License woes..

[rezzin]

Can i just get this straight. Im 16 in 39 days,and will be riding a Gilera Ice for a year until i am 17. So what happens when i am 17. Can i jump straight onto a 125. And is there another test i can do that allows me to be restricted to 33bhp. Just wanted to clear this up,so i can map out the very near future,bike wise. Also,will there be any changes in the next year to do with tests and laws,effecting me bike wise? Thankyou for reading.

[Ben.]

the day you turn 17 you can ride a 125cc (without having to take another cbt), but it has to be restricted... i think its something like 12.5 bhp.
Then if you want something more powerful, book your theory (you can sit that at 16), and either take a full motorcycle licence which will restricct you to 33bhp but any sized bike. Or you can take another test (i think its A2) which just means you can ride your 125cc without L plates (i think you can de-restrict them as well).

As for changes, the new theory starts in september (theyre giving us more questions) and there is a new practical test in october, i think theyre just making it a wee bit harder

Google is your friend! type in motorcycle licence and go to the DVLA link
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follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[GazzaThePiagg...]

I did my CBT when i was 16 on a moped, just straight on a geared 125 when I was 17. Not 100% sure if it is legal but I have been told it is (and hoping it is). At 17 on a provisional license (with "L" plates) you are restricted to 14.6 BHP (again, not 100%). You can then take your full test and when/if you pass (and also your theory) you can ride any bike up to 33 BHP for 2 years then you are not restricted at all.

As I said, I'm not 100% sure but if anyone else can fill in any gaps I may have missed. Also, as I am aware there will be no changes to the law in the not too distant future.

Hope that helped
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Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[truslack]

I think its 14.6 for learner legal 125's.
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[rezzin]

Whats the 'best' 125 to go for? I was thinking dt'ish? What sort of bhp are these,any realistic speed figures? Obviously i know they are only 125's,but still nice to know. Also would i be able to fit 'road' tires on a dt125. Cheers.

[GazzaThePiagg...]

Bloody hell, everyone jumped at this post

I think you can but a DT125 with full road spec anyway
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Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[Ben.]

why would you want to cash out on a 125? why not buy a heap of crap, use it for a month, take your full test and then sell it! Then you can buy a 400 or 600. Or just take a 5 day intensive course and then you dont have to buy a 125 for a month, and you would have a full years road experience so i wouldnt imagine you'ld find it hard! Prehaps buy a geared 50 to make the transition even easier...
____________________
follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[rezzin]

Whats the point in buying a 400/600 and being restricted to 33bhp. What i had planned was,get myself an ok ish 125,use that. Take my car test,get insured on my mums car,so if need be i got 4 wheels i could use. Do my a2 test,or whatever it is that allowed you to be restricted,keep on my 125,or maybe something bigger for the 2 years,then go out and get something nice. Anybody else got a 'better' plan for me? Cheers chaps.

[GazzaThePiagg...]

If you are moving straight onto a moped and haven't used gears before, I would not suggest just taking your test after a month. I'm gonna get a fair bit of practice on my NSR before I take my test anyway, even though gears can be self-taught in a matter of days.

Adding to this post, does anyone have an idea as to the waiting list for the theory and practical tests?
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Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[GazzaThePiagg...]

Also, I'd just get a decent 125 if you are only planning to use it as a second vehicle. Afterall, a derestricted 125 can reach about 33BHP anyway. My '88 NSR125F is 30 BHP and I have some bits and bobs to make is a 33.
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Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[Ben.]

theory is about a month

the reason you shouldnt stick on a 125 as follows:
1. SLOW!!!!!!!!
2. sounds like a hair dryer
3. they look like a toy
4. you will be too ashamed to go to bike meets

with a 400 they will be a lot quicker because they have a lot more torque, and you wont have to rev the nuts off them to get 33bhp (which they probably dont make!)
a restricted torquey bike will be quite a bit quicker than say a 33bhp rs125!
and reliability!
____________________
follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[GazzaThePiagg...]

Very good points there, but if he only plans to use a bike on occasions would it be better to save the money and get a 125 or even a 250?
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Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[Ben.]

hmm... yes your right, but from the sounds of his post he is using the bike as his main commute and only using the car when he cant use the bike...
if your only using a bike as a fun ride out definitely stick to a 125 and follow Gazza's advice!
However if your going to use both just as much as each other, then I don't know! Its 50/50 either way then
____________________
follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[GazzaThePiagg...]

And if you are going to use a bike as your main form of transport, get your full license, wait 2 years and get a great bike, f*ck off 1300 super sport!
____________________
Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[truslack]

[GazzaThePiagg...]

Mine is not too slow, but not too fast. Faster than your average learner 125 bike though.
Doesn't sound like a hairdryer, my mate on his YBR does though.
Looks like a toy? It is a toy!
Never thought about a bike meet yet
____________________
Stupid Young Tw@ts Clan 2007 - Sponsored By Powerthirst
Honda NSR 125F (Under Restoration), Honda CR 125, Piaggio Zip (For Sale).

[Ben.]

[truslack]

Well I went down wondering if I could keep up or not, but I surprisingly managed. Was an awesome day, and I did take a wrong turn once



14 hours riding a 50

300 odd miles.

[edit]

Oh, and the 50 does 65 on flat with head down (confirmed)
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[Imonster]