Please help me choose my first 2B cruiser

[BlackKhajiit]

Hello all,

just joined the forum and am in the process of getting (hopefully soon) my 2B license in Singapore.

I have always dreamed to one day own a Harley, so i guess i should start to walk down that path from now on. Which means going for a 2B cruiser as my first one ( excited!!). I don't want to pay too much for my first one as it will be kind of a trial period for me, so ideally would like to find a good condition bike that will hit COE expiry in 2 years to 5 years. (if newer model and still cheap why not!)

After some research, three models stood out: ( please let me know if there are other possibilities)
-Honda Phantom: my number one choice but they are not produced anymore since 2010 so not sure if spare parts still easy to find. seems to be regularly listed on carousell or sgbikemart so feels like a no brainer?

-Bajaj Avenger: looks good, sounds cheap. Don't know about the reliability and read on the forum that finding spare parts is a nightmare. curious as to the brand new price, could consider a brand new if it's significantly cheap.

-Daelim Daystar: Don't know much about this one, same as the avenger could consider buying new if it's quite cheap.

Happy to hear your kind opinion on this

 

 

[SBF]

@BlackKhajiit Congrats on your 2B journey and you'll get your license soon enough, hang in there!

Aside from the non-Japanese options that you have mentioned, generally the go-to bike to the "Class 2B Cruiser" will be the Honda Phantom TA200.

1) Biggest CC
2) Ease of finding parts
3) Honda reliability

Especially if you are not riding it for a long time (your Harley dream!) and it is your first bike, best to go with Japanese for a peace of mind. That being said, not all Honda Phantoms are cared for the same so you still have to do your due diligence before buying one.

The slight issue you might find is most Phantoms are approaching their COE due date and because of the high COE prices currently, most TA200s are scrapped so might not be able to find a good condition one at a good price. If you can get it cheap enough, you have the option of renewing it for 10 years and you'll be looking at a depre of ~$800+/year.

Spend some time looking on Carousell/SGBikeMart and if you find the one you like you can always purchase it first before even getting your license.

Good luck!

P.S. Another bro asked about Class 2B Cruisers as well as almost 90% of people recommended the Phantom TA200 over the Bajaj and Daelim.

 

[SBF]

P.S. The Daelim Daystar does look very good though, blacked out it almost looks like a Harley!

[BlackKhajiit]

wow @SBF what a kind and quick answer, if you reflect how the biking community is, I feel like i'm gonna fall in love with this world hahaha!

Your answer correlates with the research i have been conducting: Honda Phantom rocks. I just hope once i get my license that i will be able to find a well maintained one with less than 5 years COE left ( but more than 2 years) at around 4000 - 5000 SGD. Willing to make around 1000 SGD immediate repairs and maintenance over this price. I would pay 6000-7000 for one in excellent condition though.

 

Oh God yes the Daelim can look mighty sexy! but there are very few of them listed on carousell/sgbikemart, maybe should head to CKA or other dealership later to see if they got pre-owned models? 

[Siphon]

I was looking for a good starting bike when i started out. Eventually i got a TA200 with one of those bigger exhaust pipe I think its a TA200M. Maintenance wise its a dream because its so easy. But the older the bike the more you need to pay attention to how much work you wanna put into it to make it safe for riding. 

I would recommend u bring it to Planet motor Ah Chong and have it checked out. He's prob work on 100001 TA and CB400 in his whole life haha... and he's is super decent. But he's super busy as well... because everyone goes to him.

2 things I want to  caution you before you ride a cruiser. 

1. The bike tends to "fishtail" more than your learning bike. So go easy on the rear brakes when you are starting to ride your new cruiser. 

2. The control for turning is a little different from a road bike which you will be more familiar with. You can't swerve as much and as fast initially because the handlebars are very differently build. So take sometime to get used to it first. 

Be safe and have fun riding!

[BlackKhajiit]

Thank you for your answer Siphon!

I am looking forward to learning how to maintain my future bike myself, but at first I'm sure the help of shops such as Planet motor Ah Chong will be precious.

As for your driving advice, I'll very much keep it in mind, I am a very careful car driver so I expect to be twice as careful on a motorbike ie no speeding, low speeds under slippery conditions, no brake slamming etc...

Once the time comes for me to purchase the bike, I will have three options, which one would you recommend the most?:

-Buying a good condition bike on carousell/sgbikemart from previous owner with 3-6 years COE left (bike cost:4000-5000 SGD + eventual repairs: I guess around 1500 SGD ?? = 5500 - 6500 SGD)

-Buying a good condition bike on carousell/sgbikemart from previous owner with less than one year COE left and later renew COE for 5 years (bike cost 1000-2000 SGD+ repairs 1500?? + COE renewal 5 years 3750 SGD  = 6250 - 7250 SGD)

-Buying a pre-owned bike at a delaership with 3-6 years COE left (bike cost 7000-8000 but i expect no further expenses needed?)

Do you think my estimates are good? Which solution would you tend to favor?

 

[Siphon]

Personally, I think you must love the bike you're going to buy. whether its from a personal seller or a shop. If it does not make your heart pitter patter a little... Then walk away from it. 

Whether you're buying from personal seller or shop you have to prepare 1-2k spare cash just to cater for the servicing and minor repairs. Alot of dealers do minimal maintenance on their "trade in" bikes... so don't expect those to be in tip top condition. You need to check and make sure. There are some more decent dealership who would be more honorable and sometimes it comes down to your own personal relationship with the sales person. So don't be too worried about who u buy it from. 

Personal seller who are still riding the bike would prob be a good choice as they would be able to tell u what are the good about the bikes. And whether they did any repairs or servicing on the bike. But usually i would take it to my trusted bike shop to just have it checked out after i purchase it. And that is where all the hidden secrets comes out. Things like Brake pads, Oil condition, Chain elongation, worn seals and even tire condition can be a cause of worry. 

 

If I really were to make a recommendation, i would prefer to buy a 4-5 years old bike and do a through servicing and maybe even replace tires and brake pads if they are almost worned. I would be keeping this bike for at least 3-4 years at least. 

Buying a 9 year old bike would likely result in alot more repairs and even overhaul. So you may want to set aside like 2-3k cash if you wanna go that option. 

Getting from a dealership would mostly be good for 3-6 months as most good reputation dealership would honor their sales. 

If you're living in woodlands you can pm me and i'll let u know the bike shop i usually go to. The owner is a decent business and all his service technician has been with him for more than 10 years. That tells alot about a company. 

End of the day, you must LOVE the bike you're buying first. Minor details would affect how you feel about the bike. Color, accessories, even the top box that you like. 

[rodman74]

hi

i am regular at koon motor ( he only do phantom). one way is buy phantom is once you confirm to buy you can meet seller at koon motor. let him do a quick check. Ensure no big problem .

Then proceed with transaction.

that is how i sell my bike too. Buyer worry about condition as Phantom tend to be old age. Best meet somewhere comfortable.