Practice on a 125 or go straight through DAS? Cruiser (!)?

[featsoclay]

Several commenters on Retrobiker's thread about his (her?) first lesson on a big bike said bigger bikes are actually easier to handle than 125s. That may help answer a question I've been wondering about.

I'm one of those long-in-the-tooth new bikers: when I went for my CBT a couple of weeks ago, I was a few days short of 47 and had never ridden before.

I had a great time and am only more enthusiastic about going ahead to get my full licence. After that, I suspect I'll get a not-too-big bike, but certainly bigger than a 125—say an ER-6 or something along those lines.

But in the meantime, I feel like I could really use a lot of practice before I'll have the confidence to do a DAS and pass my test. I lost count of how many times, when I wanted to apply the clutch, I downshifted instead (with no clutch)—30+ years of driving have wired me to push the left foot down when my brain thinks "clutch." Don't even get me started about braking. It's apparent that I won't be anywhere near safe until I get a lot more accustomed to the controls so I don't have to think consciously through every movement (how can I deal with mirrors, lifesavers, and lane position, or even just pay attention to what's happening around me and where I'm going, when my brain is so busy trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing with my hands and feet?).

The problem is what to practice on, since obviously I'm limited to 125s for now. I could get a used 125 for about £1000, practice for a few months, then do the DAS and sell the 125 when I get my full licence. If I get a decent but well-used bike—a Honda CG with 20k miles on it, let's say—I could probably sell it for not much less than what I bought it for.

Does that make any sense, or is it a waste of time/effort/money? Should I just press on, do the DAS, and (assuming I can pass the test), get my long-term middleweight bike and keep practicing on that, maybe take advanced training, etc? I don't need to ride, since I live in London and have any easy commute by boat. Therefore, even if I followed this approach, I wouldn't be throwing myself right into city traffic but would practice where and when I felt comfortable—car parks, quiet roads on weekends.

What do you think?

One other question. Because of a spinal injury, I'm even less flexible than the average middle-aged guy, so while getting my feet down isn't a problem, getting on and off the bike is a bit difficult (feel free to make up your own jokes about the trouble I have getting my leg over). The CBT instructor saw this and suggested I might think about a custom. I'd been thinking I liked the look of naked bikes like the ER-6n, the Street Triple, or a retro bike like a V7 or Thruxton. On the other hand, I am American, so maybe a cruiser is in my heritage. And my ex is from South Dakota, not far from Sturgis, and has brought the kids up to believe that if it's not a Harley, it's not for sh**. So...

Does it make sense for a beginning rider to think about a cruiser—even a 125? Would that affect how well/quickly you learned good technique, developing good/bad habits, etc?

[featsoclay]

I've read Rexob's post, the recent one from a 20-year-old who wants to practice on a geared 125 before getting around to getting his A2. Some of those comments are helpful to me as well, so thanks to those commenters and don't feel the need to take the time to tell me what you've already told him.

[-Matt-]

Personally in heinsight i'd of cracked on with all my tests from day 1 and got it done ASAP, i didn't however and was on a 125 for a good few years before doing my full tests, and it did make them a lot easier i think as well as reducing the amount of training they said i needed vs most of the other people who went into it directly.

The CG idea doesn't sound that bad and as you say you shouldn't lose much when it comes to reselling it probably so i'd probably be going down that route in your shoes.

Regards the bike - i'm sure the wave of cruisers haters will come forth and enlighten you otherwise but i'd just get what you like, have a sit on various bikes down your local dealerships. It doesn't sound like you're after wild performance or travelling the world on it soon so just pick what you will like owning most.

[featsoclay]

[pja8]

I'm 42 got back into biking this year after 15 year absence whilst sons growing up. I got the 125 to commute but pretty much straight away wanted to get back to a bigger bike.

Speed has never been important to me or the brand I just go for the bike I like. So now commute on a Honda VT750s and could not be happier. I know its not a Harley but seat is low so good for the back I think.

Also it feels so much more planted on the road than a 125 especially in cross winds.

[andy_uk]

Well...
I did my CBT on this : (yes, it's a 125)

[mailee]

i have just got back into biking after a layoff of over 25 years! I am the ripe old age of 58 I never passed my test back in the day when it was cheap and had to go through the hoops to get my licence which took a lot of work and money. Only time I rode a 125 was on the CBT and then on to the bigger bikes. i took all my lessons on a Suzuki 500 and an ER6 but never intended getting one as I had bought a Virago cruiser. I also suffer with a bad back and have found the Virago perfect and very comfortable. i have had all the ribbing about it being a girls bike and being gay but who gives a sh*t, I am happy with it and it has got all the power i will ever need and i can ride mile after mile without any aches or pains. Try that on a sports bike at my age.

[featsoclay]

[Ribenapigeon]

Cruisers have a very bad reputation for being bad on the back. I was 46 when I took up biking and at first found it awkward getting my leg over but it eases over time. I found the more upright position of a commuter or traily style bike better.

As for Harleys. Well your an American so why not. The really absurd thing about Harleys is the aspect of guys dressing up like they're americans, its wierd and creepy, like unemployed northern coal miners in the 80s dressing up as John Wayn and hanging out in "western clubs", line dancing and all that shit. Freaky.

You learn a hell of a lot about power control from a 125, and around town they have distinct advantages over bigger bikes. Certainly spending a year on the 125 was good for me and I often miss it and wish I could run two bikes.

[ScaredyCat]

Inb4 "Time on a tiddler"...


But it's true. I've been riding for about a year (something like 1 year, and one month). Bought myself a CBF125 after doing my CBT. Rode around on that for 3 Months, did my tests and kept the bike. Rode round a bit more, fell off broke my leg. Got back on the 125 after leg healed and have just (August) got an NC700X - It's much nicer to ride but the experience on the 125 was invaluable.

On a big bike you can be pretty lazy with your gear changes on a 125 it makes a hell of a difference.
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[marsden1967]

I did my midlife crisis CBT a few months ago and have since been riding a YBR125. To be honest I don't think that I would have been able manage the bike for DAS, it would have seemed far too big for me ( I am just over 5 ft ) and I don't think I would have been confident riding one.
However, since being on the 125, I realise that I will be able to handle a bigger bike. I have found the time on the 125 invaluable and know that this was the best route for me to take. I hope to take the test next year/when I have got some money.
As for the spinal injuries thing; my lower back is fused due to an accident years ago and I find the upright position of the YBR to be quite comfortable and haven't had backache yet.
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Ooooh Matron!
current bike(s) YBR 125, ER6 N

[toadoftoadhal...]

another here with the YBR 125 Custom. Really like the sit up position, I have a bad back and cant do the lean over stuff. Did my CBT in July, will do the test next year, but will probably keep the YBR anyway.