Hi Guys, newbie here, haven't even got a bike yet. Learning this year and i'm hoping to get some much needed advice regarding beginner bikes etc. Hope you are all well.
Hi Mate & Welcome to the Forum Newbie bikes are a difficult thing, depends on whether you've ridden off road/field bikes & have a feeling for throttle control & braking on more slippery surfaces. Assuming you have no experience at all, then I would advise do some time on a learner legal 125 to gain experience, if you are doing direct access test then things are a little more down to personal taste, what you want from your bike & what you'll use it for. One thing I would strongly advise is to seek further more advanced training after passing your test, it will help you develop you skills & keep you safer.
Welcome in Jaypan, Good luck with your lessons take it easy and all will be fine, Only bit of advice I would give to a learner or newly qualified biker is dont go for the biggest or the best, start of with a decent cheap bike until you've gained a bit of self experience and awareness on the road, we all make mistakes and daft choices in newly learnt skills and if the worst should ever happen or even if you just drop it , if the bike didn't cost much or owe you a lot of money its easier to take on the chin and sort out and carry on, Its all part of the fun, Enjoy
I would echo what has been said especially if you go down the Direct Access route. I have taught a number of guys who have already been and ordered a bike even though they have never thrown a leg over a motorbike in their life just because a mate says to go for it. It is usually those that then have put themselves under so much pressure to pass the test that it makes learning to ride a real uphill struggle and indeed some then give up eventually. With regards to buying a bike after you have passed, you must consider the physical size of the bike so that it is suitable for your build/height etc. The main decision then is what style of bike you like and the use the bike is to be put to, ie purely leisure, commuting carrying a pillion etc. Finally, as again suggested, do some follow on training after you pass what is after all a very basic Mod 1 Test and then a Mod 2 40 minute road ride assessing your ability at that time. I personally would recommend something in the region of a 500/600cc bike depending on your skill, ability and.....attitude!
Hi Jaypan, welcome from a fellow newbie. Should we cross paths, you'll be able to recognize me by the number of teeth on my rear sprocket.
Hello everyone, I’ve got to say I’m overjoyed with the response from you who have posted. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer your much needed advice. Currently as it stands me and my brother are looking at doing the CBT. We are complete novices, I’ve ridden a moped around Chang Mai in Thailand and had a road legal quad for a few years but that’s as far as it goes. He’s (my brother) is a bit more eager then I to do the crash course get the bike he wants and go from there, whereas I’m more interested in getting a 125cc do my CBT and gain some experience of handling the bike, experience the road and then take the direct access with the intention of buying a Triumph when and only when I feel ready. I’ve always liked the triumph since my grandad and I watched the great escape. I like the shape of the Bonneville, Speed twin. It’s just stuck with me. Whereas my brother likes his sports bikes. I like the classic styles. If I may call them that. Is there a relatively similar 125cc bike out there with the style, weight and set up similar to the above mentioned triumphs? And what price range wouldn’t you go below for a 125? I thought this way I could get something to gain experience on that is similar to the bike I’d like to eventually ride once I am completely ready. Apologies for the long winded post, novice newbie needs nurturing.
Hi Jaypan and welcome to the forum Best of luck with your test, searching bikes for sale may help with your learner bike
Long winded is good! I echo the lightweight dirt bike approach. There is no substitute for an early appreciation of front end limits and you learn safely and quickly in a field. That aside, buy and digest: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle...03&hvtargid=pla-302291839831&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
Hi mate. If you go the CBT route, get yourself an old CB125 Honda, simplicity itself & pretty bulletproof. I taught my son to ride, he wanted a sportsbike, I said no, he went CBT on a CB125, then took his test, he then had a DR400 Suzuki which we took on fields as well as the road & he learned about throttle & brake control for a year or so. Then a SV650 with a restriction kit until he was allowed to remove it, finally a GSXR 750, he is a very accomplished rider now.
Welcome to the forum, @Jaypan80. And to the awesome world of motorcycles and bikers. It's a wonderful new world! And my favorite subculture.
Have a look for a bike training school in your area. Give them a call and then drop in for a chat with them. They will be able to give you the options for learning that you have to get your licence. They will also provide a bike (s) for you to get started on.. Once you get started you can then start to consider what type of bike you want for when you past your test....
I believe that you are getting pretty much similar advice from the most of the guys on this forum. motorcycling is a lifelong passion, once you are hooked it is difficult to free yourself and for that reason take your time, learn as much as you can and you will enjoy it so much. Eventually you will get to be like the rest of us, then you need to start to feel worried!
Jaypan80. All good advice here and i repeat it all. Take your time get to know whatever bike you choose. I if taking a test these days would yes go for an old Honda cb or a Suzuki van van. great bikes especially the van van as it has those big tyres that give so much more feel and response. Let us all know how you are getting on. Regards Joe.
I’d just like to say a massive thanks to everyone whose posted and the invaluable advice given. I’m calling a few CBT centres tomorrow along with my brother, think he’s going to take the direct route ASAP. I’m going to look into getting a 125cc from your suggestions and gain experience first. We’ll see who’s the better biker in the long run! Thanks again everyone! Much appreciated, Jay
Hi Jaypan, and welcome in again Have a look at these mate, they deal in 125 and 250 bikes in what I think is the style you're after https://muttmotorcycles.com