Hi everyone,

So. My boyfriend has owned a motorbike in the past, he isn't an expert however, so we are looking for some advice because he is looking at purchasing a new one. We have a few necessary requirements, and a few that are aesthetic based (or rather, flexible 'wants' rather than 'needs'). Can anyone give us some bike models that might fit the bill for the following very random restrictions?

1) First and foremost, because I have never ridden a bike (and it is for both of us) it needs to be a bike that qualifies for the Learner Rider Scheme here in Victoria, AU. The list of bikes that qualify can be found here.

2) My partner would like a bike that is 500cc+

3) Needs to be able to take a pillion passenger

4) I am 170cms, 60kgs. My partner is 190cms, 100kgs. Not sure if this makes a difference but I thought I'd supply the info anyway.

5) Aesthetically, my partner prefers wider tires and a body that doesn't have too much of the coloured 'casing'. His favourite bike as far as appearance goes is the Hyosung Aquila range. I think he is into the cruiser style but is also open to the more road bike style as well.

6) We would be looking at buying secondhand; something that you would buy new for about AUD$10,000 but we would look at buying a used model for about AUD$7000.

7) Riding intended primarily on-road; we are looking at doing some long distance motorbike travel in the future depending on how I go on the bike.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated if you know of anything that might fit this bill. We are going to scout some stores and try some bikes out soon but would like a basic idea of what we are looking at before we go in.

Thanks in advance,

Nicola