Newbie advice? (Please give generously!) :o)

[Petrichor]

Hello! I'm sure you're all tired of newbie questions - just in case someone's looking for reasons to procrastinate.

I haven't got any personal contact I could ask for tailored advice. I'd be really grateful for more experienced opinions (minus the commercial interest) on a few purchases I am considering.

I apologise for asking so many questions. Any advice for any question would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

ME

I am in my late 30s, female, pre-CBT, zero experience (except some very passionate pillioning a few years ago). I'll be using the bike for a 20-minute town commute, plus as many scenic-route trips as I can fit into a hectic work schedule. Doing my CBT in two weeks.

Key priorities for purchases: 1) safety, 2) style, and 3) affordability (cheaper end of the good quality spectrum).

HELMET

I'd really love this one, mainly for the integrated bluetooth, but doesn't seem to be anti-fog (seems important):

https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/origine-vento-20-comp-bluetooth-helmet/3737

Does it look safe to you? Would you get it? If not, maybe this?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/85355

I wear permanent glasses. I am hoping I can put my helmet on, then my glasses, then put the visor down. (Lame, I know.) Would it work well that way?

Would you order a helmet online (and return if it doesn't fit), or would you absolutely want to try it on first?

JACKET

I'm prepared to get wet every so often rather than compromise on my idea of style , so definitely leather (which also seems more protective).

Would love this, though eye-wateriningly expensive:

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/114084

Does it look a safe/ sensible choice to you?

Or this?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/107248

TROUSERS

Any good?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/32645

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/38903

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/88325

GLOVES

Again, would prefer leather, good protection, but not too much bulk and not too expensive. Am thinking something like:

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/73543

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/72209

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/107828

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/16271

BOOTS

Is it just me, or do all motorcycle boots look really ugly? Can I get away with not buying any special ones and using something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martens-Womens-Felice-Lace-Boots/dp/B0073ZBJ2I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sh_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0MYP7EC907K06QH3CEQW

If not, maybe these?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/112837

Or, hmm, these?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/182669

MOTORCYCLE

Oh, yes! I knew something was missing!

Will be restricted to a 125cc. Would you recommend the Yamaha YBR? I'd be tempted to buy new and keep it for two years or so. Am afraid of buying a 'pig in a poke' if used. Any thoughts?

ONLINE STORES

Are there any online stores you'd recommend, with lots of good quality, not too expensive choice and good delivery service?

Apologies, once again, for asking so many questions!

Many thanks indeed for any help you can offer!

P

[Teflon-Mike]

Sorry, I'm not going to even look at your suggested purchases.
I'm going to say read this instead:- Tell me more about CBT?
Explains CBT and walks you through what is needed before during and... well, maybe a bit after.
Usual advice is; DONT buy anything you dont HAVE to before you do your CBT. You may not like it, and its all a waste of money.
I do, in that blurb give advice on what you might like to consider getting ahead of CBT, but, dont recomend spending much money, and some stuff you can treat almost as disposeable, 'starter' kit you can upgrade later as you go along, if you carry on beyond.
Lastly, DONT shop on line.
Very easy, especially for newb, full of enthusiasm still with cash in thier pocket to go buy loads of stuff from thier arm chair, that doesn't fit, doesn't work or is completely unnecessary.
Get out into the real world and touch stuff.
Especially crash helmets; the 'safety' they offer depends on being a good fit, the impact absorbing foam a nice even snug fit around ALL of your head, which you just cant tell from a cm dimension measured just around your forhead, let alone an arbitary 'small, medium or large, size index!
They are all different shapes, they are all different styles, you wont have a clue what they feel like on your head, how heavy or well balenced they are, or how well venting works for your face shape, or how much field of view they offer UNLESS you pop one on your head and try it.
But for now, kurb a bit of enthusiasm, enjoy not having anything more dramatic to worry about, and dont go looking for stuff to stress over... once you have done your CBT there will be plenty enough to fret and worry about, save it for the stuff that matters... like whether that dozy old duffer is going to pull out of that side turn on you!
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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?'

[Nexus Icon]

Welcome to the forum

I'll kick things off re. a helmet. Absolutely go and try plenty on, preferably at a store that knows what they are doing and is willing to help you find one that fits properly.

Fit is everything. All helmets sold in the UK are tested to an adequate safety rating so you need to buy on how well it fits you rather than price, etc. it's a bit of a trick to try loads on, find the one you like, then buy it online cheaper but plenty do that. Sometimes it's nice to reward the guy who's helped you out, rather than some anonymous online retailer, but equally some stores take the piss with pricing.

As for your specs, there's really no other way to do it than what you suggest unless you buy a flip front helmet. They tend to be heavier, noisier at speed and arguably more likely to fail in an accident though.

A YBR is a solid choice for a first bike. That or the Honda CG/CBF are the accepted go-to first bikes but the CG is getting on a bit now and the CBF is showing some worrying quality issues. Stick to the Yamaha and you won't go far wrong. Feel free to ask for experiences of other 125 machines that take your fancy though.

Clothing quality generally increases the more you spend, much like non motorcycle gear, so buying nearly new off eBay is often better than buying new but cheaper gear from a store.

HTH
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[Doovy]

Welcome

I'd be tempted to say do the CBT first and make sure it's definitely for you before you start spending big bucks.

Also - book an appointment with your optician to try contact lenses. It's worth it. I never ride in glasses, I'm always in contacts.

I would suggest a used (mid 2000's) YBR for a first bike as a good choice. New is very expensive and you're bound to have a knock or two. Lots of depreciation.
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Yamaha RXS 100 > Honda CD 250 > Honda Hornet 600 > Honda CBR 600RR > Yamaha RXS 100 > Kawasaki ZX6R J2 > Yamaha FZ1

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

I didn't buy jack shit til after me cbt. And even then I went total pikey. Well I was only on a 125 so didn't need owt posh. When it was really wet and shitty I just wore me old wellies (without blue tooth capability). Lid was £40 iirc. Gloves tenner-ish (were ace actually - warm, grippy and waterproof, best I've had and I've since spent a fair chunk more than that). Did spend £60 on a spada macna jacket though, which has been ace.

Btw don't - i.e. DON'T - buy a new 125. Not unless your kate middleton or someone like that. Other wise you might as well just wipe your arse on fifties for a few weeks.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Doovy]

[Matt B]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

Dude that was so not an essay by TM's standards. Probably not even anyone's. But more pertinently, why bother clicking the links when the point being made is *not* to buy anything?!?!?
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Polarbear]

Helmets - some come with cutouts for glasses. My HJC FS-11 does and it's fine with glasses. So much so I only put in contacts when going on a long distance.

As said go to a shop, try some on and have it fitted properly.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Rogerborg]

I apologise for whatever Mike wrote. Welcome aboard and congratulations on deciding to 'ave some. Biking is just ace.

[Petrichor]

Hello, everyone!

Thank you so much for the very helpful & informative replies, humour, irony and warm welcome!

Yes, my intention is to buy everything after the CBT, but I imagine the opportunities for personalised advice will be limited during such a busy day (as will the number of web links I can show the instructors for their opinions).

I'm trying to get as much information as I can before I commit to anything, and you are helping very much! Thank you all!

P.S. Duvet - I, erm, *know* it is for me. ;o)

[WD Forte]

I'm in the 'do the CBT before spending' camp
I think most of them supply helmets for the day?

If, as the days ending, you cant wait to get off
that hideous wobbly deathtrap, biking may not be for you

If, despite a few wobbles and stalls ( quite normal at first)
it puts a daft grin on yer face and you want more
then you can think about investing in kit.
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bikers smell of wee

[Doovy]

[wr6133]

I clicked through a few of your links and you are looking at some really pricey kit. I appreciate (from what my wife spends) decent womens gear can be costly but I'd say if you are just starting out and not entirely sure of things look at spending less initially (unless you are stinking rich in which case go nuts... and do you need a toy boy?).

I'll try to give my opinion on each of your headings (and this is just my opinion).

Helmet - They all pass the same standard, so broadly offer the same protection in their category. The very expensive ones offer more features rather than masses more protection. That said I own 2 open face lids that are legal but largely wear a novelty plastic lid that offers as much protection as a ham sandwich on my head so you may choose to ignore me here.

Even I though wouldn't buy a lid online unless it was one I had tried on first. Comfort is vital more important than features. Different brands are different shapes you may find one brand feels awful while another feels great. A badly fitting lid with Bluetooth is going to be more hazardous and annoying than a well fitted one without Bluetooth.

My wife wears glasses under an open face lid that has a small visor, she has no issues. Contact lenses on the other hand are a nightmare for her as the wind dries them out quickly.

Jacket

If you are getting 1 jacket only I would get textile. You say you don't mind getting wet but 20 minutes of wind chill wearing a soaked lump of heavy leather is pretty horrible and you will smell like a dead cow all day in work. There are plenty of decent looking womens textile jackets cut to the female shape, my mrs currently has this as her textile https://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/ixon-diva-star-ladies-motorcycle-jacket-black-white/ she keeps her leather for good weather.

Trousers

Same advice as jacket. Textile if only getting one pair, same reasons cold and heavy when wet and smell like a dead cow all day. Kevlar jeans can be good if you want style (draggin and hornee make properly female shaped ones) and can be covered with waterproof overtrousers in rain. Textile and Leather offer more protection than Kevlar jeans though but aren't so practical once you get off and walk around.

Gloves

2 Pairs lightish leather for Summer and waterproof for other 364 wet days we get. Try to find a store so you see what you are comfortable with. You don't need to spend 90 quid though on a pair.

Boots

My Mrs mostly wears Ugg's or heeled boots..... fashion over safety
.

A pair of sturdy surplus boots are fine at the cheap end. At the pricey end there are the power ranger style boots or the cruiser/touring type stuff. There is a company that does heeled and stacked womens biker boots that look fairly normal (ish) but they cost a lot and the name escapes me.

Motorcycle

YBR sounds fine. I'd say this though do your CBT before you commit. You may come from the CBT and think "I want my full licence to hell with 125's".

Online stores

Ghost bikes, mega motorcycle store, get geared, lids direct, (some) ebay sellers. Really though try to find a bricks and mortar store especially as this is your first load of gear you want to try stuff on see what suits. You can always try it on in a store then go order the same thing cheaper online.

[andy_uk]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Petrichor]

Many thanks, everyone, for your kind and helpful replies! I am getting wiser and wiser by the post!

[Petrichor]

[Rogerborg]

The scent of rain on dry roads might be described as tragomάschalos, or "armpits smelling like a billy-goat", as the oil rises to the surface and it's slippy-slidey-time.
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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

[Petrichor]

[hellkat]

So anyway, if you are still here ...

Some "passionate pillioning" is *not* the same as riding your own bike. Its certainly a good start, but being on the front is a whole different cup of rooibos chai, my dear.

The CBT peeps nag on about wearing the correct safety gear.
But if you go to the CBT wearing an old bomber jacket, jeans, trainers and a helmet you borrowed from your nan, nobody is going to turn you away. I still ride like that today, nearly fifteen years later (that's not to say its the right thing to do, just that you *can*). Take their safety lectures and finger-wagging on board, and purchase later.

Do the CBT, pass it (it took me two goes ... they wouldnt even let me out on the road the first time I went along ) and then get the things that you want, when you can afford.

Perhaps you can afford it all now, but there's nothing wrong with making do (provided you are less about style than practicality) with wet feet or leaky trousers (you've not lived until you've felt the cold rain seeping between your labia halfway through a ride).

If you buy all brand new stuff, and then fall off in your first six weeks out on the road, and never want to get back on a bike again (I did, broke my thumb within 18 months of CBT, nearly gave up), then at least its not all wasted money.

As pointed out, don't buy it all on the internet. Go into the shops, make the most of being able to perve on the fit young men, chat them up and find out what where and how they wear what they do, and how they ride. Spend time earwigging on some old guys at the Ace Caffe who might turn out to be Vincent Owners Club members, cos even if they bang on about pre-greased sprocket tensioners (or whatever) for an hour, occasionally something filters out of their nostalgic wittering that you can use.

Get out there, woman.
Ride.
Don't ask on here. Ask out there!

PS the patented hellkat anti-fog technique = just ride with the visor open
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Tamsin]

For the record, my ex described me as the "worst pillion passenger, in the history of the world, ever!" and after 2 rides refused to let me back on her bike. That would have been late '08/early '09 and it really put me off the idea of motorcycles for a while.

Recently though I have come back to the idea and got myself going - in fact I pick up my first bike tomorrow, its a £700 cg125 and at that price I'll be absolutely gutted if I bin it but really its no great loss - I'm adverse to new vehicles anyway but the idea of having something brand spanking as a first vehicle of that class scares me a bit.

Anyway, just because I was an awful pillion rider doesn't make me a terrible rider - taking the controls is an entirely different kettle of fish really and you may find that its not for you...

I do agree with the others though try stuff on and get a feel for it, dont trust the interwebs....

Not sure I can give you any real advice or food for thought though...

Oh, and welcome to the insane asylum that is Bcf

[Doovy]

[Tamsin]

Aaah, didnt realise that was her

[hellkat]

I bet she's lurking, looking to see what we've responded to her post.
Its an almost irresistable side-effect of flouncing.
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.