How hard is it to ride a bike?
Discussion
It’s nearly my son’s 16th birthday and he’s begging for a moped. I was originally going to spend about £500 but saw a used Aprilia RS4 50cc that I like and that got me thinking, maybe I should start riding..! However I haven’t really riden a bicycle in years, let alone sat on a motorcycle.
Is it hard? I do want a midlife crisis, maybe start on a puny 50cc that I can share with my son, and trade it in next year for a Ninja
I’m not knowledgable in bikes but I want one!
Prove me wrong.
Is it hard? I do want a midlife crisis, maybe start on a puny 50cc that I can share with my son, and trade it in next year for a Ninja
I’m not knowledgable in bikes but I want one!
Prove me wrong.
Well, it is never too late and in my humble opinion it is probably one of the best things you will ever do. In terms of how hard it is to ride, I guess there is only one way to find out. With it being many years since I did my test, I am unsure as to how it all works now exactly, but I would say that personally a 50cc would drive you up the wall as an adult. A 125cc would be more tolerable.
robinh73 said:
Well, it is never too late and in my humble opinion it is probably one of the best things you will ever do. In terms of how hard it is to ride, I guess there is only one way to find out. With it being many years since I did my test, I am unsure as to how it all works now exactly, but I would say that personally a 50cc would drive you up the wall as an adult. A 125cc would be more tolerable.
Surely a 125cc is illegal for a 16 year old? I can buy my own bike but I would prefer not to.At low speed a motorbike is much harder to ride than a push bike due to the weight and finess needed on all the controls.
At some speed it’s as easy as a bike. It then gets difficult again as you go faster and need more planning for corners.
Twist and go scooter is as easy as it gets. My mrs rode one reasonably competently after 30 minutes or so of practice and she isn’t great on a push bike.
At some speed it’s as easy as a bike. It then gets difficult again as you go faster and need more planning for corners.
Twist and go scooter is as easy as it gets. My mrs rode one reasonably competently after 30 minutes or so of practice and she isn’t great on a push bike.
sleepera6 said:
robinh73 said:
Well, it is never too late and in my humble opinion it is probably one of the best things you will ever do. In terms of how hard it is to ride, I guess there is only one way to find out. With it being many years since I did my test, I am unsure as to how it all works now exactly, but I would say that personally a 50cc would drive you up the wall as an adult. A 125cc would be more tolerable.
Surely a 125cc is illegal for a 16 year old? I can buy my own bike but I would prefer not to.I had one of those Aprillia RS50 jobbies when I left school, great little bike if not dogged with electrical problems and it loved a puncture too.
Great way to learn riding imo. I soon got bored mind it would only do 55mph and due to the dodgy electrics I had to bump it every where I went . It was a few year ago,bike was new on a V reg
Great way to learn riding imo. I soon got bored mind it would only do 55mph and due to the dodgy electrics I had to bump it every where I went . It was a few year ago,bike was new on a V reg
The MSX125 is a good starter - small wheels, low to the ground but essentially a big bike with small wheels that is easily handled. Cheap insurance, easy to ride, £16 road tax and 130mpg. Just budget for a new chain regularly as they're crap.
In 1977, I learnt to ride a sports moped by reading a New Driver magazine which told me about the biting point of the clutch and I knew the gears were 1 down, 3 up and within half an hour, I was reasonably proficient.
Avoid twist and go as many people's first reaction is to put their feet down and try to hold the bike back...which winds on the throttle and they fall over. The clutch is actually a great way of disengaging the drive, easily.
In the 80s, I used to hate the semi-auto step-throughs which were lethal and which most learners fell off during my intensive 10 minute tuition (all you needed back then, apart from L plates).
Scooters do afford more protection from the rain though and night use requires a good headlight, not a useless candle.
In 1977, I learnt to ride a sports moped by reading a New Driver magazine which told me about the biting point of the clutch and I knew the gears were 1 down, 3 up and within half an hour, I was reasonably proficient.
Avoid twist and go as many people's first reaction is to put their feet down and try to hold the bike back...which winds on the throttle and they fall over. The clutch is actually a great way of disengaging the drive, easily.
In the 80s, I used to hate the semi-auto step-throughs which were lethal and which most learners fell off during my intensive 10 minute tuition (all you needed back then, apart from L plates).
Scooters do afford more protection from the rain though and night use requires a good headlight, not a useless candle.
Edited by LuS1fer on Wednesday 17th October 18:14
It's easy to start riding a small bike, even with gears.
They feel a lot more 'natural' to ride than to drive a car as most of us have ridden push bikes when younger.
You're also using your hand to use the clutch for example, rather than a foot, so it's easier to be more sensitive. You're also usually not worrying about it's dimensions, unlike a car. But then you can drop 'em
What is difficult is gaining the necessary experience safely, as they are much less forgiving.
They feel a lot more 'natural' to ride than to drive a car as most of us have ridden push bikes when younger.
You're also using your hand to use the clutch for example, rather than a foot, so it's easier to be more sensitive. You're also usually not worrying about it's dimensions, unlike a car. But then you can drop 'em
What is difficult is gaining the necessary experience safely, as they are much less forgiving.
I started very recently and I did find it a bit tricky, I enjoyed the training though. The best advice I could give is don’t mess about deliberating, just get the cbt and theory tests booked ASAP. I don’t think I’m going to bother with a 125 and just go straight for a big bike post mod1 and mod2. Too many people have said it would be a waste of time and money.
Jag_NE said:
I started very recently and I did find it a bit tricky, I enjoyed the training though. The best advice I could give is don’t mess about deliberating, just get the cbt and theory tests booked ASAP. I don’t think I’m going to bother with a 125 and just go straight for a big bike post mod1 and mod2. Too many people have said it would be a waste of time and money.
Technically it is but if you buy a bike that is too big or powerful for you, it can also put you off. Always worth remembering that one benefit of motorcycling is economy so paying thumping big insurance premiums and high road tax for a bike you're only commuting on is a bit juvenile/mid-life crisis.
I did big bikes a long time ago and a light 650 (SV650S) does me with sub-£100 insurance though even the £78 road tax can make me wince, given it's only £16 for a 125. The gear was expensive but I've made it last 5 years thus far (OK, I'm no high miler - only about 7000 miles overall in that time).
For my use, I could probably get away with a 300cc bike but the 650 was on offer and cheaper!
LuS1fer said:
Jag_NE said:
I started very recently and I did find it a bit tricky, I enjoyed the training though. The best advice I could give is don’t mess about deliberating, just get the cbt and theory tests booked ASAP. I don’t think I’m going to bother with a 125 and just go straight for a big bike post mod1 and mod2. Too many people have said it would be a waste of time and money.
Technically it is but if you buy a bike that is too big or powerful for you, it can also put you off. Always worth remembering that one benefit of motorcycling is economy so paying thumping big insurance premiums and high road tax for a bike you're only commuting on is a bit juvenile/mid-life crisis.
I did big bikes a long time ago and a light 650 (SV650S) does me with sub-£100 insurance though even the £78 road tax can make me wince, given it's only £16 for a 125. The gear was expensive but I've made it last 5 years thus far (OK, I'm no high miler - only about 7000 miles overall in that time).
For my use, I could probably get away with a 300cc bike but the 650 was on offer and cheaper!
OP you're probably not going to get a very balanced answer to your question on a sub forum where people can ride bikes.. ideally you need to visit the 'I wanted to be a biker but all I have is banter' sub forum as well to get a balanced view. 
The only way you'll know how easy it is for you, is to do your CBT and see how you get on tbh.
There was a huge mix of abilities across the CBT and DA course i did: from complete beginners (38yr old me), bloke in his late 40's coming back to biking, to a young lad who has a few years of racing experience. The coming back to bike guy 'failed his CBT as he wan't deemed safe to go on to the road ride, a lady who got through the CBT but that spent 10% of her time in the lessons that followed under the bike (little legs and the bike toppled over every time she stopped), the racer failed his mod 2 (messed up at some traffic lights).
my experience: I had to give myself much more time (especially where the road was new to me) to get in the right gear and prepare for corners, roundabout etc than I would in a car as the gear changes, speed adjustment, positioning, checking of mirrors, life savers, indicating etc were a much more conscious process plus and your learning a new way of doing things on a bike that isn't yours. The motorcycle school bikes all felt slightly different (clutch biting points etc). And whilst the road craft you have gained driving a car will be useful, your positioning will be different, i never left enough space between me and other traffic, and i forgot to cancel indicators. it just takes practise to dial it in.
A 600-800 is great for a first bike - I didn't enjoy riding a 125, it felt too slow and wasn't as stable as the bigger bikes and i felt vulnerable on NSL roads. Have a go and enjoy, part of the fun is working out what you like.
The only way you'll know how easy it is for you, is to do your CBT and see how you get on tbh.
There was a huge mix of abilities across the CBT and DA course i did: from complete beginners (38yr old me), bloke in his late 40's coming back to biking, to a young lad who has a few years of racing experience. The coming back to bike guy 'failed his CBT as he wan't deemed safe to go on to the road ride, a lady who got through the CBT but that spent 10% of her time in the lessons that followed under the bike (little legs and the bike toppled over every time she stopped), the racer failed his mod 2 (messed up at some traffic lights).
my experience: I had to give myself much more time (especially where the road was new to me) to get in the right gear and prepare for corners, roundabout etc than I would in a car as the gear changes, speed adjustment, positioning, checking of mirrors, life savers, indicating etc were a much more conscious process plus and your learning a new way of doing things on a bike that isn't yours. The motorcycle school bikes all felt slightly different (clutch biting points etc). And whilst the road craft you have gained driving a car will be useful, your positioning will be different, i never left enough space between me and other traffic, and i forgot to cancel indicators. it just takes practise to dial it in.
A 600-800 is great for a first bike - I didn't enjoy riding a 125, it felt too slow and wasn't as stable as the bigger bikes and i felt vulnerable on NSL roads. Have a go and enjoy, part of the fun is working out what you like.
independentLee said:
I'd suggest you both so a CBT at the same time.
You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
Very good idea. You can both have a day out together as father and son, you both get instruction under the watchful eye of a pro and you can use it as a taster to see if you a) never want to see another bike again b) buy your own 125 c) just nick your son's 'ped from time to time.You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
Or d) love it and immediately book your DAS and buy a Kawasaki H2R*
*It's like a fast bike, only faster.
independentLee said:
I'd suggest you both so a CBT at the same time.
You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
That's the way I would go, it'll be a good father-son bonding day and he'll be able to take the piss forever more if you don't get on as well as he does. I can see you both having bikes pretty quickly after the CBT, if you get a 125 you can pass it on to him when he's 17 and you go for your full licence.You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
I did my CBT as something to do and loved it. 16 months later I have a full licence, a bike that makes me smile every time I ride it and I've been to Germany on it with a great group of guys that I'd never have met if I didn't have a bike.
independentLee said:
I'd suggest you both so a CBT at the same time.
You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
That's a great plan - you don't want to buy one before you find out whether either (or both) of you actually like it!You on a 125cc geared bike. Son on 50cc twist and go.
And as has been said it would be a great father & son day out.
My missus couldn't ride a bicycle, but after I went back to biking about 10 years ago she done here bike test on the quiet and bought herself a R6. She now doesn't bother with road riding as she has to look after her licence for her job, but she has become a trackday junkie and races occasionally aswell. Give it a go on someone elses bike first to see if you think you'll catch the bug, and if you do ,expect an expensive time for a few months/ years/forever.
I do 10k mikes per year on a bike, as my cars gather cobwebs on the drive.
When 16 my son got an apprenticeship about 12 miles away. Public transport was near impossible, so we got him a 50 twist and go.
I rode it back (about 15 miles) from where we bought it. Horrible, terrifying death trap. limited to 28mpg top speed (even with my twiggy son), joining traffic flow is impossible. Any road with a limit over 50 demonstrated just how impatient drivers are. de-restricting kit would see 40mph - but then he would be on an illegal bike.
Turning out of junction was equally nightmarish. Open the throttle, wait for the buz to increase and the automatic clutch to engage and eventually drift away - no rush hour gap was big enough.
So for 6 weeks until his 17th birthday, I worried every single day for his safety. Against all my plans, I paid for a 125 for him to use on his 17th birthday. He enjoyed that and I believe he was far safer.
I guess if only had to ride roads where the traffic never moved more than 35mph, I might ride one, basically never, never again do I want to ride a 50cc, or see anybody else I know on one.
Now he has a car - and can't afford to run a bike as well. Personally I am relieved. Motorcycles are dangerous. The human male's brain doesn't develop the areas that identify danger until mid-twenties.
Riding a bike well and safely is massively more difficult than driving a car.
Cars are a safer way to develop road skills/awareness and get around until the self belief of immortality softens. Just my own opinion of course, as a very passionate motorcyclist.
When 16 my son got an apprenticeship about 12 miles away. Public transport was near impossible, so we got him a 50 twist and go.
I rode it back (about 15 miles) from where we bought it. Horrible, terrifying death trap. limited to 28mpg top speed (even with my twiggy son), joining traffic flow is impossible. Any road with a limit over 50 demonstrated just how impatient drivers are. de-restricting kit would see 40mph - but then he would be on an illegal bike.
Turning out of junction was equally nightmarish. Open the throttle, wait for the buz to increase and the automatic clutch to engage and eventually drift away - no rush hour gap was big enough.
So for 6 weeks until his 17th birthday, I worried every single day for his safety. Against all my plans, I paid for a 125 for him to use on his 17th birthday. He enjoyed that and I believe he was far safer.
I guess if only had to ride roads where the traffic never moved more than 35mph, I might ride one, basically never, never again do I want to ride a 50cc, or see anybody else I know on one.
Now he has a car - and can't afford to run a bike as well. Personally I am relieved. Motorcycles are dangerous. The human male's brain doesn't develop the areas that identify danger until mid-twenties.
Riding a bike well and safely is massively more difficult than driving a car.
Cars are a safer way to develop road skills/awareness and get around until the self belief of immortality softens. Just my own opinion of course, as a very passionate motorcyclist.
Edited by OverSteery on Thursday 18th October 10:10
Edited by OverSteery on Thursday 18th October 10:12
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