Advice for a total Newb

[LostJester]

Hey guys, basically joined this site so I could get some answers from people who (judging from the posts I have read) know their stuff.

I am 20 had my provisional license since I was sixteen and have yet to do anything with it since public transport has suited me. Anyway I live in Northern Ireland which I have been told you can ride a bike with just a provisional (i.e no CBT needed) any NI residents wanna confirm?


But my real question is what is a good all rounder for a beginner who basically knows F* all about motorcycles. Except that they look cool lol.

[m0l0t0v]

Most 125 4 strokes will generally be ok.

Avoid Chinese. Hyosung are Korean and are ok. Not as good as Japanese though. I have heard some horror stories bu from '06 onwards they've definately cleaned up their act.

I have absolutely no idea on Ireland's laws on bikes but pretty sure I've heard something like you said.

You should also go join the N.I. & Ireland group in Outing & Excursions bit. Click underneath it and "join" and it should be approved by a moderator soon and I'm sure people there will be able to help more on the N.I side.

Though I'm sure some Irish folk will be along


Public transport? Pah. Once you get your leg over a bike you won't make a second glance at public transport. I dealt with it when I had to. Got on a bike. Had to use public transport a couple of times, not through choice, and I wanted to go all emo and slit my wrists. I hate it


Welcome to the place of souls
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[Heulyn]

LostJester, I'm from Lisburn in NI, and I'd heard that too, but I couldn't 100%.

I wouldn't take the chance though, just in case, or maybe even call up the local authority to check? I will be doing at some point.

With N.I still being in the UK, I'd say laws still apply with the whole CBT thing.

Also, I'm just starting out on bikes, and I'm 19. Sounds like a friendship-starter to me :]

x

[LostJester]

I did some research and found this website.

https://www.dvtani.gov.uk/practicaldrivingtest/bikefaqs.asp

It says the CBT does not apply in Northern Ireland but not sure if this means there is another form of test or whatever. If a CBT is not required though I will look out for any Biking schools nearby.

And hey Heulyn, I'm from Carrickfergus so not that far lol. Guess the answer to this CBT thing is good for us both.

On an added note I was wanting a Cruiser bike rather than a bike that looks fast but is still just a 125. Plus Cruisers, to me at least have a certain charm that warms the soul lol.

[Heulyn]

Thanks for that Pretty helpful

Awesome, Carrickfergus is pretty close as far as I know - I've not long moved to Lisburn, I'm originally Welsh xD

I was thinking along the lines of a CG125 to get me started - sounds quite inexpensive and undestructable, which meets my criteria nicely
Nothing too fast - no running before we can walk eh.

Any plans for the Quay Vipers MC? I know they're based in Carrickfergus

[LostJester]

TBH I am new to the scene so kinda like the new kid at school here, I would like to get out on my own and maybe build my confidence a little before looking into any MC. Thanks for the heads up though, didn't know we had one that was Local.

[Heulyn]

Ditto, I think we're on the same level - the first one! Hehe.

I'm looking at the MsChiefs WMC here in Lisburn - local, and just for women Hehe.

But, I've got to be able to ride first xD

[m0l0t0v]

Cruiser's are alright. It's what you prefer and what you like. Yes 90% of people here do prefer things that look fast (guilty as charged) but I prefer 'em mean.

This was my pride and joy. A nice in between. doesn't look as fast as other bikes do, but a twist of the throttle and off I go on one wheel while people gasp. That is, non bikers who know

https://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/M0LOT0V/My%20Hornet/MyCleanHornet_0032.jpg


Started on a cruiser 125. Unfortunately Chinese. So seriously. don't buy Chinese.

Japanese, 4 stroke. Can't really go wrong.
____________________
'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[LostJester]

Thats a good looking bike lol, colour me jealous I have never been much of a speed demon and while I do like going fast I think I would prefer the feel of gliding along the road rather than breaking the sound barrier while everything whizzed by in a blur of colour lol.

My brother urged me to get a bike that pretty much had a Super Bike shell with a 125 engine as he said it was very pretty. I like shiny things and am a sucker for chrome.

[-Savage-]

Yea folks, just need your provisional, insurance, tax and mot and a lid, then you're on the road on anything under 125cc. No CBT needed, or for that matter, no CBT available lol.

Pity you didn't join sooner as I just sold my old 125 lol.

Where about are you from? I'm from Warrenpoint, near Newry.
EDIT: Just seen you're from Carrick, I was on the Vipers run there on Sunday, has the sight of 1000+ bikes got your juices flowing lol?

Short vid of run here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEjTuDlk6b4
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My Bikes - - - Royal Enfield 500 with sidecar, VFR800, CBR600FX,
Peugeot Speedfight 100, Kymco Hipster 125, GSXR750K5, Jawa TS 350

[m0l0t0v]

Haha thanks man

I didn't think I'd be a speed demon. Then I got a 0-60 in 4 seconds or so bike.


One of my closest friends said "I swear the only thing Matt's fast in is on his bike!"

How true that is

TBH, it's the acceleration more than top speed.

Have you ever ridden/driven anything? Or done go karting/mini moto?
____________________
'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[Heulyn]

[LostJester]

Well I work for steampacket which is the Isle of Man boat that leaves belfast and seeing all the bikes going over for the TT for the past few years set my juices flowing. I had a scrambler when I was a kid but it was a hairdryer on wheels pretty much.

A lot to think about when buying as I want a good starter that will help me learn, as someone above said, walk before we run lol.

[m0l0t0v]

It's all good. I started on a 125.


And then I got the taste for speed!

But like I and other people have said you can't go wrong with a Japanese 4 stroke.
____________________
'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[LostJester]

I think I could end up not getting a cruiser as I might want to start on something less covered in chrome (I fortell major scrapes)I was looking at the honda nsr, it seems nice and reliable but as do other bikes and while I want safety and reliability I would also be lying if I didnt want a bike that was very...very pretty lol.

[m0l0t0v]

NSR's are good. 2 strokes instead of 4 so do have that annoying wasp noise but will be faster than most 125's around.

They do take a little more caring for though.

Oh and sanding out scratches is cheaper than replacing fairings!
____________________
'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[LostJester]

gonna take a few lessons first, save about a grand and then look into a bike in greater detail, I am pretty much just browsing atm.

[-Savage-]