Bike / Scooter

[Glompbot]

So, as a few of you already know... I'm doing my L's riding course on the 23rd and 24th of this month.
Provided I pass (and I'm almost certain I will) and get my L's... I shall be purchasing this little scooter*. (http://www.hondascooters.com.au/@125/)

I need advice. I'm getting a loan for 8k.. the scooter is 5,890.

I don't understand much about insurance companies, or rego, or any of those things I'll need to do once I have the scooter.


So, I'd like help trying to figure out these things and a bit of explaining...

What things do I have to get once I've purchased the bike?


* It should be noted that although i plan to only ride a scooter, i don't want to get a riders licence that only limits me to scooters... so I'll be doing the course on a bike.

[Fenaughty]

Nice Scooter,

talking from experience of having once worked selling insurance, if your going to put insurance on it don't bother with just third party.
It costs jack shit and scooters wont do much damage if you hit a car, the more damage will happen to the scooter, so look at the cost of full comprehensive. you'll probably be surprised at how little it costs.

[Glompbot]

oh, the plan was comprehensive... I thought i needed comprehensive insurance anyway because i'm paying for it with a loan?

My parents would murder me if I got anything else anyway :D

I'm really just trying to find an insurance company that won't act like a dick because i'm not driving a car...

[Truephoenix]

Originally posted by Fenaughty
Nice Scooter,

talking from experience of having once worked selling insurance, if your going to put insurance on it don't bother with just third party.
It costs jack shit and scooters wont do much damage if you hit a car, the more damage will happen to the scooter, so look at the cost of full comprehensive. you'll probably be surprised at how little it costs.

If i hit a car, i would be more worried about my broken body than my broken bike.

[Benwah]

This should tell you (mostly) what you need to know.

LINKY (http://www.hondascooters.com.au/=start+riding/_new+south+wales.htm)

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by Benwah
This should tell you (mostly) what you need to know.

LINKY (http://www.hondascooters.com.au/=start+riding/_new+south+wales.htm)


ok, no... it doesn't.
I know what I have to do to get my licence.

I'm asking about things like rego, green slips (i have no idea what the purpose of these are), insurance, etc.

[batgrrrl]

Nice scooter and good luck with your tests!

If it is a personal loan, you don't have to get the bike comprehensiviely insured. This is because a personal loan is bound to you not to what you purchase with it. If you got a car/bike loan, they would probably only give you the purchase amount and use the scooter is security for the loan.

However if your scooter gets stolen/written off, you are still left with the $8k debt if you aren't insured. I think it's a good idea to get insurance, it shouldn't be much :)

[batgrrrl]

Also, the dealer (assuming you are getting it new) should be able to tell you what you need. You might need to supply your own green slip (also know as CTP insurance). But call them and ask :)

Our new cars all came without us having to worry about anything :)

[Benwah]

Originally posted by Sapia
ok, no... it doesn't.
I know what I have to do to get my licence.

I'm asking about things like rego, green slips (i have no idea what the purpose of these are), insurance, etc.

oops, soz.

Greenslip = CTP (compulsary Third Party) this is a limited type of insurance which every vehicle in NSW has to have, it covers you for INJURY to someone you might hit, but doesn't cover costs of damage to THINGS you might hit (cars, other bikes etc) you need one of these before you can get REGO, to get a greenslip, call people like AAMI, NRMA those kind of people, I got mine from AAMI over the phone.

REGO is purchased from the RTA the cost includes vehicle registration for insurance purposes as well as being able to track YOU to the vehicle in question (for things like speeding fines and parking tickets) as well as road tax

Comprehensive insurance is optional, but covers both you and others from any damage you may cause (accidental or otherwise) something you should know about is the "no claims bonus" system, it's a %age, basically the longer you remain insured without making a claim the cheaper the insurance becomes, the maximum is 60% for most companies (AAMI, NRMA etc) generally there is a excess that needs to be paid should you have an accident (sometimes it's as much as $1500) and your insurance gets cheaper as you get older, oh, also, insurance is gender specific!

[Chocoholic]

Green slip quotes (http://www.maa.nsw.gov.au)

Don’t forget Stamp duty (http://www.privatefleet.com.au/index.php?itemID=225&branch=7) and registration (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/registeringavehicle/registrationfees/index.html) either.

[Glompbot]

OK, I assume if i get comprehensive insurance I still need a green slip?

And if I'm buying the scooter new... how the hell do I go about registering it.... if its unregistered I can't ride it to the rta to be registered can i? *squint* I kinda remember something about my parents having their car inspected by the rta before they could get new licence plates? or their plates renewed? Which I'm assuming is all part of the registration process.

So really... the order I'll be doing things in is... licence, buy scooter (maybe get green slip first), register scooter, get comprehensive insurance.... then ride scooter as much as I want for 6 months when i'll need to do my P's test.

[RASPUTIN]

Usually the dealer you buy it from will arrange rego for you so maybe you are already covered. If not steps are.

Goto the RTA and transfer vehicle ownership into your name. This will give you your rego papers. Second get a green slip. You can do this over the phone and within 24hrs this will be registered with the RTA. Thirdly go to the RTA and pay for your rego. Get sexy little rego sticker and put it on your scooter. Drive about having fun and watching out for maniac car drivers who will cut you off a lot.

Before you drive out of the shop give NRMA or other insurance company and get it insured. This you can do over the phone and is immediate. If you have the cash pay for it up front. You can also pay it monthly but you will pay for 1 extra month over a year.

There are heaps of different comprehensive insurance policies. I have to ultimate one which is if I crash my car I give NRMA a call. They will drive to where I am, give me a loan car and organise everything else. Think for this service it costs an extra $200-00 per year. Well worth it trust me. Also insure it for the full replacement value of your scooter.

[metalhed00]

I love Hondas (I drive a Civic), but why are you getting a scooter, not a car?

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia
So, as a few of you already know... I'm doing my L's riding course on the 23rd and 24th of this month.
Provided I pass (and I'm almost certain I will)

I bombed in the last half hour of my first day, I just stressed out to much, I hadn't slept nearly as much as I had wanted to the night before & was already stressed, my brother was spending most of that night & early morning going off his head about pointless crap which is why I was tired & stressed, I was learning for a manual though, Automatic is a different coarse & it should be a doddle.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by Chocoholic
Green slip quotes (http://www.maa.nsw.gov.au)

Don’t forget Stamp duty (http://www.privatefleet.com.au/index.php?itemID=225&branch=7) and registration (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/registeringavehicle/registrationfees/index.html) either.

Ok rounding up:
scooter: 5890
stamp duty is about $400 (unless I really suck at maths?)
rego is $100
green slip: $300

Not sure about comprehensive insurance.... I really need recommendations for this... My dad said not all companies will insure a scooter/bike...

[Benwah]

Originally posted by Sapia
OK, I assume if i get comprehensive insurance I still need a green slip?

Yes, ALL vehicles registered in NSW need a CTP Greenslip.


Originally posted by Sapia
And if I'm buying the scooter new... how the hell do I go about registering it.... if its unregistered I can't ride it to the rta to be registered can i? *squint* I kinda remember something about my parents having their car inspected by the rta before they could get new licence plates? or their plates renewed? Which I'm assuming is all part of the registration process. [/B]

The dealer arranges it with the rta (give the rta vin numbers etc)


Originally posted by Sapia
So really... the order I'll be doing things in is... licence, buy scooter (maybe get green slip first), register scooter, get comprehensive insurance.... then ride scooter as much as I want for 6 months when i'll need to do my P's test. [/B]

1. licence
2. buy scooter + green slip + rego + comprehensive insurance all at the same time
3. Ride your scooter!

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by metalhed00
I love Hondas (I drive a Civic), but why are you getting a scooter, not a car?

Er. honda cars suck arse. :D

And I gave driving a car a chance... I had my L's for 3 years. I just can't handle the fact that the vehicle i am in is so much larger than I am...

I got too scared by other traffic and taking up so much space in the lane.

I've always felt more comfortable on a bike or smaller vehicle. *nod*


Originally posted by batgrrrl
Also, the dealer (assuming you are getting it new) should be able to tell you what you need. You might need to supply your own green slip (also know as CTP insurance). But call them and ask :)

Our new cars all came without us having to worry about anything :)

Yeah, I plan on dropping in on the dealer after I get my L's so I can test ride and everything :D


Originally posted by RASPUTIN
There are heaps of different comprehensive insurance policies. I have to ultimate one which is if I crash my car I give NRMA a call. They will drive to where I am, give me a loan car and organise everything else. Think for this service it costs an extra $200-00 per year. Well worth it trust me. Also insure it for the full replacement value of your scooter.

Yeah, I plan to get the best insurance possible... I don't want to get into 8k worth of debt and get insurance that doesn't cover EVERYTHING... because I know I'd be kicking myself later if something does happen.


Originally posted by That_Bloke
I bombed in the last half hour of my first day, I just stressed out to much, I hadn't slept nearly as much as I had wanted to the night before & was already stressed, my brother was spending most of that night & early morning going off his head about pointless crap which is why I was tired & stressed, I was learning for a manual though, Automatic is a different coarse & it should be a doddle.

Ouch... Nah... I shouldn't have that problem... But i'm not learning on an auto. As I said in the first post... I'll be learning on a bike for the L's... if I don't feel so comfortable when it comes to doing the P's I'll just do auto then.

[RASPUTIN]

Just ring around and get a few quotes. I suggest NRMA, GIO, AAMI. Be very careful going through a broker or some of the other less main stream insurance companies. 1 they take ages to assess claims and the payout figures are low. Also ask what will be the payout figure in the event of a total writeoff. You will be surprised at the answers you will get. Also a small tip don't let the cost of it be your deciding factor. Seriously it is the very last thing you care about when your 7k vehicle is sitting on the road in peices.

- Look at payout figure/percentage in the event of a writeoff.
- Time taken to assess damage and have it repaired.
- Look at options like loan vehicles, accommodation if interstate, paying for travel home etc.

Lastly check your medical insurance making sure you have ambulance, cosmetic surgery and physio coverage. Not that you are going to need it but just in case huh. The general after you are past the I am going to live bit and medicare stops working can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Oh yeah and cost in a set of full leathers as well, approx 1k. Make sure the back, knees and elbows have extra layers.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by Benwah
1. licence
2. buy scooter + green slip + rego + comprehensive insurance all at the same time
3. Ride your scooter!

Great, thanks :D
You guys have all been really helpful.

So... when I get the green slip, should I get it with the company I intend on getting the comprehensive insurance with?

[imp]

Originally posted by metalhed00
I love Hondas (I drive a Civic), but why are you getting a scooter, not a car?

My dad has a Honda Shadow. :) He Loves it. He can't ride street bikes b/c of an injury he got when he was younger on is Harley. He got his foot crushed b/w a car and his bike. He can't bend his foot back for a long time otherwise it hurts so he's stuck with a low rider. :)

I was looking at doing my riding course with a lady at work. I want to get a nice street bike and go cruising with it. That and play silly buggers with it. Only going for a 250CC bike to start with.

Good luck Sapia. Let me know how the course goes.

[metalhed00]

Originally posted by imp
My dad has a Honda Shadow. :) He Loves it. He can't ride street bikes b/c of an injury he got when he was younger on is Harley. He got his foot crushed b/w a car and his bike. He can't bend his foot back for a long time otherwise it hurts so he's stuck with a low rider. :)

Harley's kick ass. I wasn't sure if they were available in Australia.

I want one, but they're alittle out of my price range (for now) ;). Sorry about your dad and his foot, my mom is really not happy in my idea of me getting a motorcycle.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by RASPUTIN
- Look at payout figure/percentage in the event of a writeoff.
- Time taken to assess damage and have it repaired.
- Look at options like loan vehicles, accommodation if interstate, paying for travel home etc.


What did you mean by medical insurance?

I just got a quote from the NRMA - $2466.63

I'm not going to get leathers, but I've got protective gear (need to get gloves.

So far the cost of scooter is:
scooter: 5890
stamp duty is about $400 (unless I really suck at maths?)
rego is $100
green slip: $300
comprehensive insurance with NRMA: $2466.63

Ok........ right. This is getting awfully expensive. Thats a 10k loan it looks like I'll need... not an 8k loan.

[Conny!]

Originally posted by Sapia
What did you mean by medical insurance?

I just got a quote from the NRMA - $2466.63

I'm not going to get leathers, but I've got protective gear (need to get gloves.

So far the cost of scooter is:
scooter: 5890
stamp duty is about $400 (unless I really suck at maths?)
rego is $100
green slip: $300
comprehensive insurance with NRMA: $2466.63

Ok........ right. This is getting awfully expensive. Thats a 10k loan it looks like I'll need... not an 8k loan.


I've got my insurance through a broker, but my parents have been using this broker since cocky was an egg they tell me. But i have comprehensive insurance with CGU for my car, they are pretty good. About a grand less than your AAMI quote. And i am only 20, but i have had my own insurance policies since i was 16 so i have a pretty good rating.:D

Also, you dont have to pay insurance up front. You can do monthly installments or whatever. Direct debit and the like. But if you miss a payment and something happens, you'll get screwed.

You should budget for AT LEAST $800 bucks for protective equipment. Don't skimp on it, thats asking to get hurt. If you were getting a proper bike i would recommend the full leathers, but i'm not sure about scooters, your not going to go much faster than 60km/h :p But that shouldn't matter when the truck is going at 110.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by St. Anger
I've got my insurance through a broker, but my parents have been using this broker since cocky was an egg they tell me. But i have comprehensive insurance with CGU for my car, they are pretty good. About a grand less than your AAMI quote. And i am only 20, but i have had my own insurance policies since i was 16 so i have a pretty good rating.:D

Also, you dont have to pay insurance up front. You can do monthly installments or whatever. Direct debit and the like. But if you miss a payment and something happens, you'll get screwed.

You should budget for AT LEAST $800 bucks for protective equipment. Don't skimp on it, thats asking to get hurt. If you were getting a proper bike i would recommend the full leathers, but i'm not sure about scooters, your not going to go much faster than 60km/h :p But that shouldn't matter when the truck is going at 110.

The scooter I'm getting can easily do 100km/h.

I'll be 21 by the time I have the scooter and the loan all organised.
The only insuranc policy i currently have is with AMP and thats my life insurance. I doubt I'm gunna get any discounts for that.

The only protective equipment I need to buy is gloves and helmet. Thick jackets I have a plenty (a few of them worn many times whilst I was on the back of a bike). Thick pants I also have a plenty. I own only boots with ankle support due to collapsy week ankles of doom.

Ok, It'll be cheaper for me to pay the insurance up front than to pay it in monthly installments. I'll already be paying $200 a month off on the scooter, i can't afford to also pay X amount off on insurance every month. (i've got a few debts at the moment, one is almost paid off though... which will free up $200 a month)

[Goat Boy]

Originally posted by Sapia
The scooter I'm getting can easily do 100km/h.

I bags first ride!

[Conny!]

Originally posted by Sapia
The scooter I'm getting can easily do 100km/h.

I'll be 21 by the time I have the scooter and the loan all organised.
The only insuranc policy i currently have is with AMP and thats my life insurance. I doubt I'm gunna get any discounts for that.

The only protective equipment I need to buy is gloves and helmet. Thick jackets I have a plenty (a few of them worn many times whilst I was on the back of a bike). Thick pants I also have a plenty. I own only boots with ankle support due to collapsy week ankles of doom.

Ok, It'll be cheaper for me to pay the insurance up front than to pay it in monthly installments. I'll already be paying $200 a month off on the scooter, i can't afford to also pay X amount off on insurance every month. (i've got a few debts at the moment, one is almost paid off though... which will free up $200 a month)

Buy whatever equpiment you think you'll need. Some materials just don't cut it when your sliding along asphalt. I would personnaly get riding boots, kevlar pants and a jacket with back protection. I know a dude who is only walking today because he was wearing back protection. But that was offroad style, and a tree jumped in his way.

You know you have to pay insurance each year, so you are going to get a new loan at the beginning of each year? Then pay the interest on that, is the interest going to be less than the difference. I pay the same for my insurance whether it is installments or lump sum, so it doesnt bother me. Have you checked CGU for insurance, they are usually nice to young people.

I was only kidding about the 60km/h, how fast does it reach 100km/h?

[abelgold]

I'm planning to get my bike license later on this year too, and been seeking lots of advice..

Some good tips are:
-If you know you are definitely going to get a bike, start looking for the gear now and buy it bit by bit to make it more affordable. Also, you can take advantage of last seasons stock.. a mate picked up last seasons riding jacket worth $1000 for about $200. Same goes for pants, helmet, gloves.
-Girls who ride bikes are sexy. Get tight leathers and 'tude.

Hope this helps

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by St. Anger
Buy whatever equpiment you think you'll need. Some materials just don't cut it when your sliding along asphalt. I would personnaly get riding boots, kevlar pants and a jacket with back protection. I know a dude who is only walking today because he was wearing back protection. But that was offroad style, and a tree jumped in his way.

You know you have to pay insurance each year, so you are going to get a new loan at the beginning of each year? Then pay the interest on that, is the interest going to be less than the difference. I pay the same for my insurance whether it is installments or lump sum, so it doesnt bother me. Have you checked CGU for insurance, they are usually nice to young people.

I was only kidding about the 60km/h, how fast does it reach 100km/h?

I'm thinking as long as I wear thick pants and a thick jacket and boots I should be OK with just needing to buy gloves and a helmet. I might invest in a jacket/helmet with light reflective panels due to riding home at night after work...

Ok, I can pay the insurance off at (just guessing) about $200 a month for this year, then continue to do it next year, or i could pay the insurance for this year off out of the loan then put aside $200 a month into an ING savings account, and just pay insurance out of that when the next year rolls around. Either way there is a $200 drain on my finances every month...

My sister works for CGU, I'm going to ask her tomorrow.

Don't know how fast it reaches 100k.

[CMYK]

Originally posted by Sapia
Ok........ right. This is getting awfully expensive. Thats a 10k loan it looks like I'll need... not an 8k loan.

Don't forget that you'll need to pay $2800 every year for the insurance and rego (the depreciated value of the scooter, and your age increasing will mean it gets a bit cheaper each year but you can count on the Green Slip going up each year)... so that "freed up" $200 per month isn't as free as you might think.

To answer your other question it doesn't metter if you have Green Slip insurance with the same company as your comprehensive insurance. I don't think any of them give a discount for having two policies with them.

As for not getting leathers, I learned the hard way that they are good to have. Skin comes off really easily on the road at 70km/h when you are just wearing a shirt.

[Benwah]

Originally posted by Sapia
Great, thanks :D
You guys have all been really helpful.

So... when I get the green slip, should I get it with the company I intend on getting the comprehensive insurance with?

Nope, no need to do that, the two are independant of each other, although some companies offer a discount if you have both at least NRMA did if you got CTP, COMP and home and contents (10% off each I think)

[My Documents]

Originally posted by Sapia
I got too scared by other traffic and taking up so much space in the lane.


I wish I had a pansy scooter.

[Cubane]

Have a look at Swann for your insurance.. they specialise in bike insurance and are generally a bit cheaper than NRMA etc. Western QBE are also cheaper but I have heard you can have problems making claims with them and they wouldn't insure my new bike when the old one got stolen if it was going to be kept in the same place. Also if you have your car licence see if your previous driving history can count towards your no claim bonus. I got 60% no claim bonus straight away since I haven't had any accidents etc in the past five years.

[skozombie]

http://www.kruel.org/file.view.php?fid=195&name=bike.jpg

Thats my bike ... its a '97 ZZR250

My costs were:

Bike: $4000 (mates rates)
Stamp Duty: $140

Helmet: $600 (Shoei)
Jacket/boots/gloves: $600

CTP: $200 (NRMA)
Rego: $91
Third Party Property: $160 (NRMA)

Its worth spending a lot of money on a good helmet ... you can repair bones and torn skin but you cant get a brain transplant!

NRMA isnt the cheapest but i went to them because they were really helpful when i had to make a claim in my car.

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia




Ouch...

Nah, I didn't crash or anything, I just kinda couldn't continue.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by My Documents
You got scared did you darling? Good luck on your pansy scooter.


Why not buy a Vespa or a Lambretta and try and save some form of decency. Then again Style is needed.


Cunt.

I'm not your darling, you fucking cunt.

Lambrettas and Vespas are ugly. Simple. It was hard enough finding a honda scooter that I liked.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by Cubane
Have a look at Swann for your insurance.. they specialise in bike insurance and are generally a bit cheaper than NRMA etc. Western QBE are also cheaper but I have heard you can have problems making claims with them and they wouldn't insure my new bike when the old one got stolen if it was going to be kept in the same place. Also if you have your car licence see if your previous driving history can count towards your no claim bonus. I got 60% no claim bonus straight away since I haven't had any accidents etc in the past five years.

Yeah, someone else recommended swann I think.... I'll give them a call tomorrow as well as NRMA (which are so far the ones with the best recommendations)

I don't have a car licence.... no no claim bonus... etc.

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia
I'm not your darling, you fucking cunt.

Lambrettas and Vespas are ugly.

I agree on the Lambrettas(although still prettier than any of those plastic autos), Vespas however are in my oppinion the prettiest scooters around, I mean proper Vespas like the px range & previous & not the modern Vespas(they are somewhat tacky).


Either way, My Documents is a wanker, one of those who likes to act bad arse online eventhough they are actually a rather tragic joke of a person.

[Benwah]

Originally posted by Sapia
Lambrettas and Vespas are ugly.

I dunno about that, the older Vespas (and retro ones) are pretty tasty, and surprisingly fast! it's all a matter of taste but.

In saying that I reckon the Hondas look pretty okay, the 125 is the pick for sure.

Good luck with it!

edit : What That_Bloke said above me! ^

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by skozombie
My costs were:
CTP: $200 (NRMA)
Rego: $91
Third Party Property: $160 (NRMA)

Its worth spending a lot of money on a good helmet ... you can repair bones and torn skin but you cant get a brain transplant!

NRMA isnt the cheapest but i went to them because they were really helpful when i had to make a claim in my car. [/B]

Hm. I've had a few people recmmmend I just get green slip and third party property...

I'm considering NRMA or swann at the moment... i'm a little bit 'ouch' about the price of comprehensive insurance... but i know i'll kick myself later if something happens and I didn't pay the extra for it.

I know all about it being worth the money on a good helmet... *nod* having been in a bike accident or two myself.

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by That_Bloke
I agree on the Lambrettas(although still prettier than any of those plastic autos), Vespas however are in my oppinion the prettiest scooters around, I mean proper Vespas like the px range & previous & not the modern Vespas(they are somewhat tacky).


Originally posted by Benwah
In saying that I reckon the Hondas look pretty okay, the 125 is the pick for sure.

Yeah, the thing is, i wanted a modern scooter... and from what i've seen the @125 is the prettiest scooter I've seen. (and my father approves :D )

[Benwah]

Originally posted by Sapia
Yeah, the thing is, i wanted a modern scooter... and from what i've seen the @125 is the prettiest scooter I've seen. (and my father approves :D )

shame you can't get these out here, now THATS modern!

LINKY (http://powersports.honda.com/scooters/model.asp?ModelName=Ruckus&ModelYear=2004&ModelId=NPS504&bhcp=1)

[Ash_Housewares]

Originally posted by Sapia
i'm a little bit 'ouch' about the price of comprehensive insurance... but i know i'll kick myself later if something happens and I didn't pay the extra for it.


as long as you are paying off the loan, i'd get comprehensive insurance.

it'd be pretty damn annoying to have a crash that's your fault and write off your scooter (or have it stolen), but it'd be a lot worse to do the same and still be paying off your now non-existent scooter.

also, don't forget that for every year that you have insurance and don't make a claim (or with some insurers, don't make a claim that is your fault) your no-claim bonus will go up, making insurance cheaper (and this no-claim bonus will still apply to the next vehicle you get)

also, you mentioned that you'd had your L's for a while, have you ever been listed on someone else's insurance policy? if so, some insurers will give you a starting no-claim bonus based on that policy.

chris

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by Ash_Housewares
as long as you are paying off the loan, i'd get comprehensive insurance.

it'd be pretty damn annoying to have a crash that's your fault and write off your scooter (or have it stolen), but it'd be a lot worse to do the same and still be paying off your now non-existent scooter

Its going to be a 5 year personal loan... Thats a long time to be paying it off... BUT i could always consolidate or refinance it if i buy a new one or etc *shrug*

I've also never been listed on someone elses policy

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia
Its going to be a 5 year personal loan...

I paid $3000 for my Vespa, no loan.

[Panik]

Bikes are cool, I got my license are the begining of the year, along with my bike.

If you're buying new, the dealer will organise rego and a green slip, if you want them to, that's what they call "on-road" costs.

definately get comprehensive insurance though.

I'm 26, with a 60% no claim bonus, so comprehensive insurance with the NRMA is costing me about $80 a month, for a $8000 bike (Suzuki GS500).

Also, you should look at getting kevlar jeans for riding in:Draggin Jeans (http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/)

I don't know what it cost all up for my bike, and all my gear, but it was alot.

[Glompbot]

Cool. I was going to buy all my bike gear from action motorcycles in parramatta (convenient location for me, and its about the only place i know of)...
Looks like they have those kevlar pants.

I used to wear one of my ex boyfriends pair... they were kinda like army pants but they had kevlar lining in the arse/crotch and knees.

[thingy]

Originally posted by Sapia
Cool. I was going to buy all my bike gear from action motorcycles in parramatta (convenient location for me, and its about the only place i know of)...
Looks like they have those kevlar pants.

I used to wear one of my ex boyfriends pair... they were kinda like army pants but they had kevlar lining in the arse/crotch and knees.

I'm not letting you go anywhere near Action Motorcycles. When making the sale they seem like your best mate, but they're completely hopeless and useless for after-sales service. They don't want to know you or have anything to do with you. Action in Parra are evil, stay as far away as you can. Go to BikeBiz instead - just a few hundred meters away, I have had brilliant service (both pre and post-sale), couldn't speak higher of them.

As for rego etc, it's not so much a matter of buying new, but buying from a dealer. They'll organise everything for you and outline the costs, then all you need to do is head to an RTA within 14 days and get the rego changed over.

Vehicles less than 3 years old don't require a pink slip, but once they are over that age they do. It simply means $20 or some rediculously low figure, taking it to a bike store for 15 minutes while they have a quick look at it to make sure there's nothing major making it unroadworthy, and you're off. Sydney City Motorcycles at Lane Cove always take mine straight away and do it while I wait (as long as you get there in the am).

NRMA used to be the most expensive insurance, but talking to friends over this last year they seem to be having the best deals/prices. Plus you can get roadside assistance. I'm with them, but only because I've been a named driver on my parents NRMA policies since I got my L's so have my full no-claim etc.

Everyone else seems to have answered the other questions quite satisfactorily, but if there's anything else you want to ask, you know where I live ... err ... I mean how to contact me.

[Glompbot]

Heh, ok thingy

I was only going to buy helmet/gloves/jacket from action motorcycles.... but orrighty.

[thingy]

Accessories there's MCA & BikeBiz in the same area, MAW at Castle Hill, hell of a lot of other shops around. Don't settle yourself into the one shop, ESPECIALLY for a helmet. I had to go to about 5 before I found one that fit me properly, but then again, I've got a weird shaped head.

Try anything and everything on, even stuff that's out of your budget, it'll give you a better idea of what a helmet SHOULD feel like - then and only then start comprimising for cost. Then again, the only ones that fit me anywhere near properly (enough to not make me want to cut my head off after 1 minute of wearing it) are damned expensive. :(

[Glompbot]

Well, looks like someone on zgeeks sister is selling their helmet and gloves and jacket... I'll see if they fit... if they don't depending upon the price I'll buy the helmet and gloves for a spare pair... (but I think the gloves should fit... helmet should too... given the size)

*bounce* Zgeek people make me happy.

My head fits a fairly standard helmet size... I walked into action with an ex and a standard helmet fit me fine. *shrug*
It was strange because from my parents I always had ones that were my mums old helmets which were slightly too large for my head... (ie, they didn't squish as tight as a helmet that fit would... probably because the foam was old and not so head squishy)

Anyway... yeah... I decided to go for comprehensive insurance until the loan is paid out...
After all expenses I've still got $900 for gear like helmet, gloves, etc. which *should* be more than enough. Given that I've rounded all the costs up to the nearest $100 I really have more like 1k to play with after scooter, insurance, gear, etc.

BUT. I still have to wait for the loan to be approved and for me to pass my L's next week.

[thingy]

You're buying a second hand helmet? I thought your hair itself, let alone the rest of the head would have been more valuable to you than that?

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by thingy
You're buying a second hand helmet? I thought your hair itself, let alone the rest of the head would have been more valuable to you than that?

Looking to buy as a backup/spare.... depending upon its price...

Its open face so I wouldn't use it as my normal helmet anyway.

[thingy]

Originally posted by Sapia
Looking to buy as a backup/spare.... depending upon its price...

Its open face so I wouldn't use it as my normal helmet anyway.

Fair enough [puts away fist shaking impliment].

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by thingy
Fair enough [puts away fist shaking impliment].

The main thing I am interested in is the spare gloves.
Because there is no way I am wearing the same gloves every day *ewwww*

[ratbag]

Originally posted by Sapia
The main thing I am interested in is the spare gloves.
Because there is no way I am wearing the same gloves every day *ewwww*
You're _such_ a girl :p

Make sure you get a waterproof pair or ones with waterproof covers – you never know when the rain will catch you out… plus they can serve as snowboarding gloves in winter.

The only problem is that good ones are quite expensive – last time I bought a pair they were 120 bucks.

My 2c Worth

[Glompbot]

Originally posted by ratbag
You're _such_ a girl :p

Make sure you get a waterproof pair or ones with waterproof covers – you never know when the rain will catch you out… plus they can serve as snowboarding gloves in winter.

The only problem is that good ones are quite expensive – last time I bought a pair they were 120 bucks.

My 2c Worth

well. duh. I'm getting a sooter. *twirls strand of green hair around finger* *looks cute*

I know about rain on bikes. :grr:
On the back of my dads bike... 10 minutes in.... starts to rain... it rained ALL THE WAY to kiama (thats about an hour and a half). I had black hands from the dye in the leather of my gloves.

[Cubane]

Second hand helmets are like second hand underpants. Not something you want to be wearing. You don't know who has been wearing them or what they have done in them.

[skozombie]

Originally posted by Cubane
Second hand helmets are like second hand underpants. Not something you want to be wearing. You don't know who has been wearing them or what they have done in them.

And the scratches/ cracks are like skiddies?

I agree tho, second hand helmets arent worth trusting unless you know the history of them.

[Glompbot]

I didn't pass the bike course.

But I'm going to practice (need to find someone with a bike I can practice on)... and then go back and try again.

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia
I didn't pass the bike course.


I actually expected as much, It was the trying to hold the throttle at fast idle while slipping the clutch that got me, My wrist didn't seem to like staying in the position needed for fast idle & the bike I was on(honda SL185) seemed to stall quite easily even when I pushed the throttle a bit beyond fast idle, from here I was just panicing & fucking up more.

I don't imagine they'll let people use their own bike on a pre-learner course, which is a bugger since although my Vespa is manually geared it is actually rather different to any of the machines they will supply & I'd feel much better on it.

[Glompbot]

yeah, similar problem.
I didn't stall it once I got it going... the main problem was I gripped the handlebars too tight, so I couldn't control the throttle well enough.
And then added stress = more tense...
and you can see how it ended up.

I didn't have an accident, but i was failed because i wasn't competent enough to do the next stage.

[That Bloke]

Originally posted by Sapia


I didn't have an accident, but i was failed because i wasn't competent enough to do the next stage.

Same, tense arms was a big thing with me, another problem is that I couldn't seem to rotate my ankles so when I went for the rear brake my foot would slip off the foot peg & I'd lose the brake, similar with gears, but these wouldn't be a problem on the Vespa as it has a floor & the gearchange is by hand.

[That Bloke]

yeah, similar problem.
I didn't stall it once I got it going... the main problem was I gripped the handlebars too tight, so I couldn't control the throttle well enough.
And then added stress = more tense...
and you can see how it ended up.

I didn't have an accident, but i was failed because i wasn't competent enough to do the next stage.
How did you go on your follow up course? I haven't rescheduled mine, I have to modify my scooter & then convince them to let me use it in the course, I can't use a twist throttle because my wrist pops out of joint so I'm looking at converting to a foot throttle or a thumb throttle(not actually preferable for me as my thumb movement is a little stuffed too) which is less of a nightmare for liscensing & insurance since it's considered a standard motorcycle control(common on ATVs), I'd actuallyprefer a foot throttle, there's plenty of floor space for it but rego & insurance is higher because it's considered a special modification.l

[Glompbot]

I havn't gone back yet I've had a few other things come up (like moving house to chatswood)... I'm going to reschedule this month though...

Actually, thats something I can do tomorrow :D

[Glompbot]

So. I'm finally doing the test again... 25th and 26th of September at the st ives honda training place.

This time I'm doing it on a scooter, so hopefully I'll pass this time.

Wish me luck :D