Daunting Firsts

Paulw

So, yeah, I'm new to this stuff. Been driving a car a good number of years, and decided I would like the freedom of a bike, to leave the car for the wife and kid.

The wife said it's a mid-life crisis, I disagree.

How is someone supposed to start out? :eek: So much choice.

I get my learner permit next week, and then plan to go do IBT. Since I live northside, I'm considering Airport Driving School or else Irish School of Motoring, both in the Jamestown Business park. Any recommendations on either?

Then starts all the fun - buying the gear, and of course, deciding on my first bike. I am not looking for a sport bike. Something with a more upright seating position. Just something mainly for commuting. But, something that can carry a bit of gear on the back. It would free up the car if I can get what I need on a bike. I want something comfortable. I plan to go to a few motorbike shops soon to just have a look. Searching online looks great, but obviously touching a bike will have a big impact.

And PPE is a whole other issue. What helmet, gloves, boots and clothing? Function, look, price .... etc. I do like the look and function of the BMW helmet system 6 EVO or the Shoei Neotec.

Anyway, not sure I expect answers, but it sure is a bit daunting starting out. :cool:

jameshayes

Good luck & welcome to the gang!

First things first, if you've never been on a bike before; don't buy anything yet.. It might transpire that you don't actually like it... (But in saying that, there is no better way to travel.)

Get your IBT done and if you like it, then get shopping..

Peanut2011

Welcome to the other side as they say!

It will all depend on your budget, age and the category learner permit you applied for, but as mentioned regarding bikes, make sure to do the IBT first...

Paulw

Sorry, age 40+, category A permit ... and budget is decent. I can afford a good bike and good gear, and am willing to pay a fair price for a quality item.

I plan to do the IBT once things settle down (I've holidays coming up), so it will probably be Nov before I can start.

jameshayes

Paulw wrote: »

Sorry, age 40+, category A permit ... and budget is decent. I can afford a good bike and good gear, and am willing to pay a fair price for a quality item.

I plan to do the IBT once things settle down (I've holidays coming up), so it will probably be Nov before I can start.

Have you seen any bikes you've liked? Here is a general breakdown of manufacturer stereotypes:

Honda - Good solid bike, but a taste of following the crowd (the new CB500 looks class: http://www.hondaireland.ie/motorcycles/adventure/cb500xa/)
Kawasaki - Amazing bikes, on a bit of a downward slope at the moment
Suzuki - Good old fashioned Jap engineering
Ducati - Mid life crises, will def brake on you but you'll have a full time boner when riding it
HD - You've too much money to know what to do with, AKA tractors
BMW - You want a coffee with that? (But a guilty pleasure of many)
Aprilla - What do you mean its plastic on the inside?
KTM - Fun Fun Fun!!! Big childs bike, amazing.

Paulw

Very interesting comments about the makes.

I was looking at that Honda CB500. The wife said it looked like a big bird beak on front. :cool: Made me think twice.

I really like the look of the BMW R1200 RT, but damn it's expensive (and on a worldwide recall).

I know a few people (in the US) with HD bikes and they seem reliable and a good ride. I know, more a US thing than a European thing.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 looks nice.

I must look at KTM. The 1190 looks interesting.

I have plenty of time to look/research and see what suits me. But, since boards is already a wealth of knowledge, I'm just sounding things out.

ratracer

If you plan to use it for commuting, get a bike with a fairing for a bit of shelter, VFR800 - great all round bike, very comfortable on the road in all weathers

jameshayes

Good choices, its a good idea to look at bikes with luggage attached, it doesn't suit some bikes at all.. if you type in the bikes name and 'givi' afterwards into google it will normally show pics of the bike with storage attached..

VFR800 is really nice (as above) a lot of the 2nd hand ones have luggage already fitted...

P.C.

Paulw wrote: »

Sorry, age 40+, category A permit ... and budget is decent. I can afford a good bike and good gear, and am willing to pay a fair price for a quality item.

I plan to do the IBT once things settle down (I've holidays coming up), so it will probably be Nov before I can start.

I would try and get the IBT done before the clocks change.
You don't want to leave it, and then find that you are cold on the bike, and get put off before you get going.

Just my 2c.

Paulw

P.C. wrote: »

I would try and get the IBT done before the clocks change.
You don't want to leave it, and then find that you are cold on the bike, and get put off before you get going.

Just my 2c.

Yeah, I know. But, I'm away for 2 weeks in Sept, and then 2 weeks in Oct, so it's a timing issue. I'd love to start right away, but don't get my learner permit until next week. Once I have that I will drop in to the two IBT centres and see what they offer/recommend.

P.C.

Paulw wrote: »

Yeah, I know. But, I'm away for 2 weeks in Sept, and then 2 weeks in Oct, so it's a timing issue. I'd love to start right away, but don't get my learner permit until next week. Once I have that I will drop in to the two IBT centres and see what they offer/recommend.

Summers is almost over.

Paulw

I do a lot of outdoor stuff in the winter, so wind/rain/cold doesn't bother me too much, since I can just stick on some rain gear.

I'd start the IBT tomorrow if I could, but am prepared to wait and then do it all properly, together.

I've no doubt that I will enjoy riding a bike, and I have plenty of time to suck in the knowledge from boards, buy my PPE and then decide on what bike I want.

The advice in here is just brilliant, so I will keep browsing, visit a few shops, look at bikes and prepare for my new adventures.

galwaytt

jameshayes wrote: »

Have you seen any bikes you've liked? Here is a general breakdown of manufacturer stereotypes:

Honda - Good solid bike, but a taste of following the crowd (the new CB500 looks class: http://www.hondaireland.ie/motorcycles/adventure/cb500xa/)
Kawasaki - Amazing bikes, on a bit of a downward slope at the moment
Suzuki - Good old fashioned Jap engineering
Ducati - Mid life crises, will def brake on you but you'll have a full time boner when riding it
HD - You've too much money to know what to do with, AKA tractors
BMW - You want a coffee with that? (But a guilty pleasure of many)
Aprilla - What do you mean its plastic on the inside?
KTM - Fun Fun Fun!!! Big childs bike, amazing.

My version of the above, in RED

Honda - Good solid bike, but a taste of following the crowd - still the quality bike of choice, but you pay top dollar.
Kawasaki - Amazing bikes, on a bit of a downward slope at the moment Range can be hit/miss: love 'em or hate 'em. Strong engineering
Suzuki - Good old fashioned Jap engineering always good value and reliable. Always seem to be deals on them somewhere.
Ducati - Mid life crises, will def brake on you but you'll have a full time boner when riding it Again, love 'em or hate 'em, and keep your AA cover up to date
HD - You've too much money to know what to do with, AKA tractors lose the least amount of money if/when you sell it. Under-rated, reliable, cheap to insure. Can be bought at right money due to Celtic Tiger surplus.
BMW - You want a coffee with that? (But a guilty pleasure of many)- lose the most amount of money if/when you sell it, and like Ducati, but buy shares in the AA. A nightmare if problems outside of warranty, but lovely to ride. F800R is under-rated.
Aprilla - What do you mean its plastic on the inside? You ain't kiddin' - makes a Ducati appear Honda-like for reliability. Lovely to ride - when they work. Lack of dealerships won't help.
KTM - Fun Fun Fun!!! Big childs bike, amazing. I only know 1 guy who's bought one - and even though it ate it's engine cases on a Tour when the clutch came off the shaft, still went and bought another - dealer did everything under goodwill warranty. Try before you buy, as the range is quite limited.

Others to consider:
Yamaha - pitched somewhere between Suzuki and Honda. Good bikes
Triumph - a nice range, and giving Japan a run for it's money these days

jameshayes

galwaytt wrote: »

My version of the above, in RED

I was waiting for a slating! I was grimacing n'all!

inchiuvatu

When buying your gear, you can get good deals in most shops if your buying alot, definitly shop around.

i havespent a bit of time in each of the more popular shops
bikeworld (window world)
cotters
megabikes

there are others people will recommend but i have had no issue with any of them and always got a good deal by havin a chat and a bit of banter with the guys in each.

enjoy hunting out the first bike... (but can be an addiction, im on bike 4 and 5 in only 4 years)
take a look at the fazer 600 can take all the luggage and gear you might need.

ifah

My 2c - go to http://www.aaronridertraining.com/ for the IBT.
Peter has a great reputation and will be able to assist on a number of your questions about getting started.

For starting out gear - I would head over to Cotters - they'll kit you out to your budget and probably give you a nice bit off too. Bikeworld / Megabikes are miles too expensive.

With regard to the bike - wait and see what style you like - don't buy new (you're going to drop the bike a couple of times) - also, tons of great bikes will be coming on market september in uk as lads sell them off before winter. You're also more likely to pick up a full luggage system with the bike.

heres one : http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201407175894293/sort/pricedesc/model/tdm/make/yamaha/usedbikes/advert-type/Classified/page/4/postcode/bt12aa/radius/1500?logcode=p

jimmer123

I would see if there is any big bike shops that will be close to you while on your travels and go in and check out the gear they have.

Rukka gear is catching my eyes at the moment would love to go to a store that carries all their gear and check it out.

Paulw

inchiuvatu wrote: »

When buying your gear, you can get good deals in most shops if your buying alot, definitly shop around.

I'm going to the US on holidays in Oct, so was considering buying a good bit there, and saving a good bit due to currency rates and even prices. It all depends on how much room I have in my luggage bag.

But, I'll definitely have a wander in a few of the shops here, and have a look at things, to see what fits and suits.

Paulw

ifah wrote: »

My 2c - go to http://www.aaronridertraining.com/ for the IBT.
Peter has a great reputation and will be able to assist on a number of your questions about getting started.

With regard to the bike - wait and see what style you like - don't buy new (you're going to drop the bike a couple of times)

I'll check that out for IBT. Thanks. I didn't even know they were there.

Yeah, I've been browsing 2nd hand bikes online, and definitely believe it's the way to go, at least for driving when I have a learner permit and just getting used to a bike. It's also a lot cheaper. If/when I have passed the test and feel comfortable, then I might consider a brand new motor.

jimmer123

You will save a massive amount in the states. I would research buying everything there and shipping it home.

Paulw

jimmer123 wrote: »

You will save a massive amount in the states. I would research buying everything there and shipping it home.

Large empty suitcase. The excess luggage charge will be much less than the amount I save. I've already started to find some motorbike stores in the area I will be in. Seems like a good few, so I will have plenty of choice.

jay48

If I was you I'd pick up a cheap deuville to get you started , they come with luggage , shaft drive , not too powerful for a novice but enough to keep you amused . When you're getting your gear , make sure your lid is fitted properly , a lot of new lads feel comfortable in a lid that's too big if they haven't worn one before and shops won't argue , they'll just sell it to you . Watch out for this especially in bike world as they won't change helmets after you walk outside the door .

galwaytt

jimmer123 wrote: »

You will save a massive amount in the states. I would research buying everything there and shipping it home.

I don't think so. I've been there enough times to know the difference.

My last leathers and boots were cheaper here.

jimmer123

I was under the impression you could get all types of goods cheaper in the states

Paulw

galwaytt wrote: »

I don't think so. I've been there enough times to know the difference.

My last leathers and boots were cheaper here.

Yeah, it really does depend. You need to shop around (as always). Some items will be cheaper and some won't. Especially since a number of items are made in Europe, they can be cheaper here.

defike

I'm about your age done my test 3 years ago but not much experience since.
I was looking for a bike for commuting recently and was looking at the Honda NC750X DCT.Its an automatic so people on here wont like it but I think it would be great for commuting.You won't get one secondhand though.9500 euro new.
P.S was then given a company van so plan shelved.

Richard tea

defike wrote: »

I'm about your age done my test 3 years ago but not much experience since.
I was looking for a bike for commuting recently and was looking at the Honda NC750X DCT.Its an automatic so people on here wont like it but I think it would be great for commuting.You won't get one secondhand though.9500 euro new.
P.S was then given a company van so plan shelved.

The NC750x:) My ideal bike. Realistically im at least 2 or 3 years off getting one until prices drop. I love the helmet storage

hrcbob

If you have the time around the end of november a trip to the bike show in Birmingham would be well worth your while. All the main manufacturers will be there with pretty much all thier bikes on stands where you can sit on them and see how the riding position etc suits you.
It will atleast give you a rough idea of what you like and dont.
There is always a huge range of gear on sale there too so the same applies.

Flight tickets are about 20-30 euro each way at the min and 20 quid for entry to the show would be well spent imo..

Cienciano

Love the posts about bike manufacturers! Have to add my own


Honda - The toyota of bikes. Well made, well finished. They're everywhere, but for a good reason.
Kawasaki - The lesser of the big 4 japanese manufacturers, but still good. The mazda of bikes
Suzuki - another jap manufacturer, take your pick of the 4.
Yamaha - the last big jap manufacturer, the coolest of the 4
Ducati - Will give you a boner, not a first bike, anything after about 2001/2002 is good reliably, don't listen to the above posts :pac: Makes you smile every time you see it, never mind ride it.
HD - Historicly ridden by biker gangs that strike fear into the hearts of people when they come into town. Now ridden by accountants who think they're james dean. Laughed at by every other biker, think of almost bald 60 year olds with pony tails
BMW - Lineup of bikes are better than any of the japanese ones, but from my experience the finish isn't as good.
Aprilla - Some good, some bad. Do your research!
KTM - Great bikes, but most are fairly manky looking. imho obviously!


galwaytt, interesting you said the bmw costs the most in the long run, I remember a few years ago reading a bike magazine long term test out of about 10 bikes that the beemer was the cheapest to own. And that counted buying the bike, servicing in dealers, tyres, resale etc.

AgileMyth

Yeah I've found that BMWs really hold their value. That said I lost a whole 50 euro on my last one. bought in 2010 for €2000, sold in 2013 for €1950.

Cienciano

Paulw wrote: »

I get my learner permit next week, and then plan to go do IBT. Since I live northside, I'm considering Airport Driving School or else Irish School of Motoring, both in the Jamestown Business park. Any recommendations on either?

Hmmm, a good instructor.... No, can't think of any.


Seriously, lookbehindyou is a mod on here and he's also an instructor. If I needed an instructor I'd go to him, anyone who used him on here has nothing but good things to say about him.

Pugzilla

Each manufacturer has a colour preference......Pick your favourite colour.

Honda - Red
Kawasaki - Green
Suzuki - Blue
Yamaha - Blue
Ducati - Red
HD - Pink
BMW - White
Aprilla - Black
KTM - Orange

wicklowstevo

getting ready to buy my first bike myself and thinking about a dragstar or a fazer due to my husky tall stature and cheap cost and having been advised that they would be comfortable in comparison to bandits . any one got pros and cons i should consider ?.

chiplad

My 2 cents:

I'm far from experienced (bought my first proper bike a month ago) but bought a Fazer (fzs) and absolutely love it. Highly recommend them.

Did my ibt with lookbehindyou (roadtraining dot I e) and absolutely super trainer.

Lastly, bought my gear in Cotters, I have nobody else to compare them to but found them helpful and reasonably priced.

Best of luck!

Paulw

Through reading/researching, etc, I think I'm gonna settle on a BMW R1200 GSA. Looks like the kinda bike that will suit my needs - mainly commuting, but also weekend getaways. I may even buy new, if the budget fits.

I've been browsing pricing on clothing, etc, and I have noticed that some stuff is actually way more expensive in the US than in Europe. I guess that is stuff made in Europe and then exported to the US. So, I will browse the shops in France when there on holidays, to see if it's cheaper than here. Always hard to know just what to buy in relation to helmet, gloves, clothing, boots, etc. So much choice out there.

jameshayes

Paulw wrote: »

Through reading/researching, etc, I think I'm gonna settle on a BMW R1200 GSA. Looks like the kinda bike that will suit my needs - mainly commuting, but also weekend getaways. I may even buy new, if the budget fits.

2 things here:
First, you'd be absolutely mad to buy new, bonkers, throwing money away... You will, without question, drop your first bike, no doubt about it - and if it is new you will cry (a lot), they hold their value well so buy 2nd hand and resell - then when you've miles done buy new.

Secondly, thats a big bike for a learner, a huge amount of power that might be a fraction too tempting to use, maybe a 600 would be better. I'm on bikes since 17 and I commute daily to the city centre, I drive a 600 and I have no need or want for more power.

Paulw wrote: »

I've been browsing pricing on clothing, etc, and I have noticed that some stuff is actually way more expensive in the US than in Europe. I guess that is stuff made in Europe and then exported to the US. So, I will browse the shops in France when there on holidays, to see if it's cheaper than here. Always hard to know just what to buy in relation to helmet, gloves, clothing, boots, etc. So much choice out there.

Helmets:
There are 3-4 main brands, Shoei, Arai and Shark are the ones that spring to mind.. its 6 of one really, there is a saftey rating guide for helmets but its not worth p!ss

Gloves & boots:
Gloves are consumable, same as boots you'll go through a few pairs so just try them on and buy whatever fits best. Try go for gortex

Clothing:
There are, like everything else, premium brands and cheap brands, to be honest, the degree in which they will protect you are about the same - just comfort and fit. Alpinestars and Daniese are the big brands in clothing (your next battle will be leathers -v- textile) textile FTW!

Back Protector:
Buy one.

hope that helps, no doubt I left brands out, like RST etc etc but they're all the same really, just go to shops and try stuff on..

Paulw

jameshayes wrote: »

Secondly, thats a big bike for a learner, a huge amount of power that might be a fraction too tempting to use

Having power doesn't bother me. I've been driving cars for years now, and know when not to use the power you have in the engine. I've no points on my license, and plan to keep it that way.

jameshayes wrote: »

Helmets:
There are 3-4 main brands, Shoei, Arai and Shark are the ones that spring to mind.

Gloves & boots:
Gloves are consumable, same as boots you'll go through a few pairs so just try them on and buy whatever fits best. Try go for gortex

Clothing:
There are, like everything else, premium brands and cheap brands, to be honest, the degree in which they will protect you are about the same - just comfort and fit. Alpinestars and Daniese are the big brands in clothing (your next battle will be leathers -v- textile) textile FTW!

Back Protector:
Buy one.

hope that helps

Everything on here helps. A wealth of useful advice, which I do appreciate.

Yeah, was looking at the Shoei Neotec helmet. Looks nice and seems to get good reviews. Just a matter of trying them on to get the right fit. It also seems cheaper to buy that item in the US.

Yep, a big fan of Gortex products - great for keeping dry in our lovely weather.

For clothes, I will probably go textile. Just what I am used to really.

jameshayes

Paulw wrote: »

Having power doesn't bother me. I've been driving cars for years now, and know when not to use the power you have in the engine. I've no points on my license, and plan to keep it that way.

But have you been in a car that can hit 3 figures in first gear in less than 4 seconds? (and you've another 5 gears after that one!)

DiscoStu

A GSA is a very big bike full stop. I would seriously consider something physically smaller until you have the experience to deal with something that size. I would consider a second hand bandit or fazer to do you for the first year or so. You will drop it but you wont care. BMW repair bills are nothing to laugh at and neither is 250kg+ of bike coming down on you in a spill.

wicklowstevo

ya to be fair im a virgin biker too and im under no illusions as to the dangers involved in bikes . apart from the speed and acceleration, lack of protection and lack of grip that differ from cars . you have to take into account what some idiot in a bmw or a granny in a micra will do as well as your own actions.
im well used to driving too (in a 200 bhp car) but im as apprehensive as i am eager when it comes to bike safety

jameshayes

wicklowstevo wrote: »

some idiot in a bmw

Offence taken!:pac:

wicklowstevo

Sorry :-( ment the bell end in the 5 20 on the phone , considering a bmw 650 gs bike myself actually .

Pugzilla

Bikes are on a completely different performance level than cars.
Most cars are slugs compared to even the smaller bikes.

Start on a 600cc naked like a Bandit or Fazer.
These will outperform almost any car on the road.

jameshayes

wicklowstevo wrote: »

Sorry :-( ment the bell end in the 5 20 on the phone , considering a bmw 650 gs bike myself actually .

lol... thats me(except the phone part lol)! BMW for the 4 wheels and a CBR for 2

Cienciano

I'm not sure of the licence/insurance shít for gettina a 1200GSA as a first bike. Personally I'd never buy new, but some people have more money than me! It's a great all round bike, but as a first bike, it's a bit of a beast. It's tall, heavy and you will definitely drop it (not crash, just drop) if you start off on one. I don't see a massive problem with the power, some people are careful and don't abuse it, it's down to the individual. It's powerful, but it's not a sportsbike, and you're not 18 years old.
But my advice on getting the GSA as a first bike is to get a lend of one, a test drive or buy second hand. Even an 1150. You don't want to spend €20k on a bike and decide it's too big, you don't like it, or drop it at low speed and cause a load of damage.

As for gear, I only buy online if I've tried on in a shop. Can't trust sizes. I'd just head up to Hein Gericke in Belfast to get kitted out

Paulw

Well, I have moved on with things.

Bought the gear. Comfortable enough, but some items I will change, and others will change over time.

I've completed my IBT. That was thrilling and also scared the crap out of me, especially driving on the roads in the wind and rain. But, I survived. No spills, no drops of the bike, no incidents.

So, is it normal to freaked out when doing the IBT?

ifah

Well done on IBT - what type of bike did you use ?

Did you buy the new GSA ??

Maybe list your gear up here for any other new biker's to follow.

Here's my current list (commuting approx 75 km's daily) :

Richa Leathers (Jacket & Pants)
Arai Rx-7 Helmet
TCX SR-1 Gore Tex boots
Richa Cold Protect Gore-Tex Gloves
Cold Killer neck muff
Forcefield Back Protector

Rain gear :
Richa Full Fluo rain jacket
Richa Rain Warrior Pants

Richard tea

Paulw wrote: »

Well, I have moved on with things.

Bought the gear. Comfortable enough, but some items I will change, and others will change over time.

I've completed my IBT. That was thrilling and also scared the crap out of me, especially driving on the roads in the wind and rain. But, I survived. No spills, no drops of the bike, no incidents.

So, is it normal to freaked out when doing the IBT?

Something aint right if you dont crap your pants riding a bike for the first time. If like me doing the ibt was my first time on a bike. Having driven a car for years the feeling you get by riding a bike with no protective cage can be intense. The good news is every time you get on a bike after your first day it gets easier and those crap your pants feelings fade.

Paulw

I did my IBT with Peter at Aaron Rider Training. The first day I was on a 250cc bike (think it was a Honda CBR). Nice bike. The 2nd day, and out on the road, it was a bigger 600cc bike. No idea what make/model. Much more powerful though and very sensitive on the controls.

I haven't bought a bike yet, but will soon.

Gear -
Shoei Neotec helmet
RST Adventure jacket (black/silver)
RST Adventure trousers (black/silver)
Boots are RST GorTex, not sure the exact model.

AgileMyth

If you're still considering a GS I'd always reccomend the standard model over the adventure. For the vast majority of users its a better bike.

The 1150 is a great machine too. That's what I have myself.

zubair

Paulw wrote: »

Gear -
Shoei Neotec helmet
RST Adventure jacket (black/silver)
RST Adventure trousers (black/silver)
Boots are RST GorTex, not sure the exact model.

Jaysus, your instructors gear prob wasn't that good.