Spoilt for Class 2 Bikes

[Shaiek]

Hi, all.

 

I have finally gotten my Class 2 license. Congratulations to me. YAY!!

 

Anyway, since I first got my bike license in 2014, I have been riding my Gilera up to now.

 

I am thinking of upgrading to a bigger bike now that I can. However, I am spoilt for choices as there are a couple of bikes I have singled out.

 

I would greatly appreciate if our members could share some good / bad pointers of the following bikes for my consideration, so as to further narrow my choices.

 

1) Ducati Hypermortard 939 (about $36k)

3) BMW F 800 GSA (about $35k)

4) Triumph Tiger 800 XRX (about $36k)

 

I appreciate all the kind input and hope this thread could also help others who are in the same dilemma as me.

 

Cheers.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Edited December 11, 2016 by Shaiek
Narrowed to just three bikes for consideration.

[schwantz]

If budget is not a constraint then I suggest you choose a bike that serves your intended main function. Daily commute? Touring? Track racer? Off road?

 

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[Shaiek]

Hi, schwantz. Appreciate the input above.

 

I won't say budget is not one of the main factor but big bikes do cost a fortune. I estimated the cost to be around $35k +/-.

 

Anyway, I'll be using the bike more for daily commute to and from work. My current Gilera serves me well but you know the feeling of wanting to ride a bigger bike despite my small frame, hence the decision to upgrade.

 

I will be heading down to some shops over the weekends to have a look at the bikes. Hopefully, they will allow me to at least sit on the bike. Any idea if it will cost me to test ride the bikes? What if I drop the bike while doing so? Anyone care to share their experiences or knowledge?

 

Have a good day, all. Do ensure you've packed your raincoats, it's the rainy season nowadays.

 

Be safe, ride safe.

[kaiq]

My pattern is I dun ride on wet days, since there's a direct bus for me to workplace - I love clean bikes

 

Anyway, an extra consideration I would take is regarding reverse parking - can I move my bike backwards comfortably while sitting on the bike? This goes down to the seat height, weight of the bike, besides your own height.

 

Used to own an old xjr4 which I find damn heavy to do reverse parking while sitting, and sometimes hitting the leg peg when doing so, pain sia...

[yappiez]

Isnt vstrom quite a giant bike? How small exactly are u?? Some of these are exotic bikes....use for commuting might not be so comfortable plus very easy to lose ur license cos the bike is so willing to roar and roar.....need a lot of self discipline not to succumb to the temptation. ....

 

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[yappiez]

I am not sure about the other brands but bmw can test ride.. I tested the gs before buying also.. maybe go when traffic is light then go for a spin...no need to follow their given route as long as u know the way back... be very careful since u jump from 2b to 2...the power difference and reponse is very very different...

 

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[Shaiek]

Hi, kaiq. Thanks for sharing.

 

I am similar to you, in a sense I also don't ride on rainy days. However, in my case, it is more of a safety concern. I would rather take the public transport whenever the ground is wet.

 

Anyway, with regards to the subject, I don't think that reversing the bike while sitting should pose a problem. As long as your leg can reach the ground, I trust one should be able to handle it. However, the weight of the bike might make it a little difficult. Still, XJR400 doesn't look that bulky in picture.

 

 

Hi, yappiez. Noted on your contribution with thanks.

 

I have a small, lanky frame; about 1.7 m tall and 50 kg. I sometimes worry if I will be able to hold the weight of the bike. However, I have a friend who is about the same size as me and he is currently riding MT-10. He shares that I will get use to the weight eventually and it will be fine.

 

V-Strom 1000 is indeed a big bike. That is why I really need to sit on these bikes to see if I can be comfortable with them. I also understand that with big bikes, there are a lot of temptation to zoom away. I will always bear in mind like I have always done, no matter what, safety is paramount. License is also not easy to get. Hence, thanks for your aptly reminder.

 

So you rode a BMW GS before? As I will be using the bike for daily commute, how is the fuel consumption? Also, how would you rate the cost for maintenance? I have a special liking for this type of bikes in particular, actually.

 

It was kind of you guys to share your inputs. Thank you.

 

Be safe, ride safe.

[MR BIKER]

ok. lets put this to perspective.

 

if a person has a salary of $2500 per month minus cpf , take home $2000

he has say $8000 for downpayment for a new bike. a new bike around $20000.

 

so he owes bike shop 12000. he wishes to take loan of 5 years. interest is around 3% . so

monthly he pays around $230 per month. so he would probably take home 2000-230 = 1770

now, he must think bigger bike, on loan and thus higher insurance and road tax. so normally i am not thinking of

any specific bike. superbike more ex. just average ok. $1000 per year. so he must put aside around

$100 per month.

petrol say 200 to 300 per month because now its a bigger bike. erp and parking. so we put another 100. so how much

he has left. 1370.

dont forget the service. you thinking of BMW ??? oh man !!! you know the servicing price is higher than other bikes??

oh. you just thinking. ohhh . ok.

your story is almost similar with many young men/ women bikers including myself 20 years ago.

one thing i truly regret. i spent so much on big , big bikes that the money i used could have been spent more on my parents.

choose wisely

[pufferfis]

look out for great deals

1)class 2 bikes which cost less than a class 2b bike new or class 2a second hand with reasonable coe left and pay it cash.....I have two class 2 bikes which combined cost less than my gf's class 2b bike after coe renewal...

2)check out the insurance for the above said bikes and see which one you can meet reasonably.....I have friends who had 1.5k insurance and struggled when it is time to pay both insurance....and road tax....in perspective....my class 2 bikes insurance never exceed 220 ...and my road tax since its below 999cc....it never exceeds 300....

3)try to download the free factory manuals or haynes manual for the above said bikes....Its easier to troubleshoot with a manual in hand instead of going to a bikeshop who tinks they know everything and charges outrageous dough to diagnose that ur clutch cable is loose....

4)Look out for class 2 bikes which takes super 4 vtec tire sizes that is 120F160R....you will be amazed at the big difference in prices for 160R and 180R tyyre sizes for the same tyre brand.....

5)I would recommend between 600cc and 900cc for a first class 2 bike...hp between 70 and 100hp....nothing against bigger displacement bikes....but after close to two decades of riding....im still enjoying learning the limits of my beginner class 2 bikes....

6)im a cheapo...but hey at least can save extra cash to go travellling....

7)im also your height but way heavier at 90kg....use the extra dough to get aftermarket shocks like nitron or bitubo....i have personally use these and they bring more confidence to your ride...of coz there are other solid aftermarket brands like penske, hyper pro...wilbers...progressives etc...depending on ur budget...brands like nitron can be ordered according to ur weight n shortened to a degree to be able to put at least a foot flat on the ground....

8)ride in both rain and dry.....fast n slow.....ul get to know wic tyre brands sucks or is good...hahha

oh yesss.....happy researching and enjoy riding your upcoming new class 2 bike bro!

Edited November 23, 2016 by pufferfis

[Yahmarhuh]

ok. lets put this to perspective.

 

if a person has a salary of $2500 per month minus cpf , take home $2000

he has say $8000 for downpayment for a new bike. a new bike around $20000.

 

so he owes bike shop 12000. he wishes to take loan of 5 years. interest is around 3% . so

monthly he pays around $230 per month. so he would probably take home 2000-230 = 1770

now, he must think bigger bike, on loan and thus higher insurance and road tax. so normally i am not thinking of

any specific bike. superbike more ex. just average ok. $1000 per year. so he must put aside around

$100 per month.

petrol say 200 to 300 per month because now its a bigger bike. erp and parking. so we put another 100. so how much

he has left. 1370.

dont forget the service. you thinking of BMW ??? oh man !!! you know the servicing price is higher than other bikes??

oh. you just thinking. ohhh . ok.

your story is almost similar with many young men/ women bikers including myself 20 years ago.

one thing i truly regret. i spent so much on big , big bikes that the money i used could have been spent more on my parents.

choose wisely

 

great advice bro!

 

 

I'd like to add on which may be abit contradictory. I'd say go for your dream bike if u feel u can afford it. U only live once and your priority in life may be different as u gro older, have family etc. Of course everybody go thru different path... n some may spend more on bikes when they r young while some spend more when old... to each his own.

 

Just make sure you find out the maintenance costs and expected repair costs. Generally they would fall under 3 category.

 

Cat 1 - Asian brand commuter class bikes

Cat 2 - European/American commuter class bikes

Cat 3 - Superbikes

 

For Cat 2 & 3, be prepared to pay service charge of $50/hr upwards for servicing and repairs at authorised dealers. Cost of parts are also exponentially higher.

 

Financial matters over... Back to your choice of bikes. Try them out "at least sit on them" and decide what kind of bike u prefer then check out more bikes in that category.

[Shaiek]

Hi, MR BIKER. Thank you for your contribution.

 

I hope I will not have to resort to taking a loan to purchase my new bike. Nonetheless, I appreciate your insight. It shows that you have really thought it out.

 

I agree that the annual insurance charges would be higher. I have yet to get the quotes but I am estimating around $800 per year.

 

As for road tax, bike that is less than 1000 CC would linger around $150 at the most. The tax is calculated by [s$40 + S$0.15 (CC - 200)] x 0.782. If it's 1000 CC and above, the base of $40 is changed to $160, which would effectively double the rate.

 

As for petrol, I doubt it will rise exponentially. My daily commute is around 30km and currently I need to gas my Gilera after four to five days and it will cost about $10 each time. With a bigger bike, I think it will still be about the same cost; bigger tank will need less refill but cost a little more to top it up fully. I may be wrong but I feel it will not differ much.

 

I know that most people would agree that the money spent on bikes could be better utilized elsewhere. However, we each face different situation in our life. Still, I would bear in mind your advise and will really take into consideration before committing myself. I waited more than four months after getting my Class 2B before I purchased my Gilera. I believe I am patience enough to wait and make a rationale decision after much deliberation.

 

Thank you once again for your input. It is helpful, having a perspective coming from another angle.

[Shaiek]

Hi, pufferfis.

 

I am considering looking at second hand bikes. However, as I am not that experience with bikes, I am a bit worried that it would be a "lemon" product, refurbished to look nice. Still, I agree that second hand bikes are way cheaper than new bikes. For some bikes, the price are almost halved, but one wouldn't know about the condition of the bikes.

 

As for insurance, I have yet to get the quotes. I was thinking of narrowing my choices to a couple of bikes and then get the quotes for them. Hence, I would first need to head down to the shops to get the feel of the bikes. Still, I am estimating the annual premium to be around $800. This would be for the Third Party, Fire & Theft policy. I don't think it is necessary to get Comprehensive policy, right?

 

As for road tax, bikes that is less than 1000 CC will at most cost around $300 for a full year. The calculation I did for my earlier post was for 6 months.

 

Regards to your point 5, after consideration, I was thinking of getting a bike that is less than 1000 CC. It wouldn't serve any purpose on Singapore roads with such a huge bikes. A moderate bike should be sufficient for me. Also, I am not a fan of modifying my bike. My current Gilera's parts are all stock and if ever it is faulty, I would replace with the same; nothing fancy like those Bitubo or Yoshimura.

 

Still, thank you for your advice. At least now I know there is a way to adjust the bike if I need it to be more comfortable and having my feet on the ground.

 

Have a good day ahead.

[Shaiek]

Hi, Yahmarhuh. Thank you for your comments. They are encouraging.

 

Like most people, I have been advised to get what I really like while I am still young and hopefully can afford it without being saddled with a huge debt thereafter. Still, I would also agree with the minority who dissuaded me from spending so much on just a bike. It is conflicting but I will consider both viewpoints before coming to a decision.

 

Nonetheless, thank you for sharing. I will make time to head down to the shops to have a personal experience with the bikes.

[MR BIKER]

THEN its time to zoom around Ubi, eunos, Bukit batok, serangoon and hopefully not batam or jb to look for that elusive bike man. my favourites (not that I am sponsoring them ) loois, unique, bike production and many more. one piece of advice .dont easily fall in love. hehehe

[wait4me]

out of the 11 choice, TS only have suzuki and yamaha

 

so i think TS more inclined towards conti bikes. so if can choose all these , i think cost is not much of an issue to him

[kzone]

Wah dats quite a nice list... I was also considering quite a few on dat list and also jump fm 2b to cl 2.

Even went to BMW enduro course in Phuket to try out the F800 where its meant to be ridden.

Ended up with a Harley instead. Big cc but no performance, high insurance & road tax... totally an impractical choice.. but dats y we ride. lol

[di_andrei]

You can also test ride the Triumphs at Mah Motors.

 

Affordability aside, you need to make up your mind about what class of bike you want - the bikes you listed are very different.

[prettymussel]

Anyway, with regards to the subject, I don't think that reversing the bike while sitting should pose a problem. As long as your leg can reach the ground, I trust one should be able to handle it. However, the weight of the bike might make it a little difficult. Still, XJR400 doesn't look that bulky in picture.

 

think twice about that.

unless u're talking abt a sports bike, class 2 adventure tourers can be upwards of 200kg.

add in seat height and u being lightweight, it will be more bike than u can handle comfortably in the carpark aspect.

add in wet ground etc, u might possibly find yourself in a bit of a predicament.

[tiku]

think twice about that.

unless u're talking abt a sports bike, class 2 adventure tourers can be upwards of 200kg.

add in seat height and u being lightweight, it will be more bike than u can handle comfortably in the carpark aspect.

add in wet ground etc, u might possibly find yourself in a bit of a predicament.

 

Exactly.. these are heavy tall bike... im same height as ts.. im dream bike used to b fz6s.. when I really got it I regretted. . As when I test sit the bike its on main stand.. so I cant feel the heaviest of the bike and tall seat height.. no test ride given... judging by the good condition I bought it by listening to its engine...I used to ride s4 before that... the tall seat n heavy weight as cmp to s4.. cannot rev the bike while sitting on bike as I need to tiptoe.. after riding for awhile kana tyre punctured!!! The rear big tyre cost a bomb!!! After a fews I sick of it and I sell it fast at a lost of 1.5k.. from then on.. I learnt that my next cl2 bike must b light weight or something close to s4.. low seat height.. 160 rear tyre... I slowly browse and spot a nice fit at a cheap price.. 1yr9mth left coe.. 650cc at 3.5k in 2015 yr... jus that the price is kawasaki. .. lol... now im still v happy wif my kawa.. fc 25kml.. eo 2bottle.. 2inline n nice exos sound..=)

[Shaiek]

Hi, MR BIKER. Appreciate the list of shops. I will be paying Looi's Motor a visit today, if time permits, since I will be around the area. Once again, thank you.

 

 

Hi, wait4me. Cost is a factor for me. If I could save on the purchase, I would. However, I wouldn't want to spend big and then regret that I didn't getting another bike that cost slightly higher just because I wanted to scrimp. Having said that, the cost will still have to be reasonable and I have estimated it to be about $35k. In a way, you could say, that is my budget.

 

Also, I did consider getting Honda NCX 750. However, those who rode it before advised me against getting it, saying it's incomparable against the CBX 400. Still, the allure of the NCX 750 is rather tempting. The price is lower, it offers a storage space at the front and there is auto transmission too, from the reviews I read.

 

 

Hi, kzone. It is unfortunate that you don't feel fully satisfied with the bike. However, thank you for sharing. That is exactly the reason why I started this thread in the first place. I was hoping someone would be able to share some pointers for my consideration before jumping to conclusion.

 

Prior to this, I had the basic knowledge that the cost of maintaining a big bike will be greater as the power increase. Take the road tax for instance, I did not expect the annual renewal cost would be double for bikes above 1000 CC, until I checked it out recently. This, and after some time browsing online, has definitely reduced some of the bikes on my existing list.

 

 

Hi, di_andrei. Thank you for your advice. I am very certain that I don't wish for a sports bike. My inclination is more towards those adventure type bikes, with an exception to a Hypermotard, of course. I would also prefer the sitting to be upright.

 

 

Hi, prettymussel. Your argument there is valid and well noted. Perhaps, the places I normally park my bike is kind of spacious hence I was thinking that I don't have to really reverse the bike that often. Nonetheless, I apologize for my earlier remark. Indeed, an adventure bike is heavy and the seat is rather high. It would pose a problem for someone my size. I will consider this during my visit to the shops. Thank you highlighting this point.

 

 

Hi, tiku. I'm sorry to hear about your story but at the same time I am glad to hear you have found yourself a much more comfortable ride. I understand that your current bike is a used bike with less than two years of COE left. Out of curiosity, do you have problems with getting insurance coverage? From what I have heard before, some insurance companies refused to accept old bikes, which I am unable to ascertain the validity.

 

 

To all, I am truly grateful that you guys came forward to share your experience. Thank you for all the advice, may we each be able to benefit from this.

 

Have a wonderful weekend. Be safe, ride safe.

[tiku]

Ts.. nope i have no difficulty getting insurance for all my past old bike.. all my x bike are second , most are coe bike.. no trouble at all except my cbr250.. have to go thru bike shop to find for me.. cbr250 is yr2011 bike but yet not many take in

[Shaiek]

Hi, tiku. Noted your message. I guess the stories I heard was untrue.

 

Anyway, for an update, I only managed to go to Ducati showroom last weekend. The sales lady was friendly, assisting me with my queries. However, although my heart say yes to the Hypermotard, I am still a bit hesitant. Notwithstanding the initial investment of $36k, the cost for servicing is also rather steep.

 

I also enquired some shop about Yamaha MT-09. The prices are rather similar at $23k, without insurance. However, these are all the naked bike. Also, I checked online and the 2017 version looks more attractive, something like MT-10.

 

Well, that is just an update for now. Have a nice evening, all.

[smallcar]

Hi, tiku. Noted your message. I guess the stories I heard was untrue.

 

Anyway, for an update, I only managed to go to Ducati showroom last weekend. The sales lady was friendly, assisting me with my queries. However, although my heart say yes to the Hypermotard, I am still a bit hesitant. Notwithstanding the initial investment of $36k, the cost for servicing is also rather steep.

 

I also enquired some shop about Yamaha MT-09. The prices are rather similar at $23k, without insurance. However, these are all the naked bike. Also, I checked online and the 2017 version looks more attractive, something like MT-10.

 

Well, that is just an update for now. Have a nice evening, all.

 

Hi Shaiek,

morning. I was like you when i got my Class 2. I love the ducati and went Ubi to view the Diavel ( Full touring kit pannier /backrest ). Fell in love at first sight. But after doing some research and talking to old timer. Gave up the idea due tot the engine heat and high rev engine. High rev engine not suitable on city ride as got to maintain low gear at high rpm and this will make my ride uncomfortable.

Next target BMW. Due to my short legs, i narrow down to BMW K1600GTL. Lucky my bike shop let me test ride the bike before purchasing it. Fall in love on the smoothness of the engine. Very good handling at slow speed and the best of all at 60km/h i can move into 6th gear. So i had this K1600GTL for 11 mths already since i passed my class 2.

 

Along the way, backside itchy. 5 mths back got myself a Triumph Rocket 3 2300cc. Then kana poison like **** since I passed my class 2. 4 bikes in hand now.

[kzone]

Actually bro, its not that I wasn't satisfied with the F800. Its just that the bike deserve to be on the dirt tracks, climbing up hills, crossing streams or at the very least going on 500km trips. It'll be such a sad bike if u limit it to the tarmac on SG roads especially if it spends most of its life manoeuvring through our peak period traffic.

 

Hi, kzone. It is unfortunate that you don't feel fully satisfied with the bike. However, thank you for sharing. That is exactly the reason why I started this thread in the first place. I was hoping someone would be able to share some pointers for my consideration before jumping to conclusion.

[Shaiek]

Hi, smallcar. I apologize for the delayed response as I have been tied down with work. Anyway, I agree with you with regards to the Ducati. I am still having second thoughts on the Hypermotard. Similarly, like you, I have also shifted my focus to BMW currently. I am reading up on the F800 GSA and I understand there is a new model for 2017. Any idea how long in general before it is made available here in Singapore?

 

Nonetheless, it is amazing that you own four bikes. I hope you get to enjoy the rides with all of them. Have fun and ride safe always.

 

 

Hi, kzone. I understand your point. I am interested to join a tour. When the opportunity presents itself, and hopefully then, if I am riding an F800 GSA, it would serve its intended purpose.

 

Have a wonderful weekend, all. Ride safe, be safe.