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New biker at the very beginning of my journey

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JusticeP83
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 18:49 - 29 Jul 2018    Post subject: New biker at the very beginning of my journey Reply with quote

Hi everyone,

After years and years of contemplating going for a bike I’ve decided to give it a go.

I’m 35 and have been driving since I was 17.

I was surprised at how much information there is on the different processes and licences for bikes but I’ve managed to figure out that I’ll need to sit my CBT before I do anything.

What I’m wondering is would I be best to sit this then practice on a 125cc first as I’ve got no biking experience? If so would anyone be able to recommend models/ sites to look into?

Or would I be best getting lessons for a bigger bike?

So much info I’m a bit in awe to be honest but any help would be appreciated.
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Kentol750
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Joined: 24 May 2016
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PostPosted: 19:32 - 29 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Find local reputable school, book CBT, decide next steps after CBT if you enjoy.
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NJD
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PostPosted: 19:33 - 29 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ensure there's a provisional motorbike entitlement on your license and then complete a CBT: make your choice from there.

You'll need to complete a theory test before you can attempt to undergo your Module 1 and 2 but you can do training on a 650 cc bike as soon as the training school think you're ready.

Module 1 is a fifteen-twenty minute ride around a enclosed gated course testing your ability to control the machine (in effect a glorified CBT) and Module 2 is a more technical look at your ability to ride on the road alone and deal with various types of road, traffic signs, road markings etc.

Personally I'd just do your CBT and then, if you like it and want more, go straight for a pay-as-you-go course (pay for training and Module 1 until completed and then training and Module 2 until completed) until you obtain your full license and get whatever you feel comfortable on afterwards.

Category A (unrestricted) is the one you'll want to go for (A2 is for younger riders and A1 is almost pointless, as is AM).
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The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶
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JusticeP83
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 20:32 - 29 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks.

I’m not sure I have the provisional motorbike entitlement. I’ve only got b, b1, f, k and p?
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Kentol750
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PostPosted: 21:08 - 29 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can check on the .gov site. Licence groups and entitlements are there.
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Johanna
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Joined: 21 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 07:29 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was in a similar situation last year. In my late 30s, been thinking about riding a bike for ages.

I did my CBT in October and bought a cheap 125. I spent about half a year enjoying the 125 (didn't ride it much in the winter). I really enjoyed it and I personally think it taught me some valuable skills, such as how to eke every ounce of acceleration out of the little engine when pulling away or going up hills.

I booked my motorcycle theory, mod 1 and mod 2 this summer. It's been busy with all the bookings. I would have been done sooner if there had been slots available, but I'm finally on my full licence and have my CBR650F. I'll never go back to the 125 but I don't regret my time on the small bike.

Good luck, and enjoy learning!
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JusticeP83
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Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 08:33 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi thanks.

I’m really in two minds what to do but I’m gearing more towards doing the CBT then a 125cc to learn the basics and also to see if I’m going to enjoy it/ becomfortable riding a bike.

I seen there are a decent selection of 125’s out there.

I also see the senses behind the other option and gaining the full licence sooner.

Decisions decisions.
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Johanna
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Joined: 21 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 10:02 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Where are you going to ride it? Do you have steep hills with high speed limits which a 125 will struggle to cope with?
If you'll be doing mostly town/ city riding then you'll be fine on the 125. Also you won't need to worry as much when you leave it parked around. It won't cost as much if you drop it either.
I rode a lot of 60-70 mph roads on my 125, but I'm not very heavy so I could easily cruise with the traffic. Steep hills would frustrate me, though, as my speed gradually decreased down to about 50 and cars started passing.

If I did it all again I would ride the 125 for 4-6 months but I would book the full test in the winter so I didn't have to wait as long for availability!
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arry
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PostPosted: 10:13 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

JusticeP83 wrote:


I seen there are a decent selection of 125’s out there.

I also see the senses behind the other option and gaining the full licence sooner.

Decisions decisions.


There really isn't a decent selection. They're universally expensive for what they are, even second hand. The only upside of that is you're unlikely to lose money on one, unless you buy badly (a Chinese nail) or you drop it.

Be a bit wary that you might just not enjoy your CBT. I didn't; I had Inspector McShouty going off at me for 2 hours because I wasn't a natural. Got through it, but didn't enjoy it. The next two days training I enjoyed immensely.

Don't make any rash decisions. Do your CBT and then decide where you go.
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waffles
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PostPosted: 10:25 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with others, dont make that decision about next steps until you have done your cbt first.

I put a few miles on a 125 under my belt first before doing tests but I don’t think that made me a better rider, I felt more confident but I already had years of experience driving a car. With hindsight I wish I had booked tests sooner than I did but I didn’t have much spare cash back then as I bought a 125 to ride that wiped out my savings.

But go at the pace you feel comfortable with. And good luck!
____________________
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
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JusticeP83
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 11:29 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi all,

Thanks for the comments. I’m going to pop into my local school for a chat later on and see what they say.

I’ll probably look to get my CBT booked and take things from there.

The good thing is I’m not in any rush to get out there as I’m able to drive so it’s more just for a hobby and potential enjoyment so I can take my time to find out what’s best for me going forward.

I’m lucky in that most of the roads round my way are fairly flat so a 125 would be ok however I’m getting the vibe that you wouldn’t use it for long before you were looking for more power. That’s something I’ll need to consider as well.

Thanks
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Hawkeye1250FA
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Joined: 14 Oct 2016
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PostPosted: 11:37 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I rode a 125 for 2 years after doing my CBT.

I believe it sets you up well for when you get a bigger bike. However - I was 18 and couldn't afford a bigger bike straight away. I'm not sure I could have been convinced to stay on a 125 if I could have afforded to get my full license and bigger bike quickly 😂

But my advice stands, I would suggest CBT - stick with 125 for (a while) and then get doing your bigger bike training and tests.
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1993 RF400R - 2002 Bandit 1200 - 2012 1250 FA
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Wonko The Sane
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PostPosted: 16:46 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

First stage is to book the CBT

As already said, it might be hard work as you're learning how to control something different in a familiar environment (most drivers struggle with the clutch or so I'm told) but there should be enjoyable moments.

It's not a test, it's training, many people get finished in a day, some people take a bit longer and need to let some of it sink in and come back another day - you should feel able to ask your instructor questions and advice etc, if you don't finish in a day and don't want to go back then going to another training school can be the answer.

Have a chat with your instructor during the day saying you're deciding between just pootling round on a 125cc or doing direct access (if you're going to do your tests, just do DA, it's same amount of work and lets you ride anything from a 125cc to a 3L beast) as they'll advise if they think going straight for it is the best option, some places will let you take a larger bike out for the road ride on CBT to give you a taste for it in the hope you'll book lessons and tests with them.

First thing first is CBT, you might complete it in the day but decide you liked the idea but not the reality of biking.
____________________
Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251
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JusticeP83
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 17:27 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi again.

Had a chat with my local school very helpful and explained things fully.

Advised as above that the instructor on the CBT would best advise what route to take on what they see during the CBT going by the individuals ability.

Also stated though that due to age I would be best going for full licence as soon as possible.

Plenty of availability for the CBT so might get that booked in then see how it goes/ how I enjoy it.
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arry
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PostPosted: 17:57 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cool. Do drop back to let us know how you get on.
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waffles
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PostPosted: 20:15 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Book it now!
____________________
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
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stevo as b4
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Joined: 17 Jul 2003
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PostPosted: 20:56 - 30 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can't last year's newbs come forward here and the year before that etc, to give proper advice and their experiences. This forever repeated post is like a year 11 school GCSE taking excersise in that it just rolls round over and over again by more people thinking the exact same thing and going through the same 'Im new and what do I do?' process.
There has to be a copy and paste template or a right approach to take as year on year on BCF newbies come through asking exactly the same thing.

You ex newbies, come forward and put something together like a plan to stop all this constant cycle of regurgitation please!

No way could I ever be a year 11 teacher that's for sure! Watching another load of clueless nervous Oh what to do types on a yearly spin cycle, I'd have to fucking kill someone. Laughing
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Kentol750
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Joined: 24 May 2016
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PostPosted: 01:41 - 31 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Stevo, you're just making the same mistake that most people do....we think everyone does what we'd do. The 'smarter' (have you seen ideocracy) ones wait for us to rant out. Rogerborg has minutes left on his repeat rant timer, Teflon will soon tell us about seeing attack ships off the shoulder of paddy, and we'll all start again!
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Johanna
Nova Slayer



Joined: 21 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 07:23 - 31 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

stevo as b4 wrote:
Can't last year's newbs come forward here and the year before that etc, to give proper advice and their experiences. This forever repeated post...

You don't have to read it.

I did my CBT in 2017 and have just completed the process (now own big bike). I replied to the question above.

What I think you're missing is that beginners (in any area) like talking to people who are in the know. It's a human thing to want to talk to the group you're thinking about joining, right? Even if you can find all the facts it feels right to have a quick chat with people, and the "What should I do" question is one of the best ones to ask.
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JusticeP83
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 29 Jul 2018
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PostPosted: 19:35 - 31 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not sure what the post a few up refers to other than trying to insult me by asking for some advice in a field I have little knowledge or experience in.

Thanks for everyone’s comments.

I’ve booked in for my CBT next week and have seen a nice 125 that I’m viewing tomorrow.

After thinking for a few days I feel that’s the option that best suits me at the moment.
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stevo as b4
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PostPosted: 19:51 - 31 Jul 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

But if the advice from arguably old wise ones stays the same every time and the bike market and choices don't change much (example is the 125's being over subscribed and over demanded for the supply) then why should we have to read 'I'm new and Oh what to do?' type threads on repeat play again and again? If say 20-40 new BCF'ers come through this process every year like a school pass out/graduation and all asking the same thing, well where do you want it to stop? What about saving some people's energy and time taken from their life in answering these same old questions?

Do newbies all do vastly different things or think hugely differently about things from each other? If so the questions would be more viable. I see it more as sheep coming in for shearing for the first time, and if you look back at say 5years of these threads you'll see a bloody predictable graphable picture.

Or are you saying that newbies do research and do much more footwork and weigh stuff up with educated opinion, but you still after knowing how to proceed want to come on and say can someone pat me on the back and say yep that's the way to go?

So you don't need advice but essentially a comfort blanket?

It's a common problem with Millenials and other Internet and media informed people these days. You think you can always apply numbers logic and formula to every buying decision from a washing machine to a bike, to a show jumping horse etc.

Go out and make decisions yourselves and make mistakes yourself too. There's no points or prizes in life for making the right purchase decisions in life. Mistakes and experience maketh the man!
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AshWebster
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Joined: 05 Jan 2017
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PostPosted: 12:28 - 01 Aug 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Everyone is different though Stevo - I passed 2 years ago and my way though the licensing was probably very different to others. I couldnt hack the Mod 1 for instance, whereas others struggle on CBT, others Mod 2 etc.

The stickie should be open to interpretation:

First:

CBT. - (can be done on twist and go or geared bike - personally i did it on twist and go then practised on a geared 125 in a car park in my own time)

Theory. - Self explanitory. if you fail this more than once you need help.

Practise - Practise Mod 1 on geared 125 - if you are constantly nailing the mock mod 1 on your 125, think about the possiblity of a DAS (if over 24)

If you need longer to get used to biking, either lacking skill or confidence (or both) keep at the 125 until you feel comfortable and confident you can make the bike do what you want.

Option 1 DAS - you have nailed the 125 around the car park practising the u turns and fig 8's and its a peice of piss right? get your DAS booked. its a 3-5 day course with Mod 1 at the end, then mod 2 a week later. (differing for different schools some do 2 days mod 1 2 days mod 2). It will get you from never having ridden a 600 to getting your A licence.

Pros - fast licensing
Cons - failure bumps up the cost, £5-700 to begin with.

Option 2 Alternative - you can just about do the 125 but are bored of it , and want to move up to a 600 but dont want to risk failing the Mods in the DAS and wasting money. Get a kind friend with a cheap 600 (or buy one youreself) and get practising on empty car parks, again Mod 1 mock maneouvres. Book your Mod 1 at your local place (only £15 or so) and go at it. If you fail its not the end of the world right? If you pass get your Mod 2 booked, and possibly have some 1 on 1 lessons on a 600 (not allowed to ride a 600 as a learner without specialised accompanying trainers.)

Option 3 take as long as you need on the 125, learn it over a year or however log you need. attempt the mod1 on the 125 just so you know what to expect at the training centre. Eventually progress to either a DAS course or the DIY course as preferred.

Option 4 - after the CBT you realise biking isnt for you and you call it a day - no harm done!
____________________
Honda cg125 J reg peice of shit ---> CB650F ---> 2016 CBR600RR
Ford KA ---> 93' MR2 ---> 94'MR2 ---> 98' Subaru WRX STI Ver 3 (track car)
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bacon
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PostPosted: 22:26 - 06 Aug 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Skip the 125cc, go straight to DAS after your cbt if you enjoy it.

The cost of a 125 would buy you a big bike, so stump up the test fees and training and be done with it Thumbs Up

Some people get stuck in cbt world for years on a shitty 125, you're old enough not to have to.
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SDFarsight
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Joined: 02 May 2017
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PostPosted: 17:45 - 08 Aug 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

JusticeP83 wrote:
Hi thanks.

I’m really in two minds what to do but I’m gearing more towards doing the CBT then a 125cc to learn the basics and also to see if I’m going to enjoy it/ becomfortable riding a bike.

I seen there are a decent selection of 125’s out there.

I also see the senses behind the other option and gaining the full licence sooner.

Decisions decisions.


I'd recommend getting the 125 bike first as you don't know how long the full DAS course will last. Even if you pass both mods quickly and also have the cash to immediately by a big bike it's just good to have that 125 experience already under your belt. This may be obvious, but I wouldn't recommend a 125 if you plan to do lots of inter-city riding as the 70MPH A roads can make you feel like you're on a bicycle again.
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Previous: Sym Wolf SB125Ni, 2008 Kawasaki ER6f
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bacon
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Joined: 09 Jan 2009
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PostPosted: 23:41 - 08 Aug 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

SDFarsight wrote:
JusticeP83 wrote:
Hi thanks.

I’m really in two minds what to do but I’m gearing more towards doing the CBT then a 125cc to learn the basics and also to see if I’m going to enjoy it/ becomfortable riding a bike.

I seen there are a decent selection of 125’s out there.

I also see the senses behind the other option and gaining the full licence sooner.

Decisions decisions.


I'd recommend getting the 125 bike first as you don't know how long the full DAS course will last. Even if you pass both mods quickly and also have the cash to immediately by a big bike it's just good to have that 125 experience already under your belt. This may be obvious, but I wouldn't recommend a 125 if you plan to do lots of inter-city riding as the 70MPH A roads can make you feel like you're on a bicycle again.


Honestly, my advice is the opposite, don't waste your money on a 125, he's not a 17yr old without any other options
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