Need advice in regards to licencing, bikes, gear, and riding in general.

[herpaderpa]

I'm a college student, 16, I live in Taupo and I'm needing a form of transport that I can use to get to work, school etc, I'd very much prefer to be self-sufficient instead of relying on my parents haha.

I've had a few months to think about it and a motorcycle really fits my needs best at the moment, the low fuel costs, cheaper maintenance than a car, better value for money and so fourth, but I have some questions I'd prefer to have answered by people who are actually experienced.


1- What do you guys think in regards to getting a motorcycle licence before going for a car licence
Everyone tells me that you should get a car because it's safer to learn in, I imagine this is true but everyone who I have heard this from has never actually ridden a motorcycle. What is you guys opinion on this? In terms of experience of being on the road, I commute almost daily on a bike to-from school and town, that's about it...


2- What are the chances of actually being involved in a serious crash?
This is probably my biggest doubt about getting my motorcycle licence. My brother who used a motorcycle (KTM Duke 660) to commute daily whilst living in Sydney for 3 years, brought up the point that almost every experienced motorcyclist will have had a serious crash. This is the main part of getting a motorcycle that worries me. I'm not afraid of breaking bones, I've done downhill mountain biking for 3 years now, I have got multiple concussions etc, it's that even if I t-boned at slight speed I can get my leg crushed into pieces and never walk again...
In short - How many of you have been in serious crashes? If so, what could have avoided it?


3-What are good learner bikes, and gear brands?
What bikes would you guys recommend for a learners? I'm 6ft 2 and 68kg. Would it be worth waiting for the new P/W ratio requirements to come in and get a bigger cc bike? Or would I be better off getting something like a VTR250 now and saving time? Ideally I'd like a supermoto bike as they seem like much more fun, but supermoto's seem to be a bit out of my price range (Wanting to spend 4K or under).
Also, how much should I expect to pay for a helmet, jacket, pants and gloves? What brands are good?



Sorry if my wording is bad in places, I've been since really early in the morning and have been meaning to do this for a while haha.

Thanks in advance .

[sinfull]

1/ answer pretty obvious in a motorcycle thread , plus ya do the BHS certificate and ya learners and you're mobile, car will take you 6 months or more

2/ up to you, if ya believe ya will ya probably will (there are some out there on two wheels who should not be mind you)

3/ Search is your friend !

[Akzle]

...I'd very much prefer to be self-sufficient instead of relying on my parents haha.

...cheaper maintenance than a car, better value for money and so fourth, but I have some questions I'd prefer to have answered by people who are actually experienced.


...1- What do you guys think in regards to getting a motorcycle licence before going for a car licence

...2- What are the chances of actually being involved in a serious crash?

3-What are good learner bikes, and gear brands?

pre-1 - good on you. shit i hope my kids are like that.

pre-1-2 - not neccessarily, but way cooler than a car. (and do NOT count on KB for advice or experience!!)

1 - get a motorbike license INSTEAD of a car license. (if you're that way inclined.) the planet thanks you in advance. i can't remember the last license i applied for. but had a 6l fairly early on. (had a half dozen cars before i had a 1L...)

2 - fifty fifty any given day.
taupo commuting probably not too bad. the biggest factor is how YOU ride. ride like a dick and you'll get maimed like a dick. confidence and awareness is key.

3- search. topic has been done to death.

[herpaderpa]

pre-1 - good on you. shit i hope my kids are like that.

pre-1-2 - not neccessarily, but way cooler than a car. (and do NOT count on KB for advice or experience!!)

1 - get a motorbike license INSTEAD of a car license. (if you're that way inclined.) the planet thanks you in advance. i can't remember the last license i applied for. but had a 6l fairly early on. (had a half dozen cars before i had a 1L...)

2 - fifty fifty any given day.
taupo commuting probably not too bad. the biggest factor is how YOU ride. ride like a dick and you'll get maimed like a dick. confidence and awareness is key.

3- search. topic has been done to death.
Thanks for the advice, my apologies I didn't really think question 3 through properly haha.

In regards to the cheaper maintenance part, is a motorbike not that much cheaper?
Your answer to number 2 is what I try to bring up every time someone says motorbikes are extremely unsafe. I'm having a fair bit of trouble convincing my parents that motorcycles are better than a car for me... They are under the impression that scooters are safer than motorbikes, even after I showed them the statistics that 50cc scooters are much less safe than a motorcycle, I imagine it's the fact that scooters usually can't do 80km/h that gives people the impression they are safer than a motorbike ...

[hayd3n]

Thanks for the advice, my apologies I didn't really think question 3 through properly haha.

In regards to the cheaper maintenance part, is a motorbike not that much cheaper?
Your answer to number 2 is what I try to bring up every time someone says motorbikes are extremely unsafe. I'm having a fair bit of trouble convincing my parents that motorcycles are better than a car for me... They are under the impression that scooters are safer than motorbikes, even after I showed them the statistics that 50cc scooters are much less safe than a motorcycle, I imagine it's the fact that scooters usually can't do 80km/h that gives people the impression they are safer than a motorbike ...

im not religious but its fitting

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness!!!!

if its your money do as you like
motorbike = freedom
car = driving your friends around everywhere,

[FJRider]

Get a car licence ... and get a scooter to ride on your car licence. Cheaper to buy and run. Get a motorcycle when you earn enough to buy a decent one (Look up Katman ... he lives in Taupo)

A serious accident is always "likely" in, or on ... any manner of vehicle you are in control of.

The subject of good learner bikes has been done to death as already stated. You have to figure out which (car/bike) option you choose first.

[riffer]

1- What do you guys think in regards to getting a motorcycle licence before going for a car licence
My parents always pushed me to do car and bike at the same time, and so I did BHS and theory for both on the same day, and got car and bike licence. Then I was thrown onto a bike and told you can get a car once you've proved that you are safe on the bike. I'm 45 now, so it was a while ago (30 years).

I'm telling my kids the same things. They will start with a bike. With the notable exception of my daughter, who my ex-wife won't allow to ride. I hope she gets a biker boyfriend and pays her back big time.


2- What are the chances of actually being involved in a serious crash?
I have no idea. How stupid are you? Chances are, if you're a fast learner, don't ride like an idiot and have a healthy respect for yourself and your limitations, you will avoid a serious crash. I've never had a serious crash in 33 years of riding. Had a few crashes, but never spent more than ten hours in the hospital.


3-What are good learner bikes, and gear brands?
You're light enough that you won't hassle any bike. With the LAMS scheme opening up, the sky's almost the limit. Here's a link to the list of bikes you'll be able to ride as at 1 October. For mine, the Hysoung GT650 (unfaired model) would be brilliant. Very much like the SV650, which isn't LAMS legal. Heaps of grunt for a learner, full sized, yet no surprises in the power and handling.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/approved-motorcycles.html#overview

Good luck. I hope you decide to take up motorcycling. We need more young fellers getting on bikes.

[Akzle]

Thanks for the advice, my apologies I didn't really think question 3 through properly haha.

In regards to the cheaper maintenance part, is a motorbike not that much cheaper?
Your answer to number 2 is what I try to bring up every time someone says motorbikes are extremely unsafe. I'm having a fair bit of trouble convincing my parents that motorcycles are better than a car for me... They are under the impression that scooters are safer than motorbikes, even after I showed them the statistics that 50cc scooters are much less safe than a motorcycle, I imagine it's the fact that scooters usually can't do 80km/h that gives people the impression they are safer than a motorbike ...

depends on what bike you get and how much it needs, typically bikes WILL be cheaper if you get a good un an' look after em good.

parent's don't like motorbikes (even parents who had motorbikes) because they know what kids do with 100 ponies under their ass. (some kind of pun)

speed does not kill and any ignorant fucker that sais speed is dangerous is liable to have whatever i'm holding thrown at them slowly to prove my point.

in terms of convincing your parents: do everything "right": get your handlers ticket, sit your licence, go for a small-average bike to allay their fears, get them involved, discuss it with em, get them to come gear shopping with you so they see just how expensive the plastic that stops your head hitting the pavement is... how much kevlar you're wrapping up in.
(you should be looking at spending at least as much on your gear as your first bike - unless you're rich)
sounds like you've done everything fairly level-headed with em so keep that up.

better yet, convince the old man to buy a bike too!
but whatever you do, do NOT show them KB. if they see the kind of people that hang out 'round here you won't be allowed a bike until you're 90.

[YellowDog]

Very easy to answer: If you don't want to be just another moron on the road. If you want to learn great road skills and have the future ability to avoid accidents by using your head, regardless of vehicle type, and enjoy using the open road: More than 90% of cars will make that very difficult for you.

Get a motorcycle - If you want to live!

[mossy1200]

Chance of crash is proportional to risks taken, lack of awareness and luck. Reduce risks and increase awareness and the risk drops alot. Taupo area traffic isnt that bad.

If the bike duty is transport then get a gn125 for your area due to mostly flat 50kph riding. Even a scooter will get you around.

If weekend fun and longer rides then a good 250 twin or single is a good start.

If you think you want to go fast and carve up the corners on the back roads. Buy a car and dont touch bikes till your ready to be mature about bikes perhaps.

[ProTuned]

Firstly, about time I registered to this site, been visiting the forums on a regular basis. :Punk:

OK, now to your question, bikes are cheaper when it comes to running costs such as fuel and parking (well in Auckland anyways), but gear(helmets, jackets,etc.), certain accessories and parts, servicing,registration are all pretty much more expensive than cars I reckon. It all cancels out with the amount of fun and freedom that comes with a bike. Insurance isnt too bad either. (In my case, about $6-$7 a week- full cover)

Keep in mind, the costs do depend on the bike; more common and simple bikes will obviously be cheaper to maintain and get parts for than "grey imports" like mine. Same goes for cars.

They aren't that dangerous, as long as you start with something small and move up as your skill and confidence increases. The main thing I reckon is to ride defensively as said in countless amount of threads on here. (ride like you are invisible)

I would choose my bike over a car any day, cars just don't hit that spot for me:done:

[herpaderpa]

Thanks again for the advice guys. Even from commuting on a mountain bike you get a vague idea of how amazingly idiotic and blind allot of drivers are.
I think I've decided on a VTR250, they seem to be quite reliable, cheap on gas and easy to learn on.


There's no chance in hell I'd go near a scooter though, something about a sowing machine engine with 2 inch wide tires and North Korean build quality doesn't seem very safe...

[cheshirecat]

Think there was a thread re accidents among older riders a while ago and the stats were quite good. As said above much depends on road sense. I've been riding for some 40 years and after a the early years of the usual formulative stupidity seem to be doing OK. One headon way back in the 70s with both doing 70/80mph and survived with no broken bones and in hind sight being on a bike saved my bacon. Touching wood, nothing over 5kph since though ride well within my envelope these days and not in groups.

In short get a mentor and or a sensible group to help you thru the essential tricks of the trade.
Most serious accidents are due to too much speed/taking a risk and relying on being seen by others.

VTR seems a good bet and know a couple of riders very happy with them.

[GrayWolf]

I'm a college student, 16, I live in Taupo and I'm needing a form of transport that I can use to get to work, school etc, I'd very much prefer to be self-sufficient instead of relying on my parents haha.

Good on you, too many these days like to live at home, pay 'mummy/daddy' $50 for keep, then go out and buy the 'rex' etc, party hard and have no real idea of the actual cost of living

I've had a few months to think about it and a motorcycle really fits my needs best at the moment, the low fuel costs, cheaper maintenance than a car, better value for money and so fourth, but I have some questions I'd prefer to have answered by people who are actually experienced.

Yes low fuel costs, but not much cheaper for maintenance (depending on the amount of cylinders). Most shops have a standard charge for a service, also depends on the type of service (A/B/C service) This varies from a basic oil/filter change and a check over, to a full tune/oil/grease/inspection/replace plugs, air filter etc etc. A single cylinder is about half the price to service compared to a 4cyl. This also puts you into deciding what type of bike you really want? Flash, fast, look cool? Or basic, easy to 'learn how' for basic mechanics. Basic bikes,GN250, Scorpio 225, SR250,,, singles, slow, easy to ride and fairly resistant to being thrown down the road,, (GN/Scorpio) there are thousands around, so plenty of S/hand parts in breakers.
Also take into ACCOUNT, the LAMS law comes into effect later this year (few months) and you can purchase up to a 660cc bike with a set power limit. Often bikes like a Suzuki DR650 are no more powerful than a 4cyl 250, but have the advantage of being lower revving, and; less likely to have been owned by a selection of previous 'young' learners who have thrashed the arse off it day in day out for years.
2 cyl V or parallel twin, are generally a bit more powerful, and still reasonable to service. 4cyl, quickest, most powerful but the most expensive to run and service. I think my local dealer's 4 cyl charge (same amount of work involved be it a 250 or a 1000cc) is around $600 for a major service (parts+labour) thats without any 'extra's' that need doing on inspection.
Honda VT250, hyosung, kawasaki GPZ/ZZR 250. are all common learner bikes.



1- What do you guys think in regards to getting a motorcycle licence before going for a car licence
Everyone tells me that you should get a car because it's safer to learn in, I imagine this is true but everyone who I have heard this from has never actually ridden a motorcycle. What is you guys opinion on this? In terms of experience of being on the road, I commute almost daily on a bike to-from school and town, that's about it...

I didnt take my car licence till 25yrs old. yes a car is more forgiving of a stuff up, and that's why I would strongly suggest as others have, get training... and go out with a 'Mentor' who is respected for his riding ability by 'sensible riders' not one who is either a legend in his own coffee break, or is regarded as the most 'hard out' rider anyone knows. Someone mentioned katman from here (KB) he does have a unique style of delivering his message about rider safety, but a lot of peole here have great regard for his actual riding ability,,, So a good guy to look up and chat to.
Accidents? can and do happen, but it isnt pre ordained... I just recently had a spill at under 30kph, and have ridden for 30 odd years, it can happen and probably 75% of the time inattention, distraction is a contributing factor to M/cycle 'offs'. Like a car the throttle does not have just 2 positions..off and fully open, learn this quickly and you are well on the way to riding safely.


2- What are the chances of actually being involved in a serious crash?
This is probably my biggest doubt about getting my motorcycle licence. My brother who used a motorcycle (KTM Duke 660) to commute daily whilst living in Sydney for 3 years, brought up the point that almost every experienced motorcyclist will have had a serious crash. This is the main part of getting a motorcycle that worries me. I'm not afraid of breaking bones, I've done downhill mountain biking for 3 years now, I have got multiple concussions etc, it's that even if I t-boned at slight speed I can get my leg crushed into pieces and never walk again...
In short - How many of you have been in serious crashes? If so, what could have avoided it?

there is a chance of accident on any vehicle, experience gives us an ability to see situations and think, oh oh seen this before, and start to allow fo a possible incident/bad behaviour and take pro active action, rather than 'respond' to it. Often we (bikers) put ourselves in 'harms way' by trying to ride beyond our limits, or, beyond a safe speed/road position.. If we were all (THAT FUCKING GOOD) the world would be populated with guys all called Valentino Rossi, not 'wannabe rossi'.

3-What are good learner bikes, and gear brands?
What bikes would you guys recommend for a learners? I'm 6ft 2 and 68kg. Would it be worth waiting for the new P/W ratio requirements to come in and get a bigger cc bike? Or would I be better off getting something like a VTR250 now and saving time? Ideally I'd like a supermoto bike as they seem like much more fun, but supermoto's seem to be a bit out of my price range (Wanting to spend 4K or under).
Also, how much should I expect to pay for a helmet, jacket, pants and gloves? What brands are good?

Gave a few indicators above, but if you can hold off till the LAMS approved bikes are legal (or buy one now and wait the few months) You can get bigger than a 250 for the same amount of money. Popular 250's retain a high resale value at present because of the learner law, often 'commanding' the same price as big capacity bikes of the same year. In some ways a 400cc plus bike will be easier to learn on, less revvy, better spread of torque/power, likely to even be a little slower in many cases. BIkes like the DR650, XT600/660, GB500, Freewind are all eligible under LAMS, go have a serious look at them now, they are bikes that will 'live with you' beyond getting a full licence.
Gear? helmets are a critical bit, everything has to pass a MINIMUM safety standard, get that a MINIMUM. Some are overpriced because of popularity or 'special graphics/paint job'. Look on trademe and contact places like cycletreads or your local dealers, often there are good helmets on a special, run-outs/old model etc. For gear? again trademe can be your friend, however cheap jackets (sub $200) always have a budget restriction. read the 'gear thread' in KB, there are certain well known brands of quality, and yes sometimes 'cheaper stuff that IS GOOD. However' caveat emptor... there's a reason a quality jacket costs over $500. Research on the net/here.. and make your choice.



Sorry if my wording is bad in places, I've been since really early in the morning and have been meaning to do this for a while haha.

Thanks in advance .

Apart from, welcome to KB.. enjoy, and take 60% (minimum) of what goes on here with a pinch of salt,, we have keyboard warriors, blunt, loud, idiots, (no, morons actually), as well as those who do give sound advice.. some even give sound advice wrapped up in a large pile of crap, you just have to sift for it... :sweatdrop

[duckonin]

I'm a college student, 16, I live in Taupo and I'm needing a form of transport that I can use to get to work, school etc, I'd very much prefer to be self-sufficient instead of relying on my parents haha.

I've had a few months to think about it and a motorcycle really fits my needs best at the moment, the low fuel costs, cheaper maintenance than a car, better value for money and so fourth, but I have some questions I'd prefer to have answered by people who are actually experienced.


1- What do you guys think in regards to getting a motorcycle licence before going for a car licence
Everyone tells me that you should get a car because it's safer to learn in, I imagine this is true but everyone who I have heard this from has never actually ridden a motorcycle. What is you guys opinion on this? In terms of experience of being on the road, I commute almost daily on a bike to-from school and town, that's about it...


2- What are the chances of actually being involved in a serious crash?
This is probably my biggest doubt about getting my motorcycle licence. My brother who used a motorcycle (KTM Duke 660) to commute daily whilst living in Sydney for 3 years, brought up the point that almost every experienced motorcyclist will have had a serious crash. This is the main part of getting a motorcycle that worries me. I'm not afraid of breaking bones, I've done downhill mountain biking for 3 years now, I have got multiple concussions etc, it's that even if I t-boned at slight speed I can get my leg crushed into pieces and never walk again...
In short - How many of you have been in serious crashes? If so, what could have avoided it?


3-What are good learner bikes, and gear brands?
What bikes would you guys recommend for a learners? I'm 6ft 2 and 68kg. Would it be worth waiting for the new P/W ratio requirements to come in and get a bigger cc bike? Or would I be better off getting something like a VTR250 now and saving time? Ideally I'd like a supermoto bike as they seem like much more fun, but supermoto's seem to be a bit out of my price range (Wanting to spend 4K or under).
Also, how much should I expect to pay for a helmet, jacket, pants and gloves? What brands are good?



Sorry if my wording is bad in places, I've been since really early in the morning and have been meaning to do this for a while haha.

Thanks in advance .

Send katman a pm, he is in taupo. Would give you some good advice :yes:

[caseye]

For the third time, Go see Katman,I'll send him a pm for ya as you can't do that just yet and I'm sure he'll be along shortly.

pm sent, stand by for incoming.

[ducatilover]

The VTR250 is an excellent choice, before you go balls deep on that matter, try a few things out for size.
I'd try the Hornet 250, Bandit 250 and whatever else tickles your fancy.

I know of a Bandit you can have for a good price (Delivery could be worked out too)

As for good gear, use the search function.

[oneofsix]

and for the forth time, talk to Katman. I think you might even find him at your local Suzuki shop, I also think he is a mentor. His attitude to safe bike riding is probably just what your parents want but don't tell him I recommended him, I sometimes find him a bit OTT :shifty:

[Old Steve]

Don't underestimate the cost of running a bike. On top of the cost of the bike is the cost of good gear - there are $75 helmets around but they're only for $75 heads. Then there's the cost of a jacket, boots and gloves, etc.

Then there's registration, which is loaded up with ACC fees. There's maintenance, bike tires don't last as long as a car's tires do, you change the oil on a bike more often - there's less of it so it's under greater thermal stress, and you need to check and lube your chain too.

[ducatilover]

Don't underestimate the cost of running a bike. On top of the cost of the bike is the cost of good gear - there are $75 helmets around but they're only for $75 heads. Then there's the cost of a jacket, boots and gloves, etc.

Then there's registration, which is loaded up with ACC fees. There's maintenance, bike tires don't last as long as a car's tires do, you change the oil on a bike more often - there's less of it so it's under greater thermal stress, and you need to check and lube your chain too.

More regular valve inspections, cam chain replacements.
Fork seals/shock seals
Brake discs/pad more often than a car
Speeding tickets and being covered in women can happen too, if you're cool like me

My ZX6 costs more to run by a heap than my dad's Corolla.
Which would I rather be on/in? ummm

[Fast Eddie]

I'm a college student, 16, I live in Taupo .

meaan! i grew up in Taupo, went to Tauhara college aye.. where u at? hope not nui a tia haha

car/bike too different, just cause u learn to drive a car first doesnt make learning to ride bike any easier.. might help getting comfy with traffic and the rules tho but meh. get into it.

crashes? pretty likely haha.. just don't think about it. you should be alright.

buy something that chicks dig.. best advice ever

[Fast Eddie]

before you go balls deep on that matter, try a few things out for size.


when did we start talkin bout anal?

[ducatilover]

when did we start talkin bout anal?

When did we stop?

[rastuscat]

Get a bike Licence first. It'll make you a better car driver.

[FJRider]

Don't underestimate the cost of running a bike. On top of the cost of the bike is the cost of good gear - there are $75 helmets around but they're only for $75 heads. Then there's the cost of a jacket, boots and gloves, etc.



Thats why he needs a scooter.

A $5 helmet is the norm.
If it's not raining ... jandals are fine.
A Swandri or hoody is fine.
His gran will knit him some nice gloves.

Shit ... if the mood takes him, I've seen some riders wearing a skirt ...

And thats wearing GOOD gear ...

[Akzle]

meaan! i grew up in Taupo, went to Tauhara college aye.. where u at? hope not nui a tia haha

car/bike too different, just cause u learn ...

mod question:

can we execute people who use "u" in place of english?

[Katman]

mod question:

can we execute people who use "u" in place of english?

Is your shift key broke?

[FJRider]

mod question:

can we execute people who use "u" in place of english?

You just did ... I vote YES .... <_<

[Akzle]

Is your shift key broke?

*broken (I am broke though. taking donations.)
to answer your question:
No BuT tHaNkS fOr AsKiNg

[herpaderpa]

Bit of a late update, but after many months of delay and procrastination....

I've got my car leaner licence, I've done about 50 hours so far so enough to get a hang of give way rules etc etc.


And tomorrow (31st December) I'm going to go pick up a mint condition KLX 250 supermoto bike I've bought (if it's mechanically sound). I'll get onto learning to ride and hopefully will be going for my tests sometime in January.


Thanks very much for the help and I hope to be an active contributor to the forum as of today :niceone: