Commuting - New Rider

Moif · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :

Hello,

Just moved to West London from Bristol for a new job and currently it's taking me anywhere between 1hr 20mins to 'pick a number' to travel 25 miles. Seeing as flying cars haven't been invented yet I'm booking my CBT in a couple of weeks to get me onto a 125 (perfect time of year I'm told Wink

).

Being 37 (and not having to worry about what my Mum says) I plan to commute for a few months along the A4 with the L plates on then take the DAS in the Spring. I'm assuming I need to book and pass the Theory test under my own steam before the DAS? Or is that something I can do on the course?

Bozzie08 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 23 Aug 2013 Karma :

Some courses may cover it however is just do it yourself. Get on line and book it it's out the way then and one less thing to worry about. Doing a DAS can be hard enough if you do the intensive 4/5 day course.

I passed cbt in July done theory straight after and had about 5 lessons on a 650 bandit passed mod 1 and mod 2 I was like yourself 31 you no bike experience at all. Good luck.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Good man, perfect time to start. Thumbs Up

Yes, you'll want to get the theory out of the way early doors. You need a theory pass to book a practical test. It's a silly box clicking exercise, but if you treat it as a game you'll be fine.

If you're going to get a 125, and aren't overly stunty, then I'd suggest that you look for a Varadero 125. Paddy on here might be able to sort you out...

Mid term, you'll want to get licensed up ASAP to get access to a much bigger range of bikes. Doing your tests over the winter isn't a crazy idea. There's much more availability in training schools and test centres and examiners might be a bit more forgiving. I got my license in the tail end of a proper blizzard, with the examiner following in a car because he was a Goddamn pussy. Wink

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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

HotdogMcDraw · Scooby Slapper Joined: 06 Nov 2013 Karma :

Moif · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :

Nice looking bike that. Decent enough reviews as well. Looks right up my street.

As for gear, what would I be looking for without breaking the bank? Any brands to avoid? Any preferred brands for lids? Obviously I'd be visiting a few shops to try stuff on.

And while I'm at it could anyone recommend any instructors or schools around Surbiton / Kingston?

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

The 125 Varadero is the only 125 which can be described as awesome, it's a proper solid big bike, and in spite of it's size it still has a realistic 70mph top speed.
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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

Muscle Bike Rider · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

MC · Banned Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Karma :

Bozzie08 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 23 Aug 2013 Karma :

-Matt- · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Apr 2013 Karma :

SofaBear · Scooby Slapper Joined: 02 Oct 2013 Karma :

Recently passed my CBT and riding a 2013 YBR.

I have a HJC helmet, Richa jacket and gloves with Bering trousers (textile with braces and knee pads).

I have no complaints really, spent about £340 odd on it all inc shirts, and a thermal top.

Im about as high viz as you get with all these lol but i don't think its a bad thing.

I would recommend going in and trying all this stuff on first as the sizing is all over the place. Im an XL in most cases but a 5-6XL in all bike gear.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

darkhorizon · Scooby Slapper Joined: 16 Jun 2012 Karma :

Moif · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :