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

UrbanFret · 22-08-2019 10:47pm

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

If you want Urban you can have mine. I'll be home in Clones the weekend after next.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32855282961.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.11034c4de15OIU

Thanks very much for the offer.I'll let you know whats happening mate. I've sent the seller a message to see what he's going to do about it.;)

zubair · 22-08-2019 10:52pm

UrbanFret wrote: »

Came today and guess what? 2 parts missing. GRHHHH!!!!:mad:

You'd think the seller would have copped, it's written on the box!

Ultrflat · 23-08-2019 1:13pm

Hi folks not sure is the best place to post this but, before anything I need to plan for security at my home in terms of where I leave the bike how I protect it and more so what's the best way to lock it up at night? My plan if it fits to park it around the back of the house. I was thinking of unearthing some concrete and getting a phat ass hoop cemented into the ground thats super solid so I can lock the bike to it. I was also looking at Biketrac. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

IrishGrimReaper · 23-08-2019 2:27pm

If I was in your position and if I had the space I'd consider one of them "bike homes" if you don't have a dedicated shed. It may be practical enough to put one in around the back?

I like the thought that scumbags would have to come in and physically lift it up to see what security is in place on the actual bike.

Neighbour has one at the front of his house up here and it's handy not to have to arse about with a normal cover.

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikeextras-for-sale/motorbike-cover-shed/18025700

JCbiker · 23-08-2019 9:38pm

legologic wrote: »

Hi,

I'm 34 and decided to go straight to an A-category IBT and passed about 6 months ago. I bought a 50cc Honda Zoomer just to get used to the road but now I'm looking for a 600cc+ bike to drive, get used to, and do my test on. I have the scooter insured with Liberty and rang up today about getting a quote on an ER6n and an MT-07. I was told by the woman on the phone that I can't get insured on any bike over 250cc unless I've had a full license for 3+ years. I did explain that I can't do a test on 250cc and get an A-category license.

It quickly became a kafkaesque cyclical conversation where she said I can't get insured on a bike that size until I've had full license for 3 years, and me explaining I can't get a full license without getting insured on a bike that size.

Any suggestions for a company that will insure a learner on a bigger bike?

I was in a similar situation to you except for the fact that I bought the bike first. (Kawasaki zx6r 600cc)
3 refusals to quote off principle, carole nash and Liberty so was ready to go down the ombundsman route when principle suggested I do the axa bike skills assessment. Said if i achieve a grade 2 that axa would quote me.
Did assessment, got grade 2 and Axa and liberty both gave me quotes. Went with Liberty as the were 400 quid cheaper than axa.

Mickiemcfist · 24-08-2019 8:31am

JCbiker wrote: »

I was in a similar situation to you except for the fact that I bought the bike first. (Kawasaki zx6r 600cc)
3 refusals to quote off principle, carole nash and Liberty so was ready to go down the ombundsman route when principle suggested I do the axa bike skills assessment. Said if i achieve a grade 2 that axa would quote me.
Did assessment, got grade 2 and Axa and liberty both gave me quotes. Went with Liberty as the were 400 quid cheaper than axa.

What did it cost in the end? I'm 30 & looking at doing the same

zubair · 24-08-2019 12:20pm

JCbiker wrote: »

I was in a similar situation to you except for the fact that I bought the bike first. (Kawasaki zx6r 600cc)
3 refusals to quote off principle, carole nash and Liberty so was ready to go down the ombundsman route when principle suggested I do the axa bike skills assessment. Said if i achieve a grade 2 that axa would quote me.
Did assessment, got grade 2 and Axa and liberty both gave me quotes. Went with Liberty as the were 400 quid cheaper than axa.

Well except in this case the agents information is completely wrong.

fredr92 · 31-08-2019 3:23am

A minor gripe, but is yellow the only option for a learner vest? They only mention fluorescent yellow on citizensinformation.ie. I'd prefer white.

zubair · 31-08-2019 11:55am

fredr92 wrote: »

A minor gripe, but is yellow the only option for a learner vest? They only mention fluorescent yellow on citizensinformation.ie. I'd prefer white.

Just pin plates to a white vest. If you've got the plates and a vest on I don't see you getting any hassle over it.

mick111112 · 04-09-2019 10:41am

Hi lads, just wondering about doing my cat A test on a 2008 sportster xl883l. The RSA website has the xl883l super low down as suitable for cat A test. I found some information on my bike that says it's 50.2 KW @ 4400 rpm which is the same as the super low. Which would make it suitable for cat A test. Also just wondering would I need to bring proof of KW power and where best to get that. Any advice or your own experiences with this would be great. Thanks.

Grumpy Bike Wizard · 05-09-2019 10:30am

mick111112 wrote: »

Hi lads, just wondering about doing my cat A test on a 2008 sportster xl883l. The RSA website has the xl883l super low down as suitable for cat A test. I found some information on my bike that says it's 50.2 KW @ 4400 rpm which is the same as the super low. Which would make it suitable for cat A test. Also just wondering would I need to bring proof of KW power and where best to get that. Any advice or your own experiences with this would be great. Thanks.

Power should be listed in your log book, bring that to the test. I fit's not you'll need a cert from a dealer setting out the power of the bike.

mick111112 · 05-09-2019 10:37am

Grumpy Bike Wizard wrote: »

Power should be listed in your log book, bring that to the test. I fit's not you'll need a cert from a dealer setting out the power of the bike.

Thanks for that, I will check it out.

LookBehindYou · 05-09-2019 8:16pm

mick111112 wrote: »

Hi lads, just wondering about doing my cat A test on a 2008 sportster xl883l. The RSA website has the xl883l super low down as suitable for cat A test. I found some information on my bike that says it's 50.2 KW @ 4400 rpm which is the same as the super low. Which would make it suitable for cat A test. Also just wondering would I need to bring proof of KW power and where best to get that. Any advice or your own experiences with this would be great. Thanks.

If its on the rsa list, it should be fine.
Bring along the info :. I found some information on my bike that says it's 50.2 KW

There is confusion about what is needed for when going for a bike test.
It was clarified with the RSA Driver testing section, that if the bike is on the rsa list, its suitable. The tester has no right to ask for anything extra providing you have the registration document for the bike.
If there are problems, the tester should check with the Driver testing section in RSA.
The only time there would be a need to show extra proof of KW output would be : if the bike is not on RSA list, or if the bike was being used for an A2 category.

mick111112 · 05-09-2019 11:40pm

LookBehindYou wrote: »

If its on the rsa list, it should be fine.
Bring along the info :. I found some information on my bike that says it's 50.2 KW

There is confusion about what is needed for when going for a bike test.
It was clarified with the RSA Driver testing section, that if the bike is on the rsa list, its suitable. The tester has no right to ask for anything extra providing you have the registration document for the bike.
If there are problems, the tester should check with the Driver testing section in RSA.
The only time there would be a need to show extra proof of KW output would be : if the bike is not on RSA list, or if the bike was being used for an A2 category.

My bike is a 2008 xl883l, on the RSA list it says a xl883L superlow from my research the power output and engine are the same on both, I might run it by HD Waterford Saturday morning at their 15 th birthday. Thanks for the reply.

mick111112 · 09-09-2019 10:15am

mick111112 wrote: »

My bike is a 2008 xl883l, on the RSA list it says a xl883L superlow from my research the power output and engine are the same on both, I might run it by HD Waterford Saturday morning at their 15 th birthday. Thanks for the reply.

HD Waterford were very helpful and were able to tell us that my bike is only 25 kW and showed me where it's located on the frame. I will just have to cancel my test and hopefully be able to get school bike for the next test date. Thanks for all the replys and help on this issue. Michael.

Hurley6969 · 16-09-2019 8:45am

Has anyone done the full A test on a SV650? Looking at a 2013 non S version, my IBT instructor said it isn't usable but it's listed as ok on the RSA site. Bike meets the kWh and cc requirements but just not sure of the weight at 175 (assume that's a dry weight requirement).

Interslice · 20-09-2019 11:21am

Hurley6969 wrote: »

Has anyone done the full A test on a SV650? Looking at a 2013 non S version, my IBT instructor said it isn't usable but it's listed as ok on the RSA site. Bike meets the kWh and cc requirements but just not sure of the weight at 175 (assume that's a dry weight requirement).

Maybe he meant the first gen pre 2002. Theyre below the kW needed

Armaghmagic · 22-09-2019 10:45am

Have my learner permit and waiting to do the IBT. I'm a 32 year old male living in Louth

Can anyone recommend a list of bikes I should look for that combine 60+mpg and a decent amount of power? Have a budget of €3,000ish for a used bus. Something that is easy to insure also

Also are all IBT courses similar or are there any you could recommend to try? Thanks, Conor

troyzer · 29-09-2019 11:49am

26 and just getting into biking. I'm just waiting for my learner permit in the post before booking my IBT, going for direct access into A. Here are a few things I've learned that may be useful to other learners:

1) The theory test is a doddle. There's an app for about €12 on the playstore. Just pay the money and mindlessly do tests over and over again on the bog, waiting for a bus, on a plane etc. Do it about 100 times or so and you'll ace it. It's not hard.

2) IBT prices are all over the place. I split my time between Dublin and Westmeath and I've seen everything from €400 to €700. I have no idea what's decent so I'm going with one of the guys who was really helpful on the phone when I asked about insurable bikes, he's around €600.

3) AXA basically don't want your business as a learner and Liberty won't quote you on anything reasonably powerful. Both of these companies have their own internal ratings systems for bikes. So I tried to get insured, hypothetically, on a CB650 and Liberty said something like it's a category 11 and wouldn't insure you until you've had your licence for three years. I was told that the two bikes that just about qualify as an A and are still insurable are the ER6-F (the naked isn't an A) and the SV650. Liberty gave me a quote of €1,500 on the latter and I've been given a quote for €1,000 with Principle. The trick is to stick to twin cylinder bikes, the CB650 is an inline four.

I think I'll probably just bite the bullet and go for one of those two. There are plenty of them in the €3-€4k bracket with decent mileage. I don't see the point in getting a smaller bike and then trying to step it up with a big one.

I would rather start with an A as a Sunday bike until I get used to it while still using my car primarily than getting an A2, using it everyday and then struggling to step it up for the test to an A.

zubair · 29-09-2019 12:51pm

Good advice and planning but I think the cbf600 should be easy enough to insure and is a better bike for starting on. Carole Nash seem to favour older riders with their premiums. Consider going TPFT when just starting as you should buy a bike of a lesser value to start; excess is 400+ most of the time anyway and you can't protect your NCB until after 3 years.

troyzer · 29-09-2019 1:33pm

zubair wrote: »

Good advice and planning but I think the cbf600 should be easy enough to insure and is a better bike for starting on. Carole Nash seem to favour older riders with their premiums. Consider going TPFT when just starting as you should buy a bike of a lesser value to start; excess is 400+ most of the time anyway and you can't protect your NCB until after 3 years.

I tried to get insured on the Hornet and the cheapest I could find was €1,600 from Principle. The CBF600 is basically the same engine so I can't imagine it would be much different.

Having said that, it IS a nicer bike and once I have my licence and IBT cert in my hand it'll be easier to get quotes. As opposed to making up dates etc.

Third Party is the only way to go for me. Comprehensive isn't worth a ****e as you say.

IrishGrimReaper · 29-09-2019 3:33pm

Ring Carole Nash and ask about the Hornet and CBF600 with them.

I love my CBF600, honestly couldn't ask anymore of a great starter bike. Getting 55mpg as well which is great.

scsei · 30-09-2019 3:42pm

What sites are best for buying all the essential PPE gear? Or shops in Dublin, I work close to Cotters in Ballymount so I'll have to pay them a visit. This newbie would appreciate a point in the right direction!

zubair · 30-09-2019 6:19pm

Cotters are good but sportsbikeshop.co.uk is good for the range of gear and has probably got the lowest prices around. To be fair I have always found cotters fairly close in price but they don't have my preferred brands.

alanman · 08-10-2019 1:08am

How are you guys on provisional getting a quote online? It just keeps telling me to ring them to get a quote after I enter all details. I can get a quote of a 125 (around 1k) but i go higher and it tells me to F off hahaha

enrique66_35 · 08-10-2019 11:44am

Unlike car insurance, it seems the bike insurers insist on a phone call and only Liberty have an online tool which usually tells you to ring anyway.
Give each of them a ring (Carole Nash, Liberty, Principal - am I forgetting someone?) but set aside 10 or 15 minutes a call for them to gather all the info. I got a decent price of €549 for TPF&T off CN on a FZ 600 as a learner with no no claims but I'm 37. Your age may be a factor in why they won't quote on anything above a 125 as well.

Others have also had success haggling and price matching between the insurers, just have to be willing to put the time in!

jollyatballs · 21-10-2019 5:09pm

Looking to get myself started on a bike, have a full B licence. What do I need to do?

Theory test? A licence?

Thanks

Cork Trucker · 21-10-2019 5:23pm

jollyatballs wrote: »

Looking to get myself started on a bike, have a full B licence. What do I need to do?

Theory test? A licence?

Thanks

Did you do your theory test prior to 2006? If not you need to start from scratch. Theory test l, learner permit, ibt etc

jollyatballs · 21-10-2019 5:35pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

Did you do your theory test prior to 2006? If not you need to start from scratch. Theory test l, learner permit, ibt etc

Post 06 Trucker, so its just the same. Do the same rules apply in that I have to wait 6 months before getting the licence? And cant drive with the learner permit?

Cork Trucker · 21-10-2019 5:59pm

jollyatballs wrote: »

Post 06 Trucker, so its just the same. Do the same rules apply in that I have to wait 6 months before getting the licence? And cant drive with the learner permit?

You have to wait 6 months to do the test. Once you have the ibt done you can drive on by yourself. You need to do the theory test first though

jollyatballs · 21-10-2019 6:36pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

You have to wait 6 months to do the test. Once you have the ibt done you can drive on by yourself. You need to do the theory test first though

Perfect, thank you Trucker. Was reading here about the getting the app and seems to make sense given the phone in my hand the whole time. Have the cd but does be hardwork wanting to go back at it.

Will apply for the theory and get myself sorted. Looking at getting a commuter bike so not planning on going too wild. A is the right category?

Cork Trucker · 21-10-2019 7:06pm

jollyatballs wrote: »

Perfect, thank you Trucker. Was reading here about the getting the app and seems to make sense given the phone in my hand the whole time. Have the cd but does be hardwork wanting to go back at it.

Will apply for the theory and get myself sorted. Looking at getting a commuter bike so not planning on going too wild. A is the right category?

You're welcome

The app is a good i've been told, it wasn't around in my day. It is indeed category A

Keep me updated on your progress. Also here is the link to Mick Finlay (LookBehindYou) who is also a Mod on the motorbikes forum here on boards, if you are in his catchment area he will look after you for IBT right through to your test.
http://roadtraining.ie/

Hotblack Desiato · 22-10-2019 1:15pm

Not all bikes which need a class A licence to ride can be used for the class A test. It needs to be over 595cc, 50kW power and 175kg. Renting a suitable bike for the test is a possibility.

https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/The-Motorcycle-Test/Vehicle-requirements/

Depends what you mean by a commuter bike, but a lot of them would fall into A2 (and some A2 bikes can't be used for the A2 test, either!)

Cork Trucker · 22-10-2019 1:48pm

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Not all bikes which need a class A licence to ride can be used for the class A test. It needs to be over 595cc, 50kW power and 175kg. Renting a suitable bike for the test is a possibility.

https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/The-Motorcycle-Test/Vehicle-requirements/

Depends what you mean by a commuter bike, but a lot of them would fall into A2 (and some A2 bikes can't be used for the A2 test, either!)

MT07 would be a grand job, covers the test criteria and is grand for around the city as well

nigeldaniel · 23-10-2019 12:05pm

Well, I am new too, kind of considering I am in fact 43. Anyway, I have done the IBT 2+ years ago and applied for a test [cat A] in April. A Murphy's law story followed but with any luck, I will have a test confirmed before the year is out. PS: I am in Kerry so no Corkman jokes.
O yes and this is my first post on boards.

Cork Trucker · 23-10-2019 12:07pm

nigeldaniel wrote: »

Well, I am new too, kind of considering I am in fact 43. Anyway, I have done the IBT 2+ years ago and applied for a test [cat A] in April. A Murphy's law story followed but with any luck, I will have a test confirmed before the year is out. PS: I am in Kerry so no Corkman jokes.
O yes and this is my first post on boards.

When i was doing the lessons for my test there was a 69 year old Kerry woman doing her IBT in Curraheen in Cork, no joking. So male or female young or old it's never to late to get up on the saddle.

Acquiescence · 23-10-2019 3:24pm

Apologies if this has been asked a million times. I've flicked through thread with no answer. Is there a way to find out if I completed my theory test pre-2006 cut off. I can't actually remember when I did mine. Thanks.

enrique66_35 · 23-10-2019 3:42pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Apologies if this has been asked a million times. I've flicked through thread with no answer. Is there a way to find out if I completed my theory test pre-2006 cut off. I can't actually remember when I did mine. Thanks.

Best bet would be to contact the RSA directly or try the theory test crowd themselves (https://theorytest.ie/general-information/contact-us/) who are contracted by the RSA.

Cork Trucker · 23-10-2019 3:54pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Apologies if this has been asked a million times. I've flicked through thread with no answer. Is there a way to find out if I completed my theory test pre-2006 cut off. I can't actually remember when I did mine. Thanks.

Just ring the NDLS, they'll tell you on the spot.

Acquiescence · 23-10-2019 4:05pm

Thanks lads, turns out I did my theory test in '04.

I now wish I hadn't spent €12 on the theory test app.

zubair · 23-10-2019 10:27pm

nigeldaniel wrote: »

Well, I am new too, kind of considering I am in fact 43. Anyway, I have done the IBT 2+ years ago and applied for a test [cat A] in April. A Murphy's law story followed but with any luck, I will have a test confirmed before the year is out. PS: I am in Kerry so no Corkman jokes.
O yes and this is my first post on boards.

Welcome. Keep us posted on the test.

Acquiescence · 26-10-2019 4:58pm

Lads, I've been looking on done deal for the past while and can't really make sense of bike prices for instance there's a 2007 Er6n for €3500 and a 2012 Er6f for €3750 10kkm less on the f.

That makes no sense to me?

I've also seen old ads for similar bikes on adverts from years back and the prices were about the same at the time for what was then a much newer bike.

Is there a lower level of depreciation that bikes hit and just stay there?

Appreciate the patience of anybody that responds! I'll probably/have have 9 million other idiot questions.

nigeldaniel · 27-10-2019 12:35pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Lads, I've been looking on done deal for the past while and can't really make sense of bike prices for instance there's a 2007 Er6n for €3500 and a 2012 Er6f for €3750 10kkm less on the f.

That makes no sense to me?

I've also seen old ads for similar bikes on adverts from years back and the prices were about the same at the time for what was then a much newer bike.

Is there a lower level of depreciation that bikes hit and just stay there?

Appreciate the patience of anybody that responds! I'll probably/have have 9 million other idiot questions.

I have been thinking about this myself for a while. Supply and demand is one thing but as far as I can see some bikes are in top nick and more not so good. Most sellers are now also matching bike shops for price.

Mjolnir · 27-10-2019 1:45pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Lads, I've been looking on done deal for the past while and can't really make sense of bike prices for instance there's a 2007 Er6n for €3500 and a 2012 Er6f for €3750 10kkm less on the f.

That makes no sense to me?

I've also seen old ads for similar bikes on adverts from years back and the prices were about the same at the time for what was then a much newer bike.

Is there a lower level of depreciation that bikes hit and just stay there?

Appreciate the patience of anybody that responds! I'll probably/have have 9 million other idiot questions.

Bikes depreciate less as they in general do less miles, there's a lower amount than say cars and a smaller market of users.

Now in regards to prices faired, naked, commuters, sports and cruisers all have different prices as they attract a different market.
While the er6f and er6n are the same bike minis the fairings and styleisations they appeal to a different market. 6f to someone who wants a sportier looking bike 6n to someone who wants a naked commuter.

Now all that being said look at sports bikes you could have a 07 zx6r for €3000 and a 04 zx6r for €3000. It also depends how the owner values it, how motivated they are to sell it and really what it's worth to a potential buyer. A product is only worth what people are willing to pay for it.

zubair · 28-10-2019 1:22am

Mjolnir wrote: »

Bikes depreciate less as they in general do less miles, there's a lower amount than say cars and a smaller market of users.

Now in regards to prices faired, naked, commuters, sports and cruisers all have different prices as they attract a different market.
While the er6f and er6n are the same bike minis the fairings and styleisations they appeal to a different market. 6f to someone who wants a sportier looking bike 6n to someone who wants a naked commuter.

Now all that being said look at sports bikes you could have a 07 zx6r for €3000 and a 04 zx6r for €3000. It also depends how the owner values it, how motivated they are to sell it and really what it's worth to a potential buyer. A product is only worth what people are willing to pay for it.

.. And some people are dreamers

Mjolnir · 28-10-2019 6:30pm

zubair wrote: »

.. And some people are dreamers

Ain't that the truth some people have no idea what the market value of their bike is, there's cbr 600f4i's going for more than a 600rr which has a far better fuel injection system.
Same with cruisers sorry bud but your 98 vn1500 ain't worth close to a Harley road king and never will be

Acquiescence · 29-10-2019 2:08pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

Just ring the NDLS, they'll tell you on the spot.

Permits on the way. I am very excite.

Cork Trucker · 29-10-2019 2:20pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Permits on the way. I am very excite.

Fair play

Have you arranged IBT?

Acquiescence · 29-10-2019 2:25pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

Fair play Have you arranged IBT?

Not yet going to ring around shortly.

I've been recommended Brendan Power in Tipp and Declan in Cork. I'm based in the Limerick area but willing to travel for the right instructor if anybody has a recommendation.

Cork Trucker · 29-10-2019 2:34pm

Acquiescence wrote: »

Not yet going to ring around shortly.

I've been recommended Brendan Power in Tipp and Declan in Cork. I'm based in the Limerick area but willing to travel for the right instructor if anybody has a recommendation.

Declan is the main man around Cork, charges €500 for the IBT and covers the test route in Cork extensively as part of that.

His website is here
http://twowheeltraining.ie/

Declan Recommends Brendan Power, it's on his website.

For motorcyclists requiring training in the North Cork/Tipperary area, we highly recommend Brendan Power of www.biketraining.ie.

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

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