Hi everyone,

I've been a silent follower of this forum for such a long time but now I've finally registered myself and I was hoping to get some good advice.

I'm the (very) early stages of my 'motorcycle career'.

I will have my learner's licence next week (have already passed my practical test and am booked in for my theory test). I learned to ride on a Honda CBF 250, and did the practical (just slow riding in a carpark) on a Yamaha Scorpio 225.

I now need a bike on my own, but I don't quite know which one. The long-term goal is a BMW G650 GS to take it across Central Asia, but that's a few years away

I have taken the CBF up to 80k's on a quiet back road and I think I'm pretty confident taking off and with the basic stuff. Obviously I don't have any experience yet.

Ok so here we go, this is what I (don't) like.
I'm female and only 5.4 so I need something small enough to put my feet down.
I didn't like the Scorpio, felt really fidelly.
I don't want anything smaller than a 250, but can't go bigger either because of NZ licencing restrictions. So a 250 it is.
I did like the CBF, I like how it felt and I like the riding position.
I don't want anything where I'm lying flat on the tank
I do like the naked bikes.
I don't want a plastic bike or a dirt bike.

Which beginner friendly bikes can you suggest? I know I'm quite picky but I think I'm allowed to

I thought about
Suzuki Bandit 250
Honda VTR 250
Hyosung GT 250...

Is a 2 cylinder better for me than a 4?

So looking forward to your guys' input!

Thanks!

It's a good question A-Kiwi and I love hearing about folks who are starting out in riding bikes!! As a brit I have no clue which bikes are available in NZ but you can do worse than read into the whole range of stuff that is in the HUBB about, for instance:-
1. bikes for those of short inside leg measurement.
2. bikes for females to ride.
2. low cc bikes (125s, 250s and whatever).

Yeah, I know you have been hanging out here for a while, but there really is a hell of a lot of information/opinions in here.
Reputedly, the HUBB search system is not so good so just look around and use google with key words to suit.

Also, listen to what people are saying in your own home area, including ride as many bikes as you can get your hands on. Borrow them from other riders that you meet with - but make up your own mind and don't be unduly swayed by opinion, even well-informed opinion.

Anyway, after that few pence worth, you could consider the Yamaha "serow" XT225 which is a Japanese bike that is imported to the UK unofficially (so known as a grey import). The latest new versions are 250cc but for years it has been a 225cc single which has been highly regarded here in the UK for its' capability and simplicity, low weight etc, including the low seat height. I know, I own one, but just treat this as one more opinion

ps the serow is neither "plastic" (not too sure what you are thinking there) nor an all-out dirt bike, but it does have offroad capability and is great on gravel roads for instance.

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Dave