|
Author |
Message |
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 23:34 - 15 Oct 2014 Post subject: New to the forum, new to bikes. |
|
|
Hi all, lovely place you have here.
I wasnt sure if I should make a thread yet, as I dont currently have a bike but thought I should say ''hi'' before I venture off into the forum and ask n00b questions on everyones thread. I know, search button right?!?
So a quick history, first bike was when I was 14, my (now ex) girlfriends father gave me an old honda h100 he had in his garage, as he wanted the space and it didnt run. I saved up for 2 months to buy my first tool set (paper rounds and car washing doesnt pay well) so that I could get it running, despite having zero mechanical knowledge. I hadnt yet learned that google knows everything, so there were many evenings spent taking parts off, trying to work out what it was/what it did/is it broken. Eventually, after taking off at least 50% of the engine I gave up and asked one of my neighbors (a biker) what he thought might be wrong with it. Turns out the fuel tap was broken I used the fields behind my house as a testing facility to see if it all worked. I then rode the thing into a tree.
At 16, I bought a bright yellow Gilera DNA 50. My friends called it 'the wasp'. It looked like a wasp. Sounded like a wasp. Going around a DC bend at top speed (45) I fell off, after my open visor sucked something into my eye. A wasp.
After this I didnt own a bike, I just rode friends bikes. a kx 125, crf250 and crf 450 all were victims of my cack handed riding.
After this I decided to buy a car (more seats for girls, see) and continued bike-less until now. At 23, I hate cars despite owning some relatively quick ones, its not the same.
So, the plan. 2 options, either A) Buy something along the lines of a dt125, cbt, get some experience and then DAS. B) Save money, go do DAS (once I am 24).
Im more interested in enduro/supermoto's for now, as I think it will still be good fun, without the license losing power. I just need to decide if I can put up with the servicing of the more 'highly strung' bikes like wr450's, or if a DRZ400sm might suit me better. I want it to be able to green lane a little, maybe even do an enduro one day, but I dont mind swapping wheels for that so that I dont have to use knobblies on the road.
Sorry for the essay, seemed rude to just say ''hello'' ____________________ Current: 2006 CBR600F. |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Tamsin |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Tamsin World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 01:23 - 16 Oct 2014 Post subject: |
|
|
I did wonder that! Makes sense. Its more - Do I buy a 125 first and run that for a year, or jump straight onto something bigger. I know the sensible option is probably 125... but the stupid part of me is saying ''nope. you arent going for a massive bike anyway, you'll be fine on a 400''. Registering here didnt really help, looking through the threads at everyone elses bikes makes me just want to go buy shiny things ____________________ Current: 2006 CBR600F. |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Tamsin |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Tamsin World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Pigeon |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Pigeon World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Minty |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Minty World Chat Champion
Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
arry |
This post is not being displayed .
|
arry Super Spammer
Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
alt tab |
This post is not being displayed .
|
alt tab Nitrous Nuisance
Joined: 01 Apr 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 19:21 - 16 Oct 2014 Post subject: |
|
|
You're 23, that means less than a year to DAS.
Get a 125 in the grand range, do your CBT, ride it until you pass DAS, sell it (or keep it until you find dream bike). Go the 125 route, it's less than a year, and the months you'll be on the road, instead of dreaming about it, will be invaluable when it comes to tackling the DAS.
At least that's what people tell me, and that's my experience of it thus far.
I'm 24 in 2 months, will be doing my DAS ideally around March next year. Got my CBT in August, haven't regretted a penny spent.
As for gear, I stupidly have just jacket, gloves and helmet due to money constraints, I know I should pick up boots and trousers, and I will in time. If there's only one upshot to riding without proper gear, it's that you have very little reason to even contemplate falling off
edit2: And furthermore, I ride a XR 125, a real entry level enduro by Honda, got it for just over a grand. This time, on a 125, is also vital to learning and not being afraid of taking it apart and trying to fix things yourself. I had a CG before this which I learnt some invaluable lessons on whilst fixing it and such forth. |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Clanger |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Clanger Stirrer
Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :
|
Posted: 21:33 - 16 Oct 2014 Post subject: |
|
|
I went slowly up the cc's - and I probably would have still been riding a tiddler had the DVLA not written to me telling me it was compulsory for me to do the CBT because I hadn't done the test...
Grrrr!!!
So I thought sod it, and opted for the DAS with CBT option. I still went out and bought a 400cc as my first 'big' bike. People laughed and said I'd get bored. I owned and rode that 400cc for 4years, I loved it.
Its up to you at the end of the day. Only you will know what will suit you. ____________________ Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Pigeon |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Pigeon World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
TallPaul_S |
This post is not being displayed .
|
TallPaul_S Trackday Trickster
Joined: 19 Dec 2013 Karma :
|
Posted: 22:13 - 16 Oct 2014 Post subject: |
|
|
alt tab wrote: | You're 23, that means less than a year to DAS.
Get a 125 in the grand range, do your CBT, ride it until you pass DAS, sell it (or keep it until you find dream bike). Go the 125 route, it's less than a year, and the months you'll be on the road, instead of dreaming about it, will be invaluable when it comes to tackling the DAS.
At least that's what people tell me, and that's my experience of it thus far.
I'm 24 in 2 months, will be doing my DAS ideally around March next year. Got my CBT in August, haven't regretted a penny spent.
As for gear, I stupidly have just jacket, gloves and helmet due to money constraints, I know I should pick up boots and trousers, and I will in time. If there's only one upshot to riding without proper gear, it's that you have very little reason to even contemplate falling off
edit2: And furthermore, I ride a XR 125, a real entry level enduro by Honda, got it for just over a grand. This time, on a 125, is also vital to learning and not being afraid of taking it apart and trying to fix things yourself. I had a CG before this which I learnt some invaluable lessons on whilst fixing it and such forth. |
Do this.
CBT now, a year or less on a 125, which will teach you A LOT in that time. Then, DAS when you're 24 and you've got several thousand miles on a 125 under your belt.
I've just done similar - CBT in March, 125cc Honda Varadero bought in April, 5000 miles done between then and now, in all weathers, filtering, commuting, riding for pleasure etc.
Yesterday, I passed my Mod1 and Mod 2, with 2 minors on the mod2 and a clean sheet on the mod1. Had an hour on an NC750 a few weeks back, then spent 2 mornings training on an ER6N (around 12 hours riding) with the tests on the third day.
A 125 can be great fun, but you will tire of it's limitations after a few months, by which time your 24th birthday will be in sight and you can look forward to booking your DAS. ____________________ 00 Honda VFR800 | 09 Aprilia Tuono Factory
CBT 06/03/2014 | Mod 1 and Mod 2 passed 15/10/2014 |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Pigeon |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Pigeon World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :
|
Posted: 01:00 - 17 Oct 2014 Post subject: |
|
|
Lowsider wrote: |
Off to look at 125 prices.
|
Fair enough dude, enjoy the journey to full license, fun to be had on all types of two wheels!
99% of people will say get a Jap 125, get second hand. You can sell them after a year and not lose much money. That is good advice.
But glance your eye over the alternative. I road a AJS JS125 for 3 years and 20k km, kept outside for 2 years. Never had a problem not of my own doing. That was a bike at £1,400.
Sinnis are selling the latest incarnation by the looks of it. Same frame, engine, exhaust, wheels and probably other stuff. But looks a bit funkier. 300 miles to a tank. Only downside is it's a bit slower (5mph) than the CBF125. And you are looking at a 33% hit in the first year.
If it is made by Jianshe, they are part owned by Yamaha and make the YBR for Yamaha. Which is why their 125 engine and bikes share so many parts with Yamaha YBR.
But at £1,100 and 24mth warranty on parts, seems a steal
https://sinnismotorcycles.com/motorcycle.php?motorcycle=Sinnis%20ST%20125
They do a trailie for £1,600 and it looks to be a Qingqi who are something like top 5 manufacturer of bikes by volume in the world.
Uses a Suzuki engine, pretty bullet proof
https://sinnismotorcycles.com/motorcycle.php?motorcycle=Sinnis%20Blade%20125
I could well be wrong about the above. But both bikes look very much as I outlined to me at least. Might get confirmation in another thread where a guy from Sinnis has posted.
In the end, most will say by a YBR125, CG125, XR125. Own, learn, have fun and sell for the same you paid for it.
Sound advice probably. |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Clanger |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Clanger Stirrer
Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Old Thread Alert!
There is a gap of 2 years, 7 days between these two posts... |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
waffles |
This post is not being displayed .
|
waffles World Chat Champion
Joined: 04 Oct 2009 Karma :
|
Posted: 15:09 - 23 Oct 2016 Post subject: |
|
|
Having a bike ready to go but no licence for it is definitely going to give you a kick up the bum!
Good luck to you ____________________ Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125 |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Snowdonia Rider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Snowdonia Rider World Chat Champion
Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 17:14 - 23 Oct 2016 Post subject: |
|
|
Lol loved the bit about the wasps! ____________________ I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Tamsin |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Tamsin World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 17:22 - 23 Oct 2016 Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the update, I did the same, buying a bike before doing my DAS - CBR600F too incidentally (but waaaaaaaaaay older, mine is 92) its a real incentive not to fuck up, knowing that the moment you get home you can jump on your own bike and go and throw it around
I'm guessing from what you said that you didn't get a 125 in the interim, so you don't have the riding miles in. If you have been driving a car then you will already have some road sense but riding a bike is a wholly different skill set but you are young and will learn quickly!
Best of Luck! Incidentally, what bike are you training on? |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Alpineandy |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Alpineandy World Chat Champion
Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Lowsider |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Lowsider Borekit Bruiser
Joined: 13 Oct 2014 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
waffles |
This post is not being displayed .
|
waffles World Chat Champion
Joined: 04 Oct 2009 Karma :
|
Posted: 19:42 - 23 Oct 2016 Post subject: |
|
|
Lowsider wrote: | Waffles: Its killing me! There are only so many excuses to go to the garage before people realise that you are going in, sitting on your bike, making noises and pressing all the buttons and then leaving again. Twice a day so far. |
I did the same thing, I bought a big bike and then failed my Mod 2 and couldn't get a retest for another 8 weeks
But you need to make sure that all the buttons still work, the seat is comfortable, the battery is fully charged and the bike turns over. Probably a good idea to let it run every so often too just so that it doesn't forget how to bike. Oh and the mirrors are correctly adjusted! ____________________ Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125 |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Tamsin |
This post is not being displayed .
|
Tamsin World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :
|
Posted: 23:32 - 23 Oct 2016 Post subject: |
|
|
Its a good point actually... having left my CBR sit for a month the battery flattened and I then had to push her up a very steep driveway before I could try and bump start her.... not the most confidence inspiring way to start your big bike career |
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
onlyJaz |
This post is not being displayed .
|
onlyJaz Scooby Slapper
Joined: 24 Sep 2016 Karma :
|
|
Back to top |
|
You must be logged in to rate posts |
|
|
Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 7 years, 178 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
|
|
|