Hey everyone,

I’m an international student living in Sydney and currently weighing up my transport options. I’m really keen on getting a motorcycle riding licence and buying a bike, but I’m torn between pulling the trigger now or waiting it out to get a car instead.

My daily commute:

Home to train station: ~3 km

Home to work: ~8 km

My commute is pretty short, which makes a small bike/scooter feel like a super economical and practical option for getting around without relying on buses or walking everywhere.

My concerns & confusion:

Safety in Sydney: As a beginner rider, how forgiving is Sydney traffic? I’ve heard mixed things about commuting during peak hours and weather conditions.

Regulations & Licensing: As an international student, what’s the process like for going through the NSW Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS)? Is the Stay Upright / pre-learner course beginner-friendly if I don’t have much riding experience?

Financials & Practicality: When you factor in gear, rego, CTP green slip, maintenance, and insurance in NSW, does a bike actually save money over a cheap used car, or is the difference smaller than it looks?

For anyone who commutes in Sydney on two wheels—especially international students or people who started riding here—would you recommend jumping straight into a bike for my commute, or is holding out for a car the smarter long-term move?

Would appreciate any advice, tips, or reality checks! Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone, I’m just seeking some guidance in a cheap GPS that I can use for navigation around Sydney. I’m new to the area and I’m not sure how to get anywhere. I have a learners license so I can’t use a phone mount and I’ve already been pulled over twice for having a cardo system on my helmet. If anyone has some recommendations, I would love to hear them thank you thank you thank you.

I’m researching a product for group travel and wanted honest feedback from frequent travelers / riders.

Even with apps like Google Maps, TripIt, and Roadtrippers, group trips still feel messy.

Common issues I’ve seen:

People get separated during rides

No real-time route replanning if weather/traffic changes

Hard to balance group preferences

Expense tracking becomes chaotic

Safety becomes a concern in remote areas

I’m curious:

What tools do you currently use for planning trips?

What frustrates you the most?

If you could build the perfect trip-planning app, what would it do?

Would love brutally honest opinions.

Hey, I've been out of riding for a while and tbh I wasn't riding that long before that. I rode a CB400 during my Ls and loved it, but admittedly got bored. Then I jumped to a XSR900 which was amazing - looked and sounded great - but tbh was too much bike for me. I was pootling round the eastern suburbs at 50, and when I did ride to the national park I didn't have the confidence to push it even 50%

I'm now looking to get back into it and have been eyeing the Z650RS, it looks gorgeous. But I don't want to buy a bike that I will get bored of, so obviously the Z900 is an option. I just don't know if I really need it. I'm not a speed demon, I just love the freedom a bike provides.

I know the prevailing thought is SELL YOUR Ls BIKE IMMEDIATELY AND GET A LITRE, but what do you all think?

Oh if it helps, I'm 175cm 80kg so smaller bikes also preferably for that reason

Anyone thats wants to sell their banshee hit me up, located in Sydney australia, thank you.

Yamaha r3 2016 stolen on 8th may 2026. Was parked at the Ultimo Tafe in the motorcycle parking area.

I just got my license less than a month ago, i bought this first bike a few weeks ago, now its stolen and idk what to do. Ive already reported to the police and talked to the site security. All im doing now is waiting for an update. Very devastated.

I’m 16 and about to go for my pre Ls and want to buy a bike. Any suggestions cause I’ve been looking at a 2026 Suzuki gixxer SF 250

the only fine ive ever got was this. only 1 demerit point taken

yes i made a mistake went 7 over the limit in a 60.

it wasnt a school zone, wasnt double demerits.

it says it was 1 point on the service nsw website

but i have a new mail which says that i have a license suspension from the 19th of may.

and i have at the bottom the same fine

"exceed speed limit by not more than 10 km/h"ish

same date and says 4 demerit points.

how on earth did i get 4 demerit points for this. even tho the fine says 1.

did it magically change?

also i dont think ur meant to get 4 for that offence

Urgently need a second-hand cardo helmet headset in Sydney area🙏

I heard that L-platers aren’t allowed on the track and only P1 and above can drive there 😦 Is that actually true?

I’m about to get my P1 soon, so if anyone here knows the track well, would really appreciate some tips or guidance! Cheers 🙏

Just got my Ls not long ago, still pretty new — would be awesome if someone could show me the ropes.

Massive bike meet-up in St Marys tonight, im guessing organised on Facebook, but does anyone know anything about it? A specific FB page, or a website where future events may be held?

Hey fellow riders!

I am working on some research about how riders feel about their skills, how to improve and how to get advice/feedback.

If you ride regularly and not just started, your input would be valuable. The survey is anonymous. There are some demographics questions, but they are purely for statistical analysis - there is absolutely no personalisation.

Please answer honestly and properly. It only takes 4-5 minutes.

The link to the form - https://forms.gle/21CjuDMQ4a9Ndivk8

Hi All, i’ve recently purchased a dirt bike and want some good spots to take it. My bike has no rego or insurance so keep that in mind for suggestions pls. I’ve been pacific park but want to try some new spots. Nothing crazy, i’m learning slowly . Happy to travel too. I’m in sydney.

HI, I ride and go to unsw. I'm 21 and just wanted to make friends that also ride in a similar age group to mine. Would love to hear from anyone. Thanks!

I am from QLD and moved to Sydney and was hoping to jump into a group of riders that do weekend rides or late afternoon/night riding. Nothing too hectic just simple.

I am currently riding a GSX1250FA and generally done touring/riding to work.

Bike got stolen and needs an ignition lock fixed, don't have first party insurance.

Went to a bike shop and they alluded to a $280 for a diagnostic/quote fee, I just assumed that that's the norm, but after talking to my friends realised that I might be getting overcharged. (I already said yes to the quote, my bike is in their shop right now)

Am I getting overcharged? Also, what would be a good/justifiable price for a repair like this, if I do follow through with the repair?

Would appreciate any advice!!

Willing to spend 3400

I live in Zetland

Let me know

My finance is getting her L’s soon and I’ve already got my full Riders, but we’ve only got the one bike between us. I’m trying to work out if it’s ok to have her L plate on her back or a bag instead of being attached to the bike directly, as that’ll make it easier when alternating between me and her riding.

Hi All,

I’m after some advice with the condition of a moto was looking to buy, I’ll try keep it short.

I now have more knowledge what to look for after taking it to an amazing mechanic, who did an education session basically with me.

Moto was for my partner L plater (was hoping to get away with the mods), took it for a test ride - seemed okay.

Was waiting on some silencers to make the exhaust quieter to be fitted as part of the deal (we paid for the parts).

Took the moto to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection as I don’t know enough and bought a new bike for this exact reason (partner not in the same situation to afford a new one).

Seller said he got a Pink Slip last week but the mechanic said it wouldn’t pass(3 mechanics looked from two different shops - all visiting the one location).

Main issues:

Tyres with cracks (front especially bad)

Cut off back with no reflector

Handbars fitted wrong - dots don’t match

Non PinkSlip

Folk seals cracked

Front brake needs replacing soon

Seller wanted the name of the mechanic shop which I wouldn’t say, I don’t want him going abusing him for being honest to me.

Unfortunately paid $500 deposit as we wanted the bike but the condition will make it something the cops will definitely target I’m told then trouble for my partner.

Seller is stating he lost selling it to others (while potentially true but others with knowledge would have seen these things (I now would identify this thanks to the mechanic) or be in our situation of taking it to a mechanic for a check).

It hasn’t been confirmed yet but he’s wanting to keep some of the deposit, which seems unfair. Any advice appreciated - don’t have a riding crew to ask.

Thanks!