New-ish rider seeking advice on bike purchase and riding

[Version001]

I am currently holding a 2B licence, waiting to go for the 2A lessons in mid Aug after the 1yr countdown. I do not currently own a bike, just borrowing my brother's CBR150R occasionally to ride so that I don't get rusty. Planning on buying a 2nd hand mt-03. Main uses would be to travel to and from work (~40 km) and the occasional weekend makan trips to JB.

I have no knowledge on a bike's parts and conditions. Should I still buy a 2nd hand bike directly from previous owners (carousell) or from the bike shops? My impression is that bike shops service the bikes properly before selling them and there won't be any undeclared or hidden fault that will eventually cost more $ for repairs. But this of course comes at a premium.

Is it ok/legal for me to attach a p plate to my 2a bike even though I'll be graduating from it? My reason for it is to let other drivers know that I am still inexperienced on the road so they will watch out and/or be lenient on me since I do not have much riding experience even though I'll be owning a 2a licence.

Will it be a problem for me or other motorists if I choose not to lane split? Whenever I'm on my brother's bike, I get the impression that other motorists always expect a bike to lane split. I always see riders (even those with a p plate) lane splitting in moving traffic. I don't even dare to do that in still traffic to get to the front. I will prolly slowly pick it up once I get more confidence on the road.

I am thinking of making trips to penang or even thailand (hat yai, krabi) in the future. Do you think the mt-03 is sufficient for that?

I'd gladly welcome any other advice you guys can give.

[Michael ZZR]

I cant answer the Singapore related issues but as to buying a second hand machine, don't believe that a dealer will always do a great job of servicing and preparing a bike. There are good and bad dealers. Try and go to one that is recommended by others. Buying privately can save you some money but it is vital you take a someone with you who knows what to look for. When we buy a bike we are often blind to obvious faults because we want it to much. As for lane splitting, the first thing to understand is that NO ONE will "look out for you". When riding your safety is in your hands and your hands only. If you are not comfortable lane splitting then don't do it. Never do anything on a bike that you are not comfortable with. Never feel forced into something when riding because others do it. Ride within the parameters of what you are happy doing. Good luck with your bike search.

[Pisces44]

I dun think u can put a pplate on a 2A bike.

Find a reputable shop n get a 2nd bike if dunno how to check. Safety is most important. I got no experience so i bought a new 1... 

Dun lane split w moving traffic. Lane split only on stop traffic. After move off, go back to middle of lane. Stop traffic the worst can happen is hit other car side mirror. 

[adesmond2]

On 7/6/2021 at 7:59 PM, Version001 said:

I am currently holding a 2B licence, waiting to go for the 2A lessons in mid Aug after the 1yr countdown. I do not currently own a bike, just borrowing my brother's CBR150R occasionally to ride so that I don't get rusty. Planning on buying a 2nd hand mt-03. Main uses would be to travel to and from work (~40 km) and the occasional weekend makan trips to JB.

I have no knowledge on a bike's parts and conditions. Should I still buy a 2nd hand bike directly from previous owners (carousell) or from the bike shops? My impression is that bike shops service the bikes properly before selling them and there won't be any undeclared or hidden fault that will eventually cost more $ for repairs. But this of course comes at a premium.

Is it ok/legal for me to attach a p plate to my 2a bike even though I'll be graduating from it? My reason for it is to let other drivers know that I am still inexperienced on the road so they will watch out and/or be lenient on me since I do not have much riding experience even though I'll be owning a 2a licence.

Will it be a problem for me or other motorists if I choose not to lane split? Whenever I'm on my brother's bike, I get the impression that other motorists always expect a bike to lane split. I always see riders (even those with a p plate) lane splitting in moving traffic. I don't even dare to do that in still traffic to get to the front. I will prolly slowly pick it up once I get more confidence on the road.

I am thinking of making trips to penang or even thailand (hat yai, krabi) in the future. Do you think the mt-03 is sufficient for that?

I'd gladly welcome any other advice you guys can give.

1) Mt03 bike is a good one cuz I'm riding it now.. hahaha.. there's alot of people will help out if you have any issues

2) 2nd hand on carousel and shop, i seriously will consider owner better then bike shops.. bike shop warranty 1 month, you can go back 1 month settle, all good, next month same issue, no warranty you even worse..

3) not ok to attach a P plate, just ride in a lane, you can ride like a car.. it's ok.. I always did that, but if a car tailgate me.. I'll move to left lane to let him/her overtake or speed up to move to left lane.. depending on whichever is safer.

4) No issues not to lane split.. I dun lane split very often as well.. unless I'm at geylang or peak hour or traffic jam. Just give way to vehicle who tailgate you or whenever you feel unsafe, move to left lane BUT BUT, avoid trucks on left lane cuz you might become their blind spit.

5) Yes, My KR150 can go to Thailand, MT03 definitely more then enough.

On 7/7/2021 at 1:42 AM, Michael ZZR said:

I cant answer the Singapore related issues but as to buying a second hand machine, don't believe that a dealer will always do a great job of servicing and preparing a bike. There are good and bad dealers. Try and go to one that is recommended by others. Buying privately can save you some money but it is vital you take a someone with you who knows what to look for. When we buy a bike we are often blind to obvious faults because we want it to much. As for lane splitting, the first thing to understand is that NO ONE will "look out for you". When riding your safety is in your hands and your hands only. If you are not comfortable lane splitting then don't do it. Never do anything on a bike that you are not comfortable with. Never feel forced into something when riding because others do it. Ride within the parameters of what you are happy doing. Good luck with your bike search.

agreed!

both dealers and seller, there are good ones and bad ones out there..  

On 7/7/2021 at 10:36 PM, Pisces44 said:

I dun think u can put a pplate on a 2A bike.

Find a reputable shop n get a 2nd bike if dunno how to check. Safety is most important. I got no experience so i bought a new 1... 

Dun lane split w moving traffic. Lane split only on stop traffic. After move off, go back to middle of lane. Stop traffic the worst can happen is hit other car side mirror. 

agreed! :Thumbsup!

[Version001]

Thank you so much for your replies! Really looking forward to owning a bike now. Can't wait for this pandemic to be over so that we can all take our rides up north!

[adesmond2]

33 minutes ago, Version001 said:

Thank you so much for your replies! Really looking forward to owning a bike now. Can't wait for this pandemic to be over so that we can all take our rides up north!

haha.. let's ride in Singapore before rushing up.. the road conditions up north is more bad then Singapore.. Drivers are better mannered thru.. No tailgate, no sudden lane change no CONSTANT flashing.. only 2 times at a go and give you time to lane change before overtaking you. Only need to be aware of the trucks and road conditions. Truck might have sand/things drop off.. Road conditions might have potholes so huge that you felt "floating" after bumping it.. hahaha..

These are my experiences in north..