Ive been riding for just over 6 months and heres what ive picked up...
Older bikes can cost alot if they have not been upkept
my gsxr250 is a hell of alot cheaper on petrol than my 99 galant
fluro on your gear is a good idea (a friend could see me almost a k away)
I always am more aware on the bike keep a better following distance etc
Visability on the bike is alot better than a car
The bike slows down alot faster than a car (in General)
If you need storage I think its the suzuki Across which has storage where the tank is which i belive can hold a box of beer
Hi mate, sounds like you should hang out with the SMC (scooter motorcycle club) its based at auckland uni - but you don't need to go to AU. We are a group of mid 20+ yr olds and get on the piss every friday, have people who can work on bikes, have someone who can sort ur licence out etc - a really cool low stress group of people. We don't actually go on many rides tho.
1. Yes motorcycling is dangerous. You will crash and get hurt. If you are smart you'll buy good quality gear and have the right mindset that will prevent 90% of accidents. The midset is this (this is my personal opinion) Cars cannot see you. You should ride and think that you're invisable. Expect if there is a place a car can go, it will go there.
Riding at 100kph staying still wrapped up in a high visability jacket is what a lot of people consider safe, but this contradics the number 1 law of motorcyle safty - cars cannot see you. Stay away from cars and you wont get hit. I ride agressivly - the cars can't see me so I get away from them quickly. You will find your own philosophy on this after time.
2. Its hard to say which is cheaper, a good set of gear is a big cost - $1-2000 - Do not skimp on this, buy quality once rather than shit gear twice. Don't rush into buying gear, research and try on alot of gear. Make sure it is good quality and fits tight. Helemets should squish your cheeks in, Leather is best, codura is still a good option. Draggin jeans are SHIT. CE approved armour is a MUST - Trust me.
Bike rego costs are higher than a cars, tyres are more expensive and wear out quicker (bike / tyre dependant - some a cheaper and last longer)
However fuel consumption is better than a car. This is an ongoing cost saving so you can save a bit of money esp if you commute a reasonable distance.
you may find you want to ride your bike a stack load more becuase its way more fun. Then costs obviously increase.
I hope this gives you fair understanding of all the costs invovled.
Then I could get a Kb Tshirt, move to Timaru and become a full time crossdressing faggot
Who's hacked renegade masters account?![]()
+1 Good advise but I dont think everyone on a motorcycle has had or will have a crash... In saying that my only crash so far was about 10 years ago on a dirt bike standing on the seat riding down a walking track and I hit a small rock. So all my fault being a silly bugger but got back up and quickly caught up to my mates who were having a good laugh at me...
Crashing a bike is not a forgone conclusion. But a a straight comparison on safety between car and bike, the bike loses badly.
You can swing that back in your favour however, by being safer yourself.
Bikes are cheaper to commute on, if you put appropriate tyres on, learn to keep a decent chain tensioned and lubed, and garage the beast at both ends of the trip.
Learning to ride is a funny old thing. Only times I've taught people, I get them taking off, stopping, and changing gears. Then I leave them to it in wide spaces. Don't need anyone else learning my bad habits, and always kinda thought it was a bit arrogant to say that my way is the right way.
My advice, go learn to ride, you'll love it or hate it.
Oh yeah, and for the love of god be careful what you ask on this fuckin site. We are all morons who should spend much more time on the bike than we do here.
Bearing in mind the more people riding bikes the better IMHO, my 10cent worth as follows.
If your intentions are for efficient, cheap commuting then a bike or larger capacity scooter can do that for you.
Bikes up to 250cc are fine for the job but you need to think about what you need to carry, so you may factor in the cost of some form of luggage. A scooter will have good storage anyway & as a generalisation require less maintenance & offer better weather protection but don't look as cool, as if that matters.
Consumables are higher on a bike, tires, chains, sprockets, servicing etc their is always something looming. Basic mechanical skills, tools, a manual & a forum like this can get you started with the basic stuff which saves $$$$$
ATGATT's safety aspect has been, ahem, mentioned but you need to think comfortable, warm & weather proof too. A cheap waterproof over suit, though lacking in erotic appeal will cover good but leaky safety gear just fine.
Safety, hmmm. Falling off always hurts but if you are a reasonable driver anyway & think about the daily hazards you face then building your skills on a bike is not a daunting task. Your in the same environment. Best way is tuition, using what you learn & never stop thinking. A good rider has an astonishing level of skills & ability, gained through time & a positive attitude to the road & riding. You start with small steps & your confidence, control & ability develops with time but you have to apply yourself. Bikes are not for those whose mind is usually elsewhere.
I guess a bike or scoot will be slightly cheaper than a small car overall if you do your own basic maintenance ( which you should ) but the initial out lay is steep. Need to think about parking & security too.
Ponder the bigger picture & if two wheels fit, go for it. Who knows where it may take you.
Thanks, guys. Really appriciate the serious, non-sarcastic advice most of you have given me.
I have many reasons why I'm keen on getting into motorcycling. One of them is quicker, efficient commute (I don't carry much to office). Secondly, I'm keen on learning something new and different - learning to ride a motorcycle is quite a skill so it will keep me busy. Plus it's cool (don't tell me it's not a valid reason!!!)
A lot of you guys mentioned proper gear - I didn't realise good ones cost around 2k.. so that's something I need to factor in aswell.
I need to think a little bit about affordability etc. that's something I'll do on the weekend. Plus need to convince the missus
Cheers for your posts.
I got what I thought was good gear and you dont need to spend that much, I spent about 350 on jacket about 200 on pants 190 for helmet, 45 for boots and 90 on gloves, try stuff on especially helmets then look for deals I tried on alot of expensive helmets but the one I got felt better than alot of the expensive ones. Got the jacket on special same with the pants and got second hand boots that had barely been worn. so for me my gear cost just under $1000.... oh and on your gear make sure there are lots of vents... and removable liners cause they get bloody hot on a good day
For value for money protection, I don't think you can go past Quasi's Black Rock gear. $595 for a leather jacket and pants that zip together is pretty awesome. The specs are up there with high end gear with triple stitched seams, A grade leather etc
Hamiltron is just down the road from Aux. You can come down and try on stuff so you know everything is going to be the perfect fit for you
Check out here http://www.qmoto.co.nz/products/new-...k-rock-jackets
As for the missus, I'm sure she'll think you're even hotter when on a bike and as for the weekend riding, it'll probably start like that but you'll probably find yourself choosing to take the bike during the week when you can too![]()
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