Nervous Newbie seeks advice :)

[Enchanted_Myst]

Hello all, I am new to biking, so new in fact that I haven't sat my CBT yet and I have never driven a motorbike or scooter before. So I am coming here for some advice. When I was 18 (I am now 24) I had 12 driving lessons in a car and they went ok, but not great. I don't have the best coordination and tend to get mixed up with left and right, and I had some problems changing gears in time for turning into corners. My road sense isn't the best but I haven't sat my theory yet so I do hope that will help. I gave up on the driving because I felt more stressed about it than anything else.

Fast forward to today. My boyfriend has a motorbike and I go on the back of it with him and I love it. But I am sort of yearning for that independence of not having to rely on him for lifts or public transport to get from A to B. When I got home to visit my parents I always have to get lifts places from them because I don't have my own transportation.

So lately I have been considering learning to drive a motorbike or scooter. I think a scooter would be better for me since there is no foot work but motorbikes just seem a lot cooler to me. The only few things holding me back are my lack of road sense, the fact that I get nervous on the road and the stories that I have heard about motorbiking being so dangerous. A guy from my home town recently got killed while on his bike so that freaked me out a bit.

I just want some advice on whether someone like me could start motorbiking? Are there people who simply can't get the hang of it or does it just need practice? I was going to go to a 1 hour taster session at my local biker place Two Wheels.

I already have all the kit since I go on my boyfriend's bike so I thought I may try it out myself.

Any advice for a nervous newbie is very much appreciated.

[Bendy]

[Enchanted_Myst]

Aw thanks for that advice. It's something I have been sitting contemplating so yesterday I called the dvla to get my learners license sent out (I lost mine a month ago) so I am just waiting on that arriving and then I will either book the taster session or the cbt. They do hourly lessons at that place too so I may take a couple of them just to help my confidence on the road, or I may just get my boyfriend to take me out. He said he would take me on drives for a while to make sure I'm ok. My main worry is roundabouts because I don't understand them but I think I really just need to read up on it all.

The other main worry is crashing because I can't use the bike properly. But I'm guessing the instructors wouldn't let someone out on the road if they thought they were really going to crash badly.

[Bendy]

I don't think the taster session is long enough, it can take a wee while for things to 'click' in your brain.

Do the CBT, at somewhere that people actually recommend, and go from there. They won't take you out on the road if you're not ready for it.

[Enchanted_Myst]

One of the reasons I was going to go for the taster sessions is because of money (or lack of!) it's £10 for the session which gets refunded if you book the CBT (£130). But hmmm.... I may just do the CBT because if you don't pass first time they teach you for free until you do pass. Pretty good deal I thought.

[JockyT]

I would also advise taking a CBT and seeing how it goes.

DEFINITELY go to a school that will extend your CBT for free till you get the certificate as there are plenty that will take advantage (i.e. more costly training) of riders who don't get through first time.

JT
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Current Bikes:
YBR125 - low running cost commuter
XJ600s - a bit dull but cheap and reliable first big bike

[Kal]

Go do the CBT - I ballsed up my first CBT so badly because I was nervous, couldn't get the hang of the clutch or anything.

It was a great day though and by the end of it I could just about ride.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[Enchanted_Myst]

Thanks for your replies, they are really helpful. Its nice to know that not everyone gets it right first time, I think I may need a bit of practice before I manage to get the hang of the foot and hand work together.

Is biking very dangerous? I hear people say that all the time, so it feels like I am going to get on and then die. But I don't quite believe them! Is it dangerous if you are sensible, as I feel I would be? I always wear my full kit when on the bike (helmet, jacket, leather trousers, boots and gloves is the full kit I think?) Or is it really just when you are a bit of a dare devil that things get dangerous?

[Enchanted_Myst]

This is the website of the place I would like to go to do my cbt, my boyfriend recommends it, he did his test there.

https://www.twowheels.co.uk/

And this is what they say about their cbt course:

All learner motorcyclists must now complete a course of Compulsory Basic Training before riding on the road. While we initially allocate one full day for the CBT, our course provides unlimited training to take you to a safe and competent standard, allowing you on successful completion to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc (limited to 15bhp) for a period of up to two years. If you do not complete the CBT on the first day all further training and bike hire is free of charge.

[Kal]

The last stats I looked at said that we are 16 times more likely to die per mile travelled on a bike than in a car.

I've buried people, my partner has buried people and still I ride because it is worth it in ways that defy explanation.


Then again there were two people killed by rogue buses in Leicester City Centre the year before last, thats going to be a long afterlife of embarressment.

The fact is that everybody dies, but not everybody lives.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[YZFR1IAN]

Maybe ask if you can start the CBT on a geared 125 bike, you might be ok on it !! if your struggling they can move you onto a scooter. Just go with an open mind and enjoy the day, it honestly is fun and by the end of the day if they see your safe you'll get the certificate, if not you'll go back again until you are safe
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05 Yamaha YBR125 > 94 Honda CB500 > 98 Honda Hornet 600 > 02 Yamaha R6 > 2000 Yamaha R1 > 2000 Yamaha XJR1300SP > 2000 Honda CBR929RR Fireblade
MY BIKES Past & Present

[Pickle]

Well you've already got way more experience than I had when I started out! I'd only been on the back of a bike once (in Peru, with no helmet, no shoes and no... )

I did my CBT with no taster session first, on a 125. You'll be surprised how easy it is to pick up, and you start in a safe environment (i.e. not on a road). You're with an instructor all the way with an earpiece to give you instructions. They won't race off and leave you behind, or make you feel stupid, or force you to do stuff if they think you're not ready. Worst that will happen is you'll have to come back again for a bit more experience (or fall off! - Hell, I dropped my 125 twice! )

Put it this way - with no previous experience, and being shit scared every time I got on the bike (still am, a little bit!), I passed my test on 11 August and now ride a 500 every day to work. And I miss it if I can't ride even for one day.

[Wise1]

Do the CBT, lets face it if you get through the day ok it will be a great boost for you to continue on.
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Current - 2007 Suzuki Bandit GSF1250 - 1999 Suzuki TL1000R
Previous - GSXR750 SRAD, Fireblade, ZXR750, CBR600

[Rustle]

First off, welcome! I'd recommend CBT too. My sis-in-law had never ridden before and was very VERY nervous but the teachers were great and they only charged once, £75 and that was all you paid until you actually got your certificate. (Don't know if that's the same everywhere?) She went back 4 times, 2 pad sessions and 2 road. She got there and is loving it now! Take your time, find a good school/instructor and have fun. CBT and the first lesson will probably be the worst for nerves - then the fun begins!
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Test Passed 29/01/09 - Restriction Ends - 29/01/11

[muzzy]

Welcome

[mooserx]

do the cbt straight off the bat, you'll love it
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TL1000r-handful.

[CHR15]

go for the cbt, before i did mine i had only ever ridden a bike on my friends field, you wont learn everything and will probably stall a bit, but you will learn loads of road safety things, as long as you pay attention to those and don't act like an idiot, you will be a lot safer on the road. after a few weeks on the road you'll find yourself changing gears without thinking and using them to slow down ect, ect.. it does get easier, just remember to do all the safety things your taught. then you wont get into bad habits.


btw that would make a well cool sig.

[Fnatic]

I honestly think you could do a CBT if you can ride a push bike.

Mine was about 3 hours longer than all of my mates as I did mine with the council and even that was piss easy.

I was worried about it and after doing it, I've had more challenging situations on a push bike despite my bike running out of petrol half way down a hill.

Just jump in and do it. Just need a sense of balance really

[Kal]

[Rowey]

I don't know my left and right, but it doesn't really matter when you're riding. You go which way you need to

After a few hours of riding, you will get it pretty easily, just think of it as a very fast bicycle. And being on the back of your boyfriends bike, you should be used to the lean and momentum. I'm sure you'll be fine.
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[Enchanted_Myst]

Thank you for all your replies, there are so many! What a great place. I feel more confident already knowing that it probably won't be as hard as I think. I can ride a push bike fine, haven't done it in years though. I failed my cycle proficiency in primary school but I hadn't practiced too much and wasn't really bothered about it.

I will let you know when I book the cbt and let you know how I do!

[The Disapproving Brit]

Jump in, go for the CBT, and don't worry. When I did mine, I had to be taken to one side for about half an hour because everytime we tried to pull off, I stalled it. Even by the end of the day, my clutch control was terrible. I managed to get through it though, and didn't stall once when we were out on the road (well, except for when I did the e-stop, but i'm not counting that).

As for the danger aspect - I don't know where I saw it, but I remember seeing some statistics that said something like 55% of bike accidents don't involve any other vehicle, and (I think), about 70% of those were on winding country roads. Yes, an accident on a bike will undoubtedly hurt more than the same accident in a car, but there's a lot you can do to stay safe - the main thing being to recognise your own limitations and stay within them.
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Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

[Towton 1461]

[lozzypop1]

Don't worry about co-ordination on a bike...

It's a lot more 'involved' than driving a car, which means that it seems a lot less (what's the word) technical once you get the basics.
Don't worry about taking extra training for the CBT, I took 4 full days before gaining my certificate

I agree with Bendy, Forget the taster sessions, just get the money together for the CBT and do it that way. Even if after you complete it you never ride a bike afterwards, YOU will know that you COULD (OK provided it was a 125 and within the 2 years the CBT lasts for, but hey - who's being pedantic here?).

One thing I will say, You're right about you being being nervous! Just doing the CBT will boost your confidence so much.
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Funny, I used to hate being spanked as a child!
Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.

[ajacko]

Take the CBT, and remember, YOU control the bike, not the other way round, it's not a horse, it doesn't do as it likes, you're in control at all times, it does as it's told.

Remember that and you'll be fine.
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Current bike:- Suzuki GS500 '02 plate. Next bike CBR600F or GSX650F. I'll leave the race reps to the kids.
www.xembly.com