One for the bikers...

[Ash1711]

Right I've decided that I need a fast motor in my life - I got rid of my Subaru due to the cost of petrol/insurance/maintenance etc and I've decided the way forward is on a bike! :afro:

A few questions that I'm hoping some of you can help with...

I know the law is changing in the new year and I can't do it before then unfortunately so I think my aim is Summer 2013, but in terms of getting a bike license is it best to go do a CBT then buy a 125cc and gain experience before going in for my test? Or would it be best to have some kind of instructor to teach me how to ride properly? (If these even exist?)

As you can tell I'm not clued up at all!

Also is it worth getting a 125cc to gain experience on? Or would it be better getting a big bike and restricting it? (Again i don't know if this is possible).

When would I have to do bike theory test? Im 22 now and passed my car theory when I was 17.

What bikes would you recommend for a beginner? (Note that Im about 6 ft and weigh 12 stone - so I'm not the strongest of people and so I don't want a really heavy bike that I can't hold up!)

What about bike security? I'd have to leave it on a carpark throughout the day with nothing to chain it to - would a big chunky chain through the wheels be enough?

I think that's all for now - as you can see I'm a complete novice about bikes - but I'm keen to learn!

Thanks :drink:

[CraigLovelock]

I Would say the best way to do it is the same way as i have.

Done a CBT 1 and half years ago and got a 125. Been riding most days personally feel comfortable around the road etc.

Recently went to book my full motorbike test and they said because of experience its cheaper and can also do the direct access (do test on a 500cc+ and dont have to be restricted to 33hp after test).

You can do theory test whenever really, just make sure you revise as there are lots of different questions directly about bikes etc. Obvoisly if your not doing your full test for a year or so its not nesassary (have only done mine just before booking full test)

As for the bike choice, youll find most bikes are not as heavy as you think once your riding them.

Im 5 4" and 9st. Im getting a 600 (gixxer etc) and find them fine, bit of a struggle picking up if you drop mind you!

[L33h]

Have you got any experience on a bike atall? - If you havn't then id probably say get a 125 for a bit but you'll pick up some bad habbits riding that about.

Your theory should only be done if your going to do your test really. but it last 2 years. I think its a bit stupid how you have to do a car theory and a one for a bike but they're hardly even different.

And theres still time to do your direct access. Its the end of January when it changes and it only took me 5 weeks to get through my test! My mate passed on the 23rd of December haha

[f13sta]

I'm currently doing my DAS. You've got till the 16th January other wise you'll have to wait till your 24 for DAS. Althought because your 22 you can have upto a 46 bhp bike after doing your test iirc. Although to be unrestricted you'll have to take a further test to become unrestricted. Do you theory test ASAP get your CBt done and start practising for the mod one. Find a bike school with a good rep and high pass rate. And do it on a 500 cc bike. Or wait ti your 24.

[VexxedVTS]

I would go for a 125cc first if you have no riding experience. As for which bike I would strongly recommend a XL Varadero 125, it's a full size bike and great for taller riders I had a 10 plate and it was fantastic. there v twins so there's plenty of torque in the lower band.
I now ride a bandit 600 that is restricted.

I did my CBT and trained myself using youtube videos, I then did my mod 1 then mod 2 and passed with 2 minors.

For security I would get a Xena xx15 disc lock alarm, they are loud buggers and you don't have to carry a chain around.

[blackie_2k5]

What's with all the bike threads..

Don't you know it's winter :homme:

[L33h]

What's with all the bike threads..

Don't you know it's winter :homme:

we're missing our bikes already haha

well i am

[blackie_2k5]

Been a while since I had one lol.. Gotta be well over a year now??


Used to ride in the snow :D

Just thought I'd point the winter bit out since no one else did :p

[L33h]

Been a while since I had one lol.. Gotta be well over a year now??


Used to ride in the snow :D

Just thought I'd point the winter bit out since no one else did :p

hahah its not winter yet its still autumn :hug:

[Rogue_Shadow]

Passed my test last week :D
Currently hunting for a SV650 ... sods law there are NONE available now :wall:
I'll be riding through Winter, taking the car for the extreme stuff though :homme:

[blackie_2k5]

In sure you'll still say the same riding to work at 6:30 am ;)


Few mates have all just got crossers again.. Tempting me for some winter fun.. Only thing is, it's hurts a lot more when it's cold and you hit the solid mud lol

[L33h]

Me and all my mates sold the crossers a few months ago. Used to go up the track at blyth.

Id get another one but i havent got the money lol

[blackie_2k5]

There's a good few places you can go up here like,

Quarry is only down the road from me aswel ;)

[L33h]

Quarry at birtley ?

We used to go all over. Used to get sick of gettin chased away tho :(

[blackie_2k5]

Ai mate

We used to be allover and got the same lol, it's calmed down now, they don't see tone bothered so much

School house farm is a decent place to go

[L33h]

Is that Pea farm? Ive been there a couple of times. nearly got ran over by all the 4x4s haha

[blackie_2k5]

Nah mate, good track that too though apparently (never been to that one)

Pea farm is in consett/Stanley

School house farm is not far from derwent reservoir :y:

[L33h]

Oh right. Ive never heard of it tbh lol. Might have to get a new bike for next year. i fancy a 125 i can rag them about more than a 250 lol

[Ash1711]

Thanks for the replies so far - makes me want a bike now but unfortunately it's not that simple lol.

I think the route I'm going to take is CBT, get a 125 and ride until I feel comfortable - then I'll weigh up my options in another year or so :)

Now onto bike hunting! :)

[blackie_2k5]

Oh right. Ive never heard of it tbh lol. Might have to get a new bike for next year. i fancy a 125 i can rag them about more than a 250 lol

It's a hard choice sometimes mate, can throw 125's allover the place but not always enough to keep a smile going

I Fancy a nice 4 stroker for a change :)

[L33h]

It's a hard choice sometimes mate, can throw 125's allover the place but not always enough to keep a smile going

I Fancy a nice 4 stroker for a change :)

Ive been tryin to put a pic of my yzf 250 in the snow from a couple of year ago but it wont let is :homme:

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/L33h/76768_1517807700972_1107874084_31191155_3117926_n. jpg

click that see if it works