Thinking about a bike again

rs

So in my early 20's I had a bike (Aprilia RS 125) with A1 provsional license ( I think I had 2 A1 provs, last expired in 05, never actaully used it). Had at least 1 years no claims from back then (maybe 2, I don't remember)

Have full car license now (several years with several years no claims). Also over 30.

Am a little sick of the car commute so I was thinking about a bike for the daily drive to work.

So from what I've read so far, I need an A provisional. Do I need to do a theory test for this? I have never done one (they came along after I got my licenses)


So my questions are

1. What kind of bike should I be looking at for a daily commute. I would like something powerful enough to get around and something that looks decent. 4-stroke. Something along the lines of a Bros but won't make me look like a courier

2. What kind of insurance can I expect to pay for bike in the lower insurance groups (just ball park figures). Depends on the answers I get to question 1.

TheCityManager

welcome back (almost) to two wheels..Im just over 40 (:() also sick of daily car commute..had lost of bikes in my youth..so just back now on a 04 hornet 250. Couldn't really drive anything smaller..Bros appears to be a fav but I reckon most are ex courier..I just fancied an IL4 rather than a twin..depends on your likes really..
As for Ins I recon we would be similiar - my best quotes Quinn 600TPFT AON 630 Comp..but wanted rider skills training first..went with Quinn..although do intend training in a few weeks..
So?? still only thinking??

dc69

your over 25,so your grand on pretty much anything insurance wise.as op said,hornet 250,400,600 all good bikes

if you go for 400cc or above just get a restrictor kit fitted to be in line with the restrictions you will be under, seeing as you will be just getting your A licence.

suzuki bandit 400,600

you could always go for an r6 or gsxr600,
the rs 125 you had would smoke a hornet or any other 4 stroke 250cc up to 90mph,some food for thought

remeber you aint getting the restrictor fitted to get cheaper insurance(most will only give discount for factory fitted)you are just getting it because of your licence restrictions:)

rs

Any opinions on the Ducati Monster 600?

Wossack

if its a long commute, the lack of a screen/fairing on the duke might be an issue for you

you'll have to do the new bike specific theory test btw

Idleater

rs wrote: »

Any opinions on the Ducati Monster 600?

dukes are nice, and the monster comes in a restricted version so it's learner legal.

rs

So I'm seriously leaning towards the Restricted Ducati Monster 600. Have a reasonable insurance quote from Aon (< 800 euro) because one of our car policies is with AXA.

Now I just need me a license and a bike

Idleater

Sutty who used to hang around here had one for sale. Factory Restricted too. Don't know if it still is around or if he managed to sell it.

L.

sutty

Sadly it sold on monday. However, if you drop out to Ducati Dublin. They are always getting some in to sell on. That or you can get a 695 which if I remember correctly has a better restriction on it and is a lower group.

Idleater

sutty wrote: »

Sadly it sold on monday.

congrats!

rs

Am headed out there tomorrow They had nothing when I spoke to them but hopefully they will get something in soon.

COC

Get a Hornet 600 man...had one for the last 2 years and they're like a bullet and look great!

rs

COC wrote: »

Get a Hornet 600 man...had one for the last 2 years and they're like a bullet and look great!

If I can't find a decent Monster, the Hornet is next on my list.

I prefer the looks of the Ducati and I also love sound and torque of a V-twin engine which is why I'm leaning towards it.

COC

Mmmmm....V-twins are a lovely sound alright. I took the Hornet down through France and Spain last year and she was like a dream. Now on her most mornings getting into town - be lost with out her...however....up for sale in a month or two as R1 next on the agenda.

See you in IOM TT 2008! 101 years old...

Idleater

COC wrote: »

Get a Hornet 600 man...had one for the last 2 years and they're like a bullet and look great!

can you get factory restricted hornets? Otherwise, for a learner you are talking group 11 (out of 12) insurance.

L.

COC

Yeah you can restrict any bike...if you're looking for some lessons for bike tests, I have a name and no of a lad that trained me for my one. he works around the dunfrum stillorgan area and really knows his stuff. got about 6 lessons with him, he told me what I didnt need to know and improved the important areas. passed it 1st time after his lessons.

Wossack

Yes,you can restrict any bike, but if its done 'out of the factory' it'll have no change on its insurance group - Aon, who give the discount for the FR bikes, will treat aftermarket restricted bikes as full powered. The FR usually turns a group 10/11 bike (normally uninsurable for a beginner) into a group 5/6.

COC

You could have it done (wink wink) and just hope for the best - bit risky though....the whole regulations need to be made much clearer and open.

I rang the department of transport a few years back and they told me I was 'on to the wrong department'!!!!!

Idleater

COC wrote: »

You could have it done (wink wink) and just hope for the best - bit risky though....the whole regulations need to be made much clearer and open.

There is no point in having a non factory restricted bike if you are a beginner, as I and others have said, they remain at the higher grouping.

I recently sold my FR bike to a nice chap who is now enjoying it at very little expense. He'd probably still be on a 125 if it were not for the FR grouping which gives him a chance to learn how to handle the "big bikes" with less fear of highsiding it through over exuberance!

Having driven a FR bike for a year and serving my 2 year probation period, I have to say I am really enjoying the 1000cc's now.

L.

Dorsanty

nereid wrote: »

Having driven a FR bike for a year and serving my 2 year probation period, I have to say I am really enjoying the 1000cc's now.
L.

You go straight from FR to 1000cc? I've got another year to run on my probation and find myself thinking of what to do. Currently on 600 FR and was thinking of just switching to 600 full power as it works out as double the power I'm currently on. So from Fazer 600 to R6 lets say.

COC

FOR SALE
HONDA HORNET CBR 600
98 D
Only 25,000mls
Nice extra’s (belly pan, Art Can, jiffy screen, bag carrier etc)
Recently fully serviced including new tyres, chain & sprocket
Garaged from weather
BEAUTIFUL BIKE !
€3,000

Any interest - reply!

Hotblack Desiato

Dorsanty wrote: »

You go straight from FR to 1000cc? I've got another year to run on my probation and find myself thinking of what to do. Currently on 600 FR and was thinking of just switching to 600 full power as it works out as double the power I'm currently on.

I wouldn't worry too much about that. I went from a GS500 to a CBR600 with more than twice the power, you just have to take it easy on the throttle until you get used to it, but you should ease yourself in on any bike unfamiliar to you.

The biggest jump was from a GP100 to the GS500... 4 times the power :eek:

rs

So what else comes factory restricted in the 600cc range

I know the Bandit, Hornet and Fazar are all available factory restricted. What else could I possibly get?

Wossack

I have a list at home that I was making, Ill try and remember to put it up

sure Ill just put the ones down that I can remember for the time being, add to it when I get in:

suzuki
gsr600
bandit 650/600
gsxr600
sv650/sv650s

kawazaki
z750
zx6r
er6/er6f

ducati
monster 620/695

yam
fz6 fazer

honda
cb600 hornet (new 07 model)

good few more, as mentioned, Ill try and remember

smoc

I'd stay clear of the Hornets for a start. What you want is a light bike (easy to ride) at least 125cc (250cc if your on the main roads alot) and is very reliable and practical. The Honda Bros is the perfect commuter if you ask me. I've done an immense amount of research on these myself when I got my Kawasaki ZZR 250 and I nearly went for the Bros only for I liked cruising on the ZZR.

However, I dont need it for commuting because I'm not in Dublin every day. The Honda Bros is all you need. Ask any courier and they'll tell you. I'm inclined to say dont buy from a courier as they are not treated well but this bike can take such a beating that really it wont even matter.

The insurance on them is very cheap also. I got quoted 330 euro fully comp with no claims bonus protection from Quinn Direct and I'm only 22.

rs

So I bought myself a Ducati Monster 400 on friday. Drove it in to work this morning.

No more sitting in traffic! Woohoo!

Idleater

Congrats!

Nice bike - post a pic!