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Starting to drive/ride... should I get a bike?

localzuk

By localzuk
in General Chat

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dry

dry

Posted
Posted
Never get a scooter if you want to ride something bigger one day.

 

Scooters are more dangerous. Their balance is far worse, they're more unstable and their smaller wheels make it terrifying to try and get out of situations. A 50cc scooter is barely able to keep up with side road traffic, please go for a 125.

 

(Also they look pants)

+1. It's been a while since I did my CBT but think you can ride a moped even if you did it on a 125? (not that you'd want to after riding a 125!)

 

Really was fun doing my CBT. The training centre was on a 40mph road and WOW! the first time I opened the throttle up it felt like I was doing 150mph! Looked at the speedo and I was doing 33 haha

pcstru

pcstru

Posted
Posted
Really was fun doing my CBT. The training centre was on a 40mph road and WOW! the first time I opened the throttle up it felt like I was doing 150mph! Looked at the speedo and I was doing 33 haha

After a few years that turns into thinking you are doing 30 and then looking down and discovering the pocket rocket is pootling along at (mumbles incoherently).

 

Have to agree with the dissing of scooters, I had a shot on my nieces and it was like driving a shopping trolley but with two wheels - it didn't inspire me as very stable! I'd not worry too much about being corrupted by the control scheme (becoming programmed by twist and go) - you quickly learn new skills and apply them in the correct context. I don't seem to have issues switching between right hand drive, auto's, flappy paddle two pedal set-ups; once you learn them you just do them automagically when in the correct context.

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APMerry

APMerry

Posted
Posted
Security might be something to consider too.Not sure what it's like where you are, but bike theft is terrible here in London, a colleague had his Yamaha stolen from outside the front of school (inside school grounds). The thieves casually strolled up on a scooter, took them barely a minute to break the steering lock and ride off with it. Carrying chains is not cool.
ricki

ricki

Posted
Posted
I used to use a motor bike it's quick cheap travel but I soon gave it up when I needed to transport tools and machines. I used to look like a pack horse.
Theory

Theory

Posted
Posted
How are motorbikes on the motorway?

If it makes any difference once in the car with my father, motorbike next to us, we were going 120b(Dads crazy & motorway) but the motorbike not only stayed beside us, but ended up going even faster until we couldn't see him anymore... All I can think is how fearless he must've been...

crc-ict

crc-ict

Posted
Posted (edited)
Full Category A (any bike)

 

Got a Honda Deauville 680cc myself - and a Honda 125 scooter for pottering about on.

 

Not seeing the love for scooters here, but to me they are undeniably practical and personally would rather have the 125 scooter than the 680cc bike if I could only have one vehicle to use for daily stuff.

 

 

I say get a varadero, it's a big and versatile 125!

 

HONDA XL125V VARADERO (2001-2009) Review | MCN

 

I'd agree - had one of these before I did DAS and they are great bikes. However, without a big topbox on, I'm not sure how practical it would be as a 'work vehicle'.

 

 

For all the

Edited by crc-ict
pcstru

pcstru

Posted
Posted
How are motorbikes on the motorway? Good idea for a morning commute or a borderline suicidal idea?

IMO they are fine on motorways (but it is boring). For some commutes (I used to have to do the occasional the M1/M25 into London of a morning), the ability to filter rocks past traffic stuck in jam is fabulous!

bald_pig

bald_pig

Posted
Posted

Full category A here as well, I used to ride the M25 in every morning, my commute would probably have been twice as long if I was in a car!

 

Haven't fixed the bike since I crashed though :(

bald_pig

bald_pig

Posted
Posted
Damn, how bad was the crash?

 

Engine seized at ~60mph and I highsided

 

I was relatively uninjured, but the bike suffered, pics are earlier in the thread

foofighterjim

foofighterjim

Posted
Posted
How are motorbikes on the motorway? Good idea for a morning commute or a borderline suicidal idea?

 

IMO they are fine on motorways (but it is boring). For some commutes (I used to have to do the occasional the M1/M25 into London of a morning), the ability to filter rocks past traffic stuck in jam is fabulous!

 

Please note @localzuk that if you pass your CBT on a provisional you will have to ride with L plates, you can't ride on motorways and you can't carry pillion passengers. Not trying to sway your opinion just thought it would be good for you to know up front.

Theory

Theory

Posted
Posted
Update on my behalf: I have my CBT this Sunday, and if all goes well I'll then start to work on a Sub-Category A1 License.
pcstru

pcstru

Posted
Posted
Update on my behalf: I have my CBT this Sunday, and if all goes well I'll then start to work on a Sub-Category A1 License.

Good luck for your CBT.

dry

dry

Posted
Posted
Update on my behalf: I have my CBT this Sunday, and if all goes well I'll then start to work on a Sub-Category A1 License.

Good luck! Although honestly you probably won't need it. I dropped the bike, cut a corner and put my feet down loads of times yet was still somehow legally allowed to ride at the end of it!!

APMerry

APMerry

Posted
Posted
Update on my behalf: I have my CBT this Sunday, and if all goes well I'll then start to work on a Sub-Category A1 License.

 

The A1 license is not really worth it IMO. You'd still be limited to a 125, so the test is kind of a waste of money unless you're really bothered about having L Plates. You'd need to take the test again when you're 19 to get an A2 and then again when you're 21 to get unrestricted.

Theory

Theory

Posted
Posted
The A1 license is not really worth it IMO. You'd still be limited to a 125, so the test is kind of a waste of money unless you're really bothered about having L Plates. You'd need to take the test again when you're 19 to get an A2 and then again when you're 21 to get unrestricted.

I think you have to ride on the A1 license to apply for the A2 do you not?

Andrew_C

Andrew_C

Posted
Posted
It changes every time the wind blows. If you are over the age threshold, doing 'direct access' might be an option. Skip the intermediate steps. I think you HAVE to have lessons with an instructor as you need to be riding c500cc bikes and it does cost.

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