Obligatory CBT passed and first solo ride done post :D

[jarvo1]

Hi all,

So I passed my CBT a couple of days ago and got out today on my bike for the first time. Probably needless to say to you all that I loved it!

I will admit It took me 2 attempts at getting my CBT due to nerves, a total lack of experience with motor vehicles and road use, 4 people to 1 instructor and a mix of scooters and bikes the first time. The first part all felt very rushed and I wasn't confident at all on the road so it was no surprise but oh well. I was disappointed as I usually pick things up quite quickly but I'd much rather be told to try again than be let loose when not ready (which I knew I wasn't).

2nd attempt with a different school was much better, only me and a guy returning to biking after 26 years. I felt much more comfortable with the instructor, the bike and the less rushed feel to the day and was given my certificate with a little advice but with no hesitation

So I was pretty nervous again getting on my bike today, spent 5-10 minutes riding up and down my road a few times, getting used to it before heading off down the road to get petrol, first time for that too! I'd intended to go back the way I came and off into a nearby housing estate to ride around for 30 mins or so as I wobbled off the garage forecourt but thought to myself "I wonder where this road goes to?" So I went left instead of right, took a few turns off of some thankfully fairly quiet roundabouts practising my osmpsl and very soon after found myself 15 miles away on a dual carriageway doing 70 and not feeling half as nervous as I had 20 minutes ago.
Something just seemed to click around then as I took a few more roundabouts, not knowing or caring where I was going but just enjoying riding around without kacking myself! I was having to think about controls less so could concentrate more on the road and what was going on around me. About an hour later I thought I should find out where I was and start heading home seeing as it was starting to get dark and drizzling when I happened upon a nice road with some gentle, sweeping turns that was a lot of fun before getting back on the main road that led back to my place.

Not the introductory ride I'd set out to do, probably not the most sensible and I know I still have a lot of learning to do but it was great fun! Can't wait to get out again now!

[Rogerborg]

Don't sweat the CBT, one day isn't long enough for genuine first timers. DVSA are essentially saying this now, but it'll take years to fix the perception that it's a one-day course.

On filling up, do watch out for over-filling. Fuel does expand or swirl around or do some crazy fluid dynamics thing where you can carefully add fuel up to the filler neck and then five seconds later its waterfalling down the tank.

Great job on enjoying the ride. It's ace and only gets better from here.

Epic fail on lack of pictures.
____________________
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

[Nexus Icon]

Good on you

If you think it's enjoyable riding now you wait until we're not experiencing the tail end of hurricane arsewipe, or whatever's causing this foul weather.


____________________
Greetings from Shitsville!

[Val]

Good job enjoy the ride

Be careful though with the speed, braking can be tricky on wet, also look for any road paint, mud, fuel, leaves or road cracks when braking.
____________________
Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[vysie]

Puctures are a must!
I remember passing my cbt the 1st time round on my 16th bday it rained it was horrible but i loved it. Got home then got out the 50cc and off i went didnt care about my bday all i cared about was riding.
Fast forward 17 years and im starting all over again.

Enjoy the bike enjoy riding watch out for the idiots in cars but most of all be safe
____________________
Every day is a learning curve

[joe.staffs]

Can't beat letting your bike take you wherever it wants to

[jarvo1]

Thanks guys! I haven't managed to take it out again yet with all the wind and rain (don't want to push it until I'm more used to it) but hopefully I'll be out riding around and exploring all day tomorrow
Oh I'll try to take a photo or two as well!

[Rogerborg]

[Silver_Fox]

Great news that you gave it another go after the first try. It sounds like you've got the bug already. As others have said, have fun, but ride very defensively and assume no one has seen you at junctions and roundabouts. Oh, and pics

[jarvo1]

[Rogerborg]

Just between you and me, I wussed out of riding yesterday as well. Rain is fine, but high winds can sod right off.
____________________
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

[Silver_Fox]

You big Jessie It reminds you you're alive

[jarvo1]

Lol, well after experiencing what even 20mph crosswinds do to a faired 125 today, I'm kinda glad I didn't go out in the 40-50mph gusts the last few days.
Another 30 miles under my belt today, I definitely easn't riding as well as the other day so came home a bit early.

Here's a pic of my bike anyway as promised

[img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/595/22556002809_2dd0e6a93e_b.jpg[/img]My CBR125 by Nick Jarvis, on Flickr

[Nexus Icon]

Pretty bike. Nice colour.
____________________
Greetings from Shitsville!

[Rogerborg]

That does look the business.
____________________
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

[bigdom86]

nice bike, when did they split the lights on the cbr125? i have a 2015 plate and it has the single light front which i dont like, i prefer the twin-light front like this one. i am keeping the cbr125 when i get my 600 so would like to know if i can modify it

[Rogerborg]

[bigdom86]

nope, keeping it as a back-up as I use my bike for work so cannot be without a working bike

[jarvo1]

I think it's '07-'11 for the twin front lights but don't quote me on that, basically whenever the real CBR's got a facelift. It definitely came about in '07 and I think the redesign was 2012. I think I read a post somewhere saying the 2 facia were compatible as I actually like the new single light design, again though don't quote me on that!

Looks the business yes, goes like the business.....not so much but plenty good enough for me at the moment! I'm starting to notice how tiny first gear is though lol.

I'm quite embarrassed to say I had her led down on her side today. Rode to work and took a rather large detour home, doing the 30mph speed limit with an idiot in a Golf GTi riding my rear wheel for a mile or so, just about to pull up to a mini-roundabout he decides to overtake me and cut in front and I (stupidly) grabbed at the front brake. I didn't skid but the approach was curved so the front wheel was slightly left and I lost balance enough to feel the bike pass the point that I could keep it upright
No damage to me or bike but had to apologise to the 3 cars behind me before hauling her back up and carrying on the last couple of miles.