New to bikes

[Gemin_Eye]

Hey guys,

I'm hanging out to get myself a bike but i'm not that clued up on the subject. How much should I budget for apparal. Boots, helmet, pants, gloves, jacket? I'm also looking at bikes as well. I can buy my mates FZR250. He has just had the engine re-co'd and has barely ridden it since then and it has 12 months rego and can get me a RWC if I want. He really needs the money to finish off his car so he will sell it to me for $2k, what you guys think? I have been looking, and most FZR's are going for $3-4k and it's a good mate so I know about the bike and stuff. Only thing that i'm not sure on is buying a bike from a friend thats all.

Up for all suggestions, comments whatever, i'll take any advice you guys have for me.

[garfield2k]

fzr's r great bikes..i bought mine for 3500.
2k seems good tho check usual stuff like enigne, chain sprockets, tyres, brakes etc.
if he's dropped it then fairing may need fixing n check for bent frames, forks etc.
as for reco'd engine, c wat was done exactly.

as for gear, it depends how much u want to spend.
400 for decent helmet (u can get cheap ones, 100-200 but not as good)
250 - 400 for a textile jacket, double that for a leather one
300 for boots
180 for draggin jeans
80 - 100 for decent leather gloves

if u buy all ur gear at the same shop at the same time u shouild be able to get a discount but budget bout 1k for gear.

if u dont want the bike pm his number, i mite b intersted!

anyway....gl with it.

dave

PS: if u need tech info, cruises on the fzr, go to www.fzr250.com

[Shifty]

While that's a good price, personally I would (and did) get something local. A ZZR/GPX would be the way to go as a first bike... no they don't have the cool factor but they're easy to get parts for, relatively cheap, and you can get a much later model one in much better condition than the average FZR.

Now, they're not as fast or hard edged.. but they're probably nicer to live with on a daily basis and a lot better for an absolute beginner.

http://www.autotrader.com.au/Photos/W63921125585.jpg
Example: Advertised at under $4k from a dealer, this is a 1995 model and all parts are available locally. You will probably save a further $500+ buy purchasing privately.

Probably look at something late 90's for the 3-4k mark - don't be fooled by the "2004 model" rubbish on import bikes. I don't know how they can do it legally, but this is the compliance year.. most of the import bikes are early 90's models and you need to look past the unjustifiable low kilometres and shiny new paint before making your decision. The phrase "polished turd" springs to mind.

Personally I'd be sketchy about a $2k FZR, even if it's coming from a friend... to be honest I wouldn't buy anything that didn't come with a RWC certificate as that's at least SOME guarantee it's not a complete heap.

Budget at least $1000 for gear... it really depends on what you want & like.