Need advice on buying a used motorcycle

[Evlesoa]

Hi,

So I have finally arrived in Taiwan, and have been here for a month. In 3 months, I will apply for ARC and will continue to study Chinese for the next 9 months before applying to go to college (I am young still, I have not finished college in America because I came here in the middle of the Spring semester, and have debt to pay... go figure. At least I can save money here though!).

Anyway, irrelevancies set aside, I'm going to want to buy a motorcycle for around 15-25k (maybe 30k being the upper limit). I don't care if it's a piece of crap, as long as it runs well and can go relatively fast because I've got a long-ass trip to get to my language school. Secondly, I don't really know anything about the mechanics of motorcycles (except for some really basic stuff), so I'd like to know if there are any English-speaking mechanics in 臺北.

Now for my questions:
1. I would like a motorcycle, NOT a scooter (unless I absolutely have no choice). The reason being is that I'm a bit over 6'2, and I like to have my legs rest on the side rather than cram them in the front where my hands are (I've ridden scooters in the past, and not so comfortable). Where can one choose to buy a used motorcycle within that price range (15-25k, or 30k max)? Is there a forum, a store, or something here in Taiwan?

2. Where may one find an English-speaking mechanic? The threads around are like 8 years old. How reliable / updated is the information?

Many thanks for any help anyone can give me!
Cheers!

[Abacus]

You will have no problem buying a 150cc motorcycle for 15-25kNT but you will need to learn how to drive in Taiwan. You don't go fast in the city.

If you're in Taipei then someone else can suggest streets to go motorcycle shopping. In Kaohsiung there are 5-10 motorcycle dealers on Jianguo Rd and Jiuru Rd.

[John]

Moderator's note.

The OT discussion on How to Drive in Taiwan has been moved to its own thread
http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=112084

Please leave this thread for any advice on buying a used motorcycle

[Mordeth]

As a well known motorcycle fan....my advice is buy a scooter. I'm a bit over 6 foot. And when I first moved here I didn't want a scooter at all. But after having one given to me....I now would pick a scooter over a motorcycle as my main vehicle any day. A scooter is 10 times more practical than a motorbike....but if you just want "cool" then get the motorbike.

[wonder]

As a well known motorcycle fan....my advice is buy a scooter. I'm a bit over 6 foot. And when I first moved here I didn't want a scooter at all. But after having one given to me....I now would pick a scooter over a motorcycle as my main vehicle any day. A scooter is 10 times more practical than a motorbike....but if you just want "cool" then get the motorbike.

Totally agree. I have both a scooter and an MC and I use my scooter much, much more than my bike. Scooters have got to be the most practical thing about living in TW..other than the food. It's no wonder there are so many scooters in use on this island and elsewhere.

But I would never trade my MC for anything nor would I sell it. It's way too much fun and as Mordeth says, it's great for the "cool" factor.

[ForumosaTim]

+1 for scooter