Prevaricating, advice needed

Life Cars & Motorcycles
1

It’s like this. I bought this bike, without really knowing what I was getting into, and after riding it for over a year I still don’t know whether to keep it, do something with it, get a different one, get a car, or what.

Here’s the pic.

On the plus side it’s kind of cool, and I love it a lot. But that’s really all you can say for it. It’s a pig to park, it’s not very manouverable in traffic, and (worst of all) there is no place on it store anything at all. I have to wear a backpack to carry raingear or anything that won’t fit in my pockets, and when I get off it there’s no place to put the helmet out of the rain.

And riding in the rain is no fun anyway. And I’m seriously thinking of moving a ways out of town (Taipei) so the commute is going to be a real pain. And the seat is none too comfy. And now I have a dog too.

Getting two people and a dog to the beach with all your paraphenalia is a real pain, but on the other hand who wants to drive a car in Taipei? I can’t see myself buzzing around on a motorized bar-stool like the rest of you drive though.

So I’m in a quandry.

I thought about trying to support two vehicles - a (cheap) car to get me in and out of the city or go on longer trips, and keep the bike in the city to get me between jobs. But should I change the bike, or persevere? If I do keep a bike I’ll want to use it for fun rides from time to time.

Bikefarm look after it for me, and tell me it’s in pretty good shape. (They’re the greatest guys in the world too, so they tell me :notworthy: ) I asked about boxes, and maybe a new seat, but haven’t really had a conclusive answer yet. I don’t like the leather saddlebags you sometimes see, and for anything else you need to buy some ironmongery to mount them on which gets expensive. I believe I’m looking at NT$7000.

If I’m going to do that I ought to tidy up the paintwork, etc, and it gets even more expensive. Even then there’s still no place to put my helmet, unless I put a big box on the back - passengers moan about not having a backrest, so how about one of those boxes that’s also a seat back? It goes on and on. Where to stop?

It looks like I’ll be in Taiwan for a while so I’m not averse to spending what I have to to get my shit together, but I do want the right solution and this is not a new bike. And it’s quite heavy for that 149cc engine. I don’t think I’ve ever taken it faster than 100.

Actually, that reminds me. I’ve never had a motorcycling lesson in my life and only been riding a year. No license, although the bike is legal and insured. I would like to know that I know what I’m doing, or that I don’t, instead of just trusting to instinct and 4-wheel experience.

Advices please!! Pretty much any opinions welcome. (Except for those two standard panaceas that I’m tired of hearing - get a mac, or marry a local girl.)

Thanks
SB

2

Basher of strags,
I’ve been on the back of your bike once and would have to say it has a problem with balance. Any pillion passenger like myself who is over 45kg would be in danger. :laughing:

There are some great bargains to be had with manual used cars. I was looking at getting a Majesty (Maoman’s much-praised wheels) but thought twice when I found out I could get a hack-mobile for the same dosh. I’m still riding an ancient Duke 125 that cost be ten grand.

Where will you be working and living? I doubt your place of work would have parking for a car.; I could be wrong but I’ve never heard of reserved parking spaces for janitors. :wink:

But seriously folks, the motorbike still seems like a reasonable compromise for a longish commute and fun rides. And when it’s raining, why not just carry your helmet inside? Or drive a car on those days? However, I might not be giving the rain its full due seeing as I live in sunny Jiayi. I don’t actually own any raingear (couldn’t find anything that fits :blush: ) and it’s not a problem; the few times it is wet, I just carry a change of clothes. How often is it wet up in the big bad city?

3

Buy my scooter for NT$15,000 (it’s got a Fashion Box!) and sell the warthog. Buy a cheap car but get an automatic and make sure the a/c’s not leaking. Hey presto.

4

If you don’t keep the bike, how much do you want to sell it for?

5

Strag,

First, it’s a long wheelbase, heavy, raked fork bike…More designed for style than function. Low speed handling will not be it’s long-suit. Also, for the mods, you don’t need to spend anything like you are describing for your pillion rest etc…Just pay a visit to your local motorcyle graveyard (junkyard) and pick up the goodies you desire for a fraction of the price. I’m constantly amazed more people don’t take advantage of this option here…They’ll even take the parts off for you! There should be at least a dozen in Taipei County alone.

Most motorcycles in Taiwan have sparse room for carrying anything. When I used my RZR to camp, I ran a wooden plank off the back end. Ugly as hell, but it got the job done. If you don’t like the luggage carriers, then why not consider an aftermarket tank bag? The better ones have at least 4 storage compartments, including a clear map pocket on top. Go online and do some checking, most will run under 40.00U.S.

I would also consider purchasing a vehicle, the used car market is better now than it ever has been. If you are going to drive a ‘beater’, please consider buying a manual. Many of the older automatics are on the market simply because their auto-trannies are on the blink, and the repairs would exceed the value of the vehicle. I did this once, and the final price for rebuilding my GM-430 Automatic was 62,000NT!. Manual transmissions are far more robust, and changing a clutch and throw-out bearing is about the worst thing that can happen.

Staying dry in the winter while listening to your music is highly underrated. But keep the bike…Once you have both, your options are almost unlimited, and the bike morphs itself into it’s true form…A toy, that you can choose to ride/modify at your leisure.

6

I’d say keep that bike or get a different one, but reconsider getting a car. I’ve owned a couple cars in Taiwan, and I’m generally happier when I don’t own a car here. It’s great to have one when you need it, to be sure, but most of the time you don’t need one. Just add up the cost of insurance, maintenance, parking, gas, etc. etc. etc., then compare that to an occasional taxi or rented car. But cost is not the reason I’m less happy when I own a car here. I just find that car ownership in Taiwan (anywhere!) results in more anxiety. Worry about parking, paperwork, driving of course. I remember coming home from work one day in my car and the AC was out and I was stuck in traffic and starting to feel very dizzy and claustrophobic. When you’re stuck in traffic in a car, you’re stuck. On a motorcycle, there’s always a way out, even if it means parking the damn thing on the sidewalk and walking. In a car, you’re enslaved.

A good motorcycle is a must for me, and you’re right, you need to be able to carry things on it. I have one of those KYMCO 125 5-speeds that all the old men ride, and I can carry most anything on it. Computer, case of beer, a week’s worth of groceries, whatever. Great bike. Easy to park and nobody wants to steal it now that it’s rusty.

Scooters are definitely better for hauling things. But I’m happier on a motorcycle. I think motorcycles are safer (simply because you have to pay more attention to what you’re doing) and easier to maintain.

7

I’m struggling a bit with transportation as well.

I currently enjoy using public transportation, and I like to encourage its use. I want to move to a larger apartment, however, and the ones near stations carry a bit more of a premium for the fact than I am willing to pay.

Clearly, a change is in order. The contenders are a 125cc or better scooter and a used van. The scooter is more appealing to me right now (inside Taipei), but the van would be better in the future (perhaps moving partway up a mountain to the south; parents and friends will visit).

You lot just hash it out and get back to me with the wisest course. :slight_smile:

8

If you have a place at home and at work to park a car or van, then it might be worth considering. Otherwise, stick with the motorcycle and public transportation.

9

The above posters have given some great advice.

I saw a cruiser like yours with a beautiful hard luggage set attached; panniers and top box. It looked like a mini Harley Electraglide. Must have cost a bit though.

A car might well be a good idea.

If you really don’t like scooters then fair enough, but they’ve got a lot going for them in terms of storage space, protection from wind and rain, maneuverability and convenience.

10

I have a car and live in Jilong when in Taiwan. Parking that end is no problem. Parking in Taipei is a pain but after 4 years I have a database of likely possibilities in my mind. In some areas pay station is the easy option - saves a lot of time.

I live in Shanghai the rest of the time - government is very anti-bikes here. You can actually get a free car number plate if you trade in your bike one, and even sell it if you want to walk or use public transport. Going rate is about NT$80,000.

Bikes above 50cc are prohibited in central city in more than 100 China cities. I had a dream to get a 500cc China BMW copy until I found this info.

11

Thanks for all the input guys. Still no closer to a real decision though.

I guess I need to go back to the thread on the ‘real’ costs of owning a car and ask myself if all the licensing and parking fees will be more than the equivelant mileage in a taxi.

I think I’ll keep the bike, but can’t see myself spending my weekends crawling around a scrap yard. Time is money and as I don’t have the tools or inclination to do my own maintenance the real savings would not be that great.

More?

12

[quote=“Joesax”]It looked like a mini Harley Electraglide. Must have cost a bit though.
[/quote]
I got quoted NT$4,000 for that set-up for my Yamaha Dragfire. Even had matching paintwork.

13

I heard somwhere that motorbikes are more comfortable than scooters cause the wheels are bigger. Is this true? I have a really old 50cc scooter (translator’s old wheels) but have a half hour ride from home (tainan county) to work (tainan city) and plan to upgrade to a 125. Would the wise heads here suggest that a motorbike may be more comfortable long term (especially on my back)?

14

Butcher Boy, I don’t know the facts, but whenever I have been on a scooter I have felt decidedly unsafe on account of the wheel size. I always imagine someone sticking their foot out into the road and tripping it over.

(Actually, that wouldn’t be necessary. I managed to fall off my bike once without any outside help at all. The I was pinned underneath it, engine still running, and petrol pissing out of the tank onto me, the road, and those lovely big exhaust pipes of mine. Wouldn’t happen on a scooter would it?)

15

What about your boat ? What’s wrong with that ?

16

[quote=“sandman”][quote=“Joesax”]It looked like a mini Harley Electraglide. Must have cost a bit though.
[/quote]
I got quoted NT$4,000 for that set-up for my Yamaha Dragfire. Even had matching paintwork.[/quote]4,000 seems reasonable actually. I don’t remember, but I thought the top box on the set I saw was too small for a full-face helmet. What do you reckon?

17

[quote=“butcher boy”]I heard somwhere that motorbikes are more comfortable than scooters cause the wheels are bigger. Is this true? I have a really old 50cc scooter (translator’s old wheels) but have a half hour ride from home (Tainan county) to work (Tainan city) and plan to upgrade to a 125. Would the wise heads here suggest that a motorbike may be more comfortable long term (especially on my back)?[/quote]Maybe. Scooters tend to have shorter suspension so the ride is a bit harsher. If you pay good money you can get reasonable shocks for a scooter though.

I think that big wheels help smooth out the ride a bit.

Lots of scooter saddles are more comfortable than the majority of motorbike ones, though. The exception is cruiser-style motorbikes such as the one in the photo. Those often have pretty nice saddles.

When it rains, scooters keep you dryer, particularly those with windshields such as Grand Dinks and Majesties. These two models look pretty comfortable all round, actually, although I’d prefer the slightly more upright seating position of a Grand Dink to the low almost-slouch of a Majesty.

18

[quote=“stragbasher”]Butcher Boy, I don’t know the facts, but whenever I have been on a scooter I have felt decidedly unsafe on account of the wheel size. I always imagine someone sticking their foot out into the road and tripping it over.[/quote]They’re not that bad if you have good tyres. If you’re into knee-scraping corners then a motorbike’s handling is better, but scooters are fine for normal stuff. Remember that the centre of gravity is lower than that of a motorbike.

The small wheels make for quicker, easier changes of direction which is nice in the city.

Something like a Dio is very skittish – good fun but needs care on fast bumpy corners. Most 125s feel more solid than that, though. Longer scooters such as the Majesty are more stable still.

19

Stragbasher, I’m riding a Zing, almost like the one on the photo.

I got leather (well…) sidebags, but the ones I got this time were not really made for this bike, so I had to do some modifications. Only once have I seen a Zing with hardcases, but I have no idea where to get them. My garage here in Jiayi is not very helpful when it comes to such questions.

Low-speed handling is not the best, my FZ was much better there. On the other hand, while the Zing needs some more space than a scooter for turning, it is still better than the FZ Mk1. I don’t worry much about rain usually. I got some gear, but I don’t wear it now with these temperatures. Yes, you catch some more rain and dirt than on a scooter.

Even without sidebags, there is a very small compartment in the sissy bar where you can fit one of those 10NT garbage bag raincoats in. And after I had collected some water with my helmet locked onto the bike during rain on several occasions, I bought a small plastic-coated chain used for bicycles. I put my helmet (full-face) over the sissy bar and use that chain to lock it there. No “bucket” since then…

The Zing is not a very fast bike, that’s true. I’ve often tried (and I guess I often will) to switch into the sixth gear, only to be remembered that there is no such thing. But I still like riding it, even with its problems - until slightly larger and better bikes become a bit more affordable…

20

Thanks all. I don’t think the large scooters are the answer. I am only here until may and so i reckon they may be a bit expensive, and they look like they could be a pain to park. I think I will probably opt for a second hand 125 motorbike (not too sure which are good ones so will have to do a bit of research). I think I will try to put it off until the end of August though, as I don’t really remember it raining after that time last year in Tainan.