I really really need some help with my test and bike!

[nerspal]

Right, basically I am 17 years old with a year, nearly 2 years no claim bonus on my insurance. (18 in march) Ive had 2 50cc automatic mopeds. One blew up, I got a new one and that got robbed. I'm trying to get my drivers licence but i've been thinking ( as I have no transport what so ever) I could spend 300-400 on a crappy little 50cc moped and pay 200-300 insurance which makes it 700+ taking a cbt again which is 800 nearly a £1000 which is just impossible for me to justify spending that much money when I don't earn much and I want to get on the road in a car ( biking forum i know i know ).

However I have always loved the prospect of having a bigger bike and I'm aware I can have a 125cc geared currently on my 6 months of cbt left but i have been thinking about getting a standard licence ?

I have absolutely no idea what do to basically. I went on cam rider website and there was a 3 course introduction DAS - 199.99


Additionally 4 - 5 - 6 session courses 150 + 35 theory. As I'm aware of at 17 before January 2013 i can ride up to 33hp bike for 2 years then without renewing I can ride anything i want, great!

I'm fed up of plodding along at 28mph and spending £1500 on a 50cc hairdryer then I could be looking at something with a lot more power for less. The only problem is...


I have no idea how to use gears on a bike or have ever used them before.

So my questions are

What is the test I need to take? Do i need to do my cbt again? Pricing, length and any additional info about the test would be absolutely amazing.

Learning gears? What shall i do?

And what are the cheapest bikes ( you get what you pay for I know.. ) preferably above 125cc that is 33hp or under that I can buy and insure. I wanted to just take my test buy a big bike and go but obviously I don't want to become too optimistic and naive.

I would just like a bike for a year or so that i can get out of town, literally anywhere I want to go, faster, safer and save up for a car in the mean time.

Thank you so much if anybody decides to help me.

[arry]

Hi

a) You don't need to do your CBT again, it doesn't differentiate between twist and go and geared bikes, so you're perfectly legal to pick up a 125 geared bike now, insure it and go.
b) With regards to actually learning how to use the gears - well, frankly, that's what you'd be paying for tuition for if you were going for a course to take your licence test. If not, then buying a 125 (a YBR would get a recommendation from most), insuring it and going out on that to practice would be the best bet outside of proper tuition.

[Turkish]

Is it your intention to sell the bike when you get your car license? If so, I'd be tempted to just ride the 125 on Ls.

If you do go the full license route, you need to get your skates on really.
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ZX-6R G2
CBR125R RW6

[bikertomm]

Learning gears is a piece of piss mate, took me about 15 mins with my mates bike learning what the fuck a biting point was, then on my CBT it was all explained and it just happened..

You'll be fine.
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[J.M.]

As above, you can ride a 125 on your current CBT.

As for gears, you can learn them by yourself with a couple of minutes on youtube.

If you want a full bike licence... your easiest option may be a training school including bike hire. You can't do DAS because you're not 21 or 24. You're looking for a standard test.

I only say it because it saves the hassle of buying and insuring a 125 and then doing all of the tests. With a course you would be ready to just hop on to a big bike.

Obviously it's the more expensive option but I feel the most likely one to get your licence before the licence changes.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Rogerborg]

Motorcycle theory test, £31

If you're in any way serious, try and book one now. You'll need your driving license number. Make your decision based on how soon you can get a test booked, bearing in mind that you can't (IIRC) even book a practical test until you've passed the theory.

You can then book module 1 and (at your risk) module 2.

'standard bike' module 1 offroad test, £15.50

You'll need to sit this on a 121-125cc bike making no more than 11kW but capable of at least 100kph. Here's a list.

It's a 15 minute off road test of slow speed stuff plus an emergency stop and a swerve. Have a look on YouTube for "DSA" videos.

Fail that and you need to wait at least 3 days before sitting again. Pass it and you go on to module 2.

'standard bike' module 2 on road test, £75

Back on your 125cc bike, ride around for 45 minutes according to the Highway Code, job done. Or fail it and wait 10 days before re-sitting.

You're really pushing it for time, but it can be done. If you miss the 19th January 2013 deadline, then you'll be stuck on a 125 until you hit 19.

You can still pass a test on a 125 after then, but that'll just get your an A1 license that lets you ride exactly the same 125 that you sat the test on, just without L plates (plus you can take a pillion and go on motorways).

It's really up to your confidence, your luck in finding a 125, and ability to get the things booked and passed sharpish.

Alternatively you could get a 125, ride it on Ls (re-take your CBT when necessary) and tough it out until 19.
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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

[nerspal]

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330803954185&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:GB:1123

[bikertomm]

Lord above, no.

As above, go with a training school buddy.

A bike like that will likely be a very good way to piss away £500.

The term 'Very easy fix' means 'What the fuck could be wrong with it, oh and nobody stocks parts.'

Avoid!


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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[Rogerborg]

[open]

People are gonna give you confusing answers because the laws on motorcycle tests change on the 19th Jan 2013.

If you can, I would suggest

1) Booking your theory test ASAP! This is the same no matter what bike test you sit, small or big, pre or post 19 Jan. £31. Literally do it now*

2) 2 choices - do the test on your own 125 (taking into account buying a new 125 geared bike, learning gears, learning to ride to test standards and managing to book the tests and pass before 19 Jan) or going to a school and doing a 5 day course for 'bout £500 (training schools have tests prebooked) on their bike.

I think a school would be the quicker option for you.



I also rode with gears the first time when picking up my 125 and riding home after buying it. 15 mins with a guy I know when I got back was all I neded to understand it properly

*https://www.all4bikers.com/theory/ free mock test.
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"Calamity - A more than commonly plain & unmistakable reminder that the affairs of this life are not of our own ordering."

[s]Baotian BT49qt-9 --> Honda CG125 (4 speed) '51 plate ----- 03/11/2012 Mod 2 PASSED! --> Cb500s[/s] Revoked

[Polarbear]