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| Razgrad |
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 Razgrad L Plate Warrior
Joined: 13 Aug 2015 Karma :  
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 Posted: 21:49 - 13 Aug 2015 Post subject: Forza 125 |
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Hello everyone.
I'm almost 30, and finally decided to give it a try. The reason why I never had a scooter/bike so far, is because I am a bit of an adrenaline head, and I knew I would love it so much, I'd spend most of my time and money on it. So now, after I started my family i decided to get a scooter with some sense of reason in my head.
I went to a Honda dealer and I was looking after a 125cc , as I would be new to this and I need an entry level for a few years. The first bike that popped in front of me, was the one I loved the most , out of all others in this category. It was the Forza 125. A bit too much $$$ , but I guess you get what you pay for. This weekend I'm doing the CBT course, and perhaps next week i'll be signing the finance contract with Honda on a 3y repayments. It costs about 4k.
Got a few questions (obviously as any new rider...)
Can you suggest a reliable and good GPS tracker under 40quid? I've got few friends who canceled their theft insurance ,once they've read the smallest letters in the conditions... It basicly says they'll cover it, only if its stolen from your garage ( I don't have one) , or from your living room (bullshit) . So there is no point of doing this insurance. I'd rather get some strong chains and a gps tracker instead.
So I'm open for suggestions for good and reliable :
1. GPS tracker <50, preferably rechargeble with long lasting battery life and a strong signal and easy to use.
2. Good way to secure my scooter for something ( i.e Chains, lockers, lockpads etc...) again <30 would be great.
3. A suitable clothing for London weather. I am 190cm tall, and I weight about 110kg.
4. Good mid-range helmet. I don't know what is the mid-range price, but i guess 100 ?
5. A good bike mount for a Garmin GPS or phone with gps. Also what cables and adapters would I need.
7- A nice action cam. I know the go-pro is the way to go, but I think its battery life inst that great. Also Go-pro is mostly for memories. Not for an everyday cam. Or am i wrong ?
6. I am open for suggestions on other scooters that would fit my budget and my body height and weight .
Open for any other suggestions , that would help a new-commer love the motoring world.
Looking forward for your comments, a nice Hello is kindly appreciated.
Regards,
Ross. |
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| arry |
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 arry Super Spammer
Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :    
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| NJD |
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 NJD World Chat Champion

Joined: 11 Mar 2015 Karma :    
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 Posted: 22:17 - 13 Aug 2015 Post subject: Re: Forza 125 |
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| Razgrad wrote: | This weekend I'm doing the CBT course, and perhaps next week i'll be signing the finance contract with Honda on a 3y repayments. It costs about 4k. |
A £491.00 deposit would get you monthly repayments of £145.00 with a total repayable £3,971.00 and all that for an MT-125. Personal choice and all, just an idea..
I assume you've done your homework and figured out what machine you really want, what works best for the roads you'll be using, MPG, etc?
Just to do my normal routine and well from what I gather BCF's general opinion on that finance is a big no no or generally advised against for any 125cc scooter or geared based on the fact that not many actually keep it for more than a couple of years, one taste of a "big bike" several months or a year on down the line is enough to make a 125cc feel like a toy and then your hooked, regardless of how nervous or "i'll never need more than this" when you first start out.
What funds are you actually playing with towards a bike, lexmoto offer scooters for £899 - £1299, a chinese brand I add but I'm always going to advise the cheapest route when it comes to learner machines.
Again, I'm always going to advise against finance on a 125 but if you're defiantly sure it's what you want it's your name and your name only on that dotted line. I'd spend some serious time around the bike and get a good look around and read some owners reviews etc, also get a test ride in before you purchase.. don't buy before you can try (against what I personally did for my first bike but hey ho, mistakes learnt and all).
| Razgrad wrote: | I've got few friends who canceled their theft insurance ,once they've read the smallest letters in the conditions... It basicly says they'll cover it, only if its stolen from your garage ( I don't have one) , or from your living room (bullshit). |
Depends on the excess on the policy as to what cover you can afford, also before you put your name on the dotted line some of the small print on the finance documents will require you to have fully comp insurance regardless of cost and excess. I strongly suggest you ask Honda that question before you take out the finance and furthermore suggest you get some dummy quotes from comparison sites before asking them, this idea of yours may be over before its even began.
| Razgrad wrote: | 2. Good way to secure my scooter for something ( i.e Chains, lockers, lockpads etc...) again <30 would be great. |
Oxford, generally advised against on BCF but works within that budget.
| Razgrad wrote: | 3. A suitable clothing for London weather. I am 190cm tall, and I weight about 110kg. |
Most scooter riders wear nothing protection wise other than the legally required helmet, props and fair play if your one of the rare scooter riders who wear kit but probably something waterproof within your personal budget.
| Razgrad wrote: | 4. Good mid-range helmet. I don't know what is the mid-range price, but i guess 100 ? |
J&S and try a few on, if you can get one with an internal pin lock to prevent fogging.
Full face or open face etc, you'll learn in the shop.
| Razgrad wrote: | 7- A nice action cam. I know the go-pro is the way to go, but I think its battery life inst that great. Also Go-pro is mostly for memories. Not for an everyday cam. Or am i wrong? |
I'd save your pennies, what possible benefit is a GoPro going to add, their expensive and probably are more of a luxury than a requirement, I use mine to document what happens if I ever get potato'd and nothing more.
Although if your intent on an action camera there's a thread for a refurbished Drift something or other for £50-70 somewhere. I believe it's actually £60 something.
And welcome Ross  |
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| delsol |
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 delsol World Chat Champion

Joined: 12 Apr 2011 Karma :   
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 Posted: 22:32 - 13 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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Not sure if OP serious.
Adrenaline head, buys a Forza 125 !!!
4k on a bike and wants "Chains, lockers, lockpads etc..." for less than £30.00, you can get a padlock for £30.00 that will offer some deterrence (but not a lot).
With a bit of DIY and some improvisation you could have a good deterrent chain\lock\hold down system for under a £100.00, and £60.00 of that would be for the padlock. This would be be for home security.
Out and about security, well you could use the same chain and padlock from the home security system, but it's going to be bulky and heavy to offer any real deterrent.
Check out these for indicative costs for proprietary on the go chain and padlock prices: https://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/Anchors-and-Locks__c-p-0-0-71.aspx
https://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/Anchors-and-Locks__c-p-0-0-71.aspx |
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| Razgrad |
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 Razgrad L Plate Warrior
Joined: 13 Aug 2015 Karma :  
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 Posted: 23:06 - 13 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Adrenaline head, buys a Forza 125 !!! |
I love the adrenaline rush feeling, (i.e rollercoaster rides and such things), that does not mean I am a petrol head and that I know much about bikes and cars.
I take your advise on the security, and I'll up my budget for the security. That's what this post was all about. I am not ashamed/afraid to ask questions and I am open for any suggestions.
Regarding the advises for the finance - I'll think and check everything before I put my signature on. But also I can't spend 5k at once. Gotta have to sleep on my bike if I do that
I live in London, and I will need something agile to move around traffic. As this is going to be my first bike, I believe I should start from the ground up. The MT123 looks nicer/sporty feel , but is it practical for a city like London ? I'd have my backpack/laptop and some tools inside the storage most of the time.
MPG is a factor, but in 125 category i guess is pretty acceptable. I wouldn't go for something too cheap, as I want to experience quality ride , and as you said, get hooked easily . 3 years for repayments is a long time, and I would have plenty of time to get to know the motorcycle world and to try out some other bikes too. Also I'd have to take the extra courses and the A category if I want something bigger. Let's do it step by step.
Clothing - Yes, for London i would need a good waterproof and a nice leather jacket i guess.
So I guess it is not worth going Online for motoring gear, if I am not familiar with the products and sizes . It's better to spend a bit more in the shop and actually have someone competent to help me out. I'd do that.
My starting budget is about 1000, a deposit + all the gear.
Nobody said anything for GPS trackers ?
I'd look around for cheaper alternatives of GoPro.
Thanks guys. |
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| delsol |
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 delsol World Chat Champion

Joined: 12 Apr 2011 Karma :   
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 Posted: 23:52 - 13 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| Razgrad wrote: | | Quote: | Adrenaline head, buys a Forza 125 !!! |
I love the adrenaline rush feeling, (i.e rollercoaster rides and such things), that does not mean I am a petrol head and that I know much about bikes and cars.
I take your advise on the security, and I'll up my budget for the security. That's what this post was all about. I am not ashamed/afraid to ask questions and I am open for any suggestions.
Regarding the advises for the finance - I'll think and check everything before I put my signature on. But also I can't spend 5k at once. Gotta have to sleep on my bike if I do that
I live in London, and I will need something agile to move around traffic. As this is going to be my first bike, I believe I should start from the ground up. The MT123 looks nicer/sporty feel , but is it practical for a city like London ? I'd have my backpack/laptop and some tools inside the storage most of the time.
MPG is a factor, but in 125 category i guess is pretty acceptable. I wouldn't go for something too cheap, as I want to experience quality ride , and as you said, get hooked easily . 3 years for repayments is a long time, and I would have plenty of time to get to know the motorcycle world and to try out some other bikes too. Also I'd have to take the extra courses and the A category if I want something bigger. Let's do it step by step.
Clothing - Yes, for London i would need a good waterproof and a nice leather jacket i guess.
So I guess it is not worth going Online for motoring gear, if I am not familiar with the products and sizes . It's better to spend a bit more in the shop and actually have someone competent to help me out. I'd do that.
My starting budget is about 1000, a deposit + all the gear.
Nobody said anything for GPS trackers ?
I'd look around for cheaper alternatives of GoPro.
Thanks guys. |
Good to see you are considering options, worth taking time over and asking lots of questions, good luck with whatever choices you make.
You are fortunate in many ways what with having many outlets for bikes and clothing etc. in London.
Up here in midge infested heather-land the choices are much more limited, nah, the choices are Spartan by comparison  |
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| NJD |
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 NJD World Chat Champion

Joined: 11 Mar 2015 Karma :    
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 Posted: 09:59 - 14 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| Razgrad wrote: | I live in London, and I will need something agile to move around traffic. As this is going to be my first bike, I believe I should start from the ground up. |
Even the Honda MSX 125 can keep up with sports bike in London's heavy stop start traffic and probably fairs better as its lighter. Looking at the price on the website at £2.7k wow, although I'm 6ft and looking to go for A2 so as tempting as it is would be impractical, good looking bike though.
| Razgrad wrote: | So I guess it is not worth going Online for motoring gear, if I am not familiar with the products and sizes . It's better to spend a bit more in the shop and actually have someone competent to help me out. I'd do that. |
The people working in the shop as friendly as they may seem when you mention you have money to spend and want a full set of kit are in the business of sales and will follow you like a hawk attempting to sell you anything and everything unless you say yes.
Take a look around on a few different websites such as J&S and sportsbikeshop and make a list of items for each part of the gear you want and go and look at them in store, don't be in a rush to buy something you may end up replacing after a few months of use anyway. I made that mistake with an entire set of Frank Thomas textiles, most of it turned out to be budget end tat that does nothing but gather dust today, got me through the winter months mind.
| Razgrad wrote: | My starting budget is about 1000, a deposit + all the gear. |
+ Insurance.
Again depends on small print on the contract terms of finance, and then depends on the amount the insurance will cost. In my opinion you want to be able to buy one or the other rather than have both on finance just to take a little bit of the weight of your shoulders.
| Razgrad wrote: | Nobody said anything for GPS trackers? |
Can't say I've read anyone recommending them throughout my time on BCF, might have missed posts along the way but a decent chain and lock and possibility an alarm may be a better investment in funds.
| Razgrad wrote: | I'd look around for cheaper alternatives of GoPro. |
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=305261&highlight=drift+%A360 |
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| andyscooter |
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 andyscooter World Chat Champion

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| Razgrad |
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 Razgrad L Plate Warrior
Joined: 13 Aug 2015 Karma :  
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 Posted: 12:19 - 14 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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I did check the direct rival from Yamaha, and both look great. The reason I prefer the Honda is because I watched some reviews and comparisons and the honda came on top in most categories. Also I had no chance to sit on an Yamaha, so I couldnt tell the difference
Is it normal for me to feel so exited even before I have the CBT done and even before having the bike purchased ......lol |
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| delsol |
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 delsol World Chat Champion

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| Northern Monkey |
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 Northern Monkey World Chat Champion

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 delsol World Chat Champion

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| Taught2BCauti... |
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 Taught2BCauti... World Chat Champion

Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Karma :    
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 Posted: 10:43 - 15 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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Hello and welcome.
I have to query the wisdom behind buying a brand-new 125 scooter on a 3 year finance deal, when the chances are that you would want to pass your tests before your CBT runs out, and move up to a bigger machine.
Even if you plan to keep it for 3 years or more, I would still look for a 'nearly new' model, and spend the money you save on clothing and security.
There are several threads on tracking devices for bikes - the latest one is Here.
You can find a wider variety of mounts and other accessories from bicycle shops, that are often cheaper than those you will find at motorcycle shops. I would be wary about having anything expensive on open display though - you wouldn't want to have it snatched whilst stuck in traffic!
Another thought - if you work in central London but your employer doesn't have a staff car park - is there another company nearby that does? It would be worth asking their security guys if they had a small corner that they would let you park in.
It worked for me once, and only cost me a couple of bags of donuts every Friday. ____________________ Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu |
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| stirlinggaz |
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 stirlinggaz World Chat Champion

Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Karma :    
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 Posted: 21:52 - 15 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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Hi,
3 years on finance? I pretty guarantee you will tire of the bike (oh, wait. its a scooter, right?) long before the 3 years is up.
how much? 4 grand? 4 F*CKIN GRAND? are you mental? for a 1st bike, in London?
dont pay any more than 2 grand on your 1st bike . actually, look at bikes around £1500.
go for something bullet proof & reliable like the coveted honda varadero 125.
also consider this : most ppl drop their 1st bike at least once. how will you feel if your brand new shiney plastic scooter is cracked, scratched with torn stickers within a year?
Also, remember you will need gear,that at least another 250 quid before you even consider at least 1 helmet.
then there's important security you are thinking about. a cheap tracker is only good for the sticker that says TRACKER FITTED!, might be a bit of a deterrent.
spend as much as you can afford on chains, ground anchors etc it still wont be enough.
if some thieving pikey REALLY wants to steal your bike, they will find a way.
HTH
cheers,
GAZ |
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| barrkel |
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 barrkel World Chat Champion
Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :   
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 Posted: 22:27 - 15 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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IMO you'd be better served with a second-hand PS125 / SH125, or PCX125 if you prefer the Forza's styling.
I've ridden scooters through London far the past 7 years or so. I prefer the combo of a smallish scooter with big wheels to a scooter that's trying to look big, like the Forza.
For 4k, I'd be expecting to get a 250cc minimum. I think it's a complete waste of money to spend 4k on a 125. Once you pass your license, you'll have the option of getting something that's nippier between traffic with little if nothing lost on agility, and you'll be stuck with a 125 that doesn't look very attractive on the second hand market.
Bear in mind I've spent 4k twice, on two separate SH300s, and 2.2k on a third, for reasons too complex to go into here. I don't mind splashing out on a scooter that I think is worth it, and I have not yet tired of riding a scooter in London (quite the opposite - I really enjoy riding a scooter that looks like a 125 but is much faster, whereas a 300cc bike will always be slower than it looks; also, gears on a low power bike are tedium in dense traffic).
Forza 125 weighs 165kg wet, 14 hp. SH300 weighs 160kg dry, 27hp, and it doesn't take very many fluids. I guarantee you that the SH300 is a better tool in the city once you're qualified to ride it.
A tracker on a scooter is pointless IMO. If the scooter goes missing, the chances it gets recovered intact are low. Pack a 16mm chain under your seat and lock it to something fixed - I never leave a scooter for more than 15 minutes without it being physically attached to something immovable, at a minimum another bike or three. But in your position I'd prefer to own something worth locking up. ____________________ Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ |
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| Razgrad |
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 Razgrad L Plate Warrior
Joined: 13 Aug 2015 Karma :  
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 Posted: 17:54 - 16 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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I've passed the CBT course today.
Had a couple of more serious mistakes, as I have not experience with scooters/bikes what so ever. Also coming from an East European Country riding on the "wrong" side of the road to what i'm used to, did not help to boost my confidence and for me to focus on the proper riding of the bike. However my instructor was a good guy, he gave me a few more chances to fix my mistakes and at the end of the 30 min ride i Passed. Still not feeling confident , so once I take a scooter, I will ride around the calm streets in the area for a few weeks to get used to the left lane. Only Then I'll try to get to work with it.
Next week I am going to the shop to do some test drives, and make my final choice. I still like the Forza the most, did a lot of research and reviews. Yes, it is very expensive for a first time buyer, but I am one of those people that like to look after their stuff and who got attached to things, and never let go of them. I still have my favorite t-shirt from before 10 years ago. So I'll probably be Ok with the "its not powerful enough for me anymore" syndrome. Once I pay for it in 3 yrs time, then I'll look for options.
I consider only Honda , for reasons even I can't explain. Perhaps it's because all my friends have hondas and the fact that they are very good and reliable.
Now its time to do research on the gear and perhaps worth buying before I get the scooter. |
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| delsol |
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 delsol World Chat Champion

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 Posted: 18:38 - 16 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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Congratulations on passing the CBT
As for what bike you get, your money, your choice, enjoy  |
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| barrkel |
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 barrkel World Chat Champion
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 Posted: 00:04 - 17 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| Razgrad wrote: | I consider only Honda , for reasons even I can't explain. |
FWIW, all my current bikes are Hondas, and all the bikes I recommended are Hondas too. ____________________ Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ |
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| andyscooter |
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 andyscooter World Chat Champion

Joined: 30 May 2009 Karma :  
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 Posted: 08:28 - 17 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| Razgrad wrote: | I've passed the CBT course today.
Had a couple of more serious mistakes, as I have not experience with scooters/bikes what so ever. Also coming from an East European Country riding on the "wrong" side of the road to what i'm used to, did not help to boost my confidence and for me to focus on the proper riding of the bike. However my instructor was a good guy, he gave me a few more chances to fix my mistakes and at the end of the 30 min ride i Passed. Still not feeling confident , so once I take a scooter, I will ride around the calm streets in the area for a few weeks to get used to the left lane. Only Then I'll try to get to work with it.
Next week I am going to the shop to do some test drives, and make my final choice. I still like the Forza the most, did a lot of research and reviews. Yes, it is very expensive for a first time buyer, but I am one of those people that like to look after their stuff and who got attached to things, and never let go of them. I still have my favorite t-shirt from before 10 years ago. So I'll probably be Ok with the "its not powerful enough for me anymore" syndrome. Once I pay for it in 3 yrs time, then I'll look for options.
I consider only Honda , for reasons even I can't explain. Perhaps it's because all my friends have hondas and the fact that they are very good and reliable.
Now its time to do research on the gear and perhaps worth buying before I get the scooter. |
not sure how you will get a test ride with only a cbt but hey ho
if you really like Honda have a look at the pcx it is a cracking scoot for half the price of the forza ____________________ gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet |
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| Northern Monkey |
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 Northern Monkey World Chat Champion

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| delsol |
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 delsol World Chat Champion

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 Posted: 18:36 - 17 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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Thanks for that and the ratings references, on my watch lists now  |
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| Razgrad |
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 Razgrad L Plate Warrior
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| Northern Monkey |
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 Northern Monkey World Chat Champion

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| andyscooter |
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 andyscooter World Chat Champion

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| barrkel |
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 barrkel World Chat Champion
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 Posted: 10:54 - 21 Aug 2015 Post subject: |
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| andyscooter wrote: | Reason why I want automatic is because my CBT license is for Automatic only. |
CBT is not a license, and it is not restricted like licenses are to automatic vs manual. The CBT you got on a scooter is just as valid on a geared bike. However you may want to take a an hour or two's instruction on a geared bike before riding one out of a shop - that's what I did. I rode a second-hand YBR out the shop after a CBT done on a scooter. I also had 6 months of London road experience via scooter, mind. ____________________ Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ |
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 11 years, 17 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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