2B To Try First or 2A Bike Straight?

[ZenithSoul]

Hi there everyone!

 

This is my situation and I hope anyone who has gone through this before would give me any sort of advice as I am quite in a dilemma.

I'm turning 26 in December this year and looking through my options at the moment.

I passed my 2B license back in end May 2014 at SSDC but have not got a bike yet due to having a car.

Have been driving consistently from way back in 2008 so I have a few years of driving experience already.

The dilemma I'm in is I'm actually looking to sell off my car around May this year and seeing the date I passed my 2B, I'm also eligible to take my 2A around say July.

Heard from bros here that 2B actually is a waste of money just for newbies to get the hang of riding a bike and to learn more about safe riding.

I feel that this is super important too that's why I'm hesitating to jump to a 2A bike straight away.

 

So bros, any advice for a really newbie here? I'm really afraid I will make a joke out of myself at the 2A lessons due to me not riding a 2B bike before.

Like 1 year never ride just go chiong for 2A licence hahaha. Thanks in advance and have a nice day!

[Hydher]

You are thinking too much dude.

Depreciation applies strongly to new bikes.

 

There are cheap 2b bikes that wont cost much to start with( i just saw a phantom add in garage sales for 2.2k for a ta200 that expires in 2020).

Your remainder insurance can be refunded if you upgrade in a few months time.

 

A bigger bike will put you in dangerous situations faster and can be more detrimental. It all depends how you ride. It can be quite scary handling a big monster in the figure 8 or syalom.

[bull_rider]

Hey. I took my 2A without owning a 2B bike. It's possible to do so. Just as long you inform the instructors, you'll be alright. You won't be going at neck wringing speeds so it'll be manageable. Might take an additional lesson or two to get used to the new bike but it's definitely possible and in the best environment to do so. Good luck and safe riding !

[Siphon]

hi ZenithSoul,

 

Maybe i can share with you my experience...

 

For starters i've been driving in and abroad for more than a decade before i got my riding license. I have a 2A now.

 

There are a few things which i wanted to share.

1. riding and driving is totally different in singapore... the habits and watch areas are totally different.

2. Typically if u ride a TA200. Usually people leave you alone... especially if you put a big big P plate and wobble a little... giving people the hint that you're "buay zai" so please don't come near me or i may just fall in front of u...

3. After riding the TA200 i get to know how to handle the bike more and know when i should accelerate out of a situation or jam brake.

4. You learn to respect the power of the higher CC bikes. with more power you need to exercise more control...

5. TA200 with 1 year left sometimes cost about 1-1.5k... so its really quite affordable. Those > 5 years with renewed COE might just cost 2k... depending on the COE they have. so look around the bike sale here.

6. Most driver who doesn't ride a bike doesn't seem to realise bikes need a space too. So remember to always be on the look out for aggresive drivers. in a car they will just slow down and flash you. On a bike... sometimes they try to inch u away...

 

The handling of the S4 at SSDC is very different with the 125cc little brother. go easy on the throttle and maintain your half clutch and you should be good

 

Go try it out feel the power and the "extreme" heat between the thighs wear thick jeans...

[agash1985]

Bro,

to be honest there is nothing much different between 2B and 2A bikes. It's all depend on what you are going to do. If your ultimate plan is to upgrade 2A bike then directly go for it. aditional 200cc is not much different. you already have enough driving experience in your sleeve. Just be patient when you r riding. Don't let your ego control the throttle. for the riding lesson instructors guide you better than anyone here.

[ZenithSoul]

Thanks to all bros who replied here!

 

Getting a TA150 for my first bike! =D

[kaiq]

TA150 is a very old 2-stroke bike, I would avoid it as my first bike. Would prefer a 4-stroke bike due to maintenance.

 

Unless it's free

 

Btw, you ride bike only if you need bike, else just take the mrt. Decide this upon yourself. Bikes too long not used will be problematic.

[Siphon]

TA150 - 2T, need to top up 2T oil and is Kick Start.

TA200 - 4 stroke. Press start.

TA200M - got fuel low light, reverse fork and has a nice "cigar" looking exhaust pipe

 

as Kaiq said... TA200 is simplier. Personally i don't like to be kick starting when i'm on the road... very stress... haha...

[Keoni]

Bro,

to be honest there is nothing much different between 2B and 2A bikes. It's all depend on what you are going to do. If your ultimate plan is to upgrade 2A bike then directly go for it. aditional 200cc is not much different. you already have enough driving experience in your sleeve. Just be patient when you r riding. Don't let your ego control the throttle. for the riding lesson instructors guide you better than anyone here.

 

I beg to differ. There is A LOT of difference between 2B and 2A bikes. Weight and power being the most prominent. If you don't know the difference, you won't know what you can or cannot do. And driving doesn't give you a clue about riding. I believe most riders will agree with me on this one if they have been riding among cagers long enough. As for the instructors, let's just say they teach us how to pass tests.

[xaley]

Don't worry about not riding a 2B bike. I haven't been riding for more than 15 years and recently went back to take my 2A. Ride like a complete newbie. First prac. not used to the throttle, clutch and brakes. Rev loud loud...haha. By 2nd lesson, these problems went away.

 

Whether you ride 2A or 2B depends on yourself. Many factors - your height/weight, comfort issues. finance issues.

 

Not riding a 2B bike is a less relevant factor to consider. If you haven't been riding, need more lessons to make up for the lack of riding, that's all.

[Siphon]

I beg to differ. There is A LOT of difference between 2B and 2A bikes. Weight and power being the most prominent. If you don't know the difference, you won't know what you can or cannot do. And driving doesn't give you a clue about riding. I believe most riders will agree with me on this one if they have been riding among cagers long enough. As for the instructors, let's just say they teach us how to pass tests.

 

200 vs 400... to me a world of difference... because i'm comparing between a TA200 vs a CB400.

If you're comparing a CBR150 vs a CBR250... maybe not so much of a gap.

 

And yes.. driving vs riding is very DIFFERENT. i would say i have alot of driving experience... right hand drive, left hand drive, drive on snow, ice flood... FF/FR/MR/4WD... first time i rode on the express way... at 80kmh... it felt GREAT... until a lorry zoomed inches passed me and yes. it was scary... very different from having a shell to protect u from everyone else.

 

But now, its more enjoyment than fear

 

As for the comment that 2B bikes are a waste... i know of alot of friends who maintain their 2B bikes as its is a very practical and budget bike. Maintenance cost and fuel cost is amazing. 2A and 2... its heavier, drinks more fuel... costly to maintain and at times the servicing cost is almost like a car... eg... my tires on the bike is actually costlier then a good set of car tire (comparing 1 piece to 1 piece)

 

 

Ride safe.

[Extra Terrestrial]

My take is to go for Class 2A. It's only 3 lessons. Book more self practise session if you still unfamiliar. You will get use to it in no time since you know the theory of how the crutch and throttle works. Just to get familiarise again only.

 

Riding a bigger class bike is always safer due to better shocks(stability), bigger tires(grip), better brakes(stopping power), bigger horsepower for easier over-taking and to get out of nasty situation.

 

Phantom imho is nt a gd bike bcos it requires a wider turn for negotiating a sharp bend. The rear is too heavy and you most likely cant catch it back once you lose it. Other bikes might still be able to counteract better.

 

Maintainance wise and cost wise should nt be a deciding factor. We are not talking about KTMs. Most 2B/2A bikes dont require a mountain of $$ to keep it running.

 

 

Hi there everyone!

 

This is my situation and I hope anyone who has gone through this before would give me any sort of advice as I am quite in a dilemma.

I'm turning 26 in December this year and looking through my options at the moment.

I passed my 2B license back in end May 2014 at SSDC but have not got a bike yet due to having a car.

Have been driving consistently from way back in 2008 so I have a few years of driving experience already.

The dilemma I'm in is I'm actually looking to sell off my car around May this year and seeing the date I passed my 2B, I'm also eligible to take my 2A around say July.

Heard from bros here that 2B actually is a waste of money just for newbies to get the hang of riding a bike and to learn more about safe riding.

I feel that this is super important too that's why I'm hesitating to jump to a 2A bike straight away.

 

So bros, any advice for a really newbie here? I'm really afraid I will make a joke out of myself at the 2A lessons due to me not riding a 2B bike before.

Like 1 year never ride just go chiong for 2A licence hahaha. Thanks in advance and have a nice day!

[squee]

I would say buy a 2B bike to try first, see if you like riding more than driving. You have to deal with the weather, the safety aspect, no room for putting things etc.

[xaley]

I don't get it. I keep seeing pple saying that bigger bikes are safer - more power, more stability, more wheel contact.

Is that really true?

I guess maybe to a certain extent...bigger bikes more visible.

But then again, more power, more speed, more risk.

 

I'm taking 2A now and I must admit, I do like the power difference.

Very tempted to open throttle and the bike just want to go and go and go.

 

For me, I just enjoy the riding...even at slow speed.

Maybe that's why I still keep a bicycle around.

 

So 2, 2A or 2B, not so crucial for me.

 

Still think it's a good experience to ride bigger bikes though...so you can make better decisions. See which type of bike you enjoy most.

 

Some pple say if you ride 2B, it's easier to pass 2A.

Not always true. The most valuable part is the riding experience.

But some pple develop bad riding habits.

Some students taking class 2 and 2A have problems changing habits that have taken years to develop from riding outside.

 

I say if you enjoy riding, just ride to get some riding experience.

The road experience, whether you ride class 2, 2A, 2B (or 3) next time, will serve you well.

[vvv]

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Edited July 30, 2015 by vvv

[chriszzz]

Yes, there is a HUGE difference between a 400cc and a 200cc bike. I'm taking my class 2A now, and at lesson 1, I was shock at how different the CB400 is from the class 2B bikes. I've ridden YBR125, Phantom TA200, Yamaha FZ16, Honda CBR150, Cub kia, as well as several makes of scooters. All the class 2B requires severe throttle twisting before you can feel any surge of power, while some never quite deliver the surge at all.

 

The Super4 on the other hand, delivers power with just a light twist. The engine whines loudly(but it was clearly not straining), and, amazingly, the bike is able to move even without applying throttle as long as you release the clutch slowly. Unlike a class 2B bike, it won't stall under this condition. It's 2nd gear feels almost as strong/jerky as the 1st gear in 2B bike.

 

Scary for the first 30 mins, but after that, it feels fine after you get used to it and learn how to moderate the power with half-clutch. Half-clutch control on 2A (and I'm sure for 2) is very important to keep the strong engine under control.

 

That said, I think starting with 2B bike or 2A bike are both equally good options, but do start with a 2nd hand bike. After a couple of years and you have become an experienced rider, sell it off and buy a new bike. Personally, I would take the 2A bike since you are almost eligible for your 2A classes. It should take you just a few months (depending on TP dates) since there are only 3 practical lessons and 1 theory lesson. All practicals are circuits, with no road tests or theory tests.

 

 

 

200 vs 400... to me a world of difference... because i'm comparing between a TA200 vs a CB400.

If you're comparing a CBR150 vs a CBR250... maybe not so much of a gap.

 

And yes.. driving vs riding is very DIFFERENT. i would say i have alot of driving experience... right hand drive, left hand drive, drive on snow, ice flood... FF/FR/MR/4WD... first time i rode on the express way... at 80kmh... it felt GREAT... until a lorry zoomed inches passed me and yes. it was scary... very different from having a shell to protect u from everyone else.

 

But now, its more enjoyment than fear

 

As for the comment that 2B bikes are a waste... i know of alot of friends who maintain their 2B bikes as its is a very practical and budget bike. Maintenance cost and fuel cost is amazing. 2A and 2... its heavier, drinks more fuel... costly to maintain and at times the servicing cost is almost like a car... eg... my tires on the bike is actually costlier then a good set of car tire (comparing 1 piece to 1 piece)

 

 

Ride safe.

[Siphon]

Yes, there is a HUGE difference between a 400cc and a 200cc bike. I'm taking my class 2A now, and at lesson 1, I was shock at how different the CB400 is from the class 2B bikes. I've ridden YBR125, Phantom TA200, Yamaha FZ16, Honda CBR150, Cub kia, as well as several makes of scooters. All the class 2B requires severe throttle twisting before you can feel any surge of power, while some never quite deliver the surge at all.

 

The Super4 on the other hand, delivers power with just a light twist. The engine whines loudly(but it was clearly not straining), and, amazingly, the bike is able to move even without applying throttle as long as you release the clutch slowly. Unlike a class 2B bike, it won't stall under this condition. It's 2nd gear feels almost as strong/jerky as the 1st gear in 2B bike.

 

FYI... the S4 in SSDC does not have VTEC hehehe... anyway don't think you'll have a chance to rev it that high in the circuit except during E brakes gear 1... i tried once to rev it to 9k... the instructor pull me one side to tell me "Bang, this S4 no Vtec la, don't bother to rev so high to test, so just change the gears as per normal opps... hehhee

 

But now with the "real" S4... sweet... love that high pitch vrooooooooo sound.

Edited February 17, 2015 by Siphon

[Siphon]

I don't get it. I keep seeing pple saying that bigger bikes are safer - more power, more stability, more wheel contact.

Is that really true?

I guess maybe to a certain extent...bigger bikes more visible.

But then again, more power, more speed, more risk.

 

1. Better braking power along with ABS. Means you can really stop at a shorter distance without skidding.

2. Bigger tires, better water dispersion with better tires.

3. More power to get out of situation where the drivers either didn't see you or simply doesn't care about giving you space.

4. More stable with the heavier weight when there are higher winds. usually happens on NSH or even in the tunnels...

 

i'm sure there's more but these are the few i really like about it.

[xaley]

I still prefer to ride slower. If suay suay fall, skid or bang i think won't be so serious as those high speed accident.

Traffic police always said do not speed, the nos 1 killer. High speed impact kill.

 

If after 1 year i go for 2A, is not because of speed, is because to open up more choices for better scooter model.

 

Same reason as me...haha. We similar type rider.