Should I Get a Motorcycle Licence?

[DanB7290]

Right, here's the story. I'm a third year uni student, had a car up to second year but it was costing a bit too much to run. Now I'm getting about using a push bike, which is all fine and dandy, but I want to go fast. I have considered motorcycles before, but for some reason I'm more tempted by them right now. So, is it a good idea to get myself a CBT, then proper motorcycle licence? Currently the only downsides I can see are the increased danger compared to driving a car, an 8 hour ride to see the family back in England won't be the most comfortable thing I'll ever do, and that I will look very odd in bike leathers.

[thinfourth2]

First dibs on your kidneys

[nellyleelephant]

DanB7290 said:

Right, here's the story. I'm a third year uni student, had a car up to second year but it was costing a bit too much to run. Now I'm getting about using a push bike, which is all fine and dandy, but I want to go fast. I have considered motorcycles before, but for some reason I'm more tempted by them right now. So, is it a good idea to get myself a CBT, then proper motorcycle licence? Currently the only downsides I can see are the increased danger compared to driving a car, an 8 hour ride to see the family back in England won't be the most comfortable thing I'll ever do, and that I will look very odd in bike leathers.

Yes. From experience, it'll be the most fun thing you have control of.

[Pothole]

YES!

[welshjohn]

Do it bikes are greatBikes arn't dangerous is the other idiots on the road who claim they can't see you.

[nellyleelephant]

welshjohn said:

Do it bikes are greatBikes arn't dangerous is the other idiots on the road who claim they can't see you.

....a fair amount of responsibility is with the rider too, you have to assume that other road users are blind.

[em177]

The law is changing as of next year so I'd get it done pretty quick otherwise it will be much more of a pain in the arse on yourself and your wallet!

financially the bike makes more sense. Tax, insurance, parking, fuel etc is all cheaper in general. There obviously are exceptions.


There are 2 main options to get into it. Either get a little 125 like a CBR or Yam etc. Or get a 'sensible' big big. Like an sv650, Fazer, cbf ...


You'll get bored of the 125 soon. The big bikes you can grow into although you do need to learn to give them some respect. Its not like a modern hot hatch where you barrell into a roundabout 15mph too fast and a tiny stability control light flashes to say its just kept you out of a hedge!

[AJS-]

Yes.

I was a latecomer to bikes, got my licence aged 30, still haven't really got myself a decent bike but love riding on the odd occasion I can borrow or rent one.

[George H]

Get your license before they make it more difficult to! I'm in the process of doing mine at the moment, just passed my theory yesterday

[Ed.]

Yes

[hostyle]

Do it!

[Fleegle]

Yep, go for it mate

Just be careful of myopic Micra drivers

[andym1603]

Do it now before they change the rules.

[fozzymandeus]

andym1603 said:

Do it now before they change the rules.

This. You'll need to be 24 as of January, if you want to do direct access (which you do).

[John D.]

Yes. It's quite expensive to get into though once you tot up CBT/DAS, kit, and bike. Might not be the most affordable thing for a student.

[NSFW]

Do it!

It's grea for a commute, and also a great excuse for a bit of 'me time'.

Just remember, no body knows your there so be seen and be sensible!

[srob]

I've never met anyone that's regretted getting their bike licence

[Killer2005]

Get it done man

[Beartato]

Do it before they make it harder to get one.

[camelot1971]

YES!