Moving to Singapore: Need Info

[JohnHoo]

Hey there fellow bikers,

 

The company I'm working for intends to expand into Singapore, and hence relocate me there to run the branch. As part of the relocation package, they have agreed to purchase a motorcycle for my use in Singapore, just in case a client wants to meet in places not served by public transport (deep in Jurong, etc.).

 

While I could technically take a taxi everyday, it really doesn't make sense in terms of cost, since I'll have to take a taxi every single day. Also, we may have business in Johor, so a taxi isn't completely ideal. On top of all that, I also know that it is nigh on impossible to drive in Singapore without either a) paying out the butt or b) getting stuck in traffic.

 

As such, I have opted for a motorcycle.

 

I need information on two things, if my fellow riders would be so kind to provide:

 

1) The licensing process for a motorcycle in Singapore. I am eyeing the new Yamaha XJ6-N, and if the licensing process in Singapore is anything like Malaysia, that means I have to get a specialized license for 600cc (even though its performance is more like a 250cc...)

 

2) The bikes you guys and gals would recommend. This is a bike I will be taking to see clients, so I'd prefer if it looks professional. Or at least, I'd prefer if the bike does not make me look like a classless buffoon.

 

I know that to answer question 2), you will need to know my previous experience in bikes:

 

I lived 5 years in America (Indiana, if you're wondering). In that time, I got my first bike: an old 1995 Yamaha XJ600 Seca II Diversion, stripped of all fairings so it would cost me less when I fell. That, and I love naked bikes. I rode that bike for about 2-3 years, and I've done my fair share of falling and crashing.

 

But that was like 2 years ago. I'm picking up riding again after 2 years.

 

I'm familiar with the riding experience of the old Seca II, so I'm mainly eyeing the XJ6 because its the successor to my first and only bike.

 

I believe in ATGATT.

 

I will really appreciate it if any of my Singaporean brothers in riding would set me in the right direction.

 

Thanks!

 

P.S. >> Information on where to buy the bike you'd recommend (I don't like getting ripped off, nor does my company), and riding gear, would be well appreciated. I'm looking for jacket, pants, gloves, boots, helmet.

 

I like modular full-face helmets like the Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer that I had.

[r3tr0]

singapore got 3 motorcycle license. class 2b below 200cc, class 2a below 400cc and class 2 above 400cc.

 

 

 

 

 

r3tr0

[JohnHoo]

singapore got 3 motorcycle license. class 2b below 200cc, class 2a below 400cc and class 2 above 400cc.

 

So how does it work? Do I have to get a 2B first, then 2A and finally 2? Or can I jump straight to 2?

 

Where would I go to get this done? In the USA, it was the DMV. What's the Singapore equivalent?

[crazydj]

My advice is to get your company to get you a car. If i were an expat, i would rather have a car. Riding a bike in Singapore is much different than riding one in the states.

 

Anyway, if i am not wrong, you must have owned a bike that is more than 400cc is the last year when you were living in the states to get a license conversion to Class 2. Even so, it really is a case by case basis and it really depends on the individual. The issuing of licenses is by the Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force. You have to deal with them directly.

 

What company are you working for anyway?

Edited May 12, 2012 by crazydj

[JohnHoo]

My advice is to get your company to get you a car. If i were an expat, i would rather have a car. Riding a bike in Singapore is much different than riding one in the states.

 

Hah, my company is not an MNC. I'm Malaysian, and so is the company. From what I understand, COEs are outrageous in Singapore.

 

I'm trying to do this at minimum cost, and a bike makes the most sense.

[sorayama65]

A friend of mine just came from NJ and he was riding a KTM adventure back home. U just need to do a conversion of license, do not need to retake any.

 

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[JohnHoo]

Anyway, if i am not wrong, you must have owned a bike that is more than 400cc is the last year when you were living in the states to get a license conversion to Class 2. Even so, it really is a case by case basis and it really depends on the individual. The issuing of licenses is by the Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force. You have to deal with them directly.

 

What company are you working for anyway?

 

Yes, my bike was 600cc. I technically still own the bike, as I just gave it to a friend (I got it for US$750..., hardly worth selling for scrap).

 

I still do have my US motorcycle license..., valid for the next 5 years or so.

 

I work for a solutions provider company in the field of ICT. We're a project based company. You know the new bits of KLCC for tourists at the 86th and LG floor? We did all the data cabling, lighting and some electrical.

 

And the Infineon factory in Kulim. That's us too. Intel Penang. Us too.

[ticks]

Yea man definitely push for a car. What image does that project to clients when you as the manager is on a bike, and business is expanding? unless they give you both and you opt to ride the bike as an alternative,just because you prefer.

 

Anyway the license...get 2a, after a year later then you're allowed to take 2b, another year then you take class 2. But since you've a biking license, you can just skip the two years thing and just convert you're existing license.

 

For gears,I think Motoworld at kallang would be a good place as a one stop location? They mainly carry komine, RS Taichi.

 

Other shops..Regina, Chiap lee...and the lot. Others will definitely chip in.

 

Just my 2c

 

 

Ride safe people!!

[wait4me]

in singapore , riding a bike to meet a client is not very professional in image sense..

besides you cant ferry a client for lunch meetup

[crazydj]

Yup, i agree with the bros here. The basic mentality of most Singaporeans is that riding a motorcycle is dangerous and considered 'low-class'. It doesnt matter whether you ride a Ducati or a KTM or what not, non-riders would want to see you in a nice BMW or Mercades or Lexus. Singapore's society is a stereotypical one.

[whyzee]

If you want a bike n look presentable i would suggest you to get a maxi-scooter. Perhaps the new BMW C650 GT. They will protect your shoes better, less dirt on face n clothes, and better storage for your riding gears, bags n laptop

 

Regarding the mentality of ppl towards bikers, my opinion is that; so long u still dress smartly and your bike looks like its a choice, not a no choice u wil be fine. Just be confident abt it n it wil be ok.

[whyzee]

Gears n accessories wise;

Regina; Alpinestars, Puma, Caberg, AGV

 

Chong Aik: Shoei, Sidi

 

JR: Dainese, Garne

 

Chiap Lee: Arai, TCX, Clover, Momo, Schuberth

 

Motoworld: Komine, RS Taichi, HJC.

 

Its a bit hard to find the Scorpion helmet here, motoworld have limited choice though. I suggest alternatives like Shoei Multitec or Caberg HyperX.

 

Alpinestars n Dainese would have options of good look city boots.

 

Jacket: Komine n RS Taichi have more city looking one, with Asian fittings, Dainese always look good if u have the budget.

 

PM me if u need more help shopping.

[wait4me]

Yup, i agree with the bros here. The basic mentality of most Singaporeans is that riding a motorcycle is dangerous and considered 'low-class'. It doesnt matter whether you ride a Ducati or a KTM or what not, non-riders would want to see you in a nice BMW or Mercades or Lexus. Singapore's society is a stereotypical one.

no leh bro , avante ,kia or lancer also can ..

 

at least everything is aircon and u are not at client place hot ,sticky and sweaty

[JohnHoo]

Yea man definitely push for a car. What image does that project to clients when you as the manager is on a bike, and business is expanding? unless they give you both and you opt to ride the bike as an alternative,just because you prefer.

 

Anyway the license...get 2a, after a year later then you're allowed to take 2b, another year then you take class 2. But since you've a biking license, you can just skip the two years thing and just convert you're existing license.

 

For gears,I think Motoworld at kallang would be a good place as a one stop location? They mainly carry komine, RS Taichi.

 

Other shops..Regina, Chiap lee...and the lot. Others will definitely chip in.

 

Just my 2c

 

 

Ride safe people!!

 

TBH, it is a preference for me. I have a very practical mindset, and in a city as dense as Singapore, where space is at a total premium, and the roads are clogged, a bike just seems to make more sense...

 

But nonetheless, I will discuss this issue with my boss. The client is king afterall, practicality be damned.

 

Thanks for all the info btw.

[JohnHoo]

If you want a bike n look presentable i would suggest you to get a maxi-scooter. Perhaps the new BMW C650 GT. They will protect your shoes better, less dirt on face n clothes, and better storage for your riding gears, bags n laptop

 

Regarding the mentality of ppl towards bikers, my opinion is that; so long u still dress smartly and your bike looks like its a choice, not a no choice u wil be fine. Just be confident abt it n it wil be ok.

 

Yeah, about that mentality, I tend to think that way too. If I get a bike, it's a choice. It's not because I can't afford a car in Singapore (or my company for that matter), it's just a more sensible form of transport in a dense city. And I do intend to run around in a business suit anyway, so the heat issue isn't really relevant, since I will boil, bike or no bike.

 

But like I said above, I will discuss it with my boss, see what he thinks. Ultimately, the boss says jump, I jump.

[JohnHoo]

no leh bro , avante ,kia or lancer also can ..

 

at least everything is aircon and u are not at client place hot ,sticky and sweaty

 

I just checked.

 

A shitty 1.5L hatchback will cost me $62,000 in CoE alone. Not including a car.

 

That sounds like complete batshit insanity to me. You pay $62,000 for a piece of paper that says you can own a car, and you don't even get a car with it...

 

Translated to RM, that's like RM150,000, without a car...

[crazydj]

no leh bro , avante ,kia or lancer also can ..

 

at least everything is aircon and u are not at client place hot ,sticky and sweaty

 

TS is an expatriate. Avante, Kia or Lancer is not enough.

[JohnHoo]

TS is an expatriate. Avante, Kia or Lancer is not enough.

 

Hey..., I'm not greedy. If you can find me a car for SGD25,000 or less, I'll be more than happy to take it!

 

Browsing through OneShift.com for car prices just makes it seem like cars in Singapore are reserved for the mega wealthy. I drive a Perodua Myvi 1.5 here, and the shittier version of the same car (1.3L) costs 2.6 times MORE in Singapore.

 

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the prices.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

what ever licence you have pls get it converted before you come to singapore be it driving or riding for a long duration best call up Automotive Association about conversion....

it's quite a hassle to take a licence to ride in singapore

 

and if you can only afford a $25k for a car....get a cab , at least you are chauffered and cheaper in the long run.

 

the bike is for fun.....

[crazydj]

Hey..., I'm not greedy. If you can find me a car for SGD25,000 or less, I'll be more than happy to take it!

 

Browsing through OneShift.com for car prices just makes it seem like cars in Singapore are reserved for the mega wealthy. I drive a Perodua Myvi 1.5 here, and the shittier version of the same car (1.3L) costs 2.6 times MORE in Singapore.

 

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the prices.

 

If that is the case, then its better to listen to ChaoPuzzy1968

 

what ever licence you have pls get it converted before you come to singapore be it driving or riding for a long duration best call up Automotive Association about conversion....

it's quite a hassle to take a licence to ride in singapore

 

and if you can only afford a $25k for a car....get a cab , at least you are chauffered and cheaper in the long run.

 

the bike is for fun.....

 

Many times, its cheaper to just take a cab. Anyway, if you are Malaysian, why not you just drive your Myvi down to Singapore and use it in here? Servicing, petrol, all you do it here as well?

[wait4me]

yup drive the myvi to sing, unless the daily toll and parking expense is being taken into consideration ,

 

and town parking is not cheap either mostly 2 dollar per half an hour

[GuiNNeSS]

Get the car.

 

1) Singapore is just like Malaysia. Rain, Flood, Ponding, Yucky tings on the road that will fly at you.

2) If the company rather their executives be cheap and easy to replace, yes, provide the bike and keep the hefty insurance payout later.

3) Get a bike only as a personal transport, which you ride to Malaysia only on good solid dry days so they wont lose you to accidents.

4) There is no bikes that will look professional and suitable for work, unless its a Ducati, FJR or ST13. Note that Ducati cant help you carry lots of items you might need for work. Eg is a ipad which you will need a backpack for.

 

I rode with a lot of items in my boxes, plenty of people can attest to that. From shower items, cosmetics, handbags to high heels. Boxes are essential, but a Super Four with a top box works well enough for me. Riding in high heels and office skirt pulled up to the upper thigh previously.

 

On a side note: M&E work? I need folks to rewire lots of stuff at my premises. The previous unlicenced amateur electrician and LEW has a lot to answer for.

[deathism]

1) Singapore is just like Malaysia. Rain, Flood, Ponding, Yucky tings on the road that will fly at you.

 

I believe "ponding" is exclusive to Singapore.

[JohnHoo]

Get the car.

 

1) Singapore is just like Malaysia. Rain, Flood, Ponding, Yucky tings on the road that will fly at you.

2) If the company rather their executives be cheap and easy to replace, yes, provide the bike and keep the hefty insurance payout later.

3) Get a bike only as a personal transport, which you ride to Malaysia only on good solid dry days so they wont lose you to accidents.

4) There is no bikes that will look professional and suitable for work, unless its a Ducati, FJR or ST13. Note that Ducati cant help you carry lots of items you might need for work. Eg is a ipad which you will need a backpack for.

 

I rode with a lot of items in my boxes, plenty of people can attest to that. From shower items, cosmetics, handbags to high heels. Boxes are essential, but a Super Four with a top box works well enough for me. Riding in high heels and office skirt pulled up to the upper thigh previously.

 

On a side note: M&E work? I need folks to rewire lots of stuff at my premises. The previous unlicenced amateur electrician and LEW has a lot to answer for.

 

We can certainly discuss any business opportunities. Our target for penetration into Singapore is Q4 2012. Then you won't have to worry about any "mishaps" with your premises, as we either employ only those who are trained, or we train those who have no experience.

 

It's a Sunday today though, so I'm off work. I'll discuss things with my boss. I don't think they intend for their executives to be cheap and easy to replace, but rather, it was something I offered them as a solution to the insane costs of owning a car in Singapore. I have a stake in the company as much as my boss does, and hence I offered them a bike only in defense on the interests of the company.

 

P.S. >> If I drive my Myvi to Singapore..., it's a manual. That and IIRC they charge you RM10 per day to drive a Malaysian car in Singapore?

[whyzee]

Your decision to ride mak sense to me;

1) you have shares.

2) making the boss think u haf interest for the company is always good

3) u love to ride

 

I would have done the same as i dont really care abt others' perception. Ive on several ocassion ride to meet client n I think u can show them u r a confident person if u can pull it off. ^^

 

anyway, back to the topic of bikes. They r cheaper than in Malaysia, thus i stil vote for a maxi scooter, or a touring bike for that, more executive look.