CBT training and 1st bike for girly!

[Ace-T]

So I have finally managed to persuade Judas to agree to me getting a bike.

I understand that even though I have a full car licence I will have to do my CBT to ride 125's then a further test to ride bigger bikes.

Firstly can anyone recommend anywhere in the Notts Derby area to do these?

Secondly I think I want to get cracking on a decent sized bike as soon as poss rather than spend cash on a 125 in the meantime. We took a trip out to a bike shop and they showed us (and I sat on) the following bikes:

Kawazaki ZZR600
Yamaha Fazer 600
Honda Hornet 600F
Suzuki Bandit 650
Kawazaki ER6-N 650cc

Now I felt most comfortable (and secure) on the Kawazaki's, The others I didn't seem to be able to put my feet on the floor properly (I am only 5'6" so the bike seemed to 'sway' a bit too much.

Does anyone have any opinions on these bikes and whether or not they would be suitable for a 'lady' biker I do use this term quite loosely Or indeed any advice for getting started on this particular addiction! (Recommendations on clothing etc would be appreciated too!)

Yours most gratefully and many thanks

Ace-T

PS Oh and bike web sites too...

[hugoagogo]

try the suzuki sv650 too, supposed to be a great beginners bike, but not just a beginners bike IYKWIM

[petclub]

As a newbie to biking myself - well done. I did it last year and it's great fun. After your CBT (more like a glorified extended lesson really) you will need to take a theory test (and hazard perception), then a practical test. It depends what size bike you do that on as to what you can ride afterwards. The Direct Access (if over 21) will allow you to ride anything. I choose a Suzuki GS500E for a first big bike, partly as it was so similar to the Er-5 used for my test. However, I soon wanted 'more' and bought an SV1000S. The SV 650 looks a good choice and good value for money. Be a good idea to go somewhere with lots of bikes to test for height/comfort etc.

I think The Shires operate in Derby and their Leicester branch has a good reputation. Good luck. Dave

[verysideways]

I'm guessing you thought the Fazer was a bit too "tall"? If so, out of your choices, i'd suggest a ZZR6. You can spend all day on it and it's comfy and torquey and has very safe handling - it's not too light, but it carries the weight low down. Very underrated bike.

BUT - as has already been said, an SV650 is a very light bike, very torquey, nice riding position, and you'll keep up with a lot of other stuff because it's torquey and flickable. Great fun!

[wedge girl]

It is possible to have the seat modified, they can cut the foam down - I know a guy who has had this done so I'll find out more for you.

[Ace-T]

Thanks for all your replies folks.

Been spending the last few hours reading up on MCN reviews etc. and the general concensus is whilst the SV650 was darn good in its class the ER6-N/F has overtaken it.

You were right Pete, the Fazer was too 'tall' and so were most of the others, the ZZR6 was the most comfortable but the reviews don't seem to rate it that much (dodgy handling at 80+ from what I can tell).

Thanks for the offer George, I would be interested in hearing what this entails.

Although from my research the ER6 seemd to be a pretty good allrounder and I also quite like the looks of it... in yellow



Ace-T

[YamR1V64motion]

used R6?

[Vitesse39]

Sports 400 ? eg ZXR400.....much cheaper on insurance, more fun than the commuters, enough go to have plenty of fun with out too much go to get you into big trouble...worked OK for me anyway.

I think most bikes can have the ride height lowered

[Podie]

Still can't wait to see you dressed as a Power Ranger...

[YamR1V64motion]

she may get bored with a 400 after a while though and a 2000-2001 ish R6 can be had for the same price as a slightly older RVF400, i know which i would pick if i was starting again now.

[wedge girl]

ok it was a Suzuki SV1000 - local dealer took the padding out of the seat making it lower and narrower - then they pulled the original covering back in place. He did however chop it in for a GSXR1000 as it's smaller, lighter and easier to manage but hey he is my size

[711]

Head says:
Magazine write ups are there to sell bikes. If you are just starting out, trust your gut and not the statistics. Most bikes over 400cc will have more than enough performance for your first couple of years. I'm a small person, and even though I'm desirous of the latest 1000cc+ rockets, reality tells me that 400 to 600 bikes are a good match for my size. Sharp as hell, easy to handle, and I can be confident on them as they're not hard to ride.

Heart says:
Fek it, a gixxer thousand only weighs 200 kilos and it's low with a great riding position. Go on, you only live once I promise myself I won't ride like a brains out mentalist and if it all goes wrong at 130 it wont hurt too much anyway...

IMHO:
Get a good deal on an ER6N / Hornet / CBR600F / even a CBF500 and have a laugh building your skills for a year. If you feel comfortable on it, it feels good and you'll have the confidence to ride harder, and in the real world a good rider is wot matters.

Hey, just my post camomile tea ramblings anyway

Edited by 711 on Monday 12th June 23:25

[supersingle]

ER6 is supposed to be the top dog newbie bike of the moment but really you won't go far wrong with any modern 600. Hornet, SV650, Fazer are all top bikes. I must admit to being a bit biased toward twins as they just seem to have more character and the power delivery is torquey without being too fierce.

lots of people find they have more fun on small or midrange bikes than they do on big bikes. I started off on a 125 and slowly worked my way up to a big bike. Now I'm working my way back down again. There's a lot of fun to be had scraping the pegs on a Honda 90.

By the way I did my training with Shires in Derby and found them to be very friendly and professional. Best of luck.

[Ace-T]

Thanks for all the replies folk I have booked my CBT for Sunday with a local training centre. Apparently because they are an HGV centre as well (who do not train on Sundays) we will get to use the whole area and the whole rev/gear range for playing

Now all I need to do is read the DSA books Judas bought me yesterday and try and pass!

It would be terribly embarrassing to fail the CBT

Will let you know...

Ace-T

[hollypop]

I do my CBT a week on Saturday. Luckily I can usually get away with dippy blonde so not gonna bother reading the books for it. It's not that difficult is it?

[YamR1V64motion]

hollypop said:

I do my CBT a week on Saturday. Luckily I can usually get away with dippy blonde so not gonna bother reading the books for it. It's not that difficult is it?

its not very difficult at all,when i did mine there was a girl on an automatic scooter who managed to fail it because she couldnt manage the controls, the insuctor said it was the first time he failed anyone for ages.

[dtmpower]

I am taking CBT for a 2nd time..... had a 125 ages ago now want to get back on the road and have to do the training day again, bit pointless if you ask me but hey. Also did my bike theory test but never did the road test. How long does a theory test last now ? It was about 3 years ago.

[petclub]

If it helps, you can't really 'fail' the CBT, what should happen is you pass the various sections (in order) and if the instructor doesn't think you are ready to pass any particular part they ask you to come back and continue just from the part they weren't happy with (i.e. if you passed 1&2 1st time, you don't have to redo them).

[Ace-T]

Got my CBT on Wednesday and spent today trying on gear. I now look like a red and black power ranger . Decided to do my Direct Access straight away so hopefuly will be looking at getting a big bike soon. [shallowgirlymode]Not the yellow now though, it would just clash with my outfit! [/shallowgirlymode](

Ace-T

[petclub]

Well done, go for it and good luck!