Motorbike Beginner Help

Banana Republic.

I’m starting to learn for my theory test and riding bikes in general, I’ve never ridden a motorbike. I’m looking for people to share their first experiences and any tips in regards to everything involved. Where to get gear, where to buy my first bike etc. Always loved bikes but never further than the admiration to look at them. Cheers.

PCeeeee

My first time on a bike was the IBT. If you have no experience at all then that will suit you just fine. They'll take you through the very basics up to bringing you out onto the road and hopefully instill good habits right from the start.

Gear was another story, there is very very limited places that sell bike gear near me so I ended up buying everything online which is a bit a pain as bike gear sizes seem to vary wildly across brands. If you have shops near you, go in look, try on etc.

Loads of lads n girls here that are on bikes far longer than me and gave me great advice. Listen. They won't put you wrong.

Banana Republic.

PCeeeee wrote: »

My first time on a bike was the IBT. If you have no experience at all then that will suit you just fine. They'll take you through the very basics up to bringing you out onto the road and hopefully instill good habits right from the start.

Gear was another story, there is very very limited places that sell bike gear near me so I ended up buying everything online which is a bit a pain as bike gear sizes seem to vary wildly across brands. If you have shops near you, go in look, try on etc.

Loads of lads n girls here that are on bikes far longer than me and gave me great advice. Listen. They won't put you wrong.

I’m lucky that we’ve one or two places, I was told motorcycle.ie was a good place to go online. From reading the theory book, CE safety gear is the only way to go. Thanks for the tips and anything else comes to mind pop in a post, cheers.

zubair

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I’m lucky that we’ve one or two places, I was told motorcycle.ie was a good place to go online. From reading the theory book, CE safety gear is the only way to go. Thanks for the tips and anything else comes to mind pop in a post, cheers.

I'd hold off on buying gear or a bike until after the IBT. You'll have a better idea of what you need/want after it and your instructor will have plenty of good advice for you. Once you're done motorcycleshop is very good and have regular discounts on everything on site but sportsbikeshop.co.uk have a lot more good quality budget gear options so it's more beginner friendly.

In the meantime, there's lots of good vids on YouTube for beginners, I avoid the yanks, I don't know if it's just me but if a vlogger isn't great I can't take them seriously. Roadcraft Nottingham on youtube is mostly educational and he posts vids of clients doing the cbt. So you should find it helpful. The lots of books and mags with good info. Otherwise just get stuck into the theory and get that behind you

Banana Republic.

zubair wrote: »

I'd hold off on buying gear or a bike until after the IBT. You'll have a better idea of what you need/want after it and your instructor will have plenty of good advice for you. Once you're done motorcycleshop is very good and have regular discounts on everything on site but sportsbikeshop.co.uk have a lot more good quality budget gear options so it's more beginner friendly.

In the meantime, there's lots of good vids on YouTube for beginners, I avoid the yanks, I don't know if it's just me but if a vlogger isn't great I can't take them seriously. Roadcraft Nottingham on youtube is mostly educational and he posts vids of clients doing the cbt. So you should find it helpful. The lots of books and mags with good info. Otherwise just get stuck into the theory and get that behind you

Yea that’s sound advice, getting stuck into Theory Test at the moment. Yes the IBT will give me a chance to learn on a bike that I get comfortable with and I’ll go from there. I’ve watched a few YouTube beginners ones and find a few interesting ones. I’ll try the ones suggested, thanks very much for the tips.

IJS84

Welcome to the world of 2 wheels. Speaking to friends can help, about bike types etc., My advice is if you can sit up on a few to get a feel of different styles and that your more comfortable on can go a bit of a way to a style of bike u want to drive. Personally I've always been in between sizes in gear, so I always like to try them on as different brands for differently. Ride magazine does a rating on quality vs cost on gear and can be great for tips on what's good and what to avoid, let's face it in this country your going to get caught in the rain and waterproof gear is invaluable. What I do usually is find gear ur comfortable in - get the best you can afford as it's the only thing between you and the tarmac should the worst happen - and price around online. Definitely go to a shop if u can and get a proper fitting lid, a mid range lid should set u back €250ish.
Motorcycleshop and sports bike are mentioned above, I've got good prices on moto.de and louis.de aswell. Someone also mentioned roadcraft Nottingham on YouTube....some great beginners tips from him and also Dan Dan the fireman has good riding tips aswell although from a US perspective, the only yank that I've come across that actually makes sense and isn't talking out his arse the whole time - but the viewpoint is all about safety. Pick up a copy of motorcycle roadcraft, it's based on police force riding but it's great for knowledge and road position etc until u get on a bike if ur one for reading, great reading (Amazon is usually a good starting point about £12ish)

Maybe mention where in the country you are, some can give u tips on where to go for and IBT and where to avoid etc.

Best of luck with it.

Banana Republic.

IJS84 wrote: »

Welcome to the world of 2 wheels. Speaking to friends can help, about bike types etc., My advice is if you can sit up on a few to get a feel of different styles and that your more comfortable on can go a bit of a way to a style of bike u want to drive. Personally I've always been in between sizes in gear, so I always like to try them on as different brands for differently. Ride magazine does a rating on quality vs cost on gear and can be great for tips on what's good and what to avoid, let's face it in this country your going to get caught in the rain and waterproof gear is invaluable. What I do usually is find gear ur comfortable in - get the best you can afford as it's the only thing between you and the tarmac should the worst happen - and price around online. Definitely go to a shop if u can and get a proper fitting lid, a mid range lid should set u back €250ish.
Motorcycleshop and sports bike are mentioned above, I've got good prices on moto.de and louis.de aswell. Someone also mentioned roadcraft Nottingham on YouTube....some great beginners tips from him and also Dan Dan the fireman has good riding tips aswell although from a US perspective, the only yank that I've come across that actually makes sense and isn't talking out his arse the whole time - but the viewpoint is all about safety. Pick up a copy of motorcycle roadcraft, it's based on police force riding but it's great for knowledge and road position etc until u get on a bike if ur one for reading, great reading (Amazon is usually a good starting point about £12ish)

Maybe mention where in the country you are, some can give u tips on where to go for and IBT and where to avoid etc.

Best of luck with it.

Thank you much appreciated tips I’ve noted them all. The helmet is definitely worth spending the big money on and to be honest everything is as you and others have said it’s what’s between you and the tarmac. So I’ll be going that route. Looking forward to 2 Wheeler adventures

PCeeeee

Roadcraft book is great.

Xl.moto is another I've used. They do free returns on sizing so if you get the wrong size you can exchange.

Banana Republic.

PCeeeee wrote: »

Roadcraft book is great.

Xl.moto is another I've used. They do free returns on sizing so if you get the wrong size you can exchange.

Is Roadcraft for UK police riders or is there an Irish one? Yea best to learn from the best and aim for the highest level. I’ll order it this week, thanks. By the time everything kicks back in I’ll be well versed. Any other tips pop me some info may help others too.

IJS84

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Is Roadcraft for UK police riders or is there an Irish one? Yea best to learn from the best and aim for the highest level. I’ll order it this week, thanks. By the time everything kicks back in I’ll be well versed. Any other tips pop me some info may help others too.

Ya roadcraft is based on the UK cops riding but I found it great for information on why you take a position at a given time for junctions etc. I was learning before the days of the IBT was in but I would imagine some the info would be given in an IBT

Banana Republic.

IJS84 wrote: »

Ya roadcraft is based on the UK cops riding but I found it great for information on why you take a position at a given time for junctions etc. I was learning before the days of the IBT was in but I would imagine some the info would be given in an IBT

Thank You.
Yes to learn the way of the Police would give you a mindset of an advanced rider and teach the best habits possible. Looking forward to soaking in the information, it’s the perfect time to be learning such new activities, theoretically for now at least.

enrique66_35

IJS84 wrote: »

Ya roadcraft is based on the UK cops riding but I found it great for information on why you take a position at a given time for junctions etc. I was learning before the days of the IBT was in but I would imagine some the info would be given in an IBT

I did the IBT last year and we were shown a video with a UK police rider with guidance on road position and sight lines (among other things) which I don't remember the name of but was likely related to the Roadcraft book you've recommended.

Now is a good time to start researching & budgeting for gear but don't buy anything until after the IBT. Same goes for bikes - have a look around online and test out the ergonomics of any you like the look of (http://cycle-ergo.com/) but nothing beats getting to sit up on as many as possible, again post-IBT! Depending on where you are in the country, you might be able to find a dealer which allows you sit up their bikes. JT Motorcyles in Inisshannon in Cork are one if you're in the best county

Your IBT instructor will be able to give you sound advice on gear and bikes that might suit and where to shop.

Banana Republic.

enrique66_35 wrote: »

I did the IBT last year and we were shown a video with a UK police rider with guidance on road position and sight lines (among other things) which I don't remember the name of but was likely related to the Roadcraft book you've recommended.

Now is a good time to start researching & budgeting for gear but don't buy anything until after the IBT. Same goes for bikes - have a look around online and test out the ergonomics of any you like the look of (http://cycle-ergo.com/) but nothing beats getting to sit up on as many as possible, again post-IBT! Depending on where you are in the country, you might be able to find a dealer which allows you sit up their bikes. JT Motorcyles in Inisshannon in Cork are one if you're in the best county

Your IBT instructor will be able to give you sound advice on gear and bikes that might suit and where to shop.

Thank you, can I ask about gear for the IBT, do I need to have my own for that?

Lcass

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Thank you, can I ask about gear for the IBT, do I need to have my own for that?

IBT instructor provides you with the gear.

Banana Republic.

Can anyone give me a run down on what’s in the IBT Course? Percentage wise practical and theory wise?

enrique66_35

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Can anyone give me a run down on what’s in the IBT Course? Percentage wise practical and theory wise?

Each instructor will probably have their own approach but my experience was 90%+ practical. You'll have to sit down on day one and the instructor will do the necessary paperwork, check your licence, general advice on gear, safety etc. and then get you kitted out. You'll be sitting up on a bike fairly quickly and learning the controls.

You can have a read of the modules components here (https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Initial-basic-training-IBT-for-motorcyclists/The-Modules/)

Banana Republic.

enrique66_35 wrote: »

Each instructor will probably have their own approach but my experience was 90%+ practical. You'll have to sit down on day one and the instructor will do the necessary paperwork, check your licence, general advice on gear, safety etc. and then get you kitted out. You'll be sitting up on a bike fairly quickly and learning the controls.

You can have a read of the modules components here (https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Initial-basic-training-IBT-for-motorcyclists/The-Modules/)

Thanks very much appreciated and nice detailed reply Any other threads on here that is good for Biking community?

Blanchy90

I'd never been on a bike before my IBT, be careful who you do it with as a good instructor is invaluable.

For gear you can get some great deals second hand ( get a new helmet though). I got Alpinestars leather Jacket for just over 100 and its still perfect after 2 years of daily wear. I think it would have been around 600 new.

MY biggest advice would be take it easy and get used to the bike and roads youll use regularly when you pass your IBT

Banana Republic.

Blanchy90 wrote: »

I'd never been on a bike before my IBT, be careful who you do it with as a good instructor is invaluable.

For gear you can get some great deals second hand ( get a new helmet though). I got Alpinestars leather Jacket for just over 100 and its still perfect after 2 years of daily wear. I think it would have been around 600 new.

MY biggest advice would be take it easy and get used to the bike and roads youll use regularly when you pass your IBT

Cheers, the IBT instructor I’ve been recommended has been recommended by every person I’ve talked to so I’ll stick with that one. Everyone says don’t look past him. Yea 100% a brand new helmet, looking at the Alpinestars gear, it looks cool.

enrique66_35

Blanchy90 wrote: »

MY biggest advice would be take it easy and get used to the bike and roads youll use regularly when you pass your IBT

Seconded - I found mentally visualising the route before going out useful so I could anticipate any elements/scenarios (things like steep hills, heavy traffic, tight turns, busy junctions etc) which might be challenging when you're still getting used to the bike.

That's down the line though, first things first enjoy the IBT, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

Banana Republic.

enrique66_35 wrote: »

Seconded - I found mentally visualising the route before going out useful so I could anticipate any elements/scenarios (things like steep hills, heavy traffic, tight turns, busy junctions etc) which might be challenging when you're still getting used to the bike.

That's down the line though, first things first enjoy the IBT, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

I booked my Theory Test today so step one on the road ( pun not intended) My mate’s are going to bring me off for a spin and even in an industrial estate just start and go into first gear. IBT trainer here has good videos up on the page and €450 for the one to one training as I’m a complete beginner. Supplies everything aswell so that’s great. Noting the main things so far as positions and the ability to expect the unexpected, when I drive my car I’m always doing that and looking out for cyclists and bikers. It’ll be a distant feel when I’m geared up with helmet and the rest on. Any other tips are welcome by anyone who reads the thread. Some great advice do far for any starter.

IrishGrimReaper

That's a good price for one to one IBT.

I paid €500 and was with 2 other people doing theirs.

dubal2008

Hi Banana, which instructor are you going to use....

Banana Republic.

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

That's a good price for one to one IBT.

I paid €500 and was with 2 other people doing theirs.

Yea it’s actually €395 with 2 on 1 but with absolute beginner it’s a one to one. My mates fair to go for a 600 to learn on and then I can drive whatever bike I want then and won’t need to do another test in 2/3 years if I wanna step up bikes. I’ve never driven one before so that might be a blessing not knowing. What would everyone advise be? I know it’s about what’s comfortable and that’s my overriding first thoughts.

Banana Republic.

dubal2008 wrote: »

Hi Banana, which instructor are you going to use....

It’s with Roadskills.ie I don’t who the instructor is.

dubal2008

Thanks i,ll have a look at them,I did my theory only about 2 months ago (40/40) Th NDLS app is great and i found it weird that I knew hardly any of the correct answers after the first few tries I was only getting 34 but after a week or two it was up to regular 38/40 great app and well worth the €12

knucklehead6

Down in Waterford for anyone who was looking at them

Banana Republic.

dubal2008 wrote: »

Thanks i,ll have a look at them,I did my theory only about 2 months ago (40/40) Th NDLS app is great and i found it weird that I knew hardly any of the correct answers after the first few tries I was only getting 34 but after a week or two it was up to regular 38/40 great app and well worth the €12

Congratulations, smashed it out of the park Great .
I have the DTT app and it’s free my friend used it for hours and said it really helped more so then the book which I have also. How did you find it towards the driving car test if you’ve ever done it? All motorbike questions or a mixture? The guy in Waterford is supposed to be brilliant, out by the airport. If you go on the site he has videos of a total beginner riding out on the road the next day. Got a little buzz off that.

pjdarcy

Please buy a back protector and the best helmet you can afford OP. I had an excellent helmet but no back protector when I crashed my bike at 50kph on a wet road. I'd still be able to walk if I had been wearing a back protector. (I know people don't like reading this sh!t but you have an opportunity to learn from my mistake)

Banana Republic.

pjdarcy wrote: »

Please buy a back protector and the best helmet you can afford OP. I had an excellent helmet but no back protector when I crashed my bike at 50kph on a wet road. I'd still be able to walk if I had been wearing a back protector. (I know people don't like reading this sh!t but you have an opportunity to learn from my mistake)

Noted and added to my list, thanks so much and I hope you’re some way comfortable sorry to hear about your injury. All tips very welcome especially ones that will save us all. Also Helmet I don’t be skimping on, I’m looking at CE Standard and the best I can afford or save up extra for.

dubal2008

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Congratulations, smashed it out of the park Great .
I have the DTT app and it’s free my friend used it for hours and said it really helped more so then the book which I have also. How did you find it towards the driving car test if you’ve ever done it? All motorbike questions or a mixture? The guy in Waterford is supposed to be brilliant, out by the airport. If you go on the site he has videos of a total beginner riding out on the road the next day. Got a little buzz off that.

I,m old enough to have never done a theory test before, driving for more than 35 years and a lot of questions are not as they seem. the worst being fines and ban's for alcohol and speeding, coming over the brow of a hill has 6 different answers and road position is easy to catch you out...
I've been into Bikeworld and Megabikes in Dublin before all this kicked off and found a nice jacket from Oxford, although I can buy for €40 cheaper online i'd prefer to give them the extra as I can try all types before buying

knucklehead6

much like Banana Republic I'm at the very start of the process. I have Cat AM on the licence but I'd feel better off doing the theory test as that wasn't part of the deal 20 odd years ago when i started driving.

One question i have for all you fine folks who'd be more experienced than i am with regard to buying a bike. When buying a car people are advised to bring a mechanic with them to have a look etc, make sure the yoke is mechanically sound, so i'd assume its the same for bikes. Would there be a list available anywhere of lads (or lassies) who'd come with to have a look at a machine? Or would it just be a case of finding a local mechanic? Or find the local bikers and ask one of them to come with?

dubal2008

The Catagory AM only covers you on a 50cc or Trike so you will still have to do IBT And Theory and as for choosing a bike, i,m going down the dealer route for my first one then in future i,ll have a better idea...I,m looking at Yamaha MT07 which is a nice light bike with a low centre of gravity

dubal2008

I,m not suprised you bought new, the MT07 new is approx €8300 but I,m sure there would be a better deal to be done in the current situation..
A two year old one still sells for approx €7200 ,,, pure madness compared with cars

Banana Republic.

knucklehead6 wrote: »

much like Banana Republic I'm at the very start of the process. I have Cat AM on the licence but I'd feel better off doing the theory test as that wasn't part of the deal 20 odd years ago when i started driving.

One question i have for all you fine folks who'd be more experienced than i am with regard to buying a bike. When buying a car people are advised to bring a mechanic with them to have a look etc, make sure the yoke is mechanically sound, so i'd assume its the same for bikes. Would there be a list available anywhere of lads (or lassies) who'd come with to have a look at a machine? Or would it just be a case of finding a local mechanic? Or find the local bikers and ask one of them to come with?

In that case I would ask whoever is selling the bike do you mind if a mechanic can have a look at it, either drop it in or drive it yourself, depending on the seller but that’s what I do with cars so I’m sure the logic should work. I’d be going second hand anyway for a starter. Thinking of going IBT on a 600 think he’s got a Fazer out there that’ll be a right bike to learn on, my friends say it saves hating to do an IBT again in a few years.

Banana Republic.

dubal2008 wrote: »

The Catagory AM only covers you on a 50cc or Trike so you will still have to do IBT And Theory and as for choosing a bike, i,m going down the dealer route for my first one then in future i,ll have a better idea...I,m looking at Yamaha MT07 which is a nice light bike with a low centre of gravity

That looks very nice, you going for Black colour?

dubal2008

I prefer the white version

Banana Republic.

dubal2008 wrote: »

I prefer the white version

Must check that out. Let me know if you get it, no cool to see it and how you find the drive.

Banana Republic.

I found a great thread so I’ll end it here, it has much more info, thanks for all the guidance Here the link
https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2056323977/1/#post73224244