[a_ominous]

Well since I suggested it, I'll start the ball rolling.

Licence
You need a licence to ride a bike. Here for some details.


Insurance
In Ireland, there are only 2 motorbike insurers, Hibernian and Carole Nash. If you're under 25, you can try Carole Nash but they generally only insure over 25s on bikes obver 250cc. You can get online quotes from Hibernian but only phone quotes from CN.

There are some brokers who deal with motorbike insurance. AON is the largest. They deal with Hibernian and offer discounts on the Hibernian price. Some of the bike shops can also sort your insurnace out. They have a deal with AON. Some examples of these bike shops:
Cotters
Bikeworld

There are 3 types of insurance:
Third Party (TP) - you pay for damages to you and your bike
Third Party, Fire and Theft. As above but also covers for fire and theft, strangely.
Fully Comprehensive. As above but also includes cover for damage to you and your bike.

Bikes are assigned a grouping by insurers. This is based on the power to weight ratio of the bike. So for example a 50cc 10 BHP scooter is group 1 and a 1300cc 150BHP sports bike would be group 12, and more expensive to insure. The differences between groups is small for riders over 40. A table of the prices is not available online at the moment.


Lessons
There are various places to learn to ride a bike. Irish School of Motoring (ISM) will provide bikes. As will the Star Rider courses run by Fingal and I believe South Dublin Co Council. These are not year round courses though. And there is a long waiting list for school bikes. Most independent trainers (Irish Rider Training Association IRTA) do not have bikes due to prohibitive insurance costs. This may change with driver instructor certification due in 2004.


Some URLs:
So you want to drive
Cotters
Bikeworld
Easy rider training good information
on bikes and training.
Irish rider training
Motorcycle news there reviews of bikes and gear.

[a_ominous]

Some information on 33BHP power restriction on A licence at MAG Ireland

There is some differing opinion on the power restriction. Others in this parish argue that the restriction is 33BHP and power/weight <=0.16 kW/kg. But many people take the restriction to be "33BHP OR power/weight <=0.16 kW/kg" which would then allow people to ride big bikes that are restricted.

To take an extreme example, someone could get a 1800cc GoldWing restricted to a power/weight ratio <= 0.16 but still be putting out somewhere about 60-70BHP.

Which doesn't seem right.

And along this line, an RS250 or NSR250 puts out less than 33BHP but the power ot weight ratio > 0.16.

This isn't MAG's interpretation, but it does make some sense. Unfortunately

[a_ominous]

this restriction topic has been annoying me as has not getting a definitive answer about it. But I believe I have found a definitive answer.

On the Dept of Transport website there is a page which I found that says
"25kW (33BHP) or power to weight <= 0.16"

It's in this PDF document (page 4) 312kB

Found it by searching main government site for "25kW"

Hope that settles it. Anyhoo, it'll do for me if I can find a nice bigger bike over the next few months...

[Typedef]

Sorry a_ominous you are quite wrong about Carole Nash not insuring the under 25s.

In fact, Carole Nash are the only company that will provide Third Party only insurance for young drivers like me 19-25 age group.

I'm wondering where you get your information.

Hibernian have point blank refused to quote me on anything other then third party fire and theft.

*bump*.

Carole Nash are the only company in Ireland who would quote me after I had an accident and payout.... (in fact it was Carole Nash I was insured with at the time).

Also doing a quick scan through your posts shows that you consistently 'plug' for Hibernian.

Do you work for them by any chance?

[a_ominous]

Just to clarify things, I do not work for Hibernian, Carole Nash or any insurance company. I did say that Carole Nash generally only insure over 25 year olds coz that's what they told me when I've contacted them. They also told me that they _generally_ insure bikes > 250cc but they did quote me for a 125cc Marauder. Their TP quote was dearer than FC with Hibernian.

I recommend that _everyone_ shop around for insurance _every_ time. Rates do change from year to year. I will be calling CN at my next renewal to make sure I get the best deal. But with motorbikes, there are only the 2 insurance companies.

I have given the Hibernian URL in my posts to help people. If they're reading boards.ie they're online and could get the quote 24x7. That's all.

Carole Nash also provide a breakdown service as part of their package. Hibernian don't. If you break down and have a Hib policy, it's your problem. But be aware that CN late night or weekend breakdowns may mean you have to fork out the cash to breakdown van driver as they don't have 24 hour access to the CN database. MAG are aware of this and were to raise it with CN last autumn.

In the interest of fairness and helpfulness,
Carole Nash
CX House
Corn Exchange
Dublin 2
ph 1800 29 85 50.
[PS that's in the telephone book

[a_ominous]

Another plus for CN, is Hibernian do not provide cover on bikes valued over 12500 Euro. I had hoped to upgrade next year and wanted to get an idea of insurance costs. May have to do that in-store as many shops provide cover via AON who deal with Hibernian.

One thing to consider with Carole Nash is that to get fully comp (FC) insurance the bike is supposed to be garaged every night. One CN agent told me a garden shed was fine, another said it had to be a permanent brick garage. YMMV.

[seamus]

Originally posted by a_ominous
One thing to consider with Carole Nash is that to get fully comp (FC) insurance the bike is supposed to be garaged every night. One CN agent told me a garden shed was fine, another said it had to be a permanent brick garage. YMMV.

If you have an anchor fitted to the ground in your back garden, and put a small wooden shed around it (why wouldn't you - keep it warm/dry), I'm sure it would stand up as being adequately secure.

[a_ominous]

Originally posted by seamus
If you have an anchor fitted to the ground in your back garden, and put a small wooden shed around it (why wouldn't you - keep it warm/dry), I'm sure it would stand up as being adequately secure.

It didn't in my case. But another useful point for the FAQ.

A ground anchor is basically a hoop or other fixed piece of metal for locking your bike to. I paid about 60 yoyos for mine about 18 months ago in Bikeworld. They had a few different types ranging in price from 40 quid to 120 IIRC. Some need to be set in concrete, mine is bolted to a wall.

Regarding locks and chains

Some background
I'm a recent biker (2 years now). I found there was a lot of conflicting information out there when I started looking at bikes. In my experience bike shops are generally helpful. Haven't had anyone laugh at me asking silly questions. But they are selling you stuff so all their information might not be accurate. Caveat emptor. If you get out there and visit shops you can get a good idea of what bikes suit you.
I've also passed RoSPA Advanced Rider training. I'm working towards intructor training.

[a_ominous]

There is a lot of variety out there for clothing and accessories. A helmet in the only compulsory bit of kit. Prices vary a lot starting at around 50 yoyos to 500 yoyos. Cheaper lids tend to be open face and IME mostly used by scooterists and old Harley riders Not only will they not protect your face much in a fall, but I dislike the stinging of hard rain or hailstones on my face. Especially at speed.
A helmet must have a chin strap that is closed. If not, you are technically riding without a helmet in the eyes of the law (Check last years accident stats). You will also need goggles.
A full face lid gives more protection. You should try to get a helmet that is CE approved. I was advised to go for a single shell lid, ie not one glued together to form a helmet.
I've heard a quote regarding lids: if you have a cheap head, buy a cheap lid. While I don't completely agree with this, it does have some merit. If you're going for a sports bike, I would recommend a full faced lid. Just in case, you understand. An open lid for E50 is grand on a run-around 50cc scooter and will probalby fit in the under-seat storage.

There are 2 purposes of the clothing: protection and comfort (keeping warm and dry). An ordinary fleece jacket might keep you warm walking about, but as a biker (includes scooterist, motorcyclist) it will provide no protection in the event of a fall. And wind chill will also be a factor.
Leather offers the greatest abrasion resistent protection in a fall. If you fall and slide and are wearing jeans, your legs will be cut to pieces. You'll probably survive, but be in a lot of pain. Leather lasts something like 20 times longer. This is why racers wear leathers.
Most bike gear will also have some 'armour' or padding in it. This is typically on extremities like elbows, shoulders, knees, hips and also some for the back. If you have a fall on a bike, rolling along the ground is where bones get broken. A slide is better (in leather) because the clothing is worn down.

Alternatives to leather:
Since leather is not water-proof (without treatment, and needs continuous treatment) other materials are used. A lot of bikers I've seen about Dublin wear synthetic jackets. Some have Goretex to let you breathe (important during the summer!) Jackets should have a winter lining too so you can be nice and warm.

Everyone will also need a pair of gloves to protect the hands in the event of a fall and also to keep hands warm and dry. If you don't stay dry, you won't stay warm. Water will cool you off 27 times faster than air (according to a Discovery program I saw in 2003).

In Ireland, you'll also need water proofs. IMHO a person riding a scooter does not need the same level of protection as a person with a big bike, but that is very much your own decision. There are waterproofs out there with padding and cost 100-200 yoyos.

Boots
These are a good investment for anyone on a bike. Gear changing will wear out the top of your left shoe. Bike boots are reinforced here. There should also be some additional protection around the ankle, toe and shin. Broken ankles are quite common injuries for bikers.

My initial outlay for gear was
Helmet 130
Jacket 130
Boots 180
Trousers 120
Lock 70
Disc-lock 30

I've since replaced my first jacket as the padding kept sliding around. I've also had to replace my disc lock as I broke the first one after riding off with it on. Fortunately the brake disc was unharmed.

[a_ominous]

There are various motorcycling books out there covering things like 'Roadcraft', Advanced Riding. They also cover clothing. See if your local library has them or can order them for you. Worth a read initially and also from time to time.

[Krusty_Clown]

A_ominous: I have to agree with you on your comments about insurance companies.
Not only should you ring around, but you should also ring the same company several times, in the hope of reaching a different operator.

I've found that conditions can change rapidly just even over periods of a couple of hours. For instance, rang Hibernian for a quote on my first bike (5 years ago), for which the quote was 780 Irish punts fully-comp. Rang them later that day, (different operator) to secure the insurance, and the quote was down to 680 Irish punts. I've seen this behaviour echo'ed on multiple occasions from various posters on Motorcycle Ireland..

Oh, and Carole Nash were specifically looking for a brick and Mortar shed, when I tried to get Comprehensive insurance from them.. Nothing else would do... (and €600 more than HiB!).

Oh and I see your head is only worth €130! I'd be inclined to spend a little more to get something that might be safer..

Some additional equipment you should/might buy:

1) A Bike cover - if your bike's not kept in a shed - prolong that body-work!
2) An alarm - if covered by HiB and your bike's over a certain value (I think it's around €10.5K) you'll need an approved alarm fitted. Mine cost me ~ €280
3) Chain Oil - and some parrafin to clean the chain
4) Wax - for Polishing
5) WD40 - for all sorts of uses
6) Tyre weld/foam (Bikes don't have spares!) - although this may render your tyre un-repairable
7) A Toolkit - If you don't have one already - Including a set of spanners/allen keys
8) A rear paddock stand - for oiling/cleaning that chain
9) Some kind of luggage - I use a rear Oxford Tail Bag - reduces straing from carrying a backpack (and it's also less painful if you fall)
10) Ear-Plugs - Wind noise will deafen you eventually, even at speeds as low as 40mph
11) Bungie cords
12) A Cargo net
13) I'll keep adding as I think of stuff....

[bbbbb]

Roadcraft is good, another book I found useful was "proficient motorcycling"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...219294-7779657

which I picked up while browsing in borders on a trip to the states. Beware though, it's American, they drive on the other side of the road so some of it requires translation!

Also, the institute of advanced motoring hand book which I got from Hibernian Ignition.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...219294-7779657

[a_ominous]

Try http://www.magireland.org/MAGLINK/AP...tm#_Toc6461277MAG Ireland

I also believe there is a 10% reduction for bike between 3months and 1 year. Less than 3 months, there is no VRT reduction.

[a_ominous]

Found some (very little) info on
Revenue site
It does say there is a "deduction for age" without giving the percentage. Check MAG link above.

[D'oh!]

hey just my 2cents

As far as i've heard C&N will only insure you if you are over 21 and have a min of 2 years NCB

And as far as having your bike restricted there is now bloody piont, for them to verify the hp they have to run a dyno from the crank and there isnt a dyno for doing this in the country! And besides the insurance company wont ask you anything about it, they never have anyway. So if you can afford the rip off rates ride what ever you can!!