Might need a m/bike....
Discussion
I've just been offered a new job just outside Southampton city centre with no free parking included. It's about 4 miles door to door and I don't want to have to a) spend a fortune on fuel sitting in traffic, b) spend an hour battling rush hour to cover the 4 mile journey and c) pay £2947.00 an hour for parking, so I am thinking that a bike (of the motor variety) might be a sensible option.
I've ridden a few in the past (no licence though, mates bikes etc) so have a handle on the very basics, but I need some PH help on the more detailed parts of this:
- Am I right in thinking I need a full licence to ride anything over 50cc, or is it up to 125cc on an 11 year old car licence? Also, recommendations on good courses to do (are they all the same?)
- I am 6'4" and 'rotund' in shape, so I need something big size wise, but not engine wise - Any suggestions?
- I'm a 28 year old accountant, so the hairdryer toned, teenager mopeds are out and something with a bit less of a 'chav' factor is in!
I only want to get a small engined bike (50/125cc) as it's going to be all single carriageway roads clogged up with traffic so fuel wise, it makes more sense, and I also don't want to really 'enjoy the bike' in the sense that I feel the urge to get a bigger engined one and use it for pleasure - this is purely to get me to work quicker and cheaper, I have the M3 as my little toy!
So, any ideas on what kind of bike I should look for? Also, sensible alternatives to get to work would be welcomed, but I honestly can't see any at the moment!
I've ridden a few in the past (no licence though, mates bikes etc) so have a handle on the very basics, but I need some PH help on the more detailed parts of this:
- Am I right in thinking I need a full licence to ride anything over 50cc, or is it up to 125cc on an 11 year old car licence? Also, recommendations on good courses to do (are they all the same?)
- I am 6'4" and 'rotund' in shape, so I need something big size wise, but not engine wise - Any suggestions?
- I'm a 28 year old accountant, so the hairdryer toned, teenager mopeds are out and something with a bit less of a 'chav' factor is in!
I only want to get a small engined bike (50/125cc) as it's going to be all single carriageway roads clogged up with traffic so fuel wise, it makes more sense, and I also don't want to really 'enjoy the bike' in the sense that I feel the urge to get a bigger engined one and use it for pleasure - this is purely to get me to work quicker and cheaper, I have the M3 as my little toy!
So, any ideas on what kind of bike I should look for? Also, sensible alternatives to get to work would be welcomed, but I honestly can't see any at the moment!
Dracoro said:
I'm guessing one of those motor scooters would be cheaper and suitable rather than a motorbike.
That said, 4 miles is an easy enough distance to cycle, will be very cheap and you'll get fitter.
I think a scooter would be a better bet, but I have ridden one of them before and, because of my size (height wise), they are incredibly uncomfortable.That said, 4 miles is an easy enough distance to cycle, will be very cheap and you'll get fitter.
A push bike would be a good option, but with what I will be doing, arriving at work all sweaty isn't a great idea. It is definitely on the cards though if I can find somewhere to shower before work.
Jonboy_t said:
A push bike would be a good option, but with what I will be doing, arriving at work all sweaty isn't a great idea. It is definitely on the cards though if I can find somewhere to shower before work.
If you can get youself fit 4 miles won't be enough to break sweat. I do 6 miles in 18 minutes without a bead of sweat even in summer.boredofmyoldname said:
Proper big bike but only a 125, yes you have to learn gears but it looks almost identical to the 1000cc version so most people will think you are manly anyway.
IIRC Garlick has or had a 125 one so it might be worth asking him.
Jonboy_t said:
boredofmyoldname said:
Proper big bike but only a 125, yes you have to learn gears but it looks almost identical to the 1000cc version so most people will think you are manly anyway.
IIRC Garlick has or had a 125 one so it might be worth asking him.
The Varedero is good for a learner but if you're as rotund as you say then it's going to have problems accelerating 
Pass your test, not only will this be an investment in your future good health (you can be killed by some nobber as easily on a 125 as a 1000) it might also introduce a new form of enjoyment to your life. Even if you decide you can't be bothered with a test at least go and get some training. Just look for CBT training on google and find a school near to you and read the reviews.
Then get a big trailie, 600cc+, mine does 55+mpg and will out accelerate most things even with 210lbs and 6ft 4 of me sat on it. Easily managed by a novice and brillint for filtering through traffic. Something like an NX650 or KLR650 would be ideal.
edit to add
Pass your test, not only will this be an investment in your future good health (you can be killed by some nobber as easily on a 125 as a 1000) it might also introduce a new form of enjoyment to your life. Even if you decide you can't be bothered with a test at least go and get some training. Just look for CBT training on google and find a school near to you and read the reviews.
Then get a big trailie, 600cc+, mine does 55+mpg and will out accelerate most things even with 210lbs and 6ft 4 of me sat on it. Easily managed by a novice and brillint for filtering through traffic. Something like an NX650 or KLR650 would be ideal.
edit to add
Can't help with bike suggestions too much, but as you're down in Southampton I'd recommend Mark at M&D Training to get your CBT and license.
http://www.cbtsouthampton.co.uk/
http://www.cbtsouthampton.co.uk/
For the car license to entitle you to ride up to 50cc (restricted to 30MPH I think) you need to have passed your test prior to 2001. As you say 11 Years you just pass this bit.
You can;
Ride 50cc Restricted to 30 as you are
To ride a 125 (or a 50 not restricted to 30) you need a CBT
Anything bigger than that a full blown license.
Also note, as it is with car licenses, if you pass your test on an automatic it only gives you an automatic entitlement. To then ride a manual you need to re-sit the test on a manual.
As others have said I'd just get a bicycle in your case, it'll be far cheaper, and will get you fit(ter). Cheaper as long as you don't go and spend £Thousands on said bicycle.
You could always do what I used to do....my bicycle was very old and required an effort to get it moving (Felt like riding through treacle) and had crap brakes which encouraged anticipation to a greater degree, both of which have been beneficial on a motorbike
You can;
Ride 50cc Restricted to 30 as you are
To ride a 125 (or a 50 not restricted to 30) you need a CBT
Anything bigger than that a full blown license.
Also note, as it is with car licenses, if you pass your test on an automatic it only gives you an automatic entitlement. To then ride a manual you need to re-sit the test on a manual.
As others have said I'd just get a bicycle in your case, it'll be far cheaper, and will get you fit(ter). Cheaper as long as you don't go and spend £Thousands on said bicycle.
You could always do what I used to do....my bicycle was very old and required an effort to get it moving (Felt like riding through treacle) and had crap brakes which encouraged anticipation to a greater degree, both of which have been beneficial on a motorbike
Andrew_M said:
Hit the nail on the head !! Buy this and do a CBT on the weekendAndrew_M said:
Agree with this - exceptionally practical and economical. More presence than the smaller, Vespa-style scooters too.I'd kill for a 4 mile commute and if it were me it would be a push iron all the way! I'm the same height height as you and 18stone and you can't get away from the lack of power problem but you can get something that won't look like you're wearing it like a moto-x type bike.
I take your point about not wanting to turn up to work sweating cobs, but taking into account the obvious health benefits and low cost would be worth doing. On the other hand do the CBT if you like it get your full license and open your life up to a whole world of fun!
I take your point about not wanting to turn up to work sweating cobs, but taking into account the obvious health benefits and low cost would be worth doing. On the other hand do the CBT if you like it get your full license and open your life up to a whole world of fun!
andrew311 said:
I'd kill for a 4 mile commute and if it were me it would be a push iron all the way! I'm the same height height as you and 18stone and you can't get away from the lack of power problem but you can get something that won't look like you're wearing it like a moto-x type bike.
I take your point about not wanting to turn up to work sweating cobs, but taking into account the obvious health benefits and low cost would be worth doing. On the other hand do the CBT if you like it get your full license and open your life up to a whole world of fun!
You have, as have a lot of other people, very good points on the push bike side. It is definitely something I have thought about, and discounted so far. In all honest, I've discounted it so far due to my own laziness more than anything which is a really annoying thing when I think about it. It is a prime time to get rid of my moobs and a prime chance to do it! I take your point about not wanting to turn up to work sweating cobs, but taking into account the obvious health benefits and low cost would be worth doing. On the other hand do the CBT if you like it get your full license and open your life up to a whole world of fun!
Think I've decided to go down the pushbike route eventually, but will be starting on a m/bike for a few months to get a feel for what the jobs like and associated 'out of office' requirements - It could mean travelling to some of the (relatively) local sattelite offices for things too, and that's totally out of the question on a push bike considering where they are. Although I also said that I wouldn't want to use a bike for pleasure, just for necessity/work, it might be worth having my licence for my later years when the inevitable mid-life crisis kicks in!
If I can't ride on my existing licence, I will be doing my full test instead of a CBT. I understand the benefits of the CBT as a beginner/youngster etc, but I am more aware of the road and dangers associated with it than I was 10 years ago, so I will be doing my full test as it seems to be a more in depth, safer and all round more inclusive test than the CBT is.
As you've said above, I too would kill for a 4 mile commute, that's actually why I'm moving companies. I travel Southampton to Newbury everyday (~100 mile round trip) and have done for about 3 years now, so it's about time I got something closer to home!!
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