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Learner/Newbie Sticky **All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!****

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭eoin.d


    I tryed that when waiting for a theory test. No test centres open and at the time couldn't be done online. They would be hard set to answer a phone. All while getting their full wages. Rsa are only interested in getting money from you after that they don't care



  • Registered Users Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    The emails go into the ether. I haven't even gotten an acknowledgment to some!


    Sent mails off there to Paschal. I expect nothing to change!



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    I'm sick of taking the bus to work so I decided I want to get a bike for commuting although I am at the age where I know I could go for a big bike but I've decided a 125 will do me just fine as they are cheap to run and the insurance should be cheap enough.

    I don't mind buying new as I have the budget for it and I intend to keep the bike for a while I was thinking of a Keyway super light 125. But compared to Japanese 125s it doesn't have as much power and is heavy on the plus side though it does look good.

    Anyway I'm open to suggestions on what I should get and where I should get it from.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    get your IBT first, the instructor will have a bike for that.


    Personally speaking i'd recommend going for the full A licence, even if you don't use it. I wouldn't go buying a bike before the IBT either



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    Any word? Is there anything to be said to messaging an opposition TD? Mary Lou is in that constituency too.

    Or even get onto the press, cause a fuss. I hate recommending that tactic but sometimes needs must



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  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Sorry I should have made it clear I have already done my IBT the reason I am going for a category A1 is at the moment that is what I feel most comfortable on and have no need currently for anything bigger.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    fair enough.


    I'd still go for the A licence either way. Get a Category A1 bike if that's what you are most comfortable on, but when sitting the test go for the full A. It'll give you much more options down the road, in case you decide after 6 months that an A1 just isn't cutting the mustard



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Thank you I'll definitely go for the full A licence when I am ready for it

    Now all I need to do is decide on a good 125 to buy.



  • Registered Users Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    Well, just as i did email, i checked the RSA portal, as i have been every few months, and i see they finally have dates!

    Either Pascal works at the speed of light or they've been up a few days already.



  • Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Debub


    I am not an expert on 125cc bikes, but have heard good things about the following:

    KTM 125 Duke

    Honda CB125R

    Aprilia Tuono 125

    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 (note - looks very different to other bikes)

    Would also recomned the KTM 390 Duke - is a truly wicked bike



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  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Perhaps earlier I jumped the gun a little bit in my next IBT lesson I'll have a go at the Honda hornet that my instructor has and see how how I get along with a 600cc bike.

    Before in the past I did get a chance to have a go on a bandit 600 but found it very heavy and scarily powerful perhaps since the hornet is newer is maybe less weight and has slightly lower power so is easier for a beginner.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭LollipopJimmy


    A pal was in the same situation and went for a 125, 6 weeks later he was on a 600 Hornet.

    Just because the bike is fast you don't have to ride it fast



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    That's true and you need to remember if you end up with the so-called whisky throttle you can always cut the power by pulling in the clutch then it doesn't matter if you have the accelerator pinned you're not going anywhere just making a lot of noise.

    If I do end up getting a 125 I've decided to stay away from the Chinese brands and get a reliable Japanese brand such as Suzuki or Honda.



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    My apologies I can't edit my last post after giving some thought I've decided I would be happy sticking with a 125 as it would suit my needs perfectly and be cheap to run.

    I've decided the bike I want is a Suzuki GSX 125, I'm also open to other suggestions I'll be using the bike primarily for a 20k each way commute to work.

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,771 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    What sort of roads, a 125 will break your heart on 80 and 100km/h roads never mind motorways

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I rode a Honda Varadero 125 for a couple of years (in the old days), it had a good strong engine and would cruise comfortably enough on the dual carriageway... I didn't feel the need to upgrade to something bigger, but I was commuting through heavy traffic. Now that I'm back to bikes I'll be going straight for an A license and a 900cc, no need for a tonne bike for me, unless I decide to tour heavily in the future...

    My point is, if you don't feel comfortable on anything over 125, then stick with that, but you get used to bigger engine sizes very quickly... My criteria would be based on the type of riding more than the simple capacity numbers... Why not go up to a 400cc over a 125?



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    My aim ultimately would be to move up to an A2 class bike when I am ready and sure I am able to handle it right now though I just want something cheap and easy to live with and it appears the Suzuki GSX 125 will suit my needs for the moment, the commute to work is only about 18 km and I have two choices of road I have a standard N road with the majority of it being limited to 80 km/h or alternatively there is a slightly longer route along roads where although the speed limit is 80 I doubt you would be able to do that for the majority of the journey.

    If the weather is fairly ok and not freezing I plan to take the non N road route it takes a little bit longer but it's definitely more quiet as it's not the main route between two big towns plus it's more twisty so could add a bit of fun when I'm going to and fro from work.

    Are there any add-ons that you would recommend I add to the bike straight away that would make it more comfortable in the winter? I know there are heated grips available that you wire in but I'm not sure how that would affect Suzukis warranty.

    Almost forgot to add I'll definitely need to add some winter gear to stop myself from freezing to death, at the moment I currently own a pair of boots I bought from either Aldi or Lidle and the gloves I got from there as well I think the gloves would be considered summer or late spring they are definitely not well suited to winter.

    The jacket I have cost around 50 quid and although it has a inner removable lining for cold temperatures I'm not sure I would trust it to keep me warm when it's freezing outside. So should probably look for something better just in case

    I'd appreciate any suggestions on winter gear that is good quality but at the same time doesn't break the bank.

    I'm hoping all in including the purchase of the bike with will probably cost a maximum of €5,000 or very slightly more.

    My apologies for the long post and don't worry I promise I don't have any more questions for at least the next few days.

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


  • Registered Users Posts: 288 ✭✭Acquiescence


    Five grand on a 125 and gear from Lidl seems a bit mental to me.


    I'd nearly buy the bike from Lidl and spend five grand on the gear if riding through winter.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,771 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Wonder where you heard that? I've been riding bikes for over 25 years and I've never heard the term "whiskey throttle", had to look it up, seems to be one of the things Yanks with no clue about bikes go on about

    Awful lot of crapola written on US websites about motorcycling unfortunately, lots of people with far more money than sense, buying the latest brand new litre bike as a novice then riding it in flip flops etc. etc., but many of them never or hardly ever ride a bike at all. You need to be able to sort the wheat from the chaff.

    What they advise sounds like a quick trip to the hospital to me, and even if you don't go down bouncing a motor hard off the rev limiter is a very bad idea - that's if it even has one and an older design 125 probably won't. If you've done your IBT already the instructor should have made sure you have decent clutch and throttle control.

    Buying a brand new bike for your first bike is insane imho and especially heading into the worst time of year for learning to ride a bike. Slippery roads, long hours of darkness and bad weather.

    You're cheaping out on the gear (which is supposed to keep you safe - crash protection - not just warm and dry, but being cold and wet is unsafe in itself) while spending as much money as possible on a bike you will likely grow out of fast, and will depreciate quite a lot even if you don't crash it... and almost everyone crashes their first bike.

    Scrap the cap!



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    Have we ever heard from Banana Republic? Himself and myself started off about the same time, but he appears to have disappeared off this thread



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Perhaps I have watched too many American YouTube and you are right bouncing a engine of the rev limiter certainly doesn't do it any good but I was just talking in an emergency situation not something that you should do everyday, I am pretty good at clutch and throttle control.

    Personally I don't see the problem on using a 125 day-to-day for my commute to work I know this time of the year isn't perfect to be getting into biking but unfortunately I don't really have a choice if I want to keep my job.

    I realise the gear I'm currently using isn't the best that's why I would like to ask for suggestions on what to buy to get me through the winter?

    Finally I know buying a new bike isn't exactly ideal especially when you are just starting out but unfortunately with Brexit it's made buying a bike from the UK a pain in the ass and secondly with buying brand new I get a 3-year warranty as well as a bike that has ABS and squeezes out all the power that the A1 licence allows.

    Final question could someone please PM me the details of someone who will be able to transport a bike from Dublin to Mayo or even Galway city?

    Edit: decided to phone a few dealers to see about the availability of the GSX-125 and unfortunately it appears they are all sold out until sometime next year it seems as well this applies to other 125s and bikes in general so looks like I might not have to upgrade my gear as it will be spring before I'm on the road :-(

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    I'd still follow Hotblacks advice. Don't look at the gear as weather protection. Look at is as crash protection. A €50 jacket isn't going to help you too much if you have an off. Don't scrimp on the stuff that might stop you ending up saving the skin on your back..... or worse



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Thanks I'll be sure to upgrade my gear when I know I'll be getting a motorbike.

    I know they are not everyone's cup of tea and probably don't match Japanese branded motorbikes, I've always liked Cruisers I came across an Irish dealer selling a Keeway Superlight 125 like this for around €3000 brand new.


    It has 5 less horsepower then the Japanese bikes I've been looking at and tops out at around 80 or slightly faster.

    Just curious what others think, and I don't mind learning how to maintain it myself.



  • Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Debub


    from what I have heard, best to stay away from Chinese Bikes, but there might be some who have had better experiences here....

    As for weather protection, make sure that you have an armoured jacket (CE Certified like D3O in the elbows and shoulders) with good abrasion resistance and then you can wear warmer layers (regular clothes) undernearth or not depending on the weather. A waterproof jacket helps as its most likely going to be wind proof as well. Boots likewise should have protection in the sole, ankle etc - same with gloves which should have knickle protection and abrasive resistance leather/material on the palm amd the side of the hand. Pants should have armour on the knees and hips the same way. You can shop around on the net for the cheapest gear with the above attributes - these are just my thoughts



  • Registered Users Posts: 167 ✭✭myclist


    I believe he has moved on to youtube and facebook and is doing instructional videos. He moved on from the 125 to a Fazer. Still on an L plate.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6




  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    I promise this will be my final post in the thread for a while, anyway, I decided to phone a few motorbike shops in Dublin the other day and unfortunately it looks like the Suzuki that I want is out of stock until at least April. Although I was told it could also be may before Suzuki start restocking their dealers here in Ireland at least has anyone else encountered the shortage I'm wondering, does this just apply to 125s or just motorbikes in general?

    So, I have a choice either wait a few months and get a Japanese branded bike while at the same time my IBT certificate will be three or four months. Closer to expiry or get the keyway superlight and except that it might not be the best quality and is heavy and slow but looks cool.



  • Registered Users Posts: 167 ✭✭myclist




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  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Finally stopped dithering and bought a bike

    The dealership is also going to install the optional screen and crash bars as well as side bags.

    Also watch out Mayo I passed my IBT!

    Edit: forgot to add the bike is a Keeway Superlight (although it's actually really heavy for a 125)

    It honestly looks like a much bigger bike more akin to a 600cc and has a big 15 liter tank so perhaps 500 km of range.

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


  • Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Debub


    Does having a tracker on the mortorcycle lower insurance costs? Something like a Monimoto which seems to be very good value for money compared to other GPS trackers whuch are always 'live'



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Not an expert but yes I'd imagine the more security you have for your bike the lower your premium will be.

    You could always go on Carol Nashe's website and get a quote and then go back and change options to see how it effects the price.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭IrishGrimReaper


    Made no difference for me and neither did having an alarm.

    The bike is in a concrete garage so I think it was already discounted because of this.



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Probably should have got this sorted before I took delivery of a bike but in a rush I went out and bought a chain from Halfords, what do you think of it, should I take it back and order something better from online?

    I can store the bike out of sight under a cover and use two bicycle locks as a temporary measure while I wait on a ground anchor and different chain or will the one I bought suffice?


    Also appreciate suggestions for when I am at work the bike will be stored hopefully in an underground car park which is monitored by CCTV although the car park has no entry or exit barriers the entrance and exit aren't big enough to fit a normal size van and the bike weights something like 150 kilos wet so any would be safe would have to push it outside.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    There is only so much you can do :-(

    A lock and chain will only deter / slow down the casual thief

    If someone is determined and organized it doesn't really matter they will have all the tools necessary to take it if they want

    I think if you can lock it to something like a fence or ground anchor than that's better but a battery powered angle grinder will make short work of any chain / lock

    So if you can possibly cover it up and install / store under a good flood light and get a camera as well there is not much else you can do :-)

    ps good luck and happy riding on your new machine :-)

    J



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  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Thanks, I appreciate it

    As a beginner and someone who wants to do their own bike maintenance are there any essential tools that you would recommend, I get as soon as possible to make life easier?

    I'm aware the bike comes with a small tool set which might be enough in the beginning

    One thing I am thinking about buying to make life easier is a tool to measure chain slack which should make the job of tightening the chain a bit easier when it is necessary. I'll also be getting myself a tire pressure monitor.

    Edit:

    Got a quote from Carole Nash. It appears it doesn't matter what security you select in the bike security section. The quote you get is the same for me as a person with zero years of no claims bonus the quote, I am getting with a €500 excess is €479 per year.

    So based on my experience, don't sweat the security just get the best you can afford. I've even seen one person's suggestion to leave off security altogether. That way the insurance company can't use it against you if you need to make a claim if your bike is stolen just to note, I haven't tested what leaving off security altogether does to my premium.

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    As far as tools go

    Items to be acquired during your time on bikes will include stuff like

    A Paddock stand

    Allen keys

    Torx keys

    Socket set

    Torque wrench

    Tub of copper paste / grease

    Acf 50 ( anti corrosion )

    Puncture repair kit the gooey / sticky string things

    I also picked up a mini 12V compressor / tyre inflator for at home

    Chain alignment tool ( not to be confused with Chain tension ) I don't have a chain tension tool I just go by Eye


    The likes of Aldi / Lidl sockets and keys will be fine



  • Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Debub


    Look at the Monimoto - is a good piece of kit in case the bike is ever stolen




  • Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Debub


    this is a video on bike security - its a good watch anyway 😀 just as a great video




  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    Thanks links to the videos. I guess one good thing about buying a Chinese bike is I get the impression they are not very highly valued and I doubt there are too many Keeway Superlights in the country, but still it's important to have some good security.

    Just in case anyone is interested here is the included toolkit you get with the bike although there is no way to actually store it while you ride.


    To paraphrase the great book Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, "the included toolkit should be enough to fix almost any problem out on the road."



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  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    My apologies. Just one final question. I promise I found the tires on the bike aren't as bad as people reported. At least I haven't run into any issues with grip on the roads and yesterday I was riding on damp roads and even managed to ride through one or two small puddles and found no loss of traction.

    However, sadly the headlight is quite bad, as I inadvertently found out when I was coming home from taking a trip to get used to the bike my apologies to any motorists in Mayo that I inconvenienced unnecessarily yesterday by riding so slowly.

    The current bulb is a 35 w halogen that uses a BA20D fitting. Is there a good drop-in replacement that will give me more brightness?

    In the future I probably will consider simply replacing the current headlight assembly with a full LED unit.



  • Registered Users Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    You'll all be happy to hear, Paschal put in a good word and i passed me test.


    I hope to never have to look over me shoulder again!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    Well done!! Have a carlsberg tonight.


    like the test, it’s worth waiting for

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gsqZDl99PNk



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,122 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Most chains will be cut through by a determined thief unless its something fairly ridiculous like an Almax and even they CAN be cut, although it'd take some doing.


    But if you can buy a new bike, you can spring for a decent chain and good gear. New bike is no good if it's missing, or if you're in ribbons from coming off in crap gear.



  • Registered Users Posts: 33 mezzanine08


    What are bikes like for mileage? I'm looking at getting a Hornet for my first bike that has 70k kms. For a car this would be nothing but I'm seeing most other bikes advertised have way less mileage than this.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,771 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    No big deal provided it's been looked after, regular oil and filter changes etc.

    Rear shock is likely to be way past its best at that stage though and usually that's a replacement not a rebuild. After that it's the usual stuff, check chassis bearings, brakes, tyres, chain and sprockets etc. but all of these can or will need replacing at lower mileages too

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users Posts: 33 mezzanine08


    Thanks for that.

    I've been looking into private sellers as well and messaged a guy about another bike, undercutting his asking price by a bit. He responded by offering it for even lower. I'm a bit suspicious, how do I make sure it isn't a scam?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,771 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    You have to haggle 😀

    He's either an eejit, desperate, or a scammer, I'm not sure there's a good outcome for you either way really.

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    Hey Robbie

    Is there a model number on the JVC headphones

    Tried Mr price and yer man looked at me like I had 2 heads ( what do you mean no mic :-( )

    Or if you still have them I could buy them from you

    Cheers

    J



  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63


    Hey Flash,

    No model Number on them as I don't have the packaging anymore,

    You can have mine for free no problem as I only used them for the test,

    Whereabouts are you?

    Rob



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