Starter bike - opinions on price & suitability please

rcottere · 10-11-2009 5:02pm #1

Just got provisional licence and about to embark on lessons and buying gear and bike. Have been looking around various websites but keep coming back to this bike as I love the look of it, any opinions on price sought and suitability as a starter bike? Anyone have any info on them as a dealer?

http://www.grangemotorcycles.com/asp/property.asp?p=50

hobochris · 10-11-2009 5:39pm

Wouldn't be my cup of tea but it would be fine as a starter bike.

Id get engine bars or crush mushrooms though.. just in case.

rcottere · 11-11-2009 12:40pm

Thanks for the advice hobochris.

seanybiker · 11-11-2009 6:17pm

I started off on a 125 version of that. I loved it. Be a great starter bike.
One of me mates bought an SV650 from them lads months back. He said they where excellent to deal with and would have no problem going back to them.

Quint · 11-11-2009 9:56pm

Perfect starter bike. Over 125, you can do your test on it too.

rcottere · 12-11-2009 10:49am

Thanks for that seany & quint, having my head turned by Yamaha Dragstar 250 now as well, window shopping for bikes is great fun!

mikemac · 12-11-2009 10:52am

Have a look at the Honda Varadero

Was my first bike. Some say it's ugly but not me! Not powerful though but it is a 125

Few links here
http://www.bikebuyersguide.ie/bike.asp?VType=6&Make=Honda&brsMod=VARADERO%20125

rcottere · 12-11-2009 1:33pm

Thanks Mike, nice bike but I'm kind of sold on the cruiser style if that's the right terminology.

Quint · 12-11-2009 6:42pm

rcottere wrote: »

Thanks Mike, nice bike but I'm kind of sold on the cruiser style if that's the right terminology.

Good thing about cruisers for starting out is that you can get both feet flat on the ground handy enough. Gives you a bit of confidence starting off.

thehomeofDob · 13-11-2009 1:10pm

I started off on the same bike only it was an 01. I paid the same price just over a year ago so I'd ask him to know a bit off the price. It's a very good starter bike.

The only thing you need to be worried about is the back brake, in this weather it can start to rust up and sieze as it's cable operated. Just squirt a bit of lube down on a regular basis and you'll be sorted.

Go for it mate, you won't regret it. Upgrade after you get your test.

jimmyendless · 15-11-2009 11:57pm

mikemac wrote: »

Have a look at the Honda Varadero

Was my first bike. Some say it's ugly but not me! Not powerful though but it is a 125

Few links here
http://www.bikebuyersguide.ie/bike.asp?VType=6&Make=Honda&brsMod=VARADERO%20125

They really made the chassis too heavy on the varadero and it is too much for the 125 engine. Just sit on one and you'd be surprised by the weight.

seanybiker · 16-11-2009 1:48am

wasnt to mad about the varadero to be honest. Nice looking. Nice and hi. I just found that even for a 125 I found it seriously under powered.

Gumbyman · 17-11-2009 7:16pm

Howy,

I'm on a similar trail as rcottere. Looking at a few starter bikes - Dragstar 125 (thanks rcottere!) and a Suzuki Intruder 125 among them. Anybody know anything about that Suzuki? Or a Honda Rebel? Also, am I nuts getting a 125? Is this just not powerful enough for the weight of a motorbike? Also, I am applying for the A class test - can I do this test on a 125 or would I need to test on something bigger?

Any tips or info appreciated! Very eager to get on the road. Rented a 125 scooter on holidays last month and it opened my eyes to biking!

Gumby.

Starter bike - opinions on price & suitability please

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