Motorbike purchase and ownership in Singapore

[John Dolan]

Hi all,
I'm relocating to Singapore in October. I'm an experienced motorcyclist and intend to purchase a motorbike in Singapore to commute to work. has anyone any advise on the best place to go to buy a bike. I'm considering a BMW 1200GS, a Triumph Sprint ST or a Yamaha FZ1. Any advise on where to go to get good value and aftersale service would be very welcome along with any advise on biking in singapore.

[Strong Eagle]

Hi all,
I'm relocating to Singapore in October. I'm an experienced motorcyclist and intend to purchase a motorbike in Singapore to commute to work. has anyone any advise on the best place to go to buy a bike. I'm considering a BMW 1200GS, a Triumph Sprint ST or a Yamaha FZ1. Any advise on where to go to get good value and aftersale service would be very welcome along with any advise on biking in singapore.

First of all you must have a valid Singapore motorcycle license. If you already have a valid motorcycle endorsement then you can convert your license by simply taking the basic theory written test.

The catch is that this only allows you to get a class 2B license, which is good for 200 cc's and below. Now, I know four people, myself included, who managed to get a class 2 permit (unlimited) when they converted. If you are an older rider, with many years of riding experience you may be able to convince them that you deserve a class 2. My guess is that if you are not at least 40 with 15 years of riding experience it may be tough to do.

The first place I would look would be http://www.singaporebikes.com/ in their classified section. There is quite a good selection. After that there are many bike shops in town; you should go to the forums at the same website to and ask for shops that carry the brands you are looking for.

Biking in Singapore is pretty easy... certainly better than Houston. The two real dangers are taxi drivers, who become completely unpredictable when they see a fare on the curb, and goods vehicles drivers (G plates) who seem to have to pass a test for totally sh*tty/dangerous driving before they are issued a license.

If you currently drive on the right it will take a bit of time to get used to being on the left... you may find yourself turning into the wrong lane on right hand turns.

[John Dolan]

Thanks for the advise.

I currently have a full unlimited licence and would hope to have the same in Singapore. I have a number of advanced riding certs which I hope would help my case. How do I prgress an application for an unrestricted licence. From you comments it seems like an arbitrary process. I would be very disapointed if I was restricted to 200 cc's.

Currently living in Dublin so left hand driving is fine. If I can't find a bike in sinagpore is it easy/recomended to import from Australia or the US?

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks for the advise.

I currently have a full unlimited licence and would hope to have the same in Singapore. I have a number of advanced riding certs which I hope would help my case. How do I prgress an application for an unrestricted licence. From you comments it seems like an arbitrary process. I would be very disapointed if I was restricted to 200 cc's.

Currently living in Dublin so left hand driving is fine. If I can't find a bike in sinagpore is it easy/recomended to import from Australia or the US?

You will be able to find the bike you want in Singapore or order it through a dealer. Trying to self import is a nightmare of taxes and paperwork and most everyone gives up.

There is no application for an unrestricted license. You take your written test, then walk over to the police license counter. You can only convert to a 2b. You must bring a certified copy of your driving record which shows the motorcycle endorsement. If you have the certifications and lots of experience, then you should bring copies of the certs, pics of your big bike with you on it, and evidence that you have ridden a long time.

In my case, I had my motorcycle before the young lady processing the application was born... I told her I wanted the unlimited class and got it.

They put the law in place because they don't want youngsters converting a license and promptly killing themselves on a Hayabusa. Prove up that you are a mature, skilled, experienced, safe rider and you'll have a shot.

[John Dolan]

Thanks for the advise.

Therefore pictures on me on big bike, advanced riding certificates, clean unrestricted licence from Ireland and at the counter influencing is the only chance I have! The probability of success looks significantly less than I would like.

Are there any other factors? If I understand this correctly it is dependant on evidence of experience riding a big bike and maturity/assertive-influencing at the counter.

I have been completely unsuccessful finding any Singapore motorcycle dealer web sites. Can you direct me to any good ones.

I appreciate the time you are taking to educate me on the licencing admin process and opportunities!

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks for the advise.

Therefore pictures on me on big bike, advanced riding certificates, clean unrestricted licence from Ireland and at the counter influencing is the only chance I have! The probability of success looks significantly less than I would like.

Are there any other factors? If I understand this correctly it is dependant on evidence of experience riding a big bike and maturity/assertive-influencing at the counter.

I have been completely unsuccessful finding any Singapore motorcycle dealer web sites. Can you direct me to any good ones.

I appreciate the time you are taking to educate me on the licencing admin process and opportunities!

How old are you?

There aren't any decent motorcycle dealer websites. Harley has one, Boon Siew Honda.

[John Dolan]

I'm 34 and have had an unrestricted licence for 6 years. I've pretty much done all the advanced biking qualifications you can do, including the police assessment, as I quite enjoy motorcycle road craft. Plus its good for your health!!

[Strong Eagle]

I'm 34 and have had an unrestricted licence for 6 years. I've pretty much done all the advanced biking qualifications you can do, including the police assessment, as I quite enjoy motorcycle road craft. Plus its good for your health!!

Never say never, John. It really will depend on how persuasive you can be... and perhaps the location you go to when getting your license. Drop me a note when you are ready to do your test.

[Boogers22]

I'm 34 and have had an unrestricted licence for 6 years. I've pretty much done all the advanced biking qualifications you can do, including the police assessment, as I quite enjoy motorcycle road craft. Plus its good for your health!!

Never say never, John. It really will depend on how persuasive you can be... and perhaps the location you go to when getting your license. Drop me a note when you are ready to do your test.

Hey Strong Eagle, looks like you might be the resident expert on this site for conversion of a foreign license.

I have the basic theory schedule for this Thurs at SSDC and do expect to pass. I'm going to try and convert my US license, which is unrestricted, but US doesn't have different classes like they do here.

Unfortunately, my driving record does not state how long I have had my license...I've had it for 5+ years now, so don't want to only get a 2B, I'm 31 btw.

Where did you get your license converted, and did they seem pretty easy going?

Thanks