Sooner or later you will reach the stage in your motorcycling career where the trusty GN250 just doesn’t work for you any longer. You get left behind by your mates on rides, you’ve ground down your pegs on those twisties until you can barely keep your foot on them any longer, your bum is getting bruised every time you hit those potholes and the back end bottoms out…
Knowing when the time is right to move up to a bigger bike is a personal thing. Sure, you’ve got to have that piece of paper from the government that allows you to ride a bike bigger than 250cc, but before you go and trade in that learner on the latest R1, ask yourself a few questions. Am I skilled enough to handle the jandal? Am I just bowing to peer pressure? Can I afford a bigger bike? What bike will I get?
First off, if you haven’t got the skills down pat then best to steer clear of the latest sports bikes. Get yourself a cruiser or a naked bike, these types of motorcycle generally are tuned less aggressively than the crotch rockets, while retaining a good amount of low down torque to get you off the line quick smart. Visit the bike shops and have a go on the demo bikes they have there. Just like jeans, try out several different types. Look at the following:
Does this bike fit my height?
Can I get both feet down comfortably?
How’s the weight, could I lift this bike if it tipped over?
Do the controls fall easily to hand?
Remember, its not all about speed, but about handling. Take it for a blat over your favorite piece of tarmac. Can I comfortably handle this bike? And does it have that extra bit to it that will let me grow as a rider without killing me at the first corner?
Answer these questions and you’re on your way. Next job is to find the right bike for the price you’re wanting. Again, better to deal through your bike shops than look for that backyard bargain for your first bigger bike. And most bike shops will do you a deal when trading in your 250cc. Follow the same rules when buying your new ride as you did with your first baby (see our buying guide at www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/Info/Guide.aspx) and you can’t go wrong. Most dealers are only too willing to give you the advice you need when you’re looking to move up, and most also offer financing, but just make sure you are totally comfortable with your purchase before you sign your hard-earned dollars away.
Check out www.motorcycletrader.co.nz for all the latest bikes for sale. And here is just a small sample of a few different types of bike you can try out, to see which best suits you and your needs.
TRADITIONAL
Also called standard, these are updated versions of what most bikes used to be like. They have a classically shaped gas tank, individual fenders, low handlebars and an engine you can see.
CRUISER
Heavy and stable at low speeds, these bikes usually have large, torquey V-twin engines, a low center of gravity and generously sized, low saddles to accommodate riders of all sizes.
SPORT
Light and powerful, these bikes have a race-bred chassis and triple disc brakes (two front, one rear). The forward-leaning riding position is not comfortable for long-distance riding.
NAKED
Again, light and powerful, these bikes were originally off-spins of their more racy sport cousins but have developed into a class of their own. Not as quick as the sports bikes, they have a more upright position and better low down torque, and are generally more aggressively styled.
MOTARD
Quick and agile, these bikes are basically modified dirt bikes with road tyres. High seat height and upright riding position makes this bike ideal for around town.
