Korean Job Discussion Forums

blah · Joined: 08 May 2003 Location: Ulsan, Korea

I am shopping for a motorcycle on the assumption that it is cheaper than a car (as this was the case in the Philipines). I have found, however, that used cars are cheaper than used bikes (or maybe I'm just loking in the wrong places). I found an old Kia for W500,000. Yet it seams 125cc sport bikes of the same age are going for 1.2 mil.

I would actually like to get my hands on a non-sport style bike that would be more comfortable for a passenger (my Filipina wife is with me). Could anyone give me some advice on this? It's just to get around Ulsan, so 125cc will do (plus I don't have a license for bigger). Is it possible to pick something up for 5 to 700,000 or am I dreaming? I drove around on a scooter for a year in Taiwan and didn't really like it. But I really enjoy riding a motorcycle. I had an XR200 in the Philipines -- what a fun little bike. I wish I had one here.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

jaebea · Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Location: SYD

I don't know what the situation is now, but unless you have a craving for adrenaline, bikes were pretty dangerous things in Korea.

Then again, Ulsan probably won't be as bad as Seoul.

I remember reading a page with a stack of info about bikes in Korea; there's a website run by an ESL teacher over there with a lot of info.. what to look for, prices, etc etc.

I'll get back to you if/when I find it.

jae.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2003 8:24 pm Post subject:

You can probably find a decent Daelim at a good shop for that price. It probably won't go any lower than that, though, unless you've got a friend leaving who wants to sell fast.

Good bike shops in Ulsan, I wouldn't know.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I got a freak deal. A foriegner was selling the bike of his roomate who left it behind and went to Japan. A 500cc Kawasaki (92) for 950,000 won. But if you look in the Korean Buy and Sell newspapers (a Korean friend to skim them once a week) or go to the autobike shop it's possible to get an old 125cc for 500,000. They are everywhere, and old ones are cheap. To tell you the truth this 'steal of a deal' needs the muffler replaced; makes too much noise and vents exhaust up to the driver. But if you're in Seoul that would be a problem, with a lot of stop lights. Otherwise, on the highway on Sunday, no problem.

waggo · Joined: 18 May 2003 Location: pusan baby!

Im In Pusan and Im off in a month...you can have my Daelim 125 for
750,000 with ownership papers...5 years old ...no problems...sweet!

blah · Joined: 08 May 2003 Location: Ulsan, Korea

A Daelim would be perfect. I looked it up on the net and yes, this is exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for the feedback.

Jaebea: As for the dangers of riding in Korea, no arguements from me on that one. But I've been riding bikes in Asia for three years so I think I've got the hang of it (knock on wood). At least people have headlights here -- and they (for the most part) stay on their side of the road. You should try the Philippines! I think it's true that Ulsan is not as bad as Seoul. Thanks for the warning Very Happy

Waggo, what model do you have? Could you post or email a pic to me? PM me if you're serious about selling it in a month. I may take it off your hands.

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2003 8:35 am Post subject: Re: Motorcycle advice, please.

justaskdan · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Location: Me in Pohang - Oct 20th

I have had three motorcycles since I have lived here. And I have just bought a forth, a new Honda CBR 400RR.

I wanted to start cheap and see how the driving was. I got a 95 Daelim with 3000km on it from a good bike shop for 500,000. That bike was an excellent starter, perfect condition. Then I bought a used Yamuda sport bike for 1mil. It was nice and I liked the style but it had mechanical problems so I traded it back for a brand new Yamuda (see a pic in the Pohang thread or the buy and sell thread) which I still have a love. Cheap too 2mil. The new bike 5mil.

You want safe and cheap buy a car, used cars have no resale value in Korea.

justaskdan · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Location: Me in Pohang - Oct 20th

Hey Blah, if you are going to buy a bike in Busan can you buy one in Pohang? My bike shop still has my old Daelim and I know them really well, after all I bought four bikes off them. I could get it for you for 400,000 (probably I can check if you want me too) As I said low km perfect condition, and nice black good looking bike. Was good to me.
PM me if your interested.