License & First Bike

Nameless_87

Nameless_87

Nameless_87

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8 Oct 2009
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865
Hi,

I am planning on getting (just starting) my motorcycle license soon.
Now here (in Malta) if you are over 24 you can do the 'all engines' license immediately. So this is what I am going for.

I really like the classic bikes. My goal is to own a Harley Davidson, so that is why I was thinking of buying an Iron 883.

However I am thinking of getting a 2nd hand smaller commuter bike until I get used to driving a motorcycle (even after passing the test) and then buy the Harley a year later.

What would you suggest I do in this situation? Buy the HD immediately or start of on a 125cc bike for a year to get used to riding in traffic and such.

Also if the latter, what kind of bike should I be looking at?
I was taking into consideration the Honda CBF125 or the Yamaha YBR125.
Any others I should look at?

Thanks
 
buy the 125 first just to get used to biking,then move up to the Harley

it wont be as expensive damaging a 125

any Japanese four stroke will be decent/reliable
 
I went to see both Honda and Yamaha today.
I liked the Yamaha more.

However I saw 2 versions... YBR 125 and YBR 125 Custom.

The Custom is more of a HD style with raised handle bars, more chrome, etc which I really like, while the normal version is more sporty.

I really don't know which to go for.

Any suggestions? Pros/Cons?

Thanks

Edit (Helmet & Gloves):
Regarding the Helmet, I am between the Nolan N104 and the Shark Evoline 3. Any suggestions?
Regarding the Gloves, can you recommend a good pair for winter and summer with knuckles protection?
 
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Nameless_87 said:
Edit (Helmet & Gloves):
Regarding the Helmet, I am between the Nolan N104 and the Shark Evoline 3. Any suggestions?
Regarding the Gloves, can you recommend a good pair for winter and summer with knuckles protection?
Click to expand...


Helmet: Whichever one fits best

Gloves: Richa and Bering have quite nice gloves for their price. But again, test some out, see which fits best and feels best on throttle and levers.
 
I'm currently riding around on a YBR custom, the plus points are that it's very comfortable to ride on and the engine has been good. Negative points are that some parts are harder to get a hold of and the chrome is not the best quality, some of it has flaked off.
 
Thanks for the replies!

For the bike... I'm still not sure for the custom vs normal.
@alexakasloth... Thanks for this, makes you wonder about getting the custom if the chrome starts to go! Also I think if (when) my bike falls, the chrome will get scratched easier than the plastic on the normal one. Shame I like the looks of the custom better!

For the helmet... I think I'm going with the Shark as I found it more comfortable. Also the chin bar goes all the way to the back so you can use it as an open face helmet which really helps since where I live we get temps of 40 degrees Celsius in summer. The only thing I am worried about is the airflow when in FF mode and the noise!

For the gloves... should I get knuckle protection, waterproof, etc? or these are not needed? (tbh I don't plan on using my bike when it's pouring)
 
Nameless_87 said:
For the gloves... should I get knuckle protection, waterproof, etc? or these are not needed? (tbh I don't plan on using my bike when it's pouring)
Click to expand...

In those sorts of temperatures I'd go with a short breathable summer glove with knuckle protection. Any extra protection for the fingers and scaphoid would be a bonus. You should get a little more airflow up into the arms with a short glove and it should suit a smaller bike I'd say....

Something like these for example : http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Products/productsresults/Gloves/2013/Aug-2013/aug1613-revitgloves/

For a jacket there's a few "airflow" types around that could be worth a try on or maybe one of these leather and fabric affairs that should offer more protection but the airflow too : http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/P...kets-suits/2013/Aug-2013/aug1613-weisejacket/
 
Mr Blonde said:
In those sorts of temperatures I'd go with a short breathable summer glove with knuckle protection. Any extra protection for the fingers and scaphoid would be a bonus. You should get a little more airflow up into the arms with a short glove and it should suit a smaller bike I'd say....

Something like these for example : http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Products/productsresults/Gloves/2013/Aug-2013/aug1613-revitgloves/

For a jacket there's a few "airflow" types around that could be worth a try on or maybe one of these leather and fabric affairs that should offer more protection but the airflow too : http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/P...kets-suits/2013/Aug-2013/aug1613-weisejacket/
Click to expand...


Thanks will take a look at these... however what about for winter or when it's raining? Would I need new (maybe waterproof) gear? What gloves would you recommend for winter? Or gloves that I can use all seasons preferably?
 
If it doesn't drop below say 10c in winter over there then a simple waterproof over suit on top of your summer gear will likely do you. Add in some waterproof gloves and boots that should be that. Summer gloves will indeed let the water through and then your hands will be useless in the cold. Winter's more to do with comfort than a fashion parade :)

MCN (linked to in my previous post) has some reviews and rider surveys for pretty much all types of gear and sportsbikeshop.co.uk has some rider's thoughts too about their stuff they sell.

Edit : We had a chat about winter gloves here recently too : http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18542479
 
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Nameless_87 said:
Thanks for the replies!

For the bike... I'm still not sure for the custom vs normal.
@alexakasloth... Thanks for this, makes you wonder about getting the custom if the chrome starts to go! Also I think if (when) my bike falls, the chrome will get scratched easier than the plastic on the normal one. Shame I like the looks of the custom better!
Click to expand...

Some of the chrome is plastic such as on the side bits underneath the tank, mine has been dropped several times (not all me!) including one which cracked the brackets on the exhaust which hold on the two chrome plates... so I took a dremel to them and repainted it. If you're keeping it in a garage it shouldn't be a problem, I think the Suzuki Vanvan is not too dissimilar and a bit more 'rugged'.
 
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Guys I need some advice...

As you know, I will be getting the A license, so technically can ride whatever bike I want.
However I don't want to ride 600 or more powerful as I want to get used to riding after I get my license (my lessons and license will be done on a kyosung 650cc).

I was keen on getting the Yamaha YBR 125 (or custom), however my friend suggested me to get a 250cc bike at least, as I will get bored on the 125 quickly. He said that you can still learn to ride on the 250 but it will have more power than the 125.

What do you think I should buy 125 or 250?
If a 250, what good bikes can you recommend? I like both sporty and retro look and I don't exactly have a budget in mind.

PS: Whatever I buy I will keep for at least 2 years.

Edit:
I'm not tall... my height is 5' 7" (1.70m)
I am going to use it as a commuter bike (don't really care that much about petrol costs as whatever I get will be less than what I spend on the car)... so traffic jams, etc and no highways, although in the weekends, I would use it and no traffic!

Thanks
 
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Definitely don't get a 125.

I've just started doing my DAS, having just done my CBT. After 4 hours on a 125 I'm already getting bored of it, have to pin it everywhere!

It's your own choice, but I'm fairly certain that I'm going to go straight to a 600cc.
 
Shimmy said:
Definitely don't get a 125.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, go straight to 600cc and don't look back. I personally felt it was a waste of money to buy a 125 or a 250 when the option of a 600 was viable.

I was looking at the Honda CBR250R after completing my DAS but ultimately decided a 600 made more sense in terms of ability. fun and price.
 
Cheers guys...

What 250cc should I be looking at then?
I was thinking, either a Honda CBR250R or a Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
Any others I should be looking at?

@Tefal... Thanks, I took a look at it, however I prefer a modular helmet, since it gets very hot here.

@SPARC... tbh, I prefer starting on a smaller bike for a year or 2, then get a bigger bike later on.

Also forgot to say that my weight is around 225 lbs so I'm a bit on the big and heavy side!
 
Nameless_87 said:
Cheers guys...

What 250cc should I be looking at then?
I was thinking, either a Honda CBR250R or a Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
Any others I should be looking at?

@Tefal... Thanks, I took a look at it, however I prefer a modular helmet, since it gets very hot here.

@SPARC... tbh, I prefer starting on a smaller bike for a year or 2, then get a bigger bike later on.

Also forgot to say that my weight is around 225 lbs so I'm a bit on the big and heavy side!
Click to expand...

All the more reason to get a bigger bike then :)

A 125/250 is not really a good investment if you will be a full licence holder. Granted they will be cheaper to buy, run and insure, but they are very limited, and if you are going to be riding on main roads, dual carriageways and motorways, a 125 is definitely going to struggle to keep up with the prevailing traffic - the bottom line, it is a higher risk to you.

There are plenty of dosile 600 class bikes available. The Er6 is a good example as others have mentioned. The honda CBF600 is another (2nd hand as they are not available new), the GSX650F/SVF 650's from Suzuki are also options, as well as the Yamaha 600 Diversion F. In fact, there are so many starter friendly 600 class bikes that you can pretty much pick and choose whatever you like based on naked/semi naked/fully faired and I4/V twin/parallel twin etc.

It is your call, but I would not recommend spending money on a lower cc bike. Just buy a user freindly 600 class and dont open the throttle as much ;)

Or - buy a 600 and if you are really bothered about the extra speed/power have it limited (although I dont recommend this to be honest).
 
Kawasaki zx300r???

tbh id get a cheap 600 oldish one till you get used to riding ect


how are you guys doing btw? you end up looking behind you more times than infront while your learning with the riding school:eek:
 
I think I decided for a Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS.

Need to decide whether to get the SE or not but will definitely be getting the green version or the SE which has green and black :)

This should last me for a few years before I save up the money to buy another bike and it's plenty fast for me to learn on!

Now need to decide on helmet and gloves!
 
I'm in about the same boat and having sat on most of the options out there I think I'll be going for a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F. GSXF 600 felt a bit big and every dealer I go to tell me I'll be bored of a 6f in 6 months time. Does anyone know when the 2014 XJ6 models are likely to become available (or when the 2013 ones were released)? I sense an ex-showroom bargain coming on!

With regard to the Ninja 300. One of my good friends rides a Ninja 250 and after having it less than a year is looking to change to an SV650 if that helps sway you in any way.
 
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