New to biking

BikeNewbie · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

Hello Im 17, Basically I have my Driving License but due to prices of insurance I cannot afford to get a car and insure it.

I havent got much experience with bikes, My Sister's Husband is willing to teach me Gears. So looking to buy a geared bike and I am more interested in 2 strokes. I havent got loads to spend. And Im more interested in low mileage and good previous riders than good looks and such. I have looked at the Cagiva Planet which looks awesome! But seem to something of a rare bike nowadays.

Other ones have been the Aprilia RS. Honda NSR & Cagiva Mito. But these seem to be the racing bikes for young kids like myself. So Not too sure what to do? Any help or just advice what to do, As Im looking to buy one over the winter time as im hoping prices might go down due to it being Winter.

Thankyou,

Edward.

SAP750 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Sep 2011 Karma :

Hi
my first bike was a cagiva planet had it for 3 years and i loved it, i recently sold it after passing my test.
I had to do quite a bit of maintenance on it in 3 years just general 2 stroke stuff but it can get expensive replacing the cylinder and barrel, and also a bottom end rebuild.
4 strokes are probably a bit better to start off with.
godd luck with your purchase.

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Can I ask why you favour the 2 strokes?

Genuine query... I found them slightly harder to ride, might be due to the fact I've owned 4 strokes more than 2's.

The RS is a good bike, but when buying, always factor another £2-£400 on top of the price for a rebuild. Time bombs...never know how they have been treated.

If its cheap insurance you want.. then an RS/Mito may not be the best bets.. Cost me £250 a year and I have a full licence. Costs me less to insure something with 4 times the power.

You could always do the typical BCF lark, buy CG/YBR and do your test Wink

BikeNewbie · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

I dont really know why I prefer two strokes, I just do. I would like to do my full bike test eventually. But cannot see myself getting enough experience to do it before year of 2013. Before the new laws for motorbikes come in to place.

May sound silly but a year, Dosent seem long.

Alex_B · Brolly Dolly Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Karma :

I don't understand this 2T thing at all.

Maybe it's cos I'm old but they are to noisy, adding oil etc. Of course the RS is a very nice looking bike and so on but as Paddy says, it's that stupid rebuild/time bomb thing and the noise is kinda weak Smile

IS it cos you want to de-restrict it? Laughing

Get a decent 4 Stroke and be done, I reckon it's far less stressful but good luck with what you eventually go with Thumbs Up

BikeNewbie · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

I just like them mate. No it would go fast enough for me haha. But that is an option.

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I've seen people do their CBT, 3 weeks later go on to their test.

Its all based on how well YOU progress.

Shitty little CG to get through the test is all most people need, its the ultimate learner bike!

BikeNewbie · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

I know im thinking too far ahead at the moment. But is it realistic to think. That in a year you can go from a 125cc up too full license with a 600cc bike restricted? Just dosent seem enough time to build up experience. And Yes quite a few people have just said go with a 4 stroke for that time.

Edward.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

BikeNewbie · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

To do it in a week I would need alot of experience! Haha! I shall see. I will keep a look out for a bike. Im tempted to get a 4stroke now. Just something like a Honda CG just to get some experience on.

Edward.