Newbie from Edinburgh

[Frodo]

Hey guys, names John, I'm from Edinburgh

Just been having a look at what's needed to do my test as I was 21 in January and fancy trying out bikes.

Looking to get my cbt booked in a few weeks once I'm back from my holiday and then look at getting a wee 125

Been having a look at a cbr 125 as I like how they look and after speaking to mates who ride bikes they agreed that they're nice and reliable learner bikes

Not wanting a 2 stroke so 4 strokes are a must for me

Any tips for doing my cbt or what other bikes I could look for?

Wanting ones cheaper to insure that still look half decent

[fatjames]

Are you planning on keeping it for long? You'll most likely want to upgrade within a few months to something bigger/faster etc.
Keep it cheap, aim for a YBR, or similar. You could happily set a budget of £1000-£1400 and get a decent 125 that's less than 4 years old. I started with a CBR, loved it. It looked new and was all shinny, however, after about a month I wanted more, and lost about £300 when I sold it.

With regards to the CBT. It's easy as long as you listen (carefully)to what the instructor says. It's quite straight forward. AM - slow speed round cones stuff. Lunch time - very basic highway code stuff. PM - out for a ride if they think your capable.

Good luck mate

[Rogerborg]

Hi John, that's a reasonable way of going about it. The CBR125 is about the most sensibly priced of the "sports" 125s. It's got just a bit more punch than a commuter bike, but still costs very little to run.

Just be aware that it's a small bike, you may be cramped if you're a big lad. Although based on your username, I'm guessing that might not be an issue?

The other consideration is that licensing laws are changing next January.

Up until then, at 21 you'll have the option to sit your tests on either:

1) A 125 bike like the CBR. This will get you an A license with a 2 year limit to 25kW, after which it upgrades automatically. You can book your tests yourself and sit on your own bike, no need to pay for any more training.

2) A bigger bike making 35KW+ (e.g. a 500cc+). This will get you an A license with no power limit. You generally go this route via a training school, paying an extra £500+ for the privilege depending on how fast you pick it up and pass the tests. The vast majority of people who are 21+ go this route, known as "DAS" aka the "big bike" test (I didn't, but I'm a statistical anomaly).

As of next January, that changes. If you haven't passed your tests by then, then your options will be:

1) Sit on a 125, get an A1 license to ride a 125, just without L plates. Never upgrades automatically. It's a joke license, essentially.

2) Sit on a 395cc+ 25-35kW bike, get a (new style) A2 license with a 35kW limit, which never upgrades automatically.

Then 2 years after you get your A2 license, or when you turn 24, you can sit the new A test (on a 595cc+ 40kW+ bike) and get a full unrestricted A license.

Whichever way you look at it, you'll pay more, wait longer, or get a more limited license, so I'd suggest that you focus on getting through your tests ASAP, whichever route you choose to go.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Frodo]

Thanks for the replies guys

I'd only keep the bike till i passed and i don't mind too much making a loss of a couple of hundred if it means i get to learn on the bike i want really

Yeah had a look at that direct access which i'd probably take, an old workmate of my mums does bike training as well so gonna get lessons off of her to help me learn quicker, highway code and stuff is easy as i drive anyway

Really gonna have to learn quick though, shouldn't be too bad as i should have a new job guaranteed at the end of this week which is around £500 more a month so makes paying for tests and buying gear a lot easier which will be nice

[FerretFing]

Hi & welcome to the forum John