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Beginner bike

24

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,552 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    I remember spotting CCM racing sticking up 6mth old reg 401s for sub 5k on donedeal (maybe near 4.5k), been a while as it was around last jan/feb and then again in the summer.

    Village I live is large enough and there's 3 separate lads with them I've seen around, 2 Vitipilen and 1 Svartpilen. I do notice them every time I see them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,104 ✭✭✭Trigger Happy


    Take them off and swap them left to right and they would be upright :-) mirrors
    Then when he gets the experience swap them back upside down again
    what do you think?

    Like this guy has done!
    https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/mdhjmd/just_had_my_first_accident/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    So l I'm looking on done deal/adverts there's not a whole lot available or I don't know what I should be realistically, looking at getting. \So pointers for a second hand bike I can ride for a couple of months with the aim of getting something a bit better Bigger.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Ultrflat wrote: »
    So l I'm looking on done deal/adverts there's not a whole lot available or I don't know what I should be realistically, looking at getting. \So pointers for a second hand bike I can ride for a couple of months with the aim of getting something a bit better Bigger.

    I cant see that you said it earlier but which license category do you have?

    Bike market is a bit ****e at the moment.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    zubair wrote: »
    I cant see that you said it earlier but which license category do you have?

    Bike market is a bit ****e at the moment.

    So its says I have my AM license. So I'm assuming I'm going to have to be restricted in which case I need to do my IBT which is fine I don't mind, But I want to be prepared to do it as soon as we come out of lock down.


  • Registered Users Posts: 33 oli26


    In regards to choosing a bike you should choose features that make you comfortable and ask advise in a shop.
    I have been on bikes before but had a long break, when returning a couple of years ago I decided I wanted a bike:
    -Powerful enough to have fun but not so powerful that it can be harder to control
    -Nice up right seating seating position so you can see far and it is comfortable
    -Two feet on the ground when stopped
    -Not too heavy

    I was recommended a Yamaha 600 Fazer S2 and I love it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 47 dragx


    Ultrflat wrote: »
    So its says I have my AM license. So I'm assuming I'm going to have to be restricted in which case I need to do my IBT

    Did you get that with the car license? If so you're gonna have to do another theory test before even getting to the IBT. AM is mopeds.

    https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Licence-categories-explained/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,477 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Yeah but if he's over 24 he can then apply for a class A learner permit, pass IBT at class A and then be qualified to ride any motorcycle (without pillion, no motorways, within ROI only) until passing the test proper.

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    We're still none the wiser on age, so can't really advise properly. But as I would always recommend; get the highest license category you can, do the IBT, then look at bikes, in that order. Understandably people think bike first and the rest later, but this is how they end up with the wrong bike for them, impulse buying with little knowledge or experience. Your instructor will have good advice for you too.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    I'm in my late 30s. So I'm going for the A license?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    Yes straight for A is the smart move even if your not going to get an A bike (like what I did)

    Go for the A licence. Just be aware that if you don’t buy an A bike, then you’d need to hire one for the test.

    Most instructors have school bikes that they’d hire out but remember to allow for the cost.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Exactly, go for the A. Then after the IBT you'll have a better idea if you want to get an A or A2 and what type of bike you'd like. I'd be surprised if you wanted a 400 after doing the training.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    zubair wrote: »
    Exactly, go for the A. Then after the IBT you'll have a better idea if you want to get an A or A2 and what type of bike you'd like. I'd be surprised if you wanted a 400 after doing the training.

    Yeah honestly,

    After reading and looking at XSR7 I kind of like that, I just don't like the diecast wheels I prefer spoked rims. But that's only minor gripe!

    Tho I was going to do some course's on advanced riding once I'm up and running and do my best to learn as much as I can about riding as feel it would be super beneficial.

    But I need to look at getting a lid I might actually start looking at stuff like that, Since I'm going to be waiting awhile.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Ultrflat wrote: »
    Yeah honestly,

    After reading and looking at XSR7 I kind of like that, I just don't like the diecast wheels I prefer spoked rims. But that's only minor gripe!

    Tho I was going to do some course's on advanced riding once I'm up and running and do my best to learn as much as I can about riding as feel it would be super beneficial.

    But I need to look at getting a lid I might actually start looking at stuff like that, Since I'm going to be waiting awhile.

    A lid!

    Next thing you'll be complaining about cagers :pac:


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


    Ultrflat wrote: »
    Yeah honestly,

    After reading and looking at XSR7 I kind of like that, I just don't like the diecast wheels I prefer spoked rims. But that's only minor gripe!

    Tho I was going to do some course's on advanced riding once I'm up and running and do my best to learn as much as I can about riding as feel it would be super beneficial.

    But I need to look at getting a lid I might actually start looking at stuff like that, Since I'm going to be waiting awhile.
    Yeah start picking up a few bits as you go along instead of trying to buy everything in one shot
    A lid you really need to go try one on
    Expect to pay about 2 to €300 somewhere middle of the road
    Next would be a jacket I went for textile
    Boots and gloves i would be looking at summer type gloves as it is getting a little warmer now and the winter gloves can be a little stiff and awkward when starting out


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    A lid!

    Next thing you'll be complaining about cagers :pac:

    I'm a noob your going to explain that one to me :pac:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    Yeah start picking up a few bits as you go along instead of trying to buy everything in one shot
    A lid you really need to go try one on
    Expect to pay about 2 to €300 somewhere middle of the road
    Next would be a jacket I went for textile
    Boots and gloves i would be looking at summer type gloves as it is getting a little warmer now and the winter gloves can be a little stiff and awkward when starting out

    I have a pretty decnet Akito jacket with shoulder pads and elbow pads it needs the back pad, but I did spend an awful lot of time on bikes working as a photographer I had a helmet but it was trash and I wanted something that fit a lot better.

    What brands do you recommend?


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


    I got a HJC I 90 but I find it noisy as it is a flip top
    In my old age I was feeling a little claustrophobic

    So recently I have been eyeing up what is supposed to be the quietest helmet Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Agv k3, can be got for about 150 online. If you've owned a lid before you probably have an idea of your size already. The reason I said the k3 is it seems to suit most head shapes and has a 4 star sharp rating (here come the skeptics lol), there's a sun visor option as well. But try on for fit if you can.

    A standalone back protector can be got for about 60 to 90 bucks, forcefield are good, cheap and are multi impact so can be used again if you have a spill, the standalone protectors offer more coverage than an insert.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    I got a HJC I 90 but I find it noisy as it is a flip top
    In my old age I was feeling a little claustrophobic

    So recently I have been eyeing up what is supposed to be the quietest helmet Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet

    I never felt claustrophobic in a lid until I got a flip front, now I can't go back. Lol


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    zubair wrote: »
    I never felt claustrophobic in a lid until I got a flip front, now I can't go back. Lol

    I've been considering one for ages. Always come to the "but what IF it opens in a crash?" and then I'm back to full faces :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    I've been considering one for ages. Always come to the "but what IF it opens in a crash?" and then I'm back to full faces :D

    Ye I get that. You can check the % of times the face opened during testing on the sharp test. I remember my current lid had a good score.

    They're very convenient I have to say, can wander around tesco and you don't have to take it off.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    So I went away and watched as much content for beginners on you tube trying to get my head around what I should do in terms of getting my safety gear also my first bike.

    I came across this video here, Just wondering what you fine folks make of it, I don't mind investing in gear, I like running so I'd be more then happy to buy a better pair of boots and better upper body protection. then what I have currently!

    here's the video



    I was looking at bikes going to go with jimmys suggestion of getting something I can drop be clumsy with and get hours on the road. maybe 6 months riding time I'll start looking at a better bike.

    Go for my A license and get the ITB training done and the theory test, do they make exemptions for people who are dyslexic? :pac::p


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 47 dragx


    I watched the same video and was surprised that he basically said jacket and trousers were the area you could afford to skimp on, I never realised boots were so important. Now, that may just be their opinion of course and I'm sure the lads here can advise us newbies better, plus we'll get even more info at the IBT.

    Personally I intend buying the best gear I can from the jump. Equally, I'm not made of money and my commute is less than 5km. I'm trying to budget €1000 for gear and my plan is to visit Cotters and BikeWorld to see where that'll get me. I know it will cost a bit more than going online for it all, but I'd like to make sure everything fits as it should.

    Check out XLMoto and have a look through their gear, you'll be able to see reviews of stuff and if there's something you like in your price range just pop it into Reddit or YouTube to find some more opinions on it! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    dragx wrote: »
    I watched the same video and was surprised that he basically said jacket and trousers were the area you could afford to skimp on, I never realised boots were so important. Now, that may just be their opinion of course and I'm sure the lads here can advise us newbies better, plus we'll get even more info at the IBT.

    Personally I intend buying the best gear I can from the jump. Equally, I'm not made of money and my commute is less than 5km. I'm trying to budget €1000 for gear and my plan is to visit Cotters and BikeWorld to see where that'll get me. I know it will cost a bit more than going online for it all, but I'd like to make sure everything fits as it should.

    Check out XLMoto and have a look through their gear, you'll be able to see reviews of stuff and if there's something you like in your price range just pop it into Reddit or YouTube to find some more opinions on it! :)

    With boots you ideally want something with ankle protection, I've torn my ankle ligaments up both in and out of boots. Damage was worse without them though.
    Decent jacket and pants because sliding is 0 craic. I've still got the gloves I slid with in regular use there's some marks and it's obvious they took some damage but are basically perfect and only cost €50.
    Gear sizing is weird and there are variances in manufacturers size guides and actual fits.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    €1000 for gear should get you all you need.

    Helmet should be about €200-300.
    Jacket €150-250.
    Pants €100-200
    Boots €100-200
    Gloves €50-150

    You can also benefit from other's misfortune or disinterest. People sell bike gear if they get bored, or can't afford the bike. Check Adverts.ie, DoneDeal and Facebook Marketplace. You might find some good brand name gear for a very reduced price; personally I wouldn't buy a helmet second hand and I'd avoid anything that looked like it had seen a bad crash or slide, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. I sold an entire set of beginner textiles a while ago for the sum of €100.

    For anyone reading who thinks "ah feck it, I'll chance it," or "Sure me runners / jeans are grand," or similar, I always do a simple test.

    Take your hand and place the palm or knuckles directly onto a road where you'd ride your bike. Apply pressure. Start vigorously sliding your skin across the road as fast as you can. Stop when you hit bone. It won't take too long.
    Same with boots. Take off your runner or shoe. Grab the toe in one hand, and the heel in the other. Now press your hands together. Now imagine your own foot in that shoe.

    That's your entire body when not geared up.

    Textiles are a better choice starting off. Try get a set (or individually) that has layers which you can add or remove depending on weather; Obvious waterproof or water resistant is desirable in Irish weather! Thermal lining is great for all seasons apart from Summer.

    Try get protection is as many (or all) of the following as you can: Back, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees. I find D3O pads are superb for being light, flexible and with great protection.

    Boots, ankle protection is key. I used to wear ankle height boots. I switched to under knee height and feel safer for it.

    Also worth throwing a few quid at a neck warmer or balaclava for colder weather, if you stick to biking.

    Make sure it fits COMFORTABLY, and remember that you may want the option of a hoody or layers under a jacket, so to leave breathing room for that. Similar with sock thickness in boots.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 47 dragx


    Great info lads cheers.
    For anyone reading who thinks "ah feck it, I'll chance it," or "Sure me runners / jeans are grand"

    Was discussing my plans with a friend, and mentioned how the short commute made it so easy to justify a bike over the car.

    "You know you'd just get away with normal jeans and runners, you're hardly gonna come off the bike when the whole commute is 50-60 zones and you'll save a fortune."

    Chap has never even driven a car, but he knows his road safety. :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    dragx wrote: »
    Great info lads cheers.



    Was discussing my plans with a friend, and mentioned how the short commute made it so easy to justify a bike over the car.

    "You know you'd just get away with normal jeans and runners, you're hardly gonna come off the bike when the whole commute is 50-60 zones and you'll save a fortune."

    Chap has never even driven a car, but he knows his road safety. :rolleyes:

    You can tell him all my accidents bar one was in a 50 or 60 zone.


    Have to agree with the previous advice recommending textiles, 4 seasons gear with removable liners. you can get leathers later.

    Honestly though 1k on gear starting out is way more than you need to pay imo. Everything you need can be got for about 100 if you buy budget gear. Sure it won't have all the bells and whistles but it will be equally safe, gear just starts to get expensive when comfort features are added and the longevity of the gear is better. It's your first jacket, lid etc, you don't really know what features you want from anything yet. If it was me I'd go budget now and replace with better gear later when you have a better idea of what you want or need from the item you're replacing.

    I usually use sportsbikeshop as a reference for reviews. The ride recommended label on anything is a good sign too, a lot of sites highlight the magazines recommendation on gear now.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,016 ✭✭✭Ultrflat


    dragx wrote: »

    Chap has never even driven a car, but he knows his road safety. :rolleyes:

    Sounds like my X-Wife :pac::eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,477 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    dragx wrote: »
    Was discussing my plans with a friend, and mentioned how the short commute made it so easy to justify a bike over the car.

    "You know you'd just get away with normal jeans and runners, you're hardly gonna come off the bike when the whole commute is 50-60 zones and you'll save a fortune."

    Chap has never even driven a car, but he knows his road safety. :rolleyes:

    In fairness in most European countries it's normal for lots of people to ride a scooter in a 50/60 zone in everyday clothing. Riding a scooter or bike is normal and common enough so car drivers have to look out for you. Not so here and the government have been doing their best for decades to make riding any sort of bike as unattractive and unpopular as possible.

    Scrap the cap!



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    I found a light neck warmer, must have picked it up in Lidl along the way (prob not right name for it). Its grand in that it bridges between top of jacket and bottom of helmet (I leave the top edge of it just under my lip so no gaps) but its so light there isn't much warmth, so I've taken to putting a light thinsulate cap under it and it works well.

    Also had to put a thin woolly glove under right leather glove, fingers getting frozen - must be all that throttle wide open ...:P

    Also using earplugs but trying to get into rev matching and doesn't help that everything is so muffled - & when paying for petrol am hoping no odd questions (I've a flip helmet so I leave it on, just flip up - its handy for that).

    Only other observation is don't open up the throttle when your back wheel is on the grassy bit in the middle of the road.....:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    When I was starting out a few years ago I went into cotters in ballymount and got full kit, richa gloves,boots, jacket and pants & a shark helmet for 700 quid.

    Recently bought some kit from Dublin leathers. Seem decent quality. Jacket and pants for 270 quid. They were also really helpful over the phone to make sure the fit was spot on. Didn't want to spend big money on kit I couldn't try on. I was surprised by the quality for the price.

    No excuse for not having proper gear at that price. And make sure it fits right. Ill fitting motorcycle gear (big or small) is horrible.


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


    Betsy Og wrote: »

    Also had to put a thin woolly glove under right leather glove, fingers getting frozen - must be all that throttle wide open ...:P

    should prob get yourself some heated grips
    Oxford ones are grand you can connect directly to the battery and they switch themselves off when there is no power
    Toasty :-) don't know how I did without them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    should prob get yourself some heated grips
    Oxford ones are grand you can connect directly to the battery and they switch themselves off when there is no power
    Toasty :-) don't know how I did without them

    I would only I'm well 'ard :P

    Probably not as much of an issue for the next good few months (bar snow next week!!). I'm toying with "adventuring up the bike a bit" - i.e. windscreen, crash bars, bark busters*. If I did I think the bark busters might substantially solve the issue (keep the wind off fingers).

    *Am I mad, would it look daft on a GSX-S 125 (small naked bike)?, would it work at a practical level (windscreen). I guess you can remove it all if wanted, and other than having dropped cash no harm done. As its a learner bike for 2 young fellas in the years ahead I'd say the crash bars would stay on if went on.

    One thing I've learned after 1,000km on new bike (service done), if you want to get it to near 100km to keep up with traffic you need drive the **** out of it before going into 6th, which is more or less a "speed maintainer at lower rev gear", this includes dropping into 5th for inclines as otherwise speed gets scrubbed. Overtaking is pretty much to get past tractors & dawdlers (blasting past a line of normal speed cars is not on the agenda.....).

    When I enter Nirvana on a V-Strom 650 XT (give me a year or 2) I'll definitely get heated grips.


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


    Betsy Og wrote: »
    I would only I'm well 'ard :P

    I'm toying with "adventuring up the bike a bit" - i.e. windscreen, crash bars, bark busters*. If I did I think the bark busters might substantially solve the issue (keep the wind off fingers).

    *Am I mad, would it look daft on a GSX-S 125 (small naked bike)?, would it work at a practical level (windscreen).

    No I don't think your mad :-)
    I fitted some cheap Chinese Bark buster rip off's on mine for €29 for to keep the wind off work fine for that

    Yeah there is a lot to be said for a little bit of power to keep up with the cars or get away from them

    Had a proper clown up my arse on the N11 not long ago
    Seen the L plate & probably thought it was funny to drive 6" inches from my Rear end I would say the muppet thought it was some young fella easily intimidated and not a grey haired old fart that has seen it all before


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    No I don't think your mad :-)
    Seen the L plate & probably thought it was funny to drive 6" inches from my Rear end I would say the muppet thought it was some young fella easily intimidated and not a grey haired old fart that has seen it all before

    Respect to the grey haired old fart brotherhood. :D

    I don't have the L Plate, got licence 10 years ago but barely rode since due to smallies, but otherwise prob exhibiting many noob characteristics (including unbridled joy and enthusiasm!;)).


  • Registered Users Posts: 22 CHESSMUTANT


    I'll be selling a FZS600 Fazer before April is out if you're interested.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    I wouldn't think you'd be hitting high enough speeds on a 125 that would make a screen or hand guards useful. Heated grips or gloves would be a better investment. Crash bars or bungs are a must imo but I'd go for the bungs on that type of bike if it was me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    zubair wrote: »
    I wouldn't think you'd be hitting high enough speeds on a 125 that would make a screen or hand guards useful. Heated grips or gloves would be a better investment. Crash bars or bungs are a must imo but I'd go for the bungs on that type of bike if it was me.

    100% agree with that, good set of heated grips make cold and wet riding that bit more comfortable.
    Good set of crash guards/ bungs are invaluable too.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3 opelaudi


    Hi o.p. I took up biking in my late forties about five years ago and I also have rhe car and truck licence but had to start from the beginning --- driver theory test and i.b.t. I believe that these cannot be avoided.I got myself a vintage bike (suzuki gsx550 1986) cheap insurance about E220 this year and tax E23 I thought I would only keep this temporarily but still drive it today.A suzuki gs500 would be a good bike to start on very manageable and light and like me use a school bike for the test for the a licence.No need for big bike as speed cameras and traffic everywhere so when out for a spin we are only moving with other traffic Enjoy the journey to getting that licence.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 398 ✭✭eoin.d


    opelaudi wrote: »
    Hi o.p. I took up biking in my late forties about five years ago and I also have rhe car and truck licence but had to start from the beginning --- driver theory test and i.b.t. I believe that these cannot be avoided.I got myself a vintage bike (suzuki gsx550 1986) cheap insurance about E220 this year and tax E23 I thought I would only keep this temporarily but still drive it today.A suzuki gs500 would be a good bike to start on very manageable and light and like me use a school bike for the test for the a licence.No need for big bike as speed cameras and traffic everywhere so when out for a spin we are only moving with other traffic Enjoy the journey to getting that licence.

    Thanks for that man. Unfortunately im still waiting for the theory test, ive had one cancelled already so hopefully they will start up again soon. Definitely worth thinking about a vintage bike.


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Johann.


    Hi Guys,

    Sorry to jump in on thread, but rather than start a new one.

    I did theory in 2019 & IBT also & found it ok, put off getting a bike because bought house (which, only got in Jan due to COVID!), so time has coe around again now where I have the time to look again and things starting to open back up.

    Was dead set on something like Harley 883, although heavy, but not against something like BMW G310 or something similar (touring bike). I was on a BMW on the IBT an thought it was pretty comfortable, as well as Suzuki GS650 (I think!) - quite open minded, sportster or touring bike would be preferable though.

    I will have to do IBT again, but before I do, would like to maybe narrow choices down on bikes.

    ALso, just got a quote for BMW G310 and it was €1780 - is that what you'd expect to pay?

    Thanks,
    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Johann. wrote: »
    Hi Guys,

    Sorry to jump in on thread, but rather than start a new one.

    I did theory in 2019 & IBT also & found it ok, put off getting a bike because bought house (which, only got in Jan due to COVID!), so time has coe around again now where I have the time to look again and things starting to open back up.

    Was dead set on something like Harley 883, although heavy, but not against something like BMW G310 or something similar (touring bike). I was on a BMW on the IBT an thought it was pretty comfortable, as well as Suzuki GS650 (I think!) - quite open minded, sportster or touring bike would be preferable though.

    I will have to do IBT again, but before I do, would like to maybe narrow choices down on bikes.

    ALso, just got a quote for BMW G310 and it was €1780 - is that what you'd expect to pay?

    Thanks,
    John

    Doesn't strike me that you were uncomfortable on a 600 so I'd be suggesting you go for an A category bike, so something bigger than a 300, but that quote is high for an A2, what age are you? You're possibly making a common mistake for a lot of new riders and that's considering buying the best bike they can afford at the time. Now a days the first year or 2 of riding is more about getting mileage, experince and building up your NCB on a bike that's affordable to run and is suitable to learn on... that you don't mind dropping. Put it this way, I'd suggest to most beginners to just get a TPFT policy to start, so you'll want a bike you can afford to fix yourself if you damage it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    I've just discovered the VStrom 650 I was dreaming of is due for a makeover, parallel twin it seems - name change would seem sensible..... I won't pretend to know enough as to whether that's good or bad in principle - & I suppose it'll all depend on how they carry it out in practice. So if my 'graduation' coincides with that release it might make for some interesting scenarios - punt on an new engine, or maybe get a good deal on the last of the old...or get a 2nd hand of either version. A few more things to throw into the mixer.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,769 ✭✭✭horse7


    Can't say enough good things about the vstrom (650xt ), I,d say with the refresh this year it will be 22 or 23 before the parallel twin comes out. It's a smooth powerful , comfortable ride, and just perfect for shorties like myself.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Johann.


    zubair wrote: »
    Doesn't strike me that you were uncomfortable on a 600 so I'd be suggesting you go for an A category bike, so something bigger than a 300, but that quote is high for an A2, what age are you? You're possibly making a common mistake for a lot of new riders and that's considering buying the best bike they can afford at the time. Now a days the first year or 2 of riding is more about getting mileage, experince and building up your NCB on a bike that's affordable to run and is suitable to learn on... that you don't mind dropping. Put it this way, I'd suggest to most beginners to just get a TPFT policy to start, so you'll want a bike you can afford to fix yourself if you damage it.

    Thanks for the reply.

    Yeah, I wasn’t uncomfortable on it, just like the look of the BMW And that style of bike. Plus, thought it might have been cheaper to insure.

    I am 28, 29 in October. I did think the quote was particularly high for an A2 and also, my age.

    Is there anything else I should be looking at?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Johann. wrote: »
    Is there anything else I should be looking at?

    Get a quote on one of the common beginner A category 600s and see what you get then, CBF600 for example. Use an older model as an example. I'd go TPFT too as you'll want to build on your NCB so if something happened you'll probably be avoiding a claim if you can and you can't get NCB protection until 3 years I think.

    Johann. wrote: »
    just like the look of the BMW And that style of bike. Plus, thought it might have been cheaper to insure.

    You've kind of confirmed what I said about buying the best bike or your favorite bike, this is your first bike not your last, serve your time on something cheap and reliable, you'll be thinking about upgrading in a month.


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Johann.


    zubair wrote: »
    Get a quote on one of the common beginner A category 600s and see what you get then, CBF600 for example. Use an older model as an example. I'd go TPFT too as you'll want to build on your NCB so if something happened you'll probably be avoiding a claim if you can and you can't get NCB protection until 3 years I think.




    You've kind of confirmed what I said about buying the best bike or your favorite bike, this is your first bike not your last, serve your time on something cheap and reliable, you'll be thinking about upgrading in a month.
    Yeah, I hear you.



    I'll have a look over the weekend and see what impact one of the other models has on the insurance quote. Appointment mde to renew learners Permit next week also. :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Johann.


    zubair wrote: »
    Get a quote on one of the common beginner A category 600s and see what you get then, CBF600 for example. Use an older model as an example. I'd go TPFT too as you'll want to build on your NCB so if something happened you'll probably be avoiding a claim if you can and you can't get NCB protection until 3 years I think.




    You've kind of confirmed what I said about buying the best bike or your favorite bike, this is your first bike not your last, serve your time on something cheap and reliable, you'll be thinking about upgrading in a month.
    Had put in a CBF on the quote and came out at €1300, for pig irons sake i put in a GN125 and came out at nearly €700 with Carole Nash, mental prices!


    Thanks again for your help :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63


    Johann. wrote: »
    Had put in a CBF on the quote and came out at €1300, for pig irons sake i put in a GN125 and came out at nearly €700 with Carole Nash, mental prices!


    Thanks again for your help :)

    What age are you out of Interest?

    You are better off ringing as the Online quotes are never accurate,

    I got Comprehensive insurance on CBR650F on learner permit, no experience for just €519, I had just turned 40.

    That was with Principal Insurance, Carole Nash couldn't match it.


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