Advice about Buying Motorcycle around 300cc and Gear

axlfan on 04/12/2017 - 14:21
Last edited 04/12/2017 - 16:53 by 1 other user

Hi All,

I was looking for some advice on this front.

I have my learner's license and am ready to buy a Motorcycle. I am looking at bikes like the Ninja300, YAMAHA R3 and CBR300. Any recommendations?

Most of these have current sales at $5900 driveaway. I am also considering good used bikes perhaps a few years older. Where would be the best place to buy 2nd hand bikes apart from private sales? Also any tips about buying quality gear for good prices? I just dont want to be ripped off as I am new to this. I did go to Peter Stevens and estimated about $1500-$2000 for decent gear.

Finally I am 34 years old. I am getting back to active motorcycling after last doing this in 2007. Back then I was in India riding 135cc Yamaha motorcycles. I then moved to the States and now in Australia where my riding interest has been rekindled. Not sure if this would impact my Motorcycle choices.

Thanks in advance!

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2017 - 14:25
    +6

    Don't buy a brand new LAMS (not sure if that's still a thing) approved bike. Price is inflated as the market is immature impulsive "young adults".

    I'd buy a CB400 (built like a tank). It is LAMS approved but not a flashy bike. Doesn't suffer the same price jack and gimmicks like the CBR or Ninjas.

    Once you've got your fulls, you'll be able to resell that bike for minimal loss and buy yourself a 600cc or litre bike for a couple extra thousand.

    PS- CB400 is a naked. No need to worry about fairings. Just buy yourself a couple of those knob things in case you drop the bike

    • pegaxs on 08/12/2017 - 18:37

      Upvoted because it’s exactly what I would have suggested.

      The CB400 is a great bike.

  • CheapSticks on 04/12/2017 - 14:35
    +2

    Second what tshow said above !!

    I got my bike in 2014 - yamaha vstar cruiser - 650cc - LAMS approved - bought it used - pretty happy with that. You will find that you can get used bikes that haven't travelled much for pretty big discount.

    I bought the gear from Aldi but you can also check out MCAS.

  • IIGnomeII on 04/12/2017 - 14:43
    +2

    Just my two cents:

    • If you are a learner or getting back into riding after a while then I wouldn't buy a full-fairing bike. Get a naked bike, cheaper to repair if you drop it and cheaper in most cases to insure.
    • Don't skimp on gear, that is the only thing keeping your bits attached if you come off. I wen't overboard with gear (and I am glad I did) buying an expensive helmet, knee guards, back guard, kangaroo leather gloves, racing boots with twist prevention, leather racing jacket etc.
    • Get something like an older Suzuki GS500 or the like then upgrade to something nicer once you blow the rust off with a couple of years worth of riding under your belt

    Yes the bike will cost you ~$6k but factor in the extra $2-3k for safety gear.

    • theguyrules on 04/12/2017 - 16:14

      Completely agree about getting a naked bike.
      You might think full-fairing looks nicer, and you'd be right, but you will almost certainly drop it and then it looks like crap and it costs a ton to fix.
      Known too many people who dropped theirs at least twice when they first got their license.

    • axlfan on 05/12/2017 - 13:07

      Thats great advice. I think of myself as a decent motorcyclist who is rusty for sure but in the L training I held my own and trained on the Z300 which is a naked.
      I will definitely consider this.

  • inherentchoice on 04/12/2017 - 15:04

    Neuroscience Research Australia’s Dr Liz de Rome, a rider since 1969, told the NSW Parliament’s Motorcycle Safety Inquiry that there “is no association between the cost of garments and their protective value, when you look across the spectrum of what is available”.

    “Cost and brand name is no indicator of whether the garment is fit for purpose…"

    “The best quality product in the market in Australia today is probably the stuff in Aldi.”

    According to this article… https://motorbikewriter.com/annual-aldi-motorbike-gear-sale/

  • Peace Maker on 04/12/2017 - 15:07
    +1

    Those are all solid choices. Look at KTM and BMW as well if you want something more 'exotic' in the same capacity. Running costs will be higher though. Welcome back to the club and ride safe.

    • cimrak on 04/12/2017 - 18:33
      +1

      KTM (Duke 390) and BMW (G310r) are the only ones offering ABS in this capacity from what I found, which might be a consideration for OP.

      I priced a new 2017 Duke 390 earlier this year for $6995 RRP ride away (Perth). Haven't looked at prices of the 2018 models.

      • Peace Maker on 04/12/2017 - 18:40

        The new Duke gets the TFT dash too which looks really nice.

      • axlfan on 05/12/2017 - 13:09

        Yes but I feel they are a little taller. I am 5"6" and am comfortable with my feet touching the ground. The KTM's are a tad taller. Not unmanageable but a little uncomfortable from what I saw.

  • TheBilly on 04/12/2017 - 15:26
    +1

    I bought my all my gear fron MCAS in Auburn and also Helmet Warehouse Yagoona. Had the best prices at the time. Spend big on your gear, don't skimp as others have said and also ride ATGATT. I recall spending in the order of $2k-3k. Shoei helmet, Astars jacket and gloves, Sidi boots, few pairs of kevlar jeans etc. I guess your safety is relative and stacking a bike badly wouldn't end well no matter how much you spend, but I didnt want to take any chances.

  • Beanvee on 04/12/2017 - 15:28
    +1

    Bike sales have slowed down, so dealers are eager to get rid of new and used. You should be able to find some good used deals.

  • Gronk on 04/12/2017 - 15:47
    +1

    Maybe wander on over to Netrider, this type of question gets asked at least once a week there ;)

    • axlfan on 05/12/2017 - 13:09

      Great suggestion mate…yup that community is thriving. Thanks.

  • Quantumcat on 04/12/2017 - 16:27
    +1

    Get good gear. Don't go around in sneakers, tshirt etc.
    I came off going around 80km/hr and scraped the palm and back of my gloves right through (were from Aldi) and had road rash (blisters etc) and broken wrist, and my doc martens got some holes worn right through and so did my jacket (don't remember brand but it was a proper motorcycle jacket) without the gloves I would probably have had half my hand ripped off, lost much skin from torso (and maybe had proper injuries without the padding), and ankle injuries if I hadn't been wearing boots (but proper motorcycle boots would have been better). I see kids riding around in tshirts and I just cringe in horror thinking of what is going to happen to them when they come off.
    If you are a normal size the Aldi stuff is pretty good. Especially the winter sale with the merino glove liners, merino undershirts and leggings, and merino balaclavas

    Also, what state are you in? ACT has a rego discount for sub 300cc motorcycles and scooters (can get away with it @ 299cc). Other states may have something similar?

  • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2017 - 17:27
    +1

    Beginner
    Excellent gear
    Average bike

    Intermediate
    Excellent gear
    Above average bike

    Experienced
    Excellent gear
    Awesome bike

  • Joney on 04/12/2017 - 17:59

    I got my licence earlier this year, and so have been through a similar experience. Re gear, get a 2 piece leather suit, boots and gloves. I think prices for new gear are pretty crazy, but you'll be able to find excellent stuff second hand, so check out Gumtree. It might take a bit of searching but you will easily save 50% off rrp.
    Get your helmet New though.

  • ajh on 04/12/2017 - 19:09
    +1

    Don't buy a helmet second hand.

    All small bikes are the same really. Cb125 is decent and very cheap for a starter.

  • Nugs on 04/12/2017 - 19:29
    +1

    trail bikes are awesome

    just sayin….

    .

    and

    ATGATT - all the gear all the time

  • axlfan on 05/12/2017 - 13:06

    Wow what an amazing community. Some great advice here…Will definitely keep all of this in mind. Thanks!

    And yes bottom line is I will not skimp on the Motorcycle gear. Promise.

  • axlfan on 05/12/2017 - 13:11

    A postscript question. I used to have lower back issues a few years ago and that is sorted but I felt that lighter bikes will probably suit me better.
    Among the ones I saw, the CBR300 was the lightest. Also in this case probably a naked bike would be better. Thoughts?

    • IIGnomeII on 05/12/2017 - 14:39

      Another post so lets make this my 4c. :)

      • If you are riding only back roads, main roads then a sub 500cc bike is sufficient. A small bike means a leaner profile making it easier to lane filter and cheaper to run.
      • If you will be using it on highways/freeways etc then get something above 500cc as you can roll on the throttle quickly to get out of strife and to keep up with the traffic. It is also less susceptible to being blown around due to the weight.
      • If you have back issues then anything with a sports profile (lean onto the tank) will be an issue for you. You need to look at touring style bikes were you are more positioned upright, or a cruiser where you can lean back on a back rest
      • Nugs on 10/12/2017 - 08:52

        Honda XR650R

        comfortable, grunty, manouverable, has legs for open cruising.

        I've ridden one once, hit 130 on dirt, and it had more to go

  • oscargem on 08/12/2017 - 11:40
    +2

    Hey axlcalvin, Great work getting back into Motorcycling. Here is my 2c, I have been riding since I was 18 (8 years):

    • Buy something Japanese between 1-5years old, 200-400cc.
      Look on Bikesales firstly. Buying brand new is ok if you get a stellar deal (have done a couple of times) but generally a demo or low km's is a good start. Nothing over 10k.
      Japenses is reliable, and under 400cc you wont get your self into too much trouble. Realistically their isn't alot of difference between the Japanese brands: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki. (I would personally try and avoid anything Korean or Chinese. Have had bad experiences, and hear too many).

    Then I would spend money on gear in this order of priority:

    • Buy a good helmet. I would budget minimum $400. I love Shark helmets, but plenty of other good ones out there: Shoei, Bell, etc etc.
      This is an important one not to skimp on.

    • Jacket. Its nice to have a good, everyday leather jacket. Brands don't necessarily mean better quality, but reputation is reputation. I use a ($100) Aldi Leather jacket 50% of the time, and a $800 Rolland Sands jacket the other half. I don't think either would be too different, but the $800 one looks much better. That been said, look at the armour in the jacket, the thickness of the leather, the seamwork, and the fit.

    • Gloves. Similar to above I have expensive and cheap ones. As long as they are well made, high quality thick leather you'll be fine.

    • Boots. With getting. Spend around $100-200

    • Jeans/Pants. Honestly I dont wear them 80% of time, but any time I am riding further than 10km or going on a highway I wear either Kevlar jeans ($100-200) or textile touring pants ($150-250).

    Shop around for your gear, Aldi, Ebay, MCAS, Mars Leathers. etc. etc.

    Happy riding. Good focus, and a level head is the more important than anything else when riding.

    "There are OLD riders, and there are BOLD riders. But there is no such thing as an OLD BOLD Rider"

    • axlfan on 08/12/2017 - 23:00

      Thanks mate. That's great advice all round. Definitely will take pointers esp about the gear aspect.

    • Peace Maker on 09/12/2017 - 18:47

      Good tips. With regard to gear though I have moved from leather to textile. Much more comfortable and flexible but still with a good level of protection. Better in the heat as well. I never use my leather jacket or gloves anymore.

      • axlfan on 14/12/2017 - 16:37

        Any more thoughts around textiles v/s leather?

        • Peace Maker on 14/12/2017 - 18:17

          At street speeds I don't see much difference at all between leather and textile. If you are relatively new to riding or returning after a period away, the extra flexibility of textile is good for comfort and use of controls which all adds up to confidence. I find it harder to shoulder check in my leather jacket as well, plus it soaks up rain. Being in Melbourne, it's likely you'll be in rain a bit so water repelling features are important. That's my 2 cents after riding continuously over 20 years, but other will have a different opinion.

  • m0tyrider on 11/12/2017 - 12:19

    I have a buddy who is selling his Ninja 300, its in really great condition. In Doncaster, VIC.

    • axlfan on 11/12/2017 - 16:26

      Please do PM details mate. Thanks in advance.

      I do have a certain budget in mind for a used bike as there are decent new/demo deals with warranty for about $5800-$6000.

  • m0tyrider on 11/12/2017 - 12:35

    Onto the actual advice;

    Buy something you like the look of and would at least be proud to be riding it. Naked, Full fairing etc doesn't matter. Considering this is ozbargain, nobody is going to tell you to buy new. Buy a nice clean used example of the bike you like. Be honest with yourself for this, nobody wants to ride something they don't even like looking at for there first bike. If you don't care about looks, pick a bike to suit the kind of riding you will be doing.

    Gear is a tough one. So many opinion's, but think about the kind of conditions you will be riding in and what times you will be riding (for fun, commuting, peak hour, all weather etc).

    Get the gear to suit that.

    I would always recommend a leather jacket, textile just doesn't offer enough protection in the event of a accident. It might be more comfortable and water resistant, but is that really worth the price of your skin?

    Please buy a decent helmet. Don't buy something cheap and nasty from some brand nobody has heard of. Its not worth the risk. ADR compliant or not, end of the day its your head. Put a price on what you think its worth.

    Gloves - Even "cheaper" gloves seem to have good protection. Have a feel of them and see what you like and what feels good.

    Boots - Again depends on the riding your doing. Do you need them to be water proof/resistant? Are you commuting to a office job (do you want to bring spare shoes for work?).

    Taking all the above into consideration, one of the most important factors would be the FIT. Make sure it fits you well and is snug in all the right places and will not cause any discomfort. You are better off having a "cheaper" product that will fit you better then one that is clearly too big or too small.

    Ozbargain way - Try all the shit on instore, write down what brands/sizes that fit you. Wait for specials/clearance :)

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