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Motorcycle FAQ

123457

Comments

  • #302
    MikeShiner
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭MikeShiner


    Ok thanks. What about the kawasaki ninja 250? Would it be a good starter bike? I know there's no generalisation for insurance, it varies but what is bike insurance generally like? Is it cheaper than cars or has it sky rocketed lately much like cars.

    I have a full car driver licence for 12 years.


  • #303
    GBX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,015 ✭✭✭✭GBX


    Yeah, good bike to start on. I'm not overly familiar with the liscenising side of things. Age dependant you might be able to to direct access (somebody could clairfiy this) and you can get a bigger bike.

    Insurance seems to be creeping up for some. Starting out it is usually one of the higher costs involved. But get the IBT etc done and get yourself on the road!


  • #304
    MikeShiner
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭MikeShiner


    Taken from AllMoto.ie

    There are 3 different licenses available and it's a different age for each!
    M motorcycle licence: you must be over 16 years old. It will allow you to drive a 50cc that can't exceed 45km/h.

    A1 motorcycle licence: you must be 17 years old. You can drive up to 125cc with a max power of 11kW (basically any 125).

    A motorcycle licence: you must be over 18 years old. As a provisional holder you can drive ANY cc bike so long as it is below 25kW and or a power to weight ratio (0.16kW/kg). What this means, is that you can buy anything, and if it is over the limit you must fit a restrictor kit (this costs roughly €300).
    It's also worth noting that with a restricter A license you can drive a lot of big cc bikes without a restrictor as these bikes are about the power to weight ratio. Examples include Deauville 650, most Harleys, etc

    Obviously I'd be looking at an A license. Am I restricting myself too much at 250cc or is it a perfect starter? I don't want to sound like I'm a bee in a can if you get my meaning, a nice sounding bike preferably..


  • #305
    unattendedbag
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭unattendedbag


    You can ride any size bike if go for category A. That'd be my advice. Do your ibt and test on a category A bike and then you are free to buy whatever takes your fancy. You are not restricted with age so might as well use that to your advantage.

    Nothing wrong with learning on a ninja250 but you may soon find the itch to go up to something bigger.


  • #306
    MikeShiner
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭MikeShiner


    unattendedbag wrote: »
    You can ride any size bike if go for category A. That'd be my advice. Do your ibt and test on a category A bike and then you are free to buy whatever takes your fancy. You are not restricted with age so might as well use that to your advantage.

    Nothing wrong with learning on a ninja250 but you may soon find the itch to go up to something bigger.

    Thanks man. Is it normal to feel a little nervous about learning them? I suppose we all have to start somewhere don't we. What's the weight like on a Ninja250 because I know weight can become a factor in manoeuvring a bike. I don't want raw speed or something too heavy to start but a something that looks and sounds well would be nice.


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  • #307
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,137 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    All motorbikes are heavy and learning to ride them feels like riding death into the gates of hell.

    The extra weight and power of an A cat bike doesn't make that much difference.


  • #308
    pudzey101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭pudzey101


    MikeShiner wrote: »
    I'm looking into learning how to ride a motorcycle. I've zero experience. I know what I need to do in regards to doing the theory test and then the IBT but what I want to know is, what is a good bike to start off with?

    I've been told a Kawasaki Ninja 250 but it might need a restrictor and what would a 30 year old be looking at in terms of insurance costs for a bike of this nature?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    I was in same boat as you mike last year , never drove a bike in my life and went off and got a ninja 600 . you wont need any restrictor kit you will get the cat A licence . my insurance was about 500 i was 25 on a learner permit . Ninja 250 is a grand bike only worry is youll want more power before you know it :) on a ninja 900 a year later with a full lisence and insurance just over 300 :)


  • #309
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,476 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    That site is seriously out of date if it doesn't mention category A2.

    Also it's wrong, the minimum age for category A1 is 16 (not that that matters to you or me :) )

    Scrap the cap!



  • #310
    Wishox
    Registered Users Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Wishox


    unattendedbag wrote: »
    You can ride any size bike if go for category A. That'd be my advice. Do your ibt and test on a category A bike and then you are free to buy whatever takes your fancy. You are not restricted with age so might as well use that to your advantage.

    Nothing wrong with learning on a ninja250 but you may soon find the itch to go up to something bigger.

    Not sure that is correct, You still have to drive a restricted bike for 2 years after passing your test as far as i know !


  • #311
    frozenfrozen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,882 ✭✭✭frozenfrozen


    Wishox wrote: »
    Not sure that is correct, You still have to drive a restricted bike for 2 years after passing your test as far as i know !

    that's not correct


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  • #312
    Paulw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,381 ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    Wishox wrote: »
    Not sure that is correct, You still have to drive a restricted bike for 2 years after passing your test as far as i know !

    Once you pass the A test, you can ride anything. No restriction.

    From RSA website -
    Category A - All motorcycles including those greater than 35kW. The minimum age at which a learner permit can be taken out for this category is age 20, where an A2 licence has been held for 2 years. Direct access is possible at age 24.


  • #313
    Bundis
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭Bundis


    a_ominous wrote: »
    Well since I suggested it, I'll start the ball rolling.

    Licence
    You need a licence to ride a bike. for some details.


    Insurance
    In Ireland, there are only 2 motorbike insurers, and Carole Nash. If you're under 25, you can try Carole Nash but they generally only insure over 25s on bikes obver 250cc. You can get online quotes from but only phone quotes from CN.

    There are some brokers who deal with motorbike insurance. AON is the largest. They deal with Hibernian and offer discounts on the Hibernian price. Some of the bike shops can also sort your insurnace out. They have a deal with AON. Some examples of these bike shops:



    There are 3 types of insurance:
    Third Party (TP) - you pay for damages to you and your bike
    Third Party, Fire and Theft. As above but also covers for fire and theft, strangely.
    Fully Comprehensive. As above but also includes cover for damage to you and your bike.

    Bikes are assigned a grouping by insurers. This is based on the power to weight ratio of the bike. So for example a 50cc 10 BHP scooter is group 1 and a 1300cc 150BHP sports bike would be group 12, and more expensive to insure. The differences between groups is small for riders over 40. A table of the prices is not available online at the moment.


    Lessons
    There are various places to learn to ride a bike. (ISM) will provide bikes. As will the Star Rider courses run by Fingal and I believe South Dublin Co Council. These are not year round courses though. And there is a long waiting list for school bikes. Most independent trainers ( IRTA) do not have bikes due to prohibitive insurance costs. This may change with driver instructor certification due in 2004.


    Some URLs:



    good information
    on bikes and training.

    there reviews of bikes and gear.


    Liberty Insurance does motorcycle cover. I'm 3rd party fire and theft since i started on two wheels. They only asked me if i done a IBT and have a licence then asked for the usual paperwork ect and gave me cover no more questions asked.


  • #314
    TheShow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,157 ✭✭✭TheShow


    Hey all,
    are there any other websites to buy bikes/mopeds other than adverts/donedeal to be aware of?


  • #315
    frozenfrozen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,882 ✭✭✭frozenfrozen


    the for sale section of biker.ie


  • #316
    TheShow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,157 ✭✭✭TheShow


    has anyone any experience of Scooter Island that they would like to share? as per the website, seems to be good value scooters, not sure if warranty available etc. but seems to offer some piece of mind vs private sale? i.e. a lot of junk on done deal / adverts.


  • #317
    hazelk
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭hazelk


    Hi, I was wondering if you could help. Im looking at getting a motor cycle nothing bigger than a 250cc. Ive been driving a car since i was 18 and have 6 years no claims with it. I can seem to find any info on roughly the price of insurance is going to be on a bike? im 31 years old and female.

    Any ideas on where to check?


  • #318
    Pugzilla
    Site Banned Posts: 1,765 ✭✭✭Pugzilla


    hazelk wrote: »
    Any ideas on where to check?

    You can use liberty insurance online quote system. Just put some fake details in and you'll get a rough idea.


  • #319
    Frank Bullitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,888 ✭✭✭✭Frank Bullitt


    Hey guys,

    I've mentioned in another thread but it seems like there is a bit more knowledgable info in here.

    I am returning to Ireland at Christmas after living in Canada for 4.5 years. I have a full Class 6 licence here for the bike and I am shipping mine back (BMW Rnine T).

    There is now an exchange with BC and Ireland for licensing so I can swap over my car back to a full Irish. I got my full bike over here though, I never had a full bike licence in Ireland.

    Info is here - https://moving2canada.com/ireland-allow-exchange-bc-driver-licenses/

    Here is where I am confused. I did my theory test way back in 2004, I rode a moped for a year and then it went out of date but I then renewed it as I was still within the 5 year window, and got my full car licence in 2011, I understand that once you do a theory and pass a test on that licence, that you don't have to sit one again. From what I gather I should still have a valid 'Type 1 AMBW' on file from reading a previous post in here.

    In the link you can see that is says a class 6 will get me a A1, AM licence. I have have a clean record here in BC and have done a riding school. I don't really mind if I have to do mandatory lessons in Ireland and some form of road test, my main concern will be weather the licence that is issued back to me when I return will enable me to ride my BMW. If not, I can store it until I am ready to roll.

    The licences are a tad confusing but I will do whatever is needed.

    Thanks for the help!

    P.S. This will be the last time i ask about licences in here again, I promise!


  • #320
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,476 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    You will probably not have to do the theory test - if you did it when cars and bikes were still on the same test. You'd need your Irish driver number (not licence number) and ring the RSA to find out exactly where you stand.

    Thought you'd get an A2 - only an A1 is a bit crap - but anyway you want A so (assuming you are over 24) you can do direct access to class A - apply for a class A learner permit and do IBT on a class A bike and you are road legal (no motorways or pillions) then pass the class A test for a full licence.

    You are supposed to wear an L-tabard while on a learner permit. Having the full car licence should get you off the requirement to wear an N-tabard for two years after passing your bike test. (N-plates or tabard apply when you have passed your first test in any class) not sure if an exchanged car licence will cover this, but again the RSA will tell you.

    Scrap the cap!



  • #321
    Seabhac14
    Registered Users Posts: 19 ✭Seabhac14


    Sorry if this has been asked before, but how exactly does motorcycle insurance work in Ireland? What factors such as age, cc power and specifications are considered or determined and how to they increase the cost? Is the insurance annual or monthly?

    And would anyone be able to give me a rough example of how much it would cost per year, if not sharing their own financial cost? Just to give me an idea of how much you would be paying a year.

    Thanks


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  • #322
    Paulw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,381 ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    Seabhac14 wrote: »
    And would anyone be able to give me a rough example of how much it would cost per year, if not sharing their own financial cost? Just to give me an idea of how much you would be paying a year.

    Maybe you should have a read of - https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=291219


  • #323
    dermur
    Registered Users Posts: 238 ✭✭dermur


    Hi - I'm an A2 learner with a 250cc bike at the moment. I'd like to upgrade to something I can actually use daily and take to the test with me when the time comes.

    I'd really love to get a 2nd hand Kawasaki W800. Maximum power is 35Kw, displacement is 773cm3 and power/weight is ~ 0.16kW/kg. All these figures seem to fall within the A2 test vehicle requirements (max power=35kw, minimum displacement=395cc and max power/weight=0.2kW/kg).

    I'd still like to confirm if this is the case but the W800 doesn't appear on the RSA bike database: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Driving-Test-Vehicles---Motorcycles/

    I'm guessing I need to contact the RSA and ask them directly? Or would a bike shop know?

    Any advice appreciated!


  • #324
    cantdecide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    dermur wrote: »
    Hi - I'm an A2 learner with a 250cc bike at the moment. I'd like to upgrade to something I can actually use daily and take to the test with me when the time comes.

    I'd really love to get a 2nd hand Kawasaki W800. Maximum power is 35Kw, displacement is 773cm3 and power/weight is ~ 0.16kW/kg. All these figures seem to fall within the A2 test vehicle requirements (max power=35kw, minimum displacement=395cc and max power/weight=0.2kW/kg).

    I'd still like to confirm if this is the case but the W800 doesn't appear on the RSA bike database: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Driving-Test-Vehicles---Motorcycles/

    I'm guessing I need to contact the RSA and ask them directly? Or would a bike shop know?

    Any advice appreciated!

    I say buy whatever bike you like and hire an instructor's bike for the test if need be. With that in mind, are you over 24? If you could get a hold of the cat permit, you could also just buy the W800 (as it does seem to conform to A2) or other bike of your choice and hire a cat A bike for the test.


  • #325
    dermur
    Registered Users Posts: 238 ✭✭dermur


    Thanks cantdecide. I suppose my thought is to have a bike that I can ride around on for a year, get really used to the clutch, handling, etc. and take the test on that bike as opposed to an instructor bike that might have a stubborn gear change or whatever.

    I think I'm just basing this on my IBT experience! the bike I used for that was fine for slow manouevres but I had lots of trouble with gear changes on the road. No such troubles with my own bike...I guess that's the only reason I'm hoping to do the test on my own bike.


  • #326
    Frank Bullitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,888 ✭✭✭✭Frank Bullitt


    Whats the longest someone has waited for the there A licence to arrive? It's almost a month now for me!


  • #327
    punisher5112
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,644 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    Gintonious wrote: »
    Whats the longest someone has waited for the there A licence to arrive? It's almost a month now for me!

    Give them a call but it can be slow at times.


  • #328
    Frank Bullitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,888 ✭✭✭✭Frank Bullitt


    punisher5112 wrote: »
    Give them a call but it can be slow at times.

    Thanks, did that and they just said there was a high volume. Patience isn't a virtue of mine.


  • #329
    punisher5112
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,644 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    Just have to sit tight....


  • #330
    Frank Bullitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,888 ✭✭✭✭Frank Bullitt


    punisher5112 wrote: »
    Just have to sit tight....

    Its hard when my bike is sitting in my garden...looking at me.


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  • #331
    Frank Bullitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,888 ✭✭✭✭Frank Bullitt


    Finally got the text to say it was shipped!


  • #332
    BlackWizard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭BlackWizard


    Any chance we could update the list of insurers on the FAQ? I've to shop around and I'm not sure what companies to call


  • #333
    cantdecide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    BlackWizard wrote: »
    Any chance we could update the list of insurers on the FAQ? I've to shop around and I'm not sure what companies to call

    I'd start by looking at this thread - I think it's at least as useful as an updated list.


  • #334
    Western Seagull
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭Western Seagull


    Thanks for very helpful information it is appreciated.


  • #335
    simpledexx
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭simpledexx


    Hi, this is my first time on this forum and i am currently working towards getting my A licence. Although i havent started yet with applying to dtt or learner permit. I was searching everywhere for the simple question if i have to do the theory test or i can straight away go to the learner permit and the IBT, the problem i have is there is nothing said about my driving licence being an exchange from croatian to full irish one with AM,B and W category's on it so this confuses me alot. To cut it short... Do i need to get the dtt or i can move to the learner permit straight away for A category as i am already 24yro and psst. but i've already rode bikes without a licence back in croatia.I know this is a stupid question but every little help is appreciated alot.


  • #336
    zubair
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    simpledexx wrote: »
    Hi, this is my first time on this forum and i am currently working towards getting my A licence. Although i havent started yet with applying to dtt or learner permit. I was searching everywhere for the simple question if i have to do the theory test or i can straight away go to the learner permit and the IBT, the problem i have is there is nothing said about my driving licence being an exchange from croatian to full irish one with AM,B and W category's on it so this confuses me alot. To cut it short... Do i need to get the dtt or i can move to the learner permit straight away for A category as i am already 24yro and psst. but i've already rode bikes without a licence back in croatia.I know this is a stupid question but every little help is appreciated alot.

    Try posting here. You'll likely find the answer in there already.

    https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2056323977/237/#post114929222


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  • #337
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,476 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Ring the NDLS and give them your driver number from your licence and they will tell you.

    Scrap the cap!



  • #338
    simpledexx
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭simpledexx


    Thank you, i just called NDLS and they told me because its a foreign exchange i need to do everything from scratch so yeah...


  • #339
    enrique66_35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 277 ✭✭enrique66_35


    simpledexx wrote: »
    Thank you, i just called NDLS and they told me because its a foreign exchange i need to do everything from scratch so yeah...

    That's a balls but the theory test isn't that bad. A lot of people seem to be recommending the app for (I think) €12 which they found more flexible than the book. Means you can dip in and out of it anytime anywhere on the phone.


  • #340
    peteclarke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭peteclarke


    I have just booked the motorcycle test In a Dublin Test Centre. Any idea what wait might be?
    Thanks


  • #341
    punisher5112
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,644 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    enrique66_35 wrote: »
    That's a balls but the theory test isn't that bad. A lot of people seem to be recommending the app for (I think) €12 which they found more flexible than the book. Means you can dip in and out of it anytime anywhere on the phone.

    App is best option, make sure it's from the actual theory test... Prometric something something it's called.


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  • #342
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Not sure where this question belongs, but I'm curious from those more experienced with motorbiking what you would estimate the average cost per year, including fuel, maintenance and various taxes is?

    I know this is a little out of date, but the AA in 2019, published their cost of motoring in Ireland and I quote, "The average cost of running a family car for a year is €10,691.12"

    The above cost of €10,000 seems a little bit high to me and I'd expect the cost of owning and operating a motorbike would be a lot lower but does anyone have an idea of how much cheaper it is?



  • #343
    Bluefoam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Insurance: €200 - €1500

    Tax: €66

    Petrol: mileage dependant

    Tyres: €55 (assuming replacement every 3 years)

    Brakes: €50 (arbitrary)

    Servicing: : €160


    Additional for BMW owners

    Starbucks: €600



  • #344
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,476 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Tax is 88 on anything over 200cc

    Pair of tyres for most bikes would be 250-350 and might last less than 10,000km.

    Scrap the cap!



  • #345
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Has anyone recently imported a used bike from the UK due to a shortage of bikes over here. I'm considering getting one in London and having it shipped over.

    My basic understanding is it has to be over six months old and with more than 6000 miles on the clock, then it is considered second-hand and is VAT exempt?

    If that's true, then it might be worth getting a Japanese bike from the UK. Although I haven't been able to find online what it would cost in terms of shipping?

    And just since I'm here, what would you consider high mileage for a 125?



  • #346
    Mjolnir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118129643#Comment_118129643

    Nothing from the UK Post brexit is vat exempt.(NI registered vechicles being the only exception)

    Add approx 33% to the price plus shipping and you'll have a rough idea of the cost.

    (Cost of vehicle + shipping + duty + vat) + vrt = total cost

    You'd want to be getting a serious deal for anything from the UK being worth importing.



  • #347
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118131580#Comment_118131580

    Thanks for updating me on the current rules. It's a shame the UK voted out :-(



  • #348
    horse7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,769 ✭✭✭horse7


    I know it's compulsory to drive with a headlight and taillight on, but are there any rules on auxiliary lights also?



  • #349
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,476 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118228949#Comment_118228949

    It's not, except during "lighting up time" but even then, headlights are not legally required on lit roads.

    That said, it's been a long time since I owned a bike where the headlights didn't come on with the ignition (and potentially leave you stranded if the battery was low but the manufacturers don't care - back in the day as a MAG Ireland representative I asked the manufacturers' European reps about this as a safety issue at a conference in Antwerp - they didn't give a shyte - in the US where this has been a requirement since the 1970s they usually fit a relay so the AHO ((automatic headlight on)) doesn't kick in until after the engine starts - in the European market they cheaped out and just deleted the headlight switch, saved less than 1 euro per bike but are happy to leave riders potentially stranded.)

    To answer your question, any auxiliary lights must dip or turn off when dipped headlights are required - oncoming traffic and/or lit roads - on unlit roads in the absence of oncoming traffic you can be lit up like the Sun if you want. In the presence of other traffic your lights must not dazzle other drivers, that is the only requirement.

    Scrap the cap!



  • #350
    whats_up
    Registered Users Posts: 30 ✭whats_up


    Dumb question, but a 399 cc bike, with 41 KW (200KG 0.205 P/w) is category A right?

    Planning on doing the A test on this, cheers



  • #351
    shuyin1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 369 ✭✭shuyin1


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119467056#Comment_119467056

    A category A vehicle is defined as a motorcycle without a sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 595cm3, an unladen mass of more than 175kg., and an engine power of at least 50kW. If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25kW/kg.

    400cc not enough for A category. Also not A2 as its over 35KW for test purposes.



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