Another new one to riding! - With a CBT!

[snomag]

Hello All!

I've found this site through one of the search engines (the big G!) and seemed like a nice place, so decided to reg.

I'm one of those people who always wanted to ride, but never really got there for some reason. (no money, no time, etc...) Finally I got to a point when I've both and as I still haven't given up this dream of mine, I booked my CBT to the end of this month!

I'm really excited about it, and unsure if I'll be able to make it or not. I've been riding bicycles for like 12 years already (I'm 24yo atm) with doing a bit of a downhilling (I'm not a professional, but not a beginner either) so hopefully the balancing will be ok:). What I'm concerned about is all the rest: Changing gears and all those kind of things. (I've never ridden a bike before)

Is there anything that I could do to prepare for the CBT, that doesn't require a bike? Any tips?

Once I finally pass my CBT and my Theory test (which I'm already preparing for) I plan to buy a Yamaha 125 DT, or something similar, but as they seem to be a bit expensive, and knowing that I'll want to get my full license next year, I might change my mind and just buy something that runs, and that's good for getting into riding.

[Rowey]

Well done for taking the plunge. Have you ever driven a car or have a car licence? The controls are almost identical. I find riding a bike easier than driving a car, but I did get my bike licence first.

If you want something cheap, a Honda CG125 is the way to go. Millions about, cheap to buy, run and maintain.
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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.

[NexusDragon]

Welcome to BCF, you'll be taught everything during the Cbt. Everything from walking with the bike, clutch control, to climbing those gears and doing emergency stops.

You wont need to do your theory test to ride a 125cc, you'll only have to do that if you decide to try out bigger bikes. Just remember that the CBT is a training day, not a test, but you do need to show noticable improvement throughout the day. Its up to you to take in the training and show you are able to control the machine and obey the highway code in a safe and sensible manner.

Edit: As above, I've also found riding bikes easier than cars, but then again I only have an Auto car licence as I couldn't drive a manual for sh*t.
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DAS Passed 19th April 08. 07' YBR125 > Yamaha FZ6 S2 '08 > 1998 YZF600R ThunderCat

[snomag]

Cool, it's good to know they'll show me everything there, that I need to know

NexusDragon, you've said, I don't need to pass a theory test to ride a 125cc, is that right? I thought (but hey, what do I know, hehe) you need to pass it, to hit the road.

Oh and by the way, I don't have a car license, I'm not really into cars.

[priestessuk20...]

welcome to the forum,
Theory test you only need before you go for you license
to be on the road all you need is
C.B.T , a bike, insurance and L plate
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priestessuk
yes passed cbt 27/10/08
currant - honda CB125 T

[NexusDragon]

[Kal]

Makes you feel any better myself and a number of others on this site didn't take our CBT's until our 30's

I didn't have a clue before I took my CBT and I somehow made it through the day.

They will teach you the basics to survive on the roads but there is a lot more to learn after the CBT.
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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

[snomag]

I agree, and I do plan to move on after the CBT. But I don't want to rush anything.
Just get the CBT, a bike and get used to riding. Once I'm confident enough I would like to go for a full license, but that's a bit further away in time.

[DugieT]

I've done something similar, i took my cbt at the beginning of august, and bought a cbr 125 mid august, so it was my total motorbiking experience, but i did ride mountain bike for years so think that helped, and 28 aint too old i'm now 34 lol and i've got the same attitude i'll take the bike test whenever, had no falls as yet touch wood... Oh yeah and i have my car license for 4 years now, but i now use the bike exclusively as i sold my car.
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4 months experience L plate CBR 125'er

[deanoet]

Get yourself a copy of the highway code and give it a read
You dont need to know it inside out, but road signs and road markings are very handy to know
as well as what way to go round roundabouts, traffic light rules, who has right of way etc etc


It is all taught, but you will have a lot to take in learning how to use the bike, make it as easy as you can and do some reading

Copy of the highway code is a few quid


Format of the CBT which will give you an idea of what to expect.

Remember when you turn up to have both parts of your license with you. If you dont have them, the CBT cant go ahead.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[snomag]

Thanks for that deanoet. I've already bought a copy of the Highway Code, and I'm trying to familiarize myself with it as I had a few doubts regarding the roundabouts and unsigned crossings - and everyone kept telling me different things, hehe.

Edit: Thanks for the link, it's really useful.

[deanoet]

Unsigned go off road markings
iff no raod markings either then no one has priority, and you must make sure it is clear before proceeding..

Mainly find unmarked ones in housing estates or in the arse end of nowhere


Roundabouts danger comes from the right, but before you move off make sure it is clear ahead and your exit, as you look a fool riding into the back of a car that has stopped for whatever reason.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[snomag]

I've been looking at bikes (used ones) in the past couple of days as the day of the CBT comes closer and closer and I'd need your advice guys.

Basically I'm hesitating whether a Honda NSR125 or an Aprilia RS125 would be the better choice. I like the look of both, and on different forums, ppl say different things about which one's better, costs less to maintain and so on, so I don't really know who to believe

If anyone could share his/her experience with these bikes, that'd be much appreciated.

Edit: Oh, also, if anyone knows a good shop in the Reading / Wokingham area, don't hesitate to mention it!

[krider2010]

MTC, Oxford Road, Reading is considered good though I have no first hand experience as I've got my bikes via private sales. Also for gear there is a Hein Gericke along the same road (further out of Reading).

Friend of mine got some test rides just after passing his full test with no problem from MTC, which I'm sure not all places would do. He also said they were very helpful.

There are specific dealers in Reading, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Slough, etc. as well for Kawasaki, Honda, KTM, Suzuki etc.

Whereabouts are you doing your CBT as I did mine in that area?

Sorry I can't comment on those two bikes - I have no knowledge of them.

[Kal]

[snomag]

[krider2010]

I did my CBT with them too - was OK for me too (I know the thread you mean). I did my full training closer at a place that didn't require me to get into Reading each time - can provide information if you are interested.

[adama]

I have a yamaha XT 125 as my first bike, cant fault it really bud..and the DT is also nice, good luck...you'll love every minute..i know we all do =]
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Vlogging - www.youtube.com/caprio85

CBT Passed - 24/04/08 - Theory Passed 18/07/08 - Practical Passed 2/04/09

[snomag]

[Pedro02]

ive only just done my cbt at 25, never had a car license (or lesson for that matter)

so you have nothing to worry about, i got my cbt first go and im on a honda cbr 125 now and i love it!
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TCR | Casual Dating

[steppen22]

Did my cbt this year - at the age of 25. Proper test in a few weeks.

I'd recommend you get on your pushbike and do some road riding - so you can get used to riding junctions, roundabouts etc.

I wouldn't recommend a sporty 125 unless you've considered the work involved with these bikes.
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no regrets, no retreat, no apology.
I've made mistakes in the past, and I apologise for FUCK ALL.

[snomag]

[deanoet]

Both the NSR125 and the RS125 use the 2 stroke engines

Produce a lot more power than their 4 stroke counterparts but the cost of that is they burn oil (special 2 stroke stuff) and they require more regular maintenence

Rebuilding the top end as well as replacing the piston is done fairly regularly.. (every 10k miles or so)


Saying that
Derestricted a 2 stroke 125 will buzz along at speeds a 4 stroke can dream of.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[krider2010]

I did my A2 training with Pinewood (between Wokingham and Crowthorne). They are online here.

If they ask how you heard about them, mention EN125 (little Suzuki) then GPX250 bikes and they'll probably work it out (or PM me for more info) Really rate the two trainers I had.

A friend also trained with them to get his full licence and was happy with them, and an ex-colleague passed a few years back with them and also rated them (hence we both went there this year!).

[snomag]

Today I had my CBT, which I didn't pass / failed just an hour ago. I feel like sh*t at the moment, but oh well. Time to book another one.

The reason why I failed is poor clutch control - tho I've done the whole driving around in the car park bit. I've to say, I agree with the instructor and I did have problems with the low speed clutch control, and the bike kept jerking.

Anyway, I'll have a beer now and just calm down, but I'm really disappointed as I've never thought I'd be 'one of those' who wouldn't make it through the CBT.