First Bike - Pointers?

[Set']

Hello all,

I recently did my Learners Permit Motorbike test in Vic and passed, and thus I am looking to purchase my first bike. I have done quite a bit of research of LAMS approved bikes and have decided to either buy a CBR250RR or a RVF400.

Firstly can anyone give me some advice on which may be more suitable for a tall person considering I am 6"3?

Also since the CBR250 hasn't been made new in many years, what are some good tips for buying one second hand? Is it more sensible to go to a dealer, or can most private sale bikes be quite good? What sort of things are best to look for to see signs of damage or wear etc?

Cheers, all help is appreciated! :)

[Twincam16]

Heaps of threads on Ozhonda to search from already discussing LAMS / CBR250 / RVF400

LAMS bike discussion (http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95300)

I am 6'2 and my RVF fits ok, but im still too tall for it, its a bigger bike than a CBR250 if that answers you question

[Zilli]

i say the first thing you need to do is test ride one of each and see which one you are more comfortable on... both are reasonably small bikes, and have a good low seating position which is good for first timers...

in terms of things to look out for, yeh as above look around, and also check forums that are specific to these bikes... they are both getting quite old now

[bennjamin]

Got money ? Get a new cb400 or similar.
A cbr250 will just be too slow . Lacking pull - it's all noise !

[Lepperfish]

Got money ? Get a new cb400 or similar.
A cbr250 will just be too slow . Lacking pull - it's all noise !

They're pretty quick for a learner.. :thumbsup:

[FASN8U]

no there not...

[gumbs]

They're fast enough, but they sound like a blender, you need to wring their necks at all times and you'll look like a dog ****ing a cricket ball when you ride it.


Why does every noob want the sportiest bike they can get?

[bennjamin]

legally im still a noob - just picked up a CB400 brand new. God its not a RRRRRRR but its pokey and looks gorgeous. Love it. LAMS approved too.

looks like this except with golden headers. Has VTEC too lol. Will destroy any CBR 250 there is too.
http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/2009_CB400/CB400_Blue_RHS_800p.jpg

[Twincam16]

Awesome bike... looks comfy compared to the rvf haha

[aimre]

My mates selling a CB400. in these colours

http://motoaus.com/images/stories/honda2008/cb400f-tri.jpg

Its got like 2000km on it and a REAL Yoshimura pipe. Sounds heaps good. And yeah these things arent slow. They'll destroy any 250. But my mates an idiot and bought it new like 4 months ago even though now he's on his fulls. He wants 8k for it if your interested which is like an immac saving considering how much he payed for it

[aimre]

Found a pic. My nuggets the spada
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/aimre/IMG_0420.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs191.snc3/19853_269282234122_521714122_3355742_4672529_n.jpg

[crazy_legs]

Just getting anything, its not like you'll be keeping the thing long...
7/10 times after ur on ur full u jump to bigger bike.

[aimre]

Well actually its 3 yrs now is NSW, but he aint from here