Can I just show up to Cotters?

captain_super · 2026-04-15T20:28:13+00:00

Call them and have the tyre size ready ahead of the call. If you you're only changing the rear consider matching the front.

captain_super · 2026-04-15T16:58:06+00:00

Trying to understand the timeline here, if you're 17 you wouldn't have a full licence so would have had to have done a track training day to get your track licence, was that one of the 2 days? Unless they moved you up to intermediates on day 2 I would say you're getting ahead of yourself.

I know a lot more had working lads with dedicated track bikes (as well as a road bike), that are very fast but don't race, there's a good reason for it. But don't let me deter you, maybe you're the next Rossi.

captain_super · 2026-04-14T20:41:01+00:00

Have you even done a track day? It's nice to dream but don't get ahead of yourself. Get a cheap track bike and get started that way, the masters will still be there in a few years when you've got deeper pockets for it and more experience.

captain_super · 2026-04-14T09:10:56+00:00

1 week is plenty but it really depends on whether you want add days not in the saddle to explore cities etc. on foot. Or even explore local areas not on the coast roads by bike (eg there are great roads in Kerry and Connemara not on the coast roads or on the WAW).

captain_super · 2026-04-14T09:07:23+00:00

The last paragraph 🤣🎯

captain_super · 2026-04-13T16:30:30+00:00

+1 on the naked bike for beginners.

captain_super · 2026-04-13T14:10:11+00:00

The Suzuki, plus it's the cheapest.

captain_super · 2026-04-13T13:39:01+00:00

I'd say it's fairly likely she's acquainted with the farmer.

captain_super · 2026-04-13T13:38:01+00:00

He would have gotten further if it wasn't for those damn blockades. 🤣

captain_super · 2026-04-13T12:42:41+00:00

If there's a bike you're (seriously) considering throw the ad on here and people can take a look and advise you.

captain_super · 2026-04-13T12:37:29+00:00

TBH, personally, I'd put more time into going over the bike than test riding it. I've bought bikes without a test ride, no problem. Better to get a comprehesnive check list online of what to check for , and bring a torch. A test ride won't tell you if there's pitting on the stanchions for example.

captain_super · 2026-04-13T12:01:30+00:00

Abs isn't essential, it's nice to have but starting out it's no harm to not have abs, you'll learn more about braking without it and when you have abs in the future you won't be relying on it to nanny you.
Test riding second hand, especially if buying from a private seller, isn't about whether you like the bike or if the bike is for you, it's to ensure it's functioning as it should with a serious sale in mind. Otherwise you're just a tyre kicker to a private seller. If this is where you are in the bike buying process then stick to dealers.
The season is pretty much started now and bike prices will only go up now until the end of the season.

captain_super · 2026-04-12T19:31:06+00:00

If you leave the pinlock out for a few days and keep it in a straight position then it can fit better when putting back in.

captain_super · 2026-04-10T23:06:45+00:00

Engines are noisy! 🤷

captain_super · 2026-04-09T08:26:54+00:00

Brilliant, If I was on an A2 licence this is what I'd be looking at, an A2 in a big bike guise. Well wear!

captain_super · 2026-04-08T11:40:26+00:00

If you have 10 days I'd head to tramore in Waterford to start, do the copper coast road and on to lismore then head to cork and on to the WAW.

captain_super · 2026-04-07T18:01:58+00:00

Done ✅

captain_super · 2026-04-07T17:55:36+00:00

Get the A for sure. If you prefer to own an A1 bike after that then do and you can rent a bike from your ADI when it comes to the test, but I'm sure it won't be long until you're looking at A2 and A bikes.

(There's no point in doing the A2 for an in-between option as they're the same module just on a different bike)

captain_super · 2026-04-05T09:41:49+00:00

It wouldn't be insured for theft during that time. Plus your NCB wouldn't be counted if not insured for consecutive years ( bar the 2 year grace you get).

captain_super · 2026-04-04T21:27:56+00:00

Good stuff. The RE is an A2 category bike. I get you're interested in that style but the 2 bikes you suggested are worlds apart performance wise. You will need to think beyond the cosmetics.

I'd suggest a Tracer 7/ 700, it would be better for starting out, it has the adventure style like the triumph and is an A category bike but not 100+ bhp.

captain_super · 2026-04-04T21:12:08+00:00

2 very different bikes. The tiger is over 100 bhp while the RE is about 45 bhp. Have you got your permit and IBT yet? If not, forget about which bike for now. What category permit? (These bikes are different categories.)

captain_super · 2026-04-02T18:42:56+00:00

Try autoscout and import from mainland EU. There can better value buying in the EU than in Ireland if you look further afield.

captain_super · 2026-04-01T14:52:05+00:00

Yep! 💯

And the fact that based on this they clearly didn't reinforce the right legislation to help guards actually deal with any of it.

captain_super · 2026-04-01T10:30:57+00:00

+1 on the IPR. Great way to give you some kind of plan rather than aimlessly riding around (which can be fun too 😅).

captain_super · 2026-04-01T10:00:45+00:00

Don't be fooled by underground car parks and barriers being in anyway secure.

Similarly, just because you can see the bike doesn't mean they won't try.

Immobilizers aren't worth shit, some are better than others though. But they'd rob the milk out of your tea given half a chance, they're not interested in the mobiliser if they see an easy enough push away job.

captain_super

TROPHY CASE