New First Motorcycle..What to get?

[FaNIX]

I'm looking at buying a motorbike, this will be my first bike. I want to use it for some weekend fun, driving to friends etc... And somedays to work and back, which is only 10km But it's hard to decide which one to buy: I have 3 options:

HONDA CBR 125 (R23,999)


APRILIA RS125 (R46,999) New price is R57,999 (Dealer has 1 left on floor for old price)


2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (R35,000 - R40,000)
Only released end of may.


I first looked at the Honda, but then I saw the Aprilia, and it stole my heart... Only drawback that I personally have with the Aprilia is that it's a 2-stroke, so it doesn't sound that cool on the road

I haven't seen the new 2008 Ninja, but it's due end of may, but I don't want to wait that long, I'm kinda hoping of buying my bike this week...

The reason why I am going with a small bike, is because this is my VERY first bike, I don't even know how to ride a bike, hehe! I won't have any problems learning, so thats not the problem. I just want something to start off, but I should be happy with it. I'm only 1.68m long, so the big and heavy bikes doesn't work for me

So what should I do?

[Gambit]

Only drawback that I personally have with the Aprilia is that it's a 2-stroke, so it doesn't sound that cool on the road

The nice thing about a 2 stroke is they are twice as powerful as a 4 stroke.

[FaNIX]

I've been told that yes, but I can't seem to get the thought of my superbike sounding like a scrambler! And isn't 2-stoke high maintenance? I don't know much about bikes...

[Gambit]

I've been told that yes, but I can't seem to get the thought of my superbike sounding like a scrambler! And isn't 2-stoke high maintenance? I don't know much about bikes...

They are much cheaper to run because they have way fewer parts. The only thing you have to do is buy 2 stroke oil which can be expensive if you buy the fancy synthetic kind.

[Frankie]

The Aprillia is a street racer only so if that's what you're after then that's the one, whereas the 4-stroke machines are usually more durable and better suited for touring even though the two you posted are dressed like street racers.
I'd go with the 250 Kawa, but if I was 20 years younger I'd most likely go for the Aprillia.

[The_Librarian]

I'd go for a 4 stroke - mainly because a 2 stroke stinks (the smell of burnt oil always goes with you)

But a 2 stroke have more power than a 4 stroke.

[FaNIX]

mmm, what do you guys think of the Hyosung GT250R?

It's well priced at R33 000, and it's a 250cc

I'm just very worried about the Seat height... I know the aprilia is 805, the hyosung 795 amd the ninja 775,where the honda is 776. I fitted well on the honda, and the aprilia felt very good, although only my toes was touching the group with the aprilia, but it was manageable because the bike is so light...

HONDA 115KG
Ninja 154 KG
RS125 107 KG
Hyosung 171 KG

So I'm a bit worried about the weight of the hyosung, should I go for that option.. it's freaking heavy...

[Deenem]

Well, if you can't afford a BMW then I suppose you have to compromise ;-)

Definately get something with a bigger engine, 500cc even, smaller engines have less power which make them less safe. You need a bit more power when you're a beginner, just not too much.

All the bikes you have listed are pocket racers, not really good for riding to work because they're so uncomfortable. Just saying that because they you might get put off biking without realising there are far more comfortbale, practical bikes out there.

P.S. 2-strokes last 10000k's if you're lucky, but it's a fun 10000k's ;-)

[FaNIX]

Well, if you can't afford a BMW then I suppose you have to compromise ;-)

OMG... I hate people like you... All my gay friends drive BMW Cars... Even If I had a gezilion dollors, I won't ever buy a BMW Vehicle

[Deenem]

BMW motorbikes are completely different to BMW cars!

BMW bikers would not be seen dead in BMW cars, I have to go indisguise when I take my bike to Lyndhurst Auto for a service just in case someone reconises me ;-)

[Pitbull]

Fanix

Rather go for a 400cc instead. You will cry if you sit on one of those little toys

There are plenty 400cc's to choose from, only drawback it they will not be brand new as they are all imports. Alternatively buy a 600cc brand new.

Just my 2c

[FaNIX]

Okay then Lets get back to the real non BMW bikes...

[FaNIX]

Fanix

Rather go for a 400cc instead. You will cry if you sit on one of those little toys

There are plenty 400cc's to choose from, only drawback it they will not be brand new as they are all imports. Alternatively buy a 600cc brand new.

Just my 2c

I've spoked to 2 dealers, and they said "Whatever you do, do not buy a 400cc bike, they are imported, old stock and parts are very hard to find"

[Pitbull]

I've spoked to 2 dealers, and they said "Whatever you do, do not buy a 400cc bike, they are imported, old stock and parts are very hard to find"

*cough* Bullsh8t *Cough*

Parts are all over the place. Bikes don't break unless you buy them in a state. They are imported yes, and I know of a Bikeshop in Montana that stocks all imported bike parts, do spray painting and even import bikes directly.

Anyway. If you are scared of the second hand market. Get a 600 instead

[The_Librarian]

A suggestion - if you can, take one for a test drive and see if you're sitting comfortable in it.

No good in getting a bike with an uncomfortable seat