Hello from Derby

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

Hi all, firstly thank you all for all the expertise, wisdom and wit that I've seen on here through lurking. It's all good stuff!
Due to having a little un on the way, I needed an alternative way of getting myself to the train station of a morning. Another car would be overkill (my wife will be keeping the car at home with the baby rather than me leaving it at the car park all day) so I thought I'd go back to biking! I can't call myself a real biker - had a beautiful green Vespa PX125 that was nicked about 15 years ago, and about 10 years ago a knackered old SR125 that I loved but that eventually gave up the ghost (and I didn't have the money or expertise to sort it).

Anyway... Older and wiser (and fatter) now, and getting back into the saddle. Got my CBT a week on Monday, and got myself a Suzuki En125 with screen and belly pan. I know it divides opinion, but it was a good deal, delivered, from a guy I trust and who knows what he's doing, and it looks easy enough to maintain and get parts for. Also I like the look of it. Hopefully this is the beginning of a great adventure - might even do my DAS and get something proper in time! I used to love riding so I'm sure I'll pick that up again.

So yeah, thanks again and I look forward to joining in on here.

Saraya · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 May 2016 Karma :

Hello and good luck for Monday. Very Happy

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

Thanks Saraya!

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Nothing wrong with an EN125 if you got it for a decent price. They look nice with the extra plastics as well.

https://www.motorbikespecs.net/images/Suzuki/EN_125-2_05-06/EN_125-2_05-06_2.jpg

Are you planning to stick with the L plates, or get licensed up this time round?
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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

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

It was a very decent price - £625 with delivery. It's in decent nick in the main, won't win any beauty contests but then at least I won't be in tears first time I drop it... Easy enough to maintain, and I need a project - last year I turned the shed into an outside office with insulation and plasterboard walls and carpeting, I've not long finished building an outside bar with working beer tap and then just finishing off my first batch of homebrew which is kegged and nearly ready for the bar. I reckon maintaining a motorbike will keep me active and interesting. I know it's Chinese built, but parts seem fairly easy to come by and am I right in thinking that the engine is used in a few other Suzuki 125s as well?

As for the L plates - definitely interested in doing the full test and getting rid of them in the fullness of time. To be honest, a bigger bike might be overkill for the commute (4 miles each way from home to the train station) but it's worth being able to ride what I like, I reckon - it's not all about the commute! Also it seems stupid to keep redoing CBT every two years. We'll see how I get on first though Smile

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

CBT day! Can't wait to get on a bike Smile

155mph · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Jul 2016 Karma :

Welcome. I hope you enjoy your CBT as much as I did.

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

Thank you

I really enjoyed it! The Yamaha YBR125 was quite nice to ride, easy to take through the slow control bits and even got it up to 55mph on the A road flat out (I'm about 17 stone so that's not too bad).

Massive thanks to the guy who taught me, he was ace and really encouraged me to do my DAS. Also found out that I can get CBT Plus for only £15 as the city council pay £60 towards it.

Probably the best hit of the day was taking my own bike out for a ride though. Loved it!

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

Well done.

Hopefully you also spoke to them about arranging your DAS as well.
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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

155mph · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Jul 2016 Karma :

There is nothing like the freedom of the open road on two wheels. I did my CBT a few weeks ago and bought a new bike. Bikers are such a friendly lot.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Good job on the CBT, great to hear that you enjoyed it. How does the EN ride compared to the YBR? Much the same?

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

Saraya · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 May 2016 Karma :

Congrats.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I josh, doing a bit more supervised riding after the CBT is a great idea. It's just barely adequate, and the (incorrect) assumption has always been that it'll lead to training and tests.
____________________
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