Motorcycle learning and procedures help

[Arex]

Hey guys, So I have a few questions regarding motorcycles in S.A and as I don't really have any friends that have any so I thought about asking it here. i'll give a bit of a backstory in case anyone wants some info to give better advice, please go ahead and read to get a better understanding of my situation, thanks

So for my questions:
1. Is it safe to ride a motorcycle here? (in regards to crime, stealing etc), I live in Durban North and work in Durban North
2. How would you go about acquiring a learners/license/motorcycle (School? learners? buying one etc.) I'm 24 btw.
3. What Motorcycle would you recommend buying? (300cc? r3? ninja 300? any other recommendations?)

So a bit of Backstory: (i'll try put in all the important details that might be needed)

I recently returned from studying overseas and I'm kind of by myself here as my family has moved (but I was still born and raised here), I have a manual car license (international), I believe its called a Code B here. I also have a scooter license (150cc or below) and have been riding scooters for 4+ years. I recently started with a new job and can support myself well and save money but the problem is I take an uber to work everyday. Although my work place is only a 5-10min drive away I still have to pay around R2000 per month on just transport. So currently my plan is to work for 3 months, get my 3 months payslip/bank statement and apply for finance for a vehicle/motorcycle. Now the problem is I'm afraid if I do purchase a vehicle, I'll have to pay over 72 months (6 years) and will be unable to save much money. So I thought buying a motorcycle for just heading to work and back and maybe some misc stuff would be a better choice.One good thing is anytime i go out with friends, my friend will pick me up because I literally live down the road from him so a car may not really be needed for me, I don't do grocery shopping and don't have a gf or anyone to pick up.

As for my questions, What I know is (which might and is probably wrong)

for question 1. I think its kind of safe? my family doesn't really wish I buy one but what are the chances of someone pushing you off and riding a sport bike away? compared to a scooter/bicycle its not very easy i think? or just in general and in broad daylight, not sure how the safety is on bikes.
for question 2/3. I think you can go to a motorcycle school for a few lessons and then apply for learners and then buy a motorcycle straight away? not too sure. I do have scooter and manual car driving experience so I'm not the most inexperienced person in this. although im not really sure what to pick, maybe a 600cc would be a good choice I don't know, I'm not here for top speed but as most people, would prefer something nice that I would like to look at and ride. the yamaha R3 and kawasaki ninja 300 is what I was thinking about as they're not too expensive and are said to be good beginner bikes and recommendations are welcome (except cruisers, not really a fan lol).

Thanks to anyone for helping out, sorry for such a huge post, just really wanted some good advice.

 

[Willy Strong]

/summoning SauRoNZA

1. Yes it's safe as you want it to be. Take care of your own ****s. I park in garage at home and drive to work with access control.

2. For learners I just studied the online stuff. For practical I went to Billy de Beer Motorcycle Training Academy, in Cape Town though.

3. If I'd start all over again, I would have started higher, parallel twin, >600? I started with a 150cc scooter, then 150 manual bike.

Disclaimer: I've only been riding for 2 years, got my bike license 2 months back.


Edit: my scooter was about R 10k and bike was R 30k, paid cash.

 

[RoboJedi]

Im from joburg so cant comment in Durbs... but i commute daily from Randparkridge to sandton.

As for learners, go online, the cna books are crap, then find a bike license school.

As for cc, id go for bigger, i went for a 125, then quickly to a 250 and now done only 7000km on my ktm duke 390 and looking at selling.

What ever cc make sure it has ABS.

 

[Archer]

You can finance a motorcycle as long as you at least have a learners licence. Safety is 99% your actions, most unsafe situations can be foreseen and avoided well ahead of time. I would also suggest going for a low power, high torque 600cc bike as it makes commuting much easier and these bikes typically have better sitting positions (you are sitting upright and hence have a better view).