Hi Everybody, Thoughts?

[LostUsername]

Hey people of the interwebs,

Bit about me: 21, from West Yorkshire. I have ridden off-road before but not in a few years and was just 125cc Pit Bikes.

I am looking to do CBT & Theory asap, then next month go for A2 License.
(Anyone run a test center near Leeds?)

Most likely going to then buy a Kawasaki Ninja 300 (ABS) in White or Green, still undecided. From New? (Thoughts on this as a first bike?)
https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-Ninja-300-ABS

Would be used for mainly commuting to work (Have car already), 95% Motorway, 30 Miles each way.

Now i'm mostly wanting opinions of some gear I have looked at getting, just to get me started etc;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006VZXP9G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3URDK8CREORQ9

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D1VX7L4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3MTEF186O7VV5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004NVQJVQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3MTEF186O7VV5

I already have some gloves with carbon shell protection (Don't know why I have them, but I do.)

Lastly I wear leather boots for work, so do I need some proper bike ones or not?

Anyway longish post, thanks for reading, any questions, qualms or queries?

p.s. Did want this but can't find a UK seller
https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Strength-SS1500-Helmet-875747/dp/B009NKU9JU

[Baffler186]

Hello.

New bike is a lot of money, just make sure you test ride to see that it's the right bike for you. 60 miles a day? Make sure it's comfortable, and factor in that you might well be servicing it every 4 months. Also check the terms of the sale, you may have to get it serviced by the dealer to maintain the warranty. If it were me, I'd get a used bike, restricting means more choice (i.e. more choice than stock A2 compliant) but that's up to you.

Kit: Helmet will be fine as long as it fits properly. Might want to get some ear plugs as well. Fit is key though, regardless of anything else such as weight, style, air vents etc.

Textiles are a good choice for commuting, mine were around the same price and are very waterproof but are starting to rip/fall apart after 14 months of constant use.
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[willber]

Would recommend 2wheelskool in Eccleshill, Bradford for training. Did my CBT & DAS with them within about 2 months

[Rogerborg]

[LostUsername]

[Matt B]

As far as the kit goes, bear in mind that buying online can be a minefield. The sizing of motorcycle clothing can be all over the place and you really need to be trying lids on before you buy.

You have a car, so why not take a day out to somewhere like J&S Accessories? There is a megastore in Doncaster that may be close enough to you. At least you will not be wasting time returning gear that does not fit.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[LostUsername]

Yeh, think I might while I have the time off, was just mainly for the practicality of it, I will be getting the clothing somewhat bigger to go over my work apparel.

Just looked at J&S Motorbike store also,

https://www.jsaccessories.com/kawasaki/new/bike/5196/sports/541479/2015-ninja-300-abs.aspx

hmm, Tempted and maybe add the Ninja 300 Akrapovic Exhaust also

[Rogerborg]

I'd hang fire until you've done your training and tests. By that time you'll be used to a 500cc+ bike, possibly a restricted 600 and will have a better idea of what you like and don't like about it.

Choosing a new bike on looks is a bit like ordering a Russian bride online, only with slightly less warranty.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[KnightsFall]

What's the wait like for theory tests in your area? I'd look at getting that booked asap or else it might hold you A2 plans up some. Just done mine but there was a wait of a few weeks and limited appointments for a month or so.

Not a recommendation from experience as I have none to speak of. However, if you are looking for a natively A2 compliant super sport, have you considered the CBR500R? About £500-600 more than you are considering splurging on the Ninja. A touch more power and 8k service intervals, with valve checks pretty far apart (except for the 600 mile service, which I hear is a biatch).

[Wednesday Biker]

I had the ninja 250 and it was great for the motorway so I would imagine the 300 is even better.
It will do 90 without really pushing it.Will do 110 if you push it and you can push it because the fairing and riding position is fantastic for avoiding the wind.
Got a 600 now.Naked I admit but I get buffeted around and my head gets pushed back more than I did on the ninja. Don't really enjoy motorways on it.
Same on the half faired 750 I had too.That was sit up and beg so probably more of my head was above the screen.
I did a 25 miles each way commute with 90% motorway and dual carriageways and found the ninja did it great and fuel economy was good.Tyres lasted ages too.
But yeah the cost of a 300 and the regular valve check isn't ideal.

[Yorkshire Geek]

I can recommend Bumpy in Birstall too, excellent trainers.

[Matt B]

Bike - I would be looking at spending about a quarter of what the Ninja 300 costs and getting something like a GPZ500S with a restrictor kit fitted. Unless you plan to stay on an A2 licence and keep the new Ninja for ever, it would make sense to wait and spend the big monies in a few years time.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[LostUsername]

CBT Now booked for next Tuesday @ 2wheelskool ,thanks Willber for the recommendation, wish me luck

[P.addy]

You'll spend more financing with fuel payments than you would on a cheaper bike with fuel payments, or are you still in year 3 and have not got a grasp on how numbers work?

£800 tops ONCE on your first bike + fuel.

£100 a month on a bike + fuel.

Can you calculate which costs more over 12 months?

Most bikes can get decent MPG... depends how ham fisted you are.

[talkToTheHat]

Camo patterns work really well on a motorcycle, they break up your outline so it's harder for car drivers to identify the blob as a motorcycle and will identify you as some species of walt, cockwomble or other figure to be hated.

Try helmets before you buy. Fit is everything.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[Rogerborg]

[Wednesday Biker]

Theres a black gpz500 that parks near the local shops and it looks pretty good imo. Nice riding position and apparently good on fuel.
I think I would go for one of those over the 300 tbh. Its the sensible option.

[johnnyarctic]

as above.

pass your tests first, then get some money together and go looking. i bought a 500cc and restricted it, rode it for 18 months and sold it for what i bought it for. 65mpg and comfortable enough. it might look a bit shit but who cares.

after restriction, get money together and buy a triple. or a blade.
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Current Ride: VFR750

[LostUsername]

Decided, Im getting a DRZ400SM

[Rogerborg]

Are you really.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[LostUsername]

Yep, replace the tires, get a lowering kit, upgrade fuel tank (don't need to, just preference), and restrict. Can go off road with buddies also, and cheap enough bike for a first. Will run plenty fine sitting at 60 on the motorway.

[Polarbear]

Restrict? The damn thing only kicks out 39bhp.

Seat like a lump of wood. (so I have been told)

Single cylinder and you want to commute on the motorway?

Have fun
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Rogerborg]

Mmm. It's a dreadful choice for your stated purpose. You could pay to transform it into something a little less unsuitable, but then again you could just put knobblies on a CB500 for the two times you'll actually ride offroad.

All of this is theoretical until you've got a license anyway, and then you'll be in a far better position to make an informed decision.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[garth]

Potato.

DRZ is certainly less gay than a 'Ninja' 300, commuter-in-a-frock special, but even less suited to a motorway commute. It would be a lot cheaper though, and like others have pointed out, no turn key depreciation.

You'll be wanting two sets of wheels to go off-road.

I wouldn't personally recommend any 500 twins for any engaging riding, but I suppose they'd be ok for the motorway commute.
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