New to biking

todd10k

Hello all, first off, a pleasure to be here. Names david, i'm new to motorcycling and passed my theory test a few weeks back. I'm waiting on my licence then i'm going to head for my IBT. I've read the stickies and have checked out a few bikes as a taster, won't be buying anything till i've got the cash outright for the bike, gear and insurance ( End of september here i come )

So, my question is this: I've had a look around and i came across a guy in a garage that will remain nameless that offered me a honda shadow 125cc, 01, not sure of the mileage, recently serviced with new tyres, chain, and a few other new bits, has a couple of cosmetic prangs, small dent in the fueltank and the back brake light is cracked, but he offered me full gear including helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers, everything except the boots, all in including the bike 1200. I know there'll be other factors to consider that as a novice i'm surely overlooking, but based on the info i've given, a good deal?

Del2005

The bike may not be suitable for you test, what licence have you applied for?

€1200 for all that gear and a bike sounds low. What brand is the gear and has it got CE armour, how does the helmet rank in the Sharp test*?




* Not that the Sharp test is the best, people don't like €200 lids getting better results than €600+ ones, it's handy to see if they are even rated

Interceptor

Hi David.

A Honda Shadow 125 is a fine bike to learn the basics on however I consider that one to be overpriced based on your description and I'd need to know a bit more about the gear being offered with it. Did you take any pics of the bike or is there a link to the ad you can post or pm? If you find a bike you like the look of, bring a mate who knows a LOT about bikes to check it out for you and make sure you are aware of any impending costs. On principle I won't buy a bike with a dent in the tank - I just see it as a sign that no one cared enough to look after the bike properly and there are always lots of bikes for sale. Ditto for the broken lens - they are only a few quid to replace and are a sure sign that other stuff was neglected.

You can get lidded, suited and booted in LIDL for under €200 so do some research before committing to anything - buy the best gear you can afford and give some thought to how you'll use the bike. If you aren't planning using it in bad weather you don't need expensive waterproofs with goretex gloves. If you are using the bike mainly in summer then a leather jacket, short gloves and kevlar jeans might suit better etc.

Have you had an insurance quote from anyone yet?

Of all the newbie advice, pay particular attention to getting some training from a respected instructor - a few hours of someone coaching you is worth any number of near misses. Take your CBT seriously, buy the Police Riders Handbook and read it carefully.

Travel safe!

'cp

LookBehindYou

Same advice as "Ceptor".
Too much money, so do not touch.
Do your ibt first and you will learn more about bikes, and riding too.

todd10k

Hi guys, thanks for the advice. I passed that offer up and came across a private sale that was fantastic. I managed to get this instead:
http://www.adverts.ie/car/other-motorbikes/other-motorbikes/2010-other-motorbikes-other-motorbikes-for-sale/3783069

Brought my friend who is a massive motorbike head and a mechanic to boot, he had a look over it and said it was in, with the exception of a bit of rust on the crash protector, perfect. Got the bike, a front lift helmet, leathers, lock, raincover, everything except the kitchen sink for 675!

The bike is in almost perfect condition and only have 200km on the clock, it's fantastic. I gotta get the cash together for the IBT but man ohh man did i strike it lucky with that one.

What do you guys think?

LookBehindYou

Todd, you got a great deal there.

minidazzler

If the helmet is used by someone else, I'd strongly advise buying a new one. Especially if it's anyway loose or tight. The best helmet in the world is the one that fits you best.

unclebill98

minidazzler wrote: »

If the helmet is used by someone else, I'd strongly advise buying a new one. Especially if it's anyway loose or tight. The best helmet in the world is the one that fits you best.

+1

todd10k

the helmet is perfect, leathers are a little tight

but hey, i dont mind passers by getting an eyeful

Bawnmore

Interceptor wrote: »

Take your CBT seriously, buy the Police Riders Handbook and read it carefully.

Are all versions of this practically the same? Looking at ebay, there seems to be quite a few different versions.