total newbie saying hello and asking for some advice

[paulo_bish]

Hello folks as it says Im a total newbie to the world of motorbikes. Always had a keen interest and desire but never got round to it. i went down the car route

A bit about me.
New rider - just started lessons. always wanted a bike but never got round to it (im 52). Lots of sports cars but hankering after the buzz but cheaper running costs as well as community (used to drag race air-cooled VWs and love the VW community)
Just moved back to Cheshire and looking for an easy one-stop-shop really (maybe I'm lazy)
Have bought cars on finance and cash before so flexible on how I get the bike
Some mechanical skill but really want a ride-away package for my first purchase
Will need all the gear, insurance etc
Looking for advice - a good community to get involved with
Looking for a 125 to get going then a 350/600 - Mutt/Enfield/Triumph etc maybe down the line a Ducati monster but really open to thoughts here

I live now in Cheshire and quite near to Macclesfield and naturally Superbike Factory was top of the Google search. When it comes to cars I know where to go (Pistonheads, Collecting Cars etc) and what to look for. With bikes I have zero clues. Zero

Is Superbike Factory a good place to start??

Hopefully, some folks on here will have had some experience with them.

Thanks in advance for any help and glad to be on the forum

/P

[A100man]

YBR125 => Triumph 400 => ??

Superbike factory seems Ok provided they have what you're looking for.
Dont get a Harley unless you're either :

A) Hellkat (more on her later)
B) A retired accountant trying to look hard
C) Ghey.
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750, SL1000

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600, Skorpion

[paulo_bish]

[A100man]

[Easy-X]

Superbike Factory is not so bad if you can actually turn up on site and examine potential bikes.

Usual route is: do CBT, ride 125 till you get bored of it (2 weeks ~ 6 months) find a local bike school and do the full 'A' licence. I did the whole 125, small bike, medium bike thing but TBH unless you're aiming for something daft like a Hayabusa or Triumph Rocket as your main bike the 300~500cc transition is a little unnecessary.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[paulo_bish]

[Ayrton]

Don't buy a fancy expensive 125, just get a simple Japanese bike like a Yamaha ybr that you can use to get some experience on before getting the full license.

[Easy-X]

Anything 300~500cc not a Royal Enfield will have adequate power for A-road commuting. Look for something bigger if the majority of your miles are dual-carriageways or motorways.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[paulo_bish]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Nobby the Bastard]

I'd happily have a knucklehead in the garage.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[struan80]

You've got Oulton Park on your doorstep! Sportsbike is needed. Would have sold you my cbr400rr but someones just bought it.

Honestly you've picked the best thing to get into.

I have bought two bikes from Superbike factory and have only been impressed with the service and quality of bikes. No doubt there will be some bad apples

You should do your Direct access (DAS) if your serious.

Personally if I was as young as 52 I'd buy a chinese 125, probably a cfmoto.