Originally Posted by
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.
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 .
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks