on holiday, wanting to get accessories in singapore!

[isaac-nz]

hi all.

greetings from new zealand.

im isaac, looking to get a cbr-250RR or similar soon.

before then am looking to get some accessories.

 

the main things im looking for are a jacket, pants, gloves and boots.

will get helmet here in NZ so no dramas with police and safety standards, also a lot easier to get here rather than carrying it on a plane due to oversize lol

 

looking to get an idea on what sort of prices i can expect to pay for general equipment and see if anyone can reccomend some good stores to get some good prices. if anyone can give names as ref to check them out via net before hand that would be great!

 

will be coming 28th dec till mid jan so should be there around after xmas sale time?

 

many thanks in advance bro's!

see you in your beautiful country soon

-isaac-

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Heck, I'll bring you on a motorcycle tour when you arrive in SG.

 

Could do some proper 007 work and do some price / photo / location recons in the meantime if you want. You will then be familiar with the following:

 

Hokada Motoworld - General gear and sports riding accessories. Understand your concern with legality but they offer an excellent range of mid to high end fullface helmets at excellent prices too.

Geylang area - huge variety of budget accessories shops including Lim Ah Boy (affectionately termed "LAB"), Regina, Chong Aik and many others within walking distance.

Novena Square - There are some excellent newer motorcycle accessories and riding armour (Forcefield Performance) stores in the city as well. I've not been to those places (I'm a rural wild cat ) but I'm sure other forumers have.

 

The price for my expertise is one plate of chicken rice. Hahaha

 

In the meantime I'll also alert some friendly 'ang mohs' who have done significant gear-bargain-hunting locally, these are fine folk such as @O'Ren and vyruz who can advise you on how to maintain the initiative whist dealing with an alien operating environment

Edited November 5, 2010 by Pandora's Kitten :3

[vyruz]

In the meantime I'll also alert some friendly 'ang mohs' who have done significant gear-bargain-hunting locally' date=' these are fine folk such as [MENTION=68882']O'Ren[/MENTION] and vyruz who can advise you on how to maintain the initiative whist dealing with an alien operating environment

 

Thanks Cat

 

Hey Isaac. I too am happy to help. I moved to Singapore from Wellington about four years ago, and can attest to the good bargains you can get here (vs TradeMe prices, for example).

 

Jackets: I got a mesh RS Taichi from Hokada Motoworld. Link in previous post. No prices on their website, but they're happy to give you a price if you call them. I moved to a textile Alpinestars one from Regina (http://www.reginaspecialties.com/) not too long ago. Unfortunately their leather jacket range is wanting.

 

Gloves and Boots: Also sourced mine from Regina. Pretty alright prices, I think.

 

Feel free to PM me for more details bro. Sorry for the short sentences and sombre tone to my post - am writing this while in a work meeting!

[isaac-nz]

@ pandora's kitten

thanks heaps for the links, will def be checking out those places when i get there.

definitely keen for a cycle tour of singapore! TBH, any excuse to get a day away from the in laws and ill take it lol! and im sure i can sort you some chicken rice, will grab some myself lol! my g/f raves about how good singapore's chicken rice and curries are compared to what we get here! thats one thing im really looking forward too LOVE south asian food! LAKSA

 

@ vyruz

thanks for your help too, cool to see a fellow kiwi out and about in singapore!

will def also check out those places you mentioned too. seem to be thinking it may be easier just to get names and places now and spend a day going around and getting prices while im there rather than looking through not-so-comprehensive websites. also the ability to physically try on and gauge pricing and deals etc.

ive got apporx 20 days in singapore so should be plenty of time to get a day out and about!

 

again, many thanks for your help.

will keep a copy of this thread and get back to ya'll closer to the time, def keen to take you up on the offer of a singapore ride pandora's kitten!

[ORen]

I think the previous posts covered pretty much everything - the good thing about SG is it doesn't take long to list places of interest for a particular topic

 

Do PM me when you get here, I'll be in SG during the xmas/new year's eve period with I suspect a bit of free time on my hands so I'll be happy to join you for some shopping and drinks.

 

I think compared to NZ prices from what I can see online, SG prices will definitely be a good deal for you. Of course, your whiteness will have a RedBull effect on the real price the shop would offer a local but then again, if it helps, locals do get quoted high prices too sometimes (specially newbie riders..) - c'est la vie !

 

Here's a ballpark figure for the prices of : (Prices in SGD)

 

- Jackets : you can find mesh ones starting at $100-150 up to $300 (have not seen more expensive yet - the brands I'm talking about are TRS Taichi, Komine, RJays so non-US brands)

 

- High Visibility jacket : Motoworld now carries high viz vests from Komine. Pretty cool and fit great. Copycat of the famous Mil Spec Icon Vest , I asked for the price, can't remember now (Around $120 I think?)

 

- Gloves: I'll assume you want something with knuckle protection, good padding on the palm and wrist: $60 to $120, you can get better/more expensive gloves. The range I gave you is for a good solid Taichi pair of mesh gloves with all the necessary protection in case of a fall.

 

- Boots: Not sure if you're looking for those too, but I find that SG shops carry more and more models and have more choices than 2 years ago (Been in SG for only 3 years). You can find Alpinestars racing boots, but also more casual boots for daily commuting from TCX, Komine, etc.. Usually prices starts close to $200 and go higher when we're talking big brands or track racing boots. Just got a new pair of Komine boots for $170:

 

http://yellowcorn.dothome.co.kr/komine/boots/bk-063/bk-063.jpg

 

- Pants: Ranges from $150 to $300 , mostly denim pants or mesh - I'm assuming you're not looking for track pants/suit or you would've mentioned it so these are "normal" riding pants. Excellent quality for all the usual brands SG shops carry but Singaporeans riders are not big on pants so I suspect shops don't see them as items that sell. They stock up only once or twice a year and often carry last year's models. Yet, riding pants not being the most fashionable apparel, you shouldn't be bothered by that. The thing that might be a problem for you depending on how you're built is the size: I'm 6ft tall and so far I have not been able to try on pants that reach my ankle when standing up. Very annoying. But I just started looking for these last week so i still have a few shops to do.

 

- Luggage: You can find saddle and tank bags easily in SG shops. Prices can start as low as $60 for a good tank bag. (magnetic, backpack straps). The shops mostly carry Rjays, Oxford, Komine and Taichi bags. Sometimes some brands I've never heard of.

 

- Small accessories: There's a lot of small "crap" you can find in all bike shops here, maybe you want to think about that too, since it won't take up much space in your luggage. Things like a crampbuster, baclava, anti fog spray for visors, LEDs, straps and hooks, bulbs, break lines, handle grips, etc.. you know the stuff small in size but that might be cheaper here than in NZ.

 

Alright, have a think about the stuff you want to get and I'm sure one of us will be able to give you a more accurate quote for it, in case you want to plan your budget ahead of your visit.

 

Hope this helps !

Edited November 7, 2010 by O'Ren

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Just adding on to O'Ren's excellent consumer advice above:

 

Luggage - I find the Komine products fun as they are displayed "flattened" but they can be pulled out like an accordion to double their capacity. Typical Japanese creativity! This evidently might make it worthwhile to smuggle it back on your return flight. However do bear in mind some saddlebags of this design aren't lockable. A concern for long range missions on two wheels, or if I frequent some notorious parts of Singapore.

 

Jackets & Gear - if @O'Ren's price guide is current (it is), then skip the budget places and get everything from Motoworld. Some "budget" places are actually more expensive than Motoworld if you want quality products due to aforesaid mark-up factor. Whereas Motoworld is an organisation with a solid reputation in racing and their prices do not differ from the price tag.... and if you disturb the right person you can sometimes get a great discount

 

Chicken Rice - Some are better than others. Cheap chicken rice can often be superior to famous chicken rice because the cheap chicken rice's seller has a bigger heart and that means BIGGER SERVINGS. Important for american-sized kittens

 

I'm curious erm, how is Issac going to get around Singapore? Hiring a taxi these days is not cheap, nor are they lightning-fast for the price. $10-20 fares for a 20km transit is typical, as the taximeters are time based, not distance based. Add congestion and lousy navigation skills, you are tempted to hijack the taxi and "drive" him from the back seat manually

 

Or.... we could organise a Ang Moh only motorcycle shopping convoy. Hahahahaha.

[isaac-nz]

wow, more great advice!

thanks all again, very appreciated, ive honestly never had such friendly, helpful, err help form a forum anywhere!

 

not sure how ill prob get around, what are trains and busses like?

or is it possible to hire a motorcycle short term? day by day sort of thing? what are they like on insurance, and also to bear in mind im still, technically a learner cyclist, been riding on streets for awhile, but technically my motorcycle licence class is a learner :S

 

thanks again-

-isaac-

[mild_slevin]

no worries about trains and buses, the network are quite comprehensive but MotoWorld (Kaki Bukit/Lavender branch) and Regina (nearby Kelantan Lane) are quite some distant away from train station. Bus would be a better choice for you, you can check out SBS Transit (http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/) or SMRT (http://www.smrt.com.sg/) on buses and train service around this little island.

 

You intend to ride the old CBR250RR, in line 4, 4 cylinder 250 power house?

[ORen]

I think only Motoworld a Ubi is a bit far from the trains, the rest, incuding LAB, Regina and Motoworld Lavender are fairly close to the stations (lavender, Little India/Farrer park).

busses can pretty much take you anywhere too so no worries.

If one of us is around during your long stay, we can surely arrange to pillion you to the shops, at least when you'll go to check out the gear so it's easier for you to get there. Depending on how much gear you plan to shop for, you can carry it in a backpack or in one of our tank bags or something.

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

or is it possible to hire a motorcycle short term? day by day sort of thing? what are they like on insurance, and also to bear in mind im still, technically a learner cyclist, been riding on streets for awhile, but technically my motorcycle licence class is a learner :S

If you see me leave the keys in the ignition and walk away deliberately, you know what to do

 

Firing from the hip to save time, I'll just say that the local motorcycle rental industry is non-existant. There are some remote moto-workshops who have this service but the prices I've heard, are exorbitant.

 

However there are ways to operate motor vehicles without getting a license for short stays less than a year, but learner licenses may not be converted:

 

Foreigners

A foreigner above 18 years of age and holding a Work Pass/Dependent Pass/Student Pass may drive in Singapore with a valid class 3, 3A or 2B foreign licence, for a period of not more than 12 months. A Singapore driving licence is required after 12 months. Those on short term social visit may drive with their foreign licence for up to 12 months each time they enter into Singapore. For licence not written in English language, an International Driving Permit or translation is required as explained below.

Please note that non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the Construction, Chemical and Processing Industry are not allowed to drive for work-related purposes unless the occupation stated in the Work Permit shows he is employed as a driver.

 

 

 

For more information on Work Pass restrictions, please visit:-

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/work_pass.html or you can call MOM at 64385122.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Classes of driving licence that may be converted

 

Foreign licence conversion is only granted for class 2B and class 3 qualified driving licences. Learner driving licence may not be converted.

 

 

 

Those who wish to obtain a class 4 and/or class 5 licence need to go through training and a prescribed practical test before they can obtain the Singapore class 4 or 5 licence. No direct conversion is granted for these heavy vehicle licences.

 

 

 

Conversion for a higher capacity or open category motorcycle licence is normally not granted unless there are documentary proof of training, testing, ownership of bigger motorcycle and insurance policy indicating that you have gone through proper training and testing regime and have had at least one year riding experience on the road.

 

 

Source - Singapore Traffic Police website

http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg/services/driving_in_singapore/information_drivinglicence_conversion.htm

I think only Motoworld a Ubi is a bit far from the trains, the rest, incuding LAB, Regina and Motoworld Lavender are fairly close to the stations (lavender, Little India/Farrer park).

busses can pretty much take you anywhere too so no worries.

Good point. One of us can also help map out Singapore's transit system beforehand, using tools like www.streetdirectory.com.

 

We'll need to know a bit of travel plans (place of residence in Singapore) and we can help you map out train and bus routes. Better yet, arrange to have one of our motorcycles or more ready for a much more economical taxi service (one chicken rice does not cost $20 ).

 

As the online streetdirectory is quite user friendly and now contains public transport data, feel free to check out the following "coordinates":

 

1. Motoworld

Hodaka Motoworld Pte Ltd , KB Industrial Building

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asiatravel/singaporemap/business/41399/24521/

 

(Yep, got the name wrong earlier, oops!)

 

2. L.A.B.

Kelantan Lane

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_19446/travel_site_1/

 

3. Route Planning

See the "directions" tab on the left display? Click it, set mode to "by Bus and MRT", from one of the two locations above.

Set "Swissotel" or another well known hotel as the origin, click start and enjoy tracing the lines.

 

4. If we manage to meet up for an actual shopping trip, worry not about the navigation. We're in an age of smartphones, Google Maps, etc...

 

If we need a more private place of discussion (security is my fav. topic) then I'm sure we can setup a group on facebook or something. Then the natives will think there's some Ang Moh Revolution going on

Edited November 7, 2010 by Pandora's Kitten :3

[chris 525]

If you're a big guy like me, then you might find it difficult to find your size.

 

Here XL size is L size in Euro shops, and L is M, and I always have problems

finding anything that can fit properly.

 

M or L is not a problem, XL a little more problematic, but XXL .....

 

So good luck

Edited November 7, 2010 by chris 525

[chris 525]

Hodaka Motoworld is at Kakibukit not Ubi.

 

If you are caught riding a motorbike without license nor insurance, it is big trouble for you and even more trouble for the owner. So don't go there.

[ahcaibiker]

Hi, welcome to Singapore.

 

i will strongly encourage you to visit Hodaka Motoworld when you are in town.

 

Address is 10 Kaki Bukit Road 1.

 

http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?hl=en&q=10+kaki+bukit+road+1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=10+Kaki+Bukit+Road+1,+416175&gl=sg&ei=xbjWTIiDG5PovQOK2IWnCQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ8gEwAA

 

They offer wide range of helmets and riding apparel from jackets to boots. parts and accessories for a wide range of bike brands and makes.

 

i hope you enjoy your stay in Singapore.

[chris 525]

I buy 90% of my stuff from motoworld

[chris 525]

If you go to LAB you need to know exactly what you want,

otherwise sure kena a scolding one.

 

If you go then get a Singaporean biker to accompany you.

 

You cannot browse there.

 

I usually buy bike hardware from there, lubricants, chemicals, levers, tyres, brake pads, etc

[scubasimon]

Chiming in just for fun

 

1. I looked for my jacket and pants in many places in Singapore before deciding (finally) to order them online with Motoport (http://www.motoport.com). Website sucks but service from Wayne is fantastic. Made to measure and lifetime guarantee can't be beat. In Singapore, go to Motoworld for the Japanese stuff as mentioned, JR (http://www.jrsingapore.com) for Dainese, Bike Guard (http://www.airbagjacket.com.sg) for Motoair.

 

2. I ended up getting Sidi boots from Chong Aik (http://www.chongaik.com.sg) when I first started off. Friendly and good service. I recently got myself a pair of TCX boots from Chiap Lee (http://www.chiaplee.com.sg). I did get a pair of Forma boots from Regina but that experience left much to be desired. Your mileage might vary. You can find Gaerne boots at JR as well.

 

3. I got my gloves online at Motoport as well as I was sold on Kevlar as a superior material. I've seen some nice ones too at Motoworld, JR, Chong Aik and Chiap Lee.

 

4. I was shopping recently and walked into G-Max (http://www.gmaxrace.com). They carry Berik stuff which looked really cool.

 

I would steer clear of LAB...be sure you know your stuff if you do go there. You never quite know what you are buying sometimes

 

Have fun!

[ORen]

Agreed about LAB, need to know what you want and what price to expect, otherwise..

Hey Simon, long time no see - Simon did for me what we're offering to do for you Isaac, he took me to a couple of shops to look at helmets, I had a great time and it introduced me to where the "bike shop scene" is hehe..

 

As for motoport, as much as the quality of their product looks absolutely fantastic, and the tailor made criteria is just priceless, I found that the design of their apparel is what put me off (The price is not too easy neither - but it's justified). I mean check this out, eighties or not ? Hey Simon, if we have the opportunity to meet again, I'd love to have a closer look at your Motoport apparel !

[scubasimon]

hey...not fair! at least pick a better colour

 

my jacket is an all black air mesh kevlar jacket, waist cut, zippered to the pants the new monroe jacket looks good on ladies too!

 

sure...you can see all the scuffs i got from my falls too...hahaha!

[Dnish]

hi all.

greetings from new zealand.

im isaac, looking to get a cbr-250RR or similar soon.

before then am looking to get some accessories.

 

the main things im looking for are a jacket, pants, gloves and boots.

will get helmet here in NZ so no dramas with police and safety standards, also a lot easier to get here rather than carrying it on a plane due to oversize lol

 

looking to get an idea on what sort of prices i can expect to pay for general equipment and see if anyone can reccomend some good stores to get some good prices. if anyone can give names as ref to check them out via net before hand that would be great!

 

will be coming 28th dec till mid jan so should be there around after xmas sale time?

 

many thanks in advance bro's!

see you in your beautiful country soon

-isaac-

 

I was in Auckland last Christmas/New Year. I borrowed a friends Harley and toured around. Great riding.

 

Another thing to keep in mind. Singapore weather dictates mesh - anything to keep cool. In NZ, I was freezing my azz off. So remember if getting a jacket, it has to have a lining or go with leather. Light and cooling is great in SG, but not in NZ. I borrowed a nice mid weight leather jacket and was cold, and that was in a heat wave - mid 20s I believe.

[kmax]

I buy 90% of my stuff from motoworld

 

i buy 90% of biking stuff from online

 

went to shops.. only to check the sizing...

 

bought 2 stuff from motoworld though, helmet and jacket for my wife... as she wants to try the size and buy it on the spot...(no chance for me to find better deal online)

[ORen]

kmax, which websites you usually shop on or recommend ? (I am SO hijacking Isaac's thread....)

[scubasimon]

I was in Auckland last Christmas/New Year. I borrowed a friends Harley and toured around. Great riding.

 

Another thing to keep in mind. Singapore weather dictates mesh - anything to keep cool. In NZ, I was freezing my azz off. So remember if getting a jacket, it has to have a lining or go with leather. Light and cooling is great in SG, but not in NZ. I borrowed a nice mid weight leather jacket and was cold, and that was in a heat wave - mid 20s I believe.

 

Another plus for Motoport is that you can order liners for cold and wet weather and still have the mesh for hot weather :-)

[kmax]

kmax' date=' which websites you usually shop on or recommend ? (I am SO hijacking Isaac's thread....)[/quote']

 

http://p.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/uk/logos/logoEbay_x45.gif

 

http://www.wemoto.com/assets/logo.png

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Interface/Images/LogoTop.Gif

 

[ORen]

Another plus for Motoport is that you can order liners for cold and wet weather and still have the mesh for hot weather :-)

 

Gnagnagna :P

I agree tho on the fact that Mesh only jackets might be a bit light for NZ weather..

 

http://p.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/uk/logos/logoEbay_x45.gif

 

http://www.wemoto.com/assets/logo.png

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Interface/Images/LogoTop.Gif

 

 

Merci ! You use a particular service to get it shipped or just whatever international shipping each site provides? eBay you can find reasonable shipping prices but usually bike shops have insane shipping rates, around 50+ USD..

[Dnish]

kmax' date=' which websites you usually shop on or recommend ? (I am SO hijacking Isaac's thread....)[/quote']

 

I just bought a helmet and some other gear from riders discount. They were charging US$25 for shipping to SG. However, had to pay through pay pal, which is fine with me. Also, Real Hogs has lots of apparel and they shipped a 3 kg apparels for US 29, the shipping is via US Postal ( so means 2-4 weeks for delivery). Otherwise, most of the rest will ship UPS, Fed Ex, etc and the charges add up but with quicker delivery.

 

Also remember, over S$400, will need to add on GST.