Buy Gear or Rent to learn 2B?

[0xhusky]

Hello all! Am new to the forum and looking to do start learning for my 2B license. Perhaps some context, looking to get my license first to open up options for transport in future, so not 100% confirm going into bike ownership after.

Am deciding between getting my own personal gear or renting the CDC one for lessons first - any thoughts? My main concern is mainly I put down good money on gear but end up not riding in the long run (but who knows, might get addicted instead), so perhaps lowering cost of entry just for the learning phase might be more prudent.

If leaning toward purchasing gear first, would love to hear some recs on places to get or even gear! Have been eyeing at motoworld:

1. HJC i70 - its polycarb but heard fibreglass is better, should I top up?
2. Komine JK-145 Airstream Mesh (probably get a hard back protector)
3. Komine GK 167 - hard knuckle gloves with palm slider

On the fence on riding boots + pants at the moment.

Thanks in advance all

 

[adesmond2]

14 hours ago, 0xhusky said:

Hello all! Am new to the forum and looking to do start learning for my 2B license. Perhaps some context, looking to get my license first to open up options for transport in future, so not 100% confirm going into bike ownership after.

Am deciding between getting my own personal gear or renting the CDC one for lessons first - any thoughts? My main concern is mainly I put down good money on gear but end up not riding in the long run (but who knows, might get addicted instead), so perhaps lowering cost of entry just for the learning phase might be more prudent.

If leaning toward purchasing gear first, would love to hear some recs on places to get or even gear! Have been eyeing at motoworld:

1. HJC i70 - its polycarb but heard fibreglass is better, should I top up?
2. Komine JK-145 Airstream Mesh (probably get a hard back protector)
3. Komine GK 167 - hard knuckle gloves with palm slider

On the fence on riding boots + pants at the moment.

Thanks in advance all

 

no need so fantasy gears..

Riding jackets and etc only required if you really into motorcycles.. (even I only owned 1 x motorcycle jacket for the past 20 years of riding experience.) Might not fit in anymore.. LOL..

 

Just this will do for the learning lessons.

https://www.carousell.sg/p/zelige-elbow-and-knee-motorcycle-guard-1124094467/?t-id=823777_1651617394859&t-referrer_browse_type=search_results&t-referrer_request_id=P_PJtzzV2Nm8DjfJ&t-referrer_search_query=motorcycle lesson&t-referrer_sort_by=popular&t-tap_index=16

[Nakuru]

Cdc dun rent gears. U have to buy the entire set on ur own. Juz get a cheap set from lim ah boy or from the sch directly oso can. 

Get something like tt can already.

https://www.carousell.sg/p/motorcycle-2b-learner-kit-package-set-psb-approved-helmet-knee-guard-glove-bike-lesson-1141566242/

U're gonna trash them as soon as u get ur 2B/2A/2. Unless u 100% decided to get a bike afterwards else get as cheap as possible. Its better to invest in a full face helmet n way better gear if u're gonna be in the road often

Edited May 4, 2022 by Nakuru

[coldbrew]

1. You will mainly see learners using TRAX or GPR ($50++) in school. But if HJC is in your budget for learning 2B, go right on ahead

2. No need riding jacket for learning. You won’t be going at speeds high enough to warrant a crash/fall bad enough that you need that much armor. Plus it’s going to be very very hot..

3. $80 as a first glove seems excessive (but if it’s well within your budget then why not right?). Just use durian gloves or get the more affordable komine gloves. I used without palm sliders while learning and it was ok also. But ultimately up to your preference

[apogeeXX]

I suggest ChongAik

https://www.chongaik.com.sg/content/9-promotions

Helmet, Trax is plenty good.
I find HJC is really expensive

[E.O.]

On 5/3/2022 at 3:48 PM, 0xhusky said:

Hello all! Am new to the forum and looking to do start learning for my 2B license. Perhaps some context, looking to get my license first to open up options for transport in future, so not 100% confirm going into bike ownership after.

Am deciding between getting my own personal gear or renting the CDC one for lessons first - any thoughts? My main concern is mainly I put down good money on gear but end up not riding in the long run (but who knows, might get addicted instead), so perhaps lowering cost of entry just for the learning phase might be more prudent.

If leaning toward purchasing gear first, would love to hear some recs on places to get or even gear! Have been eyeing at motoworld:

1. HJC i70 - its polycarb but heard fibreglass is better, should I top up?
2. Komine JK-145 Airstream Mesh (probably get a hard back protector)
3. Komine GK 167 - hard knuckle gloves with palm slider

On the fence on riding boots + pants at the moment.

Thanks in advance all

 

HJC i70 is a full face helmet ya? If im not wrong, for lessons u have to use open face, especially for 2B. Can look up SV Avenue model by MT Helmets. Price-wise is cheaper than HJC’s open face.

for gloves i used the army nav-ex gloves from e-mart but komine ones are good, using the GK215 myself right now.

Riding jacket and pants not needed for lessons, but i did buy a pair of waterproof riding shoes since i hate soggy and wet feet. Still wearing the same pair today✌

[coldbrew]

30 minutes ago, E.O. said:

HJC i70 is a full face helmet ya? If im not wrong, for lessons u have to use open face, especially for 2B. Can look up SV Avenue model by MT Helmets. Price-wise is cheaper than HJC’s open face.

for gloves i used the army nav-ex gloves from e-mart but komine ones are good, using the GK215 myself right now.

Riding jacket and pants not needed for lessons, but i did buy a pair of waterproof riding shoes since i hate soggy and wet feet. Still wearing the same pair today✌

Oh ya i70 is full face! 
OP, just get a cheaper open face. Sub $100 can go for TRAX or GPR. $120 can go for MT helmets. Just remember to get PSB approved 

[0xhusky]

Hey all! thanks for the input - super grateful! Didn't realize I was overthinking it haha

Safety gear to me is just one of those things i rather have a peace of mind with - but good to know I can learn with basic gear first.

Thanks all! Hope to pass soon

[0xhusky]

14 hours ago, adesmond2 said:

no need so fantasy gears..

Riding jackets and etc only required if you really into motorcycles.. (even I only owned 1 x motorcycle jacket for the past 20 years of riding experience.) Might not fit in anymore.. LOL..

 

Just this will do for the learning lessons.

https://www.carousell.sg/p/zelige-elbow-and-knee-motorcycle-guard-1124094467/?t-id=823777_1651617394859&t-referrer_browse_type=search_results&t-referrer_request_id=P_PJtzzV2Nm8DjfJ&t-referrer_search_query=motorcycle lesson&t-referrer_sort_by=popular&t-tap_index=16

Hahaha, rather safe than sorry imo, so if i do ride more often, happy to get some protection.

 

7 hours ago, Nakuru said:

Cdc dun rent gears. U have to buy the entire set on ur own. Juz get a cheap set from lim ah boy or from the sch directly oso can. 

Get something like tt can already.

https://www.carousell.sg/p/motorcycle-2b-learner-kit-package-set-psb-approved-helmet-knee-guard-glove-bike-lesson-1141566242/

U're gonna trash them as soon as u get ur 2B/2A/2. Unless u 100% decided to get a bike afterwards else get as cheap as possible. Its better to invest in a full face helmet n way better gear if u're gonna be in the road often

Thanks bro - yeah I was thinking so too, appreciate the link too!

 

3 hours ago, coldbrew said:

1. You will mainly see learners using TRAX or GPR ($50++) in school. But if HJC is in your budget for learning 2B, go right on ahead

2. No need riding jacket for learning. You won’t be going at speeds high enough to warrant a crash/fall bad enough that you need that much armor. Plus it’s going to be very very hot..

3. $80 as a first glove seems excessive (but if it’s well within your budget then why not right?). Just use durian gloves or get the more affordable komine gloves. I used without palm sliders while learning and it was ok also. But ultimately up to your preference

Hahaa, yeah its' a fullface helmet! Yeah haven't really been researching on bike ownership yet + not sure if will fit into my lifestyle, but also low key bored and like the idea of riding. Appreciate the tips bro, heard one too many stories about how nasty road rash can be

 

3 hours ago, E.O. said:

HJC i70 is a full face helmet ya? If im not wrong, for lessons u have to use open face, especially for 2B. Can look up SV Avenue model by MT Helmets. Price-wise is cheaper than HJC’s open face.

for gloves i used the army nav-ex gloves from e-mart but komine ones are good, using the GK215 myself right now.

Riding jacket and pants not needed for lessons, but i did buy a pair of waterproof riding shoes since i hate soggy and wet feet. Still wearing the same pair today✌

Thanks for the tips! Nice to see the gear is quite durable, at least its just buy a good set once and then wear it for life. Yeah like not a lot of details on what's available at CDC, would happily rent first but seems like cheap basic gear works

[Nakuru]

14 minutes ago, 0xhusky said:

Hey all! thanks for the input - super grateful! Didn't realize I was overthinking it haha

If i not wrong regina there selling the SMX helmet at around 35? The guards can buy from the school at 25 i think? Gloves can get around 12 or lesser.. so the price is about there.. u can standby raincoat too in case it rains since CDC dun really have enough rain coats for everyone to wear. Get bright colours de. 

[E.O.]

@0xhuskyget a head scarf also so that your helmet wldnt stink so badly. I regretted not having one for my lessons, now no matter how i wash and clean my Trax helmet, i cant get rid of the stench

[apogeeXX]

34 minutes ago, E.O. said:

@0xhuskyget a head scarf also so that your helmet wldnt stink so badly. I regretted not having one for my lessons, now no matter how i wash and clean my Trax helmet, i cant get rid of the stench

Ohor ... This for sure ... I think they call it a bandana or something ... Or helmet liner .... or ... whatever 

[apogeeXX]

@E.O.

I think Trax can take out the inside lining and replace. Chong aik sells the lining.

[E.O.]

@apogeeXX can is can la hahaha but i have friends who washed their padding, and after a few times they said the padding macam shrink, helmet became abit loose. now im using Liqui Moly helmet interior cleaner. Spray, wipe off and air-dry can alrdy, still leaves behind citrus smell

[adesmond2]

12 hours ago, coldbrew said:

1. You will mainly see learners using TRAX or GPR ($50++) in school. But if HJC is in your budget for learning 2B, go right on ahead

2. No need riding jacket for learning. You won’t be going at speeds high enough to warrant a crash/fall bad enough that you need that much armor. Plus it’s going to be very very hot..

3. $80 as a first glove seems excessive (but if it’s well within your budget then why not right?). Just use durian gloves or get the more affordable komine gloves. I used without palm sliders while learning and it was ok also. But ultimately up to your preference

indeed..

 

9 hours ago, 0xhusky said:

Hey all! thanks for the input - super grateful! Didn't realize I was overthinking it haha

Safety gear to me is just one of those things i rather have a peace of mind with - but good to know I can learn with basic gear first.

Thanks all! Hope to pass soon

yeah.. over think liaoz la.. hahahaha... Just grab your license and jio the rest for rides.. hahahaha..

 

8 hours ago, 0xhusky said:

Hahaha, rather safe than sorry imo, so if i do ride more often, happy to get some protection.

 

Thanks bro - yeah I was thinking so too, appreciate the link too!

 

Hahaa, yeah its' a fullface helmet! Yeah haven't really been researching on bike ownership yet + not sure if will fit into my lifestyle, but also low key bored and like the idea of riding. Appreciate the tips bro, heard one too many stories about how nasty road rash can be

 

Thanks for the tips! Nice to see the gear is quite durable, at least its just buy a good set once and then wear it for life. Yeah like not a lot of details on what's available at CDC, would happily rent first but seems like cheap basic gear works

indeed, the jacket and etc can be consider at a later stage.. so. dun need to worry so much.. 

FF (Full face) helmet can also consider later.. it all depends on your current budget.. Honestly.. I use open face almost my entire life.. except when I go touring.. (Meleka, Penang, Hatyai (Thailand)). on my 2B bike (KRR)

 

8 hours ago, E.O. said:

@0xhuskyget a head scarf also so that your helmet wldnt stink so badly. I regretted not having one for my lessons, now no matter how i wash and clean my Trax helmet, i cant get rid of the stench

yeah.. this is also a need for day to day rides.. so that your helmet will not smell too fast.. hahaha..

but can be wash... LOL

 

6 hours ago, E.O. said:

@apogeeXX can is can la hahaha but i have friends who washed their padding, and after a few times they said the padding macam shrink, helmet became abit loose. now im using Liqui Moly helmet interior cleaner. Spray, wipe off and air-dry can alrdy, still leaves behind citrus smell

wun Ła.. I used to wash weekly but have to wait for at least 2-3 days to dry.. very troublesome only.. 

[pinksheep]

Just chipping in with some old world advice.. 

Safety in driving school. As abovementioned use psb approved open face like SMX enough. It will teach you how to maintain it and sufficient impact protection should you fall off the horse. The SV Avenue helmet is quite premium and is much heavier built, for very short rides and work commutes I still use the SMX. 

Headgear: motorcycle balaclava should be worn inside your helmet, these are cheap and available from Racing World, Regina, etc. SOP when trying Racing World helmets is to have one of these first anyway. El cheapo non urgent option can even buy from Lazada at literally few dollars. 

It will be funny if you ask for headscarf lol unless religious purpose and  gender specific haha. My dad used to jokingly point me to Hijab Iran

But on gloves it is worth it to get something with hard knuckle and leather palm protection because it's very possible to have impact and abrasion with the harsh road surface. So I scared too cheap gloves will just rip open in a crash. Just stay within comfortable budget, in reality fewer riders wear gloves unless for long touring or formal rides. 

Jacket: seldom see the need for back protector and hard armor unless want to look like stormtrooper on purpose, most accidents (touch wood) when we are new are low speed street conditions. Comfort and ventilation should also be priority otherwise you will never wear that thousand dollar fancy racing leather suit. $60 Acerbis orange jacket from Chong Aik will do, it looks normal fashion and comfortable enough that I wear to cinemas to keep warm.

 

Shoes: there are discreet armored riding shoes available but anything "motorcycle" marketed has a high mark up. I actually liked wearing caterpillar boots or army boots for the driving center lessons so if you have any heavy duty ish footwear it could be part of your motorcycle wardrobe. If you want to buy, again look into comfortable fit and ventilation features else in our weather you will never use it. 

 

Edited May 6, 2022 by pinksheep

[pinksheep]

Just wanted to share I noticed really cheap gloves and boots while window shopping at Decathon Kallang after our dawn ride. 

Totally not branded for motorcycle purpose but the boots are reinforced on the toe and rear foot area, it's more than sufficient protection for motorcycle learners, the mountain bike (MTB) gloves are really affordable, pick those with impact protection and extra leather on the palm area. 

Also lots of little bags for bicycles that can also be attached to your handlebars or frame rails. As cheap as lazada too. 

[0xhusky]

On 5/6/2022 at 9:09 AM, pinksheep said:

Just chipping in with some old world advice.. 

Safety in driving school. As abovementioned use psb approved open face like SMX enough. It will teach you how to maintain it and sufficient impact protection should you fall off the horse. The SV Avenue helmet is quite premium and is much heavier built, for very short rides and work commutes I still use the SMX. 

Headgear: motorcycle balaclava should be worn inside your helmet, these are cheap and available from Racing World, Regina, etc. SOP when trying Racing World helmets is to have one of these first anyway. El cheapo non urgent option can even buy from Lazada at literally few dollars. 

It will be funny if you ask for headscarf lol unless religious purpose and  gender specific haha. My dad used to jokingly point me to Hijab Iran

But on gloves it is worth it to get something with hard knuckle and leather palm protection because it's very possible to have impact and abrasion with the harsh road surface. So I scared too cheap gloves will just rip open in a crash. Just stay within comfortable budget, in reality fewer riders wear gloves unless for long touring or formal rides. 

Jacket: seldom see the need for back protector and hard armor unless want to look like stormtrooper on purpose, most accidents (touch wood) when we are new are low speed street conditions. Comfort and ventilation should also be priority otherwise you will never wear that thousand dollar fancy racing leather suit. $60 Acerbis orange jacket from Chong Aik will do, it looks normal fashion and comfortable enough that I wear to cinemas to keep warm.

 

Shoes: there are discreet armored riding shoes available but anything "motorcycle" marketed has a high mark up. I actually liked wearing caterpillar boots or army boots for the driving center lessons so if you have any heavy duty ish footwear it could be part of your motorcycle wardrobe. If you want to buy, again look into comfortable fit and ventilation features else in our weather you will never use it. 

 

Hey PinkSheep! Appreciate the very thorough sharing heh. I just purchased a a learner kit that was recommended by another forumer and also threw in the balaclava just as an option.

Yeah, was thinking the same about gloves actually, i think might try a few sessions first and gauge the risk before i consider getting a better set for learning. But otherwise I think if i ride after I pass, definitely will get proper gear (mesh jacket + protector, gloves with protector and full face helmet.

I heard that army boots actually quite a good choice for footwear heh. Not sure if I might get a set of proper riding boots yet cuz its very hard to pair with normal clothes...but heard there are some incognito riding sneakers that have decent protection

 

[pinksheep]

46 minutes ago, 0xhusky said:

Hey PinkSheep! Appreciate the very thorough sharing heh. I just purchased a a learner kit that was recommended by another forumer and also threw in the balaclava just as an option.

Yeah, was thinking the same about gloves actually, i think might try a few sessions first and gauge the risk before i consider getting a better set for learning. But otherwise I think if i ride after I pass, definitely will get proper gear (mesh jacket + protector, gloves with protector and full face helmet.

I heard that army boots actually quite a good choice for footwear heh. Not sure if I might get a set of proper riding boots yet cuz its very hard to pair with normal clothes...but heard there are some incognito riding sneakers that have decent protection

 

You should be alright good planning on the gear progression. A mix of practical experience in the driving center is a good way to get a feel what kind of protection is desired for a reasonably safe rider, outside of touch wood incidents of annihilation which should not occur since we are not taught to street race, corner at 2xxkph nor challenge cars running the red light. 

Its extreme situations like those that cause people to play victim and start seeing cars and other drivers as the enemy. Not a healthy situation since we are either going to be drivers ourselves or even car enthusiasts seeking to enjoy all motor vehicles as is reality for most. 

Two things that remind even seasoned motorcyclists to dress for the fall or at least keep that in mind when choosing their wardrobe: 

1) complacency kills

"If I even wore a set of basic gloves on X event I would not have lose huge painful patch of skin." Even simple army market gloves can and will save your skin during an epic slalom fail causing you to "tactical roll" off the bike. And the first thing you do on instinct is look at your hands like a movie hero trying to get up! 

In 20 years of motorcycling I've not even a single bruise, the only serious injury I've had on two wheels is cycling and being pushed over my limit trying to race to cover from a thunderstorm. 

Now with your very own motorcycle license, no sir, you choose the risk (meaning control your own speed and environment) not your friends not your brothers causing trouble haha. 

So basic protection itself is often good enough because "it's there" all the time. I can't say the same for Power Ranger outfits that stay at home cos too impractical. Hence the "PSB" standard. Can laugh at it being non professional spec gear, but it's affordable and easy to get. 

Thousand dollar Shoei is good and all but those of us starting from a 300 dollar paycheck from the 90s don't even like wearing the expensive stuff even if told as a passenger... 

200-300 range is already hi end for a 70kph ride from home to office which brings me to next point 

2) proper planning prevents poor performance 

I see our elders and even today in the news Y celebrity kena serious injuries from motorcycle accident. Always a high speed collision with a 4 wheeler and at very unusual and avoidable angles, such as cross traffic and head to head across junctions. 

Thats when I also like to comment got gear or not? Full face helmet better than PSB? Errr too late liao. 

Admit it, in those past days the motorcycle is seen not as a delivery hero but a rebel on iron horse seeking to challenge others. Nothing a set of loud pipes and superior acceleration can't solve right? Err wrong. 

The best safety feature for you and your bike is awareness and handling. No giant A pillar and C pillars to block line of sight, you can out brake nearly anyone because you saw the threat first don't need to rely on fancy ABS and auto braking system because you are the braking system.

(Daily experience) Probably other SG drivers see you go evasive they also start to see what's happening in front and try not to follow behind your bike to prevent an overrun incident. 

Thusly you create an active protection system having awareness where are the common accident areas. Flash them a few hazard lights in thanks for keeping out of your way. 

Always double check pedestrian crossing and filter lanes. Even the act of turning your helmet and not really looking reminds other drivers do not just blast through on assumption vehicle in front made it clear. 

Use other cars as human shield when crossing busy junctions or being first one to do the right turn across big junctions. I like to move off then ensure other driver know I am purposely matching their speed, make sure we don't steer into each other during the turn. 

 

By doing this all my dad's accidents were prevented cos it's the ones who try chiong junctions that get into the danger zone, what if other side got red light runner and didn't see the motorcycle turn out early?

Friends keep showing off top speed and wanna play corners without sharing the right skills and safety awareness? Better not follow... Or else you end up the last bike desperate to catch up suddenly didn't prepare for the next hairpin turn... 

Bang, at that point after few somersaults over the handlebars everyone will conspire that it must be "motorcycles are unsafe" and not "someone rode into a danger zone unprepared" 

Hence a long story on where "safety" really comes from. 

Its from you. Not your gear. Gear is there to catch hits, but the best defence is never get hit at all like the handful of pilots who survived flying Japanese Zero fighters in the 1940s, by 1944 facing huge technical disadvantage vs giant armored American planes way faster than the poor outdated Zero. 

So imagine the same for your class 2B in a world of overpowered massive vehicles. Every ride is an adventure, but the world isn't out to kill you, it's our own mistakes that do. 

[Nakuru]

2 hours ago, 0xhusky said:

Yeah, was thinking the same about gloves actually, i think might try a few sessions first and gauge the risk before i consider getting a better set for learning. But otherwise I think if i ride after I pass, definitely will get proper gear (mesh jacket + protector, gloves with protector and full face helmet.

Watever u got would be more than sufficient as a learner. U really dun need to invest in getting too good for learning becos once u pass u wun use them anymore. Even durian gloves works 

[Pisces44]

I think motoworld has a learners package that comes w guard, helmet etc....

My helmet is trax, guard set from China, gloves from daiso... Will still be using them for my class 2 next year....

 

On 5/8/2022 at 7:18 PM, pinksheep said:

You should be alright good planning on the gear progression. A mix of practical experience in the driving center is a good way to get a feel what kind of protection is desired for a reasonably safe rider, outside of touch wood incidents of annihilation which should not occur since we are not taught to street race, corner at 2xxkph nor challenge cars running the red light. 

Its extreme situations like those that cause people to play victim and start seeing cars and other drivers as the enemy. Not a healthy situation since we are either going to be drivers ourselves or even car enthusiasts seeking to enjoy all motor vehicles as is reality for most. 

Two things that remind even seasoned motorcyclists to dress for the fall or at least keep that in mind when choosing their wardrobe: 

1) complacency kills

"If I even wore a set of basic gloves on X event I would not have lose huge painful patch of skin." Even simple army market gloves can and will save your skin during an epic slalom fail causing you to "tactical roll" off the bike. And the first thing you do on instinct is look at your hands like a movie hero trying to get up! 

In 20 years of motorcycling I've not even a single bruise, the only serious injury I've had on two wheels is cycling and being pushed over my limit trying to race to cover from a thunderstorm. 

Now with your very own motorcycle license, no sir, you choose the risk (meaning control your own speed and environment) not your friends not your brothers causing trouble haha. 

So basic protection itself is often good enough because "it's there" all the time. I can't say the same for Power Ranger outfits that stay at home cos too impractical. Hence the "PSB" standard. Can laugh at it being non professional spec gear, but it's affordable and easy to get. 

Thousand dollar Shoei is good and all but those of us starting from a 300 dollar paycheck from the 90s don't even like wearing the expensive stuff even if told as a passenger... 

200-300 range is already hi end for a 70kph ride from home to office which brings me to next point 

2) proper planning prevents poor performance 

I see our elders and even today in the news Y celebrity kena serious injuries from motorcycle accident. Always a high speed collision with a 4 wheeler and at very unusual and avoidable angles, such as cross traffic and head to head across junctions. 

Thats when I also like to comment got gear or not? Full face helmet better than PSB? Errr too late liao. 

Admit it, in those past days the motorcycle is seen not as a delivery hero but a rebel on iron horse seeking to challenge others. Nothing a set of loud pipes and superior acceleration can't solve right? Err wrong. 

The best safety feature for you and your bike is awareness and handling. No giant A pillar and C pillars to block line of sight, you can out brake nearly anyone because you saw the threat first don't need to rely on fancy ABS and auto braking system because you are the braking system.

(Daily experience) Probably other SG drivers see you go evasive they also start to see what's happening in front and try not to follow behind your bike to prevent an overrun incident. 

Thusly you create an active protection system having awareness where are the common accident areas. Flash them a few hazard lights in thanks for keeping out of your way. 

Always double check pedestrian crossing and filter lanes. Even the act of turning your helmet and not really looking reminds other drivers do not just blast through on assumption vehicle in front made it clear. 

Use other cars as human shield when crossing busy junctions or being first one to do the right turn across big junctions. I like to move off then ensure other driver know I am purposely matching their speed, make sure we don't steer into each other during the turn. 

 

By doing this all my dad's accidents were prevented cos it's the ones who try chiong junctions that get into the danger zone, what if other side got red light runner and didn't see the motorcycle turn out early?

Friends keep showing off top speed and wanna play corners without sharing the right skills and safety awareness? Better not follow... Or else you end up the last bike desperate to catch up suddenly didn't prepare for the next hairpin turn... 

Bang, at that point after few somersaults over the handlebars everyone will conspire that it must be "motorcycles are unsafe" and not "someone rode into a danger zone unprepared" 

Hence a long story on where "safety" really comes from. 

Its from you. Not your gear. Gear is there to catch hits, but the best defence is never get hit at all like the handful of pilots who survived flying Japanese Zero fighters in the 1940s, by 1944 facing huge technical disadvantage vs giant armored American planes way faster than the poor outdated Zero. 

So imagine the same for your class 2B in a world of overpowered massive vehicles. Every ride is an adventure, but the world isn't out to kill you, it's our own mistakes that do. 

Sometimes...if it is time to go, means it is time to go... No matter how good yr gear is or how safe u r....

U can queue or form up properly at traffic but if a truck never stop n bang ... Still end of story....

Recently a woman waiting for bus at bus stop can also kena from a road block from a passing skipper truck....

[adesmond2]

On 5/8/2022 at 7:18 PM, pinksheep said:

You should be alright good planning on the gear progression. A mix of practical experience in the driving center is a good way to get a feel what kind of protection is desired for a reasonably safe rider, outside of touch wood incidents of annihilation which should not occur since we are not taught to street race, corner at 2xxkph nor challenge cars running the red light. 

Its extreme situations like those that cause people to play victim and start seeing cars and other drivers as the enemy. Not a healthy situation since we are either going to be drivers ourselves or even car enthusiasts seeking to enjoy all motor vehicles as is reality for most. 

Two things that remind even seasoned motorcyclists to dress for the fall or at least keep that in mind when choosing their wardrobe: 

1) complacency kills

"If I even wore a set of basic gloves on X event I would not have lose huge painful patch of skin." Even simple army market gloves can and will save your skin during an epic slalom fail causing you to "tactical roll" off the bike. And the first thing you do on instinct is look at your hands like a movie hero trying to get up! 

In 20 years of motorcycling I've not even a single bruise, the only serious injury I've had on two wheels is cycling and being pushed over my limit trying to race to cover from a thunderstorm. 

Now with your very own motorcycle license, no sir, you choose the risk (meaning control your own speed and environment) not your friends not your brothers causing trouble haha. 

So basic protection itself is often good enough because "it's there" all the time. I can't say the same for Power Ranger outfits that stay at home cos too impractical. Hence the "PSB" standard. Can laugh at it being non professional spec gear, but it's affordable and easy to get. 

Thousand dollar Shoei is good and all but those of us starting from a 300 dollar paycheck from the 90s don't even like wearing the expensive stuff even if told as a passenger... 

200-300 range is already hi end for a 70kph ride from home to office which brings me to next point 

2) proper planning prevents poor performance 

I see our elders and even today in the news Y celebrity kena serious injuries from motorcycle accident. Always a high speed collision with a 4 wheeler and at very unusual and avoidable angles, such as cross traffic and head to head across junctions. 

Thats when I also like to comment got gear or not? Full face helmet better than PSB? Errr too late liao. 

Admit it, in those past days the motorcycle is seen not as a delivery hero but a rebel on iron horse seeking to challenge others. Nothing a set of loud pipes and superior acceleration can't solve right? Err wrong. 

The best safety feature for you and your bike is awareness and handling. No giant A pillar and C pillars to block line of sight, you can out brake nearly anyone because you saw the threat first don't need to rely on fancy ABS and auto braking system because you are the braking system.

(Daily experience) Probably other SG drivers see you go evasive they also start to see what's happening in front and try not to follow behind your bike to prevent an overrun incident. 

Thusly you create an active protection system having awareness where are the common accident areas. Flash them a few hazard lights in thanks for keeping out of your way. 

Always double check pedestrian crossing and filter lanes. Even the act of turning your helmet and not really looking reminds other drivers do not just blast through on assumption vehicle in front made it clear. 

Use other cars as human shield when crossing busy junctions or being first one to do the right turn across big junctions. I like to move off then ensure other driver know I am purposely matching their speed, make sure we don't steer into each other during the turn. 

 

By doing this all my dad's accidents were prevented cos it's the ones who try chiong junctions that get into the danger zone, what if other side got red light runner and didn't see the motorcycle turn out early?

Friends keep showing off top speed and wanna play corners without sharing the right skills and safety awareness? Better not follow... Or else you end up the last bike desperate to catch up suddenly didn't prepare for the next hairpin turn... 

Bang, at that point after few somersaults over the handlebars everyone will conspire that it must be "motorcycles are unsafe" and not "someone rode into a danger zone unprepared" 

Hence a long story on where "safety" really comes from. 

Its from you. Not your gear. Gear is there to catch hits, but the best defence is never get hit at all like the handful of pilots who survived flying Japanese Zero fighters in the 1940s, by 1944 facing huge technical disadvantage vs giant armored American planes way faster than the poor outdated Zero. 

So imagine the same for your class 2B in a world of overpowered massive vehicles. Every ride is an adventure, but the world isn't out to kill you, it's our own mistakes that do. 

A Lengthy post that I didn't have chance yesterday to read as work was overloaded.. LOLOL...

 

Meanwhile, agreed.. back in the day a pay check of $300 (from fast-food chain) and a $500 helmet was my limit.. (even today) hahahaha.. but I didn't spend that much.. my max on helmet is about $250?

I do have bruise, 1st fall was due to line of sight.. I was looking at my work place on my left while turning left.. accidentally hit the kerb when I look back and keep staring at the kerb forgetting to look at the place I wan to go instead.

2nd was at Malaysia, due to the rider infront sudden brake from 100~0 (could not understand hand signs)  (already provided booklet on hand signs and still sudden brake)..  This one really tear up all my amour jacket pants and even my full face was scratched.. my face and the floor is just my helmet that's protecting my face.. ever since this incident, I hardly ride with anyone.. LOL..  How I fall? He brake, I evade, his tail hit my handlebar, I fall.. bike was also just less then 1 meter to down a cliff.. 

Indeed.. ABS is just something there in case you need it.. I ride for 1 year+ on my bike with ABS, never activate before.. I still ask workshop to check on it.. they say still working.. dun worry.. hahahaha.. I guess experiences from non abs bike over 10+ years = just nice distance just nice braking distance.

 

my friend teach me is, all road users are out to k*** you.. LOL... so look out.. 

 

for thanks, I still prefer to hands up? if it's a very oblivious at heavy traffic giving way, I'll give a higher hand up..  

Hazard lights (not all bikes have it) LOL... and sometimes might be small also.. LOLOL..

 

Proper planning = I would suggest to check the routes first instead of over relying on GPS.. GPS is only to be used if you are lost or if you doing deliveries at a unfamiliar place.. Not for all rides.. Nowadays google map you can even see the actual position.. so it will ease your journey by checking first.. We used to flip maps/book to see how to go from location to location.. LOL...

 

ok la.. you given a lot of examples liaoz.. I also dun wan to me too lengthy.. LOLOLOL...