Discussion
Roger McLittriss said:
I think the reasoning is something like:
(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
Yes, a and c are true-from his point of view. b isn't true in my case as it happens, I've owned and ridden 125cc bikes for years when I was younger.(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
But-a and c from my point of view. Why would I spend £3000 on a bike from a guy who won't let me try it first?
Cold Hans said:
Roger McLittriss said:
I think the reasoning is something like:
(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
Yes, a and c are true-from his point of view. b isn't true in my case as it happens, I've owned and ridden 125cc bikes for years when I was younger.(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
But-a and c from my point of view. Why would I spend £3000 on a bike from a guy who won't let me try it first?
Cold Hans said:
Roger McLittriss said:
I think the reasoning is something like:
(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
Yes, a and c are true-from his point of view. b isn't true in my case as it happens, I've owned and ridden 125cc bikes for years when I was younger.(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
But-a and c from my point of view. Why would I spend £3000 on a bike from a guy who won't let me try it first?
speed_monkey said:
Cold Hans said:
Roger McLittriss said:
I think the reasoning is something like:
(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
Yes, a and c are true-from his point of view. b isn't true in my case as it happens, I've owned and ridden 125cc bikes for years when I was younger.(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
But-a and c from my point of view. Why would I spend £3000 on a bike from a guy who won't let me try it first?
Trawl the local small ads until you see a bike you fancy trying.
Turn up and waffle about "getting a learner bike for the lad / wife / neighbour," and blag a test ride from the owner; he has no idea about your current licence state, you could have been riding for 20 years.
If you have turned up in a shiny, valuable car, most owners of learner bikes are too gullible to ask about license or insurance anyway, and you're away.
As long as you don't crash it or drop it you're laughing; a test ride on someone elses bike.
If you don't like it you just walk away muttering about "noisy big ends..."
If you do like it, you now have the fun of haggling.
Since most learner bikes are being sold by spotty "yoofs" who have discovered the joys of cars, or recent test passers desperate to get something bigger, you should be able to steal it for about half what they are asking for...
Turn up and waffle about "getting a learner bike for the lad / wife / neighbour," and blag a test ride from the owner; he has no idea about your current licence state, you could have been riding for 20 years.
If you have turned up in a shiny, valuable car, most owners of learner bikes are too gullible to ask about license or insurance anyway, and you're away.
As long as you don't crash it or drop it you're laughing; a test ride on someone elses bike.
If you don't like it you just walk away muttering about "noisy big ends..."
If you do like it, you now have the fun of haggling.
Since most learner bikes are being sold by spotty "yoofs" who have discovered the joys of cars, or recent test passers desperate to get something bigger, you should be able to steal it for about half what they are asking for...
OK-I'll leave it there. I didn't come on here to wind anyone up, or pick an argument. I take the points you've raised, even if I don't agree with them all.
Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
It's past my bedtime-good night and thanks to you all. I'll sleep on it.
Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
It's past my bedtime-good night and thanks to you all. I'll sleep on it.
Edited by Cold Hans on Monday 27th October 22:12
Cold Hans said:
OK-I'll leave it there. I didn't come on here to wind anyone up, or pick an argument. I take the points you've raised, even if I don't agree with them all.
Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
I have been riding for 3 months or so now and I can honestly say it is ddefinately worth it. It is the best thing I have done in my life bar none.Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
Cold Hans said:
OK-I'll leave it there. I didn't come on here to wind anyone up, or pick an argument. I take the points you've raised, even if I don't agree with them all.
Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
It's past my bedtime-good night and thanks to you all. I'll sleep on it.
Nah, don't take it personally. As you say things have changed. Its all gone a bit PC these days. We welcome all bikers.....but we prefer them to be slightly sensible and law abiding these days...otherwise it gives the rest of us a bad name Generally I think the law on bikes when I was younger was stupid. At 17 I bought a 125cc bike, went out and rode it-the fact I didn't kill myself was purely down to luck.
I think the new rules for youngsters are good. I've ridden motorbikes for 20,000 miles or so. Never had an accident, never came off. I driven cars for 39 years-full protected NCB, clean licence. Been a cyclist all my life-never been in an accident. I'm a 50 year old, boring, professional family man.
I'd like to ride motorbikes again just for the pleasure. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it.
Maybe bikers should want someone like me back on the road, maybe they shouldn't.
It's past my bedtime-good night and thanks to you all. I'll sleep on it.
Edited by Cold Hans on Monday 27th October 22:12
Cold Hans said:
Roger McLittriss said:
I think the reasoning is something like:
(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
Yes, a and c are true-from his point of view. b isn't true in my case as it happens, I've owned and ridden 125cc bikes for years when I was younger.(a) you might bin it
(b) on the assumption that you've never ridden a bike, you won't know what to look for anyway (ie one 125 is as good as any other for your first bike: you can decide riding position (eg sports, cruiser, enduro) without actually needing to ride, although you might suffer later)
(c) you might bin it
But-a and c from my point of view. Why would I spend £3000 on a bike from a guy who won't let me try it first?
In summary, we know your the greatest bloke on two wheels but alas Phineas T. Bikedealer doesn't.
As for spending £3K on a 125, there aren't many THAT expensive, I bet there'd be a few year-old ones for sale where the owners would be relieved to get a buyer so they can move on to something bigger!
When i took my CBT they wouldnt let me test ride any of the bikes in the showroom.
They'd happily sell me one.
It's because the majority of companies only have insurance allowing riders to test ride if they a years worth of riding.
When i wanted to test ride the 600's after passing my test they asked me how long ago i'd passed, i said about 3 days.
They were'nt happy about it, but when i told them i was serious about buying it's amazing what they'll let you do!
I dont think you have much choice unless you have a full bike license!
They'd happily sell me one.
It's because the majority of companies only have insurance allowing riders to test ride if they a years worth of riding.
When i wanted to test ride the 600's after passing my test they asked me how long ago i'd passed, i said about 3 days.
They were'nt happy about it, but when i told them i was serious about buying it's amazing what they'll let you do!
I dont think you have much choice unless you have a full bike license!
50 yrs old, rode 20,000 miles on (presumably 125s) bikes yet never took a test ??? WHY NOT?
At the risk of being personal hardly a committed biker I'd say & it's little wonder that the test laws have changed with the way bikes are these days since he probably rode anything decent.
Like has been said -just do the DAS & then he'll get a feel for something a bit more than a 125. He could still get one is that's all he wants.
Puzzled....
At the risk of being personal hardly a committed biker I'd say & it's little wonder that the test laws have changed with the way bikes are these days since he probably rode anything decent.
Like has been said -just do the DAS & then he'll get a feel for something a bit more than a 125. He could still get one is that's all he wants.
Puzzled....
I may well be replying too late to help the original OP but i've only just seen it but here is my experience.
Whilst some guys may find it strange that he has is heart set on cbt and small bike i'll except that and offer this:
Most 4 stroke 125s are very similar in performance, handling and stopping, if the centre for the cbt uses modern bikes then apart from a styling issue there will be very little difference to be found in a 25 minute test ride.
When i had my 125 with cbt and car licence only I visited the honda garage and i did persuade them to give me a loan bike while mine was serviced. there was however a £1000 pound damage liability on me for riding them (scooter thing and cbr 125). I remember riding through maidstone town centre thinking any of these twunts could cost me a months salary!
as for more exotic 2 stroke stuff - a full deposit on a private sale should enable you to take a test ride and give you an idea. the 125 market doesn't get updated every year so should help you decide.
Look on the positive side, I'd use that the fact you couldn't ride a new bike has a bargaining tool. (try and blag free stuff and search lots of dealers) As posted by the previous guys do a lot of reading of the model you want to get and make the sale.
I hope you get a bike and enjoy it safely (shame i px ed my 125 in may)
Whilst some guys may find it strange that he has is heart set on cbt and small bike i'll except that and offer this:
Most 4 stroke 125s are very similar in performance, handling and stopping, if the centre for the cbt uses modern bikes then apart from a styling issue there will be very little difference to be found in a 25 minute test ride.
When i had my 125 with cbt and car licence only I visited the honda garage and i did persuade them to give me a loan bike while mine was serviced. there was however a £1000 pound damage liability on me for riding them (scooter thing and cbr 125). I remember riding through maidstone town centre thinking any of these twunts could cost me a months salary!
as for more exotic 2 stroke stuff - a full deposit on a private sale should enable you to take a test ride and give you an idea. the 125 market doesn't get updated every year so should help you decide.
Look on the positive side, I'd use that the fact you couldn't ride a new bike has a bargaining tool. (try and blag free stuff and search lots of dealers) As posted by the previous guys do a lot of reading of the model you want to get and make the sale.
I hope you get a bike and enjoy it safely (shame i px ed my 125 in may
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