Based on my trips to BBDC recently, there seems to be a lot of students(overheard conversations) who were waiting for their Class 2B Traffic Police Test. After all, majority are having our vacation right now and have a lot of time for such activities.
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| My driving license. Yup, just passed my 2A. |
1. Type/Brand of bike
This is important. It will affect all your future and other expenses. Please put your needs before your pride and ego. I know many youngsters prefer a sportsbike as it makes one look garang. As for me, I am riding an economical moped(kup kia) which uses less petrol. What do you expect? I just have the taste of a typical Mat. HA.. HA.. HA..
2. New or used
This is also an important thing to consider. Picking a new bike would mean paying a premium for the fact that it's new and reliable. Besides inflating the ego, it also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry about any breakdown as more often than not, the bike is covered with a warranty. There is no right or wrong here. When considering the different pros and cons, do remember that you are a student!
3. Cost of bike
Well, this would of course be the main factor to consider when purchasing a bike. Can you afford it? Do you need to take that bike loan which charges 4% per annum these days? Can you pay the bike in full hard cash? Do remember that you are a student. You might have to work part-time to afford the monthly repayments if you wish to be a responsible young adult and not burden your parents. And touch wood, what if something happened and you are unable to work? Do consider every possible situation.
Well, this would of course be the main factor to consider when purchasing a bike. Can you afford it? Do you need to take that bike loan which charges 4% per annum these days? Can you pay the bike in full hard cash? Do remember that you are a student. You might have to work part-time to afford the monthly repayments if you wish to be a responsible young adult and not burden your parents. And touch wood, what if something happened and you are unable to work? Do consider every possible situation.
4. Insurance
This will cost a lot since you are a new license holder. From what I heard, those who are below 21 years of age would be paying a lot more. Remember your choice of bike? Well, that will haunt you if you had chosen a sportsbike. The insurance premium will cost a lot more as compared to the other type of bikes. Also, if your bike is brand new, you will be "forced" to take a more comprehensive insurance plan which will definitely cost more. Back then, my insurance premium was only $9xx.
This will cost a lot since you are a new license holder. From what I heard, those who are below 21 years of age would be paying a lot more. Remember your choice of bike? Well, that will haunt you if you had chosen a sportsbike. The insurance premium will cost a lot more as compared to the other type of bikes. Also, if your bike is brand new, you will be "forced" to take a more comprehensive insurance plan which will definitely cost more. Back then, my insurance premium was only $9xx.
5. Maintenance
This would depend on the type and brand of bike that you choose. Some type/brand of bike will incur more costs than the others. As for me, I set a side a sum of money every month and just let it accumulate to pay for any wear and tear that would take place. Other than that, I am just paying for the change of engine oil and such when needed.
This would depend on the type and brand of bike that you choose. Some type/brand of bike will incur more costs than the others. As for me, I set a side a sum of money every month and just let it accumulate to pay for any wear and tear that would take place. Other than that, I am just paying for the change of engine oil and such when needed.
6. Fuel consumption
Do consider the FC of your intended bike. Petrol is not cheap. Even so, you can always decrease your potential expenses by picking the bike which gives a better mileage. Also, remember to sign up for the cards at the petrol station. Those are free and you can receive discounts of up to 10%. Personally, I don't bother to ride into JB to fill up my tank. My time is worth much more than the savings plus I am riding a fuel efficient moped :P
Do consider the FC of your intended bike. Petrol is not cheap. Even so, you can always decrease your potential expenses by picking the bike which gives a better mileage. Also, remember to sign up for the cards at the petrol station. Those are free and you can receive discounts of up to 10%. Personally, I don't bother to ride into JB to fill up my tank. My time is worth much more than the savings plus I am riding a fuel efficient moped :P
7. Season Parking
This is a monthly recurring expense. Mine cost about $17 for a season parking in a multi storey carpark.
This is a monthly recurring expense. Mine cost about $17 for a season parking in a multi storey carpark.
8. Miscellaneous cost
ERP, fines, parking, road tax and inspection. To each his/her own.
ERP, fines, parking, road tax and inspection. To each his/her own.
9. Gear
Proper shoe, helmet for you and a pillion, raincoat etc. Again, to each his/her own. I think any helmet with PSB approved sticker which cost $60-$100 should be reliable enough. There's even a $20 PSB approved helmet. Personally, I would pay more to protect my head. I bought a $100 helmet from a more established brand.
Anyway, that's all for now. Feel free to leave comments if you have questions regarding the 2B license or motorcycle ownership.
Proper shoe, helmet for you and a pillion, raincoat etc. Again, to each his/her own. I think any helmet with PSB approved sticker which cost $60-$100 should be reliable enough. There's even a $20 PSB approved helmet. Personally, I would pay more to protect my head. I bought a $100 helmet from a more established brand.
Anyway, that's all for now. Feel free to leave comments if you have questions regarding the 2B license or motorcycle ownership.
Regards
The Frugal Mat
Wow congratulations! I'm still learning for bbdc private though, Class 3. Informative post!
ReplyDeleteHi TI, thanks! By the way, I was a private candidate as well back then for my class 3. It is much cheaper compared to being a school candidate provided you pick the right instructor and pass on the first try.
DeleteAnyway, if you need a recommendation for an instructor, do let me know. I can pass you the contact details of my previous. Most of my friends and relatives passed on the first try under his guidance. Good luck to you!