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

zubair · 19-05-2020 10:25am

Banana Republic. wrote: »

They are CE approved that’s what counts. I’m not doing it on the cheap at all but they need to CE approved, any bikers I know have said that’s what matters.

There's different standards of CE test for boots. I don't know which ones these meet but for an extra couple of bucks you could get a cheap pair of richas, rst etc. On sale. I am sure safety wise these are fine but where cheap gear can let you down is with water proofing. Anyway buy whichever you want I'm just giving you an option you might have overlooked. I have always found sports bike shop have good deals on gear whenever I'm in the market for anything so worth a look,they also have a huge database of customer reviews so you can actually read about them unlke ebay.

Banana Republic. · 19-05-2020 11:05am

zubair wrote: »

There's different standards of CE test for boots. I don't know which ones these meet but for an extra couple of bucks you could get a cheap pair of richas, rst etc. On sale. I am sure safety wise these are fine but where cheap gear can let you down is with water proofing. Anyway buy whichever you want I'm just giving you an option you might have overlooked. I have always found sports bike shop have good deals on gear whenever I'm in the market for anything so worth a look,they also have a huge database of customer reviews so you can actually read about them unlke ebay.

Thanks very much that’s really helpful, I’m going to go to my local bike shop not that it’s open and hoping to buy locally, the Richas look very good to so I’ll go for that option if I can’t find good ones locally. I’m here to get quality gear not save a few euro. Any other sites to get quality I’ll happily look into, Cheers Zubair

BruteStock · 19-05-2020 2:22pm

Earliest date in Cork for theory test is September. Don't know if its because of backlog or Covid but that the wait I have to take.

Emailed a school about IBT training and heard nothing back so they must still be off work. I got the situation sussed out now I think. The only grey area left is licence category.

My understanding is A covers all bikes and A1 covers up to a certain CC. To do the test for the A licence must the bike be over 600 CC? Or must a learner go through stages - A1 first and later the full A??

Banana Republic. · 19-05-2020 6:20pm

I dropped into a bike shop in town and seem very nice riding boots for 95 euro made by SPADA and the CE approved label. So think I’ll purchase them next week, he’s lots of good gear well priced so might build up a rapport with him by buying there plus shopping local and he’s got a nice selection of bikes for sale too.
Marcus Dohertys in Waterford.

horse7 · 19-05-2020 6:22pm

Megabikes?

dubal2008 · 19-05-2020 6:24pm

Always good to name a place that you get good service, will help others locally

Banana Republic. · 19-05-2020 6:27pm

BruteStock wrote: »

Earliest date in Cork for theory test is September. Don't know if its because of backlog or Covid but that the wait I have to take.

Emailed a school about IBT training and heard nothing back so they must still be off work. I got the situation sussed out now I think. The only grey area left is licence category.

My understanding is A covers all bikes and A1 covers up to a certain CC. To do the test for the A licence must the bike be over 600 CC? Or must a learner go through stages - A1 first and later the full A??

Earliest in Waterford is July 22nd. Few IBT are open but down to owners discretion. I think in regards to full test if you do the IBT on 600 then you can go any bike size but I could be wrong if so I stand corrected.

Banana Republic. · 19-05-2020 6:30pm

dubal2008 wrote: »

Always good to name a place that you get good service, will help others locally

Marcus Doherty Mayors Walk, Waterford. I haven’t bought from there yet just a chat but my friend has bought from there and he’s plenty of good things to say plus he was super chatty and came across really good which counts a lot for me. 2 year warranty on the boots too.

enrique66_35 · 20-05-2020 9:38am

BruteStock wrote: »

...Emailed a school about IBT training and heard nothing back so they must still be off work. I got the situation sussed out now I think. The only grey area left is licence category.

My understanding is A covers all bikes and A1 covers up to a certain CC. To do the test for the A licence must the bike be over 600 CC? Or must a learner go through stages - A1 first and later the full A??

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I think in regards to full test if you do the IBT on 600 then you can go any bike size but I could be wrong if so I stand corrected.

I'd recommend ringing rather than email if possible. You'll be able to ask questions and make arrangements more quickly than exchanging loads of emails.

A class covers any bike, A1 is smallest (think 125) and A2 is the middle (125 - 600) although I should mention even though people still think in CCs for simplicity but its the power to weight ratio in kW that decides it. For example a heavy 600cc bike might not qualify for A as the ratio is too low. Check the vehicle reg cert and consult the RSA bike list (can be hit & miss).

Using a school bike would be a safe bet as that would have ensured they were suitable for an A class test. Also worth noting the age restriction as well - you have to be 24 to get A. OR 20 if progressing from full A2 licence.

Have a read of the RSA guidance here
https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Licence-categories-explained/

BruteStock · 20-05-2020 12:04pm

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Earliest in Waterford is July 22nd. Few IBT are open but down to owners discretion. I think in regards to full test if you do the IBT on 600 then you can go any bike size but I could be wrong if so I stand corrected.

Not a bad idea actually. I might take the longer drive to get it done quicker.

BruteStock · 20-05-2020 12:09pm

Would it be inadvisable for a total newbie learn on a 600cc ?? Im thinking about learning on a Bandit or a Honda CBF. I'll probably get something around the 300 range , but im just wondering if its possible to learn on something bigger..

troyzer · 20-05-2020 12:14pm

BruteStock wrote: »

Would it be inadvisable for a total newbie learn on a 600cc ?? Im thinking about learning on a Bandit or a Honda CBF. I'll probably get something around the 300 range , but im just wondering if its possible to learn on something bigger..

I learned on a 650.

No issues.

zubair · 20-05-2020 1:46pm

If you qualify for the A then 100% go for it. You don't want to be changing or renting bikes in 6 months time to do the test. The cbf600 is a great learner bike and I'd highly recommend it for starting out. Its forgiving compared to other 600s because of the power band being quite linear compared to other IL4s but is no slouch.

troyzer · 20-05-2020 2:05pm

zubair wrote: »

If you qualify for the A then 100% go for it. You don't want to be changing or renting bikes in 6 months time to do the test. The cbf600 is a great learner bike and I'd highly recommend it for starting out. Its forgiving compared to other 600s because of the power band being quite linear compared to other IL4s but is no slouch.

From my recent experience, it's very difficult to get insurance for a learner on an IL4. I could only get insurance on twins. Went with the ER6-f in the end. The SV650 is another good choice.

zubair · 20-05-2020 5:57pm

troyzer wrote: »

From my recent experience, it's very difficult to get insurance for a learner on an IL4. I could only get insurance on twins. Went with the ER6-f in the end. The SV650 is another good choice.

Not sure which bikes you were looking at but the cbf600 is used by a lot of instructors. The hornet and fz6 would also be popular as first bikes.

Banana Republic. · 20-05-2020 11:36pm

BruteStock wrote: »

Would it be inadvisable for a total newbie learn on a 600cc ?? Im thinking about learning on a Bandit or a Honda CBF. I'll probably get something around the 300 range , but im just wondering if its possible to learn on something bigger..

My friends have advised me to go for Fazer 600 on the IBT & it helps you don’t have to do another IBT a few years down the line if you wanted to upgrade to a big bike day if you don’t it in like a 125cc. My thoughts are I don’t know the difference between the bikes as I never rode before so once it suits my body and I’m feeling comfortable then why not.

ec18 · 21-05-2020 9:08am

are theory test bookings open again?

troyzer · 21-05-2020 9:12am

zubair wrote: »

Not sure which bikes you were looking at but the cbf600 is used by a lot of instructors. The hornet and fz6 would also be popular as first bikes.

Yeah, I was instructed on a CB600.

But when I went to buy one, Liberty straight up refused to insure me and Principle gave me an outrageous quote.

It's something to do with insurance categories.

enrique66_35 · 21-05-2020 9:24am

I started out on a 125 at my IBT then progressed to a MT07 (690) before going on the road part so you will likely experience both and probably won't be put straight on an A class bike if your a total newbie (like I was!).

I can also vouch for FZ6/Fazer 600 (which is an inline 4) being a good first bike (in my opinion) from my personal experience and had no hassle getting insured as a 37 year old on a learner permit from Carole Nash. Bit expensive at €550 but that's what happens when you've no motorbike NCB.

troyzer · 21-05-2020 9:28am

enrique66_35 wrote: »

I started out on a 125 at my IBT then progressed to a MT07 (690) before going on the road part so you will likely experience both and probably won't be put straight on an A class bike if your a total newbie (like I was!).

I can also vouch for FZ6/Fazer 600 (which is an inline 4) being a good first bike (in my opinion) from my personal experience and had no hassle getting insured as a 37 year old on a learner permit from Carole Nash. Bit expensive at €550 but that's what happens when you've no motorbike NCB.

€550? Not bad. I paid €900 on my ER6-f, I'm 27.

These prices are all over the place.

enrique66_35 · 21-05-2020 9:45am

troyzer wrote: »

€550? Not bad. I paid €900 on my ER6-f, I'm 27.

These prices are all over the place.

Yeah I think being a bit older and its TPF&T cover only might have helped.

I'm paying more in car insurance despite 15 years claims free driving cause my car is old but that's a rant for another day....

Banana Republic. · 21-05-2020 10:06am

enrique66_35 wrote: »

I started out on a 125 at my IBT then progressed to a MT07 (690) before going on the road part so you will likely experience both and probably won't be put straight on an A class bike if your a total newbie (like I was!).

I can also vouch for FZ6/Fazer 600 (which is an inline 4) being a good first bike (in my opinion) from my personal experience and had no hassle getting insured as a 37 year old on a learner permit from Carole Nash. Bit expensive at €550 but that's what happens when you've no motorbike NCB.

So you can do that in the IBT? Start learning the basics on 125 & he’ll move you to a 600 if you want or he’s happy for you to?
Insurance wise it’s between 150-750 I’m told so I’m expecting around the €500 plus mark which in fairness for a total newbie on a bike is respectable compared to driving a car as a complete newbie.

The QuietMan · 21-05-2020 10:13am

Banana Republic. wrote: »

So you can do that in the IBT? Start learning the basics on 125 & he’ll move you to a 600 if you want or he’s happy for you to?

Yep. They do it here in Cork.

On the insurance side of things,

When I first started out as a teenager/Young adult in 2003 on an X8R-X it cost me €750 TPO. (Hibernian Insurance)

In 2008 on a Bandit 600 it cost me €400 TPFT (Quinn-Direct)

Both of these were on a then Provisional Licence with zero ncb.

In 2018 on the DL650 & MBK on a learner permit and zero ncb €450 FC reduced by €50 once I passed the driving test. (Principal)

enrique66_35 · 22-05-2020 9:30am

The QuietMan wrote: »

Yep. They do it here in Cork.

Was that with two Declans (Two Wheel Training) yeah? I'd highly recommend them if you're in the Cork area.

The QuietMan · 22-05-2020 9:48am

enrique66_35 wrote: »

Was that with two Declans (Two Wheel Training) yeah? I'd highly recommend them if you're in the Cork area.

Spot on, did my IBT with Dec 1.

There was a 69 year old lady starting out on bikes (Legally) and was on a GN125 around the car park before progressing to the MT-07, it wasn't a bother on her. Same lady now has a Goldwing Trike in Kerry as far as i know, all in 2 years.

I would go with the 2 Declan's over the Blarney based company from personal experience.

BruteStock · 23-05-2020 10:23am

Theory test booked for July. If there's any questions that may be tricky to answer , let me know!.. Im going to buy the cd rom from the RSA website anyway.

dubal2008 · 23-05-2020 11:27am

most definitely download the official app onto your phone, and simply keep doing the tests and doing the answers you get wrong all the time,
I went from an average of 34/36 to 38/39 in a matter of days and got 40 in the test

nigeldaniel · 23-05-2020 1:20pm

I did the theory about 5 years ago and I can not recall if I got feedback on the questions I got wrong but I am sure I was stuck on the question about how and when to open manual gates at a level crossing.

BruteStock · 23-05-2020 4:32pm

dubal2008 wrote: »

most definitely download the official app onto your phone, and simply keep doing the tests and doing the answers you get wrong all the time,
I went from an average of 34/36 to 38/39 in a matter of days and got 40 in the test

Thanks. Downloading the app saved me money and is far more practical than the interactive option on the RSA website.

Banana Republic. · 23-05-2020 5:51pm

BruteStock wrote: »

Thanks. Downloading the app saved me money and is far more practical than the interactive option on the RSA website.

Yea that App for 12.99 is definitely worth it, it’s got so much to cover and learn from. These pre crash reports and the convictions for different types of Alcholin the system are tricky, allot takes is a few crappy ones at the start to shake the confidence but you can just click for the incorrect ones and I try use word association when they come around again. It’s good to get in the habit of going back to scan over the questions again as we have 45 mins and could get it done in 15 so plenty of revision time if you see unsure.

Banana Republic. · 25-05-2020 11:54pm

Got my first pair of bike boots today
SPADA Seekers from Doherty Motorcycles 30 Mayors Walk in Waterford today €95 , glad I bought in store as I was a size up to my normal. Some nice gear in there, fitted on some helmets too, starting at €75 for LS2’s. All CE approved. 2 year warranty. Sound guy had a good chat plus good to note he has safety balaclavas so testing the helmets for Health & Safety, Fair play to hon and was only leaving in one at a time also. I respect ppl hugely for that. He’s got some lovely bikes there too. You can see his bikes on Done Deal too.

micknail · 26-05-2020 2:48pm

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Marcus Doherty Mayors Walk, Waterford. I haven’t bought from there yet just a chat but my friend has bought from there and he’s plenty of good things to say plus he was super chatty and came across really good which counts a lot for me. 2 year warranty on the boots too.

I get my Bike serviced there and Marcus is spot on.

micknail · 26-05-2020 2:53pm

BruteStock wrote: »

Would it be inadvisable for a total newbie learn on a 600cc ?? Im thinking about learning on a Bandit or a Honda CBF. I'll probably get something around the 300 range , but im just wondering if its possible to learn on something bigger..

Yamaha xj6 diversion f was my first road bike, at the age of 29.

On a Learners permit, insurance was about 600 quid, no hassle.

Just get your IBT done asap. I had modules 1 + 3 done when I had rang up for a quote, and they said once I had mod 5 done i'm ok to be insured.
So had to do Mod 5 of the IBT on a Fazer, which was grand.

Had a small (****e) suzuki 125 for ahem 'field use' just to see could I ride first.
Just did starts, stops, figure 8s and U turns really for practice.

Banana Republic. · 26-05-2020 10:32pm

micknail wrote: »

I get my Bike serviced there and Marcus is spot on.

Absolutely the two times I’ve been to the shop he was sound out and I’ll be giving him as much business as possible plus he’s got some lovely bikes there too so might even purchase my first bike from him too.

Peppa Cig · 01-06-2020 2:27pm

Any restrictions on loud bike exhausts Ireland?

dubal2008 · 01-06-2020 2:37pm

29 Silencer.

29. (1) Every vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall, subject to the provisions of sub-article (2) of this article, be fitted with an exhaust silencer or other device suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine.

From
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1963/si/190/made/en/print

Peppa Cig · 01-06-2020 5:16pm

dubal2008 wrote: »

29 Silencer.

29. (1) Every vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall, subject to the provisions of sub-article (2) of this article, be fitted with an exhaust silencer or other device suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine.

From
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1963/si/190/made/en/print

New bike has Delkavic exhaust and its loud.

In the absence of NCT for bikes is regulation enforced? Don’t see it as a penalty point offence.

Peppa Cig · 01-06-2020 5:17pm

Speaking of penalty points are most Learner wearing or not wearing L vest?

I’m reluctant to wear it.

Not new to bikes but new to Cat A.

Licenced in other categories + 40 years old.

Banana Republic. · 02-06-2020 12:00am

Peppa Cig wrote: »

Speaking of penalty points are most Learner wearing or not wearing L vest?

I’m reluctant to wear it.

Not new to bikes but new to Cat A.

Licenced in other categories + 40 years old.

Before you learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, you must hold a learner permit that covers the category of motorcycle you want to drive. A learner permit to drive a motorcycle is usually valid for 2 years. It is a criminal offence for learner motorcyclists not to display L plates.
April 2020 just googled it on citizen information

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/motoring_1/driver_licensing/learner_driving_permits_for_motorcycles_in_ireland.html

enrique66_35 · 02-06-2020 9:17am

Peppa Cig wrote: »

Speaking of penalty points are most Learner wearing or not wearing L vest?

I’m reluctant to wear it.

Not new to bikes but new to Cat A.

Licenced in other categories + 40 years old.

I always wear mine as I'm certain the day I don't will be the day I meet a checkpoint. It's a double edged sword as some drivers give you more leeway when they see the L and some try to bully you because of the L. That's not specific to the bike, I had the same experience as a learner car driver all those years ago..
I do reckon there's a few lads out on bikes who are not wearing them and should be, maybe even more than a few

The QuietMan · 02-06-2020 9:24am

Always wore mine for the 6 months between IBT & my test. Personally I never leave the house without one, even now. Bikers are already vulnerable enough with a hi-viz, so imagine without one, it in itself won’t save your life but it could make all the difference in someone seeing you or not. I know several learners who refuse to wear them point blank, especially the younger generation on the 125’s/250’s etc as it doesn’t fit their image which is silly.

Nabidana · 02-06-2020 10:03am

Peppa Cig wrote: »

Speaking of penalty points are most Learner wearing or not wearing L vest?

I’m reluctant to wear it.

Not new to bikes but new to Cat A.

Licenced in other categories + 40 years old.

What would be your reason for not wearing it, Pep?

I finish my IBT this Thursday and have every intention of wearing it. Probably always wear one. If it makes the difference between being seen and not being seen just the once it'll be worth it .

SantaClaw · 02-06-2020 10:14am

I did wear mine and had no issues.

In hindsight and a few more years of experience, the issues with cars was not them behaving more aggressive towards me as a learner. But me just being ****e at riding the bike. I have to admit that when I first started riding I made plenty of mistakes and cars seemed a lot more of an issues but that was from my inexperience not the cars having it out for the L vest.

Banana Republic. · 02-06-2020 12:20pm

Any word on when Theory Test Centers and IBT generally open again?

Good choice & time to start learning but it’s a Double edged sword, plenty of time to save up for a bike and buy gear but waiting for the tests and training is slow torture even though I’m learning more and more then if the test was rushed plus the gear I’ve bought so far boots and gloves I can get accustomed to them snot the house instead of the first day or day two of the IBT. Few less things to do.

Reading this book at the moment, seeing as I’m studying for the Theory Test and IBT I seen this book recommended, learn from the higher levels to learn best practices but thought I’d pop it up if anyone is interested.

Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook https://www.amazon.co....p_apip_Nx5cnMyCRm8XF

galwaytt · 02-06-2020 2:30pm

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Any word on when Theory Test Centers and IBT generally open again?

Good choice & time to start learning but it’s a Double edged sword, plenty of time to save up for a bike and buy gear but waiting for the tests and training is slow torture even though I’m learning more and more then if the test was rushed plus the gear I’ve bought so far boots and gloves I can get accustomed to them snot the house instead of the first day or day two of the IBT. Few less things to do.

Reading this book at the moment, seeing as I’m studying for the Theory Test and IBT I seen this book recommended, learn from the higher levels to learn best practices but thought I’d pop it up if anyone is interested.

Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook https://www.amazon.co....p_apip_Nx5cnMyCRm8XF

I've talked to an ADI, and they're awaiting some sort of plan from the Dept on testing, but I'd say IBT in August, and TT similarly, but reduced throughput. Which = longer wait times.

My young lad is awaiting his test since Feb, and I doubt it'll happen this year at all tbh.

Banana Republic. · 02-06-2020 2:41pm

galwaytt wrote: »

I've talked to an ADI, and they're awaiting some sort of plan from the Dept on testing, but I'd say IBT in August, and TT similarly, but reduced throughput. Which = longer wait times.

My young lad is awaiting his test since Feb, and I doubt it'll happen this year at all tbh.

That’s an absolute nightmare where in fact it’s one of the safest things as segregation is the normality especially in the Theory Test Centre and even IBT to an extent when it’s 1 to 1 or 2 to 1. I think the dept isn’t thinking proactively enough. In general terms it should be up and running.

JamesEIRE · 02-06-2020 4:07pm

galwaytt wrote: »

I've talked to an ADI, and they're awaiting some sort of plan from the Dept on testing, but I'd say IBT in August, and TT similarly, but reduced throughput. Which = longer wait times.

My young lad is awaiting his test since Feb, and I doubt it'll happen this year at all tbh.

Try looking up in the Dublin area. I completed mine yesterday. Loads of guards around and they didnt stop us once. Some places are taken people and some wont due to the virus. Some will supply gear and others want you to bring your own or own helment. The lad supplied hand cream and fresh gear, wiped down the radios before handing them over and so on.
It was great craic being out, but when stopped at lights with full gear on with the sun on you wasnt fun haha

BruteStock · 02-06-2020 10:59pm

Wondering if an eye test report from the doctor is needed when applying for the learner permit? Another thing , is wearing protective gear required by law? Saw a guy out in shorts and t-shirt riding a super bike the other day

JamesEIRE · 03-06-2020 2:08am

BruteStock wrote: »

Wondering if an eye test report from the doctor is needed when applying for the learner permit? Another thing , is wearing protective gear required by law? Saw a guy out in shorts and t-shirt riding a super bike the other day

You're only required by law in Ireland to only wear a helmet. Unless you hate your skin then you probably could go full commando and probably get a nice scar from the road if you come off haha

Yes its required.,
You get your eye test done in like specsavers and all. Unless you hold a licence for a car then they probably wont be needed. I went and applied for my bike one with a learner car permit and they never asked for it.

enrique66_35 · 03-06-2020 9:03am

JamesEIRE wrote: »

You're only required by law in Ireland to only wear a helmet. Unless you hate your skin then you probably could go full commando and probably get a nice scar from the road if you come off haha

Yes its required.,
You get your eye test done in like specsavers and all. Unless you hold a licence for a car then they probably wont be needed. I went and applied for my bike one with a learner car permit and they never asked for it.

If you hold a licence in a different category (i.e. car) then you don't need an eye test report when applying for a learner permit for the bike as you'd already submitted one for the other licence. (https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html)

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

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