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Buying a Motorbike

  • 23-08-2011 9:02am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭


    I have always wanted to buy a motorbike and I think i'm just going to go for it and buy one.

    I'm 25, male with a full car licence and i'm looking to buy a something under 1000cc.

    Can anyone please spoon-feed me with info on how I go about doing this? My understanding is, I have to get a provisional bike licence (so I have one for the bike and I retain my full licence for the car)

    In order for me to get the provisional, It's just a theory test right or have things changed recently?

    In order to go from a provisional to a full, I will need like 10 receipts of lessons. Is this correct???

    Thank you in advance.

    K


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭sf80


    Hi,

    I think you are correct in your ideas about the procedure. Theory test, provisional, lessons, test.

    Your provisional license will restrict you to a bike which is 33bhp or less, usually that will be a bike around 250cc (some others up to 600 aswell). You can get a larger bike restricted, but you will pay a lot to insure them.

    Once you pass the full test your full bike license will also be restricted for the first 2 years.

    You might was to revise your expectations of something under 1000cc to "something in or around 250cc".

    From my experience you will want to change the bike pretty soon, stick to the smaller bikes at the start until you have some experience.

    Ring around the insurance companies to get quotes before you buy a bike, there can be a huge difference in price even if the bikes are about the same size.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    To answer your main question there, you will < probably > have to do a theory test, depending on when you last did one for the car or another license category. The main change is that you will have to get IBT- initial basic training. It will cost a good few hundred quid. There is also the issue of the training and assessment regime that existed before IBT became compulsory this year. If you find a trainer and complete IBT with him- get him to incorporate a "grade 2" assessment into the deal. It'll save you a fortune on insurance.

    IMO, you really have to get your "Learner's Permit" and then contact trainers about doing your IBT/ 'grade 2' on a school bike. Get your own bike and insurance afterwards.

    Seriously, though- have a read the learner's thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    sf80 wrote: »
    ...You might was to revise your expectations of something under 1000cc to "something in or around 250cc"...

    My first bike as a novice was a restricted Bandit 600 which I got at 26. 5 months later, i bought and restricted the GSX1400 which I still have.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Cheers guys, I will invest my time in the theory test again for a motorbike. I have no problem about it being a 250cc as I am a beginner after all.

    I got the full license less than a year ago. Would I still have to do the theory test again for the bike?

    Just to conclude.
    After I get the licence, it is then I can get a trainer to get me through a "grade 2 assessment"

    When I complete the "grade 2 assessment" & IBT.

    Buying the bike is the easy part I guess (with assistance from experienced peeps).

    Should I expect the insurance to be mental on a 250cc. Say the bike value was €2,500? Who best to go through? Aon perhaps? Would Carol-Nash consider me?

    Thanks again,

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    Try them all- (Carole Nash, Quinn, Aon and Adelaide) on a couple of sample bikes. Ask them to quote on the basis of having and not having a grade 2.

    I would suggest trying a;

    1) Honda CBF250 (which is learner legal out of the box)
    2) A 'factory restricted' Suzuki GSXR600
    3) A Yamaha Fazer 600 with an aftermarket restrictor kit
    4) A Kawasaki Vulcan VN800 (which probably doesn't need to be restricted)
    5) A Honda CB400

    This will give a good cross section of how you're fixed.

    What kinds of bikes do you actually fancy? Sportsbikes, cruisers, adventure, muscle bikes? Go mad!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭sf80


    Green Mile wrote: »
    Should I expect the insurance to be mental on a 250cc. Say the bike value was €2,500?

    I don't think the bike value is a big factor; each of the companies will have a rating scale and a rating they assign to each bike. You could have a Honda CB250 that's a 2 on the scale, and a CBR250 that's a 5. The different companies might rate bikes differently, so definately shop around


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,761 ✭✭✭AgileMyth


    Hi Green mile.

    I think your desire to want a motor bike comes from your even stronger desire to be ****ed by a man. If this is the case I say go for it. Your only young once my friend.;)

    Hope this helps.
    :confused:
    Whats this supposed to mean?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,761 ✭✭✭AgileMyth


    Green Mile wrote: »

    Should I expect the insurance to be mental on a 250cc. Say the bike value was €2,500? Who best to go through? Aon perhaps? Would Carol-Nash consider me?
    There are only four companies so may as well try all of them once you decide on the right bike. Quinndirect and Adelaide are the other two.

    At 25 insurance shouldn't be too bad. I'd reccomend restricting a bigger bike. Bandit/Fazer 600 are ideal for beginners. Since you're restricted for a minimum of 2.5 years you may as well get something you'll be happy/comfortable with.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 472 ✭✭sleepysniper


    sf80 wrote: »
    You can get a larger bike restricted, but you will pay a lot to insure them.

    No he wont, esp. @ that age, as long as its not R1's or 'Blades hes lookin at that is!;)

    I was 22 on a Prov with no exp. and got a v decent quote from quinn on a Bandit 600 @€;750.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,898 ✭✭✭✭seanybiker


    AgileMyth wrote: »
    :confused:
    Whats this supposed to mean?

    Bit odd alright.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    No he wont, esp. @ that age, as long as its not R1's or 'Blades hes lookin at that is!;)

    I was 22 on a Prov with no exp. and got a v decent quote from quinn on a Bandit 600 @€;750.

    +1

    My first insurance quote was €500 ood IIRC and when I upgraded to the GSX1400, they hit me for €100 extra. Downright reasonable, I thought, for my dream bike.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,516 ✭✭✭RosieJoe


    GM, read this thread to get alot of the basic questions answered.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,781 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    Troll banned and thread cleaned


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 247 ✭✭corkimp


    hi greenmile - i have my bike provisional now and like you had a full car license. But I didn't have to do theory test - just went into tax office with form filled out and my license and some pics and got my provisional license.
    as for 1000cc - insurance would be hell that and the fact bike needs to be restricted - would be a shame to do so to such a bike. Start off small and work your way up.
    as for insurance - quinn were the only ones I dealt with that would accept a non factory restricted bike (aka the bike was restricted after she left the factory) - mine being a cb400 super4 (and being 28 and a girl didn't help too much lol). As for aon and so forth - again the restriction certs mean nothing unless the bike was factory restricted (just did all this withinlast 6 weeks).
    I would recommend after your IBT and so forth, do grade assements - the higher the grade the better - I'm on my bike now a month, but got my grade 4 (the lower of the grades) the week after I got her and my insurance dropped by over €100, so the higher you go the better for discounts.

    best of luck and let us know how you get on :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    I really appreciate all the feedback I am getting from my query. Everyone has been helpful.

    I am going to go to the tax office during next week to get the ball in motion. Then I'm going to book into doing the ITB and ask about grading.

    I am looking forward to this now. Also looking at some CB250's on donedeal, they are affordable but are more than 10 years old. This doesn't really bother me though as I would enjoy fixing it up (i'm not a mechanic but enjoy researching on forums)

    I think it makes sense to start on the CB250, the online quote from quinn was only €800 per year which is a lot less than I thought.

    I also have to consider buying bike equipment so I have to weigh all the costs. It's also not a good thing the fact we are going into the winter but sure it's winter every day in Ireland.

    Thank you all again.

    K


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭upgrade


    Green Mile wrote: »
    I really appreciate all the feedback I am getting from my query. Everyone has been helpful.

    I am going to go to the tax office during next week to get the ball in motion. Then I'm going to book into doing the ITB and ask about grading.

    I am looking forward to this now. Also looking at some CB250's on donedeal, they are affordable but are more than 10 years old. This doesn't really bother me though as I would enjoy fixing it up (i'm not a mechanic but enjoy researching on forums)

    I think it makes sense to start on the CB250, the online quote from quinn was only €800 per year which is a lot less than I thought.

    I also have to consider buying bike equipment so I have to weigh all the costs. It's also not a good thing the fact we are going into the winter but sure it's winter every day in Ireland.

    Thank you all again.

    K

    Just found this thread,I am thinking of buying a bike myself for use whenever we get a dry day, I rode bikes years ago and was an ok rider but am wondering if i'm crazy now to go back to it,it's been 20 years since i rode one and the road is alot busier and more dangerous now,but still have the urge to get a bike again,there is nothing like the feeling of freedom on the open road.
    This crap with licences is ridiculous,sorry i didnt get a full licence for a bike yrs ago when it was much simpler.
    does anyone have an idea what the best road bike would be round the 600cc mark,is it alot of hassle to get the licence?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Hi Guys,

    I just called the MotorTax office to ask about a provisional. It appears I need to sit a theory test again to cover the motorcyle catigory. My current full licence only covers a car and a tractor but not a motorbike.

    So I have to book the theory test to include the motorbike categories and then submit it with two photo's and a copy of my full car license to the motor tax office, they then send me the provisional for the bike.

    Grrr, I thought it would be a bit easier.

    I'll keep you all updated if interested in my quest.

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Hi,

    I just wanted to update people and let you know how I got on with the process of buying a motorcycle.

    I went into the Motor Tax office today with the Provisional Learners Application form, 2 passport sized photo's and my Full Car License.

    I was expecting the guy to inform me I have to sit the theory test again the covers the motorcycle category, but what he did say was: "That's 15 euro please"

    Sorted :) I just have to wait to get the license in the post now. After I get it, the next step is to buy a bike. 125 or 250 cc.
    Looking forward to all this now.

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    Green Mile wrote: »
    Hi,

    I just wanted to update people and let them know how I got on with the process of buy a motorcycle.

    I went into the Moto Tax office today with the Provisional Learners Application form, 2 passport sized photo's and my Full Car License.

    I was expecting the guy to inform me I have to sit the theory test again the covers the motorcycle category, but what he did say was: "That's 15 euro please"

    Sorted :) I just have to wait to get the license in the post now. After I get it, the next step is to buy a bike. 125 or 250 cc.
    Looking forward to all this now.

    K

    I think that's less to do with "how it should be done" and more to do with incompetent staff. Interesting none the less.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭upgrade


    I think that's less to do with "how it should be done" and more to do with incompetent staff. Interesting none the less.

    Jes must try that,all they can say is no,plead ignorance,the theory test is just a money making racket,i have the cd and taking practice tests,stupid bloody questions on it,just trying to catch you out and extract another 40 euro for a retest,typical bull**** in this country
    Just a point and I'm not being racist,but the foreign taxi drivers i see around here,seem to have no clue even of the basic rules of the road,i wonder do they have to go through this crap,same as us Irish mugs

    great wee country all right


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Don't take me up wrong, the fact I'll be getting the license without doing the theory test again (i'm currently have a full car license) for a bike doesn't mean I'll be a wreckless driver. I do plan to get 10 or so lessons before I ride out.
    I'm actually thinking this is in fact the procedure as I do have an email from the Tax Office outlining to just go into the tax office with the form, photos and money. So that's two officials from the office allowed this.
    I think you have to get a number of lessons with Receipts before you apply for the full bike lessons.

    Needless to say,,, I'm happy I didn't get hit with the bureaucracy and the red tape of the system.

    I suggest others to do the same before the system changes yet again and gets tighter.

    K


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭upgrade


    I'm going to try it 2moro morning and see what they say,i'll post back 2 let u know,i hear the theory test is changing again in october,more red tape from our dear civil service.
    i have a full licence for years and have driven all over the world,only in this banana state wud u find nonsense like this.
    i also have alot of years experience on bikes,just looking forward do doing a few runs if we get some weather next summer,
    take her handy out there


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭upgrade


    Hi, did you get your bike on the road, i got my licence and have the ibt and grade 2 training done,
    thinking of buying a honda cb500s or a cruiser,
    the cruiser doesnt handle as well as the road bike but it looks the dogs bolox
    Green Mile wrote: »
    I really appreciate all the feedback I am getting from my query. Everyone has been helpful.

    I am going to go to the tax office during next week to get the ball in motion. Then I'm going to book into doing the ITB and ask about grading.

    I am looking forward to this now. Also looking at some CB250's on donedeal, they are affordable but are more than 10 years old. This doesn't really bother me though as I would enjoy fixing it up (i'm not a mechanic but enjoy researching on forums)

    I think it makes sense to start on the CB250, the online quote from quinn was only €800 per year which is a lot less than I thought.

    I also have to consider buying bike equipment so I have to weigh all the costs. It's also not a good thing the fact we are going into the winter but sure it's winter every day in Ireland.

    Thank you all again.

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    My license came by post very quick. It only covers me up to 33bhp.

    I haven't bought a bike yet! Two things are holding me back!
    Winter and the prices.
    I want a 250 cbr but they can cost about 2,500 euro.
    The 125 cbr or cbf's are only about 1,000 euro but if I bought a 125, I'd probably be unsatisfied with it's power.

    It has been a very expensive month for me so I need to get my finances back in order.

    The weather is getting worse, I might hold out until late Feb but will buy before then if a gem comes my way.

    If anyone knows anyone selling, please send me an adverts.ie link


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,761 ✭✭✭AgileMyth


    Green Mile wrote: »
    I haven't bought a bike yet! Two things are holding me back!
    Winter and the prices.
    I want a 250 cbr but they can cost about 2,500 euro.
    The 125 cbr or cbf's are only about 1,000 euro but if I bought a 125, I'd probably be unsatisfied with it's power.
    Have you thought about getting a 400cc bike? You'd have to restrict it if it isn't already but there seems to be cheap ones coming up all the time.

    http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/2251395
    Just an example, I know nothing about that bike..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 245 ✭✭V Eight


    green mile - theres only one bike that's a V Star or Drag Star Yamaha 650 Learner legal - check it out...... I've got one and am just at the stage of sorting the test and insurance also - nb: as a bike like this is a cruiser not good for the twisties....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭Please Kill Me


    AgileMyth wrote: »
    Have you thought about getting a 400cc bike? You'd have to restrict it if it isn't already but there seems to be cheap ones coming up all the time.

    http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/2251395
    Just an example, I know nothing about that bike..

    Agreed. Something like a Super Four (CB400) or Honda Bros would be ideal for someone starting off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 214 ✭✭simplybam


    upgrade wrote: »
    Just found this thread,I am thinking of buying a bike myself for use whenever we get a dry day, I rode bikes years ago and was an ok rider but am wondering if i'm crazy now to go back to it,it's been 20 years since i rode one and the road is alot busier and more dangerous now,but still have the urge to get a bike again,there is nothing like the feeling of freedom on the open road.
    This crap with licences is ridiculous,sorry i didnt get a full licence for a bike yrs ago when it was much simpler.
    does anyone have an idea what the best road bike would be round the 600cc mark,is it alot of hassle to get the licence?


    I only got back onto a bike after a 15-year break and I only wish I'd done it earlier. It actually is as the saying goes 'you never forget how to ride a bike'! I just got fed up with being stuck in traffic and paying through the nose for parking. Fortunately I still have my full license (which I did back in Germany in the 80's and it doesn't expire), so didn't have to do any tests.

    So just go for it and get a bike - you won't regret it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    I think the 400 cc that is restricted is the best choice actually. I will be a learner and I don't want to kill myself.
    I'd rather have a 400cc when driving 80kph (probably max speed) than driving a 125cc at 80kph as the 125cc bike will struggle to keep up with the demand. What do yous think?

    I am being lured to a Honda Bros. I just need to find one that is restricted with low milage. I would rather not buy one from a courier as they would be ready to fall apart.

    I'm also gonna wait until after Christmas when I know there wont be snow and ice.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,044 ✭✭✭Wossack


    wouldnt be concerned about mileage, year, courier use etc, just buy a straight one on its own merits. It could be 6 months old, with 20 miles on it, and it could be in worse shape then a 10 year old couriered bike :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭sf80


    Green Mile wrote: »
    I am being lured to a Honda Bros. I just need to find one that is restricted with low milage. I would rather not buy one from a courier as they would be ready to fall apart.

    If you are looking at a BROS make sure to check the hub on the rear wheel. It needs a special tool to adjust the chain, but people will often just hit it with a screwdriver to adjust it and cause damage.

    Avoid couriered bikes, it's grand saying a bike with high mileage might be fine if it was looked after, but couriers don't look after their bikes and thrash them (generalisation, but why even risk it?)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    OP here,

    Went up to look for at a bike over the weekend. I was so close to buying it. It was a Yamaha TDR 125. Looks big but is small and great for a learner. It was a 2006 with 13k miles.

    I didn't buy it for two reasons. The seller wouldn't drop an extra €50 off the price to €1,100. Also the break discs weren't smooth. The rough discs would have destroyed the break pads. The seller said we can just sand them down but that seems dangerous as these discs heat up and could bend if I start reducing the thickness. The disc online look about €50 each so it I would rather get the bike for €1,000 even. It's a done deal if that's the final price but the seller seems very stern.

    Heading out again to look at more bikes this weekend too. Maybe some more Yamaha's or CBF's.

    I want the TDR though.

    K


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 60 ✭✭Chocablock


    Hey green mile, sent you pm. Can you have a look at it when you get chance. Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Green Mile wrote: »
    Yamaha TDR 125. 2006 with 13k miles.
    I want the TDR though.

    TDR's are a great starter bike - light enough to manage, big enough to go reasonable distances and reliable for a two-stroke. A friend of mine went all over the country on one without any hassle.

    Having worked on a couple of them, I would recommend buying the cleanest, best-minded, lowest mileage example you can find.

    Personally I would recommend this one from a dealer who will give a warranty (tell Derek I sent you, demand more discount...) and you can see its been serviced with new battery and tyres. Private second hand buys of learner bikes always result in some hidden gem which ends up costing €€€ and leaves a bad taste.

    Watch for rust on the exhaust silencer (the back ones rot) and check for damage from being dropped.

    Shiny side up now!

    'cptr


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,044 ✭✭✭Wossack


    nice, dogsbox sell some of the cleanest bikes in the country, and Derek wont steer you wrong


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    I was looking at more bikes, these 3 look good with a 3 month warranty! I can get 200 euro off all the quoted prices!

    What do yous think?


    YBR
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=137702

    YBR
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=137753

    2002 Honda Varadero 125
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=150625


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,501 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    Green Mile wrote: »
    I was looking at more bikes, these 3 look good with a 3 month warranty! I can get 200 euro off all the quoted prices!

    What do yous think?


    YBR
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=137702

    YBR
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=137753

    2002 Honda Varadero 125
    http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=150625

    I currently have a 05 varadero. I love it as a learner bike.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 635 ✭✭✭pugw


    Sorry just wondering roughly what kind of speed would a factory restricted gsxr 600 do? Or any bike under 33bhp for that matter?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    pugw wrote: »
    Sorry just wondering roughly what kind of speed would a factory restricted gsxr 600 do? Or any bike under 33bhp for that matter?

    Any restricted bike will do 70-80mph and wind resistance prevents it doing a whole lot more. A sportsbike with a decent fairing will go faster but you'll need to be small and light. The biggest difference is HOW the bike is restricted - a modern GSXR will be restricted at the ECU and an older one will be restricted by reducing the airflow through the carbs. This affects the acceleration characteristics and top speed. I think carb restricted bikes are smoother - so it depends what you are going to be using the bike for.

    A separate thread might get you some more answers.

    'cptr


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭BlackWizard


    I just bought a Honda Varadero 125 three weeks ago. I love it :) I do miss the power of my 500cc bike, but I gain in other areas like mpg, big size, comfort and reliability.

    I bought mine off adverts.ie for ALOT less than http://www.jpmotorcycles.ie/Details.aspx?ID=150625

    http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/2611407 This bike is really nice. There are a few in Dublin but I didn't like any of them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    OP here again,

    In a nut shell, I've bought a motorbike yesterday.

    Went into JPMotors and said the 2002 Honda Varadero is a bit expensive. The guy (Pat) said he agrees but he can't reduce that particular bike because of the price he paid for it.

    Anyway, there is about 3 times more bikes in JPMotors than advertised on their website. They have a garage near the shop where there's so many bikes parked. There was a few bikes that suited me. Pat was so honest and explained which bikes are good, which bikes will cause problems down the line etc. He showed me a 2007 Honda Varadero with 11,000 miles and said I could have it for 1,500 euro.

    Th bike just came in and was very rough looking. The fella who traded the bike in said the bike was nearly stolen. Some guys broke into his shed, cut the ignition, wheeled it down the road, mirrors had been taken off and the bike was eventually abandoned when the thiefs couldn't start it.

    Pat in JPMotos said he'd fix up everything, anything that looked like it might break over time, he'd just replace it with a new one before giving it to me. He said he'd give me a 6 month guarantee on the whole bike which covers labour.

    Any guarantee is great and is something you wouldn't get buying off a private seller.

    Honestly, I would so highly recommend anyone who is buying or trading a bike to pop into JPMotors there on Pearse Street, Dublin.

    Deposit is now paid, going to collect the bike after the Christmas period.

    I'm going to take photos and make a short video for my youtube channel when I have time. I will post photo's here if anyone is interested.

    Looking forward to all this now

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,908 ✭✭✭Alkers


    pugw wrote: »
    Sorry just wondering roughly what kind of speed would a factory restricted gsxr 600 do? Or any bike under 33bhp for that matter?
    If it is a 600 restricted to 33bhp you will get just shy of 160kph. If it's a bike that's popular with beginners like an sv650 it will likely be restricted via the ecu, the likes of the gsxr600 can be very hard to find a restricted ecu for and they're very expensive so most are restricted via washers in the air box and a throttle stop which is a pain to drive with.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 duboce


    @Green Mile

    Well done getting a motorbike

    Reading the thread you sound like you will be OK on a motorbike and the bike you choose should be a great bike to start off on

    A while back I bought a top box in JP's and found them to be very nice down to earth guys who were a pleasure to do business with, that's something I can not say for a lot of shops in the Dublin area. You may hear of cheaper bikes elsewhere but buying from a shop you have a guarantee and can call back to them for advice afterwards.

    On the downside, you picked a bad time to be getting on the road with all the black ice around, don't take any chances it's not like driving a car on ice. However in a few months you will be fine and look forward to enjoy fine weather in the spring and summer.

    Best of luck on the bike


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭BlackWizard


    Very nice buy Green mile. I almost had a 2007 125 for close to that price but the seller decided not to sell it. Never came across a bargain like it again.

    As above, be careful out there! Even easing off the throttle too quickly is enough to make your rear end going out on icy roads, not to mention the muppet cage drivers that could slide into you. My estate is lethal this time of the year. No sun on it to defrest the ice :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 225 ✭✭inchiuvatu


    just read through the thread, congrats on getting the bike!...

    i might have over looked it if someone has mentioned it before but just in case, you cant sit your full "A" licence on a 125 bike (something i found out 2 weeks before my test), but if you do a pretest with almost anyone you can usually rent there 250cc school bike for the test, and once its passed you can happily sit out your restriction timer on the 125 or move up in size as it suits.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,044 ✭✭✭Wossack


    correct

    if you turn up for your motorcycle practical test (they dont specify A or A1, just 'motorcycle test' iirc), its the cc of the bike your are tested on that will determine the license you get if you are successful. If you do it on a bike <125cc, you will get a 'full A1', which is asbout as much use as a chocolate teapot - lets you go on motorways and carry pillions, no increase in bike size.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Hi,

    Thank you all for your comments and advise and well wishes.

    I only intend to start riding at start of spring. I only bought the bike now in December as it's a buyers market at this time of the year as motorcycles don't sell too well (especially lower powered bikes) during the winter.


    I have another question which I am sure you guys can help me with?

    On my motorcycle provisional license, I am covered in category A which means I can drive equal or less than 25kW.

    Will I be able to ride a rented 250cc when doing my full license test (which wont be for another while yet)

    I take it the 25kW well covers the 125cc bike and a 250cc yeah?

    Also, I've noticed that I need to have a cert for the IBT before I apply for a full license. This cost 600euro and is mandatory. Yikes, that's an expense I didn't foresee.

    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 472 ✭✭sleepysniper


    Green Mile wrote: »
    Hi,

    Thank you all for your comments and advise and well wishes.

    I only intend to start riding at start of spring. I only bought the bike now in December as it's a buyers market at this time of the year as motorcycles don't sell too well (especially lower powered bikes) during the winter.


    I have another question which I am sure you guys can help me with?

    On my motorcycle provisional license, I am covered in category A which means I can drive equal or less than 25kW.

    Will I be able to ride a rented 250cc when doing my full license test (which wont be for another while yet)

    I take it the 25kW well covers the 125cc bike and a 250cc yeah?

    Also, I've noticed that I need to have a cert for the IBT before I apply for a full license. This cost 600euro and is mandatory. Yikes, that's an expense I didn't foresee.

    K

    The 25kW is related to the BHP of a bike, not the CC, but yeah generally all 125's will fall below the 33BHP limit for restricted riders, and some 250's will too, but it really depends on the Power to Weight ratio, any cc sized bike can be ridden by a restricted learner as long as the bikes power is restricted. Engine size (CC) doesn't really come into it, only for insurance purposes I suppose.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 498 ✭✭Green Mile


    Thanks sleepysniper, I understand the Power to Weight ratio in terms of bhp.

    What inchiuvatu & Wossack are saying is:

    • you can't sit your full "A" licence on a 125 bike
    • its the cc of the bike you are tested on that will determine the license you get
    My question really is: Can I rent a 250cc bike for the tests with an provisional A license (i.e. which so happens to be 25kW)?


    Thanks


    K


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭sf80


    I did my test on an ISM cb250. I failed the first time though, I wasn't used to the bike and I was too nervous. Try get a pretest or some lessons on the same bike if you are going to rent it.

    The second time I did the test I did it on a restricted CBR600; they didn't check the restriction cert though.


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