2B Bike for a big person

[aabbccbb]

Hi. I'm going to be moving to Singapore this July, and due to the excessive fees for owning a car, I'm hoping to get a bike instead. I have been reading the forum off and on for a few weeks now and have come to the unfortunate realization that I will have to start with a class 2B bike, despite having a motorcycle license from the US.

 

I'm planning to mostly use the bike to commute back and forth to work, and maybe to ride around town on the weekends. I also would like something reliable so I don't have to spend time in the repair shop. I was thinking of a scooter like the Gilera Runner 200 VXR or a bike like the Honda Phantom 200 TA. I've ridden on a Honda CBR 150 before, and it is a little small and underpowered for me. I'm 192 cm and 130 kg. Ideally I'd like to get a cargo box for the bike and be able to carry a pillion if I want to. Does anyone have any suggestions for a 2B bike that will be able to meet my needs? Will this bike need any special modifications due to my size?

[psyk]

You could try one of the biggest, if not the biggest, bike in its class.. Honda Varadero XL125V. Meets most of your needs i.e. comfortable seats, looks great with a box, and very reliable. Just don't expect it to perform like the bigger bikes.

 

If you need any more info, can ask the guys over here.

 

Out of your other choices, if size is a main concern, I think the phantom 200 would be a better option than the Gilera. Ultimately, you have to try it out for yourself to decide which is most comfortable for you.

[stsoh]

coming here with average US salary, u can affort a car in sillypore.

living in sillypore is much cheaper than US with exception 'cars'.

US minimum wage will be a luxury for the average sillyporean.

 

i suggest u take a pic of yourself with your bike (at least above 650cc bike), plus proof of ownership.

print a picture + old bike invoice/receipt together with your US bike license, may be able to convince local authority (LTA/ROV) to give u full bike license if u r able to pass local theory test.

 

u will be bore with 200cc 4-strokers bikes.

suggest u look for 200cc 2-strokers scramblers like KTM or WR200 tat has more power n suit a tall guy.

 

big 2b bikes in sillypore:

honda varadero125

honda phantom200

honda XR125

honda XR200

hyosung comet125

daelim roadwin125/140 (look at my avatar)

ktm200

yamaha wr200

yamaha tw200

many 125cc cruisers like shadow, daystar, intruder.....etc.

miss out many more......mostly smaller in size than above mentioned.

 

go bike shopping in areas like alexander village, ubi, changi n serangoon.

some industrial estates have a few bike shops like in tampines, ang mo kio, shun li, etc.

[aabbccbb]

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked a little at the Varadero 125 and I really like the design compared to the others. I've always liked the look of a V-strom and this seems to be the closest to it in the 2B class. I just wish it came with a bigger engine. Has anyone successfully tuned one for more power? I saw a post about it on a UK discussion board but I'm not sure if such a mod would be legal in Singapore or how much it would cost in Singapore.

 

I'm not a big fan of the scrambler look, so I'm going to rule those out. Also, I've never had about a 2-stroke engine bike, but everyone seems to say it is a pain for maintenance so I'll rule that out.

 

Before I forget, can someone help me figure out how to search for a review of the 2007 Varadero 125? I tried wading through the Varadero thread but most of the posts aren't related to the bike. They seem to be more about meeting up. Thanks.

[WAI]

 

Before I forget, can someone help me figure out how to search for a review of the 2007 Varadero 125? I tried wading through the Varadero thread but most of the posts aren't related to the bike. They seem to be more about meeting up. Thanks.

 

Haha... meeting up is one of the ways for us to discuss about the beauty. The review , maintenace , mod of the bike is within the thread somewhere. Agree its hard to find though. Review gota check the web.

[hitman]

u getting a new or used bike? IMO Piaggio X8 is the 1 for u.

[aabbccbb]

u getting a new or used bike? IMO Piaggio X8 is the 1 for u.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. The X8 looks like a nice scooter. But then so does the Gilera Runner 200 VXR. Is there a significant difference between the two? Or is just a matter of preference for the look?

 

I think I'll need to decide between more practical (scooter), and more fun (motorcycle).

[coolcat]

DANGER! Scooter advocate here!!!

 

I tend to disagree with your premise that scooters are not as fun as motorcycles. IMHO, scooters can be as fun and are more practical than motorcycles:

 

a. Scooters usually can store a helmet under the seat,

 

b. Scooters tend to look better with a rear box,

 

c. Scooters have a belt drive that is maintenance free, i.e. need not be lubed regularly, belt and rollers to be changed instead of chain and sprockets, and

 

d. Scooters have a nice linear acceleration cos' there's no gears.

 

On the X8 and VXR200, my personal view is that the X8 is more practical than the VXR200 since the X8 can carry more load. The new VXR200 is also kinda small for you at your height.

 

Try to wrangle at least a 2A (up to 400cc) licence from the Traffic Police department; your options will be enhanced if you manage to pull that off.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[nongsao]

Try the Pulsar200 now available at Universal Motors. Look like Super four.

[aabbccbb]

DANGER! Scooter advocate here!!!

 

I tend to disagree with your premise that scooters are not as fun as motorcycles. IMHO, scooters can be as fun and are more practical than motorcycles:

 

a. Scooters usually can store a helmet under the seat,

 

b. Scooters tend to look better with a rear box,

 

c. Scooters have a belt drive that is maintenance free, i.e. need not be lubed regularly, belt and rollers to be changed instead of chain and sprockets, and

 

d. Scooters have a nice linear acceleration cos' there's no gears.

 

On the X8 and VXR200, my personal view is that the X8 is more practical than the VXR200 since the X8 can carry more load. The new VXR200 is also kinda small for you at your height.

 

Try to wrangle at least a 2A (up to 400cc) licence from the Traffic Police department; your options will be enhanced if you manage to pull that off.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

If I can wrangle a 2A license, then I definitely would be much happier. But alas, from everything that I have been hearing, it is nearly impossible. Most of the advice I have heard is to buy a class 2 bike and ride it around in Singapore for a year. Then apply from a class 2 license and show proof that you have been successfully riding in Singapore without a problem. However, if that doesn't work then I will have to buy a new bike.

 

The X8 looks nice as well from reviews. But I think I have to wait until I get to Singapore to a) see if I can get a 2A or 2 license, and b) to try it out in person. There aren't any X8s where I live.

[Blahhh]

nearly impossible. Most of the advice I have heard is to buy a class 2 bike and ride it around in Singapore for a year. Then apply from a class 2 license and show proof that you have been successfully riding in Singapore without a problem.

 

Oh God, give a smack to the face to whoever who gave you that advice! Never ride around in SG w/o a valid licence, you're asking for ALOT of trouble.

 

Anyway, the roads here are often "stop n go" with tons of traffic lights everywhere. You're doing yourself a favor by getting an automatic scooter. Top end power doesn't play much role on our roads; what you should be concerned with are low and midrange torque..

[aabbccbb]

Oh God, give a smack to the face to whoever who gave you that advice! Never ride around in SG w/o a valid licence, you're asking for ALOT of trouble.

 

Anyway, the roads here are often "stop n go" with tons of traffic lights everywhere. You're doing yourself a favor by getting an automatic scooter. Top end power doesn't play much role on our roads; what you should be concerned with are low and midrange torque..

 

From what I've heard, as a foreigner coming to Singapore with a valid motorcycle license, I have up to one year before I need to convert my license to a Singaporean one. So the recommendation is not to convert the license until month 11 or 12 and use the preceeding time to prove that you can ride in Singapore without a problem. I think it's a bit cynical for them to say, you are not qualified to ride a class 2 bike if you've just ridden one for 11-12 months without any issues.

 

I agree about the low and midrange torque. Unfortuntely I haven't been able to find torque curves for the bikes that I have been looking at.

[misterdeelin]

You know, I knew somebody who was from Canada. Moved to Singapore for work. He'd been riding a 1500cc Honda for the longest while he was in Canada. When he moved here, he went about trying to convert his license. He told me that they'd only issue him a Class 2B at first. He made a big fuss about it and spoke to some people higher in authority. They eventually issued him a Class 2. Because it sure doesn't make sense for a guy whose been on a 1500cc motorcycle to go down to 200cc. I'm sure there's a way around it. Save you the trouble of having to get a puny little bike. =)

[gavinlaw]

Hi bros, I will move to Singapore from HK soon. I'm riding a 500cc bike in HK. Anyone knows how to convert the license to class 2A or class 2? Thanks!

[Fire]

Hi bros, I will move to Singapore from HK soon. I'm riding a 500cc bike in HK. Anyone knows how to convert the license to class 2A or class 2? Thanks!

 

U have to head down to Land Transport Authority office and seek for a conversion. But be assured that they will only issue u a 2B license and you may have to take a theory test. Well, you can try to make a fuss and speak to the higher management people as described above to issue u a 2A licence.

[aabbccbb]

Hi. I just arrived in Singapore the other day so now I'm looking for places to try out the Varadero 125 and the X8. Any suggestions? I'm also looking for a place to buy a XXL flip up (where the whole front flips up) helmet. Any suggestions for that?

 

Thanks!

[Kazky]

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!!

:cheer:

 

Well for u Sir,perhaps u can try Rjays Tourtech Flip Up helmet..it fits most European pple coz of its wide range of sizes.looking for XXL? no prob i think they even have XXXL for the helmet..price wise,it does not really hurt the pockets.

Price range ard SGD$130-$200.

And of coz if u have the extra cash u can opt for Nolan62 flip up helmet with comms function so ur able to talk to ur pillion. But the bluetooth set have to be purchased separately..price range ard SGD$250-$280 (helmet only).

 

just a list of other flip up helmets available here in Singapore:

Caberg

Zeus

HJC

Airoh

 

Hope tis helps..

[aabbccbb]

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!!

:cheer:

 

Well for u Sir,perhaps u can try Rjays Tourtech Flip Up helmet..it fits most European pple coz of its wide range of sizes.looking for XXL? no prob i think they even have XXXL for the helmet..price wise,it does not really hurt the pockets.

Price range ard SGD$130-$200.

And of coz if u have the extra cash u can opt for Nolan62 flip up helmet with comms function so ur able to talk to ur pillion. But the bluetooth set have to be purchased separately..price range ard SGD$250-$280 (helmet only).

 

just a list of other flip up helmets available here in Singapore:

Caberg

Zeus

HJC

Airoh

 

Hope tis helps..

 

Thanks for the advice. Is there a specific store you recommend going to? Since I've never been to a motorcycle store in Singapore, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Guest stages]

actually is alright... one of my friends is 150Kgs, he's riding a 2B bike as well

 

 

[lawbah]

Lim Ah Boy: 3 Kelantan Lane, Tel: 62967914, 62968035

 

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Regina : No. 152 Jalan Besar Coyuco Building #01-01 S(208870)

 

Tel : 62955449.

 

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If wanna view bikes, alot of places like Ubi industrial Park or Eunos.

[psyk]

Hi. I just arrived in Singapore the other day so now I'm looking for places to try out the Varadero 125 and the X8. Any suggestions? I'm also looking for a place to buy a XXL flip up (where the whole front flips up) helmet. Any suggestions for that?

 

Thanks!

 

Not that many shops would have the Varadero 125 available.. For new, maybe you can try Loois Motor or Mah Motor.. They might have one in their showroom, just trying sitting on the bike of coz, not on the road..

[Bo_Slasher]

I'm very sure boon siew have plenty.

http://www.boonsiewhonda.com.sg

[Kazky]

Thanks for the advice. Is there a specific store you recommend going to? Since I've never been to a motorcycle store in Singapore, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

Lim Ah Boy: 3 Kelantan Lane, Tel: 62967914, 62968035

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

Regina : No. 152 Jalan Besar Coyuco Building #01-01 S(208870)

 

Tel : 62955449.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

If wanna view bikes, alot of places like Ubi industrial Park or Eunos.

 

yup,that's the place to buy Good helmets at a bargain..but u gotta make sure u do hard bargain..e.g if the offer is $180 try bring it down to $140. Trust me you will get it if ur firm enuf.

For bikes if ur looking for a brand new Vara125 simply go to the Honda agent at the link below which Bo_Slasher has shown juz to browse thru..since ur new here slowly u will know which shops(dealers) has the best deals..in a way u dun have to think so much at where to get the Vara125 rite.

I'm very sure boon siew have plenty.

http://www.boonsiewhonda.com.sg

[DeusExMachina]

Dude, have you tried applying for an international license permit first? Then using that to ride in Singapore for a few months while you try to get a Class 2 conversion.

[aabbccbb]

Dude, have you tried applying for an international license permit first? Then using that to ride in Singapore for a few months while you try to get a Class 2 conversion.

 

I thought that if your foreign license was in English then you didn't need an international license permit?

 

Everyone seems to be saying that it is harder these days to convert your license to anything other than a class 2b. So I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and get the 2b earlier. Then I'll be able to get the 2a and 2 earlier as well