Is my riding life ending already?

[auvicua]

I have been riding my little GN125 for 2 months now and planning to change to a 250R once I pass my restricted license.
Just got this new job 2 weeks ago, last week, the boss told me that he prefer me to "drive a normal vehicle", because he thinks it is too dangerous to ride a bike and I have to go out and visit clients for my job.The boss don't want to take any responsibility if I have any accident during my working hours. Furthermore, I suppose to dress "professionally" when I visit the clients, not a motorcycle jacket. I feel really sad right now, I have been really enjoying riding for the last few months. But seems like I may have to switch back to car now. Will my riding life end like this?? before I even started.........:(

[DMNTD]

Ummm....why can't you simply just ride your bike AFTER work?
Random I know but....:mellow:

[breakaway]

^ exactly.

My bike is a tool for fun, not something to get around on. When I go somewhere, I'd rather take my nissan shitbox so I'm not freaked that it's going to get knocked over or stolen when I park it up.

[SMOKEU]

Tell your boss to fuck off.

[Griffin]

Buy a $500 shitter - turn up to clients with smoke pouring out the exhaust and bits falling off... then see how your boss feels about your bike.

I can see from his point of view that if something happened to you while you were on "business" that he may feel responsible but at the end of the day, your transport should be your choice.

[EJK]

You'll be meeting clients. BFD, Drive a BMW 3 Series.

[LBD]

Did he know you rode a bike when he employed you?

Did he voice his concerns then?

Did he stipulate you needed a car to do your work?

If yes, no, no then use your bike unless you feel uncomfortable with it...and not just intimidated by the boss

And does he pay vehical costs? if he feels that strongly about it he should supply a work vehical

[Gremlin]

get a boss that supplies a bike for a work vehicle :D

(and or don't have a car license :lol:)

[YellowDog]

I have been riding my little GN125 for 2 months now and planning to change to a 250R once I pass my restricted license.
Just got this new job 2 weeks ago, last week, the boss told me that he prefer me to "drive a normal vehicle", because he thinks it is too dangerous to ride a bike and I have to go out and visit clients for my job.The boss don't want to take any responsibility if I have any accident during my working hours. Furthermore, I suppose to dress "professionally" when I visit the clients, not a motorcycle jacket. I feel really sad right now, I have been really enjoying riding for the last few months. But seems like I may have to switch back to car now. Will my riding life end like this?? before I even started.........:(

I had a similar situation to this when I worked in the city.

I couldn't agree with my bosses point of view so I didn't stop riding my bike. I wore a business suit under my gear and also had a large box on the back so I could get changed before going in.

Many business people I met asked about the bike and it was generally a great ice-breaker.

"So you get to work in 15 minutes and my similar journey takes 50 minutes? - Perhaps I should get a bike too"

My advice: Keep using the bikle but do let your boss know that you will still be appropriately dressed for meetings and take public transport when necessary.

[Pixie]

You got changed in the box?
What was the job?
You don't have a problem with kryptonite do you?

[Grubber]

All i can say is>>>>>>>COMPANY CAR!

Otherwise there is no negotiation. Ride the bike.:rockon:

[Voltaire]

Don't forget if you have to use your own vehicle during work time ( bad idea in the first place) that they have to pay you costs based on IRD rates.
What he is probably concerned about his his liability as an employer.
If the job involves travel in your own vehicle make sure the contract is clear on whats expected.
I agree with the idea of the $500.00 shitter.

[Bald Eagle]

Tell your boss that your transport is your choice, unless he wants to pay for your vehicle use he has no standing to tell you what to ride/drive.

[Flip]

You will also find that you will have no insurance if you are using your vehicle for work, check your policy, it will exclude trade or commercial use.

Politely tell the boss to go procreate with himself.

[Spearfish]

Your doomed, a few weeks off the bike and you will find all sorts of reasons why not to ride for example, its wet, dark, leather smells, cars are out to get ya, I don't want flat centres on my tyres, I didn't spend all this money on my dream bike just to commute, riding not as fun as dreaming and polishing......

But maybe you don't have the same advice coming from half arsed bikers at your smoko table like I had to listen to. Admittedly it been a hard few months with the weather but the more it rains the more they crow.

[Owl]

You will also find that you will have no insurance if you are using your vehicle for work, check your policy, it will exclude trade or commercial use.

Politely tell the boss to go procreate with himself.

Yep, I totally agree with Flip on both points!:yes:

[aprilia_RS250]

Say you don't have money to buy a car and tell him you'll work on it. Then just keep riding your bike. If he fires you take him to employment court

[Viscount Montgomery]

Kiss your bosses arse, bow, scrape, grovel and obey. Let the fucker rule your whole life.

[javawocky]

I have been riding my little GN125 for 2 months now and planning to change to a 250R once I pass my restricted license.
Just got this new job 2 weeks ago, last week, the boss told me that he prefer me to "drive a normal vehicle", because he thinks it is too dangerous to ride a bike and I have to go out and visit clients for my job.The boss don't want to take any responsibility if I have any accident during my working hours. Furthermore, I suppose to dress "professionally" when I visit the clients, not a motorcycle jacket. I feel really sad right now, I have been really enjoying riding for the last few months. But seems like I may have to switch back to car now. Will my riding life end like this?? before I even started.........:(

1) Buy the $500 Ford Familia - or try get the boss to buy it for you.
2) Part it in the company parking lot and only use it for work - get the boss to ensure it.
3) Push your crap GN off a cliff somewhere and get insurance to by you a Gixxer to ride to work and back :Punk:

[ellipsis]

....join a club, get a postie or a bucket, get your bike thrills on a track on the weekends...

[jeremysprite]

Although its your choice on transport, your boss ain't your enemy. Don't try piss him off/play hardball, he writes your paychecks... which will eventually get you off the 125 and onto the 250R.

But the other points are valid, if your bike isn't insured for commercial use, then no insurance... including if you hit a Mercedes.
They should also compensate you for vehicle charges, I think $0.72 a km? But again this is between you and your boss. Negotiate something that works for you.
It doesn't cost $0.72 a km to run a bike, so maybe you can convince your boss to let you ride your bike, and not have to pay you $0.72 a km (which can really rack up expenses for him).
He could be worried about his liability as well, so find a way to put his mind at ease. Maybe someone lawyerly on here could give you a clue on this.

Just my 2c

[avgas]

take the stance I did.

"You want me to drive around visiting clients - you get me a car"

my bike is my transport otherwise.

Have had company cars since 2005.

[Maha]

take the stance I did.

"You want me to drive around visiting clients - you get me a car"

my bike is my transport otherwise.

Have had company cars since 2005.

Did you get the 'red' one?

[Clockwork]

take the stance I did.

"You want me to drive around visiting clients - you get me a car"

my bike is my transport otherwise.

Have had company cars since 2005.



Just make sure you are past the 90 day "trial" period first!

[imdying]

It astounds me just how fucking limited the thought process of some retards is.

Yes, your biking life is over... go take up knitting or something else somebody else will approve of :rolleyes:

[Juzz976]

Were you hired on the condition that you'll need your own car for work purposes?
Do you receive compensation for the companys use of your vehicle?
Is there a better job you would have good chance in getting?

[avgas]

Did you get the 'red' one?
had to think about that.
nope. 1 white one, 1 black one, 1 blue one

[avgas]

Just make sure you are past the 90 day "trial" period first!
Nah not really. If someone wants to fire me while I hold up the ceiling doesn't bother me in the slightest.
I enjoy watching them cry as the roof falls down behind me.

[avgas]

I am a wondering if a certain female riding a fzr250 is married to a certain gn125 rider????

[mrchips]

You will also find that you will have no insurance if you are using your vehicle for work, check your policy, it will exclude trade or commercial use.

Politely tell the boss to go procreate with himself.

+1000, I'd rather wipe up shit stains & sniff vomit than work for this mupet.

Keep the bike get your 6R / 6F then turn up to work & visit clients on a gixxer thou, while your boss drives around in his fuktard grey toyota prius shit box & cuts off other motorcycle riders.

God forbid clients ride bikes too !

[DarkLord]

I used to work as an Outbound Sales Consultant for Telecunt, I mean Hellecom, I mean Telecom. I'd take my bike to visit clients.

I agree on the talking point idea. It was an ice breaker and sometimes people preferred to see something different than how salesman were usually presented.

Not like I was too fussed whether they liked it or not anyways. I hated that job with a vengeance and quit after 6 months of torture.

[Spuds1234]

I dont know if its the same for every job, but at my last job if we were picking up something from another store we were generally using our own vehicles. The company was liable for any accidents that happened while we were traveling in our own vehicles.

From a purely monetary point of view, if you got into a fender bender on your bike you could be off work for a month and your boss would have to pay you during that time. If you were in a car you would be back to work the next day.

Also at my old job the business was liable for any damage to our vehicles if we were using them on company time for business reasons.

[Toaster]

Tell your boss to fuck off.

Well that approach would certainly fix the transport issue. He would have all day to ride his bike then!

[SMOKEU]

Well that approach would certainly fix the transport issue. He would have all day to ride his bike then!

That's exactly what I did. Now I do have all day to ride. Too bad I can't afford petrol though.

[Toaster]

That's exactly what I did. Now I do have all day to ride. Too bad I can't afford petrol though.

Well as long as BP can pay out tens of millions to a fired CEO......:sick:

[Suntoucher]

Just act all surprised, and exclaim in front of all the other workers, "You're getting me a company car! That's fantastic, thanks heaps. What kind is it?"

If he tries to back out, then loudly exclaim, "Wait, you want me to buy a car, with my money, for your use, in which I'm paying the insurance(that isn't valid for commercial purposes), petrol, on road costs and get no compensation like my motorcycle currently doesn't?"

[SMOKEU]

Well as long as BP can pay out tens of millions to a fired CEO......:sick:

The sad cunts at my old work only paid me about $700 when I quit.

[swbarnett]

I also have to visit clients for work. However, I've had no problem at all with the fact that I ride. (I don't even own a car any more and my boss sure as hell isn't about to supply one.) I've turned up to clients reception areas dripping wet still in full gear (including helmet) and had no problems. Usually they first assume I'm a courier but that soon changes.

Just ignore the prick and if they persist, get a better boss.

[swbarnett]

... appropriately dressed for meetings.
I've sat in meetings with clients in boots and overtrou with my dragon embalzened helmet sitting on the table and my jacket on the back tof the chair. Never had even the slightest hint of any objection.

[crazyhorse]

I have been riding my little GN125 for 2 months now and planning to change to a 250R once I pass my restricted license.
Just got this new job 2 weeks ago, last week, the boss told me that he prefer me to "drive a normal vehicle", because he thinks it is too dangerous to ride a bike and I have to go out and visit clients for my job.The boss don't want to take any responsibility if I have any accident during my working hours. Furthermore, I suppose to dress "professionally" when I visit the clients, not a motorcycle jacket. I feel really sad right now, I have been really enjoying riding for the last few months. But seems like I may have to switch back to car now. Will my riding life end like this?? before I even started.........:(

Hell no - its only just begun :yes: ok, so for the sake of your job, you need a car - but everyother time, get out there on your bike and enjoy it like the rest of us :niceone:

[rie]

regardless of what other people's experiences have been - their ability to sit through important meetings in bike gear or whatever - good for them, but it's going to boil down to the facts of the particular case if you end up disputing your boss' demands.

If I knew that I had to visit clients on behalf of the company when I got the job, I would not expect to do it on a bike. I think it's a reasonable expectation that you'd be well presented - and this INCLUDES the vehicle you turn up on. It reflects the company, and reflecting the company in the best light possible is your job. If a boss lets you visit clients on a bike, then it's sheer generosity on his/her part, not because you're entitled.

The whole "I'm worried you'll kill yourself on a motorbike" is just sugar coating the sheer reality that it's unprofessional and embarrassing that your employees are poorly presented.

...I don't get why it paints such a dramatic end to your riding either...I mean, was commuting really that irreplaceably awesome?

[raftn]

regardless of what other people's experiences have been - their ability to sit through important meetings in bike gear or whatever - good for them, but it's going to boil down to the facts of the particular case if you end up disputing your boss' demands.

If I knew that I had to visit clients on behalf of the company when I got the job, I would not expect to do it on a bike. I think it's a reasonable expectation that you'd be well presented - and this INCLUDES the vehicle you turn up on. It reflects the company, and reflecting the company in the best light possible is your job. If a boss lets you visit clients on a bike, then it's sheer generosity on his/her part, not because you're entitled.

The whole "I'm worried you'll kill yourself on a motorbike" is just sugar coating the sheer reality that it's unprofessional and embarrassing that your employees are poorly presented.

...I don't get why it paints such a dramatic end to your riding either...I mean, was commuting really that irreplaceably awesome?

I agree whole heartdly, I think you have summed it up pretty well. It is certainly not the end of riding that is for sure.

[Supermac Jr]

this INCLUDES the vehicle you turn up on. It reflects the company,

Agree, so make sure you bike is clean...:yes:

Haven't had any issues.

I make sure that I have enough time at my destination to put my tie on (I hate those thigngs)...

Taking the bike ensures that I'm never late... also reflects on company...

[Suntoucher]

regardless of what other people's experiences have been - their ability to sit through important meetings in bike gear or whatever - good for them, but it's going to boil down to the facts of the particular case if you end up disputing your boss' demands.

If I knew that I had to visit clients on behalf of the company when I got the job, I would not expect to do it on a bike. I think it's a reasonable expectation that you'd be well presented - and this INCLUDES the vehicle you turn up on. It reflects the company, and reflecting the company in the best light possible is your job. If a boss lets you visit clients on a bike, then it's sheer generosity on his/her part, not because you're entitled.

The whole "I'm worried you'll kill yourself on a motorbike" is just sugar coating the sheer reality that it's unprofessional and embarrassing that your employees are poorly presented.

...I don't get why it paints such a dramatic end to your riding either...I mean, was commuting really that irreplaceably awesome?

If vehicle image is that highly important, the employer will put money into it.

Basically it comes down to, either he sells his bike and buys a car, in which yes, his riding life is over. Else he spends several thousand dollars, plus wof, rego, petrol, parking, maintenance and insurance for a second vehicle out of his own pocket, for his employer's use, especially if he's riding outside of work and not using the car. Then no, his riding life isn't over, but people don't buy GN125's and worry about their job because they're oozing with cash.

Unless the employer is supplying him with a vehicle then he has no say as to the employees "private" vehicle when he uses it "privately" and unless that employer is paying for insurance, on road costs, petrol, per diems, lease of the vehicle during working hours etc whilst he's on the job, then his travel is private travel as opposed to a commercial vehicle that is at the employers disposal.

Put a top box on the back, keep a suit in it. Turn up to meetings etc in a suit. Else wear knee/elbow pads and a back brace under the suit with a screen to prevent bugs, don't even need to get changed.

If he caves and buys a car then from his employers point of view, it's cheaper to hire workers who will supply their own vehicles for the company to use than to buy a company car that leaves a positive image, plus you get free labour!

[auvicua]

Thanks for all the replies.:yes:

Seems like the best option for me is to pushing for a company car, at the mean time, keep on learning on my little bike and make more money to buy a 250R for leisure time use only.

On the other note, I don't know how many of you feel the same way. To me, by knowing I will ride my bike to work every morning, actually gives me more motivation to go to work and enjoy the day........... Really! I think it is such a depressing thing to drive a car and stuck in the traffic for 40 mints and spent 8 hours at work every freaking day for most of your life.
BTW, this is my first real job and for personal reason, I cannot afford to loss it.

[EJK]

I told ya. Drive a BMW 3 Series.

[swbarnett]

regardless of what other people's experiences have been - their ability to sit through important meetings in bike gear or whatever - good for them,
I know in my case it will have something to do with the fact that computer geeks are not expected to be shiny examples of victorian etiquette.

[swbarnett]

On the other note, I don't know how many of you feel the same way. To me, by knowing I will ride my bike to work every morning, actually gives me more motivation to go to work and enjoy the day........... Really! I think it is such a depressing thing to drive a car and stuck in the traffic for 40 mints and spent 8 hours at work every freaking day for most of your life.
I know exactly what you mean. I stopped riding for various reasons and spent the better part of ten years commuting by car in Auckland traffic. When I took the plunge and got back on a bike (motivated mostly by rising petrol prices) it was one hell of a shock to discover what I had been missing. My stress levels dropped dramatically and I found myself thinking "no day at work can be all bad if it starts and ends with a ride" (especilly now that I'm confident it my ability to make progress through traffic.

[Kato63]

What u use is your business but that said u need to realise there may be implications regarding your insurance. Most insurers will insist u use some sort of commercial type if u use your vehicle for work other than to and from work. Does your employer realise this, thats why companys cars are used

[Argyle]

Yeaa man, you should never go to clients with your own vehicle... You use you own vehicle to go to work and to go home.. Employers are really cheeky with this in New Zealand, expect people to use their own tools, cars etc...

The employer provides it's employees with everything unless they are contractors...

[rie]

If vehicle image is that highly important, the employer will put money into it.

Basically it comes down to, either he sells his bike and buys a car, in which yes, his riding life is over. Else he spends several thousand dollars, plus wof, rego, petrol, parking, maintenance and insurance for a second vehicle out of his own pocket, for his employer's use, especially if he's riding outside of work and not using the car. Then no, his riding life isn't over, but people don't buy GN125's and worry about their job because they're oozing with cash.

Unless the employer is supplying him with a vehicle then he has no say as to the employees "private" vehicle when he uses it "privately" and unless that employer is paying for insurance, on road costs, petrol, per diems, lease of the vehicle during working hours etc whilst he's on the job, then his travel is private travel as opposed to a commercial vehicle that is at the employers disposal.

Put a top box on the back, keep a suit in it. Turn up to meetings etc in a suit. Else wear knee/elbow pads and a back brace under the suit with a screen to prevent bugs, don't even need to get changed.

If he caves and buys a car then from his employers point of view, it's cheaper to hire workers who will supply their own vehicles for the company to use than to buy a company car that leaves a positive image, plus you get free labour!

i did caveat my response with the fact that it's dependent on the facts. if he had been in the job a while and one day the boss said "ok now you have to start seeing clients" - then yeah, the boss will probably have to provide the means to do it.

but if he turned up to his interview well presented, in a car (or bike gear not in sight) and when his employer asked him "do you have your own transport to see clients" and he just said "yes" without asking if a motorbike would be suitable, it's not reasonable to insist that the employer pay for his mistake. [i'm not suggesting this is what happened, it is just a scenario]. if something to that effect was how he got the job, and he went into it knowing that he had to see clients, he is the author of his own misfortunes.

[BoristheBiter]

Can someone please find where in insurances is says you can't drive your vehicle around during work time as IMHO you are all talking out your arse's as i have just been thorugh mine to double check nowhere does it say it can't be used for work.
The only time you need different is when you are hiring out your vehicle or using for reward other than that its normal insurance.

As for the boss, depending on what was said when you got the job i would tell him to provide a car for during work time. Think about the extra Kms your puting on your bike.

[Suntoucher]

Can someone please find where in insurances is says you can't drive your vehicle around during work time as IMHO you are all talking out your arse's as i have just been thorugh mine to double check nowhere does it say it can't be used for work.
The only time you need different is when you are hiring out your vehicle or using for reward other than that its normal insurance.

As for the boss, depending on what was said when you got the job i would tell him to provide a car for during work time. Think about the extra Kms your puting on your bike.


Use of the vehicle
This policy only applies when the vehicle is being used:
1. for private, domestic, social or pleasure purposes (including
community work), or
2. in connection with a business, profession or occupation, as
long as the person using the vehicle is not using it in their
capacity as a:
(a) salesperson, commission agent, service person or
commercial traveller, or
(b) insurance representative, insurance agent or insurance
broker, or
(c) land or real estate agent, or
(d) mortgage broker or mobile mortgage manager, or
(e) stock or station agent, or
(f) courier driver, delivery person or taxi


See above, Third Party, Fire and Theft being the most common.
Page 7
http://www.state.co.nz/Documents/Huon%20wordings/SI1052Car%20TPFT.pdf

[BoristheBiter]

See above, Third Party, Fire and Theft being the most common.
Page 7
http://www.state.co.nz/Documents/Huon%20wordings/SI1052Car%20TPFT.pdf

thanks for that but i guess as i have full comp thats why i couldn't find it.
It still says it can be used for work.
What is the OP job anyway?

[Gibbo89]

with alll the talk about insurance etc of your bike going to see clients etc...

push for a work gn125! win win?

[Suntoucher]

with alll the talk about insurance etc of your bike going to see clients etc...

push for a work gn125! win win?

Heh, didn't read the thread. The motorcycle is the problem, rather than the employer providing it(although that in its own right is a problem).

[_Shrek_]

I mean, was commuting really that irreplaceably awesome?

well I did, I use to do around 1500 k's a week, so yes it was awesome :Punk:

I meet with client's & went to meetings on my bike, I did this for a year no matter what the weather was, & found it a good ice breaker & in some cases it gave me an edge & not one of the people that I meet with had a problem with me showing up on a bike

[dmc]

thanks for that but i guess as i have full comp thats why i couldn't find it.
It still says it can be used for work.
What is the OP job anyway?

Private car insurance covers you for traveling to a job in some cases but it depends on what the position is as at the end of the day its "private" insurance, because I'm in sales I have to have business insurance so I would suggest you check very carefully which policy you have and what it covers as insurance companies are happy to take your money but not so much on giving it back if there is a reason not to.
Before anyone says they can't afford business insurance I will say that I saved money changing from private to business, I lost roadside support and a slightly higher excess but having a claim rejected would be far more painful.

As for the original poster you haven't said yet if you're being paid to use your vehicle for work use or not and what the expectation of your boss is of the need for a car, I would suggest if you need to job and expect to be there awhile you need to consider whats best for your future with the company, if you need a car and are reimbursed for it then get a car.
As for the stick it to the boss approach of some I can tell you having an employer who values your contribution makes your passion for motorcycles a hell of a lot easier to finance in the long run.

[dmc]

Also on comprehensive not stating no business this is from the purpose of use for private comprehensive at State, I would expect every other NZ insurance would have almost identical terms. Just make sure you are covered as it will suck to find out you're not when you need.

As you will note they pretty much rule out all of business use below.

Use of the vehicle
This policy only applies when the vehicle is being used:
1. for private, domestic, social or pleasure purposes (including
community work), or
2. in connection with a business, profession or occupation, as
long as the person using the vehicle is not using it in their capacity as a:
(a) salesperson, commission agent, service person or
commercial traveller, or
(b) insurance representative, insurance agent or insurance
broker, or
(c) land or real estate agent, or
(d) mortgage broker or mobile mortgage manager, or
(e) stock or station agent, or
(f) courier driver, delivery person or taxi driver, or
(g) member of a motor trade.

You’re not covered when the vehicle is being used:
1. to carry fare-paying passengers (except when car pooling or
car sharing) or for hire, or
2. to carry, haul or tow any goods, plant, machinery or
samples in connection with any trade or business other
than farming, or
3. to practice for or take part in any race, rally, pace-making,
reliability trial or speed test, or
4. on any racetrack.

[Pegasus]

Can someone please find where in insurances is says you can't drive your vehicle around during work time as IMHO you are all talking out your arse's as i have just been thorugh mine to double check nowhere does it say it can't be used for work.
The only time you need different is when you are hiring out your vehicle or using for reward other than that its normal insurance.

As for the boss, depending on what was said when you got the job i would tell him to provide a car for during work time. Think about the extra Kms your puting on your bike.

A "Private Motor Vehicle Policy" is just that. For Private Use. You will usually find that in the Title of the policy. You will also find in the exclusions "for reward" that is another word for wages.

If you want to use your vehicle for any Business use, get it in writing from the insurer that they are ok with covering you for the specific situation.

Over Christmas when out office is open, our mail does not get delivered or collected. I have an email saved giving me permission to call in at the post office with work mail, on my way home from work (just around the corner from my house).

I for one do not want to find out after a claim, that I was not covered, because of the reason for using my vehicle at the time of an accident.

[Berries]

What is the OP job anyway?
Courier driver.

[BoristheBiter]

Ok i get all that but when i have had a crash in the cage (there have been few) not once was i asked about why or how i was using it. more worried about speeding tickets.
So unless they ask there is no problem and i doubt that they would even think someone would use a bike for work, unless you are a postie.

[BoristheBiter]

Courier driver.

then what is he complaining about.