So, you have just purchased your first ever 2B motorcycle. You can't wait to show off to your family and friends, and to go off riding. I would like to give a couple of advice when it comes to riding in Singapore.
RIDING GEAR
To be honest, i rarely see Singaporeans wear riding gear. One of the reasons i hear most of the time is because of the weather. True enough, Singapore's climate is hot majority of the time. But that should be an excuse not to care for your personal protection. You have to realize that no matter from what speed you fall off or skid from your bike, you are going to get injured. Your injuries also depend on what you are wearing.
You can source for used riding jackets and gloves on sites like carousell. Your minimum protective gear should be jeans/long pants, covered shoes, gloves.
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| Road Rash on skin due to improper gear |
It is also good to buy a good quality raincoat due to unpredictable weather in Singapore. It will be good for you to check the weather forecast before starting your journey. If you are not a fan of top boxes, do carry along a backpack to store your gear.
Another thing to consider is your helmet. Honestly, i do not think that half face helmets protect your face fully from injuries, as compared to a full face helmet. Having been through an accident and falling head first into the concrete, i can't express how much wearing a full face helmet saved me from injuries. You decide yourself.
CAMERA
Placing riding gears aside. Another thing i would to emphasize is having cameras. It's all fun and games until you get into an accident. You can practice defensive riding and ride safely, but, due to the recklessness of another road user, you may get into an accident. As a rider and driver, i am seeing more Singaporean drivers drive with absolute recklessness. From PHV to BMW drivers.
You can purchase an action camera, like Xiaomi Yi or the SJ series. If you have a higher budget, you can purchase a GoPro camera. Get it mounted onto your helmet. Alternatively, you can purchase a front and back cameras to be installed on your motorcycle. Hassle-free, these would start recording when you start your engine.
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| SJ4000 camera |
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| C60 camera. Can be purchased and installed at Unique motorsports |
SECURITY
Another point i would like to make is regarding the security of your bike. Bikes do get stolen in Singapore, only that they rarely happen. And moreover, they do not get reported much. Do invest in a good motorcycle cover. This not only protects your bike when parked under the sun, it deters thieves from noticing your bike. It will be good to invest in a disc brake lock.
OTHERS
My last few points will be about general matters. Do purchase a concessionary season parking. This will allow you to enter HDB carparks all around Singapore for free. Do carry an extra cash card with you in case you round out of money on your current one. Try to park at proper places. I have, many times in the past, parked at improper places, such at the void deck. It is possible to do that, but it is only a matter of time before you are caught and fined.
Do read up about bike maintenance in general. In Singapore, it is very easy to be cheated by a bike shop if you don't know your stuff. If possible, learn some basic maintenance on your bike.
Lastly, when it comes to general riding itself, do ride safely. Please do not ride recklessly. With the increasing number of camera around Singapore, it is easy to be caught. All it takes is for you to speed or do something stupid, for your license to be revoked. You have worked hard and spent much to earn your license. Do not lose it.
With that, do enjoy riding your new motorcycle. Thanks
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