Sensitive question.. Yipes.. Sorry!!

[rhema83]

i noticed the main focus here is always on the installment? but what if some1 can pay up full $$ for a 600cc bike? what wages to be comfortable for maintaing the bike? still some savings at the end of every month.. no commitments..

I'd say $3000 gross. Anything less and you will feel strained when major expenses come up, for example major servicing, insurance or road tax. Make sure you have a buffer fund to absorb the impact of these expenses, especially if you earn less and decide to stretch a bit for the bike of your dreams.

 

I earn more than the above amount. But after CPF deduction, setting aside some to pay income tax eventually, and living expenses, I don't have a lot left to spare for my bike. Now that my bike is in the shop for major servicing, I can already feel the need to tighten my belt. I can't imagine owning this bike if I had less income. I'll be eating grass.

[dragonforce]

hi

 

looks like it will be a 2a bike for me for quite some time.. thanks for sharing..

[MysticMoon]

as long you make a decent amount, i am sure most can "afford" a class 2 bike.

it just depends how long is your loan.

which is why you see so many young people riding all the latest sportbikes.

 

most of them is their parent paying for them.

[Yatz86]

For me quite ok lah, its true that u can earn a cls2 bike if u have no comittment and earnings less $2k

[kaka321]

class 2 600 only the 3rd party insurance is only 600 plus for 24 yr old. 1 litre can go 20 km. Somehow the same as 2b. Just that it need 3-4 bottles of engine oil and 4 spark plugs for maintainence. it is affordable. ^+^

[spy69]

Gd TiPs beFOre gOin foR BiG BiKes :thumb: Fail to plan means PLAN TO FAIL!

[accidentalMODernist]

interesting thread,just managed to read it today,might be a bit too late...ready signed the papers for a fazer 6 '08...i dont know bout u guys but on my current monthly gross of 1.8k,i think owning a class 2 bike is still affordable...but not really comfortable...but like many of ya'all mentioned earlier...it boils down to needs vs wants...btw,to the thread starter,i understand where you're coming from with the engagement thingy,just got pass that stage myself,on my part,my fiancee doesnt mind me forking out an additional $120/- a month for a fazer 6 compare to $100/- a month for my previous spec 2 and she doesnt mind helping me out a bit on the finance side,so an understanding and/or equally generous partner is important too when it comes to making that decision between a need and a want...

[dragonforce]

you spend $100 a month on petrol for your s4 spec 2 only? looks like you nv really travel much..

yeah i agree partners' got to understand when it comes to this as well..

[accidentalMODernist]

bro,the sums quoted by me is for monthly installment.but for fuel wise...i top up purely in sg...about there too lah

[head first]

interesting thread,just managed to read it today,might be a bit too late...ready signed the papers for a fazer 6 '08...

btw,to the thread starter,i understand where you're coming from with the engagement thingy,just got pass that stage myself,on my part,my fiancee doesnt mind me forking out an additional $120/- a month for a fazer 6 compare to $100/- a month for my previous spec 2 and she doesnt mind helping me out a bit on the finance side,so an understanding and/or equally generous partner is important too when it comes to making that decision between a need and a want...

 

 

Whoa. Fazer 6. Nice.. Glad u passed thru the engagement period. Me, i dunno when.. Hahaha.. It was bad during the past Hari Raya. All the relatives, especially the aunts, constantly elbowing, nudging me.. Eh, when is ur turn.. Alamak...

 

Doesnt help that my cousin just gotten engaged, and she's 1year younger than me. Anyway, I think I'm taking up all the big bros advice here.. I'm saving up for my cl2 bike.. I think paying cash is better. Or at least a huge chunk for downpayment. Wouldn't want to eat grass on a Class2 bike.. Haha..

[elephant]

Ii is scary when one gets into debt readily and hopes for the best...

 

About income. I feel it is uncomfortable to take comfort in just your gross salary..its a mirage

 

In singapore, like in most other countries, we face quite a bit of deductions before the cash lands on our account.

 

It is far better to talk about your net salary as a base point. Liquidity is king

 

The world is getting more and more unpredictable...for example, a medical emergency can wipe out a large chunk of ones savings. Even in singapore, where most all have medisave...people are encouraged to get their own personal medical insurance and better have some cash in the kitty for that emergency whatever it may be.

 

Lets not even get into the whole COV business.

 

I will be very careful before plonking down hard earned cash on a bike / car, let alone think of getting into debt for a big bike or car.

 

besides driving for one is getting super stressful nw... jams in e morning and evening on the highways are getting heavier and heavier...

 

It is far better to get into debt for a property...as one can make money from selling it...

and make your money work for you...

 

I think if you have to think very hard and make many adjustments before getting even a 2A bike...it is best to stick your current trptn even if it is the bus/mrt

 

IMHO: balance your fiscal responsibilities with your aspirations folks

[taaouicha]

Depends on budget constraints, bikes/car depreciate a lot. Y take out a brand new machine if u know u can’t support it? Might as well buy a second hand bike which had used for about 3-4 years (engine condition still decent) pay cash for it and life will be a lot easier

[elephant]

Depends on budget constraints, bikes/car depreciate a lot. Y take out a brand new machine if u know u can’t support it? Might as well buy a second hand bike which had used for about 3-4 years (engine condition still decent) pay cash for it and life will be a lot easier

 

my sentiments too

[desewer]

i'd like to share the following with prospective class2 bike owners.

 

you will need to prioritise. at the moment, it all looks easy-cosy. you have a job and earning 1k+ a month, you feel you can afford a big bike. you're sure you have the means to pay for accessories, petrol, maintenance, parts and servicing. right? after all, you can always wait out until your bonus comes in twice a year and then splurge on those parts you've been eyeing for some time now.

 

well, think again.

 

if you're earning below 2k a month, a class2 bike will eat a sizeable chunk of your pay. do prioritise and see where your money needs to go first. marriage savings? maintenance fees for your aged parents? and if you're married, what about house payments? children? bills? you'll find that you don't have the money to pay for regular servicing for the bike, which leads to increased wear on the parts which were past their service deadlines. then you have to fork out a small fortune (comparative terms) to rectify the problem.

 

i advocate responsible spending and living within your means. personally, i've gone from class 2b to 2a to 2 and back to 2b and now 2a again. why? i've had to adjust my motoring expenses to suit my lifestyle. having a big bike is not at the top of my priorities list, but when i earn enough, it might be. for the moment, sticking to a bike that suits your budget (think hard and through about your REAL budget!) will not give you any problems.

 

p.s. don't succumb to peer pressure. your friends might all be riding big bikes but you are never in the same position as them.

[aceboi]

i'd like to share the following with prospective class2 bike owners.

 

you will need to prioritise. at the moment, it all looks easy-cosy. you have a job and earning 1k+ a month, you feel you can afford a big bike. you're sure you have the means to pay for accessories, petrol, maintenance, parts and servicing. right? after all, you can always wait out until your bonus comes in twice a year and then splurge on those parts you've been eyeing for some time now.

 

well, think again.

 

if you're earning below 2k a month, a class2 bike will eat a sizeable chunk of your pay. do prioritise and see where your money needs to go first. marriage savings? maintenance fees for your aged parents? and if you're married, what about house payments? children? bills? you'll find that you don't have the money to pay for regular servicing for the bike, which leads to increased wear on the parts which were past their service deadlines. then you have to fork out a small fortune (comparative terms) to rectify the problem.

 

i advocate responsible spending and living within your means. personally, i've gone from class 2b to 2a to 2 and back to 2b and now 2a again. why? i've had to adjust my motoring expenses to suit my lifestyle. having a big bike is not at the top of my priorities list, but when i earn enough, it might be. for the moment, sticking to a bike that suits your budget (think hard and through about your REAL budget!) will not give you any problems.

 

p.s. don't succumb to peer pressure. your friends might all be riding big bikes but you are never in the same position as them.

 

Word of Wisdom...

[MIGHTY MAX]

Best planned ahead before buying...let us say this bike cost $10,000 otr..

How much is your downpayment?

Years of instalment?(But i prefer maximun 3yrs only)

Aftermarkets accessories to buy. Cost?

 

My opinion is that, try to downpayment as high as possible so that your mntly installment will be less then $350 for 3yrs...best is 2yrs...

Then kept some spare money to buy aftermarket exhaust or parts(paying cash)...at least montly pay will go to the installment of the bike...

[taaouicha]

Best planned ahead before buying...let us say this bike cost $10,000 otr..

How much is your downpayment?

Years of instalment?(But i prefer maximun 3yrs only)

Aftermarkets accessories to buy. Cost?

 

My opinion is that, try to downpayment as high as possible so that your mntly installment will be less then $350 for 3yrs...best is 2yrs...

Then kept some spare money to buy aftermarket exhaust or parts(paying cash)...at least montly pay will go to the installment of the bike...

 

If we are comparing needs vs wants

1. A liter bike even without any aftermarket parts should easily out perform easily 95% of bikes in sg >.>

If yr dream is to experience high speed to me I think even a stock liter bike can already give u that

 

2. I belief if we all just go with just the need of wanting to go from point A to B on a bike….. A cup kia, rxz, phantom all the low maintenance 2b bikes should suffice

 

haha basically its never a need to own a class 2a or class 2 bike

But I definitely agree with u over the aspect of larger down payment or full cash (2nd hand bike ? but class 2 bike repairs are going to suck so yea make sure u get 1 which is really well maintained). It would be a lot easier when the bike birthday approaches instalment + road tax + insurance =)

[desewer]

 

...I belief if we all just go with just the need of wanting to go from point A to B on a bike….. A cup kia, rxz, phantom all the low maintenance 2b bikes should suffice

 

haha basically its never a need to own a class 2a or class 2 bike

But I definitely agree with u over the aspect of larger down payment or full cash (2nd hand bike ? but class 2 bike repairs are going to suck so yea make sure u get 1 which is really well maintained). It would be a lot easier when the bike birthday approaches instalment + road tax + insurance =)

 

bro, a slight difference of opinion. class 2b bikes may suit 85%-90% of our local riders but for tall/heavy people like me (1.84m, 100kg) we look like circus bears on a bicycle when we ride kupkias (i kena that line many times!!!). hence the need for 2a bikes e.g. cb400 cheap and good! my 2b bikes are really underpowered, for 100kg rider weight, can't really travel at 80kmh convincingly. and riding at 60kmh across the island is not funny lor. large trucks overtaking you all the time.

[taaouicha]

bro, a slight difference of opinion. class 2b bikes may suit 85%-90% of our local riders but for tall/heavy people like me (1.84m, 100kg) we look like circus bears on a bicycle when we ride kupkias (i kena that line many times!!!). hence the need for 2a bikes e.g. cb400 cheap and good! my 2b bikes are really underpowered, for 100kg rider weight, can't really travel at 80kmh convincingly. and riding at 60kmh across the island is not funny lor. large trucks overtaking you all the time.

 

Haha I know what’s the feeling like bro, 1.81m/ 78kg here… last time rode my krr I looked like a complete idiot. Its like a gorilla riding a donkey . Bike can go but super unstable during high speed and cornering it felt like gonna skid cause tyre dimensions are small ;p

Agree with u about the safety aspect regarding larger sized riders … basically a 2a, class 2 bike is a lot safer because no point ride small bike over take ppl then kena bang from behind T.T

[lutein]

I've never believed in buying cars or bikes brand new. Why pay for the depreciation when you can let others pay for you? I'm paying very little depreciation on my bike right now.

 

One mistake... okay I dunno whether u call it mistake or what, was when I bought a Ducati. I thought I could "afford" the bike but the cost of the accessories is still giving me a shock! I mean Honda original mirrors are like what, $70? Ducati mirrors are like a few hundred bucks? If you buy Rizoma you have to pay through your nose??? OUCH!!! Guess my brain was not working when I bought the bike.

 

But you know what bikes do to people- sometimes, your brain just freezes up when you look at the bike. Can't think any more.

 

So for those looking for bikes, especially if your income is "borderline", please think twice and thrice before you put down the money. Machine price is one thing; it's the consumables that will cause you a lot of pain!

 

Basically, try not to borrow. I agree with a previous comment that to borrow to buy a vehicle, you basically just lose money, unlike buying a property or for education where there's still the possibility of recouping. All my bikes I paid using cash. Vehicle loans is one of those not worth taking up.

[antartica]

I've never believed in buying cars or bikes brand new. Why pay for the depreciation when you can let others pay for you? I'm paying very little depreciation on my bike right now.

 

One mistake... okay I dunno whether u call it mistake or what, was when I bought a Ducati. I thought I could "afford" the bike but the cost of the accessories is still giving me a shock! I mean Honda original mirrors are like what, $70? Ducati mirrors are like a few hundred bucks? If you buy Rizoma you have to pay through your nose??? OUCH!!! Guess my brain was not working when I bought the bike.

 

But you know what bikes do to people- sometimes, your brain just freezes up when you look at the bike. Can't think any more.

 

So for those looking for bikes, especially if your income is "borderline", please think twice and thrice before you put down the money. Machine price is one thing; it's the consumables that will cause you a lot of pain!

 

Basically, try not to borrow. I agree with a previous comment that to borrow to buy a vehicle, you basically just lose money, unlike buying a property or for education where there's still the possibility of recouping. All my bikes I paid using cash. Vehicle loans is one of those not worth taking up.

 

i have not read through the whole thread, so my opinion is only based on what Lutien has mentioned...

 

for that, i totally agree with you on that one sis

 

got my 2 bikes full cash as well. set it aside & got it ready before i bought them - TA200 + CB400s.

 

the interest accrued would be able to cover quite a few accessories & regular servicing sessions...

 

but then, for a car, even if you buy a 2nd hand, it's not altogether easy to pay it off in full even for 50 or 60k... in a way, i'm lucky coz i got an "interest free" loan from parents...

[dragonforce]

not all loans/debts are unhealthy.. like for eg, if you full cash a car at $50k. coughing out 50k at 1 go is not a very good idea.. at that very point in time you could have used the money in some other ways like to do some investments..

 

depends on how you look at it lah. i know some well to do pple prefer to full cash their car, some prefer to take loans when they could actually full cash it out.

[desewer]

not all loans/debts are unhealthy.. like for eg, if you full cash a car at $50k. coughing out 50k at 1 go is not a very good idea.. at that very point in time you could have used the money in some other ways like to do some investments..

 

depends on how you look at it lah. i know some well to do pple prefer to full cash their car, some prefer to take loans when they could actually full cash it out.

 

yup yup. if you buy a 50k car, use 10k for downpayment and take a 40k loan @ 2.5% p.a. the 40k cash you have in your hand can be used for investments instead of paying off the car completely. as long as your investment is making more than 2.5% p.a. you're actually making money instead of losing money from the interest on the 40k loan.

 

this is my understanding of how finances work for you.

[snowparang]

not all loans/debts are unhealthy.. like for eg, if you full cash a car at $50k. coughing out 50k at 1 go is not a very good idea.. at that very point in time you could have used the money in some other ways like to do some investments..

 

depends on how you look at it lah. i know some well to do pple prefer to full cash their car, some prefer to take loans when they could actually full cash it out.

 

I've own 4 different bikes and all are 2nd hand, paid in cash.

 

Call me old fashion, but I feel that if you can't pay it in cash, you can't really afford it. Although I'm now in debt cos...I just bought a flat.

 

For those on budget, 2nd hand is the way to go. $5K can easily get you a bike that exceed the top speed of Super 4 in 3rd-4th gear. What more do you want?

 

Cars? Just take cab, it's cheaper.

[jtzx]

when i got my 1st cl2 bike, i was earning $1.5k. i have to pay for the usual stuffs,i.e. installment, maintainence, housing loan, food, petrol... blah blah... which leaves me $0 at the end of the month... sometimes having to avoid spending $$ on lunch & dinner....

 

now tat i own 2 cl2 bikes... basically nothing changed.... except installment x2, pay + $200, petrol goes up, baby needs $$$, more(much more) quarrels with my wifey... hahaha...

 

lesson learned: plan ur finance carefully, it's not just getting a bike... think of the future. with 1 more year of savings u can: 1) maybe afford a newer bike, 2) have more $ for expense and 3) get the current year new model instead of getting a "old mother chicken" and regret later....

 

huh... u earn 1.5k how u downpayment for house?? can teach me some life experience??

 

envy those who could afford a house and a big bike...

 

Err... Yah...

Bro arsie said something about getting a Kancil vs R1..

 

That made sense. But the thing is, I cant stand being in a car. Even in a lift sometimes i get dizzy. Quite claustrophobic. Haha.. Weird.

 

Yup, the thing is that, today, my expenses are only to myself and my parents. I seriously wonder how am I gonna manage once I start it on my own. Rice is pricier now. 10 years time? When i'm 33? Waaah..

 

I personally aim to get a GSX 750/1000 by the end of this year. Who knows.. Hope this thread is still going by then. Hahaha.. Then I can look back and bow down to everyone who replied to this thread.. =)

 

right now i'm still studing 20 years old nia.. and the time when i would get a 400cc or bigger crusier will be the time when i start earning $2k or more..

 

cause i see no point eating grass everyday just for the bike..

 

i rather pour that kind of $$ to your love one and my stomach ;-)