First time biker

[fazer_kid86]

Hi all,

As the title suggests I’m a bit of a first time biker, so go easy on me. I’ve recently landed myself a new job where I have a 20 mile commute into London and the roads are congested to say the least. Therefore a car is out of the question, and I don’t like public transport much. So I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a bike. I have a full car license, which I’ve held for 12 years now, and before I passed my driving test I had a 49cc scooter.

Am I right in thinking that once I’ve done a CBT I can ride a 125 scooter with L plates?

Also, apart from the style what is the main difference between a scooter and a more sporty looking bike? Is it just a case of preference? All I want is something that will get me into the city quickly and cheaply. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Cheers,

Pete

[Fizzoid]

That's correct, you can ride a 125 scooter (or geared bike for that matter) with L plates, after completing the CBT

As for what to get, for commuting in London, personally, I'd have suggested a scooter, as you may need to be fairly agile in traffic, and there could be a lot of stop/starting, but others may disagree

[arry]

[Rogerborg]

As above. A scooter will make better use of its available meagre power without you tap-dancing up and down the gearbox looking for a perfect ratio that isn't there. For commuter practicality, you can't beat them.

However, I lasted one winter on my Burgman 400 (during which it did an excellent job) before sacking it off because, oh my allah, so dull. So dull.

It's really up to you. You'll likely be given the option of doing your CBT on either a twist-and-go (probably a 49cc moped) or a 125cc geared bike. If you fancy giving gears a go, take the opportunity.

Legally, it doesn't matter what you do the CBT on though. You can do it on a twisty-ped, then ride away on a geared 125 (technically if you were accompanied by a certified instructor, you could ride away on a Fireblade).
____________________
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

[fazer_kid86]

Thanks for the helpful replies. It looks like a scooter will be the way to go. I don't have to be too smart for work. My main concern is during the Winter months but I will probably invest in some sort of waterproof suit. I don't care what I look like as long as I'm dry.

As dull as commuting on a scooter may be it can't be much more dull than staring at the same rear numberplate in stop-go traffic for 2 or 3 hours a day.

Plus I can always get rid of it and buy a geared bike in the future, as I can't see myself wanting to sit in traffic gain after not doing it for a while. I suppose the next logical step is to book the CBT then.

[Val]

Welcome to the BCF

[Rogerborg]

[Derivative]

A tip for London is that there are often weird routes you can take that seem less direct but are better for filtering because the road's wider.

Sections of the North Circular are too narrow to get through, but on a bike you can use some of the bus lanes that go a bit more of a direct route, or roads without a central divider leaving you space to overtake.

Any bike will have enough power, at peak time you probably won't hit the limit of a 50cc moped anyway. Sporty 125's might be able to manage 70 instead of 60, but I've never had issues with my CBF125 on motorways.

Having said that I lasted about 2 months performing a 25 mile commute in before realising I'd rather spend 3 hours on redtube, so take that with a grain of salt.

[WD Forte]

I'll say twist and go scoot for city/heavy traffic riding too
(they also come in range of attractive colours!)
I get pissed off tap dancing on the gears when riding around Bristol at times and my lads twist and go Yamaha Majesty 125 was a hoot to run errands on and was frequently borrowed.
He now has a Street Triple, but recently picked up a Yiying Tommy 125 as a cheap shitter to hack about the town on and mate just got a Kymco Agility for similar reasons.
I musta caught the ghey cos now I'm kinda fancying one too.
____________________
bikers smell of wee

[Nobby the Bastard]

[grr666]

Pick one with 16" wheels.
Just got one of these for my mrs.
https://moto.zombdrive.com/images/yamaha-xenter-125-motogp-2014-1.jpg
Loathed as I am to admit it, it's quite a giggle to ride. Monoshock rear because racing scooter
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Derivative]

Oh, another thing from Miser Derivative on the virtue of using alternate routes.

You're not clear on the journey you are taking, so this probably won't be useful, but I used to take the A503 rather than the A406 to get from NE to West for example.

Since you actually go through town, it's easier to divert to a supermarket or shops or whatever and save yourself making a seperate journey later on. If I remember there's an aldi/lidl on the road at some point, useful if they have deals on gear or you need to top up the fridge.

You also get to go past Regent's Park and through the Holland Park area which is a bit more pleasant than the A406/A40 bit near Westfield.

I'm sure there are loads of other tricks if you sit down and look at maps for a bit or drag the little circle around on Google.

That said, the 20 limits that are cropping up everywhere are starting to nip that (which might well be the actual reason for them coming in).

Totally off topic too but it took me years to figure this one out (I'd always assumed they'd be mega money) - there are free underground car parks in The City with guards and space for 100+ bikes. Not sure if the guards are useful at all, mind.

[Andy_Pagin]

If you're only using it for London commuting a scooter is definitely the way to go. I did it for a year with no regrets. Scooters have decent weather protection and a surprising amount of load space, usually enough to chuck your helmet in instead of having to lug it with you to the office. I had a Yamaha Vity, hardly exciting but perfect for the job. Did 98mpg.

Don't forget about security, you'll need a decent chain/lock. Almost everyone including me will recommend an Almax chain/lock, but make sure it'll go through a scooters tiny wheels before buying.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Rogerborg]

I'd go Pragmasis, until Almax apologises for spamming BCF. NEVER FORGET.
____________________
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

[fazer_kid86]

Thanks so much to everyone for their input... lots to consider (and buy).
I've managed to get a CBT booked for next month so I'm sure I will be inthe market to buy some wheels shortly afterwards.

I don't think I've ever been part of a forum where people are so willing to help, so thanks again.

[Derivative]