Discussion
When I was 16 I owned a NRG Piaggio Xtreme 49cc moped, This I could ride on just my CBT, with Provisional licence, I'm now nearly 23, and would like something bigger not, tooo big tho, as i'm only 5ft1 and weigh 8stone ish, I know you haven't got to be big to have a bigger bike however as my mate used to have a kawasaki ninga, and she isn't much bigger than me, I was thinking along the lines of a 125cc with manual gear? What does the CBT allow you to go up to cc wise now a days, or is it worth just doing my full test? And what bikes would ph'ers recommend for someone like myself. 
I've been looking into doing a cbt, although my other half isn't keen for me to learn how to ride a bike.
You can ride upto 125cc with cbt but you need it restricted to a certain output, but they usually come like this anyway. I was thinking of something like a Honda NSR125 which looks pretty good imo.
Nb: you know the cbt is only valid for 2 years? So if you did it when you were 18, so 5 years ago then you'll need to do it again. Not sure if the rules were different back then, but now it only has a 2 year validity.
As for doing the full test, if you are going to do that then you may as well do the Direct access course which means you can ride what you like.
You can ride upto 125cc with cbt but you need it restricted to a certain output, but they usually come like this anyway. I was thinking of something like a Honda NSR125 which looks pretty good imo.
Nb: you know the cbt is only valid for 2 years? So if you did it when you were 18, so 5 years ago then you'll need to do it again. Not sure if the rules were different back then, but now it only has a 2 year validity.
As for doing the full test, if you are going to do that then you may as well do the Direct access course which means you can ride what you like.
Wifey's just got an '06 (55 plate) CBR125R-it's certainly compact but tidy & typically Honda well built. Surprisingly I'm told it's restricted (to what?) & far from quick but it'll do the job as she's learning on one. She'll do DAT on something like a Suzy GS500/Kwack ER5 so as to move up to de-restricted on passing test. (?)
The question is would a 125 be quick enough for you to enjoy on weekend rides?
IMO i'd try to steer away from 125cc, as either it will be a 2-stroke engine which are quick for their size but may well have issues with reliability, or a 4 stroke which will be slower but reliable
personally I would recommend looking at a 400cc 4 stroke such as the honda vfr/rvf, cbr baby blade or kawazaki zxr 400, as these have enough power for weekend fun,superb handing, have relatively low seat heights and are reasonable in terms of weight. The rvf/vfr are the best choice, again IMO, although they can be a little costly for their age they are a superb bike
With the bike test set to get harder towards the end of next year, now is the time to do it if you plan t go for a larger bike at some point.
if you decide that you want a full licence,
when you book your cbt be sure to mention that you are going to do your das course, they may well then provide you with a geared bike to do your cbt on rather than a twist and go, so you can start practicing gears.
The DAS course is also a good way to find how you manage with the weight of the bike before commiting to a purchase of a bike
IMO i'd try to steer away from 125cc, as either it will be a 2-stroke engine which are quick for their size but may well have issues with reliability, or a 4 stroke which will be slower but reliable
personally I would recommend looking at a 400cc 4 stroke such as the honda vfr/rvf, cbr baby blade or kawazaki zxr 400, as these have enough power for weekend fun,superb handing, have relatively low seat heights and are reasonable in terms of weight. The rvf/vfr are the best choice, again IMO, although they can be a little costly for their age they are a superb bike
With the bike test set to get harder towards the end of next year, now is the time to do it if you plan t go for a larger bike at some point.
if you decide that you want a full licence,
when you book your cbt be sure to mention that you are going to do your das course, they may well then provide you with a geared bike to do your cbt on rather than a twist and go, so you can start practicing gears.
The DAS course is also a good way to find how you manage with the weight of the bike before commiting to a purchase of a bike
as others have said, 400/600cc is plently nowdays. however id be tempted to get a cheap 125, do a new CBT & get a few months on the road over the winter. the road experience will make you a lot safer on a bigger bike.
i used to see a girl who was about your size, she could get 85-90mph from a honda cbr125. at 13 1/2stone i could only get 70mph on a good day from it. so being a titch helps you a lot.
CBTs last two years & limit you to 15bhp - hence the cbr etc are something restricted. not that the 4 strokes give much more unrestricted so im told.
you can pick up chinese copies of the cbr for about £1400 new & they dont seem to bad in all honestly. besides its your first bike in years you might well drop it or something so why ruin a damn good one? i know i dropped my first two bikes for daft reasons - basicly newbie mistakes.
oh & welcome to pistonheads judging by your postcount.
i used to see a girl who was about your size, she could get 85-90mph from a honda cbr125. at 13 1/2stone i could only get 70mph on a good day from it. so being a titch helps you a lot.
CBTs last two years & limit you to 15bhp - hence the cbr etc are something restricted. not that the 4 strokes give much more unrestricted so im told.
you can pick up chinese copies of the cbr for about £1400 new & they dont seem to bad in all honestly. besides its your first bike in years you might well drop it or something so why ruin a damn good one? i know i dropped my first two bikes for daft reasons - basicly newbie mistakes.
oh & welcome to pistonheads judging by your postcount.
2 stroke's Dirty and Unreliable??????? What a load of crap. Providing you use good oil in the mix the exhaust will be clean. As for reliable? There are fewer moving parts in the engine itself and if it does go wrong they are easier to fix. Beyond 500cc four strokes are superior but below that two-strokes are superior on Power and equal in fuel consumption.
pinkprincess said:
or is it worth just doing my full test?
Yes absolutely.pinkprincess said:
And what bikes would ph'ers recommend for someone like myself.
When I had my Ducati Monster there were/are a lot of girlies in the UK Monster Club so, a small engined Monster 600/620 is a good choice, easy to ride and a low-ish seat height. You can get the suspension dropped on them as well which was quite a popular thing to do.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff