Changing from pedals to petrol, advice please!

[ichikitsune]

Hiya!

I presently cannot drive and doubt I will be able to learn and afford the running costs of a car for a few years yet, so I'm looking at a 125cc scooter.

Ok so it's not a proper motorcycle but it'll do me for the 20 miles or so max I will be doing at any one time. I can always upgrade the license if I want more power!

I've never considered a bike/scooter before so I am a little confused as to what learning entails. I have a provisional license and know that I have to take a theory test and CBT, then to get rid of my L's I have to take a bike test, A2 license test I think. One training place, Motag, offers a 5 day course to get the license. Would you recommend this, or would it be better to do CBT and gain some road experience before taking the full test?

Any advice on learning, and biking/scootering in general, wil be very welcomed.

Thanks!

Ichi

[barry sheene]

Can't help with info about the test (took mine 20+ yrs ago...cones, then once round the block and that was it), but I will tell you that scooters have a much smaller radius wheel and as a consequence they feel a whole lot more unstable than a motorcycle.

I have no problem riding large cc bikes, but put me on a scoot and it scares the crap out of me

ymmv....

[stegefal]

There are two schools of thought on this, you can get the CBT and potter around at 40mph for a while on a scooter, which will scare the crap out of anyone, or you can do the 5 day all in. The 5 day is the option I took 11 years ago, you'll do about 40 hours intensive riding with an instructor withouit a noticeable break, which is a serious amount of experience and I think better than pottering around on your own for 12 months for 40 minutes a day.

Do you know if you'll be restricted after the test or is it Direct Access? That will have an effect on the bike you can ride post test. There are some good 500 - 600 cc entry level bikes which will give you a much better riding experience than a 125 scooter.

[MrsMiggins]

If you think there's a chance you will ever want to ride a geared big bike on the road you'd be as well to do the CBT and test on a 125. It'll work out cheaper in the long run too, as you do all the test-based learning at the one time and don't get the chance to develop any bad habits. After the test pass if you want to run around on a scooter, no problem, but you also have the flexibility to go for a motorbike at any time if you change your mind. (it's a bit more complicated than that, but you get the drift)

Getting your licence is just how you thought - CBT, theory test and then practical test. Please make sure you have a good understanding of the highway code and what a junction is before you turn up for the CBT! You have no idea how many people turn up for CBT with no idea what to do at a Stop sign or Give Way

As far as doing a 5-day course is concerned there are good points and bad points. PROS You get it all out of the way; you forget less between lessons so more time is spent building on previous learning. CONS it's usually more expensive; you will be totally exhausted at the end of each day; it can be a real downer if you fail at the end!

Good luck, and welcome to 2 wheels, you're gonna love it!

[ichikitsune]

Hiya! Thanks for all the advice

Just been talking to my friend Gh0st and he says a 250 bike would be more fun Now I'm dithering as to whether to just do CBT or go for Direct Access (I'm 24 this mnth, so no probs on age restrictions).

So, the running costs on a 250 are similar to a125, just go to check out the insurance. I am after a cheapish run around as I have a low income.

Ooh decisions.

One thng, I'll scare my mum and dad to bits as they are convinced all bikes are death traps, I'm inclined to think they are too but hopefully my mind will be changed before I po my clogs.

[stegefal]

Which 250 are you considering? They can be a lot of fun, but can be adversely affected if your a big lad.

A CBR600 is a good starter bike, it can do everything well, there are lot of them so prices and parts are low and they're pretty forgiving.

[MrsMiggins]

ichikitsune said:

Just been talking to my friend Gh0st and he says a 250 bike would be more fun Now I'm dithering as to whether to just do CBT or go for Direct Access (I'm 24 this mnth, so no probs on age restrictions). One thng, I'll scare my mum and dad to bits as they are convinced all bikes are death traps, I'm inclined to think they are too but hopefully my mind will be changed before I po my clogs.

My personal preference would be Direct Access, for reasons already given.

As far as parents go, you can go some way to convincing them that you'll be safe by investing in some decent gear before you do your CBT. Does Gh0st still have all his limbs? If so, you could introduce him to your parents as an ad for safe motorcycling

[hugoagogo]

stegefal said:

A CBR600 is a good starter bike

i'd dispute that, you can start on a 600 sports bike, but it's not the easiest or the safest way

[stegefal]

I know what you are saying about a 600cc, but the CBR can be restricted to 33bhp till you have passed all the required tests and can then be derestricted to full power, without all the hassle of changing bikes. It also gives all the benefits of good suspension, handling brakes etc. associated with the 600cc class.

I'm always loathe to recommend anyone restrict a bike, but its a simple reasonably cheap method of entry.