New rider looking for advice

[lllee]

Hehehe... you want high-end, check out Dainese. Or go down to JR motorsports at Ubi to see-see-look-look.

 

Entry level can try RS Taichi, reputable brand but cheaper. Other brands I see quite commonly used are Bell, OGK.

 

I myself am using RS Taichi gloves at the moment, but as it was passed down to me by my friend, it's almost 10yrs old liao. I recently bought a replica Rossi gloves from Dainese. hehehe...

 

What type of riding jacket is more practical? I saw many people just wear their rain coat. Is it practical to use riding boots?

[XxPJYxX]

BTW, for the helmet, is it a requirement that we need to have the sticker on PSB approved?

 

According to LTA, yes. Need sticker.

[HimQQ]

I'm not Bruce, but yes, after 25, the insurance drops quite a bit, due to age range. I am new rider, but 27yrs old, so my insurance was 800+ for SP. When the motordiam checking the list, i saw that those below 21 is 1.2 or 1.3k, can't rem liao. Then 22-25 is about 1k...

Thanks, I sort of lost it while reading through the replies.

 

BTW, for the helmet, is it a requirement that we need to have the sticker on PSB approved?

According to LTA, yes. Need sticker.

Yes, it's by right to LTA, need sticker.

[Heathx]

BTW, for the helmet, is it a requirement that we need to have the sticker on PSB approved?

 

For driving center yes, they will check. It is also required by law on the roads. However, on the road, don't get caught is all i can say. You need the sticker to be legal. But the logic is stupid as to get the sticker, they need to test the helmet. Cheap $35 helmet easy to test, not so heart pain and makes economical sense. Will anyone be willing to test $600+ helmet? or even $1000+ ones? Then there is argument of whether $35 helmet with sticker can protect better than a $600+ FF helmet without the sticker.

 

Can do anything, just don't get caught.

Edited February 8, 2013 by Heathx
added the law part

[XxPJYxX]

What type of riding jacket is more practical? I saw many people just wear their rain coat. Is it practical to use riding boots?

 

It all depends on the rider. For myself, I'm wearing an Arlen Ness jacket, semi leather and semi perforated for air flow in this hot country. The semi leather helps to prevent too much water getting into your clothes in light rain or drizzles. So I'm always wearing it when riding. Rs taichi gloves with carbon fibre knuckles and cowhide palm, is a good basic glove for riders at an affordable price too. As for riding boots, some wear it, others don't. I recently got a second hand sidi track boots for $100, and I'm wearing it every time I ride now. Just in case something happens. Because u never know when something will happen. So it depends on u, whether u feel safe or not in your gear. If u feel uncomfortable in your gear, then do not wear it. Most important thing about riding is comfort. If u feel uncomfortable, then u won't be riding at your best, and hence will get into more worse incidents because you're being distracted by your comfort. Gloves must fit u just nice, helmet abit tight, boots slightly tight and jacket not tight. Optimum comfort for optimum performance when riding and optimum safety. That's all I have to say... Might take a bit of time for u to get used to the heat in the riding jacket though. Took me a few months to get used to it too... Now I'm 1 year and 2 months into wearing the gears and I feel comfortable. Now getting used to the boots..

[XxPJYxX]

By the way, anyone interested in getting a full faced helmet with rear view mirror? My bike shop started importing them a few months back... Got myself 1 to try, really good to use especially at night. The brand is REEVU made in Germany I think. But it's not psb approved. And costs $500-$600. Lol

[Heathx]

What type of riding jacket is more practical? I saw many people just wear their rain coat. Is it practical to use riding boots?

 

Rain coat offers very little protection compared to the actual riding jackets. But if you're talking about practicality, getting a leather one with shoulder and elbow pads will be good. Don't need full suit =P Cos if fall, most of the impact is borne by our shoulders or elbows.

 

As for boots, same things applies, road riding dun need to go for overkill, get something that is flexible enough for you to change gears with ease, but offers quite sturdy ankle support. I recently went through army 2B course. Their offroad boots is damn power, almost impossible to twist or sprain ankle, but shift gear, also is almost impossible! wahahahaha!

 

If u're planning to go for track, then go overkill, otherwise, something comfortable and provides good protection at key areas enough le.

[lllee]

For wearing the riding jacket, and if it rains, need to wear rain jacket on top of the riding jacket? For the riding boot, will it be comfortable to wear even you are not riding a bike? Just want to know whether you should change back to normal shoe after riding.

[Heathx]

For wearing the riding jacket, and if it rains, need to wear rain jacket on top of the riding jacket? For the riding boot, will it be comfortable to wear even you are not riding a bike? Just want to know whether you should change back to normal shoe after riding.

 

Majority of riding jackets are not waterproof, as they are meant to provide protection yet designed to be breathable. So you will need to wear a rain jacke on rainy days. If your riding jacket is full leather, then odds are only your zip there will let water in. Some jackets have a velcro flap to cover the zip to prevent that. So it's really up to what jacket u get. Heh.

 

For riding boots, there are some that are more comfortable, but the tradeoff is the protection offered. Riding boots will be uncomfortable for the first 2 weeks or so, but after that you'll get used to it.

[lllee]

Thanks for the information. Any good model I should choose for the boot?

[SparkerS1]

If going to keep the bike for a long time & determined not to upgrade, i rather you go with a new bike if within your budget.

Can save the hassle of having a problem-free bike than keep going for repairs for a problematic 2nd hand bike.

4 stroke bikes are more convenient to maintain & i maybe getting a kup kia to leisure ride around the neighbourhood

 

Gear up properly on the road & ride safety, be alert & cautious, considerate to other road users.

The rest of the forumers have contributed quite alot of info already, salute them for the hard work.

[Heathx]

Thanks for the information. Any good model I should choose for the boot?

 

Personally, i don't own a pair, so i can't recommend any. But i'm saving up to get a pair for future track use. But havent start researching yet. Hahaha...

[slayer2cool]

Sidi is a really good brand of boots but design and colors are loud

[ashernal04]

An honest question, does riding boots do you much compared to normal shoes? Thought it would be better to invest on a riding jacket though

[Constructicon]

An honest question, does riding boots do you much compared to normal shoes? Thought it would be better to invest on a riding jacket though

 

A honest reply here :

 

To me, the main benefits of riding boots (i wear it everyday to and fro work) is the anti slip and water proofing.

When weather is good and fine, its all well. But during the rains or after when the roads are wet, a pair of riding boots helps in the little things that you do when riding - stopping at traffic light with a leg down, maneuver the bike at the carpark...etc

Dun need to get the top end stuff. $150 - $200 range will suit anyone fine.

 

Same for jacket.

 

The vast majority of riders here dun go track. We just ride on the roads; everyday commuters on everyday bikes.

No need to go for fancy stuff that costs too much, spend what you can with the budget you have.

If a mid range full face helmet, a decent riding jacket, full finger gloves is considered too expensive, then dun ride.

It's a free world, but I feel sorry for the rider who thinks the machine is worth more than his safety.

[ticks]

An honest question, does riding boots do you much compared to normal shoes? Thought it would be better to invest on a riding jacket though

 

Especially for long rides. Yes. Riding boots does make a difference to riding. Like above has said, if no rain then no difference. Instead could even be a nuisance. But when it rains, you'd be thankful for dry feet. And of course if u crash and your boots happen to save your feet(like it has to mine) its worth the $200 that I've spent. Plus I wear it almost 365 days per year too...

[lllee]

This is good advise. Yesterday i tried to ride with army boot and eventually my feet are soaked in water. So it is important to get a boot that is waterproof. Btw, do you mean you also wear it to work or school w/o changing it to other normal shoe?

There are many models out there, what are the important features we need to look out for the boot and the riding jacket?

[haoKR]

This is good advise. Yesterday i tried to ride with army boot and eventually my feet are soaked in water. So it is important to get a boot that is waterproof. Btw, do you mean you also wear it to work or school w/o changing it to other normal shoe?

There are many models out there, what are the important features we need to look out for the boot and the riding jacket?

 

ur army boots not waterproof?

[lllee]

ur army boots not waterproof?

 

I thought it is, but apparent not, also possible yesterday , the rain is very heavy. My glove and boots are all very wet.

[ashernal04]

Thanks for the reply haha..good advice

 

A honest reply here :

 

To me, the main benefits of riding boots (i wear it everyday to and fro work) is the anti slip and water proofing.

When weather is good and fine, its all well. But during the rains or after when the roads are wet, a pair of riding boots helps in the little things that you do when riding - stopping at traffic light with a leg down, maneuver the bike at the carpark...etc

Dun need to get the top end stuff. $150 - $200 range will suit anyone fine.

 

Same for jacket.

 

The vast majority of riders here dun go track. We just ride on the roads; everyday commuters on everyday bikes.

No need to go for fancy stuff that costs too much, spend what you can with the budget you have.

If a mid range full face helmet, a decent riding jacket, full finger gloves is considered too expensive, then dun ride.

It's a free world, but I feel sorry for the rider who thinks the machine is worth more than his safety.

[Heathx]

Army boots are not waterproof. Some people say the leather one waterproof, some people say goretex waterproof... PUI! i chiong sua everywhere everytime water get in. Goretex just dries faster than leather boots!

 

I believe in spending money on safety gears first as priority. Friend once told me, the amount u spend on safety gear is indicative of how much you value your life at. I find no way to counter that.

 

I know some people keep work shoes in office, then when they reach office, they change to work shoes, then when they leave, they change back to boots. For those going out paktor etc, maybe more troublesome to bring your favourite sneakers around, so might want to find a riding boots that look good.

 

Most important things to check for in safety gears is the amount of protection given. If you feel confident in the amount given, that's good. If not, no matter how good it looks, don't get, cos waste money when you start to feel unsafe and regret. Secondly is to see how comfortable, especially for boots. Riding boots restrict ankle movement to protect against sprains and twists in event of accident. So you need to find a balance btn the comfort level, and protection level. It's something which varies for different people.

 

As for waterproofing, there are some products in the market, sprays, to apply on your clothing articles to give additional water repelling properties. It helps if you want to be more 'water resistant'.

[ticks]

Army boots are not waterproof. Some people say the leather one waterproof, some people say goretex waterproof... PUI! i chiong sua everywhere everytime water get in. Goretex just dries faster than leather boots!

'.

 

I beg to differ. I've been using my TCX Jupiter day in day out for one year, goretex material, naysayers look at it and say la di da doubting its waterproofing. IMHO & backed by experience, my goretex boots have never let me down, despite me offering the minimal maintenance for it. 3 hours heavy rain from PD to singapore no leak at all. After one year still no leak. Only leak is from user mistake, I.e. me. Too short rain pants caused water to trickle down the ankle.

 

I'm sure loads if riders will say the same for goretex materials. Genuine gtx ones.

[Heathx]

I beg to differ. I've been using my TCX Jupiter day in day out for one year, goretex material, naysayers look at it and say la di da doubting its waterproofing. IMHO & backed by experience, my goretex boots have never let me down, despite me offering the minimal maintenance for it. 3 hours heavy rain from PD to singapore no leak at all. After one year still no leak. Only leak is from user mistake, I.e. me. Too short rain pants caused water to trickle down the ankle.

 

I'm sure loads if riders will say the same for goretex materials. Genuine gtx ones.

 

Bro, paiseh, i dun mean all goretex ones. Because confirm aftermarket goretex boots is good stuff. What i meant was the emart credit-purchased Kotex boots. Super water absorbent.

[afiq661]

what i can advice to TS, if you are looking for a bike for transportation, best get a cub bike. easy to maintain and really save your $$ ALOT as the fuel consumption is low. also make sure get a 4 stroke type of bike. like others said, not smokey and no need to fork out cash to buy 2T. let say you want to earn extra cash as a delivery rider, 4-stroke bikes really helps when it comes to fuel consumption. just keep your bike condition as stock though

 

if you want speed, power. then go for 2 stroke bikes. fuel consumption would be high but its power really shiok! all i can say for 2 stroke bikes characteristics, its the opposite of 4 stroke bikes. 2 stroke bikes also need to change your piston, piston rings if they get worn out.

 

IMO get a 4 stroke bike when you got your license. unless you want speed then go for 2 stroke bikes.

[virux]

Dear All, Pls guide me to the correct thread if i'm wrongly posted here,

Please share some good workshop/servicing for CBR150 which has not been used for 3 years.

Need to change battery/tyre/bulbs/engine oil/gear oil, break fluid/ front shock absorber.

Also have to buy Box , repair cushion (damn the cats destroy it and a bad guy put cig to the cushion!)

Is there any good workshop around toapayoh which can provide such kind of service?

Thanks