Yet another new learner rider

Hi all,

Whilst I'm been posting, reading, learning lots on here the last few weeks...
I didn't feel qualified to post in the New Members thread... as I wasn't yet a rider.

I passed my Stay Upright course today - so now hope I am indeed introduce myself!

Never ridden before, did the Stay Upright course today!
Was with a great group of people - many that have been riding bikes on properties, off road, or overseas in the group as well. I'm sure they chuckled quite a bit at us true first timers today!
They were all great though - and hope too see them out practising in coming months.

I had read a few threads here and at Netrider outlining what would be covered... but WOW!
Doing it all was another thing!
At one point when they were demonstrating the stopping and reaction distances at 60km/h I thought - mmm all car drivers should have to do this course - or part of it as road awareness!!!

Anyway am home now, the evaporative cooling is on - as it very super hot out there today - on the range in the gear in the sun.

But I have a nice blue piece of paper I hope to get to the Motor Registry tomorrow in Dickson so I can buy a bike on the weekend! WOOHOO!

All very daunting... and I'm not sure how long it will take me before I will be game to go riding on 'normal roads'... but fingers crossed... I will get to the learners sessions once I have improved sufficiently that I don't look like a Day 1 rider and embarrass myself too much!

 

welcome mate and congrats on passing

 

Congratulations David. I was watching the L's group today and thought it looked good

 

Woohoo congrats.... now what bike are you gonna get???????

 

Thanks Riicho.... not sure if was me you must have been looking at though!
and Epona - I still can't decide!!!! My head still says CB400... but I feel in love with the look of the Kawasaki W800 last weekend.... and then I discovered the Moto Guzzi website!!!! ECK! I need someone with HEAPS of will power to shadow me on Saturday I think to stop my buying a stunning bike (at least for the first one!)

I think after today's training - I'm less keen for a big cruiser first up, but will eventually end up on a classic styled vintage bike (like a Triumph).

 

Congrats on passing, and welcome

 

Congrats mate, Can't wait to see you out and about on the roads.

 

Congrats on getting through the course, just remember to take it easy, you've got plenty of riding ahead and no need to rush

 

Grats on getting bitten very hard by the biking bug

Regardless of what you decide to get as your first bike, you are about to embark on a journey of a lifetime!

 

Thanks guys.... now the big dilemma... my first bike.
I'm love the look of the Kawasaki W800 - and CMCC emailed me today saying it is indeed now LAMs!
Mmm or a CB400. Second hand as I like the tri colour better than the blue - which is the only option at the moment.
Possibly could get a red/black/white one (non ABS version) bought last year off someone at work...

or buy the W800.

At least after my Stay Upright course I think I've decided against getting a cruiser first up. Want a more traditional riding position to get competent and confidence.

 

While I'd love to say get a GS500, the CB400 has a reputation as an awesome bike and being brilliant for learners, and they hold their value really well. I have no idea how well the W800 will do on any of those criteria.

The problem being that until you get a few K's under your belt you really have no idea of the type of riding that you want to do. So, the first bike you buy is most likely to satisfy the type of riding that you *think* you want to do. I've not met a P plater yet who doesn't yearn for an upgrade or crossgrade

 

+1 to that! Hell I even think about upgrading now sometimes!

 

This is why I am thinking of just going straight to the W800!

 

You may wish to look at costs for registration, insurance, servicing and routine parts replacement in selecting your next motorcycle. Registration and insurance costs increase when you have an engine of more than 500cc capacity. Four cylinder engines cost more to maintain than two cylinder engines. Bikes where the fuel tank must be removed to facilitate routine engine maintenance cost more to maintain. Tyres for faster motorcycles cost substantially more than for slower motorcycles. So it depends on what you wish to do and the amount of money that you wish to spend.

Happy researching.

 

Mmmm I forgot to get insurance quotes today...
but a couple of online quotes has the 2011 W800 at about $240 and a 2010 CB400 at between $380-400?!?!?!?!

I hadn't thought of maintenance costs - so thanks!
I did have the servicing schedules / costs already on my list of questions to ask tomorrow.
Registration though - looks the same for both leading contenders in the ACT:
up to 300cc $208.70
301 to 600cc $549.60
over 600cc $549.60

 

Just sit on as many bikes as you can (that are learner legal anyway) and think about what kinds of riding you are likely to want to do, and then make a short list from that, try not to get too focussed on one or two bikes, as you might miss a winner

Enjoy the bike shopping.

 

Glad you said just "sit on them" not sure I'm up to test rides just yet... not my bike afterall... and lots of people around watching!!!

 

Yeah, it is a bit daunting with no real experience, at least try to get a feel for what's comfy.

 

Well went back and sat on both today....

Kawasaki W800 - pegs slightly more forward than the CB400 - which feels good.. but the seat a bit harder / flatter than the CB400. Rear brake pedal quite high (not sure if it is adjustable) but nice and big at least. Nice narrow fuel tank - which makes the bike feel smaller than it probably is. Good sitting position, nice height, handle bars seemed fine, and the weight seems good. Great looks! Stunning / pretty bike!

Honda CB400 - pegs a bit further back - almost under my bum. Different riding position to the CB250 I did my learner's on... but still fairly upright. Big fat fuel tank makes the bike feel bigger than it probably is, weight also didn't seem to be an issue, good seating position height wise, and comfortable seat.
Rear brake pedal smaller, almost half length, which probably makes good sense easy to apply, and not long enough to get in the way.

I'm so confused / conflicted / torn between the two! I love the aesthetics of the W800, but reading this forum and others lots say the CB400 is one of the best LAM bikes around. Admittedly though the W800 is only just on the market, and most states of Australia it won't be a LAM.

 

In that case, get the CB400. It will suit you fine for the learner period and you will be able to get a good prioce on it when you go to upgrade (conditional on how you treat it of course!). Then you will have more experience and a better idea about what you want for your next ride.