New biker. Cambridge/Essex.

[Olliejc]

Hi All,

Well - I managed to get through my Theory, CBT, MOD1 & MOD2 in about a month and now have a full unrestricted licence as of last Tuesday! (Got some good tips from BCF)

I don't know if any of you felt this, but I have a weird feeling that luck was on my side on my test days - I still don't feel very confident in my biking at all. I don't know anything about cornering etc & I've really just got the skills to pass the tests. It was great news passing but when I heard the words' I'm happy to say you have passed' my first tought was '...uh..really?!'

Hopefully once I get a bike and spend more time riding I will become more comfortable and confident. MT 07 is what I'm looking out for. I'm planning to spend a lot of time travelling around Europe staying in hostels and exploring - I know, an MT07 probaly isn't the best bike for it but with a decent front screen and bags I should be alright if I pack light.

Anyway, I'm Ollie, 24 & live near Cambridge. BCF looks great and I'm looking forward to being part of a forum community again!

[Snop Doog]

Welcome to the forum Ollie

As you said, once you get a bike and spend more time riding, you will get more comfortable and confident. The fact that you got your all of your qualifications within a month says something, I mean, if it was me that'd definitely boost my confidence (to an extent) haha. Once you get your bike, find a quiet area to practice cornering (and all other things that you don't feel confident with). You'll be fine.

[Rogerborg]

Nice one, well done.

MT-07 looks good, but it doesn't actually fellate you as you ride, and there are some teething troubles with the fuelling. You'll be lucky to get one, and it won't be at a discount.

So compare a £5350 MT-07 without ABS against (e.g.) a £4700 SVF-650 with ABS and all the problems ironed out. It's not a no-brainer decision.
____________________
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

[Val]

Congrats and welcome to the forum Ollie

Test ride few bikes before you buy. If you want to travel Honda VFR800 is good option too.
____________________
Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[BrownTrousers]

Congrats and welcome.

I Also passed my tests recently and had a similar feeling so don't worry too much. Just get as much experience as you can but take it easy for a while (especially in winter weather). I feel much more confident 5,000 miles later.

I also live near Cambridge so maybe I'll see you out and about!
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors - add your name to the register
Ducati Multistrada 950 | Triumph Tiger 800 XR | Honda CBR500R | Yamaha YBR 125 Custom

[BrownTrousers]

[Doomsnite]

Welcome. Im in herts so not too far away if any rideouts should occur.

I'd suggest getting a cheap bike if youre still trying to find out what you want. The learning really starts when youre out on your own and only really find out what you want or need in a bike until you start using one. Could be an expensive mistake going new on a naked and finding you want faired. Get a cheap naked and see how you get in and could chop it in later as a deposit on something new you know you want.

Ive always preferred naked and thats what ive got but any long distances i think i want more protection. Gonna test that theory out next year on a trip to scotland with the wife's dad!
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Triumph Street Triple-R
Sold: Honda Hornet CB600F-Y / Yamaha YBR125

[MC]

I think the entire MT range has fueling issues

Naked bikes on the motorway are... interesting... when it's so windy you feel like your heads gonna be blown off.

I probably wouldn't go new either for your first bike. Every scratch you put on it pains you a little, maybe not if its an SV *goading Rogerborg*, but still it could be an expensive decision, particularly at this time of year.

A pal got a 2001 CBR600F for the same sort of job (touring europe etc.) and loves it. He paid a stupid amount from a dealer but there are plenty around.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[arry]

[Clanger]

Hello and welcome.
If you wish to see what other locals are doing, best get yourself registered with the SE Section https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewforum.php?f=34


____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Olliejc]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

[thx1138]

y u no get dirt bike?

10% of the countries byways are in Cambridgeshire

[Rogerborg]

[Musketeer]

[MC]

[Clanger]