Moped or Bike?

thehomeofDob

I'm starting a new job in Jervis in Dublin city centre. I currently live in Blanch. Instead of getting a bus in every day and sitting in traffic for an hour and a half I was considering getting a bike. Just a few questions.

Parking, is there somewhere to park nearby that's safe and most importantly free? (Regional forum question, I know).
Bike or Moped? I don't need to go anywhere but town and Blanch. Maybe the odd trip down towards Shankill/Bray - once a week or so.
I don't want to spend a fortune, and insurance on a Moped is relatively cheap at 858 (19yr.o. male) - so if I was to go for one, what price would I be looking to spend for a relatively new and decent one?

On a side note, if I'm riding for awhile, and want to take the test, would I be better off getting extra lessons on a 250cc bike and taking the test on the same so I'd get a full A license?

Thanks guys!

Oryx

Cant advise you on your journey or parking, sorry. A 50cc moped is good for low speed short trips. For longer journeys in faster traffic youd be better on a higher cc bike.

If you start on a bike youll master the gears etc, which a moped wont have. Tho a scooter will have storage areas a regular bike doesnt have. Small mopeds are generally much cheaper to buy, run and insure than a bigger bike. So there are different things to consider depending on your use.

If youre going to do the test at all, do it on a bigger bike with an A licence. That way its done for good, otherwise if you do the M, A1, youd have to retake it for the A.

thehomeofDob

Thanks for the reply.

Where's the best place to pick up a moped, 1000-1500 euros worth? If I've just gotten a car Learners Permit within the last six months do I need to get another eye test done when I go into the MTO to get the bike permit?

Dark-Mavis

thehomeofDob wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

Where's the best place to pick up a moped, 1000-1500 euros worth? If I've just gotten a car Learners Permit within the last six months do I need to get another eye test done when I go into the MTO to get the bike permit?

Don't think you'll need another eye test.

If you enjoy driving get a motor bike if not go for the moped; they're bit more practical and more economical.

Greenmachine

thehomeofDob wrote: »

I'm starting a new job in Jervis in Dublin city centre. I currently live in Blanch. Instead of getting a bus in every day and sitting in traffic for an hour and a half I was considering getting a bike. Just a few questions.
Parking, is there somewhere to park nearby that's safe and most importantly free? (Regional forum question, I know).
Bike or Moped? I don't need to go anywhere but town and Blanch. Maybe the odd trip down towards Shankill/Bray - once a week or so.
I don't want to spend a fortune, and insurance on a Moped is relatively cheap at 858 (19yr.o. male) - so if I was to go for one, what price would I be looking to spend for a relatively new and decent one?

On a side note, if I'm riding for awhile, and want to take the test, would I be better off getting extra lessons on a 250cc bike and taking the test on the same so I'd get a full A license?

Thanks guys!

A lot of bikers park at the side of arnotts on liffey street and a few on caplel street. There are tons parked on O'connell street everyday. Where ever you park it make sure it is secured.

You mentioned you would mostly use it for blanch and town. You also mentioned you would use it occasionally for Bray/Shankhill. I would put it like this if you plan on using the M50 for your trips to blanch or Bray then, it has to be the bike. Using a moped on the motorway is jsut aking for trouble.

AS far as 250cc bikes. The following are all group five last time I checked. CBR250, Bros250, Translap 400, Bros 400. One more thing have you tried all the companies. There is Quinn direct, Aon, Hibernian and an insurer in the north who is returning great quotes for alot of people. Okay I mentioned some 400 there just for comaprisions not aware of a 250 grouped lower than a 5 but someone else might know one.

thehomeofDob

Thanks for the replies guys. Especially about parking, as it's the one thing I was completely unsure about. I'll have it secured with a large chain lock and a disc lock.

I'm trying to keep costs down. I don't mind paying for a good bike, but I'm not swimming in cash, and I'd like to keep as much of my savings intact as possible. I looked at Quinn and Aon, Aon was looking for twice what Quinn wanted. I hear Carole Nash won't even look at me, but I haven't called yet.
What I was quoted with Quinn for TPF&T was as decent as I think I'll get, fully comp went up €150 which might be an option. When I went to even a 125cc scooter/moped my quote went up €400, I'd hate to see what 125 bike or 250 would go up to, let alone the extra cost of the bike itself.

As of now, what I need the bike for, is to get to work. I won't be taking the M50 to get to Bray, right now I take a 39 and a Dart so it won't be too much extra travel time going through town on the moped. It also means I'm not stuck to a train schedule as I normally leave late when I'm there.

You guys have been a great help. I'll probably start looking at bikes this weekend. Any recommendations? My little bit of reading has lead me to look for an Apprilla, Piaggio or a Yamaha Neo? Should I buy dealer or private? I don't mind spending the 100-200 extra for a dealer bike when it'll give me some sort of warranty and an establishment to come back to.

Alkers

Similarish situation myself last Feb. I'm 21, first time bike driver. I went with a 50cc moped as my insurance was around €750 and was up at €2,500 for a 125bike. I'm looking at getting a bike as soon as I've got one years no claims bonus. For buying a bike 2nd hand keep an eye over on www.biker.ie - most people there will have kept good care of their bikes.

colm_c

Greenmachine wrote: »

You also mentioned you would use it occasionally for Bray/Shankhill. I would put it like this if you plan on using the M50 for your trips to blanch or Bray then, it has to be the bike. Using a moped on the motorway is jsut aking for trouble.

Apart from the fact that a 50cc vehicle is illegal on a motorway, the OP only has a learner's permit, you can't drive/ride on a motorway with a learners permit or provisional license.

mydogjack

moped.

thehomeofDob

There won't be any motorway driving - I'm an upstanding citizen

Any recommendations for good bike shops in Dublin? I'm going to look around tomorrow at some. Price can go up to €2000, inc. Helmet and Jacket. I have pants, overalls, locks, boots. I've been warned to stay away from second hand mopeds from dealers, been told they're all cleaned up to look better than they are. Now I know there's truth in that to an extent, but it can't be that every one out there is a crook.

Any brands/models that are above the norm that I should be willing to pay more for? Or brands to stay away from? I've been looking at Piaggio, Apprilla, and Honda - all seem good.

Fabio

You can't really go wrong Honda. I've seen a few Honda scooters (and I mean proper scooters not crossovers like the Honda 50 or 90) that are ten years old and look in ok conditiono.

I would recommend a bike really though because you'll enjoy the freedom you'll have on two wheels and will soon want to step up a bit.

I have a Honda Innova 125. It's a crossover bike so the fuel tank is under your arse like a moped but the engine is a 125 and the gears are manual but the clutch is automatic plus it has big though narrow-ish "real" bike wheels.

My insurance for this with Quinn was just under €600 although it's only thrid party insurance I have on it (with a provisional and as a first timer too!).

Best of luck with it anyway and try get lessons if you can...even if you read up a bit and pay attention to any mistakes you make then that helps too I suppose.

Don't rush into anything either!

thehomeofDob

Unfortunately I don't have the money right now for anything larger than a 50cc. This new job with pay out though - so maybe I can up things in the future. I went browsing today.

Bikeworld, AandM Motorbikes (think that's it, near Connolly), and the Honda place near Mounjoy Motors.

There wasn't much in Bikeworld except a new Hyosung SF50 Racing for €1890 + gear (Helmet, two locks - disc and chain, jacket). Everything seemed expensive. The guys were nice and kept talking about "doing a deal" - but were very vague about the deal itself.
When it came to gear there was so much to choose from I was overwhelmed. I've no idea what kinda jacket or helmet to buy and what kinda money to spend on it. I need it to be waterproof and give a decent amount of protection in case of a spill. I loved some of the pricier leather jackets, they felt indestructable, but 350+ is outta my budget.

Next place was the one near Connolly, he had nothing, and wasn't too interested in selling.

Finally the Honda place. They had a new Yamaha Neos for 2150 with Gloves, an Ultra helmet, a disc lock, and the top box. There was the same in Bikeworld but without the extras or the top box.

Now for the questions. Should I stick with the Hyosung SF50 Racing and get some extras in Bikeworld, should I go with the Yamaha Neos in town and get a nice jacket in Bikeworld, or get the Yamaha in Bikeworld and try and sort out a deal there with the extras I need.

Finally, and this is important. Once I've made my decision, how to I go about getting a new bike registered and insured so I can drive it away? If it was second hand I could easily get it insured, but if it doesn't have a reg. number, I'm lost :S - Removed due to stupidity and not searching.

You guys have been a great help!

RasTa

Buy private, the market is dead and there is loads of bargains to be hand. Also get a bike, mopeds are useless for that trip. Athough you could get a Burgman....

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/18/26215818.html

thehomeofDob

There's not loads of bargains that I can see. Keeping in mind I have to keep inurance down, and base cost down too. A 125cc bike costs 1750 in insurance, a 50cc moped costs 850. Big difference. I would love to get a bike, but I can't see one that I can afford.

What about something like this, for the next 6months and then an upgrade to a bigger bike.?

http://www.biker.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=55013

RasTa

I got a quote of €1350 for a 250 cruiser for my bike in your age. Virago 250. I might be selling her if your interesting. Although just go with a ped if it's what you can afford although I think you shouldn't.

robinph

RasTa wrote: »

Also get a bike, mopeds are useless for that trip.

A 50 is fine for Blanch to town, and if travelling during rush hours in the same direction as everyone else having a bigger bike won't be making the journey a whole lot shorter as your still dodging all the traffic and then getting stopped at all the same lights. I've been doing the trip from Blanch, but now from Lucan, to the city on a 50 for years now. Would like to get something bigger but it's really not justified for the journeys I'm doing.

The trip to Bray is another matter of course, but still do able. It would just not be pleasant doing that too often though.

Fabio

thehomeofDob wrote: »

There's not loads of bargains that I can see. Keeping in mind I have to keep inurance down, and base cost down too. A 125cc bike costs 1750 in insurance, a 50cc moped costs 850. Big difference. I would love to get a bike, but I can't see one that I can afford.

What about something like this, for the next 6months and then an upgrade to a bigger bike.?

http://www.biker.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=55013

I'm paying just less than €600 for my Innova 125....try Quinn out.

(granted it's third party only but I reckon the bike won't be robbed as long as I am sensible and have a bit of luck).

thehomeofDob

Third party doesn't seem to be too bad - granted, but I'll be parking the bike in the middle of O'Connell St. I'm not too sure on the likelyhood it won't be stolen. :-/ Though I will have two locks.

Time is also of the essence, I start work next monday. I'd need plenty of lessons to even begin to ride a bike which would take up more time than I have. :-/

You guys are swaying me though, I've seen a few Suzuki Marauders sub €2000 euro and TF&T is about 1300 with Quinn. Quinn don't seem to have the Virago listed though. So I can't get a quote.

Either of these?

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/837582

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/801692

How do I go about driving one away without having taken lessons? I would take too long to get lessons booked and time off to take them.

Lilliput69

thehomeofDob wrote: »

How do I go about driving one away without having taken lessons? I would take too long to get lessons booked and time off to take them.

Anyone that sells u a bike with the knowledge that u have NEVER riden and lets u on a public road, needs there head examined and is signing ur death cert, sorry if that seems harsh but its fact. If u buy a bike get someone else to ride it home for you, lessons are for your safety and the safety of other road users. If money is a big issue (how can you put a price on life) then get someone you know to take u to a quiet carpark and teach you the basics.

Good luck with it and many happy miles. sorry for the rant but its for your own good

thehomeofDob

No no no, I wouldn't dream of going out, buying a bike and riding it home without lessons. It was more a rhetorical question - probably not the smartest thing to throw out there though :rolleyes:

paulie69

I wouldnt buy a second hand moped, there engines dont have a long life expectancy espically if ur buying second hand,someone could have trashed it.I would buy summin like a yamaha tdr or honda varadero 125.You can park in the jervis shopping centre carpark,its v handy to get around barriers there n the security sat nothing

faceman

OP, welcome to the happy world of biking. GLad to see you made the wise decision of getting a bike rather than a moped.

Id recommend going to JP Motorcycles on Pearse St as he has a great selection of second hand bikes and he will look after you. Ive bought my last 2 bikes there. He's a decent skin.

i also recommend you do some lessons, it could save your life.

Make sure you get full gear, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves etc.

Sorry to sound so practical, im like yore ma!

Lilliput69

thehomeofDob wrote: »

No no no, I wouldn't dream of going out, buying a bike and riding it home without lessons. It was more a rhetorical question - probably not the smartest thing to throw out there though :rolleyes:

I am glad to hear that, i have known shops to sell young lads bikes and just let em off without a clue of the basics and when i say basics, not even know whats what on a bike having never sat on a bike before.

yeh not the smartest thing to say lmao, glad ur not that stupid

faceman wrote: »

i also recommend you do some lessons, it could save your life.

Make sure you get full gear, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves etc.

Sorry to sound so practical, im like yore ma!

yeh buy the best helmet u can afford and buy the best u can afford in everything else:cool:

Remember biking is something to be enjoyed, stay safe and between the ditches

RasTa

Virago is an XV250 when looking for a quote. You can have my baby for €1600 if you want. I've got a few bikes and time to shed a couple.

thehomeofDob

Alrighty! Looks like I'll be taking the bus into work for the next while. I think a 250 cruiser is within my budget insurancewise. Where's the best place to take lessons? As I've said I'm a D15 local, so I'd like something around the area - because of work and travel I won't really have a lot of free time.

I'll check out JP Motorcycles for a second hand unit (will actually be right there doing my theory test this saturday), though I have seen a few 250 cruisers (a Marauder and a Virago) going for around 1500.

Side note, anyone know if the MTO is open on a saturday, so I can apply for my permit?

RasTa

I also live in D15. Noone around here really to be honest. I done mine in ISM but it wasn't the best, the instructor was great but the yard was awful. Give Dave Lyons a call and I seriously do recommend buying private to save at least €500. If your really stuck I'll give ye a lift home on the bike.

thehomeofDob

I've sent an e-mail off to David Lyons, will see what he says when he gets back to me. I'll ring him Friday if I've not gotten a response by then. Hope to look at bikes saturday when I do my theory test. Again, anyone know if the MTO is open on a saturday?

Lilliput69

thehomeofDob wrote: »

I've sent an e-mail off to David Lyons, will see what he says when he gets back to me. I'll ring him Friday if I've not gotten a response by then. Hope to look at bikes saturday when I do my theory test. Again, anyone know if the MTO is open on a saturday?

Excellent, best of luck with it all

Fabio

Don't think it may be open until lunchtimes on Saturdays...I think it is here in Cork anyway.

ifah

head on over to www.biker.ie and every discussion topic that you want has been covered in the Newbie to biking section.

There are a number of great trainers as members on there - Liam/Peter from AAron Rider Training are two.

Personally I'd stay away from the cruisers - they're not great for commuting due to low seating position - have a look at a Varadero 125xl (if you're into v-twins) or else a Yamaha TDM 125 (2 stroke) or else a 125cc scooter - you should get one pretty cheap. Don't buy off a dealer and definitely don't buy a Hyosung pile. Go for a japanese manufacturer (honda/suzuki/yamaha) and you won't go wrong.

www.cottermc.com is great for starter gear/helmets etc - he's out in ParkWest business park.

thehomeofDob

Woohoo, passed my test today. In and out in 12 minutes, it really is a joke that I can legally go ride a bike now (after getting permit of course)... ah well that's Ireland I guess. So bikes - I was in JP motorcycles after passing and found an 01 Marauder with 16k km on the clock for 1600 + 200 for helmet, jacket and two locks. I'll get better spec gear more than likely tho. There's a bit of corosion on the underbody of the engine, is that something I should be worried about?

On applying for my permit, just to confirm, I can apply for an A without having to have an A1 first.

Don't think i've any more questions for now?

colm_c

thehomeofDob wrote: »

Woohoo, passed my test today. In and out in 12 minutes, it really is a joke that I can legally go ride a bike now (after getting permit of course)... ah well that's Ireland I guess. So bikes - I was in JP motorcycles after passing and found an 01 Marauder with 16k km on the clock for 1600 + 200 for helmet, jacket and two locks. I'll get better spec gear more than likely tho. There's a bit of corosion on the underbody of the engine, is that something I should be worried about?

On applying for my permit, just to confirm, I can apply for an A without having to have an A1 first.

Don't think i've any more questions for now?

No idea about the corrosion, but see if you can get the bike shop to give you a warranty with it - gives you a little piece of mind.

Yeah apply for the A straight away once you're over 18.

Get some training before you even buy the bike, at least a couple of hours.

Don't forget your Hi-Viz and L plates...

thehomeofDob

I'm booking lessons for the bank holiday Monday - my only concern is I won't have my license by then, even if I send it next day post. Won't forget the hi vis, it's on my list.

Lilliput69

thehomeofDob wrote: »

I'm booking lessons for the bank holiday Monday - my only concern is I won't have my license by then, even if I send it next day post. Won't forget the hi vis, it's on my list.

Fair play, you seem to have the right attitude now, well done on passing and as u said peice of piss.

With regards to the licence, take a colour photo copy of the doc that says u passed theory test before u post it off, talk to ur instructor and explain the situation, you never know u might have the permit by then, think positive

And enjoy biking

Eoin

ifah wrote: »

Personally I'd stay away from the cruisers - they're not great for commuting due to low seating position.

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but can I ask what difference that makes? I'm just starting to look into this, and my heart is set on a cruiser for the commute (Dragstar / Virago etc).

colm_c

eoin_s wrote: »

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but can I ask what difference that makes? I'm just starting to look into this, and my heart is set on a cruiser for the commute (Dragstar / Virago etc).

They're generally harder to do slow control with, have a larger turning circle, bigger and heavier which makes filtering a little more difficult, but not impossible.

It depends how much filtering you're going to be doing, but if you like cruisers go for it.

Eoin

Thanks Colm - was just talking to my cousin who said the same thing.

colm_c

eoin_s wrote: »

Thanks Colm - was just talking to my cousin who said the same thing.

Then again I commute and filter on a 1200 touring bike!

It's generally not a problem unless you're trying to filter into tiny gaps.

thehomeofDob

colm_c wrote: »

Then again I commute and filter on a 1200 touring bike!

It's generally not a problem unless you're trying to filter into tiny gaps.

That's a relief. I was worried the Maraurder I'm gonna pick up on saturday would be useless for city centre commuting. There's nothing else available in my budget - and the discount on gear that Joe is giving me won't be available in the few private sales I've seen for sports style bikes.

Eoin

colm_c wrote: »

Then again I commute and filter on a 1200 touring bike!

It's generally not a problem unless you're trying to filter into tiny gaps.

It's all N11 for me, so probably a bit of room to work with.

@thehomeofDob, sorry for hi-jacking the thread, best of luck with the bike

thehomeofDob

Ah no worries mate, sorted things out for me too

thehomeofDob

Got my bike! 2001 Suzuki GZ250 with 16k km's! Got all my gear and my license! Delivery is tomorrow, I can't wait to just sit on it! YAY! Won't take it for a proper ride till after lessons on monday. Thanks for all your help guys! Spot on!

Eoin

Very nice - is that a maurader? Best of luck with it.

thehomeofDob

Correctamundo! I've read mostly good reviews with a few negative ones, generally on the handling - the side stand is a bit low and can grate on tight left hand corners. Other than that nothing bad really, good mileage, comfortable for short-medium journeys, all good

Eoin

Very good, like I said, best of luck with it.

thehomeofDob

Took the bike out for a spin tonight. Went up and down the estate a few times to get comfortable, then had my brother tale me in the car as I trotted along the area - had a couple of stalls, but overall a good experience. It's given me some questions to ask Dave on monday. Loving the bike so far!

Eoin

Good stuff - keep us updated here, I am interested to know how you get on. Safe riding as well, of course.

Tree

Greenmachine wrote: »

A lot of bikers park at the side of arnotts on liffey street and a few on caplel street. There are tons parked on O'connell street everyday. Where ever you park it make sure it is secured.

Heyo, where are these streets? New to dublin and also working in jervis. Brought my baby up during the week and planning to ride to work at the weekends.

thehomeofDob

I think I'm gonna just park up by the GPO. In between it and Penny's there's bike parking, then it's just just quick walk up to Jervis. There might be better places, but I'll find them later.

thehomeofDob

I've notice a problem with the bike while going around my estate. If I the bike is idle - say at a junction, fairly often I can't get the bike from neutral into first and have to start off in second. But it always goes into first if I downshift while braking. I duinno if I've done something, or if there's an easy fix.

thehomeofDob

Tipple post anywho, was out on the bike today, and the back breaks are squeaking fairly heavily while breaking in first. Any idea why? Has water leaked into the break?

On the subject of water, what's the best thing to put on the bike to keep water out? It's out in the rain a lot. What do you guys use for cleaning it up as well, not just the paintwork but the engine, breaks, etc.