Preparation and Kit for my CBT

[2wheelwanker]

Hi All,

Newbie to the forum and wanted to get some advice, specifically from anyone who has done their CBT in the past year.

I've got mine booked in 3 weeks now and have been told I need to get my own gloves and helmet, however, no shops are open at the moment for fitting etc so I am wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on ordering one online? How much I should be paying etc

I've read that helmets can vary in fitting depending on brands so I am worried if I order one and it's loose. Gloves are not a major concern but any tips would be appreciated.

And finally, any useful advice for me in preparation for my CBT.

Thank you in advance.

[Easy-X]

On a bit of a sticky wicket at the moment, you have my sympathies. All I can suggest is finding an online retailer with a robust returns policy. If you have the funds order a few helmets and send back the ones that don't fit.

Do you have any friends who'd let you try out their gear? Obviously people cagey about such things given the current situation.

Gloves are gloves... just get something that you like the look of for your first pair. Most sites will have measuring guides to give a rough idea of sizing.

No boots? This for a scooter or a bike?
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Skudd]

Surely the school you are learning with can provide the gear if they are providing the bike? That's the norm. Unless you are on your own bike, but you wont be able to ride it to the CBT test.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Keithy]

‘Own gloves and helmet’ - does that mean they are providing a jacket, trousers and boots?

A part of CBT is explaining how to check your helmet fits, why you need a proper jacket and protection and why trainers are not for riding a motorcycle. It seems a bit after the fact in this case. I know COVID blah blah blah but how hard is it to have a few helmets and a tin of disinfectant spray?!

Are there any alternatives nearby?

Helmets are very individual, nowhere nearby letting you try stuff on? TBF you could order 3 sizes and find that none of them are any use to you as it may be too loose, tight on the chin etc.

[to v or not to v]

i recently picked up a helmet for £30 from halfords. easy enough to return/replace if your not happy. im well pleased at what i got for the price.
i also got a leather jacket from amazon. a Bikers Gear, The Rocker motorcycle jacket. its made in Australia, is comfortable to wear, seems to be very well made, and comes with a removable lining and armor.
best of all is the price. depending on your size, from around £55.
excellent value in my book

[2wheelwanker]

Hi All,

Thank you for the replies.

I've been searching and still cannot find any shops which are still open for me to go into and try on. I wish I had mates who were into bikes, as that would help me massively but that's out of the question.

The training centre have said they will not provide a helmet or gloves due to COVID and have not mentioned anything about whether I'd get a jacket and boots etc. I'll get on the phone to them and ask if this is provided or not.

I'm doing the Manual CBT as I'd like to start off with a Yamaha YBR 125 or a Honda CBF125 and then gradually get into the higher range. Having said that, I wouldn't mind a Vespa after I've passed.

The main purpose of the bike will be to commute into work but I still need to sell my car so at the moment, I want to spend minimal money on gear etc.

In the first instance, I may check our Halfrauds for some helmet and gloves as I don't mind buying cheap stuff for the test and then buying the proper stuff in the summer when I hopefully start properly and when shops are open again.

[NJD]

I doubt very highly you'll find a training school that will allow multi-pupil-use of their pre-covid "borrowed" gear, and if you do I'd be questioning their approach to covid secure measures. Its all a bit bananas, but best to be healthy.

Likewise you wont find (not legally, at least) a motorbike outlet currently open as non-essential retail is closed.

To avoid the to-and-fro you'll want a measuring tape (the soft type used by suit tailors etc). Sportsbikeshop is the best place to order things that you might have to send back, but you'll need a printer to print the returns label onto the box (and then find a certain courier shop nearby to take it to).

Everything but helmets can be purchased un-seen in the hope they'll fit, but helmets are very specific (shape and size). No one size fits all, or brand. You may find one you like the look of but find that it isn't suitable to you. Depends how generic or oddly shaped your head is. One that sits just above your eye brows and doesn't move freely from your head when un-tightened and pushed around (rocked back and forwards, and side to side) is a sign of a good fit.

RST is a balance between affordable gear with an average life expectancy based on past experience.

I'd get an el-cheapo jacket, trousers and boots for now because riding around without gear is beyond me (feels weird IMO). Attempting to shift in trainers (ie boots that don't have a shift panel stitched onto the toe area) is also annoying.

Scan sportsbikeshop and see what you come up with.

For a quick spin (two hours or so) on the C.B.T around local roads with probably 40-50 mph roads (doubt you'd be taken above that for a first time) longevity and quality don't really matter.

I've got a crappy pair of textile trousers & jacket in 32 waist / 42 chest (UK) if you're close to that, and some gloves in size large (RST winter-ish) I'm looking to sell anyway. Jacket / Trouser are Frank Thomas and have dire armour (thin material, probably not overly waterproof and poor O.E.M protectors). Let me know if of any use.
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[Ste]

I'd expect most people wear jeans when doing their CBT.

If wanting a 'shared' helmet you could buy a second hand one.

Same with gloves or you could buy cheapish new ones in size medium or large.

[Skudd]

Basics would be a Halfords lid and gloves, warm coat jeans and waterproof leggings anf sturdy boots from B&Q.
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[spongefinger]

Hi,

I did my CBT year before covid struck. I bought a helmet and jacket cheap off Facebook sales, and wore jeans and sturdy walking boots. Once I passed I sold the cheap stuff on and got some new stuff. I guess the issue would be if you would be happy to buy second hand at the moment.

As for he CBT it's a training day so listen and have fun and relax ! There were 7 of us on my day and we had a pretty fun day.

Oh and good luck.

[A100man]

Welcome and congrats on the username - you should fit in.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Keithy]

If you are still hunting for a lid then m and p in Swansea have an LS2 breaker on offer at £53.60 according to this weeks MCN.