Motorcycle FAQ

DublinMan664 · 13-10-2012 10:09pm

Insurance
In Ireland, there are only 2 motorbike insurers, Hibernian and Carole Nash.
Im in insured with liberty on a bike ??

Please Kill Me · 13-10-2012 10:49pm

DublinMan664 wrote: »

Insurance
In Ireland, there are only 2 motorbike insurers, Hibernian and Carole Nash.
Im in insured with liberty on a bike ??

No, there are more than that. There's also AON, AXA, Adelaide and Liberty like you said.

minidazzler · 13-10-2012 10:49pm

DublinMan664 wrote: »

Insurance
In Ireland, there are only 2 motorbike insurers, Hibernian and Carole Nash.
Im in insured with liberty on a bike ??

Only 2 dedicated bike insurers.

GBX · 13-10-2012 10:58pm

minidazzler wrote: »

Only 2 dedicated bike insurers.

Please Kill Me wrote: »

No, there are more than that. There's also AON, AXA, Adelaide and Liberty like you said.

Doesnt matter whether theres only 2 dedicated, 4 choices is better than 2. Or having no choice when some lads started biking

minidazzler · 13-10-2012 11:04pm

GBX wrote: »

Doesnt matter whether theres only 2 dedicated, 4 choices is better than 2. Or having no choice when some lads started biking

I was just clearing up what he thought it was.

I'll take whoever gives me the best cover for the smallest amount of money.

Please Kill Me · 13-10-2012 11:15pm

minidazzler wrote: »

I'll take whoever gives me the best cover for the smallest amount of money.

Who wouldn't!? :pac:

GBX · 13-10-2012 11:24pm

minidazzler wrote: »

I was just clearing up what he thought it was. I'll take whoever gives me the best cover for the smallest amount of money.

You can get really cheap covers in Argos :pac::pac:

kierank01 · 14-10-2012 8:48am

Looking to get into bikes, doing my IBT in a couple of weeks.

just googleing a bit about helmets, you can get a helmet on amazon for 50 quid.

I presume that you can't sell a helmet that is not safe, but 50 quid seems vey cheap, what is the catch with those helmets?

Please Kill Me · 14-10-2012 10:45am

kierank01 wrote: »

Looking to get into bikes, doing my IBT in a couple of weeks.

just googleing a bit about helmets, you can get a helmet on amazon for 50 quid.

I presume that you can't sell a helmet that is not safe, but 50 quid seems vey cheap, what is the catch with those helmets?

Not going to get into a "how valuable is your head" debate, but I wouldn't be putting a €50 helmet on me noggin!! You don't have to get a €700 Arai as your first helmet but I wouldn't be putting the equivalent of an egg on either.

There are plenty of "entry level" helmets you can get which won't cost mad money. Nitro for example aren't a bad lid and won't break the bank. I recently had an off (landed on my head and shoulder) wearing the HJC IS-16 and for what it cost it fared very well and did it's job!

Riding a bike in Ireland is hard enough with the general attitude of Irish drivers towards bikers, be sensible with what gear you use. It's you life!

LD 50 · 14-10-2012 11:08am

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Not going to get into a "how valuable is your head" debate, but I wouldn't be putting a €50 helmet on me noggin!! You don't have to get a €700 Arai as your first helmet but I wouldn't be putting the equivalent of an egg on either.

There are plenty of "entry level" helmets you can get which won't cost mad money. Nitro for example aren't a bad lid and won't break the bank. I recently had an off (landed on my head and shoulder) wearing the HJC IS-16 and for what it cost it fared very well and did it's job!

Riding a bike in Ireland is hard enough with the general attitude of Irish drivers towards bikers, be sensible with what gear you use. It's you life!

Had one of those myself. Very cool looking lids for the price. Washable liners and padding, and space for bluetooth intergration.

kierank01 · 14-10-2012 2:13pm

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Not going to get into a "how valuable is your head" debate,

Oh I know, I've already read the 'if you've got a cheap head get a cheap helmet' thing....

I'm just interested in what has been left out in the cheap ones? there must be some people buying them, otherwise they would not be made.

Hotblack Desiato · 14-10-2012 2:54pm

The Lidl helmets are perfectly fine. I have one as a spare.

Please Kill Me · 14-10-2012 5:34pm

ninja900 wrote: »

The Lidl helmets are perfectly fine. I have one as a spare.

Might be handy as a spare/back-up but I certainly wouldn't be using it day in, day out. That's what my Shark/HJC/KBC is for.

daenerysstormborn3 · 14-10-2012 8:11pm

Most people base their gear of choice on how well it held up in a skid down the road. If you crash wearing an Arai/Shoei/Shark etc. and don't end up with any head injury, you're obviously going to hold that brand to a higher value that no amount of money can measure. Same goes for leather jacket, boots, gloves and pants.

My bf and I have both crashed wearing Arais and have not suffered head or neck injuries so we're sticking with Arai.

Best thing to do is go to one of the larger bike shops (they'll have a larger selection of helmets) and try on as many as you want until you find the best fit. It's all fine thinking you want an Arai, for example, but it may not provide you with the best fit.

Wonda-Boy · 24-10-2012 11:51pm

Amazes me people using €70 lids and cheaper as a main helmet....when you actually break it down it means that the lid is prolly made for €30 and sold to the distributor who adds his mark up!!! So the lid is prolly only made with the ****tiest stuff to be able to be sold at a final price of €70 after everyone gets a cut.

You dont have to pay mad money for a lid either, but get a brand that actually uses high quality materials and does a little bit of R&D after all....

"YOUR WORTH IT"

Hotblack Desiato · 25-10-2012 1:05am

Who cares, they all pass the same tests. There are differences in weight, noise, style/badge snobbery, build quality etc. but when it comes down to it they're all made to do the same job in pretty much the same way.

kierank01 · 28-10-2012 11:34pm

what do people who wear glasses do?

I have done a bit of googling, and can only seem to find motorbike sunglasses, not really an option for all types of conditions.

I have seen prescription diving masks, that cover the whole face, can a visor be got with a prescription builtin? (I know that the price would be crasy if they are available)

contacts are not an option for everyone

eurofoxy · 28-10-2012 11:52pm

kierank01 wrote: »

what do people who wear glasses do?

I have done a bit of googling, and can only seem to find motorbike sunglasses, not really an option for all types of conditions.

I have seen prescription diving masks, that cover the whole face, can a visor be got with a prescription builtin? (I know that the price would be crasy if they are available)

contacts are not an option for everyone

i dont imagine you will get a prescription visor, firstly as both your eyes look through nearly all of the visor, its not like a pair of glasses which sit straight in front of your eyes...

I usually put my glasses on after the helmet, threading the ear pieces through making sure they sit on my ear, then its just part of my routine taking them off before my helmet, i do have a spare set at work just in case i break them..

one thing about glasses is they are likely to fog over from your breath, i use mud-off anti fog stuff on my glasses and have an anti fog visor. never had any problems.. i also have prescription sunglasses which i use but normally in the summer i just use a tinted visor as its easier with the glasses..

When i bought my helmet i made sure that the glasses fit comfortably and that they can be put on without bending the frames too much, as when you are putting on the ear pieces they may catch on the side and bend slightly..

Roadskill · 29-10-2012 11:02am

pixiebean22 wrote: »

Most people base their gear of choice on how well it held up in a skid down the road. If you crash wearing an Arai/Shoei/Shark etc. and don't end up with any head injury, you're obviously going to hold that brand to a higher value that no amount of money can measure. Same goes for leather jacket, boots, gloves and pants.

My bf and I have both crashed wearing Arais and have not suffered head or neck injuries so we're sticking with arai

Hi pixie
had a great laugh reading this theory, thanks.
I went straight out and threw myself down the road to see if i could base my choice of gear on the severity of injuries i received. I am definitely getting an arai once i get out of hospital. I think that assuming a lot of newbies read this thread maybe it's not a great idea to tell them that your experience is what most of us do. I would rather read reviews and ask advise from others in the know.
AFAIK not everyone crashes so I don't know how good my gear is yet. Rather not find out tbh.
I know i know my reply is sarcastic but did you read your remarks properly before posting?.

P.S don't be too mad with me I know what your trying to say.

daenerysstormborn3 · 29-10-2012 11:42am

Roadskill wrote: »

Hi pixie
had a great laugh reading this theory, thanks.
I went straight out and threw myself down the road to see if i could base my choice of gear on the severity of injuries i received. I am definitely getting an arai once i get out of hospital. I think that assuming a lot of newbies read this thread maybe it's not a great idea to tell them that your experience is what most of us do. I would rather read reviews and ask advise from others in the know.
AFAIK not everyone crashes so I don't know how good my gear is yet. Rather not find out tbh.
I know i know my reply is sarcastic but did you read your remarks properly before posting?.

P.S don't be too mad with me I know what your trying to say.

If you know what I am saying then what is the point of your post?

Can't even be bothered replying to this BS.

Roadskill · 29-10-2012 11:55am

pixiebean22 wrote: »

If you know what I am saying then what is the point of your post?

Can't even be bothered replying to this BS.

Don't be like that

. Take it on the chin like all the BS Instructors have to deal with on these sites. Not too bad here but over on the ther side Jesus we are crucified if we say anything. Until someone wants something that is.:rolleyes:

daenerysstormborn3 · 29-10-2012 12:04pm

Roadskill wrote: »

Don't be like that . Take it on the chin like all the BS Instructors have to deal with on these sites. Not too bad here but over on the ther side Jesus we are crucified if we say anything. Until someone wants something that is.:rolleyes:

If you're pissed off with the BS instructors have to deal with, that's not my problem, I'm not a mod, take it up with one if you're unhappy with how you are treated here.

Please Kill Me · 29-10-2012 12:49pm

Roadskill wrote: »

Hi pixie
had a great laugh reading this theory, thanks.
I went straight out and threw myself down the road to see if i could base my choice of gear on the severity of injuries i received. I am definitely getting an arai once i get out of hospital. I think that assuming a lot of newbies read this thread maybe it's not a great idea to tell them that your experience is what most of us do. I would rather read reviews and ask advise from others in the know.
AFAIK not everyone crashes so I don't know how good my gear is yet. Rather not find out tbh.
I know i know my reply is sarcastic but did you read your remarks properly before posting?.

P.S don't be too mad with me I know what your trying to say.

Come on Bikernut, I don't think there was a need for a smart arse remark like that, she's right in what she said. I use gear based on how it held up in accidents that mates have had. I know which helmets/jackets/boots hold out well in an accident. I have been pleasantly surprised how "entry level" gear like RST and HJC have held up in an accident I had myself recently, and I have new gear of the same brand ordered as replacements!! She's just giving her opinion based on experience, I don't see a problem with that TBH.

daenerysstormborn3 · 29-10-2012 1:14pm

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Come on Bikernut, I don't think there was a need for a smart arse remark like that, she's right in what she said. I use gear based on how it held up in accidents that mates have had. I know which helmets/jackets/boots hold out well in an accident. I have been pleasantly surprised how "entry level" gear like RST and HJC have held up in an accident I had myself recently, and I have new gear of the same brand ordered as replacements!! She's just giving her opinion based on experience, I don't see a problem with that TBH.

When I had my off in April I was wearing Frank Thomas textile pants. When I crashed these burst open at the inside seam on both legs, all the protective padding came loose and all the stuffing in the trousers came out. I suffered serious road rash to my legs and a horrible gash to my left knee which needed stitching and I now have a lovely scar on my knee. Now, I know Frank Thomas are no longer in operation but if they were, you can be guaranteed I would never buy FT gear again after that. On the other hand, I was wearing a Richa leather jacket which didn't rip at all, although it is covered in scuffs from where I slid down the road, all the protective pads did their job perfectly and I suffered no upper torso injuries at all so obviously I think Richa gear is the business. I'm pretty sure any sensible person could manage to understand that from my earlier post.

Roadskill · 29-10-2012 2:18pm

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Come on Bikernut, I don't think there was a need for a smart arse remark like that, she's right in what she said. I use gear based on how it held up in accidents that mates have had. I know which helmets/jackets/boots hold out well in an accident. I have been pleasantly surprised how "entry level" gear like RST and HJC have held up in an accident I had myself recently, and I have new gear of the same brand ordered as replacements!! She's just giving her opinion based on experience, I don't see a problem with that TBH.

Agreed and nothing wrong with that at all. But sometimes a post can be interpreted the wrong way so it's important for newbies to have a clear and accurate description as a lot of them take these forums seriously and can misinterpret things. I tend to read them as if I were researching as a newbie which helps me to understand and help them when they are learning to ride. (Maybe i take it too serious

) I feel that sometimes when riders give advise they forget that although we understand what we're writing newbies could see it differently.

pixiebean22 wrote: »

When I had my off in April I was wearing Frank Thomas textile pants. When I crashed these burst open at the inside seam on both legs, all the protective padding came loose and all the stuffing in the trousers came out. I suffered serious road rash to my legs and a horrible gash to my left knee which needed stitching and I now have a lovely scar on my knee. Now, I know Frank Thomas are no longer in operation but if they were, you can be guaranteed I would never buy FT gear again after that. On the other hand, I was wearing a Richa leather jacket which didn't rip at all, although it is covered in scuffs from where I slid down the road, all the protective pads did their job perfectly and I suffered no upper torso injuries at all so obviously I think Richa gear is the business. I'm pretty sure any sensible person could manage to understand that from my earlier post.

Pixie
I'm sorry about your off. A nasty experience for anybody. The way I read your earlier post made me chuckle and not because I was taking the piss but the way I read it. Maybe a tad insensitive (I apologise) but the above quote is what I would take as good advise due to your accident outcome. All I am saying is forget about your personal account of the accident as that is a sensitive and painful thing and read it out loud to yourself as if telling a story. Just my odd sense of humour maybe.
I was hoping original reply would be taken in the same way.

No offence intended.

daenerysstormborn3 · 29-10-2012 2:52pm

Roadskill wrote: »

Agreed and nothing wrong with that at all. But sometimes a post can be interpreted the wrong way so it's important for newbies to have a clear and accurate description as a lot of them take these forums seriously and can misinterpret things. I tend to read them as if I were researching as a newbie which helps me to understand and help them when they are learning to ride. (Maybe i take it too serious) I feel that sometimes when riders give advise they forget that although we understand what we're writing newbies could see it differently.

Pixie
I'm sorry about your off. A nasty experience for anybody. The way I read your earlier post made me chuckle and not because I was taking the piss but the way I read it. Maybe a tad insensitive (I apologise) but the above quote is what I would take as good advise due to your accident outcome. All I am saying is forget about your personal account of the accident as that is a sensitive and painful thing and read it out loud to yourself as if telling a story. Just my odd sense of humour maybe.
I was hoping original reply would be taken in the same way.
No offence intended.

I really don't understand what you are trying to get at here and as much as you try to insist that your posts were meant to be read humourously, I don't believe that was your intent. Nothing about my earlier post in this thread was difficult to understand, you seem to be turning it into something it's not.

I'm just going to leave it at this because you're dragging the thread completely away from it's intended purpose and I don't think that's beneficial to anybody.

minidazzler · 29-10-2012 6:31pm

kierank01 wrote: »

what do people who wear glasses do?

I have done a bit of googling, and can only seem to find motorbike sunglasses, not really an option for all types of conditions.

I have seen prescription diving masks, that cover the whole face, can a visor be got with a prescription builtin? (I know that the price would be crasy if they are available)

contacts are not an option for everyone

I use a hybrid helmet that opens at the face, it's extremely handy for glasses. I rarely close the visor so don't get much fogging. Glasses WILL fog when the visor is closed, though I've found singing limits how much it fogs.

kierank01 · 29-10-2012 6:54pm

minidazzler wrote: »

though I've found singing limits how much it fogs.

Any songs in particular, or is it just like singing in the shower :P

minidazzler · 30-10-2012 5:38pm

kierank01 wrote: »

Any songs in particular, or is it just like singing in the shower :P

The most commonly sung one is

biko · 30-10-2012 5:46pm

kierank01 wrote: »

what do people who wear glasses do?

You can get a helmet without the chinbar or flip-up helmet.

Hotblack Desiato · 31-10-2012 1:27am

Dunno what people think the big deal is about glasses and helmets, I've never had any issue, there's certainly no need to get a flip lid just because you wear glasses. I can't see how it would be comfortable to put a lid on while already wearing glasses, and if you still have the glasses on when removing the lid they'll go flying.

Get a flip lid if that's what you want, but they're more expensive, don't usually offer as much protection to the chin/face, and are heavier (so higher risk of a neck injury)

A Foggy mask is great for stopping glasses fogging up, between that and a Pinlock visor there's no need any more for messing around with anti-fog sprays.

minidazzler · 31-10-2012 4:31am

ninja900 wrote: »

Dunno what people think the big deal is about glasses and helmets, I've never had any issue, there's certainly no need to get a flip lid just because you wear glasses. I can't see how it would be comfortable to put a lid on while already wearing glasses, and if you still have the glasses on when removing the lid they'll go flying.

Get a flip lid if that's what you want, but they're more expensive, don't usually offer as much protection to the chin/face, and are heavier (so higher risk of a neck injury)

A Foggy mask is great for stopping glasses fogging up, between that and a Pinlock visor there's no need any more for messing around with anti-fog sprays.

Flip ups are FAR more flexible at the sides of the face, putting on and off the helmet with glasses on is no problem at all. They never go flying.

Jazzmaster · 11-11-2012 12:14am

Check out some of the helmet tests on Youtube. I always wear Arai on the basis that they, to my knowledge, are the only manufacturer to have the complete bank of tests carried out on one lid whereas everyone else uses a new one for each individual test.

But to be honest if you are involved in a crash which tests your helmet, cheap or otherwise, to its design limits, you're in serious trouble from all the other injuries you'll have suffered.

Sorry to be so grim :-)

Chinaman666 · 16-07-2013 6:38am

Quick question;

I have a full car driving license and i'm going to apply for an A class learner permit. Do I need to sit a motorcycle theory test again or can i proceed directly to applying for a learner permit.

Faith+1 · 16-07-2013 11:03am

Chinaman666 wrote: »

Quick question;

I have a full car driving license and i'm going to apply for an A class learner permit. Do I need to sit a motorcycle theory test again or can i proceed directly to applying for a learner permit.

Starting from scratch unfortunately.

kierank01 · 17-07-2013 12:15am

Chinaman666 wrote: »

Do I need to sit a motorcycle theory test again

This question suggests that you have already sat the motorcycle theory test...If that is the case, you shouldn't need to do so...within a certain time frame...but if you haven't sat the motorcycle theory test, then yes you do need to take the test....

kierank01 · 17-07-2013 12:17am

ninja900 wrote: »

Dunno what people think the big deal is about glasses and helmets, I've never had any issue, there's certainly no need to get a flip lid just because you wear glasses. I can't see how it would be comfortable to put a lid on while already wearing glasses, and if you still have the glasses on when removing the lid they'll go flying.

Get a flip lid if that's what you want, but they're more expensive, don't usually offer as much protection to the chin/face, and are heavier (so higher risk of a neck injury)

A Foggy mask is great for stopping glasses fogging up, between that and a Pinlock visor there's no need any more for messing around with anti-fog sprays.

I eventually got a shoei, with a pinlock insert, an it is fine for glasses, and sunglasses

kierank01 · 17-07-2013 12:22am

I am over 24, and am upgrading my restricted A to an unrestricted A permit.
I have had to sent the current permit with the application.

What is the legal position regarding riding without a permit on my person, while the application is being processed?

I have a photocopy of the existing permit, and the IBT cert(which you can't get without a permit), will that be enough if I get stopped by a copper?

Soundman · 17-07-2013 2:25am

You'll normally get a receipt when you go in for a new licence of any kind. This was enough when I got stopped by the Gardaí at a random checkpoint before. They saw I had Tax, Insurance and that the bike was restricted. Happy enough with the receipt as proof of having a licence.

minidazzler · 17-07-2013 1:28pm

Soundman wrote: »

You'll normally get a receipt when you go in for a new licence of any kind. This was enough when I got stopped by the Gardaí at a random checkpoint before. They saw I had Tax, Insurance and that the bike was restricted. Happy enough with the receipt as proof of having a licence.

This. The lady behind the desk when I sent mine off even said it's for if you get stopped by the Gardaí. The new LP won't take any more than 5 working days anyway I think. I got mine in 3 somehow.

kierank01 · 19-07-2013 8:53am

minidazzler wrote: »

This. The lady behind the desk when I sent mine off even said it's for if you get stopped by the Gardaí. The new LP won't take any more than 5 working days anyway I think. I got mine in 3 somehow.

cool, but I posted mine in...was it 3 days for the new credit card sized one?

minidazzler · 19-07-2013 3:49pm

Yeah, mine took three days, applied on the Tuesday woke up to it on the Friday. I doubt yours will be much longer.

kierank01 · 08-08-2013 7:14pm

kierank01 wrote: »

I am over 24, and am upgrading my restricted A to an unrestricted A permit.
I have had to sent the current permit with the application.

What is the legal position regarding riding without a permit on my person, while the application is being processed?

I have a photocopy of the existing permit, and the IBT cert(which you can't get without a permit), will that be enough if I get stopped by a copper?

minidazzler wrote: »

Yeah, mine took three days, applied on the Tuesday woke up to it on the Friday. I doubt yours will be much longer.

Just got mine in the door today...almost a month

dpp v mcgee · 13-09-2013 1:31am

Does anyone know what the deal is with removing motorcycle helmets in stores?

I went to a gas station last week, went into pay for the petrol and didn't remove my helmet. The guy said to me do you know that's illegal to wear a helmet inside a store. I said no I didn't but said to him do you ask women who wear Burkas to do the same or are motorcyclists more prone to theft?

Is that bordering on the defamation side to ask someone to remove a motorcycle helmet or has a shopkeeper a right to refuse?

flyton5 · 13-09-2013 1:54am

dpp v mcgee wrote: »

Does anyone know what the deal is with removing motorcycle helmets in stores?

I went to a gas station last week, went into pay for the petrol and didn't remove my helmet. The guy said to me do you know that's illegal to wear a helmet inside a store. I said no I didn't but said to him do you ask women who wear Burkas to do the same or are motorcyclists more prone to theft?

Is that bordering on the defamation side to ask someone to remove a motorcycle helmet or has a shopkeeper a right to refuse?

No it's not illegal but shops do reserve the right to refuse admission. I'm presuming it's a full face helmet? Shops rarely have a problem with flip lids and unless i'm paying at a window I'd always take my full face helmet off. First off it's just good manners and secondly they might feel intimidated by someone approaching a till with a helmet on.

I'd love to know what you definition of "defamation" is. Did he accuse you of anything? Other than poor manners that is.

dpp v mcgee · 13-09-2013 1:57am

Poor manners? I'm there to make a business transaction and how a shop assistant interprets that isn't really a concern for me. By the way, I new the guy, he just didn't know me with the helmet on.

dpp v mcgee · 13-09-2013 2:02am

flyton5 wrote: »

I'd love to know what you definition of "defamation" is. Did he accuse you of anything? Other than poor manners that is.

Asking someone to remove their helmet can be construed as implying that they might commit a crime.

flyton5 · 13-09-2013 2:04am

dpp v mcgee wrote: »

Poor manners? I'm there to make a business transaction and how a shop assistant interprets that isn't really a concern for me. By the way, I new the guy, he just didn't know me with the helmet.

It's a concern for him. He was wrong about it being illegal but having worked in a shop I can see why he'd ask you to remove it. I know it's only a helmet but it's still a common courtesy to remove it in a shop. Covering your face in a shop is bound to make the staff feel ill at ease. Start a thread about it and see do other biker boardsies take theirs off. I'll bet they do.

flyton5 · 13-09-2013 2:06am

dpp v mcgee wrote: »

Asking someone to remove their helmet can be construed as implying that they might commit a crime.

No it can't. Would you wear it into a bank?

dpp v mcgee · 13-09-2013 2:08am

flyton5 wrote: »

It's a concern for him. He was wrong about it being illegal but having worked in a shop I can see why he'd ask you to remove it. I know it's only a helmet but it's still a common courtesy to remove it in a shop. Covering your face in a shop is bound to make the staff feel ill at ease. Start a thread about it and see do other biker boardsies take theirs off. I'll bet they do.

Common courtesy to who? If someone who choses to wear a Burka enters a shop to purchase goods and isn't asked to remove their veil then I don't see why motorcyclists are such exceptional cases that they ought to.

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