Buying your first motorbike

Once you have your Ls license it's time to head out hunting for your first motorbike! If you have friends or relatives that ride, you can try asking if they have any bikes that their willing to get rid off (see RTA page for list of Learner Approved bikes).

Otherwise its time to start doing some research. First you'll want to narrow in on one or two models that you're set on getting. Then it's time to do a lot of research on new or used prices, whichever you're willing to get. Set yourself a budget, remember to put aside $1000 to $1500 for gear, and start going through online sites. The ones I've used were:

• http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/
• http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Home
• http://www.bikesales.com.au/
• http://www.bikepoint.com.au/
• http://ebay.com.au
• http://bikebiz.com.au/v2/ (dealer site)
• http://www.redbook.com.au/

Get a feel for the local prices on the modal that you're interested in. This includes looking at condition, number of km, amount of rego left, etc. Once you're comfortable with the prices, you'll be in a much better position to negotiate when you find one you want.

When you do buy something, remember to also do the necessary RTA paperwork. See this link for registration information. If the vehicle is already registered, you'll just need to fill out a Transfer of Ownership form within 7 or 14 days of buying it. This will transfer the registration and CTP insurance under your name for the remaining rego period. It'll cost you $27. If the vehicle is not registered at all, expect to pay somewhere around $250 for 12 month CTP (depends on many factors) and $103 for 12 month RTA registration.

As for what's that best learner bike to start with? No one can really answer that for you. The general opinion I got from reading forums is that you should favor a 250cc over a 125cc, and the Honda VTR 250 often comes highly recommended. People also suggest getting a second hand bike, and one with no flairs (sports plastics on the sides, think car body-kit). This way if you drop it less parts get damaged and you won't feel as bad as damaging a brand new sports bike.

The popular learner models seem to be the Honda CBR250RR, the VTR and pretty much any of the Kawasaki 250 series (GPX, ZZR, ZZR2). Also the Suzuki Across GSX250F gets mentioned pretty often for its large integrated storage area under the seat (can fit an XL sized helmet).

In the 125cc class you have the Aprilia RS 125, the Honda CBR125R and a few others. The Aprilia is supposedly one of the fastest, but all 125cc bikes are basically regarded as nothing more than fancy scooters. Top speeds max out at around 120km/h (although as an L rider in NSW you're legally limited to 80km/h anyways), uphill acceleration is almost non-existent, and high-speed stability is not as good as the bigger bikes.

Having said that though, the 125cc are the lightest bikes and generally the most forgiving when starting out. Hence why I choose the CBR125cc to be my first! I just couldn't justify spending $5000+ for a used CBR250RR that's close to 20 years old, has over 50,000km on the clock, and has had the living daylights thrashed out of it since it was born. The CBR125R is manufactured in 2007 (or 2009 for the new model) and a used one in top condition with around 5000km on the clock can be had for around 3.5k. That's just my opinion though, so you'll probably want to get some advice from someone who actually knows how to ride and make up your own mind as to what suits you best :-)