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

[Theory]

Pretty you can do A2 direct access at 19.

Oh, maybe it isn't worth getting the A1 then, only got 7/8 months until I'm 19.

Perhaps Direct Access A2 and then the Full A is the better route for me.

[APMerry]

Oh, maybe it isn't worth getting the A1 then, only got 7/8 months until I'm 19.

Perhaps Direct Access A2 and then the Full A is the better route for me.

 

Yeah, If you're 19 soon you're better off waiting. You can still do a CBT and ride a 125 with L Plates until then.

[pcstru]

If you are that age and have relatively little experience of riding on the road, then training to pass the A1 test is no bad thing; I'd not call any training or competency test a waste of money where motorbikes are concerned.

[Theory]

If you are that age and have relatively little experience of riding on the road.

...No experience:p

[cobra427col]

Just about to book my theory/ HP then plan on the actual test before my CBT runs out at end of July...

 

Cant wait.. I love the bike but......

(65 plate chinese 125 skip special - 18 headlamp bulbs until i 3d printed a bit to stop the lamps bouncing around - new swing arm (worn out) - center stand broke - 3 fuel tanks (leaking from welded seams (once was for a month onto the exhaust)) pulled twice because rear lights not working all LED when the copper got down on his knee to check properly - all 12 LEDs were working - just not very bright. - rev counter stopped working.... gear selection indicator shows whatever gear it wants when it rains.... speedo is in KPH and dubious on its accuracy (no tickets yet) exhaust rusted away. - a drive sprocket and 3 chains (I'm told the next strength of chain is off an oil tanker anchor.

 

 

Having said that I've done just over 19,000km so I'm up for the test (as long as theres no alfa Mito owners on the road - they seem to have a distinct disliking to me and go out of their way to drive me off the road (4 times now by the the same 3 alfas)

[Andrew_C]

they seem to have a distinct disliking to me and go out of their way to drive me off the road (4 times now by the the same 3 alfas)

Are they cruising around in packs!?

 

Your experience of Chinese bikes pretty much mirrors everything I've heard.

[Garacesh]

I still want to get a Suzuki Marauder for when I learn to ride as my 125. It might be a 2-stroke but I've heard it still has enough oomph to get yourself out of a sticky situation. And it looks awesome. Vanity is important

[APMerry]

as long as theres no alfa Mito owners on the road - they seem to have a distinct disliking to me and go out of their way to drive me off the road

 

It's normally the Germans, Audi/BMW/Mercedes/VW I look out for. I'll have to look out for these now too.

[bald_pig]

I still want to get a Suzuki Marauder for when I learn to ride as my 125. It might be a 2-stroke but I've heard it still has enough oomph to get yourself out of a sticky situation. And it looks awesome. Vanity is important

 

2-strokes produce more power per cc than 4-strokes, but they produce more emissions, which is why they are slowly going.

[Garacesh]

but they produce more emissions, which is why they are slowly going.

Hmm.. By 'slowly going' do you mean they're getting phased out or something? If that's the case, is there any indication of what's going to happen to learners?

[bald_pig]

Hmm.. By 'slowly going' do you mean they're getting phased out or something? If that's the case, is there any indication of what's going to happen to learners?

 

New bikes have to meet emissions requirements, so new bikes are 4-stroke as the 2-stroke engines can't meet the requirements

[Garacesh]

New bikes have to meet emissions requirements, so new bikes are 4-stroke as the 2-stroke engines can't meet the requirements

 

Ahh, sorry, I misunderstood. So manufacturers aren't producing 2-stroke engines anymore because they don't meet emission requirements, but they are producing 125cc 4-stroke engines. Gotchya.

[cobra427col]

Andrew_c

 

Its getting that way... (bit like Hells Grannies)

 

The dragon once had a Mito come left out of a junction with out stopping but kept on the inside of her and then try muscle its way in front of her.. She was going off on one about it - All I said was .... welcome to my world..

 

There's a driver of a black Mito that seriously has a thing for cycles and motorbikes.. the other week he started weaving back and forth in the lane to to stop a pushbike or me past. We both passed him at the round about as we filtered between stopped traffic but you could tell he wasnt happy

[Theory]

Update on CBT: N a i l e d it.

[flyinghaggis]

I'm thinking of getting a bike for commuting to work as I'm fed up spending hours each day catching the bus for a 6 mile commute and there's nowhere to park a car as my school is in the city centre. I've had a look at the bikes in my local dealer and like the look of the Honda CB125F.

 

One question I had which I'm hoping the forum can advise on is what accessories I should be looking at for commuting. I guess as a minimum I'll need a helmet, gloves and protective/armourerd jacket? Is it worth getting trousers and boots as well? The site at my work is pretty secure but I guess I'll need a lock of some kind for parking elsewhere? Are there any other accessories which I'll need to get to keep/maintain the bike?

 

The stuff in the dealer was looking pretty expensive for clothing/helments so I'm wondering if there's anywhere people would recommend trying? I obviously don't want to compromise on safety but at the same time don't want to spend a fortune on expensive branded kit if it isn't necessary for commuting. Is Halfords worth a look as they seemed to have motorcycle clothing a decent prices?

 

Just trying to get an idea of all the stuff I need in addition to the bike itself so any advice would be appreciated

Edited June 13, 2017 by flyinghaggis

[Andrew_C]

All the gear - all the time.

 

So, at a minimum helmet, good gloves, jacket, trousers, and boots. Yes, it will cost, but thete is qlso eblag, and several bike pages on farsebook. Biker Booty is fairly active. There is always going to be a trade off between being protected, and getting too hot (at this time of year). Or being warm enough or lookin like the Michelin Man in winter.

 

Reinforced jeans and a vented jacket for me at the moment.

 

If you plan to commute through the winter, see if it will run heated grips. They are worth their weight in gold! See if you can squeeze the out of the dealer...

Edited June 13, 2017 by Andrew_C

[APMerry]

Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, Trousers and Boots. What sort of distance are you going to be travelling and will you be doing it all year round? You're likely to want different gloves and clothes when it's 25 degrees in July from when it's -5 in January.

 

I wouldn't say gear is cheap, but you can get kitted up for a few hundred quid. www.sportsbikeshop.com and GetGeared - Gear for Bikers are where I buy most of my stuff from. RST stuff is fairly good on a budget.

[Garacesh]

Is it worth getting trousers and boots as well?

Yes. Always. Your work pants or even a thick pair of jeans won't hold up well if you come off at speed.

Boots are a must, too. And get ones that go up your leg and cover your ankles! Knacker your feet and/or ankles, and you can say goodbye to the rear-brake or shifting gears.

 

The site at my work is pretty secure but I guess I'll need a lock of some kind for parking elsewhere?

If you can, get a lock that's long enough to go through both wheels. I've legit seen people hufting a bike up and pushing it along on the unlocked wheel whilst a big chain dangles from the other.

(I used to live on a council estate that had its fair share of crime..)

[bald_pig]

You will want a everything, it's not uncommon to lose a foot if you come off in trainers! I've got gear from fc-moto before at a reasonable price.

 

If you're on a budget, keep an eye on ebay for last years stock, you can get a hefty discount just because it has last years' design!

 

I'll go further than the others, I prefer handlebar muffs to heated grips as it keeps the wind off. You will also want to consider separate summer and winter jackets and trousers.

[APMerry]

Also very important, try the helmet on before you buy it. They all fit a bit differently and a poor fitting helmet is as good as a wooly hat in an accident. I went to a dealer and tried a load on and then found the best deal online.

[bald_pig]

Also very important, try the helmet on before you buy it. They all fit a bit differently and a poor fitting helmet is as good as a wooly hat in an accident. I went to a dealer and tried a load on and then found the best deal online.

 

And also bear in mind that the pads in the helmet will give slightly after some use. Make sure the helmet doesn't put any pressure on your forehead, all are a slightly different shape, but pressure on the forehead will give you a headache very quickly!

[Andrew_C]

All helmets meet the required standards. More expensive ones may be more comfortable, or last longer, whatever.

 

A visor that takes "Pin Lock" inserts are worth looking for. You effectively double glaze your visor; this cuts down condensation. You can also get a photo-chromic insert. Much easier than fiddling with sunglasses.

[flyinghaggis]

All helmets meet the required standards. More expensive ones may be more comfortable, or last longer, whatever.

 

A visor that takes "Pin Lock" inserts are worth looking for. You effectively double glaze your visor; this cuts down condensation. You can also get a photo-chromic insert. Much easier than fiddling with sunglasses.

 

That sounds like something that might be useful as I had to leave the visor up slightly for the helmet I was provided for my CBT as it steamed up with condensation otherwise.

 

And also bear in mind that the pads in the helmet will give slightly after some use. Make sure the helmet doesn't put any pressure on your forehead, all are a slightly different shape, but pressure on the forehead will give you a headache very quickly!

 

Funny you should mention that as I ended up with a blinding headache after a couple of hours wearing the CBT hemlet so I'm guessing the fit was too tight! I noticed the instructor had one of the flip-down style helmets which looked like a good idea as I wear glasses and the instructor seemed to have a much easier time with his than I had with mine. I found everytime I took the helmet off I had to find somewhere to lay down or store my glasses which was really irritating.

Edited June 14, 2017 by flyinghaggis

[Theory]

Honda CB125F.

Tis' a good bike.

 

*EDIT*

This is what I got.

Edited June 14, 2017 by Theory

[arwen]

Nothing wrong with a Honda CB125F, if you are buying second hand I would recommend getting someone who knows bikes to to a look over it with you first.

 

You'll want all the gear. I have an ever growing selection of gear now, some of which I should probably sell off as I have settles on pretty much the following: (I've included links to shops I've bought from with no issues)

Textile Jacket waterproof, but with some vents. I use this all year - however I use the car if it is particularly wet or snowing.

Textile trousers that fit over normal jeans. I use these for wet/cold weather. I wear Kevlar jeans for warm/summer riding.

Boots Are a must, both for comfort and protection. Cold feet make you grumpy. Army patrol boots/para boots can work well too if you are on a budget.

Gloves. Get ones that fit, and Ideally a winter pair (warm and water/wind proof) and a summer pair (thin,vented).

Helmet: Get the one that fits best that you can afford. In that order. A £70 helmet that fits perfectly will do more to protect you than a £700 one that fits incorrectly. Visit a large shop (J&S accessories are good) and they will help you with finding a helmet that fits properly. Don't be shy, they are normally very helpful and will give tips and pointers to you.

Ear plugs: Often overlooked. Look after your hearing, you cant get it back once it is damaged. Read this if you are unconvinced. A good fitting helmet helps with this, but ear plugs can be bought cheaply.

 

http://www.fc-moto.de is a great site to buy from, they supply a lot of motorcycle shops in the UK, so you will be hard pushed to beat their prices.

 

Motorcycling is great fun, it can be cheaper than commuting by car, but you actually need to enjoy it to stick with it in my opinion. And once you enjoy it, you'll be spending time and money on your new hobby!

Edited June 15, 2017 by arwen