Newbie's Guide To Bikes

[ausa]

upon buying a 2nd hand bike from private owner, is there any doc which i will keep other then insurance?

 

doc stating bike name , bike plate number ect?

 

the old bike, you will have the log book, or log card, stated the bike detail : model, make, cc, color, engine number, chassis number, first registration date, year of manufacturing, owner particulars, name and address (your name and address as the new owner)

 

Now a day you might not get the above, but just a print out of the detail by the LTA, or you can go online to print one.

[jtzx]

yup thanks for the information. i know about it already ;-) haha. old thread

[Smart Bet]

Each has its pros and cons:

 

Shop - Pros

==========

• paperwork settled for you
  
• can look for re-financing for you
  
• MAY offer warranty of 1 - 3mths
  

 

Shop - Cons

==========

• Price GENERALLY higher than private seller
  
• Bike may have been in the shop without care for months
  
• Usually don't allow you to test ride
  

 

 

Pte Seller - Pros

==========

• Can talk to owner, ask about bike and servicing history (of course, up to honesty of owner)
  
• Widely available with many PKs here upgrading
  
• Can test ride
  
• Price GENERALLY lower than shops
  

 

Pte Seller - Cons

==========

• Run around to settle your own paperwork
  
• Look for own re-financing
  
• Some sellers will play you out
  

 

There is no firm comparison in price between shop and pte seller as bikes all of different years and state. Pay what you think is reasonable and within your means.

 

Based on your current situation, look around for a bike that's around $2k - $2.5k regions, be it shop or pte seller.

 

Most importantly, have firm and realistic expectations of what you're paying for. If you've already acquired your license, feel free to ask any PK here to go out shopping with you to help you note the things to look out for.

[ckoonyin]

the old bike, you will have the log book, or log card, stated the bike detail : model, make, cc, color, engine number, chassis number, first registration date, year of manufacturing, owner particulars, name and address (your name and address as the new owner)

 

Now a day you might not get the above, but just a print out of the detail by the LTA, or you can go online to print one.

 

Hi! Are you refering the the onemotoring.com website which the details is generated by the Transfer Fee Enquiry?

 

https://vrl.lta.gov.sg/lta/vrl/action/pubfunc?ID=EnquireTransferFee

 

Or are you refering to the link in onemotoring.com which u will need the owner to log in with Singpass, after which go to Vehicle Hub, Enquire and print vehicle details (via the top menu)?

 

Or is there another link or place which i can find the info?

[yojisan]

hey guys,,new to this forum,well,i'm 27 n gunning down my 2b licence'taking it at bbdc.well tommorow which is 22nd dec 2010,will be my tp test,feeling kinda nervous actually,well any tip frm u guys so I can do it once n do it good?well any advice will b appericiated thanks.

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

hey guys,,new to this forum,well,i'm 27 n gunning down my 2b licence'taking it at bbdc.well tommorow which is 22nd dec 2010,will be my tp test,feeling kinda nervous actually,well any tip frm u guys so I can do it once n do it good?well any advice will b appericiated thanks.

 

There is no hard and fast rule to passing on your first try, it will always be an exciting challenge no matter how you approach your first TP.

 

However, please do be well rested and as relaxed as possible. Go early to the driving centre, relax, make new friends, the more 'contented' you are the higher the chance of breezing through the whole exam and leaving with a big smile.

 

If you are the technical/scientific type of person then try and read up on bike handling especially for low speed courses. Browse through the zillions of motorcycle riding and safety articles on www.msgroup.org for instance, they have many tips for riders both new and veteran.

 

Or rather than immerse yourself in bike terminology you can also try and build up some 1337 skillz by playing some Need for Speed the night before just to get the picture of operating a motor vehicle in your head before you sleep. Sounds funny but that's how I passed the first attempt - pure reactions. Pick the method most comfortable to you and stick with it

[vvss]

hey guys,,new to this forum,well,i'm 27 n gunning down my 2b licence'taking it at bbdc.well tommorow which is 22nd dec 2010,will be my tp test,feeling kinda nervous actually,well any tip frm u guys so I can do it once n do it good?well any advice will b appericiated thanks.

 

go for SP or revision to "warm up" your ride today before the big day, when before and during test dont focus your mind of passing only, just treat it as normal lesson, project the ride in your mind fast before every moving off by applying all the tips and skills which been passed to you by the instructors. dont worry about class3 trainee in the circuit as bbdc minimised the class3 practical lesson during class2b TP test, in other word, you will see much lesser class 3 trainee in the circuit.

 

I believe this will help by not pressure yourself too much, remember there is always second chance for the test, so if failed, take it as an experience gained for the next test.

 

also, watch out for other testee in front of you and be alert, dont "monkey see monkey do" if happened that they making any mistake, esp forming up at junction.

[Raymundo]

Hey Metal, i am very new to this so i would like to ask. how do i go about checking the insurance price for myself, for the different types of bikes and different age & experience? also, are there any insurance companies u can recommend which offers a lower premium but still at a good condition? is it possible if u passed me ur contact number or something because i have TONS of qns to ask. i thank you so much for ur time and appreciate it very much.

 

-Ray-

[hu-am-i]

first of all, need to enquire your age first. below the age of 20 only NTUC and MSIG accepts you. the quotation premium that they will quote you is based on

model of bike, manufacture date of bike, your age, driving experience (whether still a P Plater), records of bike getting into an accident are all being

put into consideration.

 

if you're at the age of 20 and above, can consider AXA as their quotation are reasonable but the procedure on getting claim and so on can be a hassle. depending

on what bike as well you're getting as well, must do a try and error with all the insurance companies to weigh the pros and cons. of course, the cheapest coverage

out there is the third party cover. you can read up all the different types of coverages first before considering.

 

my advice to you is to call up all the insurance companies out there, they might give a better explanation to you and guide you further.

 

- for insurance cases, they have a thread under insurance if you need further clarifications from all riders http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/153512-Insurance!!

Edited March 3, 2011 by hu-am-i

[Hydher]

To the newbies reading this thread, to those that care about maintaining their ride to those considering to ride a ta200 this is my two cents and nostalgia on riding a ta200 in comparison to previously owning a 1982 vespa and now a steed. I'm not saying im extremely experienced. Just that i wished someone would have told me this during my novice days when i had my fair share of slippery skids, Sudden e brake skids, exhaust burn, crashing into vehicles, self maintainability of the vehicle etc.

 

On a safety aspect,

 

#1. Get a new set of tyres.

 

Dont just look at the deepness of the thread or the "hairs". Tyres hardens over time and lose traction. Look for a four digit number on your tyre sidewall. eg. 4210. it means 42nd week of 2010. They should be changed every 2 years in my opinion.

When buying tyres, always try your best to get them from the same series and always change them as a set. It'll set you back by

 

P.S.

Pump to the levels of 200-250kpa every two weeks. Play around with that range to whats feels best for you.

 

#2. Get a crashbar.

 

Be safe. Bad judgement to reckless drivers ; accidents do happen. With a crashbar on, it gives you hope on saving some skin or your legs and the option of "hiding" with the width of your bars during a crash or skid. Its an insurance to your tank, parts and paintwork too.

 

Comes in nice designs too. An enticing picture. hehehe

 

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff37/hydher/steed/IMG_1279.jpg

 

On a skill aspect

 

#1 Dont speed

I know it runs to 140kph but be aware of your distance needed to brake comfortably. Sand, water, oil, rocks, plastic bags, slopes and traffic. Practice good judgement.

 

#2 Give way

It applied in school but when you're out there, its a different story. We riders always lose because we pay with our flesh and bones.

 

#3 Bad weather?

Practice extra caution during wet weather. Rain too heavy? Stop aside. Better late then never. When roads are wet, aqua planing could happen. Wait awhile after the rain have settled. Avoid paint markings on the road and puddles. Too windy? Stop too.

 

#4 ERP

 

Make it a habit to have a cash card in your Iu unit if travelling to unknown places. It gives you a shock and the urge to stop aside abruptly to insert your cashcard to avoid the trouble and hefty fines. Happens to other road users too so be wary of this and be alert when approaching them.

 

#5 The traffic light

 

You know, you squeezing in between cars to get to the front during a stop because you like the open view, hate the slow pick up on them, breathing in exhaust fumes. If you have to do so, stop in front of the car to make sure you get to throttle before him or you might be sandwich between two fast accelerating cars.

 

#6 Riding between cars aka lane splitting

 

I know you can but dont.

Some drivers may make abrupt turns, cant keep to their lanes. Overlook their blindspots. Dont pay for other mistakes.

 

#7 Generalize

 

Rush hour, taxi drivers, lorry/van drivers during working hours, reckless drivers/riders. Stay clear or be extra cautious of them. Enough said.

 

#8 Plan your route

 

Take some time to memorize your intended route. You're attention is compromised when you get lost or looking out for signs instead on traffic. Its important to know when to keep lanes when turning. You can use www.oneshift.com.

 

#9 Pillioning

 

Your bike handles differently with a pillion. Your pick up is slower, your braking distance is longer due to inertia. Your center of balanced is shifted. Your judgement is COMPROMISED. Know the responsibility of having a life and fate of two in your hands

 

On a general maintainence aspect

 

#1 Oil change intervals

 

Your manual states every 4000km change. To check and top up regularly. Yet the mechanic and other riders never practices that. Our bikes needs just 1L of oil. Whether its 10w40, 10w50, fully synthetic, semi synthetic, mineral, $30 motul or the $6 castrol. Rule of the thumb, after your first change, tilt your bike upright, undo the oil cap and take reading from the dipstick. How many XXX? Use that as a benchmark. Check at 1000km, 1500km and top up if necessary with a spare bottle at home. Due to faulty seals in your engine it may have leak or combusted. I get it changed around the 2000km mark.

 

#2 Air filter

 

Bad mileage? Feeling choked? When was the last time you had the lungs of the bike changed? A little goes a long way in mileage savings. Get this changed first for the benchmark in air intake for the tuning of your air fuel ratio. >$30

 

Judging from the....

 

#3 Spark plug

It uses one plug. It'll probably run well till 8000km - 10 000km. Its for start up and combustion. Its cheap anyway so i get them changed every 4000 km. When you get it changed, use this chart to know how your engine is running and advise your mechanic to run leaner or richer. It maybe a telltale to some problems. Ignorance could lead to engine damage. >$8

 

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/faqs/faqread.asp

 

 

#4 Have two regular mechanic

 

Get two regular mechanic. Get their numbers and save it in your phone. So that if you may run into some trouble, give him a call for his advice or you can even get it towed to his shop. Why two? For a second opinion.

 

#5 Know what you can handle

 

If something is screwing up and you probably dont know what it is. Face it. You dont know how to fix it. Your mechanic could probably pinpoints the problem in a jiffy. Leave your headache and tough bolts to them. Learn along the way. If you have the confidence, right tools and motivation, do it yourself! Anything regarding riding. ASK THEM.

 

Chains

Get chain oil, engine oil, chain wax whatever. Wipe and respray after the rain or every 500km.

 

Tyre

Refer to top

 

I'm not going to reinvent the wheel.

Get your manual here http://www.motorcycle.in.th/filemgmt/visit.php?lid=23

 

Oh yes.

Keep aside $400-600 for an overhaul of the engine.

Same goes for the gearbox.

 

Btw, in the motorcycle industry, most shops are closed on sundays.

 

Administrative

 

Insurance and claims

 

#1st party insurance

Covers your damage to others and yourself

#2nd party

Covers your damage to others and fire and theft

#3rd party

Damage to others only

 

What if you get in an accident?

 

by-the-book

 

Take photos. Go to idac http://www.motorcar.com.sg/Information/Rules/idac.htm for a incident report by 24 hours. Make arrangement with your mechanic for your repairs.

 

If its your fault, your insurance company pays for everything. Lawyer letter, fabricated damages, claims for loss of transport, trauma and repairs are not uncommon. The catch? You pay more the following years. If its the other party fault your premium is not affected.

 

thus, good to have some savings for minor damages.

 

Private settlement.

Wrong party pays an agreed sum. No official parties informed.

 

Who?

Major insurance company.

Ntuc, Anda, mitsui and allianz etc

 

Extra rider?

 

You can have two people under your insurance provided you have them registered at your insurer.

 

Inspection

 

Where?

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/maintain_vehicle/inspection/vehicle_inspection.html

 

Yearly inspection is compulsory about

What to look out for? http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines.html

 

Road tax

 

Road tax can be paid half an annum or yearly. You can do it at the inspection centre itself. Compulsory documents are #1 insurance and #2 inspection certificate. Do note on your purchase of your insurance try to have it to tele with the road tax. Extension of your insurance will incur extra administrative charges.

 

More at

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/maintain_vehicle/road_tax.html

 

IU problems?

 

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/maintain_vehicle/inspection/other_appointed_centres.html

 

f.y.i. New iu comes with 5 years warranty and can read ezlink card.

IU unit can be de registered and re registered.

 

Season parking?

 

http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10327p.nsf/w/CarPark1NewSP?OpenDocument

 

Renewing coe?

 

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/maintain_vehicle/coe1.html

 

Deregister a vehicle? Lay up?

 

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/de_register_a_vehicle/de-register.html

 

Cheers and happy riding.

 

Hydher.

Edited March 4, 2011 by Kev's

[Kevs]

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM POSTING CHIT-CHATTING POST(S); IRRELEVANT TOPICS POST(S) & UNOFFICIAL SBF ADVERTISEMENTS.

 

FOR MORE DIRECT ANSWERS ON CERTAIN QUERIES, KINDLY POST IN RESPECTIVE RELEVANT THREADS THAT'S ALREADY AROUND.

 

FOR NAVIGATION, PLEASE SEE: PHANTOM KNIGHTS DIRECTORY

 

 

 

 

p.s. TS(thread starter) already long M.I.A.(missing in action)..

Edited March 4, 2011 by Kev's

[Metalfyre]

 

#2. Get a crashbar.

 

Be safe. Bad judgement to reckless drivers ; accidents do happen. With a crashbar on, it gives you hope on saving some skin or your legs and the option of "hiding" with the width of your bars during a crash or skid. Its an insurance to your tank, parts and paintwork too.

 

Comes in nice designs too. An enticing picture. hehehe

 

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff37/hydher/steed/IMG_1279.jpg

 

 

I know people whose accidents have been caused by the crashbar; I think this part should be left to individual riders' personal preferences, not included as a 'must-do' in a guide ba. I am responding specifically to this part because a new rider asked for tips, and I directed him to this forum. He found this old thread, set up his crashbars, and became the third person I know personally to have his crashbars cause a crash (I think most old birds here know the 1st..hahaha)...and then he asked me why liddat when here everyone say very good. So this is a disclaimer...if you corner like me on your phantom(you countersteer), might be better if you don't put crashbars. If you corner like you're on a harley (ie u turn ur handlebars in the direction you are turning)...then crashbars would work. And don't travel too close to the sides of the road...this being the reason the 2nd person crashed; his crashbars langgar metal railing -.-

 

kev: I'm always here lurking..mostly in garage sales xD u have my number oso...me nv MIA la haha.

[stephen84]

Hi, I am new here, is insurance transferrable? I mean, if i buy from a private owner, is his insurance transferrable (e.g. first party) to me?

[Metalfyre]

No. You get your own under your own name. The previous owner cancels his.

[incognito6174]

Let me infuse some life into this thread, as I remember when I bought my Phantom as the first 2B bike, there weren't very many new models around (there aren't today) and buying a second hand bike was a better option. I found an excellent info page on buying second hand motorcycles, thought it would be a good read to all those looking to buy and sell their bikes here. I couldn't find anything similar on searching the forum and no link to this web-page existed so I thought I'd post it here.

http://www.netrider.net.au/ Check it out, hope this helps.

[swissbake]

if you do your inspection at viacom, you can get a 5% discount if you sign on NTUC insurance with the agent next to the viacom road tax renewal booth. 5% discount only applicable if you are NOT an existing NTUC client for your bike. ( ie new sign up only )

[jumanji]

Hi everyone! I have been riding for a year now and next week I can register for my class 2A.

 

Currently I am riding a HONDA CBR150.

 

Would it be better for me to just stick to 2b bike or get a 2a bike?

 

Initially I thought of getting 2a license and get super4 coz many ppl say super4 is a good 2a bike but recently some of my friends say just stick to 2b bike.

 

What i look for in a bike is normally speed and comfort as i am always rushing from point to point and i dont really know much about bikes or mechanics so low maintenance would be good too.. My current speed of my honda cbr150 is normally 120km/h which personally i dont think is fast enough..lol.

 

Any advise please..? Should i change to a different 2b bike or shud i get a 2a bike..?

[fiz_ism]

Hello bro Jumanji, I also have this dilemma. I'm taking class 2A now and dunno if I should get a 2A bike or stick with my current 2B bike. But I think if you wanna take class 2, then you should have at least an experience of class 2A. Else, you can stick to 2B bike. I personally think spark is quite fast for 2B if you want speed. I everytime see these kind of bikes past so fast! Haha..

[Metalfyre]

Added a FAQ section under placeholder in the first page, since I've been getting PMs on these questions...

[Metalfyre]

Guide To Oils

 

Oils are the lifeblood of your machine. This is probably the most important thing to know.

 

Found a good resource that explains oil grades and such.

 

http://wiki.seloc.org/a/Oil_Labelling_Explained

[Metalfyre]

Tires are the one place you get contact with the road, and many riders rightly preach about not skimping when it comes to buying the rubbers.

 

Here's a tyre wear guide that will hopefully help you pick the right set of hoops, get the most out of the tires you splurged so much on, and hints on how your setup can affect your rubber's health :x

 

Tire Sizes & Profiles Explained

Tire Wear Guide

When To Change Your Tires

Tire Pressures For Trackdays

Edited May 27, 2014 by Metalfyre
Addition

[plainsugar]

getting my 2B license. very much excited to get Phantom as my 1st bike. this forum is awesome!! so much to read and learn.

[Silent Hunter]

Welcome Plainsugar!