new biker

charlieh777 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Sep 2015 Karma :

i passed my CBT second time. Riding a motorbike didn't come naturally to me at first so i decided to get an automatic scooter. Now after a few weeks of riding i feel much more confident and want to get a geared bike but i have no experience riding a geared bike. Should i just do a direct access course and then my tests or should i buy a 125cc learner bike ride that for a while and then go onto my direct access course with more experience? Also is it possible to learn to ride a geared bike by messing around on my drive way watching some videos about it etc or is a gear conversion course necessary?

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

It should be possible to learn gears yourself, but it might be better to drop a training school bike if you fumble it.

See if you can wrangle a quick go as a precursor to doing a training course with them.

Whatever you do, don't just plonk down £600 and say "Train me, mister," as you might get sent out on your scooter until they think you're ready.
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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

Val · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :

mauzo · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Jun 2015 Karma :

You haven't said how old you are, or (more importantly) if you have any experience driving a (manual) car.

If you do, then in principle you already understand how gears work, how a clutch works, when it's appropriate to change gear, and so on; all you need to learn is the new controls and the ways that bikes rev differently from cars. I would say that beyond a basic explanation of the controls you would probably be better off learning how to use them on your own. (Be careful, obviously, and don't go out on the road with other traffic until you're happy riding around a car park changing between first and second, and you're completely confident you can stop the bike safely when you need to.)

If you don't, you're much more likely to benefit from training, since the dance of throttle and brake and clutch and gear can take a bit of getting used to, especially at low speeds. (Of course, some people just pick it up straight away with no trouble; but that's not everyone.)
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'04 CG125, '07 CBF500

pja8 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Karma :

At 16 I got my Suzuki 50cc back in the 80's, got some insurance I think £15 at the time, borrowed by brothers helmet and went for a ride.

With in a short time of stalling and thinking 30mph was well fast, lol I was sorted on the gears front.

I think the cbt is a good idea but I also think we humans are capable of just getting on with it, so yes you can practice off road and learn just fine with in minutes even.

Changing gears on a motorbike is different but if you can do it on a push bike a 125cc for this issue should not challenge you. Any more than road craft in my opinion if you are used to cycling.
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Current - Triumph America LT Previous - Honda VT750S, Kymco Pulse S 125cc, Suzuki GS500e, Kawasaki KH100ex & Suzuki TS50er