What 2B Motorcycle is Best Suited for You? | DirectAsia Insurance
You’ve decided to grab life by the bars - literally speaking - and gain mobility with your own two-wheeler. Perhaps you just obtained your 2B motorcycle license as a new rider or you’re looking for something agile, easy to park and affordable to maintain.
What 2B motorcycle should you get?
Besides the obvious factor of price point, the type of motorcycle you choose also shows your personal style. Do you want something sporty and stylish? Do you see yourself on a sturdy scooter that exudes class and confidence? Or do you prefer something retro and cute to zip around with?
Our 2B motorcycle choices can be pretty limited in Singapore due to the different class of bike licenses. But there are a few machines under 200cc - for various styles - that are worth mentioning.
Before we jump into the list of top 5 2B motorcycles available in Singapore for riders of all types, here’s a handy checklist in choosing your Class 2B motorbike:
- It should be fairly common
The 2B motorcycle you choose to buy should be a common model in the market - why? This is because most motorcycle dealers do not keep parts on hand for entry-level machines that are not very popular in the market. Yes, you may stand out of the crowd with something different but are you willing to wait 3 months for essential parts to be shipped from Japan?
- It should be easy to maintain
Most 2B motorcycles are easy to maintain and should not cost much to repair. The servicing of your two-wheeler is highly dependent on how often you ride it, how well you maintain it, and the price of the parts required. Typical motorcycle servicing requires a change of engine oil, cleaning of filters, threading/changing of tires and the changing of brake pads. So, it’s wise to go for a motorcycle that does not have too many moving parts that could easily give way over time.
- It should be fuel efficient
An average 2B motorbike runs at 20–25 kilometers per litre. On the other hand, a 4-stroke 2B motorbike can run at about 35-40 km/l of petrol. But bear in mind that your fuel efficiency is also affected by engine size, bike condition, riding habits, and total weight.
Other costs you should consider when buying a new motorcycle are:
- Certificate Of Entitlement (COE)
- Road tax and Parking
- ERP charges
- Riding gear
- Motorcycle insurance
Based on the criteria above, here are a few top 2B motorcycles available in Singapore for every type of rider:
The Retro Rider
The Vespa is the epitome of retro urban living and is perfect for trips to your favourite cafe or for a quick ride around town. You can take your pick from the S125 for simplicity, LX150 for a more modern look or PX150 for pure retro styling. The latest Vespa models give you modern reliability combined with good gas mileage - so, basically, they offer a cheap, fun ride. There is an older model you can still find used in Singapore that’ll get you to the full 200CC’s, but honestly on these bikes the ride’s going to be fun whatever the power. There’s also a great club to join if you really want to nerd out on vintage vibes.
The Stylish Sports Rider
Image Credit: Unique Motor Sports
A sports bike with risqué Italian styling makes the CB150R an instant attraction for many new motorcycle riders. This motorbike also comes with some cool features, such as LED head and taillights, LED winkers, LCD instrument panel and a big-bike muffler.
If you want a good-looking sporty motorbike that is relatively affordable, the CB190R is the one for you. But, while many are sold on the CB150R’s looks alone, it’s worth pointing out that the racer’s riding posture tends to put strain on the wrist and lower back – not something you’d want to discover during an ambitious road trip - say to Malaysia.
The Cool Cruiser Rider
If you’re a fan of Sons of Anarchy, then you’ll love the Honda TA200. If you squint a little, you might just think it’s a Harley. It’s great for riding pillion, has loads of support and is known for its reliability amongst motorcycle riders. There are tons of secondhand options in the market so it’s likely you can get one according to your budget.
The Steady Scooter Rider
Who says you can’t be cool riding a scooter in Singapore? If you’re looking for a sturdier and more functional ride, the Yamaha X-MAX300 is the ride for you. Plus, you’ll probably appreciate the extra storage space under the seat to store your wet gear given Singapore’s tropical rainy weather. Most scooters also come with an automatic transmission, which means there’s no need to go through the hassle of changing gears. Do you know the Yamaha X-MAX300 has also received the Red Dot Award for Product Design in 2018 - for the 3rd time?
The Adventurous Bike Rider
This wasp-like machine is for the thrill-seekers. Because it’s rather light-weight, veteran riders may complain that it’s jumpy in low gears, but that’s also why it’s perfect for new riders that want more thrust-power. However, although the Duke 200 is made in India with an Austrian pedigree, it isn’t the cheapest entry-level motorcycle to maintain, and the engine can get quite hot when stuck in heavy traffic. Its higher power-to-weight ratio means you can count on this motorbike to deliver pizza steaming hot, but not necessarily in one piece! But if style and speed trumps comfort for you, then this is a good option.
Insure Your Motorcycle
Once you’ve decided what type of 2B motorcycle you prefer, you’ll need to think about motorcycle insurance. We recommend you get a quick quote online so you know how much you’ll need to ride your motorcycle on Singapore roads once you’ve purchased your vehicle.
At DirectAsia, you can freely customise your motorcycle insurance policy to your needs. Choose from a suite of Comprehensive motorcycle insurance, Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT) or Third Party Only (TPO) policies, along with our optional benefits to fit your lifestyle needs. Don’t forget to check out available motorcycle insurance promotions too!
Did this article help you in deciding what 2B motorcycle to get? Are there other models in the market that you’ll like to know more about? Let us know in the comments section.
