Tips on buying a moped?

Bob63

Comprehensive and easy reading advice on safety gear here - http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/safety.html

Staying on the subject of cheap helmets. I stand by my £50 helmet/head quip, but if you want to buy a cheap helmet at least get one with ACU gold sticker. One advantage that more expensive helmets often have is that they are significantly lighter. In an accident this can make a critical difference and it can also reduce neck strain while riding. All helmets sold in the UK must meet a rigorous standard but it doesn't mean that some are much safer than others. At the end of the day it is your choice, your head, your life. I've made my choice!

Mike

Lob_Rockster

often the cheaper helmets are old designs from the big makers passed onto the little guys... we don't need to turn this into a "how much is your head worth" discussion.

personally, I say get a helmet that carries the sticker and that feels comfortable on your head. It should be a close fit but not squash your head; think about vents too, as your head can get hot.

Some heads are different shapes. I can't get into certain Nolans, Arias, etc without pain - but Shoei seems to be just right. So take your time for this process.

I do recommend that your core safety gear is lid, gloves and jacket with some armour. Beyond that......your skin and pain risk assessment would denote what you see fit to wear on the rest of your body (pants, boots) to minimise "damage" in a worst-case scenario (SMIDSY etc)

zappahey

Mr_Pink wrote:

I wonder what helmet you would rather your husband/wife/son/daughter would be wearing if they were out riding right now - a £50 'good enough' British Standard helmet or a £400 'slightly better' British Standard helmet?

8 times more expensive does not mean 8 times, or even any, safer. It's just as likely to be "better" branding, "better" paint, lighter, better ventilation. If you're interested do a search on the name Paul Varnsverry on uk.rec.motorcycles. He's involved in testing motorcycle safety equipment and has made some interesting comments on the topic of cheap and expensive helmets. the results are not always what you might expect.

To the OP, proper fit is far more important than the brand name and/or price. Make sure your helmet is a snug fit, with no pressure points, and maybe just a little bit tight as the lining compresses over time. If you're helmet is uncomfortable it will become distracting and an annoyance, which is the last thing you need.

nmealey

www.motorcyclenews.com great site that will help you discover the answers to all your questions.

millwalll

u really just want a cheep british standard one the cheapest u find be about 45+ reason being is if you drop it hit it agasint a door it makes the helmet week so you meant to replace it so you dont want spend 500 each time acidents do happen

TokyoJoe

My general advice ( having learned from experience ) . Stick with a Japanese manufacturer , preferbly Honda. ( I previuosly had a very nice looking Italian 125 CC motorbike which was allways going wrong and cost me a fortune to repair , and frequently left me starnded) .

If at all possible buy new not second hand. Haggle with the dealer and you can possibly achieve up to 20% discount playing the big Honda dealers off aginst each other ( Check the web for their names) . With a new Bike you get a 1 Yr Warranty , AA cover and certain models ( CG 125 ) hold their value exceptionally well even with high mileage. If you achive a good discount when you purchase you may almost lose nothing over a two year period.

Scooters and 125 CC bikes are the most frequently stolen ( More so than big bikes ) . Go for a model that does not appeal to Joy riders or thieves . Also invest the money in good locks.

tompparker

Many thanks for all your advice everyone, it's been really helpful.

I was also wondering - if you go to view bike either at a dealer or privately can you test ride it, and if so would I be insured for this?

Thanks again.

TLR_2

Hi,

Definately don't get a 50cc Scooter (FYI, a moped is a 50cc machine that is restriction to 30mph max speed, a 50cc machine that does more than 30mph is a scooter/motorcycle depending on the mounting of the engine).

If you have a CBT and want speed, go for a derestricted 2 stroke (Not legal, but most people on 2 stroke bikes do it) like a Honda NSR or Aprilia RS125.

Or get a manual 4 stroke like a CG125, CBR125 (Sports).

You will look like a big girl on a scooter. Plus other road users will royally take the mickey.

Wig

Mr_Pink wrote:

I wonder what helmet you would rather your husband/wife/son/daughter would be wearing if they were out riding right now - a £50 'good enough' British Standard helmet or a £400 'slightly better' British Standard helmet?

Thread has just been bumped up, & seen your question.

My answer, if they are riding responsibly (or no more irresponsibly than I did), and it's a low power machine, I'd be happy for them to have a cheap full face helmet.

If they are on a medium - high power machine then they can choose what they want but then and only then would I consider a more expensive helmet is more appropriate.

Wig

Hey OP,

I thought of you when I noticed BCA auctions had a Lloyds Bank sale recently of over 100 bikes and mopeds. Most of them were the flashy sports mopeds which can be derestricted, so I assume not what you were looking for.

But it made me think you might want to watch the auctions for bikes, and you can do it here
http://www.commercialauctionview.com

click on continue at the bottom

then you should see 6 pictures one of which is motorbikes
click that and then "view results"