A commuting bike for a non biker?
Discussion
It seems that the government are going to make impossible to drive to work so i'm thinking a bike is the only answer. Problem is I don't have a bike license or any bike knowledge. I gather the license issue is influenced by how long ago/ when you got a car license? I got my car license on 12-09-1994, can anyone explain what training tests I'd need to do to acces certain bikes, what sort of size bike should i be aiming to get to do a 35 mile round trip commute all year round? Any suggestions of any particular bike that would be a good idea, aiming to keep things cheap. I'd be buying seconhand anyway.
cheers
Steve
cheers
Steve
As long as you are over 21, you can do a Direct Access Test, which enables you to ride any bike you fancy once you have passed your test.
This comprises the Compulsory Basic Training, plus a 3-5 day trainign course, then the test itself.
As regards the choice of bike, probably best to aim for something in the 5-600cc range for a reasonably lengthy commute, faired or semi faired as you will have some nice straight bits. Dont buy anything until you are at least approaching your test, or have passed it, as you will have a better idea about what floats your boat by then.
Dont regard decent gear as optional.
This comprises the Compulsory Basic Training, plus a 3-5 day trainign course, then the test itself.
As regards the choice of bike, probably best to aim for something in the 5-600cc range for a reasonably lengthy commute, faired or semi faired as you will have some nice straight bits. Dont buy anything until you are at least approaching your test, or have passed it, as you will have a better idea about what floats your boat by then.
Dont regard decent gear as optional.
To get your licence you need to:
1. Do a theory test - lasts two years from pass date - check out www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=34
2. To ride anything on the road you first need to do a CBT course, usually a one dayer, but you may need more if you don't take to it straight away. Don't worry it is just a basic of basic safety course designed so you don't throw your self under the nearest artic. The co you use for your main licence will do this for you.
3. You then have two options:
Restricted licence - take lessons and test on a small (125c) bike and be restricted to <33 brake horse power for 2 years.
Direct Access or DAS - lessons and test on bigger (500cc) bike and then go out and buy/ride anything you want.
Restricted course is usually slightly cheaper and apparently easier to pass, but the DAS shoudl be passable with a few days lessons. Your instructor uaually will be able to tell how many days lessons tyou'd need from the CBT course.
Also some schools will do a discounted package including CBT, so maybe worth while doing it all in one go. I did my CBT one yeer and DAS the next and missed out on the free CBT if booked all together.
To give you an idea of costs, CBT approx £80, bank on minimum of about £500 for the lessons and test.
As for bikes...others on here will I'm sure be able to help...
1. Do a theory test - lasts two years from pass date - check out www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=34
2. To ride anything on the road you first need to do a CBT course, usually a one dayer, but you may need more if you don't take to it straight away. Don't worry it is just a basic of basic safety course designed so you don't throw your self under the nearest artic. The co you use for your main licence will do this for you.
3. You then have two options:
Restricted licence - take lessons and test on a small (125c) bike and be restricted to <33 brake horse power for 2 years.
Direct Access or DAS - lessons and test on bigger (500cc) bike and then go out and buy/ride anything you want.
Restricted course is usually slightly cheaper and apparently easier to pass, but the DAS shoudl be passable with a few days lessons. Your instructor uaually will be able to tell how many days lessons tyou'd need from the CBT course.
Also some schools will do a discounted package including CBT, so maybe worth while doing it all in one go. I did my CBT one yeer and DAS the next and missed out on the free CBT if booked all together.
To give you an idea of costs, CBT approx £80, bank on minimum of about £500 for the lessons and test.
As for bikes...others on here will I'm sure be able to help...
steve bowen said:
Ok so if the limited course is only upto 125cc then i'd need to do the direct access test as i can't imagine 125cc being any use for a commute. £500 for the direct access, i didn't realise it was that expensive but if needs must 
Even on the 'restricted' licence you can go out and ride a GSXR600, BUT it has to have a restricter in it to reduce it to 33bhp (or there abouts - can't remember exactly).
The Suzuki GS500 I learned on was probably not much more than that, and it would possibly be OK for comuting on I guess, but you'd get bored in minutes if it was just for fun.
Do the DAS and you won't regret it.
I thought it would cost around £300, but I ended up paying more like £800 all up. But then it was one of the larger more expensive schools in the area...could have saved £100 on the package price by using a one man band - and I failed once so had to retest, doh!
Don't skimp on the lessons, if they say you need 4 days, take it. It is cheaper than taking 3 days, failing then taking another day + retest. I needed 3 days, but failed on a stupid test only error, and didn't need any more training for the retest, but took an extra day anyway, just for the sake of it and to get more experience.
Virgil.
steve bowen said:
Ok so if the limited course is only upto 125cc then i'd need to do the direct access test as i can't imagine 125cc being any use for a commute. £500 for the direct access, i didn't realise it was that expensive but if needs must
ha, I used to have a Honda CB125 (1974 model) and used it for a trip to Newquay and back from S.London, about 600 miles in all - no problem
steve bowen said:
Ok so if the limited course is only upto 125cc then i'd need to do the direct access test as i can't imagine 125cc being any use for a commute. £500 for the direct access, i didn't realise it was that expensive but if needs must
The average 125cc is capable of 70mph & accererating quicker than joe average in their car. So unless the majority of your commute is on dual carriageway etc, it will get you there quicker than a car.
If you take a restricted test. 33bhp in a bike is enough for commuting.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
black5 said:
The average 125cc is capable of 70mph & accererating quicker than joe average in their car. So unless the majority of your commute is on dual carriageway etc, it will get you there quicker than a car.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
I've got a 270bhp/ton car
, the commute would be about 2 miles of B roads, 8 miles of A road then 6 mile's ish of dual carriageway. How does 33bhp equate, I was thinking that a 125 would be too harsh for a commute so something along the 300 to 400cc as being a smoother ride, but if they are still low powered but having more torque so making them an "easier" ride then it would be a consideration. I'm not going to be going on to sports bikes and "fun" riding, got the car for trackday fun. Seems backwards car for fun, bike for sensible journeys....I'd say skip 400s as you'll find them a bit gutless. There's not much in insurance terms between 400 and 600cc commuters, not that there are many 400cc commuters anyway (only Jap imports like a Suzuki Bandit and Honda BROS that I can think of). Stick with the usual choices, Suzuki SV, Honda Hornet, Yamaha Fazer and you'll not go far wrong.
Steve.
Steve.
I've had my 650 for 3 months now and I'm already looking at 950's!!!!!! steve bowen said:
black5 said:
The average 125cc is capable of 70mph & accererating quicker than joe average in their car. So unless the majority of your commute is on dual carriageway etc, it will get you there quicker than a car.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
I've got a 270bhp/ton car
, Yeah...and an average commuter bike of around 600cc will be over 500hp/ton....
So, even a 3-400cc commuter scooter won't be far too off away from your car's figures.
Don't even think of comparing any car with a bike...
It depends on what your overall budget is for CBT, lessons, gear (as in clothing, helmet etc) and bike. If you intend to commute daily you have to be prepared for all conditions. If I add up the cost of my lid (Arai £400), water proof & goretex gloves (Racer £90), jacket (Dainese Goretex £350), leather trousers (Dainese £300), goretex boots (Daytona Evo Sports Goretex £350), ruck sack (Kriega 25L £75) and water proofs (Alipne Stars two piece £55) it comes to just over £1,600 
and I ride a £9,000 bike(when it was new) on a daily basis.
You obviously don't need to spend £9,000 on a bike, this was obvoiusly my choice, but you do need to spend the right money on the right clothing and protection, trust me I bought reasonably cheaply first time round which led me to buying twice as my initial gear was crap. If there is only one bit of advice you take please take this as buying the right clothing is the most important bit.
As for a bike you could pay around £2,500 - £3,000 for a decent Yamaha Fazer 600cc or Honda Hornet 600cc or Suzuki Bandit 600cc all of which are excellent commuter bikes.
Whatever you do you will enjoy it and sorry if my figures above have shocked you. By the way all of my gear is now about three years old and will last for a good while yet.
Good luck,
Andy
and I ride a £9,000 bike(when it was new) on a daily basis. You obviously don't need to spend £9,000 on a bike, this was obvoiusly my choice, but you do need to spend the right money on the right clothing and protection, trust me I bought reasonably cheaply first time round which led me to buying twice as my initial gear was crap. If there is only one bit of advice you take please take this as buying the right clothing is the most important bit.
As for a bike you could pay around £2,500 - £3,000 for a decent Yamaha Fazer 600cc or Honda Hornet 600cc or Suzuki Bandit 600cc all of which are excellent commuter bikes.
Whatever you do you will enjoy it and sorry if my figures above have shocked you. By the way all of my gear is now about three years old and will last for a good while yet.
Good luck,
Andy
Edited by Andy Oh on Wednesday 10th January 14:44
aeropilot said:
steve bowen said:
black5 said:
The average 125cc is capable of 70mph & accererating quicker than joe average in their car. So unless the majority of your commute is on dual carriageway etc, it will get you there quicker than a car.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
Your problem will be that once you start, you'll keep wanting more. More fun & more power.
I've got a 270bhp/ton car
, Yeah...and an average commuter bike of around 600cc will be over 500hp/ton....
So, even a 3-400cc commuter scooter won't be far too off away from your car's figures.
Don't even think of comparing any car with a bike...
A simple comparison. My DRZ400 weighs iro 125kg, if it were restricted to 33bhp, that would make it 264bhp/tonne.
Now that is a slow bike!!!!
A restricted (15bhp) 125cc will give you around 150bhp/tonne
A Bandit 650 (commuter bike) weighing 200kg gets 390bhp/t
An older CBR600F = iro 640bhp/t
What car do you have?
an mx5 turbo.
I've heard all this before and its an arguement thats gone on lots and lots, bikes are quicker etc etc. It's just a shame it just doesn't translate on the quiet roads or track in many cases compairing average bikes to fast cars. My mate has a Suzuki GSX 750 google says 223KG + 80KG average rider (he's actually more like 90KG) with 86bhp = 275bhp / ton. My MX5 with me in its 258bhp/ton being precise, I have more grip and better brakes means theres nothing in it. Take that to a 33bhp 125 and were talking 105bhp/ton, unless they are loads lighter? not half the weight surely?
In a traffic Jam of course hes gone
Anyway back to commuting bikes, what do people recommend?
I've heard all this before and its an arguement thats gone on lots and lots, bikes are quicker etc etc. It's just a shame it just doesn't translate on the quiet roads or track in many cases compairing average bikes to fast cars. My mate has a Suzuki GSX 750 google says 223KG + 80KG average rider (he's actually more like 90KG) with 86bhp = 275bhp / ton. My MX5 with me in its 258bhp/ton being precise, I have more grip and better brakes means theres nothing in it. Take that to a 33bhp 125 and were talking 105bhp/ton, unless they are loads lighter? not half the weight surely?
In a traffic Jam of course hes gone
Anyway back to commuting bikes, what do people recommend?
Edited by steve bowen on Wednesday 10th January 15:48
I have a separate question requiring a recommendation.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
idlehands said:
I have a separate question requiring a recommendation.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
DRZ400 or KTM 450exec
Either standard or Supermotad. Lots of fun & easy riding position.
steve bowen said:
an mx5 turbo.
I've heard all this before and its an arguement thats gone on lots and lots, bikes are quicker etc etc. It's just a shame it just doesn't translate on the quiet roads or track in many cases compairing average bikes to fast cars. My mate has a Suzuki GSX 750 google says 223KG + 80KG average rider (he's actually more like 90KG) with 86bhp = 275bhp / ton. My MX5 with me in its 258bhp/ton being precise, I have more grip and better brakes means theres nothing in it. Take that to a 33bhp 125 and were talking 105bhp/ton, unless they are loads lighter? not half the weight surely?
In a traffic Jam of course hes gone
Anyway back to commuting bikes, what do people recommend?
I've heard all this before and its an arguement thats gone on lots and lots, bikes are quicker etc etc. It's just a shame it just doesn't translate on the quiet roads or track in many cases compairing average bikes to fast cars. My mate has a Suzuki GSX 750 google says 223KG + 80KG average rider (he's actually more like 90KG) with 86bhp = 275bhp / ton. My MX5 with me in its 258bhp/ton being precise, I have more grip and better brakes means theres nothing in it. Take that to a 33bhp 125 and were talking 105bhp/ton, unless they are loads lighter? not half the weight surely?
In a traffic Jam of course hes gone
Anyway back to commuting bikes, what do people recommend?
Wow, hell of a car you have there!
black5 said:
idlehands said:
I have a separate question requiring a recommendation.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
Having smashed my leg to pieces I am unable to bend the leg enough to fit back on a jap sports bike. I want something to commute on that's not too heavy, doesn't require me to bend my leg too much and doesn't make me look like an idiot. My preference (I think) is a 250 2 stroke scrambler but am open to any other suggestions. I'm not a big fan of scooters as i hate that riding position.
Any suggestions? I know nothing outside the 750 sports category.
DRZ400 or KTM 450exec
Either standard or Supermotad. Lots of fun & easy riding position.
are these 4 strokes? if so they may be too heavy
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