Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Metsuke]

Does anyone here have a scooter, or a motorcycle?

I've been reading up a bit on the forums, and understand that the regulations between requiring insurance and a drivers liscense are pretty murkey.

So anyone want to share their experiences about life with a scooter or motorcycle?

Some of the things I'm trying to figure out is, where do you park it? Does every apartment you get come with reserved space for your ride? How many cc is your ride? Have any pictures of your baby you wish to share? How much did you pay for a good used bike or scooter?

Heres the big one... can you still get a motorcycle that looks cool that comes under 100cc so you don't have to get caught up in all the regulations and such?

[JacktheCat]

[gi66y]

A scooter....better than a good friend.

I drive it everywhere (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and usually park it on the sidewalk next to a bike rack if there is one. It's a fantastic way to get around. I can go rent movies from bigger video stores, pick up lunch from places that are far away, and get to work in 3 minutes (25 minute walk otherwise) and then back just as quickly.

When I have a problem I call the repair shop and they come pick it up, fix it on the spot. Or, if need be, take it back to the shop and bring it back later without charging me extra for the tow. For example, I got them to come pick it up once to replace the valve, which had caused the wheel to go flat. They brought it (and me) back to the shop, fixed it, and the repair bill was only 5,000 won.

On the downside, It's dangerous, so I don't drive at night except coming home from work. I rarely walk anywhere, which has caused me to gain weight. Also, my buddy had two of them stolen, but he didn't lock his up at night. I live in a suburb (Ilsan), and I'm not sure I'd have one if I lived in Seoul. And I'm not sure how big a bke has to be, but smaller bikes can't be used on highways, so I just use mine for local trips, and buses for anything further. Of course anything bigger then wouldn't be as easy to park.

My 100CC bike (like the ones you see delivery drivers use) should be licensed. I talked to the guy at the scooter shop, who said I needed to license the bike, but couldn't get one because I was a foreigner, but since I was a foreigner, not to worry about it cause the police wouldn't bother me. Weird logic, but so far he's been right (7 months of driving without being stopped). If I do ever get pulled over, I plan on doing the smiling, apologetic, non-Korean speaking foreigner act.

I paid 700,000 (used, but it was fixed up to look new), but you could get a 50CC beater for much less which does not require a driver's license according to the guy at the scooter shop. A cool motorcycle looking bike under 100CC? I doubt that'd happen, but getting a Korean driver's license is not difficult if you want something bigger--it took me 90 minutes and 10,000 won to get mine.

[Metsuke]

Forgive my excitement... but... WOW.

I totally can't wait to get a bike! I'm so all over it as soon as I get the money, and the geographical proximity!

Yes... I'm a newbie. But come on now... bikes are cool and I've never had one before. Adults can have toys to!

[Metsuke]

Oh! And pictures... post some pictures of bikes and scooters to!

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Eighteen months, no plates, no licence of any kind. Been lectured by a cop once, he only stopped me because I screwed up and forgot my helmet. Just get out there. And wear a damn hardhat.

[rawiri]

I was hit by a drunken driver on mine coming back from the 7-11 one saturday night. I wasn't that hurt, as he kinda side swiped me, not hitting me head on. I wouldn't have worried about it except for the fact that when he stopped his van and got out he was obviously drunk, this irked me somewhat so i put him in a headlock and told an ajumma to call the police...she wouldn't do it so i waited till i saw a police car...when i saw one i called out to them to come up to me...the dude escaped my headlock and ran off with me chasing...anyways he got away but all his id and stuff was in the van. I had a 50cc scooter and the police asked me for my licence which i don't have with me over here. The charged the guy and told me not to ride the bike till i got my licence. I still rode it anyways and dind't have any trouble for the rest of the time i had. BUT my roomate who i sold it too when i left had it stolen from the hagwon he works at. Scooter theft is pretty common over here so i'd get a lock if i was you. True about the putting on weight thing as well...it's fun to ride them though so you don't really bother walking anywhere.

WATCH OUT FOR BUS DRIVERS...THEY ARE FUCKING INSANE!

[Metsuke]

Link to pictures of your scooter...

I crave them.

[Bulsajo]

As someone who has ridden motorbikes and scooters for years (and having been a couple of serious accidents- one of them life-threatening), some sensible advice:
You say you've never had one before.
I suggest that you wait and see what Korean traffic is like before getting too excited.
I don't think Korea is the best place to learn how drive a bike.
Just a thought.


Not a pic of mine, but I did have two of this model once upon a time...
200cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed manual=a whole lotta fun in a tiny package.

[Metsuke]

Yeah I hear the traffic is pretty crazy... but knowing that... I just want it to boot around on a bit, and maybe take some day drives around and explore Korea a bit.

Perhaps you could give me a lesson on how to drive and not die in Korea you scooter guru.

Oh... and the pic is cool!

[JacktheCat]

Here's my ride, a 2002 Hyosung Comet 250.

Not the fastest thing on two wheels, but it's very light and nimble and got a huge fuel tank and good suspension for long weekend blasts into the countryside.

[JacktheCat]

As an aside, the motorcycle was blessed by a traditional Korean Shaman priest.

The rope of knots is a spell of sorts, supposed to bring good luck.

[VanIslander]

Scooting around the island is one thing, but to go off island into busy traffic on the mainland, that's something different. I haven't the nerve, yet.

[JacktheCat]

[Metsuke]

Great picture!

In my thinking I'm sort of leaning on wanting to get something like that. Not to huge, not to powerful... a good starter bike that could also let me do a day trip.

Thanks for sharing the picture.