best options for fare weather biking?

real_484

hiya

Based in Cork and wanted to get some information/advice about what would be my options for some fare weather biking.

What I have in mind is a 250cc or bigger to take out on the odd fine day. Want to get some ideas to keep the cost down.

I have no real experience so going to get some lessons.
I had a look at bikecraft.ie in Blarney but 450 euro for a days training with their gear, looked a bit expensive. What is the normal rate for training and who would people recommend, travel a bit so training in Dublin not a problem.

Am I better buying a bike and or just rent as required (can bikes be rented)?
If I buy is it better to buy a classic bike for insurance?
What is the cheapest way to insure a bike?

KTRIC

I have a complete detest of fair weather bikers myself (see sig), but I'll try to be polite and civil and answer some of your questions.


Am I better buying a bike and or just rent as required (can bikes be rented)?
No, not in Ireland. You can rent in NI but only with a full licence

If I buy is it better to buy a classic bike for insurance? You'll need to have 2 years ncb before you can insure a classic. A classic isn't a cheaper option by the way because they usually require more maintenance and I wouldn't recommend them for a new rider.

What is the cheapest way to insure a bike? There isn't one really. Biking in Ireland is expensive. If you want cheap insurance get a small bike, simple as that.

tk123

You'd be best to hold off until the spring. The winter is cold and wet and generally crap and it's no place for a newbie especially if don't have day to day riding expereince - you'll come off and break your ass!

PS A wise person once said " a bike is for life not just for summer!!!"

real_484

thanks for the advice, all very helpful. What I have in mind is to use the bike both for pleasure (touring around) and starting a coarse in Dublin come Jan, planning on using the bike for commute from Cork. The traffic and parking in Dublin does my head in so think best option is the bike.

Paparazzo

You're going to commute from cork to dublin!?! In Janurary?? I'd be spending a lot of money on a decent jacket and trousers, jan and feb are the coldest months. Also, there's a lot of frost or snow around that time of the year, if you're driving early (before about 8:30am) a lot of it will still be on the roads, not the ideal time to start biking.
Make sure the bike has a decent seating position, (not hunched over, like on a sports bike) and i'd get something with a screen. I wouldn't get a virago, or one of the custom type bikes either, they're not great on long distances. What about a Deville or a Transalp? Both are 650's and Hondas.

real_484

thanks for the bike suggestions had something similar in mind. Was looking at the honda hornet type bike and investing in the gear but want to do a bike handling coarse first and then take it from there. When I say commute, mean should only be a few times each month in Dublin for the next few years, it is distance learning thing. Maybe it is in at the deep end.

Pigeon Reaper

Don't do it until you have more experience especiallyin Jan or Feb. you'll want fairings if you'er travelling that distance on a bike in winter but really you'd want more experience before even attempting it in Jan. You may not even be able to walk if you get to Dublin.