help for new biker

[milby86]

I have drove a car for years and I am now wanting a motorbike. Work and money have stopped me from doing this in the past. I am wondering if anyone can advise me on the best motorbike to start with.

[Tungtvann]

Get your CBT done first before you start a shopping list.

[Efes123]

^^^ This.
Start thinking about:

what's your budget
what are you going to use it for
what size bike
what type of bike

____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Ribenapigeon]

Do you have a budget? if not then a rough guide would be....

£100 CBT
£30 Theory test
£16 Module 1
£75 Module 2
£200 to around £500 to do a direct access course (known ad DAS), this should include Mod 1 and 2 fees.

bikes seem to run in the £500 for knackered old CG that will get you a bit of practice through the £1500 for a decent second hand CG YBR etc to over £4000 for something flash like a new Yammy WR or a KTM Duke.

Insurance, say £1000 TPFT if your a teen to £200 fully comp if your geriatric.

Gear, £200 would defo get you the whole kit, helmet, boots, jacket, gloves and trousers.

Security £100+ for a decent chain and disc lock. £50 for a cheapo GPS tracker off Amazon.com to £400 for a top notch GPS tracker with security service.

All in about £2000 at the cheapest. However you dont have to lay the money out all in one go. Also a 125 is cheap to run, £16 tax and easily 90mpg+ and easy to service yourself.

Of course somebody will always claim they can get all that for a tenner and packet of crisps but what they dont tell you is all the blow jobs they have to give someone on ebay.

Hope that helps and welcome.

[SteveZZR]

£500 should get a fairly decent CG really.


I'd second the above, do your CBT first make sure you're definitely wanting a bike before you go and buy one.

Depending what protection you want, cost of your gear will vary.

Go on 2wheeljunkie.co.uk they've got a load of deals on gear and lids.
Most say minimum of helmet,gloves, jacket but ideally you want trousers and boots too.


Depending on your age and the money you have to spend either
A) CBT and ride a 125 around for experience and do DAS
B) as above but do the 125 test to make your CBT permanent
C) DAS without buying your own bike

[daverave999]

Echoing others, do your CBT before you buy a bike, or even try one of the GetOn taster sessions before that to see if biking is for you.

Nothing stopping you window shopping, but after your CBT you'll have more of an idea what you're after. Also, if you're over 24 you may consider Direct Access the way to go. This means learning and passing tests on a bigger bike and getting the full licence (for any bike). Whilst many recommend getting a 125cc machine to pootle about on for a bit only on CBT, many don't!

I'm one who suggests getting training to ensure you don't get into bad habits, and if you're paying for lessons you might as well get the full licence. Nothing says you have to go and buy something insanely powerful once you pass (in fact, probably best not to )

How old are you, what do you intend to use the bike for, etc?
____________________
2007 Versys 650 2001 Yamaha XJ600S Diversion
HT: Imagine a bike......A bike designed by way of crude polls, assembled by cretins using the finest hammers that Lidl had on offer.

[groovylee]

Working on the Theory that you are over 24, then you can do what I did:

GET ON session if you want a free taster to see if you fancy it.

CBT

Theory test

Might as well get a lid at this point, or before your CBT, but up to you.

Direct access course, including both mod test fees and hire of bike.

Buy some gear - depending on budget, eBay is awesome for cheap decent gear, of course if you have loads of money, feel free to splash the cash on some shiny new gear

(I already had a bike). Buy a bike. Not necessarily a mental one, but you will probably get bored if you get something too sedate. I had a honda revere 600 commuter shaft drive bike for a year. It did me well. Then I bought a GPshed 500, and I am still loving it for its chuckability, but I would like some more powaaaah........


Oh, and try not to grin too much, but it will be hard not to
____________________
Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6

Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R

[iMark]

[milby86]

I have done my CBT, Mods and all of that. I also have experience on a motorbike but that was a few years ago. My budget is a few grand.

I bought a car at 18 and had no idea. It was a lemon and it ended up costing me a fortune to keep it running. I want a motorbike that won't end up being sold for scrap after a few months. I want to know what to look for and what are the best bikes to look at.

I am 26 (a geriatric) and I really just want a motorbike. I have wanted one for years and I can afford one at last. Probably be used mainly for travel and work.

[tbourner]

You've got a full A licence?

In that case do you want a naked? Racer? Cruiser?

I'm looking at the classic first big bikes like Fazers, Hornets, Bandits etc. All recommended to new bikers usually.
____________________
Trev, now a biker?
Looking for first big bike.

[Ribenapigeon]