Finally (Noob Alert!)
Discussion
Hi all,
So at the beginning of the year I decided it was time to pull my finger out and start my motorcycle training. With the theory and CBT out of the way, I decided to book a 2 hour lesson on a 650 to get an idea of what I was up against. I had an NSR 125 in my late teens and have been pillion on numerous occasions, but aside from this, I was starting from scratch.
The 2 hour lesson was a success and reinforced that the decision to invest the time and money was the correct one.
Fast forward to July 10th and it was time to start the MOD1 training. This consisted of Tues training, Weds morning training with an afternoon test. The test took place in Gloucester. After getting myself a little worked up, it all clicked into place and I passed.
When sat in the room having my paperwork completed, I asked the question regarding the fact that my theory test was expiring on the following Friday, and was checking that I was able to complete another theory and roll into my MOD2. The answer was NO! Panic. This left me with six working days to get my MOD2 booked and sorted and if the worst should happen (I fail the MOD2) I would have to take the theory and both Mod1 and 2 again.
Luckily Leo had a slot on the same day that my theory expired so that was fine, but the pressure was on.
We are now July 19th ( last week) and its D day. I was the latter of the two tests that day. Weather couldn't have been better, but I could help but go over "what if". To be honest, its taken me years to get to the stage and my other half isn't keen, so after investing a lot of money into this and coming out with nothing, it may well have been the end of it. The examiner followed me in his car, rather than on two wheels which I thought was odd. Luckily this test took place in Worcester, so I had an idea of where I was going. Everything clicked into place, and I wouldn't go as far as to say I enjoyed this particular ride, but I was nowhere near as worked up as I was with the Mod 1 (strange?)
Anyway, back to the test centre to hear the good news "you've passed". Elation!
Apologies if I've bored you all, but thought it'd be good to share the experience.
Question no is, what next.
So I visited the local Honda Dealer on Saturday and looked at/sat on the CBR650F. They have some good deals on at the moment enabling people to get on a brand new bike, with very little outlay (PCP) but I cant help but thinking ( and I really don't fancy them) that a budget (£1000ish) 600 Bandit or SV650 is the way to go? Open to suggestions though...
Thanks for reading.
So at the beginning of the year I decided it was time to pull my finger out and start my motorcycle training. With the theory and CBT out of the way, I decided to book a 2 hour lesson on a 650 to get an idea of what I was up against. I had an NSR 125 in my late teens and have been pillion on numerous occasions, but aside from this, I was starting from scratch.
The 2 hour lesson was a success and reinforced that the decision to invest the time and money was the correct one.
Fast forward to July 10th and it was time to start the MOD1 training. This consisted of Tues training, Weds morning training with an afternoon test. The test took place in Gloucester. After getting myself a little worked up, it all clicked into place and I passed.
When sat in the room having my paperwork completed, I asked the question regarding the fact that my theory test was expiring on the following Friday, and was checking that I was able to complete another theory and roll into my MOD2. The answer was NO! Panic. This left me with six working days to get my MOD2 booked and sorted and if the worst should happen (I fail the MOD2) I would have to take the theory and both Mod1 and 2 again.
Luckily Leo had a slot on the same day that my theory expired so that was fine, but the pressure was on.
We are now July 19th ( last week) and its D day. I was the latter of the two tests that day. Weather couldn't have been better, but I could help but go over "what if". To be honest, its taken me years to get to the stage and my other half isn't keen, so after investing a lot of money into this and coming out with nothing, it may well have been the end of it. The examiner followed me in his car, rather than on two wheels which I thought was odd. Luckily this test took place in Worcester, so I had an idea of where I was going. Everything clicked into place, and I wouldn't go as far as to say I enjoyed this particular ride, but I was nowhere near as worked up as I was with the Mod 1 (strange?)
Anyway, back to the test centre to hear the good news "you've passed". Elation!
Apologies if I've bored you all, but thought it'd be good to share the experience.
Question no is, what next.
So I visited the local Honda Dealer on Saturday and looked at/sat on the CBR650F. They have some good deals on at the moment enabling people to get on a brand new bike, with very little outlay (PCP) but I cant help but thinking ( and I really don't fancy them) that a budget (£1000ish) 600 Bandit or SV650 is the way to go? Open to suggestions though...
Thanks for reading.
First, congrats on passing!
I know what added pressure can be like, I took my test on a Friday before the new rules came in (restricted to more power but double the number of test) meaning if I failed my MOD2 I'd have to do them both again the same as you!
With a bike, personally I'd go for an older bike that you own outright as a first bike. A lot of it is down to personal preference but I don't like the idea of circumstances changing meaning you are stuck with a bike needing monthly payments.
An SV650 is a great first bike. Plenty of power and wheelie well! As a learner it's forgiving and easy to ride but admittedly the V twin character isn't for everyone as my other half learn to ride on one and hated it with a passion.
A grand will buy a lot of bikes with some careful consideration. Truly, a bad bike (providing it's been looked after) is hard to buy. They are all quite good at something or another, it's usually the owners that let them down.
Post up pics with whatever you get
I know what added pressure can be like, I took my test on a Friday before the new rules came in (restricted to more power but double the number of test) meaning if I failed my MOD2 I'd have to do them both again the same as you!
With a bike, personally I'd go for an older bike that you own outright as a first bike. A lot of it is down to personal preference but I don't like the idea of circumstances changing meaning you are stuck with a bike needing monthly payments.
An SV650 is a great first bike. Plenty of power and wheelie well! As a learner it's forgiving and easy to ride but admittedly the V twin character isn't for everyone as my other half learn to ride on one and hated it with a passion.
A grand will buy a lot of bikes with some careful consideration. Truly, a bad bike (providing it's been looked after) is hard to buy. They are all quite good at something or another, it's usually the owners that let them down.
Post up pics with whatever you get
Congratulations on passing. It’s hard enough without the extra pressure put on by an expiring theory test, so well done.
As for what to do next, that’s one only you can answer as we all do thing differently. If it were me, I’d get the low budget older bike to allow time to get experience and to look around and try some of the alternatives. A lot of new bikers quickly get bored with the first bike they have and end up getting something different within a year. Buying something that won’t lose a lot of money should a quick change be decided upon would be important to me.
As for what to do next, that’s one only you can answer as we all do thing differently. If it were me, I’d get the low budget older bike to allow time to get experience and to look around and try some of the alternatives. A lot of new bikers quickly get bored with the first bike they have and end up getting something different within a year. Buying something that won’t lose a lot of money should a quick change be decided upon would be important to me.
Get the bike you want. Get one you want to ride, not necessarily the sensible choice.
Think about the sort of riding you want to do, and get an appropriate bike. Sports/touring/track biased/adventure/cruiser.
CBR650F will be good at some, but a master of none of those.
Without suggesting you go out and buy a S1000RR, is is powerful enough? Will you get bored quickly and want a change?
I started out on a used, cheap, but very tidy 600 (CBR600F). I loved it. I fell off it on a roundabout when someone cut me up and I grabbed a handful of brake, it didn't matter, I got the bits to repair it from ebay and away I went again, I sold it after 2 years for what I paid for it, to another new rider.
Also bear in mind that you'll be able to maintain and service an older cheaper bike, which will save you a load of money. Newer bikes have more electronics, service lights that you can't turn off and higher service costs, not too mention increased insurance premiums especially as a new rider.
Personally, I wouldn't do it any differently as i did, even with hindsight.
Think about the sort of riding you want to do, and get an appropriate bike. Sports/touring/track biased/adventure/cruiser.
CBR650F will be good at some, but a master of none of those.
Without suggesting you go out and buy a S1000RR, is is powerful enough? Will you get bored quickly and want a change?
I started out on a used, cheap, but very tidy 600 (CBR600F). I loved it. I fell off it on a roundabout when someone cut me up and I grabbed a handful of brake, it didn't matter, I got the bits to repair it from ebay and away I went again, I sold it after 2 years for what I paid for it, to another new rider.
Also bear in mind that you'll be able to maintain and service an older cheaper bike, which will save you a load of money. Newer bikes have more electronics, service lights that you can't turn off and higher service costs, not too mention increased insurance premiums especially as a new rider.
Personally, I wouldn't do it any differently as i did, even with hindsight.
Edited by cbmotorsport on Monday 23 July 14:42
I have an SV at the moment and it's a good little bike. Being the 1st V Twin i've ridden it's quite strange getting used to the power delivery and amount of engine braking, but it's enough fun to begin with, i'll be getting something newer next year but it's ok for the money. The thing i notice is how soft the suspension is on mine, it dives a lot under heavy braking and gets fidgety at the rear when pushing on a bit. I've got a ZX-6R shock to fit and some uprated fork springs to go in just to help that.
Alzy said:
Hi all,
So ....
...Thanks for reading.
Well done, congratulations.So ....
...Thanks for reading.
Personally, I would not buy a new CBR650F, in best case I would buy it used. This is no replacement for the old venerable CBR600F. The 650F has less power, weighs more, has non-adjustable suspension and other cost-saving "approaches".
I'd rather go for something a bit more upscale (will cost more, true), or buy used bike like Honda Hornet (the 100hp version) or something else that will probably be better specced than the new CBR650F (which does not even have gear indicator, for 2014 model!).
As far ass CBR600F goes, I have it for a daily beater. 2002 model, 80000km, 15/47 final gear, Healtech gear indicator + Speedohealer, braided lines, upgraded suspension. I do not get tired of that bike. The tech clearly moved on but it still good enough for good fun.
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Monday 23 July 16:03
Congrats on the pass.
I bought myself a CBR650F new before I passed. It's really not a bad bike but I really wish I'd waited and got something else. It's more than quick enough, handles okay but I really wanted a street triple and wished I'd got one, only made worse by having a go on my mates new 765RS lol. 9 months down and I already want rid of the CBR.
I bought myself a CBR650F new before I passed. It's really not a bad bike but I really wish I'd waited and got something else. It's more than quick enough, handles okay but I really wanted a street triple and wished I'd got one, only made worse by having a go on my mates new 765RS lol. 9 months down and I already want rid of the CBR.
I think some people are either Agostini or have higher demands than me.
I've had 1000cc bikes in the past but when I returned to biking, I did it gradually and bought an MSX125 - mainly because i wanted something small and easy to store.
In retrospect, this was a mistake. It wasn't fast enough, it wasn't that well built and the lights were utter crap.
So I made a second mistake and bought an SV650S, pre reg for £4600 because (a) what a goddam bargain at £1000 cheaper than the new unfaired SV and (b) it looked ace and the fairing would keep me dry and the twin lights meant I could see.
So why was it a mistake? Well, not the power, it's got plenty of power for my 10 mile either way commute through rural and city roads.
No, it's more the riding position - I am only 5'6" so I'm leaning on the bars all the time and the tank is relatively long so it hurts my wrists and at junctions, my lack of neck makes it difficult to see to my right and I occasionally get cramp in my legs (I'm old)
I should have bough a more upright but still faired bike - but then I can't get the bike through my side gate (clip-ons make the bike narrow).
All I'm saying is look at all the factors - is this the right bike, is it comfortable to ride, can you see in all directions, how much is it to tax, how much to insure, where will you store or park it, can you shift it about, is it well-balanced, what is the fuel economy like - sound daft but otherwise you're paying money for performance you may not need. I pay the same insurance on the 650 that I paid on the 125 but tax is £78 a year instead of £16 so it's well worth the extra.
I've had 1000cc bikes in the past but when I returned to biking, I did it gradually and bought an MSX125 - mainly because i wanted something small and easy to store.
In retrospect, this was a mistake. It wasn't fast enough, it wasn't that well built and the lights were utter crap.
So I made a second mistake and bought an SV650S, pre reg for £4600 because (a) what a goddam bargain at £1000 cheaper than the new unfaired SV and (b) it looked ace and the fairing would keep me dry and the twin lights meant I could see.
So why was it a mistake? Well, not the power, it's got plenty of power for my 10 mile either way commute through rural and city roads.
No, it's more the riding position - I am only 5'6" so I'm leaning on the bars all the time and the tank is relatively long so it hurts my wrists and at junctions, my lack of neck makes it difficult to see to my right and I occasionally get cramp in my legs (I'm old)
I should have bough a more upright but still faired bike - but then I can't get the bike through my side gate (clip-ons make the bike narrow).
All I'm saying is look at all the factors - is this the right bike, is it comfortable to ride, can you see in all directions, how much is it to tax, how much to insure, where will you store or park it, can you shift it about, is it well-balanced, what is the fuel economy like - sound daft but otherwise you're paying money for performance you may not need. I pay the same insurance on the 650 that I paid on the 125 but tax is £78 a year instead of £16 so it's well worth the extra.
You can't go wrong with a Honda - as if hewn from solid...
Fit & finish on the new CBR650F/CB650F are better than the first generation. The bike has a little more power & the suspension is now sorted. 8K service intervals, but valve check at 16k is not cheap. They do a service plan which I think covers 3 services & is around £600(?). Also, you can extend the warranty to 3 years.
I love brand new things, especially bikes!
Fit & finish on the new CBR650F/CB650F are better than the first generation. The bike has a little more power & the suspension is now sorted. 8K service intervals, but valve check at 16k is not cheap. They do a service plan which I think covers 3 services & is around £600(?). Also, you can extend the warranty to 3 years.
I love brand new things, especially bikes!
AlunJ said:
Congrats on the pass.
I bought myself a CBR650F new before I passed. It's really not a bad bike but I really wish I'd waited and got something else. It's more than quick enough, handles okay but I really wanted a street triple and wished I'd got one, only made worse by having a go on my mates new 765RS lol. 9 months down and I already want rid of the CBR.
Exactly.I bought myself a CBR650F new before I passed. It's really not a bad bike but I really wish I'd waited and got something else. It's more than quick enough, handles okay but I really wanted a street triple and wished I'd got one, only made worse by having a go on my mates new 765RS lol. 9 months down and I already want rid of the CBR.
I'd go straight to Street Triple if I were looking for a first good bike and it had to be a non-1000cc naked.
The stingy pays twice as they say.
Thank you very much for your comments and advice. A very warm welcome too!
The posts above along with the thought process over the last couple of days makes me wonder if buying a brand new bike is the way forward. I had my fingers burnt by buying a brand new car when I was younger (1 years free insurance anyone).
I think my best bet is to keep an eye on prices/bargains and strike when I get the opportunity.
I am yet to finish buying all of my gear, so there is an added expense there and as I'm already £975 in the hole for the training, my well earned brownie points with the other half are wearing thin.
Thanks again.
The posts above along with the thought process over the last couple of days makes me wonder if buying a brand new bike is the way forward. I had my fingers burnt by buying a brand new car when I was younger (1 years free insurance anyone).
I think my best bet is to keep an eye on prices/bargains and strike when I get the opportunity.
I am yet to finish buying all of my gear, so there is an added expense there and as I'm already £975 in the hole for the training, my well earned brownie points with the other half are wearing thin.
Thanks again.
Get a budget bike such as a hornet/fazer/sv650 1st as you'll be like pig in s
t no matter what it is to start with. If your like me it will keep you easily entertained for a few months up until winter.
You'll them have a better idea of what you might like to invest a little more money in after riding for a few months rather then tying yourself into a 2-3year pcp immediately.
I want to try as many bikes as possible but I also want to get the most out if what I have before I upgrade to get more power or better suspension. You'll be riding for a good many years so have plenty of time to work your way up and properly appreciate each step up.
Great news on the pass
t no matter what it is to start with. If your like me it will keep you easily entertained for a few months up until winter. You'll them have a better idea of what you might like to invest a little more money in after riding for a few months rather then tying yourself into a 2-3year pcp immediately.
I want to try as many bikes as possible but I also want to get the most out if what I have before I upgrade to get more power or better suspension. You'll be riding for a good many years so have plenty of time to work your way up and properly appreciate each step up.
Great news on the pass
Congrats OP. Similarly and along with some of the other posters’ recommendations, I’ve just bought a 2000 CBR600 after I get my full licence (this coming Thursday
)
I watched this slightly boring but very sensible video, reassures me I’ve made the right move on the right bike, and the bike feels incredible to me:
http://googletune.com/watch?v=ylnGp9LSgws
) I watched this slightly boring but very sensible video, reassures me I’ve made the right move on the right bike, and the bike feels incredible to me:
http://googletune.com/watch?v=ylnGp9LSgws
Google [bot] said:
Congrats OP. Similarly and along with some of the other posters’ recommendations, I’ve just bought a 2000 CBR600 after I get my full licence (this coming Thursday)
I watched this slightly boring but very sensible video, reassures me I’ve made the right move on the right bike, and the bike feels incredible to me:
http://googletune.com/watch?v=ylnGp9LSgws
Great bikes. I toured, tracked, scratched and commuted on mine. It could really hustle if you pushed it hard, and it was bullet proof. Spent a week chasing a mate through the Alps on a gsxr750, obviously not as fast, but it was never embarrassed. According to the MOT database, my old one is still going strong with 60k on it. ) I watched this slightly boring but very sensible video, reassures me I’ve made the right move on the right bike, and the bike feels incredible to me:
http://googletune.com/watch?v=ylnGp9LSgws
I must say I disagree and I asked all the questions you are asking get the bike you want rather than a half way bike. It will not take you long to get used to whatever you buy...It will take a lot longer to change the bike you don't like........I bought a brand new 1000cc bike and its much easier to ride than 500 600 learner bikes when having refresher lessons
Congratulations,
I agree with the majority here, my first bike was a Bandit 600, hadn't been on the road for 5 years, freebee from a friend, I rebuilt it whilst doing my MOD2 and rode it for a year. Put it down a couple of times on gravel and didn't worry about the minor extra marks on the bodywork.
Many will call the Bandit a heavy old bike but I couldn't believe the acceleration for a newbee.
After a year fancied a change and bought a Honda CB1300. A bit more expensive but having learnt from the Bandit managed not to drop this one.
Also having learnt the maintenance on a banger I am happy to service and repair a bike so when the offer of a trade in Speed Triple 1050 came my way at a bargain price I was happy to do the minor repairs and have a £5k bike for £3.5k plus about £200 pound on parts and some spanner work.
Basically don't tie yourself into a 3 year deal on a jobbing bike because after a short time you will want to try others.
I still have the CB1300 but at various times in the last 3 years have had a V-strom 1000 (good cheap motorway commute workhorse) and an Yamaha XSR 900. (Traded the Triumph for what I paid after 2 years of use as it was developing electrical faults).
Just to show the itch is never scratched I am now looking at possibly trading the V Strom for something else!
I agree with the majority here, my first bike was a Bandit 600, hadn't been on the road for 5 years, freebee from a friend, I rebuilt it whilst doing my MOD2 and rode it for a year. Put it down a couple of times on gravel and didn't worry about the minor extra marks on the bodywork.
Many will call the Bandit a heavy old bike but I couldn't believe the acceleration for a newbee.
After a year fancied a change and bought a Honda CB1300. A bit more expensive but having learnt from the Bandit managed not to drop this one.
Also having learnt the maintenance on a banger I am happy to service and repair a bike so when the offer of a trade in Speed Triple 1050 came my way at a bargain price I was happy to do the minor repairs and have a £5k bike for £3.5k plus about £200 pound on parts and some spanner work.
Basically don't tie yourself into a 3 year deal on a jobbing bike because after a short time you will want to try others.
I still have the CB1300 but at various times in the last 3 years have had a V-strom 1000 (good cheap motorway commute workhorse) and an Yamaha XSR 900. (Traded the Triumph for what I paid after 2 years of use as it was developing electrical faults).
Just to show the itch is never scratched I am now looking at possibly trading the V Strom for something else!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff