Need advice for new bike purchase

[nerian]

Passed my license last year aug, I plan to take my 2A after i get a job but for now, i want to get a 2B just to get a feel of the bike again because i have not touched a bike since i passed which is slightly over a year.

 

Since i plan to upgrade later, my initial thought was to get a phantom, I see quite a few phantoms in the 2k price range in the used bikes section but what do i look out for?

 

A weird thing is when i sat on my camp mate's phantom during ICT, it felt kindda weird, I took my lessons in SSDC and I ride bicycles often so i like that more "road bike" position, which is similar to the bikes SSDC uses. But i'm open to the phantom because it's reliable and should be easy to sell as well.

 

Really have no clue on how to go about this, appreciate any advice.

[karedi]

The phantom is considered a cruiser. Has a more relaxed sitting position which is ideal for cruising.

 

Bikes used in riding schools are road bikes, which are supposed to be more manoeuvrable.

 

So the decision is yours to see which kind of riding you prefer.

 

There are other 2b bikes which are more road bike type. But I'm not sure about the pricing.

 

 

Ride on

[nerian]

So if i were to get from a shop, which i assume is more convenient, they will handle the road tax+insurance for me? if i were to buy direct, i would have to source for my own insurance first then go LTA do a name transfer?

 

getting a 2nd hand bike.

[karedi]

So if i were to get from a shop, which i assume is more convenient, they will handle the road tax+insurance for me? if i were to buy direct, i would have to source for my own insurance first then go LTA do a name transfer?

 

getting a 2nd hand bike.

 

Yep. The shops will offer to do all the paperwork. There are fees for transfer which would be absorbed by the shop of course. Hence their price is slightly higher than the direct sellers.

Insurance wise, I feel it's better to find your own as you will be aware of what is being covered. The shops will try to push a particular company as they might get a cut.

 

When I got my old bike from the direct seller, I found the whole process quite trouble free. So for my next bike, I would be looking for a direct seller as well.

 

 

Ride On

[nerian]

anything i should look out for? or should i just send for servicing after buying?

[dineze]

Buying direct is a bit more risky since you're not getting any warranty from the shop so check the bike thoroughly before agreeing to buy. Bring a friend who knows what to look out for... engine sound, condition of clutch, brakes etc.

 

Decide on a date to transfer ownership, get the insurance done before the transfer then head to LTA.

[karedi]

anything i should look out for? or should i just send for servicing after buying?

 

If the deal seems too good to be true, it most probably is. So like @dineze mentioned, bring a friend who is knowledgable. And sending to a WS aft would be good as well.

 

 

Ride on

[Siphon]

anything i should look out for? or should i just send for servicing after buying?

 

If you are very safety conscious and intend to keep the bike for at least a year...

 

Once you get a 2nd hand 2B bike with a fairly reliable engine, the following things might need to change if they are about 50% used.

 

1. Tires (Don't scrimp on this... it is the only thing between u and the floor)

2. brake pads

3. brake disc

4. Eng oil

5. Air filter

6. Sprocket (front and rear)

7. Chain

8. Air filter (Don't need K&N normal one can already)

9. Sparkplug

10. Brake fluid.

 

I think thats all...

[bairuina]

Make sure it has full service record and major servicing done.

[nerian]

http://www.singaporebikes.com/used_bikes/38466/bajaj_pulsar_dtsi_180/

 

any comments on this bike?

[kzone]

get a phantom lar... can last u till u get a Cl2...

its heavy enuff so that u wont get overwhelmed when taking ur class 2 lessons.

power is also ok if parts are maintained n serviced regularly. I wont win races but by aggressive throttle off the red lights (this is the norm for me), i'm usually faster than than most 2A bikes who are usually less aggressive at gear 1/2.

 

most slow phantoms are because chain is sagging or worn out clutch.

[nerian]

get a phantom lar... can last u till u get a Cl2...

its heavy enuff so that u wont get overwhelmed when taking ur class 2 lessons.

power is also ok if parts are maintained n serviced regularly. I wont win races but by aggressive throttle off the red lights (this is the norm for me), i'm usually faster than than most 2A bikes who are usually less aggressive at gear 1/2.

 

most slow phantoms are because chain is sagging or worn out clutch.

 

I tried sitting on it before, the position quite awkward leh

[GuiNNeSS]

Go for the cheaper option lah.

 

You intend to take your class2A. Just register for lessons and book for more practical training lessons. Its cheaper. And you are getting used to the 400cc bike way before you need to get the 200c bikes.

 

Besides, your licence age, as well as your riding timing and your age, plays a huge part in the insurance. Why spent 1k on insurance for a 2b bike and spend 1k in insurance for a class2a bike?

[nerian]

my insurance is cheap, 2b bikes around 200-250 for third party, fire and theft is +100.

 

2A will be more expensive i think, at least my 2b is 1 year old so the premium is lower.

 

but yeah... gonna look for a cheap one, the cheap phantoms i saw few mths back already gone so.. too bad for me.

[zulu4]

i got an msx125 after getting my 2B... no power but fun to ride around