Hey all.  Have been reading through the site over the last couple of weeks and decided to finally join.

After a bit of advice on eventually getting my first HD.  I have my r-e licence which in WA only lets you get on a 250cc.  Problem is I haven't ridden for years so I'm thinking I should get back on a 250 for a while before I go for my open licence and then get my first Harley.  I used to own an old CBX250 but getting a bit older now (32), I'm more keen to go for a cruiser style bike.  Was looking at Triumphs as well but have come to my senses and am pretty keen on a Harley.  I quite like the looks of the Street Bobs and the Nightrains but haven't actually had a close look at either yet.

Any ideas on what bike I should go for to learn how to ride again?  Or should I just go straight for a Harley?  What's the penalties these days for riding out of class?

Cheers

Hi Numbat,

Dunno about WA, but ost states now have a 'learner approved motorcycle' system (L:AMS), that is based on power to weight. Just checked and LAMS was expected in WA but not sure if it has made it yet. Thought maybe an 883 Sporty would make the cut, but it seems not.

Otherwise, just get a simple 250 for a year to get back into it.

Cheers,

Damien

 welcome

to the forums Numbat.
As to your question do the 250cc for the year till your on your full license then get your Harley.

Welcome Numbat , as above , go the 250 for a year , get your bike legs . Ride around to all the shops and check out bikes for next year .

Thanks guys. Getting back onto a 250 would definitely be the safer option.

Damien - As far as LAMS goes here in WA, apparently it's due to go through soon? Maybe in December? But to be honest, I would be happy to learn again on a 250 anyways. I might even step up to something a little bigger again before I get a HD. Might even get a Sporty before I take the plunge into a bigger Harley? I want to enjoy riding - not kill myself learning. Not sure how the LAMS laws will affect my r-e license? I might have to sit my open license before the new laws come in to avoid jumping through more hoops and paying more money?

Getting a smaller bike to get used to it again is a good idea, and then maybe even stepping half way to a Sporty or suchlike would be sensible. Sporties are seriously underrated motorbikes.

Dunno why anyone would buy a 1200 when the 883 is functionally the same bike with a smaller bore and much cheaper. Get one of those in the middle, when for a few hundred $, when you are up to it, but in the 1200 pistons, air cleaner and pipe. Makes a huge difference.

The problem, though, is with being 'sensible'.

oh, and if you have had a licence in the past, depending on the state, you can go direct to the 'open' catgeory as you've already done your time. but, as you say, maybe ease back into it.

Welcome

Rumor has it that LAMS will be in WA during 2013, go the 250 for now probably have the Harley by the time LAMS actually happens here.

Welcome Numbat

Welcome Mate yer go the 250 for now.

Well - That settles it then. 250 it is. Now, which one to get??? Have to start having a good look around. Thanks guys.

if you get a 250, go for something with low kays (regardless of age), four stroke, sensible riding position. regular oil changes are also good, either before or immediately after buying.

I was pretty much in the same situation as you Numbat. I bought a Kawa VN250 Eliminator which is a cruiser style and a 'big' 250 fame size. It is the least embarrassing of the 250's to ride. I lasted 6 months on that then went for my R class and bought a Sporty. Best decision I ever made on both counts.

If you have had your RE for longer than 12 months then you can go for your R license as soon as you can book it. But the experience you will pick up as you 'relearn' how to ride again is invaluable. You can buy a bigger bike while on your RE and you can even ride it as long as you are in the company of someone with a full R license. You don't need L plates anymore if you do this, you don't even need a learners permit. But, for fucks sake, don't go and ride a big bike on your RE license because you will obviously be uninsured. Not worth the risk in my book...

You had me second guessing there for a minute IRNBRU but then the smart suggestion from Normthe1 slapped some sense back into me. I didn't think about the insurance side of things so thanks for your comments Normthe1. Sounds like I might follow what you have done? I have been checking out a few of the riding schools and courses on line and I think that might be a pretty good step as well.

allde - I had a look at the Hunters a couple of weeks back and I think they just look too.......ummmmm........Whats the word.....Pretentious? No offense if anyone has one but they just don't do anything for me. I think I would be happier sitting on a VN250 or a Rebel or an XV250. I don't mind the look of the Kymco Venox either but I don't know if they're any good. Has anyone had any experience with a Venox before?

I went and got my L's, a week later i got a new sportster iron. i had never even ridden a bike before this. i have a week and 3days until i an full licensed! and my new bike somehow has 11000k's on it now..... Forget the smaller bike mate, go and buy something you really want first off.

T1

Thanks for your thoughts terroristone but Like Normthe1 says, It's just not worth it. If I crashed a $15k+ bike without being properly insured, I'd never ride again! That's the way I see it anyway.

I had a look at a couple of bikes on the weekend and now I'm wondering if I should bother with a cruiser style bike to learn on or go for a sport type bike like a CBR or a Ninja? I know I want to end up on a big laid back cruiser but should I start out that way as well? Mmmmmm? It definitely felt more comfy sitting on the VN250 than it did the Ninja or CBR250 so I'm thinking I might go that way?

I understand your points but I had no intention of dropping my bike (ride defencivly) ! I had been looking at getting another bike while on my p's and to be honest I couldn'tt go past a Ducati monster 400. They are a more upright naked style sports bike.


T1

 Welcome Numbat