Completely new to Bikes.

[Rocker86]

Hello all,

I've been browsing the forum here, it seems to be filled with some very helpful people so I figured I would make my own post here to ask for some advice like a lot of others seem to do!

Basically, I don't really know anything about bikes, other than they look awesome. I should do my research I know but I figured I would go ahead and ask some of you experts here first.

I'm 28 years old first off. I know I have to do a "CBT", which will allow me to ride a 125cc bike, do I need to have a provisional driving license in order to take my CBT?

Also are there any bikes that you guys would suggest I buy as a complete newbie. I'll probably go second hand or whatever until I know what I'm doing, but any recommendations on models or whatever would be greatly appreciated.

Also, this CBT, I'm assuming I'll need all the gear before going ahead with it?

Thanks in advance!

[pinkyfloyd]

You need the provisional license before you can do a CBT as it entails heading out onto the road.

A good starter bike is a Japanese 125cc, Yamaha YBR, Honda CG being among the best choices.

Gear to have before a CBT. Gloves and a Helmet.

You can wear a thick pair of jeans and a heavy jacket for a CBT. You will need some decent footwear, DM boots or the like if you havent got bike boots.

Best thing to do at your age is apply for the Get on scheme as they give you a free taster.

https://www.geton.co.uk/

Biking is not for everyone, no sense wasting money if you dont get on with the bike.
____________________
illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[sidewinder]

Hi
First thing is you need a provisional license to do your cbt.AS for bikes it depends what sort of style you like sports commuter trail cruiser etc.But the general rule is go japenese honda yamaha suzuki kawasaki.bikes like the yamaha ybr honda cbf are popular bikes to start of on.And at28 yrs old you can do your direct acces (das) whitch once done will allow you to ride any cc bike.costing approx is
Cbt £120
Theory test £35
Das course around £600


All the best sw

Edit pinky has already posted

[-Monty-]

Hi

I'm not saying I'm any expert either(I've only been a member of these forums a couple of days) but I'll try and help.

You will need a provisional driving licence to take your CBT. You don't HAVE to have all the gear. When I did my CBT I paid an extra £10 I think it was to use one of their bikes, helmet, jacket and gloves. Overall the CBT cost me £110.

I'm still only on a CBT myself at the moment so won't be a huge help in suggesting big bikes. Although I will say do not go for something expensive because you probably will crash or at least come off your first bike. I made the mistake of buying a brand new 125 scooter as my first "bike" and in the first year I've come off of it three times which has scratched it up good.

I've had a look at the Honda CB500 recently. You seem to be able to pick up a reasonable one for well under £1000 and I think they're relatively cheap to insure. But to find the bike you want you will just have to look around really; but as I said before, I wouldn't go for anything expensive until your more experienced - definately don't go for brand new.

Alex

Edit: two other people replied while I was typing.
____________________
Present: [Kawasaki ZX7r][Suzuki DRZ 400s]
Past: [Honda PCX 125] [Yamaha RXS 100] [Honda CB 500] [Triumph Speed Four] [Honda ST1100 Pan European - Po-Po Edition]

[Themightyimp]

I'm not saying the others are wrong.But a provisional driving licence isn't enough.Don't you need to make sure it has provisional bike on it aswell?

[superleeds76]

i didnt a provisional is a provisional covers learning to ride and learning to drive
____________________
do as i say not as i do!

[Themightyimp]

I'm maybe getting confused.As I had the old full car licence before photo card licence.I had to replace it before I could do DAS and CBT and the instructor made sure it was filled in to make sure provisional bike was on it.

[Rocker86]

Thank you all for the advice, it's really a massive help!

Also, this Direct access thing, the next step up from CBT, does that always cost around £600? or can you not just take the test for your motorbike license?

And that geton site that was linked is fantastic, thank you!

Thanks!

[pinkyfloyd]

Direct Access (DAS) is the short cut to big bike riding without restrictions. It costs so much because you have to do it with a trained instructor on a big bike. Most bikes used are around 500 - 600cc machines. So your paying for the hire of the bike, the insurance and the instructors time.

You can get yourself a 125cc bike and go through the test independently without lessons if you so wish. The only difference is you are restricted to a 33KW or lower machine for the first 2 years of the full license. Basically you can ride any bike you want after but it needs to be restricted.

The motorcycle test is in 3 parts and must be done in order after the CBT.

Theory test which is multi choice and then a hazard perception video session.

Mod 1 which is an off road test done in the DSA center. Basically shows them you can control your bike at slow speeds with 3 higher speed parts to it.

Mod 2 which is the on road part, takes around 45 minutes with the DSA examiner following behind you and giving you directions.
____________________
illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Rogerborg]

[UPDATE] Damn you, Pinky!

[ninja_butler]

[DrSnoosnoo]

I'm sure it's all been said previously but here's my story.

I had googled a motorbike training school near to my area and they offer the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).

I rang up explaining I wanted to do my DAS. I have a driving licence so this acts as a provisional motorbike licence.

Included in the DAS was CBT, Theory test fee, MOD1 and MOD2 test fees, I paid that up front.

For my CBT they provided everything, helmet gloves bike jacket and trousers if it's wet but I just took thick jeans and normal leather boots with me.

After the CBT I went away to do my Theory test and once that was complete I could begin training on the 500 cc machines. One day of training costs £100 (6 hours in my case). then away for the MOD1 test the same week.

Passed that now I've got MOD2 training next week, £100/day again and the test next week, a couple of days after the training.

I'll add that after my CBT I knew it was for me so I went out and bought myself my own gear, Helmet, jacket, boots, pants and gloves - all in it cost me around £220.

GOOD LUCK
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Rogerborg]

[Efes123]

One thing I've never seen mentioned on here is that not all 125s are equal. Some are only useful for the A1 (light) rather than the A2 (standard) test.

Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle)
A sub-category A1 motorcycle is a solo motorcycle between 75 and 125 cc.
They have a power output of no more than 11 kilowatts
If you pass your test on a motorcycle in this sub-category you can ride motorcycles up to 125 cc as a full licence holder.

Sub-category A2 (standard motorcycle)
A sub-category A2 motorcycle a solo motorcycle between 121 and 125 cc.
They must be capable of more than 62.5 mph (100 km/h)
If you pass your test on this sub-category of motorcycle you can ride motorcycles with a power output of no more than 25 kilowatts. That's the same as 33 brake horse power. This restriction will last for two years.
After two years the restriction will end automatically. You can then ride a motorcycle of any engine size and power output.

You can check out which bikes fit which category here:
https://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_197021.pdf
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Hokum]

OMG, if a Kymco Agility 125 is an A2 what are A1's powered by? Rubber bands?
____________________
Sane: To know when you are doing something crazy.

[Rocker86]

Thank you very much for all the replies, you've been so helpful!

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions at all on this bike...

https://www.learnerlegal.com/125cc-commuters/sukida-sk125-5-black-/prod_15.html?review=read

[Themightyimp]

[lihp]

[Rocker86]

[Matt B]