23 Year Old - What Bike?

[georgefreeman]

I am looking to potentially make a step into the biking community. I must add I have zero two wheeled experience, apart from I do some road cycling and mountain biking, but nothing with an engine.

Firstly what are my options with a bike test at 23? Ideally I would like to look at a 600cc ish bike. So do I need to do direct access to be allowed to ride a bike with this power?

Also bearing that in mind is there a particular type of bike best suited for first timers? What would a suitable budget be for a first time bike, that was fairly new but mostly reliable.

Bike would be used to do 20/30 mile commute, weather permitting, but also excursions on a weekend.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Hooli]

Buy the bike you like, anyone them can get you to work etc etc

[powerstans]

Isn't 24 the new age for the unrestricted DAS route to biking?

I believe if you take the test before then its an restricted bikes and another test after you turn 24 to remove the restriction.

I would be tempted to wait for your next birthday

[LoonR1]

powerstans said:

Isn't 24 the new age for the unrestricted DAS route to biking?

I believe if you take the test before then its an restricted bikes and another test after you turn 24 to remove the restriction.

I would be tempted to wait for your next birthday

Do all the boring bits like CBT, theory test, mod 1 possibly (?), then do the last bit on your 24th birthday.

Edited by LoonR1 on Saturday 28th March 07:34

[Dannaz]

Hi OP, I was in the same situation as you, I wanted my license at 23 but was told by the instructor to put it off as you can not get a category A license until 24 now, so I did my CBT at 23 did a years riding on 125 then at 24 did a DAS course which took 5 days.

Then you are entitled to ride what you want, as far as a first bike, I can only recommend a Yamaha Thundercat as this is the only post DAS bike I have owned, this has been spot on as a first bike and still has more capability than me after a year of riding it.

Cheap to insure, cheap to buy and cheap to run.

Just my 2pence

[georgefreeman]

Dannaz said:

Hi OP, I was in the same situation as you, I wanted my license at 23 but was told by the instructor to put it off as you can not get a category A license until 24 now, so I did my CBT at 23 did a years riding on 125 then at 24 did a DAS course which took 5 days.

Then you are entitled to ride what you want, as far as a first bike, I can only recommend a Yamaha Thundercat as this is the only post DAS bike I have owned, this has been spot on as a first bike and still has more capability than me after a year of riding it.

Cheap to insure, cheap to buy and cheap to run.

Just my 2pence

Thanks, your 2p is worth a lot!

How much roughly is insurance on a bike like that?

[Dannaz]

I had 1 year NCB due to running the 125, so for me it came out at a little over £300 TPFT, which I think seemed reasonable.

I also do a 30 mile round trip commuting and I get 220 miles to the light from full which costs about 18 quid so good on fuel too.

Honda CBR600F of similar age is a good alternative too, or the Yamaha Fazer essentially a Thundercat without fairing and up right seating.

[jimbobsimmonds]

Dannaz said:

Hi OP, I was in the same situation as you, I wanted my license at 23 but was told by the instructor to put it off as you can not get a category A license until 24 now, so I did my CBT at 23 did a years riding on 125 then at 24 did a DAS course which took 5 days.

Then you are entitled to ride what you want, as far as a first bike, I can only recommend a Yamaha Thundercat as this is the only post DAS bike I have owned, this has been spot on as a first bike and still has more capability than me after a year of riding it.

Cheap to insure, cheap to buy and cheap to run.

Just my 2pence

Aye. Wait until you're 24 before getting your license but get a 125cc on L-plates.

I put the experience down as well worth it; so much so that I passed my full license (DAS) with no minors in 2 and a bit mornings

When you're comfortable riding a bike and have already developed your "he's going to try and kill me" sense on a 125cc there really is no excuse not to P*ss through your DAS in a couple of days. If anything riding the 650 was easier than the 125!

[anonymous-user]

Ducati Desmosedici is a popular choice. Failing that S1000rr/R1/Zx10 should fit the bill

[sc0tt]

Kawasaki hp2 IMO. Throttle works both ways etc...

[moanthebairns]

A late 90s Zx6r or something similar.

It's not really as extreme as the newer 600's. Does everything well.

A good one will cost you 1500 quid. You can insure it on classic bike insurance

It won't loose much.

I bought a mint and I mean mint Zx6r 4 years ago with 8 k on the clock. 1800 from a dealer.

I bought another one the exact same in lesser condition with 22k on the clock a couple of years ago for the track and sold it for 1500.

I suspect I could get 1500 for mines as it's in much better condition.

[Benbay001]

Just to make sure "my mate" isnt unknowningly breaking the law.
I passed my bike test when i was 17, im now 22YO. When i passed i had a two year 33hp restriction after which i could ride anything. Im now 22 so can i ride anything? Or does the current law apply to me based on my age? My licence shows no restrictions.
"My mate" is in exactly the same predicament

[LoonR1]

Benbay001 said:

Just to make sure "my mate" isnt unknowningly breaking the law.
I passed my bike test when i was 17, im now 22YO. When i passed i had a two year 33hp restriction after which i could ride anything. Im now 22 so can i ride anything? Or does the current law apply to me based on my age? My licence shows no restrictions.
"My mate" is in exactly the same predicament

You're fine, you passed under old rules.

[neelyp]

Street fking triple

[LoonR1]

neelyp said:

Street fking triple

bks. Get an R1

[Benbay001]

LoonR1 said:

You're fine, you passed under old rules.

Cheers

[LoonR1]

Benbay001 said:

Cheers

Remember, if you get pulled, tell them that Loon off the internet said it was OK