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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 11:02 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Yet another newbie...... Reply with quote

Morning ladies and gents,

Thought i best introduce myself, been a lurker for a week or so....

Anyways, as you can probably tell i'm Gaz, i live in stoke.

I've been around (both pillion and riding) bikes for all my life, my dads been a rider since he was 17, he's now an old git at 50! I used to have a couple of old school trials bikes when i was younger, a ty 250 and an rl 250, so i'm pretty used to riding in general, just not on the roads.

I recently decided it was time i got in on the road acton too, so booked my cbt for the coming sunday, 30th sept, and as it was payday last friday i went to my local clothing shop and spent a fortune on an armoured jacket, skid lid, boots and gloves. Have yet to buy my first bike, but have ideas of what i want, so far narrowed down to three.....gz 125, vl 125 or a ybr 125, all pretty similr on the insurance front, group 4 i think. Any advice on any of these??????

Also, do you guys have any tips or advice for me when doing my cbt at the weekend?????

Cheers Gaz.
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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Richtea
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 15 Nov 2011
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PostPosted: 11:09 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Re: Yet another newbie...... Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:

Anyways, as you can probably tell i'm Gaz, i live in stoke.


Ah...I see what you've done there!

Welcome mate,

If you have had some experience on bikes (and I guess you're now a car driver?) and some road experience, you should be fine on the CBT.

Generally the instruction is very good, and its not a pass or fail course, you just need to meet a standard. Just relax and take onboard the instructors comments and away you go.......

Good luck Thumbs Up
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2005 Honda Varadero 125xl > 2005 GS500F > 2007 DRZ400 SM > 600 Bandit & Yamaha YP250
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 11:17 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Re: Yet another newbie...... Reply with quote

[/quote]



If you have had some experience on bikes (and I guess you're now a car driver?) and some road experience, you should be fine on the CBT.


Good luck Thumbs Up[/quote]

Cheers mate, looking forwrd to it, although i am a bit nervous to boot......

As for cars.......well no, i did have a few lessons when i was 21 but ran out of funds in the end and had to give it up.
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 11:38 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome to the forum should be able get any questions answered on here, out of the three bikes you have mentioned I'd say YBR125 but others will come in with more information.

For the CBT personally if you are used to bikes from when you were younger then you shouldn't really have any problems. It's pretty basic if you have a push bike it might be worth while getting out there to get your balance.

Yeah the weather in stoke is quite bad at the moment but should help you.

EDIT: If your dad does have a bike at the moment then maybe going down to a carpark (tesco or B&Q meir park) aren't that bad at night to just get some balance sorted.
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A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet
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Matt-
World Chat Champion



Joined: 19 Jul 2012
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PostPosted: 11:50 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome buddy Smile

YBR would be a good option as its a good all around 125...

Just relax and enjoy the 6 hour, it's only training after all Thumbs Up

Matt
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Current Bike's - Road Legal TZR 125 Pitbike, Aprilia SR50R 2010
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DreadHead
Nova Slayer



Joined: 25 Jul 2012
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PostPosted: 12:08 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Another +1 for the YBR, not had many issues with mine that servicing it hasn't fixed (previous owner neglected it somewhat)

As for the CBT, try not to over think it, it just a training day.

Remember to breathe, and look where you want to go, not where you are - the bike will follow.

Above all, enjoy it.

Hope it goes well
____________________
CBT √ Passed, Theory √ Passed, Mod 1 √ Passed, Mod 2 √ Passed
Riding - '87 Kawasaki GPX750R (Rolling Restoration) and '06 YBR125.
Want - Triumph Speed Four or Street Triple
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 12:36 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

Cheers guys, positive comments very much appreciated.

To be honest, the three things that concern me are, the weather, not sure if i want it to be raining or not, but then i suppose if it rains on sunday, its a good starting block for being able to cope with various conditions, secondly, when i do get that certificate, my route to work means going onto the A50, albeit for only half a mile, its the 'getting on' bit that concerns me. At the moment, walking to work i go over the top of the 50 on a footbridge and can see the sliproad i'd have to take to join, its a busy road with a considerable amount of hgv's! Third and finally, and the one i'm bricking it about most, right handers...roundabouts especially, from somewhere i've developed a, not so much fear, but on those lines, of leaning a bike over to the right, it just doesn't seem natural........

Any advice will be greatly received.
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 13:40 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:
Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

Cheers guys, positive comments very much appreciated.

To be honest, the three things that concern me are, the weather, not sure if i want it to be raining or not, but then i suppose if it rains on sunday, its a good starting block for being able to cope with various conditions


Well thats the problem with this country it never sticks to the forecast and stoke is mainly rain anyway, so if it does rain on sunday then it can be just getting used to the normal weather.

stoke-gaz wrote:
secondly, when i do get that certificate, my route to work means going onto the A50, albeit for only half a mile, its the 'getting on' bit that concerns me. At the moment, walking to work i go over the top of the 50 on a footbridge and can see the sliproad i'd have to take to join, its a busy road with a considerable amount of hgv's!


Which part of the A50 are you worried about, personally I used to brick going over 50mph on the cbt (was on a lexmoto vixen so the maximum speed is 55 Laughing). Anyway you don't have to use the A50 straight away you can easily make it around stoke without using it.

There is only one junction I haven't yet used of that road and its the turn off for longton by the library, if you want a tip on how to get used to it slowly or how to gain the speed then try it at night, normally around 10-7am there is less traffic and you can get used to riding on it that is what I did anyway.

Apart from that the only tips that most people can give you is use your mirrors and shoulder check when you go down the slip road if there is a vehicle in the lane slow down. Normally they will move over for you also stay in the left hand lane as much as possible.

stoke-gaz wrote:
Third and finally, and the one i'm bricking it about most, right handers...roundabouts especially, from somewhere i've developed a, not so much fear, but on those lines, of leaning a bike over to the right, it just doesn't seem natural........

Any advice will be greatly received.


The leaning to the right is something you will have to do on the CBT during the figure of eight and the U turn don't worry as much about that at the moment. It's mainly look where you want to go and the bike will get you there. Weirdly enough if you focus on a line through a bend you will automatically adjust to the speed applying brake as needs be.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet
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cromwell
Traffic Copper



Joined: 07 May 2011
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PostPosted: 14:58 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Re: Yet another newbie...... Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:
Also, do you guys have any tips or advice for me when doing my cbt at the weekend?????

Cheers Gaz.


Enjoy it, hopefully the wether will brighten up for you.
YBR is a great first choice bike, I looked at the GZ also but chose the YBR as its ride height is higher giving you a better view of the road (very good when you're just starting out) and it was cheaper to pick up. Great bike, never seems to run out of fuel.

Are you looking to ride bikes in the long term, if so it might be an idea to look into going straight for your full license as the laws are getting crazy in Jan. (this does depend on your age too)

Oh and welcome Thumbs Up
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Current - Suzuki Bandit 600
Ex's - Yamaha YBR 125
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Alfie12
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 24 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 16:24 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good luck on your CBT. One thing that may put you off is the instructor talking to you. My partner said that the helmets you are given (if you dont take your own) have the handsfree speaker in so everyone can hear what he says but you cant talk back to him. If you pass you get your certificate on the same day.

My partner had a YBR for his CBT and he said it was a really comfy bike, he's quite slim built and has long legs. Thats presuming all test centres are the same around the country.
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 23:50 - 24 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

@ TheSmiler...

The bit of the A50 i need is heron cross roundabout down to trentham lakes turn off, like I said, only half mile or so, its either that or go the long way round through blurton and round to the bottom of Stanley Matthews Way, or go through stoke, down campbell road, the really long way!

As for the right handers, guess i'll just have to MTFU and get used to it Confused

Rain, well we do live in England after all......

My dad does have a bike at the moment, a 800 tiger, two problems though, he lives just outside Wrexham, and although i've sat on it, my legs are too short to touch the floor, hence why i was asking about the GZ/VL, nice low seat heights....

@Cromwell...

I don't think the new licence structure will affect me as i'm 28, please correct me if i'm wrong though. I'm definitely in biking for the long term though, dream bike....gotta be the old style 1200 bandit, my dad had one a few years ago, went on the back of it countless times and loved it!


Cheers for all the comments guys, Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

EDIT: Apologies for the late reply, only just got in from work.
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 08:41 - 25 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:
@ TheSmiler...

The bit of the A50 i need is heron cross roundabout down to trentham lakes turn off, like I said, only half mile or so, its either that or go the long way round through blurton and round to the bottom of Stanley Matthews Way, or go through stoke, down campbell road, the really long way!


Regarding the A50 junction, it may be best doing a dry run at night then again on a Sunday, normally less traffic on that road during that time so you should be fine. Make sure you are fully used to the bike though you don't want to end up stalling the bike. That is what I would do anyway, get the miles in it's not the bike that makes the rider its the amount of miles they cover.

stoke-gaz wrote:
As for the right handers, guess i'll just have to MTFU and get used to it Confused

Rain, well we do live in England after all......

My dad does have a bike at the moment, a 800 tiger, two problems though, he lives just outside Wrexham, and although i've sat on it, my legs are too short to touch the floor, hence why i was asking about the GZ/VL, nice low seat heights....


You will cover the right handers on your CBT like I said previously don't worry go enjoy it have fun, you will find they are easier than you think an yeah MTFU is the general term here.

Rain YUP that is where we are living so its just a normal day with rain, the severity is difference but that includes all weathers.

Which training centre are you going with Question

P.s The license change doesn't really affect you being 28 as you can easily take the unrestricted DAS when you want. Personally I'd ask some questions when you are there just to get ideas of pricing.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 11:22 - 25 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Think i'll be trying that one regarding the A50, seems the logical way to go about it, build up to going on when the trffic is about. Thumbs Up

I decided to go with bryans down by the football stadium, although not the cheapest, they seem to have the best reputation from the people i've spoken to locally, additionally to that after speaking both on the phone and in person to Kev (think thats corect), he made me feel at ease about a lot of things, which helped with my desicion.

Another question i've just thought of, as I already have boots, gloves, skid lid and jacket, would it be wise for me to go buy some armoured jeans aswell???

Cheers Gaz.
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 11:32 - 25 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:
Think i'll be trying that one regarding the A50, seems the logical way to go about it, build up to going on when the trffic is about. Thumbs Up

I decided to go with bryans down by the football stadium, although not the cheapest, they seem to have the best reputation from the people i've spoken to locally, additionally to that after speaking both on the phone and in person to Kev (think thats corect), he made me feel at ease about a lot of things, which helped with my desicion.

Another question i've just thought of, as I already have boots, gloves, skid lid and jacket, would it be wise for me to go buy some armoured jeans aswell???

Cheers Gaz.


Bryans is apparently really good I went with someone else but my friend went with them and has had continuous help even after he had finished his CBT.

Personally I would get some armoured jeans or Cordura trousers, came off today because of oil on a roundabout an my leather jeans have saved my legs. If you come off they can reduce the amount of visual and physical damage however nothing is going to stop a serious accident.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 11:46 - 25 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers for that Smiler, i certainly understand the importance of proper kit, my dad would NEVER let me on the back of his 900 trophy, 1200 bandit, bonne or tiger without lid, boots, leathers and gloves!

Think i'll have to talk to my mrs nicely, ask her to buy me the jeans.... These are the ones i'm looking at https://www.dhautos.co.uk/rst-alpha-2-motorcycle-armoured-jeans-2402-p.asp i would post a lilltle "clicky here" kind of link, but i'm not that technolocically minded Embarassed !

Cheers Gaz.


EDIT: Would it be wise to get a back plate to in my jacket, the pocket is there for it, just don't have one???
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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janner_10
World Chat Champion



Joined: 26 Sep 2011
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PostPosted: 12:27 - 25 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome!

https://mansharehan.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/webassets/.pond/45040_422023782107_666727107_5409926_6759293_n.jpg.w300h225.jpg
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 06:42 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

stoke-gaz wrote:
Cheers for that Smiler, i certainly understand the importance of proper kit, my dad would NEVER let me on the back of his 900 trophy, 1200 bandit, bonne or tiger without lid, boots, leathers and gloves!

Think i'll have to talk to my mrs nicely, ask her to buy me the jeans.... These are the ones i'm looking at https://www.dhautos.co.uk/rst-alpha-2-motorcycle-armoured-jeans-2402-p.asp i would post a lilltle "clicky here" kind of link, but i'm not that technolocically minded Embarassed !

Cheers Gaz.


EDIT: Would it be wise to get a back plate to in my jacket, the pocket is there for it, just don't have one???


They seem pretty good I've got some RST kevlar jeans and they have stood up quite well, bad against the weather. Depending on how they are when you are riding then you might need a waterproof jacket + trouser combination (can easily be had from ebay).

Regarding the jacket if you purchased it from the shop these are normally provided free, however if they just didn't have one you may be best searching for the CE approved armor for that particular jacket. Always have mine in on my 125.
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 01:04 - 27 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

TheSmiler wrote:

They seem pretty good I've got some RST kevlar jeans and they have stood up quite well, bad against the weather. Depending on how they are when you are riding then you might need a waterproof jacket + trouser combination (can easily be had from ebay).

Regarding the jacket if you purchased it from the shop these are normally provided free, however if they just didn't have one you may be best searching for the CE approved armor for that particular jacket. Always have mine in on my 125.


Cheers for that mate, the blurb i've read about the jeans/jacket suggests they are both waterproof, guess i'll find that out if it rains on sunday!

Back to the back plate, my jacket didn't come with one, it did however come with shoulder and forearm/elbow protection. I'm off down castle again on saturday though to pick up some armoured jeans, so will ask about the plate then.

thanks again mate, VERY much appreciate your input.

Gaz
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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stoke-gaz
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 19 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 01:06 - 27 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote

janner_10 wrote:


And a cuppa to boot, winner, cheers for the welcome mate. Thumbs Up
____________________
Gaz.
Ex: GZ125HS, Current: Yamaha xv535 virago, Suzuki GSF600.
CBT: passed 30/09/2012 Theory: passed 02/02/2013 MOD 1: 27/03/2013 MOD 2: 18/04/2013.......CAT A LICENCE IS MINE!!!!
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