Couple of questions from a newbie.

Marcepan · L Plate Warrior Joined: 11 Feb 2014 Karma :

Since it is my first post here I'd like say hello to everyone! Smile

To the business now:

Recently I got really feed up taking a bus to university and work (up to 6 trips a day!) as it simply is taking too much time and have to pay for this 'pleasure' £50/month. I figured then getting 125cc bike could be a good idea.

So I have couple of questions about that matter:

I own Provisional Driving Licence (got it with idea of driving a car), can I ride a bike legally on it?
https://photosofcards.thesevenmediagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dlprov-back.jpg
I hope I can since one of the categories at the back indicates bikes.

I'm not planning to stick to the 125cc for too long, I would probably move to something stronger after 6-12 months. Is it good idea to get Chinese bike in this situation? My budget is not huge, maximum I could pay for the machine is £700-800.

What do you think about this for example?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/lexmoto-vixen125-125cc-offers/1047524435

The last aspect I need help with is clothes, how much I have to spend (roughly) on the kit? I saw new helmets for £49, would like to get new gloves as well. Not really sure about rest of the stuff?

And lastly, as you probably noticed I live in Aberdeen. How much of an issue will be frequent rainy weather? I'm thinking about riding in the rain as well as parking the bike at driveway (no access to garage unfortunately). How much does 'bike cover' cost?

Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance! Wink

twistedlemon · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 09 Feb 2013 Karma :

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

Whatever you do don't buy a second hand helmet. Thirty quid is seriously bargain basement! I'd look to double that. The best lid is the one that fits best. If possible go for one with a pinlock visor, pinlock is like double glazing, it stops the visor misting up.

Bike cover? Good idea, but no substitute for weekly cleaning and oiling. Bikes are higher maintenance than cars, beware.

Other kit, roughly sixty quid per item - boots, overtrousers, jacket, twenty to forty quid for golves.

Don't forget security, a decent chain and lock is expensive, but cheaper than dealing with a nicked bike. The wise money buys Almax, the rest keep a bus pass handy.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Too drunk, didn't read, except:

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

As said above. You need a CBT to be able to ride a bike legally on the roads.

What you have said is you plan to move onto a more powerful bike in 6-12 months. That would depend on how old you are. If you are under 19 then you are stuck on a 125cc bike even after you pass your test.

At 19 you can do your test on a bigger bike to gain an A2 licence which is for smaller powered bikes or some bigger bikes that can be restricted. Its a minefield of what can and cant be restricted. A 600cc bandit can be, an R6 cant be. A NC700 Honda doesnt need to be.... gets really confusing.

At 24 you can go straight in and do DAS on a full powered bike for an A licence.

But you cannot ride anything more than a 125cc without passing Theory test, mod 1 and mod 2.
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-Matt- · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Apr 2013 Karma :

Hi and welcome Thumbs Up

Would need to get a CBT sorted out but its quick n' easy.

Personally i'd go for a more used/relaible jap bike on that budget, especially if you're going to sell it in the next year or two - no amount of good care will hold the value of a chinese bike vs a good jap one I would expect.

In terms of gear, particulary being in Aberdeen as a new rider, i'd get some good textile gear [cheap stuff tends to leak]/leathers with a waterproof over-suit.

Marcepan · L Plate Warrior Joined: 11 Feb 2014 Karma :

Hello again guys, had a little break from idea of having first motorcycle but I'm back since I'm getting paid tomorrow!

Thanks for all your replies, plenty of useful knowledge for me. Also, I'm aware of CBT needing done, I've even found a place in Aberdeen for that. I should add I'm not afraid of dealing with potential mechanical issues (unless it's an engine replacement!) since my father is a mechanic and could always get his help.

For now I'm trying to find as many offers as possible, unfortunately not many fit in my budget. Just missed Suzuki En125 for £500-550 in good condition Sad

How much do you think bike like this one is worth? It looks very nice, but I'm not really ready to pay £1000 which is the price I think it will go to.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-KAWASAKI-BN-125-A8-SILVER-/161228545913?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2589f85f79#viTabs_0