(Scottish bikers) Any bikers around Edinburgh area?

[RabD]

I am planning on doing my CBT a.s.a.p then buying a 125cc bike for my first year or so at least of riding. A quick search came up with some possible companies for doing my CBT with, including:

http://www.twowheels.co.uk/
http://www.emts.org.uk/
http://www.yourbiketest.com/

I'm leaning towards twowheels as it is by far the easiest to get to that I know of but I'd appreciate any input you can offer.

[leeross]

Been into twowheels a few times and the cbt bit looks first class

[Rubin215]

Two wheels are owned by a Honda main dealers, so the bikes are always fairly new and in top condition. The instructors are generally pretty good too, but I've heard Vince has some strange ideas.
I think the best thing about them is they don't hurry, and they don't charge extra if you don't finish your CBT in one day, so if you're not up to scratch it doesn't cost to come back.

Your bike test is actually City School of Motorcycling at Seafield Road. They're owned by a married couple Jon and Trish and I think they struggle to break even every year so the bikes are a bit patched up. Jon is a funny bloke (funny wierd, not funny ha ha) but very qualified as an instructor. You either get on with him or you don't...
I've been told that they are a bit "production line" when it comes to teaching CBT and just try to get you in and back out again in one day so they can charge a new student tomorrow...

EMTS are "enthusiastic amatures" who get their kicks getting other people onto bikes. All lovely people, but I've heard of someones CBT taking six sessions before they let him go (and this was someone who rode bikes off road already!).
Cheap and very cheerful...

My money would be on Two Wheels; I just think they are the more professional outfit and their instructors are more relaxed and unhurried.

[RabD]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to go with twowheels for the relaxed and unhurried reason as I've never ridden before. Will probably book later today.

Thanks again

[bikerPaul]

Rab, I did my DAS course with TwoWheels about 10 years ago and have nothing but praise for them. The lad that was the training manager then, Neil, is still there now. They were flexible in allowing me to split it into two weekends over a month with the test on the Monday following the second weekend of riding.

I know you are only talking about doing your CBT with them but I would recommend them. If I remember rightly the basic bike skills are done in the car park next door then you are off to the Peffermill estate over the road (I wonder if you still push the bikes over the road?) before going for a loop towards Craigmillar/Duddingston/Milton Road and back again if they are happy with your skills.

You'll love it.

Paul

[RabD]

Just booked at twowheels. Thanks again for the help, guys.

[Dare2Fail]

I did CBT and the rest of my rider training at Two Wheels back in '98. I've always found the sales guys in the dealership a waste of space, but the instructors were absolutely 1st class.

[scotia_steve74]

Did mine with the one at Portobello. Excellent place!

[Craphouserat]

Did my bike training with proscott in Kirkcaldy - run but John MacDonald 6 times Scottish Chapion - hold lap record at Knockhill I think. Anyway they were excellant. Passed with 0 minors..very good instructors..very patient..just thought I'd mention it.

All the best nmate

[amare32]

I did my CBT with Two wheels over 2 days. Decided to do the DAS with Lothian Motorcycle Training in Bathgate as they can accommodate lessons on evenings and weekends. That way, you don't have to take days off work during the week just to do a 1 day's training - mines was split over a few weeks with shorter lessons.