Learner/Newbie Sticky **All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!****

Hotblack Desiato

Deleted User wrote: »

I didn't realise IBT was necessary for road-riding. I just assumed it was the same as cars (although lessons are necessary to be done for the test itself, you can still belt away on the roads without having completed any).

They can, but they have to be accompanied. IMHO they should have a similar set up to IBT, not out on the roads without an instructor until they reach a minimum standard.

Deleted User wrote: »

Also, another silly question, what's the craic with wing mirrors? Are they a requirement? It seems to vary randomly whether a bike will have mirrors or not? (based on my random Donedeal scrolling)

No wings on a bike

Rear view mirrors are a legal requirement on a new bike when it is sold, but are not a requirement in use.

When I did my test I had to ride as if I had no mirrors, indicators or brake light :rolleyes: and it's not THAT long ago!

You'd want to be an eejit to have no mirrors though, but a lot of them especially aftermarket ones aren't much use.

sm3ar

For motorbikes is it like with the cars when changing tyres, would it be the done thing change both tyres together?

Also would it cost much change sprockets and chain?

As well how much is a standard bike service?

flashinthepan

Deleted User wrote: »

Stupid question, perhaps, but how do you actually buy your first bike?

I don't mind bending the rules and not being insured when I'm test-driving a car I want, as I know i'm unlikely to have an issue during a test drive. On a first-time bike, though.. i wouldn't trust myself.

Also, with no insurance, how do you get it home? I presume people aren't actually paying over the odds for tow trucks and such? I can understand many may take the chance if they're experienced, but im talking about people who have never actually gotten their ass on a bike seat before.


Also, is there a "bangernomics" thread equivalent in the biking forum? (bangernomics is a thread on the car forum where people post up cheap and cheerful cars for sale. They might be a bit rough or old, but they're road legal and generally suitable as learner cars.. and cheap.. generally very cheap).

I bought my first bike in years yesterday
Haven't even received the provisional licence yet
I drove up in the car to see the bike the guy that owned it was an absolute Gent :-)
I would not embarrass myself by asking for a test drive without a licence or insurance
but I am quite mechanically minded and happy enough I could tell it was not a dud
Bought the bike A Versys 650 and had it transported by motorbike courier and it was delivered last night
have quote for insurance for €389
Have not organised the IBT yet as I did not have the licence but hope to get it sorted quickly but have no intention of going out on it till I have the IBT done

sm3ar

flashinthepan wrote: »

I bought my first bike in years yesterday
Haven't even received the provisional licence yet
I drove up in the car to see the bike the guy that owned it was an absolute Gent :-)
I would not embarrass myself by asking for a test drive without a licence or insurance
but I am quite mechanically minded and happy enough I could tell it was not a dud
Bought the bike A Versys 650 and had it transported by motorbike courier and it was delivered last night
have quote for insurance for €389
Have not organised the IBT yet as I did not have the licence but hope to get it sorted quickly but have no intention of going out on it till I have the IBT done

How much was the courier?

goblin59

sm3ar wrote: »

For motorbikes is it like with the cars when changing tyres, would it be the done thing change both tyres together?

Also would it cost much change sprockets and chain?

As well how much is a standard bike service?

I changed my sprocket and chain pretty much in the first month of buying the bike. (secondhand uk import and didn't know the last change)

The chain was fully stretched so decided to do it all.

Chain and sprockets were around €120 for everything.
I'm fairly new to bikes, only owned one since january. Was a pretty easy job to swap them.

Would highly recommend a good tool set and a haynes Manual.

Helps my Dad has been riding bikes for nearly 50 years, so i did grow up watching him working on his bikes.

flashinthepan

sm3ar wrote: »

How much was the courier?

about €240 euro from Cavan to Wicklow
Was kind of stuck as I did not know anyone who had a bike / insurance to drive it and I would not even consider driving with no licence insurance or IBT
They would lock me up forever :-)

goblin59

flashinthepan wrote: »

about €240 euro from Cavan to Wicklow
Was kind of stuck as I did not know anyone who had a bike / insurance to drive it and I would not even consider driving with no licence insurance or IBT
They would lock me up forever :-)

as far as i know, The bike itself would require insurance as well for anyone to be covered on it with their own policy.
I know on my car insurance i can only drive vehicles that are currently insured by the owner.

another option if anyone has ratchet straps is hire a Go van and collect that way.
seen it done before with a CB125.

A transit van off Gocar is €13/H or €72 a day. they charge an extra 15c every Kilometre after 50km though

flashinthepan

goblin59 wrote: »

as far as i know, The bike itself would require insurance as well for anyone to be covered on it with their own policy.
I know on my car insurance i can only drive vehicles that are currently insured by the owner.

another option if anyone has ratchet straps is hire a Go van and collect that way.
seen it done before with a CB125.

A transit van off Gocar is €13/H or €72 a day. they charge an extra 15c every Kilometre after 50km though

yep that's always an option too
All in all it prob would have only cost about 100 in the go van
But you would need ramps or something to get it in and out of the van
But weight of the bike was a big consideration for me trying to get it in and out of the van as Im no spring chicken anymore
So in the end it seemed like the easiest option for me was to leave the stress to someone else :-)

goblin59

flashinthepan wrote: »

yep that's always an option too
All in all it prob would have only cost about 100 in the go van
But you would need ramps or something to get it in and out of the van
But weight of the bike was a big consideration for me trying to get it in and out of the van as Im no spring chicken anymore
So in the end it seemed like the easiest option for me was to leave the stress to someone else :-)

good point about the ramp.
think we used a piece of scaffolding last time, but a 125 is fairly light.

I was installing hardwired dashcams on dads R1200GS and getting that onto the center stand wasn't a pile of fun.
Definitly worth it though, i've innovv K2's on my F650GS

sm3ar

flashinthepan wrote: »

about €240 euro from Cavan to Wicklow
Was kind of stuck as I did not know anyone who had a bike / insurance to drive it and I would not even consider driving with no licence insurance or IBT
They would lock me up forever :-)

Who were they

knucklehead6

IBT done n dusted. Need hours on the saddle now. If you see a lad on a ruby red Deauville around North Kildare don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave, he’ll just nod his head. Give him a while, he’ll wave soon enough.

goblin59

knucklehead6 wrote: »

IBT done n dusted. Need hours on the saddle now. If you see a lad on a ruby red Deauville around North Kildare don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave, he’ll just nod his head. Give him a while, he’ll wave soon enough.

i still havn't figure out which is is!
I usually nod, but keep seeing people raising their right foot, nodding or waving i usually nod so i've my brakes and clutch covered

sm3ar

knucklehead6 wrote: »

IBT done n dusted. Need hours on the saddle now. If you see a lad on a ruby red Deauville around North Kildare don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave, he’ll just nod his head. Give him a while, he’ll wave soon enough.

Who'd you do it with?

knucklehead6

sm3ar wrote: »

Who'd you do it with?

A lad in Tallaght. He’s booked solid until August. I got lucky when the lockdown was lifted, got in early

knucklehead6

sm3ar wrote: »

Who'd you do it with?

I’ll get his name for you now. Couldn’t say enough about the bloke, really nice, totally straight up. Kicked my arse when needed and patted my head when needed that too

knucklehead6

ADS School of Motoring. If you want his number, pm me and I’ll send it on.

sm3ar

knucklehead6 wrote: »

IBT done n dusted. Need hours on the saddle now. If you see a lad on a ruby red Deauville around North Kildare don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave, he’ll just nod his head. Give him a while, he’ll wave soon enough.

Where'd you get the deauville?

knucklehead6

sm3ar wrote: »

Where'd you get the deauville?

A friend of mine. He’d bought a newer one and sold this one onto me.

zubair

knucklehead6 wrote: »

IBT done n dusted. Need hours on the saddle now. If you see a lad on a ruby red Deauville around North Kildare don’t be offended if he doesn’t wave, he’ll just nod his head. Give him a while, he’ll wave soon enough.

Grats on the IBT. Let us know if you're up for a spin. In kildare myself.

knucklehead6

zubair wrote: »

Grats on the IBT. Let us know if you're up for a spin. In kildare myself.

Cheers. Give me a few days to get used to the bike and I’ll get back to you.

Hotblack Desiato

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

No wings on a bike

Rear view mirrors are a legal requirement on a new bike when it is sold, but are not a requirement in use.

When I did my test I had to ride as if I had no mirrors, indicators or brake light and it's not THAT long ago!

You'd want to be an eejit to have no mirrors though, but a lot of them especially aftermarket ones aren't much use.

Ah okay, that sounds fair enough. I'd have assumed mirrors would be a requirement in use. Doesn't really make sense to me that they're not (but then I've not actually rode a bike yet, so.. perhaps it'll become obvious when I do).

flashinthepan wrote: »

about €240 euro from Cavan to Wicklow
Was kind of stuck as I did not know anyone who had a bike / insurance to drive it and I would not even consider driving with no licence insurance or IBT
They would lock me up forever :-)

goblin59 wrote: »

A transit van off Gocar is €13/H or €72 a day. they charge an extra 15c every Kilometre after 50km though

Hmm.. I'm self employed, and I've a Ford Galaxy, I wonder do I smell a possible side business..

dubal2008

Enterprise rent high roof Nissan van for €100 + vat for a day

goblin59

Deleted User wrote: »

Hmm.. I'm self employed, and I've a Ford Galaxy, I wonder do I smell a possible side business..

you would need specific insurance for it though in case something happened to the bike while in transit to do it as an proper side business. probably why prices for a courier are so high.

Banana Republic.

knucklehead6 wrote: »

Cheers. Give me a few days to get used to the bike and I’ll get back to you.

Congratulations on the IBT, well may she wear and have fun

Banana Republic.

Just off the phones with few insurance companies and all asked about IBT and one didn’t cause it wouldn’t quote me lol weird too. Yamaha Dragstar 650cc XVS.
CN Cover you and your bike in an accident to transport you home with your bike.

CN quoted me €456 which I’m very pleased with
Principal Quoted me €477 with an option to pay half & half which is different and an option too. Pay half now and then half 30 days later.

Liberty wouldn’t insure me at all.

sm3ar

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Just off the phones with few insurance companies and all asked about IBT and one didn’t cause it wouldn’t quote me lol weird too. Yamaha Dragstar 650cc XVS.

CN quoted me €456 which I’m very pleased with
Principal Quoted me €477 with an option to pay half & half which is different and an option too. Pay half now and then half 30 days later.

Liberty wouldn’t insure me at all.

Is that third party only?

Banana Republic.

sm3ar wrote: »

Is that third party only?

Yea 3rd party fire and theft

sm3ar

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Yea 3rd party fire and theft

That's very good. Is it your first bike?

Banana Republic.

sm3ar wrote: »

That's very good. Is it your first bike?

Yea it will be.

Banana Republic.

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Yea it will be.

Can I ask what age and gender you are out of curiosity? And the cc of the bike?



Can anyone recommend anywhere to get leather gear? I'm on the large side of things, and although there seems to he good value second hand, I'd rather go to a shop where I can try stuff on or buy online with a place that has a decent returns policy if it doesn't fit right.

If you do IBT do they provide you with gear to wear (as a general rule of thumb)?

Banana Republic.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Can I ask what age and gender you are out of curiosity? And the cc of the bike?



Can anyone recommend anywhere to get leather gear? I'm on the large side of things, and although there seems to he good value second hand, I'd rather go to a shop where I can try stuff on or buy online with a place that has a decent returns policy if it doesn't fit right.

If you do IBT do they provide you with gear to wear (as a general rule of thumb)?

No they don’t provide the gear anymore due to covid but I believe most are selling it off at huge discounts as they game have no use for them anymore. I’ve posted the cc of the bike 650cc. Go instore for your helmet and boots mostly I would suggest.

flashinthepan

Well now that I have the bike I am thinking I should pick up a puncture repair kit
What do you folks recommend
Tyre weld type of aerosol can
Or the plug with the glue ?

Or is there another method

Cheers
J

Banana Republic.

Banana Republic. wrote: »

No they don’t provide the gear anymore due to covid but I believe most are selling it off at huge discounts as they game have no use for them anymore. I’ve posted the cc of the bike 650cc. Go instore for your helmet and boots mostly I would suggest.

Any recommendations for shops to visit?

I'm in Drogheda, so I've Kennedy's Motorcycles on my doorstep, but I'm lead to believe they're fairly expensive, although I'm unsure how true that is.

flashinthepan

flashinthepan wrote: »

Well now that I have the bike I am thinking I should pick up a puncture repair kit
What do you folks recommend
Tyre weld type of aerosol can
Or the plug with the glue ?

Or is there another method

Cheers
J

Isn't it mad that I'm sitting here looking at bike stuff the last week or so. Have been a cyclist for many years and still hop on the bicycle once in a blue moon. I drive a car every day, long distances, and I always make sure to have a spare, and a compressor with me.



Yet I never even considered that you could get a puncture on a motorbike.. or what you'd need to do to sort it.

flashinthepan

Deleted User wrote: »

Isn't it mad that I'm sitting here looking at bike stuff the last week or so. Have been a cyclist for many years and still hop on the bicycle once in a blue moon. I drive a car every day, long distances, and I always make sure to have a spare, and a compressor with me.



Yet I never even considered that you could get a puncture on a motorbike.. or what you'd need to do to sort it.

when I had the last bike 30 years ago I used to have a can of the sealer / inflater but from what I remember it would only repair the smallest of punctures so i'm thinking along the lines of this kit here to throw under the saddle.
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Oxford-CO2yre-Repair-1-Motorcycle-Tyre-Kit-Motorbike-Punture-Kit-New/163871665281?hash=item2627832c81:g:OlgAAOSwDXtdhKdl

Anyone got any views on it / any good ?
Thanks

Banana Republic.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Any recommendations for shops to visit?

I'm in Drogheda, so I've Kennedy's Motorcycles on my doorstep, but I'm lead to believe they're fairly expensive, although I'm unsure how true that is.

I’ve done a mix of things but Helmet is a must to fit on and get help from instore. Bought gloves online and boots instore. Got gloves on eBay which I’m happy with and my friends have said they are good quality. Got nice neck scarf on eBay for a fiver (handy for the wind)
Luckily got the jacket and pants from my friends fire a few Bob. Make sure to have all the armor. Ask any questions here we’ll all try help.

flashinthepan

Deleted User wrote: »

Can I ask what age and gender you are out of curiosity? And the cc of the bike?



Can anyone recommend anywhere to get leather gear? I'm on the large side of things, and although there seems to he good value second hand, I'd rather go to a shop where I can try stuff on or buy online with a place that has a decent returns policy if it doesn't fit right.

If you do IBT do they provide you with gear to wear (as a general rule of thumb)?

I would agree that for some things you really would be best trying on like a helmet and boots

I got a helmet in a size L which I thought was a good fit
but then I got a free helmet with the bike which was new in the bag and it was a xl 62 and it feels more comfy but could be the fact that it is an open face lid and does not feel as claustrophobic :-)

So make sure to take your time and try on a couple

I bought a pair of Alpinestars boots and I normally take a size 7 in shoes
I took some time and wanted a pair of boots that I could wear Thicker socks in the winter and eventually settled on a size 43 which is about 9 in uk size

Had I bought these online I would have never thought a 9 would suit

sm3ar

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Can I ask what age and gender you are out of curiosity? And the cc of the bike?



Can anyone recommend anywhere to get leather gear? I'm on the large side of things, and although there seems to he good value second hand, I'd rather go to a shop where I can try stuff on or buy online with a place that has a decent returns policy if it doesn't fit right.

If you do IBT do they provide you with gear to wear (as a general rule of thumb)?

I'd 100% say go into a shop. I'm a bit ahead of you after doing ibt and sizes vary, so if your a medium let's say , I find the gear you need to go up a size. Same with the boots you really need to try them on. If you go in to kit yourself they'll do you a deal and knock off a bit. Helmets as well vary between the different brands. Eg a large might fit for one brand and maybe you'd be XL for another. Also the quality of the helmet varies so a medium for 400 or 500, will be a lot more comfortable than one for 1 or 2 hundred

Banana Republic.

sm3ar wrote: »

I'd 100% say go into a shop. I'm a bit ahead of you after doing ibt and sizes vary, so if your a medium let's say , I find the gear you need to go up a size. Same with the boots you really need to try them on. If you go in to kit yourself they'll do you a deal and knock off a bit. Helmets as well vary between the different brands. Eg a large might fit for one brand and maybe you'd be XL for another. Also the quality of the helmet varies so a medium for 400 or 500, will be a lot more comfortable than one for 1 or 2 hundred

I got a great helmet for €135 LS2 Storm Matte Black, Just make sure it has CE mark and PINLOCK (Anti-Fog extra) otherwise they are about €30 separate. Definitely try them on and boots I agree too, I’m usually a 10 & I got a size 11 in Spada Brand for €95 again just make sure you have foot, ankle and shin protection.

sm3ar

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I got a great helmet for €135 LS2 Storm Matte Black, Just make sure it has CE mark and PINLOCK (Anti-Fog extra) otherwise they are about €30 separate. Definitely try them on and boots I agree too, I’m usually a 10 & I got a size 11 in Spada Brand for €95 again just make sure you have foot, ankle and shin protection.

A lot of the jackets will have a slot for a back protector. Be about another 50 notes. Alpinestars do a good range. Check out their Andes v2 gear. I got those and definitely you will need to go up a size with those. Agree as well to get the pinlock. They will throw it in with the helmet if you ask

zubair

Fit in store, buy online. Our retail shops are a rip compared to online, unless somewhere will match an online price.

flashinthepan wrote: »

Well now that I have the bike I am thinking I should pick up a puncture repair kit
What do you folks recommend
Tyre weld type of aerosol can
Or the plug with the glue ?

Or is there another method

Cheers
J

Plug kit

dubal2008

Real fair that Zubair, comparing a place paying Rent,Rates,Staff and carrying all the stock to somebody working from their mothers kitchen table,
I will always support the local shops even if it means paying a small premium because otherwise they will be eventually forced out of business and then you will have nowhere left to TRY ON and BUY ONLINE, Talk to your local shop and see if they can do a discount for buying a couple of items and Megabikes where I bought my gear from were very decent on a package.

Banana Republic.

dubal2008 wrote: »

Real fair that Zubair, comparing a place paying Rent,Rates,Staff and carrying all the stock to somebody working from their mothers kitchen table,
I will always support the local shops even if it means paying a small premium because otherwise they will be eventually forced out of business and then you will have nowhere left to TRY ON and BUY ONLINE, Talk to your local shop and see if they can do a discount for buying a couple of items and Megabikes where I bought my gear from were very decent on a package.

There can be a happy medium, I’ll support local as much as possible depending on budget but rather give my business to local & build up a rapport then it will help us all buying gear and having a place to keep the community strong. I agree ppl forget the overheads too easy.

flashinthepan

Banana Republic. wrote: »

There can be a happy medium, I’ll support local as much as possible depending on budget but rather give my business to local & build up a rapport then it will help us all buying gear and having a place to keep the community strong. I agree ppl forget the overheads too easy.

I like to think I reached my happy medium
I bought the helmet and boots In a bricks and mortar shops in Dublin
I bought the jacket and textile trousers and gloves online :-) from uk

Then I got a free new helmet and almost new jacket with the Bike :-)
Happy days

Banana Republic.

flashinthepan wrote: »

I like to think I reached my happy medium
I bought the helmet and boots In a bricks and mortar shops in Dublin
I bought the jacket and textile trousers and gloves online :-) from uk

Then I got a free new helmet and almost new jacket with the Bike :-)
Happy days

Happiest Medium

sm3ar

How much would it be to get crash bobbins attached to a bike?

goblin59

sm3ar wrote: »

How much would it be to get crash bobbins attached to a bike?

depends on the bike i think, but around €50 - 100 i imagine.
I got crash bars on my bike to protect the farings and engine. plus on a dual sport they look the part

sm3ar

goblin59 wrote: »

depends on the bike i think, but around €50 - 100 i imagine.
I got crash bars on my bike to protect the farings and engine. plus on a dual sport they look the part

Excuse the ignorance here now but is that a separate bar for the fairings and engine?

goblin59

sm3ar wrote: »

Excuse the ignorance here now but is that a separate bar for the fairings and engine?

on my bike, it links up to where the bobbins would go, just keeps the bike safe when it turns sideways.

They're the black bars around the engine and front faring, hard to make out on the picture of my bike there, but as soon as i got the bike i installed them, between those and my pannier rack on the back they provide decent protection to the bike.

Hotblack Desiato

sm3ar wrote: »

For motorbikes is it like with the cars when changing tyres, would it be the done thing change both tyres together?

Usually the rear wears out first. Some bikes will do two rears to one front or three rears to two fronts. No point changing a tyre that's only half worn.