Novice Biker seeking Help!

[GLove]

yo dudes, and dudettes,

basically I passed my Cbt a little over a week ago now and looking for some guidance on what to do next, mainly what bike to get my hands on as a first bike 125cc
Done a tiny bit of research (honestly not a lot) but I gather 'Don't go chinese' and stick with main manufacturers?
Anyway I found a couple of Cbr 125 Rw-9' on Gumtree website (I wasn't sure if I could post the link here due to forum rules..?) but would this be a good first Bike? priced at £2,100, any questions like the current mileage I can answer I think, if you ask...
Please go easy on me I am very much a noob right now in the world of bikes

I also understand the law is changing next year within getting a full motorbike licence, which I was hoping to do if my current joy towards riding doesn't fade out, if someone can tell me about it clearly and in-depth I'd appreciate that too

Errrm I'm sure I've got more questions on insurance and road tax etc because I'm not so good at always understanding things to do with rules and regulations; rebel at heart... but yes I appreciate any replies to this thread in advance and if you want me to answer anything that will help you answer me - fire away!

Thanks, Blake

[matto]

Whether the license changes effect you depends on how old you are, if you're over 24 then there isn't a huge change.

Regarding the CBR it's a nice bike, but very expensive for a beginners bike and also not ideal for taking your tests on if you do need to hurry them before the January changes... also it would be a lot of money to spend if you do get your test done before January as you would no doubt want a bigger bike then

[Andrew122]

Yeah, not sure I'd be going for the CBR. It'll cost a little more to insure, for starters. Can't go wrong with a YBR or CG. And definitely avoid chink at this stage, especially if you don't have much mechanical prowess.
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Restricted licence: 11th May 2012
Daelim Roadwin 125 (Sold) --> Bikeless!

[banditjohn]

I would go for a cheap 125 and get the experience and use a training school bike for your test, that way once you've got your test out of the way you can get a bigger bike if you decide to go that way.
John

[Rogerborg]

[angryjonny]

You should be able to get a reasonable recentish Japanese 125 commuter for somewhere in the region of £1000, ride it until you're fit to take a test, pass the test and then sell it on for somewhere in the region of £1000 (though bear in mind that bike prices are, to some extent, seasonal).

You'll get more Yamaha than Honda for your money but either should do you. Condition is more important than manufacturer as long as you stay Japanese.

As things stand there is really no reason to ride a 125 unless it's got L plates on it. If you're under 21 do as Roger says, get your restricted licence and benefit from your auto-upgrade in 2 years. If you're between 21 and 24 do your DAS now to avoid a wait of several years.

When I learned, my 2k budget bought me my DAS course, a set of reasonable gear and my first big bike. Seems silly to blow it all on a CBR125 now doesn't it.

[RichieZX6R]

As said if your planning to do your test soon i would recommend a cheaper bike that wont lose any money when you come to sell it on. Look for CG's, CB125's, YBR's etc. Low cost, low insurance and if you happen to drop it no expensive panel repairs
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Current: Kawazaki ZX6R 51
Past: Kawazaki ZX6R 96 - Honda CBR 600F4 05 - Dragstar 125 02 - Honda CB 400 SF 94 - Honda NSR 125 51 - Gilera Runner XV125 04

[ThoughtContro...]

If you really wanted a CBR I wouldn't spend that much. I'd go for an older one, probably 04-06 with low miles, but still in good nick. They are out there available for little more than a YBR. It will cost a lot more to repair if you drop it or throw it down the road tho. It's cheaper to let someone else christen it

Have a good sit on one first, as they are a tiny bike. I do fine at 6ft and 33" inside leg as far as comfort goes, tho I get told it looks a bit ridiculous.

That "next year" you're on about is less than 4 months away. If you really want to get in before the rules change then you'll really need to get your skates on. If you're above 24 and can afford a DAS, then it's no biggie, as you'll get better value buying a bigger bike. Just don't take multiple attempts to pass, as with bike hire costs as well as the test itself, it soon adds up.
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Prize cunt
--
"In a world of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act" - George Orwell

[Rogerborg]

...remembering that big bike get you far more bike for the money.
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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

[thepuma]

I'm a bit biased but you really cannot go wrong with a YBR. It's a cracking little bike and just perfect for learning on. I was similar to you when I did my cbt and immediately wanted a CBR, I even went to the Honda showroom and 'almost' bought a new one for £3k....but looking back now, I'm so so glad I took peoples advice on here and got myself a year old YBR for just £1500.


It means that when I pass my mod2 I can sell it (pretty much for what I paid) and will have the money to buy a decent first big bike, rather than losing a grand in depreciation on the CBR.


The choice is yours though, if you've set your heart on one and you don't mind losing a big chunk in depreciation, then go for it, you only live once.
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[Ribenapigeon]

Welcome. You don't have ask people to go easy on you this is the most supportive and untrolled forums i've ever contributed to. No body minds any questions no matter how daft.

My experience is I was really unsure of my ability to get skils quickly enough to pass tests by DAS so I opted to use a 125 for a year before stressing over tests. I treated myself to a new Yamaha WR125X as I wanted a reliable daily ride for my job and with a good japenese brand I will always be able to trade it up or sell it on easily. My bike was £500 down payment and £120 per month over three years.

My plan now i've been riding for five months is to get my tests done by the end of the year, get a second hand 250 sports style bike for the weekends and keep my WR125X for work (its that damn good) and when the WR is paid off my 33bhp restriction will be up and then sell the 250 and put money down on somehting like a new R6 or CBR600.

Suffice to say my plan developed over the last five months. When I started I just wanted to be on a bike

[GLove]

Wow wow all great replies already so many, thanks so much everyone!

And so, the law changes January, in four months-ish; which alas I honestly don't see myself getting done by then (I am 21 years old by the way)

Also I realise the particular Cbr 125 Rw-9 may be at a steep price then; So if I could maybe get some more direct advice on what is a sensible first Bike, (obviously there is a lot of personal preference and taste involved perhaps, but not to worry - throw all recommendations at me I'll take them on board)!
I'm much wanting to probably stay on a 125cc for a fair amount of time because I just want to get used to riding..

Once again thanks so much for each and all of your replies!!

Blake

[thepuma]

Mate you have PLENTY of time to pass...there is still 4 months left.

I took my cbt right at the end of July having NEVER been on a bike before....and now just seven weeks later I've done my theory,mod1 and got my Mod2 next week.....not saying ill pass, but just pointing out that you can easily go from nothing to passing your test in 2 months...(and with no lessons)..you just have to put your mind to it, put the time in and get cracking with booking tests etc.

Best of luck whichever way you do it.
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[angryjonny]

[dungbug]

[GLove]

Ok Ok, Gracias for the replies, and you know what I'm convinced; hopefully I can get my head around how exactly to move on to get my full licence and move onto the bigger Bikes because really I want to be able to go on the motorway; but I am still a little confused as to what do I do Now though. The only one time I've rode a bike was on that CBT day and I believe I Just made the cut that day. Do I buy a cheap 125cc still? I'm just a tiny bit confuzzled on my next step...

Honestly the replies mean a lot, I'm not getting this kind of advice anywhere else, I appreciate it a lot

Blake

[angryjonny]

[thepuma]

It's still easily possible time wise on a 125.

But you need to act sharpish.

You've done CBT so that's that out the way.

TODAY,you need to book your theory..do it NOW cos dilly dallying with that is going to hold you back.

This week get sourcing a nice little 125. I got a 16 month old YBR, absolutely perfect for learning on.....by the weekend you should be looking to purchase one.Look on Bike Trader,Ebay , Gumtree etc etc.

Then start riding EVERYWHERE you can, whenever you can. Start looking at YouTube videos of how to pass your mod 1. Get some mini cones and practice in a vacant car park...practice LOTS.

Then as soon as you've passed your theory (should be about 10 day waiting list roughly) IMMEDIATELY get online and book your Mod1 (you can't do this now as you have to have passed the theory test) - the waiting list could be 4 weeks, depending on centre, which means you will have had 4 or 5 weeks practice by the end of October and your mod1 exam.

Then when you pass, IMMEDIATELY book your mod2...you may have to wait 4 weeks but if my local centre is anything to go by,there are cancellations almost daily!...but worst case scenario you will have your Mod2 by end of November.....by which time you'll have had 2 months experience on the road, the confidence of passing mod1 and safe in the knowledge that IF you fail first time you'll still have 6 or 7 weeks to get a coupleof retakes should you need them.

Other than taking your eye off the ball and dilly dallying, there's absolutely no reason why you can't pass in 4 months. But every day that goes by where you haven't booked the theory or bought a bike, is precious time wasted.

You need to act...and quickly.
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[angryjonny]

[thepuma]

Just to add...going the DAS route is a hell of a lot more expensive, even more so if you fail one or both of the tests and have to retake them and have to pay again for hiring the bike. BUT its 'probably' a safer bet to get it done quicker and obviously with expert tuition.

Doing it yourself on a 125 will cost you a third of what the DAS costs, BUT you will be restricted for 2 years and without one on one tuition you 'may' be more likely to fail an exam.

If you have the funds and money isn't an issue then do the DAS route, if not then get a bike, get your theory booked and get your ass out on the road and swot up on YouTube. There's some really good advice there.

Good luck
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[blito]

Only advice I would give at this stage is to go and have a think at what you think you want from biking and act accordingly.
If you just want a 125 'cos its cheaper than trying to afford the insurance on a car then get a 125. No shame in riding with L-plates! Probably best not to get a CBR though - you will drop your first bike ( we all did the same you know ) and all that plastic will be expensive to replace! Don't worry too much about your test if you don't want to do that just yet as you can do a fresh CBT when the current one expires.
If you are serious about biking and would like to ride something bigger then think about getting yourself on an intensive course asap and get through the test before the new rules come in.
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2012 Zontes Monster

[GLove]

dam dudes it's really cool to see/ have this much help and advice!

I'm slightly confused as to module 1 and module 2, is that a different thing to a DAS??

Also I'm now wondering if I go for this and start it all ASAP but it goes through to next year what will happen; and I also gathered that a YBR is a great first bike so I'm probably going to get one

Book a theory today - get a YBR or something similar by the weekend - pass theory and book a module 1, lets say I pass first time - book a module 2 = badda bing badda boom? Do I have that right? (How much road experience would I have on that YBR by the time my module 1 comes along would you say?

Sorry if I repeat myself or have repeated any of your posts, bear with me please, and Once again thank you kindly for the replies!!

Blake

edit - How do I book theory? Hahah

edit edit - I've found a yamaha YBR 125 on gumtree priced at £1,200....

edit edit edit - I've also found a Honda CBR 125cc Repsol RS6 for £990 on gumtree (which to me looks a little more sexy then the YBR heheh)

[Teflon-Mike]

How do I get a Licence? - for standard advice.

Right 21, want a 125, looking longer term tiddling, dont think possible to get licence in 4-months before new licence laws.

Ok lets start with the last bit. 4-Months... it's tight, granted, but far from impossible. Intensive DAS courses, often get people a Full licence inside a week. No reason that it cant be done inside remaining time.

DAS vs 125 ing..... DAS is not necesserily a course. Its rules that let you test on a 'big-bike' and fast track the 2-year 33bhp restriction.

You DONT have to do a course to 'Do-DAS', you certainly dont have to do an intensive all in a week course. BUT often most convenient expedience.

Tests? Are the SAME whether you test on a sub 120cc lightweight, a 125, or a 'big-bike'. Only difference is the licence you get for doing it.

Test on a sub 120cc lightweight, you get a 125 only licence. Never upgrades, never lets you ride anything bigger or more powerful than a 125 Learner-Legal, but you dont have to repeat CBT every two years, display L-Plates and can carry a pillion. As such few bother with it. Those that do, usually only want twist and go scooters, and also get auto-only endorsement.

Test on a 125, meeting DSA test req's, you get a Full Bike licence with 2-year 33bhp power restriction. Wait two years, that restrioction expires you can ride what you like.

Test on a big-bike under DAS, if over 21, you get the full bike licence without restriction straight away.

Three parts to the test, with CBT as a prequalifier;

Theory Hazard you need first of all, and you have to check the box to book MOTORCYCLE Theory/Hazard, car exam dont count for bike licence or vica versa. Self book, this is £31

Mod 1 Practical: Off Road Round the cones, treat top loop as a roundabout, swerve and stop from 30... and dont fall off, jobs a good'n. Self book Costs £15.50

Mod 2 Practical, On Road, followed by Examiner.... round the houses down the lanes, can you find your way back. Dont fall off, dont break any laws, dont kill any-one on route, jobs a good'n! Self book Costs £75.

Theory/Haz you dont need a bike for. Turn up treat it as a computer game.

Mod 1 & Mod 2... HAVE to be taken on the same CLASS of bike.

Other than that, exactly the same excersises, exactly the same pass/fail criteria, exactly the same prices.

Make sense?

Right... Getting there... they been waiting for me to use my mantra... so I wont... just to catch them out!

I STRONGLY advocate starting out on a 125 and getting road miles under your belt, BACKED with weekly ish lessons. Doing ALL your training in one 'Chunk' via crash course... its often a lot to take in, and so much crammed... often wot stick or make much sense. Might get you a licence, but and particularly from a DAS course, wont do MUCH to prepare you well for later riding, and get the basics 'nailed'.

125's tend to be quite demanding to ride; light weight they dont have a huge amount of stability, so if you wobble, they wobble with you, they wont damp any of it out, make it easy or flatter your riding making you think you are better than you are.... BUT get good balence and machine control on a 125.... its a key foundation skill mastered and anything else is going to be a doddle. Likewise the limited power, wont make it so forgiving or easy to ride, you will have to plan your riding think hard and work hard to get the most out of limited power, speed and performance, which again, will encourage you to up your game, and get good, laying down foundation skills to put you in good stead for future riding.

And, byte sized lessons.... takes stuff in digestable chunk at a time, and riding between times on your own bike.... means you ent paying an instructor just to use thier bike, or fullfil legal requirement of supervision for you to be on a big bike, JUST to watch you practice. You can go away and practice as much as you like, pretty much for petrol pennies, till you have stuff mastered.....

AND that unsupervised self practice.... likely to get more experience, encounter more diverse situations and conditions, that may inform your training, AND you wont be getting all the false confidence of having an 'expert' in your ear-peace to pick up on any little mistake, or tell you when you are doing it right.

Do an intensive DAS course... can get you a licence in a week... but its expensive... and you may not get much more for your money, most of what you were tought being how to pass the tests, not necesserily how to apply fine basic machine control and balence..... or deal with a wide range of road conditions.... and can leave you at the end, either thinking that having past the tests theres nothing else to it... to learn stuff the hard way in the school of hard knocks, potentially on a VERY learner-unfreindly machine.... OR the other way... bereft of that guiding voice in an ear-peace, thinking "Theres got to me more to it than this! I dont know what I'm doing" trying to figure it out for yourself in the school of hard knocks, pottentially on a very learner-unfreindly machine!

I REALLY dont like intensive DAS courses....

BUT, four months..... last year? Easy-Duz was in your shoes. CBT in his pocket, looking for a bike, fretting he only had sixteen months to get a licence... you have sixteen weeks! He did it in twelve!

Its STILL do-Able to get a licence the DIY way from where you are, but its tight, and with test waits stretching out, getting tighter.

Now, advocating riding 125's as learner tools.... I often say, even if you WANT to test under DAS... spend some time on a 125 first.

You reckon you WANT to spend some time on a 125..... but you'd like as not be stuffed by 3rd directive changes.....

So.. variation on the recipe...... Go get the 125 you want..... that CBR? Its a tad expensive, and its not the most efficient learner bike out ther, but it ENT bad.... and if you can afford it, why not.

You are within £200 of a brand new YBR, but you'd loose more in depreciation wheeling it out the show-room.

There are cheaper bikes, but, AT THE MOMENT, theres a lot of people chasing them trying to get thier licences 'done'.... so it can be a tough call.

Time is of the essence, so, if you like the look of teh CBR, and are happy enough with the price... what the heck. its a bike, and it'll do the job, and its not a rediculousely daft choice.

Get it taxed & insured and go get some miles and see what training is available... and SEE if you can book a sort of 'stretched' semi-DAS course.

Perhaps two lessons a week on your 125, to get things moving, but give you chance to get up to speed.... then when you are ready a conversion lesson on a DAS bike to see if you get on with it.... after three or four lessons, or your instructor thinks you are 'about' test ready.

Then book tests. Give SOME lead time between the Mod 1 & Mod 2 incase you fail mod 1, so you have time to re-book... BUT get the booking in ASAP.

Then, some more intensive training for Mod 1, then weekly lessons till Mod 2....

And with little application, full, unrestricted licence, in under eight weeks.

THEN you can ride out your insurance on the 125, getting your early riding experience post licence, doing it on a freindly learner bike, thats still reasonably cheap and ecconomical.

Its a FULL licence, not a BIG-Bike licence.. you cant ride a big bike ona provisional, but you CAN ride a 125 on a Full Licence....

So, having done a bit of mix and match to get it... you can do your real learning at your own rate, after securing the licence.... and progress, IF you want to bigger bikes, WHEN you want...

Theres no rush..... in fact rushing? Quick was to get hurt on a bike
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[angryjonny]

[dungbug]