Newbie seeking help and advice!

[Greenkat]

HELP! I am a total bike virgin. I have never even sat on one. However, I have decided that at the grand old age of 35 it's high time I took may DAS, and got myself a bike. I have lots of questions to ask and would appreciate any advice that can be offered to me.

First question I have is about the bike I should buy. I am fairly tall yet have quite short legs and arms so am concerned that some bikes will be entirely unsuitable. I am female and not sure if this again will make a difference as to what will suit and be comfortable.

Any kind of advice is welcome.

Look forward to hearing from people.
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Walk it like you talk it!

[kirsty]

Hi
I am also new to bikes and have just done my CBT and am having lessons to do my direct access.
I am 5'6 amd I have got a CG 125. They are a very good starter bike, they are offten used as learner bikes at training centers as they are easy to ride and cheap to run. For my next bike I am looking for a CB 500 as they are also a good reliable bike and very comfortable they are a sports tourer though with more upright bars rather than dropped ones . but if you like the look of a sports bike moe you would fit on a CBR 400 they are quite nice bikes it all depends on what you feel comfy on
XX kirsty XX

[CortezTheKill...]

As you're 35, you can do the DAS (Direct Access) where you learn on a 500 and take your test on a 500. If you pass you can ride any bike you want.

You'll need to do your CBT first (costs about 70 quid including bike hire), then your DAS and test (about 4-500 quid including bike hire).

As for a first bike, it depends on what you want. Look at SV650s, Fazers, Bandits etc.
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SV650 - TRASHED
ZX636R C6F - SOLD
Current number of wheels: 0 (not including a bicycle).

[tonshar]

Hi and welcome.

I would go and get your theory passed first and then look at doing a DAS course which includes your CBT and usually is 5 days with your test on the 6th day. I have just done the 5 days and doing my test Saturday which cost £500.

If all goes well and you pass then go and look at some bikes, sit on them and then the one you like ask for a test ride and decide from there. Good luck

Sharon
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CBT Passed, Theory Passed - Practical Passed 9/6/07
Suzuki Intruder C800 & Suzuki Bandit 650
I am a female biker

[BanditBitch]

or another way to do instead of going straight into DAS is.....

do your CBT first without booking DAS, this will help you decide if you like motorcycling....if you do, then get a 125 to ride around on, to gain confidence, get some miles under your belt etc and then do your DAS, when you feel ready(by this time you will probab ly only need 2/3 day DAS).

[tonshar]

Yes I agree that is another way to go but try not to ride round too long and get some bad habits as they are the hardest to change for the test.

Good luck whatever you decide to do
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CBT Passed, Theory Passed - Practical Passed 9/6/07
Suzuki Intruder C800 & Suzuki Bandit 650
I am a female biker

[Greenkat]

Thank you for the advice so far. Having held full car licence for 16 years now and managed to keep it clean (hahaha just never been caught more like) I am hoping that the actual mechanics of riding a bike will not be too difficult to command.

Must expand on the short legs thing....I am 5'7 tho have an inside leg of 27" which is fairly short so as I dont want to fall over every time I stop or need a running jump to get on the thing what bike would people advise for low seat height?
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Walk it like you talk it!

[gixasix]

Hello welcome to the forum!
Go and get the CBT before deciding to book up for the DAS that way you get a day learning the basics usually on a CG125 or similar
and you can see if you like it before spending loads on DAS.

When you go looking for your 1st bike try to go round a few dealers and have a seat on as many bikes as possible. Sometimes the one you might not have chosen has the perfect riding position for you when you actually sit on it then try to get a test ride before you decide. If the bike you like is slightly too high for you lowering the suspension slightly or having the seat narrowed could be an option to lose a couple of inches from the seat height.

Have a look at Suzuki GS500,Kawasaki ER5 and GPZ500, Honda CB500 CBF500 if you do DAS you'll probably learn on one of these anyway as the seating position,weight distribution,power and handling on these are perfect for a 1st big bike so they make great training bikes for DAS.

Honda VFR400 & CBR400 Suzuki GSXR400 or Yamaha FZR400 have low seats as well if you want something a bit sportier.

Good luck with CBT/DAS and whichever bike you decide on!

[Greenkat]

OK...made the decision today to go and buy a helmet. Went off to a fairly large store. Asked for assistance and was given a helmet to try. It was so big on me that when I moved my head it moved inside the helmet!! Even with the chin strap at its tightest I could lift the helmet a fair way up. I never had the 'hamster cheeks' that I have been told I should have and when I put my head down the helmet slipped forward.

I pointed all of these things out to the salesman who became quite stroppy with me and insisted it was the most suitable helmet for me and was the correct size. He then walked off and left me to it. Obviously I did not buy the helmet and left the store fairly quickly.

So guys, any suggestions as to decent bike shops in the West Midlands that would offer me a better service?
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Walk it like you talk it!

[LeeR]

You could try Hein Gericke they distribute: Arai, agv, X-lite, Nolan, HJC, RST, and Takai helmets. They have two stores "local" to you, one in Dudley and one in Birmingham. If you feel like measuring your head before hand they offer this advice: measure all the way around your forehead, just above the eyebrows and ears. Sizes are as follows: XXS(51/52cm), XS(53/54cm), S(55/56cm), M(57/58cm), L(59/60cm), XXL(61/62cm), XXXL(63/64cm). If you can go with a size in mind and then ask them to help you try it on, you should find a good fit.

I called into their Cheltenham store last saturday to try an X-lite on, mine's a large one! The helmet fitted well and the guy tried to pull it off my head and checked for rotation etc... unfortunately the helmet was too short for me and my chin protruded but I was happy with the fitting.

You may find you need to shop around, some sellers are just in it for the money others seem almost vocational in their desire to make sure you're properly equipped. Try and have some fun hunting
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My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[timjim]

as mentioned,try Hein Gericke or a reputable retailer for clothing info and advise..you may pay a little more,but youll get good service,proper advise and will svat time,money and probably your life in the long run.As for bike choises ,have a word with training schools and see if they do appraisals..its no use getting and booking a test if youve never sat on a bike before..find a bike that YOU feel comfortable and safe on.I hope the info is of use,welcome to the board,good luck and stay safe.Tim