Want to get a bike, few questions

TallGlass

Hi, just wondering I am 25 and I have a full car license and 6 years NCB insured with liberty currently. I am looking at getting a small bike for work and generally stuff I won't need the car for.

What type of licence can and should I go for?
What's the best bike for learning and insurance?
Budget for gear, helmet, boots, jacket and gloves, bike, training(ITB), I'll do insurance monthly. So could I get something for under 1k?

Thinking of a 125cc, with good fuel economy and good engine etc...

Any suggestions. Regards licence, bike, insurance and who to do ITB with?

Thanks for any help.

gerrowadat

You can go straight to an A license, so do that. Don't buy a 125cc unless you're never taking it off city streets.

There are a number of best bikes, currently you want anything around 600-650cc that's A compliant and doesn't have 'r' in its name for insurance. Whatever looks well to you.

Budget about 700 quid just to get your license: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaGYbyGJPuM - Budget at least another 700 for gear and bits.

Your current NCB counts for nothing, even if you insure the bike with liberty (you get 10% for having an existing policy, I think).

You can get a bike for under 1k, same as you can get a car for under 1k. It'll be a banger unless you really know what you're looking at.

TallGlass

gerrowadat wrote: »

You can go straight to an A license, so do that. Don't buy a 125cc unless you're never taking it off city streets.

There are a number of best bikes, currently you want anything around 600-650cc that's A compliant and doesn't have 'r' in its name for insurance. Whatever looks well to you.

Budget about 700 quid just to get your license: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaGYbyGJPuM - Budget at least another 700 for gear and bits.

Your current NCB counts for nothing, even if you insure the bike with liberty (you get 10% for having an existing policy, I think).

You can get a bike for under 1k, same as you can get a car for under 1k. It'll be a banger unless you really know what you're looking at.

A 600/650cc sounds a little big for starting out?

I have been looking at Lexmoto bikes and getting quote of 370€ online or generally for any 125cc bike.

Will have a look at some 600/650cc bikes.

Mesrine65

Stay away from Chinese motorcycles like Lexmoto IMHO, inferior build quality & availability of parts would be my main concern.

I presume as you're only starting out, that you have no practical experience of maintaining a motorcycle, who will service it for you?

TallGlass

Mesrine65 wrote: »

Stay away from Chinese motorcycles like Lexmoto IMHO, inferior build quality & availability of parts would be my main concern.

I presume as you're only starting out, that you have no practical experience of maintaining a motorcycle, who will service it for you?

That was my concern with the Lexmark bikes once I heard it was Chinese and going by how there counterparts in the car world are, I might just steer clear.

Yes just starting out on the bike, I have been driving cars for around 8 years now and do all my own work on the cars, so I assume it will be the same for the bike regards, oil, filters, sparks etc.. Any work I am not sure of or outside my scope will be straight to a mechanic to take a look.

TeaBagMania

I agree with Mes, stay away from any of the Chinese garbage.
Can’t go wrong with anything Honda

TallGlass

Sounds good, thanks for the advise so far. Much appreciated.

So far I have decided I will go for the A license, will book it for next weekend maybe.

Regards training, I am a little confused, do these guys provide the bikes?

I would rather have everything license wise sorted, have some knowledge how to operate a bike, then go look for a bike. Any ideas?

TeaBagMania

I checked a few of the IBT vendor website awhile back and they provided the bikes, if memory serves some offered discounts if you had your own bike.

Im not sure how this would work for an Irish resident but as a foreigner im allowed to use my US license in Ireland for up to 12 months before converting, so in theory I can drive my bike to the IBT under my US license while training for my Irish license

TallGlass

TeaBagMania wrote: »

I checked a few of the IBT vendor website awhile back and they provided the bikes, if memory serves some offered discounts if you had your own bike.

Im not sure how this would work for an Irish resident but as a foreigner im allowed to use my US license in Ireland for up to 12 months before converting, so in theory I can drive my bike to the IBT under my US license while training for my Irish license

Thanks for that! Okay, will report back when I have got the learner permit for the A license.

mamax

Don't forget you need to apply for and pass your theory test before you apply for your learner permit, then wait for a week for them to post it out to you so don't go booking your IBT just yet

TallGlass

mamax wrote: »

Don't forget you need to apply for and pass your theory test before you apply for your learner permit, then wait for a week for them to post it out to you so don't go booking your IBT just yet

Yeah I get you, I have ordered the book and DVD combo pack for the questions on the Motorcycle part of the exam, I have an old CD around somewhere but I said its outdated at this stage. Should be covered for most of the rules of the road from having the full B, but you never know. No harm in having the stuff to look over.

Just going to take it one step at a time.

gerrowadat

TallGlass wrote: »

A 600/650cc sounds a little big for starting out?

I have been looking at Lexmoto bikes and getting quote of 370€ online or generally for any 125cc bike.

Will have a look at some 600/650cc bikes.

If you're already driving and have a bit of sense 600/650 is grand. Believe me, there are some exceptionally boring bikes in that range :-)

Anything under that might end up being too small - I learned on a 250, and the thing would barely do 90kph full on in top gear. If you're going to be on the dualler or motorway, you're wasting your time on anything smaller as far as overtaking and being able to pull out of trouble goes. A smaller bike can actually be dangerous in situations like that.

Most IBT places will lend you a bike. I'd say don't go near buying your own bike until you've your IBT done on a school bike. Doesn't hurt to look though :-)

gerrowadat

As for which bike, it's one of those 'how long is a piece of string?' questions. Pick a style of bike you want. Popular 600/650 style bikes right now would be bandits, hornets, sv650s, fazers, that kinda thing. Loads on donedeal, although you might want to stick with dealers for a warranty if you're starting out. If you have your heart set on a bigger tourer or a cruiser, the options change.

cantdecide

The best thing to do is to choose a trainer that will have a range of bikes to let you try. You'd be very surprised how quickly you'll outgrow them. My first was a Bandit 600 and my second was (is- I still own it!) a GSX1400 which I got a few months into my career.

My advice to all noobs is to just take it a step at a time. Treat IBT as a challenge and once you have the cert, take it from there. You may decide biking isn't for you (doubt it though!). Trainers will provide bikes, gear, insurance etc etc meaning that you can get to that point with little more financial commitment than the cost of IBT which is a few bob to be fair, but it would be whole lot more if you'd bought a bike, insurance, tax, gear and so on.

Tigger

its 700 to get a license now?
**************?

gerrowadat

Tigger wrote: »

its 700 to get a license now?
**************?

More or less.

45 theory test
35 learner permit
450-500 or so IBT training and etc.
85 for test booking (assuming you pass first time)
35 again for adding the category to a car license (or full license if not).

TallGlass

Anyone know if i need an eye test again?

AgileMyth

If you have a current driving licence then no, you shouldn't.

cantdecide

Definitely not unless you have moved from a state of needing glasses to not needing them eg after laser eye surgery.

AgileMyth

Actually now that you mention it I should do that. Had laser about four years ago!

Alkers

Do the ibt and try get a go on as many different bikes as possible. Then, once you've that in the bag you'll have a much better idea about what kinda bike you like to ride and what you'll be using it for and you can make a more informed decision as to what to buy.

cantdecide

AgileMyth wrote: »

Actually now that you mention it I should do that. Had laser about four years ago!

You'll need that eyesight report but you'll get the new licence free from the NDLS as it's a change of personal details. You should probably make a point of getting on this because while you have the 01 notation on your licence, it's legal requirement that you wear corrective lenses.

LookBehindYou

Do the IBT first, and you may save more than the cost of the training with the stuff you learn.

listermint

TallGlass wrote: »

Anyone know if i need an eye test again?

You do need an eye test yes.

TallGlass

Ok so because I have the full B I don't need an eye sight test? I'm sure I will figure it out anyway, just thought I ask.

Yeah going to do IBT after I get the licence and see what type of bike I like, would suit my riding etc..

Are ISM up in Finglas any good for IBT?

Still awaiting book and disk to arrive so I can do some questions, hope to cover it in a week or so, just the bike stuff and I guess a few general rules of road questions I will not be up to speed on.

Can't believe the price of a licence has jumped so much think it was 25€ for mine a few years ago !

zubair

LookBehindYou (commented earlier) is your only man for IBT, send him a PM.

Dubs1990

If you go and do the IBT does this have an expiry date ? Would love to do it now but won't be getting a bike for a year or two , will take the sting out of the other stuff I will need to buy!

gerrowadat

Dubs1990 wrote: »

If you go and do the IBT does this have an expiry date ? Would love to do it now but won't be getting a bike for a year or two , will take the sting out of the other stuff I will need to buy!

It lasts 2 years.

TallGlass

zubair wrote: »

LookBehindYou (commented earlier) is your only man for IBT, send him a PM.

Spoke with him, reasonable price also for 1:1, now to get my licence ! Was up the libary, done a test up there and passed. So hopefully can keep it up.

listermint

I still had to get an eye test, ive had the Full B for 10 years +

cantdecide

listermint wrote: »

You do need an eye test yes.

listermint wrote: »

I still had to get an eye test, ive had the Full B for 10 years +

There are some very rare circumstances where you might need one but if you haven't earned your entitlements abroad, there wasn't a form-filling foul up that required clarification or something changed with your eyesight then you shouldn't have been required to submit one. If you were instructed to, I'm afraid you were sent on a fool's errand. There have been a lot of changes and also, don't forget, the NDLS are only in existence for two years so there has been a lot of misinformation at different times.

TallGlass wrote: »

Ok so because I have the full B I don't need an eye sight test? I'm sure I will figure it out anyway, just thought I ask.

As long as there's an eyesight report against your driver number, you're covered. Your driver number will be the same on both your full licence and permit. It's linked to your identity much like your PPS number. At the very least, being a licence holder allows the NDLS to assume your eyesight is not in question.

TallGlass wrote: »

Can't believe the price of a licence has jumped so much think it was 25€ for mine a few years ago !

Well you get a nice polycarbonate card now and you're saved the hassle and expense of getting photos. It will be €35 for the permit.

listermint

cantdecide wrote: »

There are some very rare circumstances where you might need one but if you haven't earned your entitlements abroad, there wasn't a form-filling foul up that required clarification or something changed with your eyesight then you shouldn't have been required to submit one. If you were instructed to, I'm afraid you were sent on a fool's errand. There have been a lot of changes and also, don't forget, the NDLS are only in existence for two years so there has been a lot of misinformation at different times.



As long as there's an eyesight report against your driver number, you're covered. Your driver number will be the same on both your full licence and permit. It's linked to your identity much like your PPS number. At the very least, being a licence holder allows the NDLS to assume your eyesight is not in question.



Well you get a nice polycarbonate card now and you're saved the hassle and expense of getting photos. It will be €35 for the permit.

Tbh. I'd recommend anyone who is even thinking of going to get a motorcycle license to do an eye test no exceptions

TallGlass

listermint wrote: »

Tbh. I'd recommend anyone who is even thinking of going to get a motorcycle license to do an eye test no exceptions

Sure we see what they say, no problems if its needed. Still waiting on book and disk to arrive! Ordered it Sat, said its takes 7/10 days to arrive, I have ordered things from the UK that have arrived quicker !

Where do you guys buy your gear? Helmets etc.. just want to have a nose around. Would ideally like to get a cam also, just to do some blogging on Youtube.

gerrowadat

Gearwise, shop around. Go to Bikeworld, Cotters and Megabikes, see who looks after you. They've all been grand for me.

Echoes675

TallGlass wrote:

A 600/650cc sounds a little big for starting out? I have been looking at Lexmoto bikes and getting quote of 370€ online or generally for any 125cc bike.
Will have a look at some 600/650cc bikes.

I got my license this summer. Did the direct access course in a school near me. Was on the Suzuki Gladius 650cc (i think 75 bhp) bike for my training. It was really learner friendly and quite forgiving. It had enough grunt to get the overtakes done but wasn't a speed machine. Had great torque down low which I found great for all the stopping and starting in traffic.
When I passed I went looking for a bike to buy. I settled on a Triumph Street Triple 675cc and it is brilliant. It has 30 extra ponies in the engine and goes like stink. Again loads of low down torque but keeps pulling all the way up the rev range. Absolutely love this bike!
When I was preparing to do the direcr access course I had never ridden anything bigger than a 125cc bike. I was nervous about the 650cc bike I would be learning on thinking it would be too big and at that point had been looking at the Kawasaki ninja 300 and other bikes if that size. But, after a day on the Suzuki gladius I realise there was no need to be so nervous and as my instructor told me, it will only go as fast as my right hand tells it to!
Wait and see how you get on with the bigger bike in your training.

TeaBagMania

eoin_mcg wrote: »

When I was preparing to do the direcr access course I had never ridden anything bigger than a 125cc bike. I was nervous about the 650cc bike I would be learning on thinking it would be too big and at that point had been looking at the Kawasaki ninja 300 and other bikes if that size. But, after a day on the Suzuki gladius I realise there was no need to be so nervous and as my instructor told me, it will only go as fast as my right hand tells it to!
Wait and see how you get on with the bigger bike in your training.

Indeed, when I transitioned from a 125cc dirt bike to a 550cc street bike it was intimidating as hell going from light and nimble to big and heavy. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to the larger bike

TallGlass

Some great info here guys!

Good news is I got my book/DVD so can start to do a few tests, hopefully try do it next weekend. We will see how I get in during the week.

Wanted to do this a while now, so excited and nervous at the same time.

TallGlass

So, trying to book the theory test for the weekend in Dublin(no dates showing at all). Can't get any dates for the Northside of Dublin. Is this normal? I thought there be more than two centers in Dublin.

TallGlass

Called them up there. Apparently it's completely normal to be waiting up to two months for a test. Why is Ireland such a joke of a country. There is absolelty no reason you should have to wait two months. She even said there's no cancellation bookings.

I'll be sending a letter of to local TDs, if they thinking waiting two months is completely normal.

listermint

This is very normal, you cant just rock up next week for a test. You probably should have looked into this first.

If you have transport you can do the test in other test centres.

I did mine in Wicklow got it 2 weeks after application.

Your local TD will do nothing for you.

TallGlass

listermint wrote: »

This is very normal, you cant just rock up next week for a test. You probably should have looked into this first.

If you have transport you can do the test in other test centres.

I did mine in Wicklow got it 2 weeks after application.

Your local TD will do nothing for you.

True, I should have booked a little earlier, but honestly I wasn't expecting to be waiting 8+ weeks. I got sorted with something closer by sheer luck, Friday week the 13th. I'll keep checking the site for anything that may come up.

As for the local TD, just to make them aware really, its not even the that you can get a date after 8 weeks, if there's nothing you can't even book or register your interest and have the system email you some dates when available.

cantdecide

TallGlass wrote: »

I got sorted with something closer by sheer luck, Friday week the 13th. I'll keep checking the site for anything that may come up

I think everyone enjoys that very same luck, tbh. Just like when people whinge about about the NCT and the 'priority list' comes to the rescue for the umpteenth time and you realise the the priority list is really just the list and you only wait if you're not very arsed.

TallGlass

cantdecide wrote: »

I think everyone enjoys that very same luck, tbh. Just like when people whinge about about the NCT and the 'priority list' comes to the rescue for the umpteenth time and you realise the the priority list is really just the list and you only wait if you're not very arsed.

Guess so. Just naive of me to think, you could just pick from a good selection of dates. Would ideally like to have everything done by Jan then start getting the bike. Could start getting gear now I suppose, but IBT I think would be worth waiting for on that one.

Have to say, picked some time of the year to start this! How's this time of year for riding, worse, good, indifferent? Should I wait till its better to get the bike?

cantdecide

TallGlass wrote: »

Guess so. Just naive of me to think, you could just pick from a good selection of dates. Would ideally like to have everything done by Jan then start getting the bike. Could start getting gear now I suppose, but IBT I think would be worth waiting for on that one.

Have to say, picked some time of the year to start this! How's this time of year for riding, worse, good, indifferent? Should I wait till its better to get the bike?

When I started riding it was a February so something similar to now. I don't think it's a major factor. You just have to pick your moments. I don't know if instructors will call off an IBT session if it's raining but I suppose they probably might? If it gets very cold you might be uncomfortable. I'd say if it's mildish and dryish like it normally is then the season should be a big deal. Personally, I hate hot weather on the bike, I think it's easier to manage a bit of damp and cold with your choice of gear and under layers.

gerrowadat

I'd say the last few weeks would have been perfect to start out, cool enough and dry, not sure what the rest of november has in store.

I did my IBT during a July/August and the combination of the heat and me sweating bullets and leaving arse casseroles in me strides on every corner made it a pretty sweaty experience.

Pugzilla

I wouldn't do IBT until Spring.

Learning to ride in these crap conditions could kill your enthusiasm.

Just get your theory test done and learner permit sorted.

Burks_ie

hi i just received my provisional licence last week and looked to do the IBT. I think i will hold off till feb or march to do it. was hoping to give the test ago after my IBT and a pre test subject to the 6 months. Is that realistic or dreaming. would prefer to bring down the insurance costs with a full licence prior to purchasing a bike. thanks for any advice

gerrowadat

Burks_ie wrote: »

hi i just received my provisional licence last week and looked to do the IBT. I think i will hold off till feb or march to do it. was hoping to give the test ago after my IBT and a pre test subject to the 6 months. Is that realistic or dreaming. would prefer to bring down the insurance costs with a full licence prior to purchasing a bike. thanks for any advice

Totally realistic, depending on how much practice you're getting.

Get an insurance assessment, they can bring your insurance down to full license levels depending how you do. I looked at the breakdown of my quote and a liberty grade 2 got me 30% off, which is the same loading for getting your license AFAICT.

listermint

TallGlass wrote: »

Guess so. Just naive of me to think, you could just pick from a good selection of dates. Would ideally like to have everything done by Jan then start getting the bike. Could start getting gear now I suppose, but IBT I think would be worth waiting for on that one.

Have to say, picked some time of the year to start this! How's this time of year for riding, worse, good, indifferent? Should I wait till its better to get the bike?

I started riding in November, did the full IBT in literal pissings of rain, and i can tell you something it stood me very well i learned better skills and i got to see first hand what an actual '****' day would be like. Its all up from there.

Picture doing an IBT in weather like last saturday / sundays thats what i did and tbh id do it again and i would recommend it too. There are fierce amount of fair weather drivers who drop the bike at the hint of rain and theyve learnt nothing.

listermint

Burks_ie wrote: »

hi i just received my provisional licence last week and looked to do the IBT. I think i will hold off till feb or march to do it. was hoping to give the test ago after my IBT and a pre test subject to the 6 months. Is that realistic or dreaming. would prefer to bring down the insurance costs with a full licence prior to purchasing a bike. thanks for any advice

Honestly you are better of actually having insurance and then the full license. You will not see much change in costs by not having your own insurance for a year under the belt (ive done it with Liberty)

I did the IBT straight away and applied for the test immediately Waited the mandatory 6 months and did the test straight away and passed. All the while gathering up my no claims on my bike insurance policy. as indicated you are best to get an assessment done at time of IBT as they dramatically impact the premium.

My new quotes are coming up now with my no claims and my license under my belt are much better.

I would say dont wait. earlier you get the policy the cheaper it will be in the long run.

TallGlass

So have the theory test today, I took over 51 tests and passed all them, but still have 100 questions left, I hope I will be okay! I booked a slot in the NDLS, but going to chance my arm and walk in, what do people think? Things have change alot since I took these tests :pac: