My First Bike

[ADMusker]

Hi,
Basically, I'm brand new to biking (I have ridden a mates bike in a car park for about 1 minute before, but thats it! ) (It was Honda Something 250cc).

I'm 18 years of age.

What test should I take? I know that there is the CBT for bikes up to 125cc, and I also know that there is another test that you can take that lets you ride any bike (but it has to be restricted unless you are a certain age). What is this test called, and are there any other tests that I should think about taking, or that I could take?

I was thinking about my first bike, and just want one that looks really nice! I don't really mind about anything else. But what is the best way to do it? Should I buy a really nice high powered bike, but restrict it so that its legal? What would the insurance on something like this be?

Or should I buy a low powered bike to learn on (but wont I learn on the restricted high powered one, I would then have the option to take the restrictions out when I'm a more capable rider?)

If I did buy a smaller bike, like an Aprilia 125, NSR 125, etc, would they retain their value so that I could sell them on?


So, to sum this up.

What test should I take? What should I do after?
Should I buy a low or high powered bike?
And will my bike retain its re sell value?


Thank You

[The Tot]

Welcome 2 biking then. I would recommend that you take your CBT first as this is the Critical First Step into biking.... can't go any further before you've done it (70-100 quid), then book in for a theory test for motorcycles.... Now, since you're 18, i'm in a similar situation myself, your best bet is to take the A2 test... One can ride any bike up to 33bhp for 2 years with unlimited engine displacement (although it is absolutely pointless putting a 33bhp kit on superbikes ). Subsequently, after you've served your 2 years, you can ride any bike of any displacement. THIS IS THE ONLY CHOICE IF YOU ARE UNDER 21

Another school of thought is thought is to wait till you're 21 and do what is called a DAS (Direct Access), which entitles you to ride any bike, but you have to pass your test on a bike which produces more than 46bhp or something.

Either way, biking on a big engine is not going to be cheap when young... most people tend to go for import 400's but it's quite expensive to insure (i'd go for a restricted SV- cheap on the pocket, accessible parts and can be customised... cheap insurance too).

Work your way through the cc's, preferably starting on a 125 before clicking it into the higher power bikes... that way, you can establish a field.

There is an abundance of 125cc bikes of seemingly endless styles... now it's up to you to find out what bike suits you... I really don't want this thread to end in an "RS is better than NSR, wait, my CBR can do 999 mph...." style debate.... But anyway welcome... if you need any help, PM me and have a very prosporous and enjoyable experience in biking
____________________
The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[ADMusker]

Does everybody have to do the CBT then if they are under 21? Is there no way that you can go straight into doing an A2?

This is why I want to get my full licence asap, so that my two years will start ticking away.

I have a full car licence (acquired it in June) if this makes any difference at all (I saw it mentioned in another thread)?


So at the moment I'm thinking that I should take my CBT and buy a 125 geared bike. Whilst i'm improving my skills on this I should take the Theory Test and then the A2 test. Keep on this bike (or possibly upgrade to a larger bike?) until my two years is up.


What 125s would you recommend (I know you don't want to! But from reading around, most people on this site don't seem to start arguing)? I really care about looks in my bike, and don't mind as much about everything else.

[Ste]

Everyone has to do a CBT, it takes one day and costs about £90. Places will do a course with the A2 test after a couple of days road training so speak to your local training places and see what they can do

[ADMusker]

Do you have any links to websites with information on the A2 test?


From doing a bit of research, these are the sort of bikes that I like the look of:

HONDA LS 125
https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=106151443


Aprilia RS 125
https://i15.ebayimg.com/03/i/02/5c/e2/6f_1_b.JPG




There here are bikes that I don't like the look of:


HONDA XLR 125/200
https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=107033457


1998 SUZUKI RM125
https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=106151297


2004 GILERA COUGAR
https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=106998934




After seeing my style, are there any bikes that you would recommend (all of those above were judged on looks only)?

[Bendy]

Go and get your CBT done, you use the training school's bike so you don't even have to think about the bike bit before doing it.

The bike recommendation really depends on whether you intend to keep it for any length of time or not. If you fully intend to sit your test within a few months, there is certainly an advantage to buying a cheap, practical, boring and ugly 125 - you can pick up a CG125 for about £500 and you'll sell it for the same.

If you're going to stay on the 125 for a while and you like sports styling, look at the Honda NSR125 and the Aprilia RS125.

Of course, you could do an intensive course (and as you already drive, you'll find it easier) and just do CBT - few days training - test.

The DSA and DVLA sites will help you. As will the Search function on here.

[The Tot]

DO NOT GO FOR AN LS125!!! It is an import and i have heard that people have been trying hard, but failing to get insurance for it! The UK version would be the CBR125R. RS125 is a good first bike if your sportsbike orientated... just do a general search in this forum for the RS125 and you will see what it's like and how popular it is. I've ridden an NSR125 and i can say that it's a good bike too. Only problem is that both are 2 strokes and will require more maintenance than 4 stroke bikes. As Bendy rightly said, the search utility on this site will answer most of your questions in other related threads.
____________________
The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[ADMusker]

Thanks for your suggestions

I know that CC and BHP are different, but generally, what CC are 33BHP bikes?

I have read quite a few topics in here and they have also been very helpful. I have searched on the internet for info as well but it seems very hard to find. I searched for:

'A2 Bike Test'

on www.google.co.uk and this was the first site that came up

[The Tot]

bikes that produce 33bhp are:

1) derestricted 125 ccs (though the true rear wheel bhp is bound to be a few bhp less, as the power is measured at the crank (engine) and efficiency of the transmission of the power to the wheels via the chain would result in a lower rear wheel bhp figure)

2) 400cc bikes make just over 33bhp but can easily be restricted without sapping too much power. Aprilia pegaso 500 i think makes just about 33bhp (trail), honda CB1 400 makes around that.]

3) ANY BIKE WITH A 33bhp restrictor kit

NOTE https://www.fiinternational.com/ make restrictor kits for most bikes to restrict max power to 33bhp - thus theoretically making it legal to ride an R1 for instance, but other underlying factors would make this totally unusable and impractical, though i don't really want to delve into the theory and implications now.
____________________
The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[ADMusker]

Thanks for all of your help guys!

One last question, what do you think about Mito's?

[Ste]

[Craggles]

What sort of power would you expect a 250cc bike to produce?

Craig
____________________
If this signature is blue, you're riding too fast

[Ste]

Depends really on what bike it is, it could be from about 30bhp to nearing 70bhp so depends on the bike really.

[ts50x0]

when were talking 125s and 250s then the main thing you need to look at is if they are a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. And with the same amount of power that is produced from a 125 2 stroke and 250 4 stroke you have to thing that the 250s power will be a lot easier to use and handle and will also be a lot more reliable,

[iCraig]

If I was starting out again, I would do it the way I did i the first time.

I took a CBT on the training schools 125cc bike, and then 4 extra days also on the 125cc bike.
I then put in for my A2 test passed and bought a 500cc Bike and restricted it to 33BHP.

I went straight from a 50cc Scooter to a 500cc Bike, and I missed out the 125 ownership bit which I don't regret at all.

N.b. You will also need your theory test done before you can sit the practical.

[yambabe]

Bikes already 33BHP or less

Honda
Rebel 250
GB250
Steed 400
CB400
FT500
XL500S
XL500R
BROS400
GB400TT
NV400C
VRX400
MAGNA250
CB250RS
CB250NH
XLR250
XLR250Degree
XR250
Kawasaki
KE175-D
Z200-A
Estrella 250
KL250-C
Z250-A
Z250-B
Z250-C
EL250-D/F
KL250 D7
KLX250-G
Suzuki
Goose 350
DR350S
Intruder 400
DR250S
Desperado 400
DR400S
SP400
SP370
GS250T
GSX250E
GT200
GT250E
LS650F
SB200
LS400Savage
LS400Tempter
SX200
VS400
TS185ER
TS250ER
GN250
DR350SE
LS650P
Yamaha
DT175MX
RD200DX
RS200
SRV250
XS250SE
XS250
XT250
SRX250
Drag Star 400
SRX400
SR500
SR250
XV250
XT350
SDR200
TT250
Serow 225
SR400
SR500

Took this from batmotorcycles website, they also do restrictor kits and are worth a look at. The list is not definitive by any means, but it's useful....
____________________
Sod falling in love, I wanna fall in chocolate.

[ADMusker]

[iCraig]

[Wave2k]

have u seen the LS125 there extremly small, like much smaller than a cbr125,
id say closer to a MIDImoto, although they are fast (2-stroke)
there really small and lots of people with laugh at you
____________________
Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

[ADMusker]

Yeah I don't like the really small bikes.

At the moment I'm thinking CBT, buy a Cogiva Mito, take Theory Test, then A2, then practice for the two years, maybe upgrade the bike as well.

Do points on your car licence effect your bike insurance, and vice versa?

[swampy]

Yeps, points will effect the insurance no matter how you get them mate, and if you're new to biking with points on your licence, it might be better to start small i.e. 125cc and work your way up, else getting insurance on a bigger bike might be costly
____________________
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson

[ADMusker]

Thanks guys! I have just booked my CBT, it is for the 2nd of October.

I still have my Theory Test Revision CD from my Driving Theory Test, and it includes the Bike Theory Test, so I'm going to start revising right away! Just going to check my financial situation as well, then hopefully book my Theory Test today as well!

What is the best place to buy all of my protective equipment from?
Is it cheaper online? What are the best online shops?

[jrisch]

You may also find these two sites helpful https://www.motorcycle-rider-training.co.uk/motorcycle/main.html and https://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/.

[ADMusker]

Thanks John, those sites are pretty useful.

Sure Pass phoned me up this morning at 8am and said that there had been a cancellation, do I want to come down at 8:30am.....so.....I have now passed my CBT

I rode a Yamaha 125 geared bike.

They recommended that I take my A2 test, on their bike, then by myself a restricted 400.

Hmm, all these different opinions!

[jrisch]