Page 2 of 4 FirstFirst 1234 LastLast
Results 16 to 30 of 46

Thread: A few questions about motorcycling?

  1. #16
    Join Date
    21st December 2005 - 23:41
    Bike
    HONDA EXPRESS
    Location
    forest brightly feathered
    Posts
    6,457
    Quote Originally Posted by steve_t View Post
    I don't believe dropping the bike is an inevitability
    + 1

    www.PhotoRecall.co.nz

  2. #17
    Join Date
    19th July 2007 - 20:05
    Bike
    750 auw
    Location
    Mianus
    Posts
    2,247
    Quote Originally Posted by patarch View Post
    spent 1500 on gear because i know i will eventually have an accident and want to be prepared for it.
    Quote Originally Posted by patarch View Post
    well lets hope its not serious. And better to be prepared than surprised and missing a leg.
    Wrong attitude sorry mate - good gear is insurance, not a panacea. Plenty of riders have lost limbs or died while wearing appropriate gear.

  3. #18
    Join Date
    12th June 2010 - 17:12
    Bike
    1990 GSX-R250
    Location
    Taupo
    Posts
    155
    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

  4. #19
    Join Date
    3rd October 2004 - 17:35
    Posts
    6,390
    Quote Originally Posted by AshNZ View Post
    I'm in my mid 20s and I've been thinking about replacing my car with a motorcycle as usual vehicle for daily commute. However, I have few questions -

    - Fear/safety on road is my biggest concern - and thoughts on that? How much more dangerous is it to drive a bike compared to, say driving a car? Is it reasonable to assume that you will get hurt sometime?

    - What are the costs of running a motorcycle compared to cars? Is it cheaper to motorcycle or a car (taking all costs into consideration)?

    It's also worth mentioning that I have never ridden a motorcycle before (except for small scooter). Any advice welcome!
    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

  5. #20
    Join Date
    19th July 2007 - 20:05
    Bike
    750 auw
    Location
    Mianus
    Posts
    2,247
    Who's hacked renegade masters account?

  6. #21
    Join Date
    12th June 2010 - 17:12
    Bike
    1990 GSX-R250
    Location
    Taupo
    Posts
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by renegade master View Post
    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.
    +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...

  7. #22
    Join Date
    5th April 2004 - 20:04
    Bike
    Exxon Valdez
    Location
    wellington
    Posts
    13,381
    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.

  8. #23
    Join Date
    1st September 2007 - 21:01
    Bike
    1993 Yamaha FJ 1200
    Location
    Paradise
    Posts
    14,125
    Blog Entries
    2
    Quote Originally Posted by HEMA View Post
    nope, if you're that concerned with safety, don't get a SMALL car, get one of these:
    It may not be in his budget ......
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  9. #24
    Join Date
    14th June 2007 - 22:39
    Bike
    Obsolete ones.
    Location
    Pigs back.
    Posts
    5,390
    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.

  10. #25
    Join Date
    14th June 2007 - 22:39
    Bike
    Obsolete ones.
    Location
    Pigs back.
    Posts
    5,390
    Quote Originally Posted by lone_slayer View Post
    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
    Good info. Are you enjoying your bike?

  11. #26
    Join Date
    12th June 2010 - 17:12
    Bike
    1990 GSX-R250
    Location
    Taupo
    Posts
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by george formby View Post
    Good info. Are you enjoying your bike?
    Its a bit of a yes and no.... Iam spending more time fixing it than riding it. But I know when its working well i love it

  12. #27
    Join Date
    14th June 2007 - 22:39
    Bike
    Obsolete ones.
    Location
    Pigs back.
    Posts
    5,390
    Quote Originally Posted by lone_slayer View Post
    Its a bit of a yes and no.... Iam spending more time fixing it than riding it. But I know when its working well i love it
    Been their, tool box on the back, feeling hopeful every time I set out.

    Glad your getting the good bits too, thats what it's all about.

  13. #28
    Join Date
    22nd February 2011 - 19:25
    Bike
    None
    Location
    Auckland
    Posts
    3
    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.

  14. #29
    Join Date
    12th June 2010 - 17:12
    Bike
    1990 GSX-R250
    Location
    Taupo
    Posts
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by AshNZ View Post
    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.
    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

  15. #30
    Join Date
    19th April 2009 - 18:52
    Bike
    SF
    Location
    Hamiltron
    Posts
    1,847
    Quote Originally Posted by AshNZ View Post
    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.
    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

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •