlad not you, still I guess if ones goes fishing one never knows what they will catch. :angel:



cheers,
Terry

[JamesH]

Sorry for continuing thread hijack but I think Terry O that you and the Vlademites are actualy working off different criteria:

"I tell you what you get any Guzzi ever made and select your rider and I'll get a Hyo and one of the blokes I know who occassionally rides a bike and lets see which one laps a race track faster."

It is possible that you are technically correct but it doesn't really mean anything to people who'd rather walk than contemplate slinging a leg over that....[shudder] ...thing.

Everything you say about Guzzis might be true as well but it would be an honour to actually get to ride one, I never have but just getting to behold one and hear it makes my day.

This debate happens all the time but I surprised to have it on AULRO.

[Nero]

Actually to the OP stick with the GS500 idea, you have to learn to ride the thing with other road users will be easier without having to learn about a classic bike at the same time. Run around for a year or whatever your state requires and then go get whatever you want.

[MickS]

Actually to the OP stick with the GS500 idea, you have to learn to ride the thing with other road users will be easier without having to learn about a classic bike at the same time. Run around for a year or whatever your state requires and then go get whatever you want.

At a stated budget of $3k, he will struggle to find one of those.

[Homestar]

At a stated budget of $3k, he will struggle to find one of those.

I wouldn't be so sure - they would be a bit thin on the ground for that price, but an early mid KM example should be able to be found for that. For a higher KM example, not probs at all. My mate just sold his 04 model with 88KKM on the clock for under 3K. Still went fine - they are bullet proof.

My local bike shop gives me one as a loaner when I take the wife's Boulavard is in for a service - not quite my style, but its a hoot for getting around town on - once on the freeway it struggles a bit with my fat arse on it, but will still do 120 into a head wind.

I would recommend one as a learners bike in a flash. Light and easy to ride, predictable handling & brakes. Good all round package..

[MickS]

I wouldn't be so sure - they would be a bit thin on the ground for that price, but an early mid KM example should be able to be found for that. For a higher KM example, not probs at all. My mate just sold his 04 model with 88KKM on the clock for under 3K. Still went fine - they are bullet proof.

My local bike shop gives me one as a loaner when I take the wife's Boulavard is in for a service - not quite my style, but its a hoot for getting around town on - once on the freeway it struggles a bit with my fat arse on it, but will still do 120 into a head wind.

I would recommend one as a learners bike in a flash. Light and easy to ride, predictable handling & brakes. Good all round package..

Definitely a great learner's bike. The ones on bikesales at just above that price were sketchy..he would have to do some digging.

[TerryO]

Sorry for continuing thread hijack but I think Terry O that you and the Vlademites are actualy working off different criteria:


Vlad and I always work off different criteria, but I'm sure he would also agree that it is always meant as light hearted ribbing nothing else.

As for Nero and his Guzzi he was unintended collateral damage, in reality who cares what anyone else rides or drives, it is the individuals choice and what best suites their own given situation.

I have owned about 30 different motorcycles in my life so far (no Hyosungs by the way) and I have never judged others for what they ride, each to thier own as far as I'm concerned.

Having said that Guzzi's really are poxy... ;)

cheers,
Terry

[UncleHo]

G'day Brian Hjelm :)

A BMW K series you have to be joking :eek: they are 1/2 an outboard motor :D and the bikes look lopsided with that stupid square muffler,and single swing arm,wouldn't touch one, got to be R series Boxer or single verticle, once they went the sideways 4 they got a little strange,test rode one when they first were released in Aust, almost as weird as a Guzzi,(but they only had their torque reaction going opposite to a real Beemer Boxer) ;) anyway they both are more reliable than Ducati, (to stop a Ducati yell "Water" near the electrics,Mr Miller is alive and living at the back of the Ducati Factory) :D:wasntme:


cheers

[Homestar]

Definitely a great learner's bike. The ones on bikesales at just above that price were sketchy..he would have to do some digging.

True, but if he digs hard enough, and thinks outside the sqaure a bit, there are good deals to be had. A bit of patience would be required, and maybe a bit of leg work.

Reubs, it would pay to take a friend with you that knows a bit about bikes when looking at second hand stuff. Something that may look ok might not be all it's cracked up to be...

[TerryO]

Actually to the OP stick with the GS500 idea, you have to learn to ride the thing with other road users will be easier without having to learn about a classic bike at the same time. Run around for a year or whatever your state requires and then go get whatever you want.


Nero actually gave good advice about looking at buying a later model bike if possible, learning how to ride on what would be considered as a classic bike is doing it the really hard way.

What ever bike you look at buying try to find someone who is very experienced and really knows their stuff to come with you. A bike can look good but ride like a pile of poo and if your a learner you would stuggle to recognise any problems.

By the way we were both wrong Nero in 2010 175 new Guzzi's were sold in Oz. ;)

cheers,
Terry

[Nero]

By the way we were both wrong Nero in 2010 175 new Guzzi's were sold in Oz. ;)

cheers,
Terry

Jeebus the local shop accounts for about 50 of those!

[William]

Ok, it may be a tad more than your budget allows. LAMS bike, I doubt it, practical, hell no......... but you will get around very loud and very fast:eek::eek:


YouTube - Prova dell'Y2K MTT

[MickS]

Ok, it may be a tad more than your budget allows. LAMS bike, I doubt it, practical, hell no......... but you will get around very loud and very fast:eek::eek:


YouTube - Prova dell'Y2K MTT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui9RZ01jnDg&NR=1)

Jay Leno has one too :) although he's updated it since.


(http://www.aulro.com/afvb/%3Cobject%20width=)Jay Leno's Jet Bike
(http://www.streetfire.net/video/jay-lenos-jet-bike_181012.htm)

[reubsrover]

Thanks for all the input, it's certainly given me a good starting base for research. The only problem now is my budget has just been halved due to a greedy landy sucking the funds. Another $1400 spent on the brakes and front end....ahh well it's all fun and games.

[jakeslouw]

There are currently only 3 bikes I would consider for your requirements:

- Kawasaki KLR650: old school thumper, suspension a bit soft and old school
- Suzuki DR650: similar, better suspension
- Honda XR650L : just be re-released with electric start, but a VERY tall seat height

Yamaha makes the 660 Tenere, but I don't think it is as versatile as these 3.

Of the 3 above, the Kawa has a huge following when it comes to touring mods.

Join one or all of the model-specific forums and see which fits your profile.

[Nero]

Out of the bikes the XR is not available in oz the KLR has a tiny following and the DR650 has a bit but most have dumped them for the DR400. If you are after cheap cheap the defence force is about to auction off a bunch of bikes including all of it's XT600's (Yammie) same style as the bikes listed above and should come with useful things like bigger fuel tanks etc.

[jakeslouw]

XT600 is a grand bike. I had an 1982 XT550 (same engine, different frame and suspension) as well as a 1984 TT600 (same engine, except for valve size and nicasil barrel, and the enduro suspension and plastic tank).

The ONLY and I really mean ONLY problem with old XT600s is the dual carby set-up: that secondary carb is a vacuum CV and the thing gives trouble after it gets worn and old.

I hear that some guys use a pair of flat-slide carbies off one of the road-bikes, but the conversion is a bit of a sodding job.

Plastic tanks are available in 12 to 20 liter sizes from Clarke Manufacturing in the US: quality plastic items, probably even better than OEM. I used one on my XT350/TT350 conversion and was not sorry.

In South Africa, we only got the XT600 Tenere model with a 20+ liter metal tank: didn't take long to put a dent into one of those.

Just remember that the XT600 suspension was basically non-adjustable compared to newer stuff, so a pair of 43mm conventional adjustable front forks would be the donkey's guts (off a late 80s model two-stroke RM500, KX500 or YZ465), and then maybe some fancy remote reservoir jobby for the rear.
The XT also had drum brakes at the back, but I reckon a talented aluminium welder could put on a bracket for a later model rear disk-brake wheel caliper. I never had a problem with the rear drums: just cut a diagonal slot across and through the fiber braking material until you hit the metal of the shoe. This helps clear water and sludge off the drum.

[reubsrover]

Yes ebay forced me into a snap decision, so thoughts on this one. Have I made a mistake, was it worth it? It seemed like a good buy to me.

Kawasaki KLR650 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Kawasaki-KLR650-/160572954338)

[jakeslouw]

Look, I'm not too keen on milk crates on my bikes, but it looks OK to me.

At that price, I'd be happy if it runs.......

[reubsrover]

Yes so will I and the milk crate will probably come off :p

And thanks for pointing out the KLR Jakeslouw and of course thanks again to everyone else for your very valued tips and advice. Hopefully the sale goes well and the bike gets on the road soon.

Another question that should be asked now, I'm on the Central Coast and the bike is near Bundaberg. Any suggestions for getting it back down here. I could possibly borrow a friend's trailer, or perhaps ride it down but I'm unsure if this is allowed (i.e. if you can get permits to ride unregistered interstate.

Any ideas?

[jakeslouw]

I'd just ride it back if I were you, then claim stupidity/ignorance and accept the fine if stopped. Probably cheaper than renting a trailer or getting it shipped.

[reubsrover]

Well I'm always annoyed when I'm reading old threads and there is no solution to the problem or end to the story so I should finish this story.

The bike was purchased and the chap I bought it off was coming from Bundy down to Balina to sell a property which cut the ride in half. Caught the train up, picked the bike up and after a bit of stuffing about I left with a UVP for the seven hour or so ride back (or more doing 80km/h) at about 5pm.

All went well until about 9pm the lights went out. A few scary moments later (fortunately the road was straight) I was on the edge of the road with no lighting except a headtorch and my blinkers. I couldn't get any further than off the shoulder so I slowly rode about 100m up the road by the flash of blinkers and found a side road and pitched camp. The next day the journey was resumed and the bike made it safely back with me aboard.

Fast forward a couple of months (Uni holidays etc.) and I finally found motivation to attempt to get the bike on the road just in time to ride back how to Vic rather than fly. After a 2700km round trip to Vic and back I can say I love the bike almost as much as the Landy :o

For those interested here's a trip summary of the route taken, it was a phenomonal ride down, amazing scenery and I'm certainly ready to get out and do some more riding.
I tried to avoid main roads the entire way home which added approximately an extra 50km and 12 hrs to the trip. In summary the route was over the Watagans, down along the Great North Road (that was spectacular!) over the Blue Mountains, From Lithgow onto backroads (dirt) to Boorowa, then Cootamundra and then Narrandera. From here I hit some real flat open country and camped the night in the middle of nowhere after a 17hr day. In the morning it was onto Conargo, Deniliquin (past the ute muster and a couple of Landies), Kerang, Donald and finally into the Grampians at 1300 having planned to get there the previous night.

The trip home was not so good five days later, through Gippsland and up the coast still scenic but there was no time for stopping and it rained a fair bit of the trip.

[reubsrover]

And did I mention Landies?

There were quite a few spotted but only two captured, a nice Defender at the Ute muster and a late SIIA?? just on the other side of Deni that didn't quite make it :(

[jakeslouw]

Ah mate you know what they say: a bad day on a off-road bike is still better than a good day in an office................

[UncleHo]

G'day Reubsrover :)

That late 2a???? is in fact a very collectable LWB Series 1 complete with it's Ute cab,it just has the front guards ruined by having the headlights cut into them,a common thing in the 60's & 70's ;) rear body looks very straight for a S1 LWB


cheers

[reubsrover]

Thanks Uncle, I thought it may have been which is why I asked but the headlights confused me a little, expecially as they didn't look like factory to me.

[blitz]

I think you did the right thing in the bike you bought should last years with regular maintance

[ugu80]

At the risk of having Vlad put **** on me again for mentioning this brand, bang for your buck it is hard to go past a new Hyosung 650 which is a LAMS approved bike, either the sports model or the conventional model which is cheaper are both good.


The Hyosung 650 is not a good bike for learners. This inscrutable company cheated to get the bike learner approved. All you have to do is remove a restrictor plate over the air intake and fit an after market exhaust (or drill some strategically placed holes) and you can nearly double the horsepower. A disgraceful abuse of well meaning legislation. This company should be ashamed of itself. You should now be making smug tut-tuting noises.

[reubsrover]

The Hyosung 650 is not a good bike for learners. This inscrutable company cheated to get the bike learner approved. All you have to do is remove a restrictor plate over the air intake and fit an after market exhaust (or drill some strategically placed holes) and you can nearly double the horsepower. A disgraceful abuse of well meaning legislation. This company should be ashamed of itself. You should now be making smug tut-tuting noises.

Perhaps that may be the case but if you were buying a bike to learn on for only three months before you go straight to a full license (as you do in Vic if you already are on a full car licence) the ability to remove restrictions later on could make it even more appealing.

[Redback]

Yes ebay forced me into a snap decision, so thoughts on this one. Have I made a mistake, was it worth it? It seemed like a good buy to me.

Kawasaki KLR650 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Kawasaki-KLR650-/160572954338)

These are a great bike, just keep an eye on your oil levels, they had a tendency too destroy top ends due to not enough oil feed to the top end.

Do regular oil changes.

Baz.

[VladTepes]

The Hyosung 650 is not a good bike for learners. This inscrutable company cheated to get the bike learner approved. All you have to do is remove a restrictor plate over the air intake and fit an after market exhaust (or drill some strategically placed holes) and you can nearly double the horsepower. A disgraceful abuse of well meaning legislation. This company should be ashamed of itself. You should now be making smug tut-tuting noises.

Gotta disagree there
Imagine if you had to buy a jimny for 3 months before the expense of selling it then buying the land rover you actually want

The hyosung is not alone in that it can be derestructed, there are plenty of others that can do the same

The legislation MAY be well intentioned but on tge other hand it may instil a false sense of safety regarding smaller bikes
Cage drivers don't see you either way!

Terry it's nit so much the bikes themselves as tge plasticky finish but that may have changed since they first hit tge Market.