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Is this a good time to get into Bikes?

  • 03-07-2019 9:25am
    #1
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭


    Hi All,

    Pretty vague title I know, but I have always wanted to get a bike for weekend and odd drive to work on sunny days.

    I don't have a bike yet or my bike licence, but I'm trying to build up a picture of the costs associated.

    I would have to have something like a Honda Shadow bobber style bike, with the safety gear, estimating about 3k for a starter bike.

    Is there insurance out there that allows cheaper cover if you only drive at weekends? The way car insurance is at the moment I think the insurance is my main negative.

    Any idea cost of lessons for IBT and A licence?

    Thanks
    Matt


Comments

  • #2
    mamax
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 880 ✭✭✭mamax


    Have a read here > https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057065311

    And of course it's a good time, it's always a good time :)


  • #3
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    mamax wrote: »
    Have a read here > https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057065311

    And of course it's a good time, it's always a good time :)

    Cheers for the link :)


  • #4
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Do the IBT, get a bit of time on a bike and see how you like it. There isn't an insurance option to allow for part-time use, we are all over the same barrel with that one. In terms of the cost of getting into biking, if you budget €2k for your first bike you need to plan for €1k for your first insurance and €500 for budget safety gear (helmet, jacket, boots and gloves at a minimum). Start gathering the safety gear first and then when you are ready to buy the bike you have the gear already paid for.

    Sit on plenty of bikes before you decide that you 'have to have' a bobber - I appreciate everyone likes what they like but don't restrict yourself to something that is a pain in the arse after 15 miles.


  • #5
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    Interceptor wrote: »
    Do the IBT, get a bit of time on a bike and see how you like it. There isn't an insurance option to allow for part-time use, we are all over the same barrel with that one. In terms of the cost of getting into biking, if you budget €2k for your first bike you need to plan for €1k for your first insurance and €500 for budget safety gear (helmet, jacket, boots and gloves at a minimum). Start gathering the safety gear first and then when you are ready to buy the bike you have the gear already paid for.

    I assume with the IBT that I will be using the schools own bikes. Do they supply safety gear?
    Interceptor wrote: »
    Sit on plenty of bikes before you decide that you 'have to have' a bobber - I appreciate everyone likes what they like but don't restrict yourself to something that is a pain in the arse after 15 miles.

    Good point, I was thinking of soft tail style bike anyway (opposed to hardtail bobbers), but I want something fairly comfortable that I can cruise for hour or two.


  • #6
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    I assume with the IBT that I will be using the schools own bikes. Do they supply safety gear?

    Yeah, you'll use the instructors bike and gear.

    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    Good point, I was thinking of soft tail style bike anyway (opposed to hardtail bobbers), but I want something fairly comfortable that I can cruise for hour or two.

    Lots of bikes will cruise comfortably for a couple of hours but I don't know of a bobber with ABS, fuel injection or traction control - all modern safety advances that I'd recommend any beginner to have. You can go all retro and get a bike with drum brakes, a total-loss lubrication system and a wooden frame when you have a good few miles experience under your lid :pac:


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  • #7
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    Interceptor wrote: »
    Lots of bikes will cruise comfortably for a couple of hours but I don't know of a bobber with ABS, fuel injection or traction control - all modern safety advances that I'd recommend any beginner to have. You can go all retro and get a bike with drum brakes, a total-loss lubrication system and a wooden frame when you have a good few miles experience under your lid :pac:

    Good Points again. I'm 6ft1 and as yer ma would say, a stout fellow :o, so just want something comfortable to sit on without my legs being bunched up.

    I like the idea of forward foot controls like that on cruisers but with being a little taller than average, I don't want my knees almost hitting the handlebars. This is why I was leaning towards Honda Shadows style bikes.


  • #8
    tgdaly
    Registered Users Posts: 944 ✭✭✭tgdaly


    How much does the IBT cost now usually? And how long does it take to complete, I'm a bit confused by all the modules, I thought there was 4 modules but I also see something about a module 5? Been putting it on the back burner myself but my 2nd provisional expires in October so would like to try get IBT and attempt at a test done to avoid the theory again. I have a provisional covering all categories


  • #9
    IrishGrimReaper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,037 ✭✭✭IrishGrimReaper


    You can use this tool to give you an idea of how a bike may fit you, you can enter your height and leg length and there's tonnes of bike models listed. Even though you like the cruiser type as you're a tall one you should throw the leg over an adventure style bike as they're usually very comfortable. I'm 5"11 and on a CBF600S I'd start to get cramped around 1 hour 30 mins on it. Adventure style will be what I move to next.

    https://cycle-ergo.com/
    tgdaly wrote: »
    How much does the IBT cost now usually? And how long does it take to complete, I'm a bit confused by all the modules, I thought there was 4 modules but I also see something about a module 5? Been putting it on the back burner myself but my 2nd provisional expires in October so would like to try get IBT and attempt at a test done to avoid the theory again. I have a provisional covering all categories

    If you've an A category permit you will do 3 modules. My IBT cost me €500 in Cavan, seems to be anywhere from €400-€500. Mine was completed over a weekend (Sat+Sun).


  • #10
    tgdaly
    Registered Users Posts: 944 ✭✭✭tgdaly


    IrishGrimReaper wrote: »
    You can use this tool to give you an idea of how a bike may fit you, you can enter your height and leg length and there's tonnes of bike models listed. Even though you like the cruiser type as you're a tall one you should throw the leg over an adventure style bike as they're usually very comfortable. I'm 5"11 and on a CBF600S I'd start to get cramped around 1 hour 30 mins on it. Adventure style will be what I move to next.

    https://cycle-ergo.com/



    If you've an A category permit you will do 3 modules. My IBT cost me €500 in Cavan, seems to be anywhere from €400-€500. Mine was completed over a weekend (Sat+Sun).

    Ah so you can do 2 full days on a weekend to get it? When it said 16-18 hours to complete I imagined it was done over a number of weekends. Good to know I've only to do the 3 modules, I thought I'd to do 1-4 and then 5 also, couldnt make sense of the" direct access ". Why does having the a category permit make you skip 2 & 4? I'm guessing module 5 covers the content of both of these (and to a more detailed degree to cover the larger bikes)?


  • #11
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    IrishGrimReaper wrote: »
    You can use this tool to give you an idea of how a bike may fit you, you can enter your height and leg length and there's tonnes of bike models listed. Even though you like the cruiser type as you're a tall one you should throw the leg over an adventure style bike as they're usually very comfortable. I'm 5"11 and on a CBF600S I'd start to get cramped around 1 hour 30 mins on it. Adventure style will be what I move to next.

    https://cycle-ergo.com/

    That site is genius and very helpful.


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  • #12
    conor2469
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 526 ✭✭✭conor2469


    Regarding insurance, depending on the year of the bike you can get a classic policy if you have a car insured too.

    I got insured on a bike for the first time last year.
    30 years old on a learner permit, with a car insured, 1996 Honda Transalp 600 for 350 euro on a classic policy with Carole Nash.


  • #13
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    conor2469 wrote: »
    Regarding insurance, depending on the year of the bike you can get a classic policy if you have a car insured too.

    I got insured on a bike for the first time last year.
    30 years old on a learner permit, with a car insured, 1996 Honda Transalp 600 for 350 euro on a classic policy with Carole Nash.

    Thats good to know. Does the car have to be insured with Carole Nash also or just proof that you have car insured


  • #14
    conor2469
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 526 ✭✭✭conor2469


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    Thats good to know. Does the car have to be insured with Carole Nash also or just proof that you have car insured

    Just proof that you have a car insured, the company doesn't matter.


  • #15
    Fann Linn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,819 ✭✭✭Fann Linn


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    That site is genius and very helpful.


    Sure is. But my missus still wasn't impressed when I showed her what me and her would look like on a Harley Road Glide ultra!

    Something along the lines of, '''''''fcxxxing mid life crisis'.


  • #16
    PCeeeee
    Registered Users Posts: 1,489 ✭✭✭PCeeeee


    conor2469 wrote: »
    Regarding insurance, depending on the year of the bike you can get a classic policy if you have a car insured too.

    I got insured on a bike for the first time last year.
    30 years old on a learner permit, with a car insured, 1996 Honda Transalp 600 for 350 euro on a classic policy with Carole Nash.

    How old does the bike need to be for classic insurance?


  • #17
    conor2469
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 526 ✭✭✭conor2469


    PCeeeee wrote: »
    How old does the bike need to be for classic insurance?

    This is what they say on their site:

    WHAT QUALIFIES AS A CLASSIC BIKE?
    Typically, any motorcycle that is more than ten years old could benefit from our Classic Bike insurance rates. The criteria for classic vehicles varies from insurer to insurer, so our motorcycle insurance specialists will endeavour to find you the right policy for your needs.

    In my own personal experience, they quoted me on a 1992 Honda Bros, a 1996 Transalp and a 2000 Suzuki DR 650


  • #18
    Richard tea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,597 ✭✭✭Richard tea


    I would say go for it OP. Im hoping the way things are going with cars and banning diesel etc etc that they will be less restrictive with bikes. It will be no harm having a bike license now before bans and restrictions are imposed


  • #19
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    Theory test and learner permit - 80

    Ibt - 450

    Bike - up to you really wouldn't go for anything with abs, traction control, etc and new and shiny as a first bike like interceptor suggested as I promise you, you will drop it and hate yourself especially as these bikes carry a bigger price tag than something you'd learn on then shift on.
    Theres two types of people those who've dropped their bikes and those who lie about it.

    Insurance - depends on you (age), where you live and the bike.

    Gear - again up to you I would personally never buy a cheap lid, many will say they are fine personally I like my head as is and don't fancy brain damage.
    Remember they are a one and done job it hits the ground saves your life (hopefully) you chuck it out.
    I'd buy a good jacket prefer leather, good pants (if you can find a decent suit and don't mind leather pants go for it) I just spent €560ish on boots, jacket, gloves and aramid pants. My gf got me a lid for €300 for my bday so for good gear you'd kit yourself out for about €800 or less

    So €80 + €450 +€800 = €1330
    Then shop around for insurance quotes on a cruiser let's say you get it for €700.
    €1330 + €700 = €2030
    Then you'd want a bike so go from there.

    Buy good gear first time then you don't need to upgrade after a year!


  • #20
    GooglePlus
    Registered Users Posts: 2,010 ✭✭✭GooglePlus


    The idea of being on one terrifies me and always has.

    Even as a young lad giving a scrambler a go, I'd just lose the rag altogether and brain fart.

    Hat off to those who do, bigger balls than I.


  • #21
    IJS84
    Registered Users Posts: 179 ✭✭IJS84


    If your gonna get a bike at what ever age, its a great step, totally different than driving 4 wheels, so much so Ive only the bike licence now. my better half is on the bike every day with me aswell, only issue this will have if we eventually have any kids, we both in our 30s.

    One bit of advice I will say to you is take it slowly when learning, go at your own pace and you'll get there. Also just have a google search or a facebook search and you'll the scourge of bike thefts all over the country so security, security and security.


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  • #22
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    IJS84 wrote: »
    If your gonna get a bike at what ever age, its a great step, totally different than driving 4 wheels, so much so Ive only the bike licence now. my better half is on the bike every day with me aswell, only issue this will have if we eventually have any kids, we both in our 30s.

    One bit of advice I will say to you is take it slowly when learning, go at your own pace and you'll get there. Also just have a google search or a facebook search and you'll the scourge of bike thefts all over the country so security, security and security.

    Have a 3yr old at the moment, so don't have much time, so the thinking was odd sunday going for a easy drive around the roads near me would be go.

    regarding security, I have a 20ftx15ft metal shed with concrete base on order so it will be locked away there with CCTV covering the doors.


  • #23
    IJS84
    Registered Users Posts: 179 ✭✭IJS84


    the shed is a good start, Im in Cork and there was a lady during the week on a local radio station after just buying a 191 plate bike that was robbed and ended up destroyed by undesirables after taking it and it was in her back yard/garden from an area close to the city centre. I had a few attempts on my bikes over the years aswell. I find the last few years a dog is a great deterrant


  • #24
    Cork Trucker
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,553 ✭✭✭Cork Trucker


    IJS84 wrote: »
    the shed is a good start, Im in Cork and there was a lady during the week on a local radio station after just buying a 191 plate bike that was robbed and ended up destroyed by undesirables after taking it and it was in her back yard/garden from an area close to the city centre. I had a few attempts on my bikes over the years aswell. I find the last few years a dog is a great deterrant

    Seen that on Facebook, robbed from Cathedral Road, as yet not recovered i believe. Still not impossible that it won't be recovered with moderate or no damage. another common spot is the waste ground between the Banduff Road & North Ring Road. Several bikes have been found in there over the years with god only knows what else.


  • #25
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    I found when I bought my first bike earlier this year that the price of 2nd bikes in this country was stupid. Ended up buying a brand new 125cc Suzuki for 3200e. Why buy something that is 5 years old with no warranty for like 1.5-2k when you can get a new one for not much more.

    It's that bikes hold their value much better than most cars do here.
    125's, 400's and 600's will especially as they are a1, a2, and a category bikes
    If you're going for a bike beyond a 125, I guarantee you'll pay more than 3k new.
    Would I buy a brand new bike in the 600cc plus range if I had the money possibly but only something like a ninja H2

    OP having had a bobber that resulted in me crashing (100% bikes fault) and being injured and now on a sports bike.
    If you're going for a bobber build it yourself or have it built in a proper shop, mine was built by a crowd who are well known won't say who or what it was. If I'd of been going fast I'd of been seriously hurt or dead.
    Buy a cruiser and customise it yourself to your taste.


  • #26
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    Mjolnir wrote: »
    It's that bikes hold their value much better than most cars do here.
    125's, 400's and 600's will especially as they are a1, a2, and a category bikes
    If you're going for a bike beyond a 125, I guarantee you'll pay more than 3k new.
    Would I buy a brand new bike in the 600cc plus range if I had the money possibly but only something like a ninja H2

    OP having had a bobber that resulted in me crashing (100% bikes fault) and being injured and now on a sports bike.
    If you're going for a bobber build it yourself or have it built in a proper shop, mine was built by a crowd who are well known won't say who or what it was. If I'd of been going fast I'd of been seriously hurt or dead.
    Buy a cruiser and customise it yourself to your taste.

    Yes, the intent was to start with a Honda Shadow 600 or something similar stock. Then make any change I want myself or via a reputable shop.


  • #27
    zubair
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    I found when I bought my first bike earlier this year that the price of 2nd bikes in this country was stupid. Ended up buying a brand new 125cc Suzuki for 3200e. Why buy something that is 5 years old with no warranty for like 1.5-2k when you can get a new one for not much more.

    It's all relative, you're talking about 50% of the original value in this instance, why buy a new 125 for 3.2k when you can get a second hand VFR800 vtec. Bikes hold their value when you're ready to sell too, I would actually discourage anyone from buying new with their first bike.

    To answer the OPs question, this is the best time to start as you are mid season and have the weather for it. Do the IBT first and think about buying later.


  • #28
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    I've to apply for permit and do the theory test first. Had my car licence before the theory test was introduced so this will be interesting.


  • #29
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    Yes, the intent was to start with a Honda Shadow 600 or something similar stock. Then make any change I want myself or via a reputable shop.

    Honestly most changes you'll want to make apart from hardtailing it (even though mine had shocks they didn't work) is literally bolt on and off so easy to do yourself.
    Irish roads really aren't made for hard tails though.
    Look at shadows, yamahas XVS, and vulcans


  • #30
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    I was hoping for the bobber style without going full hardtail from the outset anyway. I'll try and get a test drive of a few different models before I go any further.


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  • #31
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    I was hoping for the bobber style without going full hardtail from the outset anyway. I'll try and get a test drive of a few different models before I go any further.

    If you want that look get a shadow with a hidden mono shock, buy a seat kit, exhaust, bobber fender maybe new bars and risers and boom cheap (relatively) bobber looking bike that won't break your back or ruin your kidneys.


  • #32
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,793 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    I found when I bought my first bike earlier this year that the price of 2nd bikes in this country was stupid. Ended up buying a brand new 125cc Suzuki for 3200e. Why buy something that is 5 years old with no warranty for like 1.5-2k when you can get a new one for not much more.

    I'm in that space now for my 16yr old. Serious lack of - insurable - 125 that are in any way modern. Jap stuff is waaay overpriced, new, I mean 5k ?? Currently looking at a new Keeway for half that price.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #33
    IrishGrimReaper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,037 ✭✭✭IrishGrimReaper


    Wonder what they are like for young ones and a 125 Varadero?

    https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/honda-varadero-xl-125cc/22341721


  • #34
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Benelli TNT 125 is an option I was thinking about for the back of he camper but the msx came along at the right time. Not easy to insure for a 1st timer though, even on a multibike policy CN will only cover it TP because of theft rates in the UK. Which likely bear no resemblance to theft rates here in ROI.
    Some of the Korean stuff is pretty good as well, not all Chinese stuff is equal. The Taiwanese stuff is better than the mainland stuff imho.


  • #35
    lalababa
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,736 ✭✭✭lalababa


    GooglePlus wrote: »
    The idea of being on one terrifies me and always has.

    Even as a young lad giving a scrambler a go, I'd just lose the rag altogether and brain fart.

    Hat off to those who do, bigger balls than I.

    Not really about balls. Just like anything , good instruction , practice, training, experience etc. Most bikers don't dwell on the hazards of riding.


  • #36
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    galwaytt wrote: »
    I'm in that space now for my 16yr old. Serious lack of - insurable - 125 that are in any way modern. Jap stuff is waaay overpriced, new, I mean 5k ?? Currently looking at a new Keeway for half that price.

    Ybr 125 is a great little bike and they go forever.
    But avoid 125cc "sports" bikes.
    I love my cbr600 but the handling is limited and the 125 versions don't have the power plus naked bikes don't have fairings to damage.
    Avoid chinese bikes, they generally have come with electrical issues and dodgey brakes.


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  • #37
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    What you need is a nice Suzuki Vanvan 125

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