burnsyb0y Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I was wondering if any of you ride motorbikes as i am a first time rider looking to buy one this weekend and i was wondering about a few things if any of you would be kind enough to answer: What is the difference between 2 ad 4 stroke? Is the balancing/turning the same as a pedal bike? Would a 2009 AJS RegalRaptor 125cc be a decent first bike for going roughly 3 miles a day to work and back? Thanks in advance for all help/advice, it is much appreciated! (i hope this is in the right section, just let me know if not and i will move it.)
abillybob Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I no longer have a bike but used to great bit of fun. Though this is the worst time to buy one you'll never be able to enjoy a ride on it in this weather! I do prefer a 2 stroke, normally they have a lot more up and go and are generally quicker top end (if they're derestricted) though this does mean once a month youll have to top your bike full of oil if you're a regular rider. 4 strokes are normally more reliable though are slower, but it also means not spending a fortune on oil. My friend has a 125cc Honda scooter derestricted and it will do 70 but I have 100cc 2 stroke Peugeot and that does 80 derestricted. 2 Strokes normally use more petrol too by the way. Completely different to riding a pedal bike though when you get on it you should just automatically balance yourself so don't be worried motorbikes are more stable then pedal bikes when balancing you'll just find it will balance itself, it's more leaning of a motorbike where as on a pedal bike you tend to turn the handlebars a bit more. The bike you have described seems perfectly fine, heck you could walk 3 miles so any bike would be fine even a 50cc scooter would do that job. Hope this helps
Oaktech Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I was wondering if any of you ride motorbikes as i am a first time rider looking to buy one this weekend and i was wondering about a few things if any of you would be kind enough to answer: What is the difference between 2 ad 4 stroke? Is the balancing/turning the same as a pedal bike? Would a 2009 AJS RegalRaptor 125cc be a decent first bike for going roughly 3 miles a day to work and back? Thanks in advance for all help/advice, it is much appreciated! (i hope this is in the right section, just let me know if not and i will move it.) 2 stroke make more power for their size as there is a power stroke every time the engine goes round, but they require faaaarrrrrr more maintenance and the addition of 2 stroke oil, either to the fuel, or to a separate tank as they don't have any other means of lubrication, thus increasing running costs. It is substantially the same... The first thing you have to remember is you will go where you look, so don't look at the ditch. Ever. The tricky thing is clutch control. The AJS regal raptor is OK, but it's not great, if you can afford one of the japanese brands (honda, yamaha,kawasaki, suzuki) get one, there is a reason they are more expensive. That said, you can get some good deals on other brands, I particularly like the Hyosung 125 (south korean) and the Rieju Matrix 125 (spanish), the current winners in the chinese 125 market seem to be Sinnis and SuperByke.
abillybob Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Oh and don't fall off I was doing 70 down the a442 and came of my bike after hitting a car, I was being stupid! Hit my shoulder at first impact which made my collarbone protrude out of my skin it broke twice in two different places. Got permanent scars all the one side of my body aswell. Wasn't pretty so be safe! 2
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 1. 2vs 4 stroke - with a 2 stroke, remember to put the oil in for the petrol! 4 Stroke is smoother but slightly more complicated mechanically. 2 stroke is generally more powerful for a given displacement (cc), but usually within a limited rev band, so you need a little more skill to get the best from them. 2. Yes and no. You don't tend to notice counter steering on a push bike and you may not even notice it on a motorbike but on a motorbike you should be taught it and you should learn (or should that be lean) to exploit it. 3. I'd think so. A 125 should be able to keep up with the traffic on A roads but mostly isn't fast enough to kill you for a stupid mistake. I say mostly, it can of course kill you and you should treat it as if it will. A Honda CB125 would be an excellent choice, they tend to hold their value too. Good luck, have fun but please do be careful.
laserblazer Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Good luck, have fun but please do be careful. And remember you have to be careful for other motorists as well. Work on the basis that they are all idiots and are about to do something daft. 2
Oaktech Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 And remember you have to be careful for other motorists as well. Work on the basis that they are all idiots and are about to do something daft. Yeah, get used to thinking for everyone else...
burnsyb0y Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Will stick to a 4 stroke then for sure then. I would like a jap bike but my budget really does not allow for it, will more than likely upgrade once i know if bikes are for me though Thanks everyone, and i will be safe as can be. Really buzzing for my CBT now and it looks like im picking my bike up tomorrow, will keep you all updated with how i get on!
abillybob Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 You'll fly through a CBT at one point I started driving on the wrong side of the road (I was 16) and they still passed me haha Youll pass!
mthomas08 Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 And remember you have to be careful for other motorists as well. Work on the basis that they are all idiots and are about to do something daft. This was something my instructor told me, don't trust anyone, don't trust pot holes or anything in the road. CBT though is a walk in the park, feels more of like a lesson than a test. Only difficulty I had was the U Turn because you feel like you will fall off but your not going to. I stalled it a few times and passed easily.
VeryPC_Colin_M Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 My bike went the second I was knocked off too. Pressure from her indoors and my mum! What is the difference between 2 ad 4 stroke? = 4 stroke better Is the balancing/turning the same as a pedal bike? = nowhere near Would a 2009 AJS RegalRaptor 125cc be a decent first bike for going roughly 3 miles a day to work and back? = Nice looking, will be sweet for a first bike, you'll be fine doing that mileage just keep her wiped down after rain, and topped up with fluids for short journeys. 1
abillybob Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 As this is related here's a question for some of the more knowledgable members, If I obtained my CBT in late 2010 and passed my full UK driving license in early 2012 does that mean I can ride a 50cc scooter with people on the back and no L plates? I'm sure I read this was the case it's only if you want a 125 do you have to retake your CBT and you only retake your CBT every 2 years for a 50cc if you're on provisional driving license??? Any help?
burnsyb0y Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Good to know, i thought the cbt was going to be really intensive and hard. Nice bit of advice on watching out for other drivers, have to do this even on my pedal bike, drivers in luton seem to all be arrogant idiots. 1
Andrew_C Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Don't buy Chinese, or anything odd. It will have NO resale value next week, never mind when you've had time to pass your test and move on to a bigger bike. Loath I am to say it (mine's Italian) go for a Japanese bike. Yes, theoretically a 2 stroke will give more power, but in real-world riding, I doubt you'll notice. GET SOME TRAINING! Then get some more*. CBT is laughably easy if you have any road sense at all. Passing the Modules is more complex than getting a full car licence, but I doubt it will really lead to better riders. Buy decent protective kit. Helmet doesn't have to be expensive, but look for 5* Sharp rating. Don't go out in jeans, trainers and a tee shirt. SQUID = Stupid, Quick, Under-dressed & Imminently Dead. Beware forgetting to cancel your indicators; my instructor nearly got squished when out in front of me. *Local plod or firebrigade may do Bike Safe sessions. Lots of fun, and worth every penny; perhaps best suited to someone with a few months riding under their belt. 1
burnsyb0y Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 Also one last thing, other than the highway code, is there anything else you would recommend reading up on or anything else in general i should know? Thanks everyone, your replies are really helping me get an idea of what i have to learn/look forward to!
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Good to know, i thought the cbt was going to be really intensive and hard. It should be good fun. They are basically just out to make sure you have some basic skills and aren't a huge danger to yourself. I bought my mother one when she was 65 and she had a great time and passed. Nice bit of advice on watching out for other drivers, have to do this even on my pedal bike, drivers in luton seem to all be arrogant idiots. It used to be summed up as : "It wasn't *my* fault" - be sure to let everyone know that by having it chiselled on your gravestone. Riding a motorbike you have to take responsibility for everyone's mistakes.
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Also one last thing, other than the highway code, is there anything else you would recommend reading up on or anything else in general i should know? Roadcraft. 1
mats Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 3 miles? Stick with the bicycle and get a motorbike for weekend entertainment!
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 As this is related here's a question for some of the more knowledgable members, If I obtained my CBT in late 2010 and passed my full UK driving license in early 2012 does that mean I can ride a 50cc scooter with people on the back and no L plates? I'm sure I read this was the case it's only if you want a 125 do you have to retake your CBT and you only retake your CBT every 2 years for a 50cc if you're on provisional driving license??? Any help? When you say Full UK licence, you mean full UK licence for a car? If so, then no. A motorbike is a separate category of vehicle and unless you have done a bike test, you should not be carrying a pillion.
burnsyb0y Posted February 12, 2014 Author Posted February 12, 2014 3 miles? Stick with the bicycle and get a motorbike for weekend entertainment! I would much rather ride a motorbike, i do not enjoy pedal bikes.
Dos_Box Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 I think the advice everyone has given so far has been excellent. I rode for 12 years (before I had to get a car due to children etc.) and my best advice would be to echo @Andrew_C. Get decent protective clothing. Even off eBay if you have to, and get some good waterproofs too. Don't be concerned with how you look. As long as you are warm and protected that's what counts. I used to ride from Germany to Lancashire on a regular basis and having good gear made all of the difference. Once you've got it, it lasts for years. As has also been said, don't trust anyone else on the road. Look around, don't rely on your mirrors and don't take stupid chances. If you don't think you can make a maneuver then don't commit. And buy a decent lock. Don't skimp there either! In my 12 years of rising I only had one accident. I was taken off at low speed by a drunk cyclist who shot straight out into the road in front of me after returning to Germany (a 500 mile trip that one). I broke lots of fingers and toes on my right hand side. And that was at about 25mph with full leathers on. Most of all, enjoy yourself, it's great fun 1
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 When you say Full UK licence, you mean full UK licence for a car? If so, then no. A motorbike is a separate category of vehicle and unless you have done a bike test, you should not be carrying a pillion. OK, I think that may be wrong for a scooter, so I'll shut me face. 1
pcstru Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 anything else in general i should know? One more thing no one has said : Wear earplugs. Wind noise is loud, persistent and can quite quickly damage your hearing.
foofighterjim Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Glad to see you are considering joining our minority group! 1. It doesn't matter ultimately if you buy 2 or 4 stroke but you do need to understand the differences in terms of riding style and maintenance. Several other posts have covered this so I won't cover old ground. I would personally stick with the Hondas at 125cc they are bulletproof! 2. You will probably need to spend as much money on your gear as you do on the bike. Please only buy a gold standard helmet it is definitely one thing you do not want to skimp on. My advice would be to buy waterproof jacket, gloves, trousers and boots with the british standards kitemark as a minimum. I know that only the helmet is a legal requirement but seriously it doesn't take a high speed crash to do serious damage. 3. Once you pass your CBT don't forget that you must have an L plate on your bike. And you can't ride on motorways, that includes the A38m if you're in Birmingham! 4. If you are serious about your riding look to take your full test ASAP, then consider joining an advanced motorcyclist group such as RoSPA or IAM. Take care and ride safe. foofigterjim RoSPA Gold rider since 2005. 1
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