Motorbikes - Owning one. The real experience?

[Rich_UKExpat]

Hello

My first post

I'm moving to Singapore from the UK in 8 weeks time. Having had to sell my motorbike here in the UK, I'll be very keen to buy one when I get sorted in SG.

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

Thanks in advance

[x9200]

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

As always it depends on engine capacity but it is not expensive at all in general. Plenty places for servicing, security high as for everything in SG, insurance something between SGD100 and 1k/y I believe, road tax typically below SGD300/y.
For protective clothing I am sure there are places you can buy them but I do not see many people wearing it. You may want to use Google for more detailed info.

[nitro]

Hello

My first post

I'm moving to Singapore from the UK in 8 weeks time. Having had to sell my motorbike here in the UK, I'll be very keen to buy one when I get sorted in SG.

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

Thanks in advance

Word of advice, SG drivers are mostly F1 drivers. You are exposed to more risks when riding in SG. Dont expect them to drive like in UK.

Cheers

[Hugo_R]

Hello

My first post

I'm moving to Singapore from the UK in 8 weeks time. Having had to sell my motorbike here in the UK, I'll be very keen to buy one when I get sorted in SG.

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

Thanks in advance

You may be restricted to 200cc when exchanging your permit

[Strong Eagle]

Hello

My first post

I'm moving to Singapore from the UK in 8 weeks time. Having had to sell my motorbike here in the UK, I'll be very keen to buy one when I get sorted in SG.

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

Thanks in advance

Word of advice, SG drivers are mostly F1 drivers. You are exposed to more risks when riding in SG. Dont expect them to drive like in UK.

Cheers

Riding in Singapore is a LOT safer than most cities in the world, London included. Singapore drivers are NOT F1 drivers. You learn the quirks of the taxis, the goods vehicles, the 450 Mercedes owners, and it is easy here... slower speeds, and many more bikes... generally a better awareness of bikers and an indifference to lane splitting.

[Strong Eagle]

Hello

My first post

I'm moving to Singapore from the UK in 8 weeks time. Having had to sell my motorbike here in the UK, I'll be very keen to buy one when I get sorted in SG.

From what I've read, motorbikes are expensive compared to the UK, that I can live with (its relative).

But what are the insurance costs like, places to service the bike, security, parking places at condo's? Buying private or from a dealer etc?

and finally, protective clothing, are there many shops that sell mesh jackets ec?

Thanks in advance

Motorbikes somewhat more expensive for larger displacement models, very competitive for smaller bikes.

Insurance runs from about $300 to more than $1,000. Depends on bike, coverage, rider age and experience. I pay $435 to insure a 1500 cc bike, everything except fire. Age 60, 40 years riding experience.

Plenty of places to buy protective clothing.

By law, you can only convert any class of license to a 2b (200 cc or less). However, if you can demonstrate many years of riding experience on large bikes, and are older, you can get an unlimited class. The alternative is to buy the big bike, ride it for ten months, then convert your license.

Plenty of places to park... but check your condo for specific restrictions. Must be careful in buying from dealers... when you know what you want I could give you my recommendations. Private sellers generally cheaper if you know what you are buying. Lots of places to service; again, depends on type of bike as to recommendation. I would take my fairly rare machine to only 1 mechanic in town... for common bikes there are tons of alternatives.

[Rich_UKExpat]

Thanks for the replies.

I'd be looking at 600cc above, naked street bike at first (Hornet, Fazer etc)

Read various things about the license over there, I'm aiming to ride a 600cc+ for the first year I am there on my UK license and also will be bringing proof of ownership and riding experience from the UK with me to assist in obtaining the unrestricted license.

Few people have mentioned that Singapore drivers are less forgiving to bikers!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Few people have mentioned that Singapore drivers are less forgiving to bikers!

Well, that's the understatement for the day on here!

[x9200]

I do not have UK driving experience but pretty extensive European (except Italy ) and I don't think It is particularly more dangerous here. It is a different "style", not according to regulations many time, but once you learn some patterns it is relatively safe. This is not that drivers are less forgiving to the bikers but are in habit of thinking about them as something inferior to the cars so expecting you to give them the way. Typically they do it slowly and gently and it is enough to honk at them and the right order is restored.
Go to the TP web page - they got accidents statistics over there. Compare it your country.

[Rich_UKExpat]

I do not have UK driving experience but pretty extensive European (except Italy ) and I don't think It is particularly more dangerous here. It is a different "style", not according to regulations many time, but once you learn some patterns it is relatively safe. This is not that drivers are less forgiving to the bikers but are in habit of thinking about them as something inferior to the cars so expecting you to give them the way. Typically they do it slowly and gently and it is enough to honk at them and the right order is restored.
Go to the TP web page - they got accidents statistics over there. Compare it your country.

Hi

Yes, Italy drivers are mental!

Could you please post the TP website address?

Thanks

[x9200]

Could you please post the TP website address?

Google: traffic police road accident statistics motorcycles site:.sg

[bigfilsing]

If your looking to race proper bikes you're in heaven ( pasir gudang 40 mins away) if your looking to commute on a "i wanna be" your screwed. Singapore driving is some of the most arrogant inhospitable " look at me in my Merc" shower of dick heads you will encounter in the world.

Be safe ........get a cab ....realtive concept

Good luck

[EADG]

With a pompous nick like that, why do you have to ask the question in the first place?

[x9200]

Singapore driving is some of the most arrogant inhospitable " look at me in my Merc" shower of dick heads you will encounter in the world.

Commuting by motorbike to work on daily bases for few years already. Never encountered.

[Strong Eagle]

if your looking to commute on a "i wanna be" your screwed. Singapore driving is some of the most arrogant inhospitable " look at me in my Merc" shower of dick heads you will encounter in the world.

Be safe ........get a cab ....realtive concept

Good luck

Just aint so. Singapore is amongst the best places to ride. And I've been riding on 4 continents.

You want dick heads? Try the redneck in his 3/4 ton, four wheel drive dually pick up that gets pissed off because someone on a bike passed him.

Want inattention? How about the woman driving a 3 ton Chevy Suburban at 50 miles an hour, gabbing on her handphone, while trying to reach back and bitch slap her screaming kids in the back seat.