Thinking of getting a bike?

RD77

Okay so I would love to get a bike but I don't know if I should so I need some advice, keep in mind I know basically nothing about them presently. So I need a car most days so I was thinking of getting a bike not to replace the car. How much would I be looking to spend on a bike, insurance and gear etc? I'm only 19 so I'm guessing insurance will be crazy. Is it as bad as car insurance? I would love to get my hands on something like a Honda CBR 600/Fireblade, how much would this cost me? Thanks for any help.

Idleater

RD77 wrote: »

I would love to get my hands on something like a Honda CBR 600/Fireblade, how much would this cost me? Thanks for any help.

Okay, before you get the shock of your life, have a search for "factory restricted" bikes. These are your best chance of driving big bike :: insurance cost wise.

Other than that get a 125 or a scooter for a couple of years NCB, and put up with it like most other bikers had to.

If money is no object, a fireblade would only cost you a couple of grand to insure in my best guess.

KamiKazi

You haven't a chance of getting insured on a sports 600 TBH, even if it is factory restricted.

P.C.

RD77 wrote: »

I'm only 19
I would love to get my hands on something like a Honda CBR 600/Fireblade, how much would this cost me? Thanks for any help.

No offence OP, but saying you want a CBR 600 or a Blade as a fisrt bike is like saying you want a Porsche or Ferrari as a first car.

Here are a few things to consider

Lessons: €350 to €500
Gear: €500 to €1 000
Insurance: €1 000 to €2 000
Bike (Honda Super 4): €1 500 to € 2000

P.C.

KamiKazi wrote: »

I haven't a chance of getting insured on a sports 600 TBH, even if it is factory restricted.

FYP

















Sorry - I could not resist.

KamiKazi

P.C. wrote: »

FYP
Sorry - I could not resist.

Harsh PC, watch your back

P.C.

KamiKazi wrote: »

Harsh PC, watch your back

Seen as it only took you 3 minutes to spot that, I will watch my back -
then again, you have to keep up fist.

seanybiker

Yeah sorry bud but your better off looking for an Nsr125. I dont know where your living so the insurance can be different.
Dublin address =1000
Waterford address = 350-400

KamiKazi

He could get a sports 400 no problem I'd say

Wossack

KamiKazi wrote: »

He could get a sports 400 no problem I'd say

I'd say he'll have trouble getting over the 125cc mark myself - though as seany says, will depend alot on his location

Cuddlesworth

RD77 wrote: »

I would love to get my hands on something like a Honda CBR 600/Fireblade, how much would this cost me? Thanks for any help.

Fireblade, that's easy, between 2-4k for the bike. Between 2-10k for the insurance. About 1k for gear, although I would put decent stuff at about 1.5k in total(including locks, boots etc)

KamiKazi

Wossack wrote: »

I'd say he'll have trouble getting over the 125cc mark myself - though as seany says, will depend alot on his location

I'm able to get insured on any of the 400cc sports bike and I'm in my first year of having a bike, same quote as the CB400 too.

Cuddlesworth

KamiKazi wrote: »

I'm able to get insured on any of the 400cc sports bike and I'm in my first year of having a bike, same quote as the CB400 too.

Age and location? Job? Do you commute with it and have you declared it? They all make a huge difference to quotes.

Wossack

KamiKazi wrote: »

I'm able to get insured on any of the 400cc sports bike and I'm in my first year of having a bike, same quote as the CB400 too.

unless theres been a major shakeup, I'd say you're the exception rather then the rule..!

egan007

Some great advice in Stickies OP

KamiKazi

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

Age and location? Job? Do you commute with it and have you declared it? They all make a huge difference to quotes.

22, Kildare, IT and yeah declared proper mileage and all no problems getting a quote.

Cuddlesworth

KamiKazi wrote: »

22, Kildare, IT and yeah declared proper mileage and all no problems getting a quote.

Well there is a big difference between Kildare and Dublin, 22 and 19 in getting a insurance quote. Believe me, when I rang around the first time I would swap my details to see what the change was.

KamiKazi

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

Well there is a big difference between Kildare and Dublin, 22 and 19 in getting a insurance quote. Believe me, when I rang around the first time I would swap my details to see what the change was.

I though 18-25 was all one bracket?

steve22

KamiKazi wrote: »

I though 18-25 was all one bracket?

as far as i see its more like 17-21 and 22-25.... but companies differ alot. He'd be better off trying for a quote on a 400 sports bike and seeing how far he gets... id be very surprised if he even got a quote.... but you never know!!
the first step is obviously the theory test - when he gets his licence it would be time to start looking at bikes and checking options then.

Cuddlesworth

KamiKazi wrote: »

I though 18-25 was all one bracket?

The statistics the underwriters use is on two year gaps from what I have seen, eg: 16-18, 19-20, 21-22. Then there is the usual stupid young male markup.

seanybiker

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

The statistics the underwriters use is on two year gaps from what I have seen, eg: 16-18, 19-20, 21-22. Then there is the usual stupid young male markup.

yeah I remember the insurance company saying my insurance would go down when I was 23, Im 26 now and love paying shag all for insurance he he.

smartarse2007

hi i was 19 when i got my bike too i got a Honda CBR 125R so a sporty looking bike but wasnt that fast.....well compared to bigger bike

so if your out for the whole i want to go fast stuff i get 120km/h out of it on a calm day but sure the roads yall be driving on wit ur permit will be at most 100km/h


anywho i got the bike with only 4000km and was super clean still have quys asking me wow how can that bike be a 04 it nearly looks brand new anywho it cost me 1900e

insurance i got it through quinn direct as they were the only company who would insure me so i got 2rd party fire n theft and that is costing me 1200 annually

emmm didnt take lessons as my dad is crazy into bikes so he gave me lessons

n as with gear your looking at about 300euro plus depending on were ya get them etc...at the moment though guys r finding it very hard to shift clothing etc so there are deals to be had........cotteres does be pretty good cheak them out online

oh yea and about the bike you want man seriously as it was i had trouble with my bike when i was learning especially with throttle and clutch control i could only imagine what it would be lik with 600cc's behind you ahah

even now when i do take a go of my dads hyosung 650cc ahah dont know the model but the sports one :eek: it is nerve wracking for a few secs as it is sooo heavy and much bigger n powerful

seriously i would get the 125 to learn the basics and become a safe n experienced rider before you leap to the big bikes cause the more power n less experience = more chance of an accident and seriously as we all know an accident on a bike is in no way something you want to experience


oh yea plus unless ur bike is restricted then under law its illegal, oh and if you were to get into a spot of bother and the insurance found out it wasnt restricted well then they dont have to insure you and wont acknoledge any claims cause u were decieving them..........which then makes trying to get a new insurer much harder and way more expensive ahah

jimmyendless

If its going to be your first bike and your going to be making all the mistakes and that, I would recommend something that can fall over without causing 1k worth of damage. A naked/trail bike with the crash knobs or whatever they are called. When it hits the road it won't be expensive fiberglass in bits everywhere.

congo_90

hey all. I'm looking at a honda cg125 at the moment. quinn are quoting a decent 580 a year. (it was 425 but I was putting in 2 years full licence under my b licence).

anyhow sorry to thread jack. I'm looking to getting a bike simply because public transport sucks and insuring a car is just too much at the moment.

I've driven bikes in the past. Off road bikes etc
Anyone know if this is learner legal? I think it is but i've searched and theres no clear answer. Sorry.

Also,
I'm 19. Is there any restrictions in place or can I get an A licence?

P.C.

congo_90 wrote: »

hey all. I'm looking at a honda cg125 at the moment. quinn are quoting a decent 580 a year. (it was 425 but I was putting in 2 years full licence under my b licence).

I'm 19. Is there any restrictions in place or can I get an A licence?

A CG125 is 'learner legal'.

At 19, you need to pass the theory test, and get your learners permit for an A licence - then after 6 months you can do the test for your full licence.
You will have to do the full test on a bike of 250cc or bigger, but these can be rented from a bike school.

KamiKazi

congo_90 wrote: »

hey all. I'm looking at a honda cg125 at the moment. quinn are quoting a decent 580 a year. (it was 425 but I was putting in 2 years full licence under my b licence).

anyhow sorry to thread jack. I'm looking to getting a bike simply because public transport sucks and insuring a car is just too much at the moment.

I've driven bikes in the past. Off road bikes etc
Anyone know if this is learner legal? I think it is but i've searched and theres no clear answer. Sorry.

Also,
I'm 19. Is there any restrictions in place or can I get an A licence?

If you've a bit of experience with bikes I'd say get something a bit bigger, a restricted 600cc like a bandit / hornet. With the restriction it'd be fully legal so no problems with the law, insurance would be more though.

A 600 just feels much more stable, plus has better brakes etc.

My 2c

congo_90

KamiKazi wrote: »

If you've a bit of experience with bikes I'd say get something a bit bigger, a restricted 600cc like a bandit / hornet. With the restriction it'd be fully legal so no problems with the law, insurance would be more though.

A 600 just feels much more stable, plus has better brakes etc.

My 2c

Thanks but is the tax not more expensive?
My reason for considering a bike again is simply to commute. Where I live the bus service can be unreliable and doesn't run as late or as early as I'd like.
What would the typical running costs day to day be on a bike? petrol etc

P.C.

congo_90 wrote: »

Thanks but is the tax not more expensive?
My reason for considering a bike again is simply to commute. Where I live the bus service can be unreliable and doesn't run as late or as early as I'd like.
What would the typical running costs day to day be on a bike? petrol etc

That will depend on so many things - what bike, your riding style, daily milage, if you drop it and need to repair it, etc

What I will say is that it is not as cheap as you think, BUT...

you get to go where you want when you want.

Wossack

motor tax up to 200cc is 58e, after that its 76

you'll prob be looking at over 100 mpg on a cg125, no repairs as they never break (practically indestructable), and so simple in operation you'll have no bother finding someone to do the servicing

couldnt think of a better intercity commuter

congo_90

Thanks for all the replies.
I'm just seeing what all my options are. I'd have to obviosly buy safety gear.
I could do most of the work myself on the engine as i'm pretty savvy with engines. I'd imagine 125's are mostly 4stroke anyways.

KamiKazi

If you're just commuting a 4stroke 125 will be grand, but if you'd want a bit of fun on the weekends I'd get something bigger

congo_90

KamiKazi wrote: »

If you're just commuting a 4stroke 125 will be grand, but if you'd want a bit of fun on the weekends I'd get something bigger

you must crawl before you can run sound for all the replies though!

KamiKazi

congo_90 wrote: »

you must crawl before you can run sound for all the replies though!

Few lessons and you'll be grand

smartarse2007

congo_90 wrote: »

Thanks but is the tax not more expensive?
My reason for considering a bike again is simply to commute. Where I live the bus service can be unreliable and doesn't run as late or as early as I'd like.
What would the typical running costs day to day be on a bike? petrol etc

emmmm well petrol costs for me a week bout 12euro and thats with doing at least 300-350km a week

**** how cum you got such a cheap quoute kept getting 1200 with every bike i tried

congo_90

smartarse2007 wrote: »

emmmm well petrol costs for me a week bout 12euro and thats with doing at least 300-350km a week

**** how cum you got such a cheap quoute kept getting 1200 with every bike i tried

I dunno. My address/age I guess.

smartarse2007

congo_90 wrote: »

I dunno. My address/age I guess.

aahahah im a yr older (20) thou well according to your last post, i have 1 yr no claims bonus and even still im still getting 798euro

congo_90

I've no licence on a bike yet and presumably 0 years no claims on a bike otherwise it would be 2 years or 500 < euro. Are you insuring some mad high c.c bike or a bike known for speed? Like cars. Choose smallish c.c and small power. It's cheaper.
A good friend is talkin me outta the bike but I'm keeping it open.
Sorry to op for thread jacking

smartarse2007

congo_90 wrote: »

I've no licence on a bike yet and presumably 0 years no claims on a bike otherwise it would be 2 years or 500 < euro. Are you insuring some mad high c.c bike or a bike known for speed? Like cars. Choose smallish c.c and small power. It's cheaper.
A good friend is talkin me outta the bike but I'm keeping it open.
Sorry to op for thread jacking

nope i am just on a 125cc bike that goes a maximum of 115-120km lol

oh seriously man get the bike i always hated dem but was like **** it cheap way to get around with out buses etc now i love it

congo_90

I missed out on the cg125 thanks to money issues :rolleyes: (aren't we all?)
Anyhow. I'm back in the market and have been searching for a good bike on adverts, gumtree etc. No joy just yet though

If anyone is selling on adverts and I missed out. Do pm a link and I'll have a look

Wossack

congo_90 wrote: »

I missed out on the cg125 thanks to money issues :rolleyes: (aren't we all?)
Anyhow. I'm back in the market and have been searching for a good bike on adverts, gumtree etc. No joy just yet though

If anyone is selling on adverts and I missed out. Do pm a link and I'll have a look

Quick one from donedeal.ie :
The funny cargo version, but fairly practical (you're not allowed a pillion on a learner permit anywho)
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1138384
the cg's ugly half-faired cousin
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1093610

Keep an eye out for yamaha ybr125's too
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1107903
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1148248 (06 ybr listed for 1200)

congo_90

Wossack wrote: »

Quick one from donedeal.ie :
The funny cargo version, but fairly practical (you're not allowed a pillion on a learner permit anywho)
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1138384
the cg's ugly half-faired cousin
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1093610

Keep an eye out for yamaha ybr125's too
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1107903
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1148248 (06 ybr listed for 1200)

The first one I spotted on adverts before but 950 is too much. I was hoping no more than 700 max. The others are priced out of my budget. Also one of em is a vintage which although style isnt too important. It looks a bit much!

I'm watching that cg at the moment to see if it goes any lower.

Couldn't give a sh*te bout taking passengers and would rather not anyways.
Sure I'm only using the bike as a commuter

Wossack

congo_90 wrote: »

The first one I spotted on adverts before but 950 is too much. I was hoping no more than 700 max. The others are priced out of my budget. Also one of em is a vintage which although style isnt too important. It looks a bit much!

I'm watching that cg at the moment to see if it goes any lower.

Couldn't give a sh*te bout taking passengers and would rather not anyways.
Sure I'm only using the bike as a commuter

thats cool

Im not sure you'll get the facelifted model for your budget mind, but you never know..!

oh yea, keep an eye on cityspares.ie, some bargains to be had on it

congo_90

Cheers wossack.
I'm not too phased about buying the newer model. 99's look nice in the cg!

Spotted this but it's in mayo and over budget still!
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1148315

Tigger

i'll look at it for you if you ring him an get him to bring it to castlebar

P.C.

congo_90 wrote: »

Cheers wossack.
I'm not too phased about buying the newer model. 99's look nice in the cg!

Spotted this but it's in mayo and over budget still!
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1148315

That looks a great bike for commuting.

If you could afford it, offer him €950 and see if he takes it.

And I see that Tigger has offered to have a look at it for you.

congo_90

Cheers Tigger and P.c!

I may contact him but like I said still have a budget which i'm stuck into as I've gotta insure/ tax and still sit a theory test! I'll know where I stand in 2 weeks time but I've gotta have something for March be it car or bike as buses would be cutting it fine for work

P.C.

congo_90 wrote: »

Cheers Tigger and P.c!

I may contact him but like I said still have a budget which i'm stuck into as I've gotta insure/ tax and still sit a theory test! I'll know where I stand in 2 weeks time but I've gotta have something for March be it car or bike as buses would be cutting it fine for work

If it was me, using it to get to work, I would go for the 2006 bike.
It is fairly new, with low milage, so it shoulf be reliable, and you won't have to worry about new tires or a new chain or somting like that.

Good luck with the test.

congo_90

Just realised I completly thread jacked this!
Anyhow.. I'll have a word with the oh so nice people in the credit union and see if I can stretch a bit. Just got a dog recently and my work is variable hours so money situation can be a feast or a famine.

congo_90

So I've narrowed it down to these two

Honda cg 125
Only thing is. The use of led lights? Illegal?

This also,

Suzuki gn 125

As tigger has pointed out the latter is good and if I get the go ahead I would probably ask your favour of a test drive. Naturally I'd sort ya out for your troubles.

From what i've gathered. In a nutshell they're the same for similar money If I can haggle a bit on them.
What we thinking? Thanks! I'm of limited knowledge of bikes. I'd presume these are like micras and fiestas of the biker world. :P

Tigger

pm me if you need me

Wossack

RE the cg125
The use of LED signals (presuming he means indicators) would be a sign to me thats its potientally been dropped, so I'd be looking for possible damage from that (should hold up well to a drop, and be half expected with a starter bike)

theres no legal worries, but make sure they flash at the correct rate

Pretty apt with your micra/fiesta comparison