Biking newbie - Questions...

Abz · L Plate Warrior Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Karma :

Hey, prospective newbie to biking here. I'm going to turn 21 soon so I'm going to go down the (C.B.T+) DAS route and get my full license. Very Happy

I've checked out a few places, and the ones that appeal to me are the North London Motorcycle Training and Elite Motorcycle Training. Anyone here have good/bad experiences with them??

Also, what type of equipment is provided (i.e gloves helmet, jacke etc.), apart from the bikes. Am I expected to get my own stuff or will it be provided?, in regards to riding schools generally and the two places mentioned before.?

How challenging is the C.B.T and D.A.S likely to be for a complete newbie like me? - No previous riding or driving experience EVER..

I've checked out a few bikes. Since I'm going for the full license, I thinking (after trawling throuhg the forum) that it's best to bypass the 'buying a 125' (altho' the RS/NSR interests me) and go for a 400-600..Good idea or not?...

Any recommendations for a bike (balance of being relatively cheap to run/reliability/comfort on short+long distance jouyrneys and looks ) - mostly for commuting in london, a FEW trips per year to south wales/cardiff area. - bear in mind that I'm a uni student - v. little money £1k'ish max on the bike

Also take into account that I'm a short-arse guy at 5'4 Crying or Very sad

and barring a miracle do not envisage getting any taller, something that will not make me look like a hobbit - i.e a BIG bike. Laughing

Since I live near the Baker St area, what is commuting on a bike like in, and around central London? I Checked out the insurance guide sticky, and it says 'Refer' for my postcode - costs likely to be really high?

Apologies for the v. long post. Thanks in advance for your replys..

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

If you can ride a pushbike and have common sense you should be ok on the CBT and DAS, that's what therye designed for. Brush up on your highway code though. The training centre should provide everything you will need, phone them up and check. Buying your own stuff is better though as it will fit you and therefore offer better protection.

Finding a bike is best to try and sit on some, see what you like, there are various ways of lowering the seat height.

Commuting on a bike in London is it's own controlled chaos. Try a little cycling around London during working hours when it's 'quieter', should give you a rough idea. Don't get in the way of couriers, theyre grumpy knobs. Laughing

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Abz · L Plate Warrior Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Karma :

I'm alright with riding a bicyle, well I was 10 years back. In any case, got myself one yesterday - havn't tried it yet 'cept but shouldn't be too bad after a few weeks.

Highway Code - Going to brush up on that. Also starting driving lessons soon so should have done 18 hours minimum by the time I do my C.B.T. I think I'll do the c.b.t first and see if the instuctor is crazy enough to let me go on the D.A.S.

SteveyRF600 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 24 May 2006 Karma :

As for bikes i went from poodling around on a 125 took my DAS and went for a 93 Suzuki RF 600...... and i have never looked back.
Use the bike daily for work and the weekend blast and i cant fault it..... Insurance was £100 cheaper than the 125 all in was £200 fully comp ( 30 years old) Paid £1250 and all that was required was to stick a set of Bridgstones on..... Some people are not keen on the grills or the big back end but it still looks a modern bike...
Trips to Cardiff should not be a problem, i am 6ft and tend to find the legs need a stretch before the wrists start moaning!!
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