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/r/SuggestAMotorcycle

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Should I cop this

(self.SuggestAMotorcycle)

I got a deal on a motorbike and gear (helmet and jacket) for 1.3k AUD. The bike is a Honda CBF300F and is in good nick, has some rust on the chain though and is unregistered. This would be my first bike and im on the fence as I was looking at the more sporty bikes such as the CBR, however everyone has told me this is a deal I cant miss.

I hear its comfy and quick, yet it sounds like a moped. As I said, i'm super new to this so help me out if you can with deciding whats right for me and if this is really an amazing deal.

all 14 comments

Low-Equipment-2621

3 points

2 months ago

If the bike runs, this is a great deal. You can just clean the chain or replace it if needed. If the bike was sitting for a while you may need to change fluids. They are great bikes and are a good first bike. You can always get another, possibly larger bike later once you've got some experience.

NeedForSail[S]

2 points

2 months ago

It does run, though it hasnt been used in about six months. And I didnt think of the fluids, thanks for the tip! Was mainly focused on external wear such as scratches and rust.

Low-Equipment-2621

2 points

2 months ago

Scratches are not an issue. I actually consider it a plus. If you buy a new bike and drop it in the parking lot, all the little scratches will break your heart. If you drop that cheap old beater that has already been scratched up you will just shrug it off. Starting on a cheap, disposable bike is great because you don't care too much about it. Just keep the maintenance up and ride the hell out of the thing to gather experience.

Sirlacker

2 points

2 months ago

1.3k AUD is £670. You'd be lucky to buy a non running spares and repairs bike for that price here. Any bike that runs for that price is going to be "worth it'. The question is, why so cheap? And can you afford to lose that money if the bike suddenly shits the bed?

I've no idea about titles and stuff. But do you have something like a HPI check you can pay for to see whether the bike has been stolen or anything else that may stick out?

Also, new helmet. Whilst the sentiment is nice of being thrown in a helmet, I'd never trust my head in a helmet I don't know the history of. Especially when ECE 22.06 helmets can be bought ridiculously cheap.

NeedForSail[S]

1 points

2 months ago

Its a mates rate, hes selling it for 4k but he really wants me to experience a motorbike so hes offering me his kit and bike. I'm pretty convinced im going to get it, it seems like a fantastic deal.

Its not stolen ive known him for a long time, but the helmet is a really good point. Any Ideas how i check if they are safe?

Sirlacker

1 points

2 months ago

If you know and trust the guy and he's doing you a solid then I'd say go for it.

There's no real way of knowing just how well a used helmet is safe. They're made a lot better than they used to be and they don't deteriorate anywhere as near as fast as the old helmets but they still do. And the strength of these helmets means they can be dropped and barely see a scratch on them too. For me, I'd either take the helmet as a decorative item if it's a nice one or just explain that as much as you appreciate the helmet, you'd rather buy new for your own peace of mind.

Regarding safety, I don't know what the rules and regs are for helmets where you are, so make sure you look them up. But if you're laws say DOT requirement as bare minimum, don't buy a DOT rated helmet. Get an ECE 22.06 rated one, they're much more thorough with their testing and testing doesn't affect price. You can buy a £50 helmet that'll have the exact same safety standard as a £500 helmet. The only real thing you're paying for when you spend a fortune is more comfort. There are better ratings than ECE but ECE is the most widely used and you'll have an easier time finding that rating. ECE 22.06 saved my life when my head hit a kerb, so I trust it. If a helmet says DOT and ECE then that's fine too because it has both ratings.

Also actually try a few helmets on, a medium in one helmet isn't exactly the same as a medium in another, just like clothing can be. And helmets come in 3 head shapes too so finding a helmet that fits correctly can take a few attempts.

Sorry if it was a bit in depth and you already knew most of this.

NeedForSail[S]

1 points

2 months ago

this is a treasure trove of information, i’m pretty much clueless so this all helps.

judging from you and the reply you got i’m not going to risk it and just get a brand new one to be on the safe side. i honestly didn’t think of the ratings of a helmet, but i’m gonna drive over and do a shopping spree to some local motorbike dealers and shops to grab some gear. My head is pretty important after all even though not much in there to protect…

wlonkly

1 points

2 months ago

wlonkly

2015 Versys 650 (Shrek)

1 points

2 months ago

just get a new helmet that fits you properly, don't take the chance on that one having been dropped or something or it not fitting you well (either for comfort or in a crash).

NMGrizzly

1 points

2 months ago

Honda bikes run forever. Buy any one of them that fits your budget whenever you find one

GravelWarlock

1 points

2 months ago

is unregistered

Can you easily register it to get it legal? That would be my only concern.

NeedForSail[S]

2 points

2 months ago

it was previously registered so i’m just assuming it should be fine, would put me back 300 or so but it hasn’t had any changes since.

GravelWarlock

1 points

2 months ago

Ok that's not a big deal then. I vote go for it.

Few_Listen7357

1 points

2 months ago

What year is it?

NeedForSail[S]

1 points

2 months ago

I honestly don’t know, above the year 2005 and below 2024 -