Few simple questions :)

CraigofScotla... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Dec 2011 Karma :

Hi chaps.

Looking to sit intesive direct access with the next few months.

Just a few questions

As a 2nd vehicle for pleasure riding rather than commuting, would CBR 600F be silly powerful for a first bike?

I've fallen in love with them after seeing a few but unsure if it will hit me in insurance. Im 27 from Glasgow with 9 years car no claims (not that, that will count).

Main one, I read on another bike forum that a garage for a bike is a "must". Is this true? I dont have nor have access to a garage. If its required, for preservation reasons or insurance, would a lockable metal shed type hut suffice? One of those at the bottom of my driveway is dooable.

Looking forward to getting into the swing of things, I had started CBT and lessons a few years ago but got sidetracked due to work.

Thanks in advance,
Craig

anthony_r6 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Karma :

I'd not like to leave my bike out on the street overnight, keeping it out of sight is also a must. Depends one what kind of area you're in I guess. Get adequate security though.

If you feel you can handle the bike, then get it. You don't need to answer to anyone but yourself, as long as you're legal to ride it.
____________________
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

CraigofScotla... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Dec 2011 Karma :

I dont even know how this is in here and not the new riders section . . appologies for that. Too many windows open

appologies Embarassed

EDIT: Thanks Bendy for moving it Very Happy

My area is ok"ish", it is Glasgow . . .

I wouldnt intend to leave it in the street but perhaps a small shed at the bottom of my long driveway. I think/hope that would be enough.

bencav · Scooby Slapper Joined: 29 May 2010 Karma :

CraigofScotla... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Dec 2011 Karma :

Right next to Cambuslang, in Drumsagard. Right next to Newton station.

Had an email back and forth with a driving school, booking in for CBT in the next few weeks then week long direct acccess, hopefully Feb/March.

In time for the nicer weather Smile

bencav · Scooby Slapper Joined: 29 May 2010 Karma :

WillSwain95 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Karma :

a Shed would do. Metal obviously better than wood but get a lot of locks on the door haha. And the hindge screws or whatever make sure they're bolts instead cus i've had a crosser stolen by someone simply unscrewing the hindges and lifting the door off

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

CraigofScotla... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Dec 2011 Karma :

I meant Glasgow as in, knive crime and drugs, so my "ok" area is still a bit pikey Laughing

Im guessing this direct access lark is the easiest / cost effective way of doing things?

I couldnt see much of an advantage by staging it? am I right assuming that?

last daft question . . for courses / cbt do I need soft goods for it? if so, any of the Glasgwegians reccomend me a good shop to go try things on? If like anything, buying clothes / helmets online will be hit and miss till you know sizing etc.

On a side note a cars just done a 180 degree aquaplane into a barrier on the clydeside expressway, its quite interesting watching the police recover it.

snikks · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Karma :

Kwaks · I'm not a fast rider Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Karma :

always had my bikes in an unlocked shed, never had any problems or additional security. masybe the fact they would need to back it down a 4 foot ramp put them off lol

Sheds are ok for insurance round here, pity the weather isn't
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ninja_butler · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Oct 2011 Karma :

Unless you can find one secondhand, a lockable metal motorcycle shed costs £1000. It's an awful lot of money unless you are buying an expensive motorcycle.

Best bet is to ring all the motorcycle insurance companies (they are all rip-off merchants but start with Carole Nash) and ask them for quotes based on keeping your bike in the back garden - if you have one - secured with a ground anchor.

I would do a bit of work and put in a ground anchor (it's a messy job but once it's done you've got a solid point to lock your bike down) and buy a motorcycle shelter to put over the top of it. It'll keep out the rain and the ground anchor will secure your bike fairly well.

You can buy one like this for £100:

https://www.feelgooduk.net/39-178-large/motorbike-motorcycle-cover-bike-home-shelter-garage.jpg

I forgot to mention; check your local branch of B&Q to see if they are getting rid of ex-display plastic sheds. You would have to level the ground properly (use ballast and paving slabs) but if you've got the space ans some way to transport it you might find a plastic shed big enough for a motorcycle for as little as £100; they are normally around £250 but my local B&Q has gotten rid of several at knock-down prices.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Hi Craig, I'm in East Kilbride.

Which training school are you going for? I'd suggest BikeRite. If you're going with Harley's in East Kilbride, I'd suggest that you go in with your eyes open, and consider your options if you don't get a good instructor.

There's a friendly bike club in EK, Fool On, if you want to make some contacts.

Intensive DAS should be fine, just treat getting your license as the start of the learning process and don't stack the CBR on your first solo ride. Wink

For gear, Hein Gericke on Great Western Road is OK, the salesnobs aren't too pushy. J&S Accessories in Hamilton is also decent, and they probably have a larger range of gear. In both cases, check their online prices, they can be cheaper than the in-store stickers.
____________________
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

CraigofScotla... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Dec 2011 Karma :

Stack? Guessing you mean dropping it like a plonker and scraping it all up Laughing

It was route66 in Motherwell I was emailing. Only because they were the first that came up when googled Laughing

I'll give those chaps a bell and see whats what Thumbs Up

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I've heard good things about Route 66 as well. They were doing a capped price DAS course (a few years back) which my hesitant workmate got a lot of value from.

Regarding Harley's, I was out for a ride today and passed 4 bikes sitting at a roundabout just round the corner from their yard. 2 scooters, a 125 and a 500, all wearing bibs, all displaying L plates and all hesitating and all rubbernecking as though they were looking for something, or someone.

Hmmmmmm, is what I thought.
____________________
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