Advice

[red373]

Ive never ridden a motorbike before but really want to get into riding. Im 30 now and have never driven a car beyond a few lessons when I was younger so first thing I need to do is get a new provisional and then my cbt.

I was planning on then getting myself a 125cc cruiser and spending time on that obviously gaining experience and confidence before then moving on to theory and other tests etc.

Is there there anything im missing here? Any advice on my plan or even on a suitable 125cc cruiser

Many thanks

[unluckyluke]

Sounds like a reasonable plan, I would recommend if you have never really driven anything on the road before starting reading up on the theory/highway code before taking your cbt. The road can be a dangerous place if you don't know about road signs/rights of way/etc.
Also when booking your cbt let your instructor know that you are inexperienced and would prefer to be in a group with other beginners. If you do this you should be grouped with people who are at the same level as you and then hopefully the pace of the day should be a bit more relaxed and you wont feel rushed to get out on the road ride bit of the cbt.
May well be worth seeing if you can get to one of those "get on" biking schemes where you try riding a bike off road for free first to see if you are going to enjoy it and wont waste £100-£150 on a cbt.

[red373]

I will have a look into that get on sounds like could be helpful. Although I am very inexperienced I have passed a theory test for driving all be it 10 years ago and was due to take my actual practical test but then went to uni and never ended up doing it.

[unluckyluke]

https://www.geton.co.uk/free-ride

The above link is to the get on scheme I would go along and have a go, I bet you'll be hooked after and be straight on the phone booking a cbt. The only other thing that might be looking at before the cbt is getting your own helmet as although most schools will lend you one its better to get one that fits you well. Motorcycle clothing can be found ridiculously cheap on ebay 2nd hand so might be worth picking up a jacket before going for your cbt. Especially as it's getting to that time of the year where you'll probably be doing your cbt in the rain!

[red373]

[unluckyluke]

Yeah being hit in the face by anything at 50mph hurts and I wouldn't like my face on the tarmac slowing me down if I come off! It's well worth going to a shop and trying on a few different style helmets to find one that you find most comfortable and fits well.

[Christoffee]

Friend of mine said if you crash with an open helmet you lose your jaw when your chin hits the deck! Apparently, it can be a similar thing with the flip up helmets, as the flippy bit isn't always very strong. I'll be sticking with full face helmets!
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Bike: CBF125

[Andy_Pagin]

I wouldn't go for a 125 cruiser, slow gutless and awful handling.
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They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[red373]

[-Matt-]

I wouldnt listen too much to people telling you what style bike you should and shouldnt buy within reason, different bikes suit and interest different people, but definately have a good sit and ideally short ride (offroad uninsured ) on a mates if possible. As for everyone that loves a cruisers riding position there someone who cant stand it.

Helmets wise id go full-face personally, having your face cheese grated on tarmac isnt a good look you dont need to spend hundreds either plenty of sub-100 even helmets in the 40-50 quid mark are fine. Just be careful not to drop them as it can damage them so theyre near useless in an accident.

Personally if your budget allows and not having car experience id aim to so your theory and tests asap, to improve your road safety if nothing else, and gets you on the track to your future dream bikes sooner than later

[Spudly]

In all honesty red, it doesn't matter much what shape the bike you get is if it's a 125. A 125 is a 125 is a 125. If they are learner legal, they will all be much of a muchness. There are exceptions of course, the Honda Varadero has a very good reputation while most chinese bikes have a fairly poor reputation with regards to corrosion and reliability.

Best advice would be to spend between £1000 - £1500 on a solid Japanese bike, £50 on a full face helmet and grab some second hand textiles off ebay. Do your CBT, then ride your bike till you get frustrated by its lack of performance. Then do your full licence.

Above all, don't be nervous, it's a shitload of fun. I'm kicking myself for not starting riding 20 years before I did.
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The Old Apprentice

[red373]

Thanks for all the great responses. Couple more questions.

Any advice on a good 125 cruiser or where to get one from?

Im a little unsure on the whole test levels. So once I do my cbt I know then theres the whole theory stuff but whats the order for example can I do my theory and practical then jump sttaight to the das?

[-Matt-]

An old colleage had a suzuki marauder she thought was great and used for 2 years all year round, but thats only going by her opinion. Biketrader or MCN classifieds have always been my buying-grounds personally.

With heinsight and age allowing id probably go cbt-theory-das. But you can perhaps gain experience and avoid the need for so much instruction i guess staggering your progression. Depends on money a lot really.

[pinkyfloyd]

You're 30 years old. Go do a CBT and then if you like it do your theory and then go straight for DAS to get your license. Bollocks to riding around on the 125. The bigger bikes are easier to ride and at your age you can get straight on them.

If you can handle the motorbike, get used to the gears etc on the CBT then you can ride a big bike. Only difference between a 125 and a 1300cc is you get a heavier, more responsive bike with better brakes and an extra gear.
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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.

[Derivative]

[pinkyfloyd]

[red373]

Any recommensations then on
125cc cruisers
Or 500-600cc cruisers

Thanks again