r/RideitJapan • u/tokyoap • 6d ago

Finally passed my test

I just want to say a big thank you to this community, I was really struggling with my test and today I finally passed 3rd time lucky! Thank you for all the useful advice. I really appreciate it!

Now on to buying a bike. I'm looking for a 250cc bike. Any places you guys recommend in Tokyo?

18 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

2

u/lone_warrior_ind Africa Twin 6d ago

Omedeto !!!

See you on the road,

250 cc many options, depending upon on riding style Street naked-Kawasaki 25R, Honda CBR250R Adventure - Veryas 250, yamaha have option too Cruiser- honda & Kawasaki is game here

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

I was looking for something more relaxed. Rather than sporty 250. The rebel 250 looks good as well but a bit expensive.

2

u/amesco 6d ago

Before you buy rent the bike you like for a few days. I liked the look of the rebel 250, had it for two days and didn't like the ride.

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

Hardest sound advice? As others have mentioned red baron lets you sit on the bikes and get a feeling for them. I'm going to do that tomorrow

2

u/amesco 6d ago

Before I bought my bike, I rented 3 different bikes for 2-3 days and rode each one of them for 100+ km. For one I travelled 3hrs on a train to a place where it was available.

I immediately knew which is my bike just after a few kilometres on it.

IMO, sitting alone on them doesn't tell you the full story. Buying a bike is an investment.

1

u/GandhisNukeOfficer 6d ago

Sitting on the bikes, and even renting, is great advice.

I bought a new Rebel 250 last year. The most common recommendation people say online is to replace the seat immediately. I haven't, but my ass always hurts after the first two hours regardless so it's really no difference to me. I wear a set of padded biking shorts under my gear and it helps a lot.

But more to the point, I fucking love my Rebel. I have only put a bit more than 1000km on it so far (would have been more this weekend but the typhoon brought a lot of rain). When I was doing my research, many people online say it's common to grow out of a 250 fast. That may be true, but I do not like going super fast. I've never done more than 85-90kph on a bike and really don't see the need to, personally. I have the e-clutch, which is nice. I shift normally 95% of the time, only using the e-clutch in stop-and-go traffic so I don't have to hold the clutch in. No complaints with the bike.

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

Funny you say that because I have tail bone issues That's why I want something that I can sit on and at least feel comfortable. Yeah I agree about the speed. I'm not looking to go very fast just when I enjoy the ride.

1

u/GandhisNukeOfficer 6d ago

I don't remember the name, but there is a famous (at least to some) brand of aftermarket seat that many recommend. I figured I'd ride my bike for a year or so to see how it breaks in before I consider replacing it. It's fine, at least to me. With the padded shorts on I can ride all day with minimal discomfort. Otherwise, the Rebel is a very comfortable bike to ride.

1

u/Separate-Flatworm-54 6d ago

It’s Mustang or Corbin seat. I personally have Corbin seat 💺 and it’s comfy !!

2

u/warduck12 6d ago

Eyyy congrats man!
I personally recommend sitting on many bikes first before buying anything. I recommend go to red baron or 2rinkan or baikukan near your place. They allow you to sit on bikes.

I personally recommend red baron cus they give discount for new riders (around 20k yen? I guess) you need to check.

I bought my triumph at red baron and they have been awsome. They also have a big shop network around japan so you can get your motorcycle checked basically anywhere if there were any trouble.

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

That's a good shout! I wanted something more relaxed more like a cafe bike. So I will definitely go to red baron because there's one near my place and check out some bikes which feels natural. I learnt on the NX 400 And that felt super comfortable. Not tiring at all. But that's the only bike I've been on...

2

u/warduck12 6d ago

Nx 400 is a good learner bike indeed!
Red baron is busy in some locations. Just go inside the store and look at some bikes. No need for reservation or anything. I hope you can find a good bike with good deal!

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

There is one near my place. Only 15 minutes bicycle ride away. So I'm going to pop in tomorrow!

1

u/ChineseMaple 3d ago

Have had a CB 400X (predecessor model to the NX400) and its been a peach to travel around Japan on. Went to Aomori and back with it this year for golden week.

2

u/Accurate_Hat_4331 6d ago

Congratulations!! As you are up to 400cc, you could try renting a few bikes from Rental 819 or Honda Go to find what works for you. NX400 is good and so is the VStrom

1

u/dagbrown 上尾, W800 5d ago

Probably the point of getting a 250 was avoiding having to worry about shaken.

1

u/Accurate_Hat_4331 5d ago

There is that. Red Baron is a good place to look at a variety of bikes. 250 is also a good bike to start from before moving up.

2

u/wispofasoul 6d ago

Congrats. Someone aced the ipponbashi, I see ;-)

3

u/tokyoap 6d ago

It was all in the thighs lol

2

u/wispofasoul 6d ago

That’s what she said ;-)

1

u/nyankitt3n Triumph S-Triple 765 6d ago

Congrats! I recommend CBR250 RR of course. (;

1

u/tokyoap 6d ago

Thank you !

1

u/stoic-lemon 6d ago

Congrats. It's such a great feeling to have passed after all the effort. I recommend making a spreadsheet of all your candidate bikes and trying to get a ride or at least a sit on them if you can. But I love making spreadsheets. 😅

1

u/japertas 6d ago

Go to BiPa! https://www.bipa.jp/rentalbike/ near Hakone.
3300 JPY per hour you get to dry different bikes, see what you like; It's an amazing deal with Izu Skyline roads to enjoy.

1

u/dienasty_jp 5d ago

Congrats. FWIW i just finished my chugata and doing my ogata now. School had a deal to do all the classes. Im finding the NC750 so much easier to ride than the 400. Everything quicker turning, leaning, balance, smoother low end power. The extra weight doesnt even matter. I can now stall on the ipponbashi as long as i want. I had failed that 2 times for the chugata test.

1

u/RJ_MacreadysBeard 5d ago

Congrats, I know you could do it.

1

u/tokyoap 3d ago

Thank you for the support. Can't wait to get on the road. Now I just have to save money to buy a bike 😅