Any bikers who regularly go on the Snake Pass?

[w111smh]

Hi everyone,

I've just posted this same topic on "Biker Banter" but want to try and get as much feedback as poss.

Recently ive been thinking about taking to two wheels and ive been reading little bits on the net and stuff. If i do go for it i reckon i'll do my CBT, ride a 125 on L's until September when i turn 21 and do my DAS.

However my dilemma is my girlfriend lives in Manchester and i live in Sheffield. I often visit her on a weekend and set off on a friday after work. From your own personal experiences of bikes in general, how bad would it be going over the pennines on a 125cc at night?

Thanks in advance for you help

Will

[jagdpanther]

w111smh said:

Hi everyone,

I've just posted this same topic on "Biker Banter" but want to try and get as much feedback as poss.

Recently ive been thinking about taking to two wheels and ive been reading little bits on the net and stuff. If i do go for it i reckon i'll do my CBT, ride a 125 on L's until September when i turn 21 and do my DAS.

However my dilemma is my girlfriend lives in Manchester and i live in Sheffield. I often visit her on a weekend and set off on a friday after work. From your own personal experiences of bikes in general, how bad would it be going over the pennines on a 125cc at night?

Thanks in advance for you help

Will

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

[porscheuro]

jagdpanther said:

w111smh said:

Hi everyone,

I've just posted this same topic on "Biker Banter" but want to try and get as much feedback as poss.

Recently ive been thinking about taking to two wheels and ive been reading little bits on the net and stuff. If i do go for it i reckon i'll do my CBT, ride a 125 on L's until September when i turn 21 and do my DAS.

However my dilemma is my girlfriend lives in Manchester and i live in Sheffield. I often visit her on a weekend and set off on a friday after work. From your own personal experiences of bikes in general, how bad would it be going over the pennines on a 125cc at night?

Thanks in advance for you help

Will

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

jagd on 2 wheels fek me i'm getting off the road as he's bad enough on 4 wheels

[jagdpanther]

porscheuro said:

jagdpanther said:

w111smh said:

Hi everyone,

I've just posted this same topic on "Biker Banter" but want to try and get as much feedback as poss.

Recently ive been thinking about taking to two wheels and ive been reading little bits on the net and stuff. If i do go for it i reckon i'll do my CBT, ride a 125 on L's until September when i turn 21 and do my DAS.

However my dilemma is my girlfriend lives in Manchester and i live in Sheffield. I often visit her on a weekend and set off on a friday after work. From your own personal experiences of bikes in general, how bad would it be going over the pennines on a 125cc at night?

Thanks in advance for you help

Will

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

jagd on 2 wheels fek me i'm getting off the road as he's bad enough on 4 wheels

Aye, on the back wheel into your place next

[WestYorkie]

Ehup mate.
As JDP says it gets steep on the Snake mainly at the Glossop end as you climb up to the highest point it gets quite windy too.
I frequently rode the Snake pass on my CG125 before I passed my DAS, and got some good experience too.
Good luck with the DAS BTW.

[w111smh]

WestYorkie said:

Ehup mate.
As JDP says it gets steep on the Snake mainly at the Glossop end as you climb up to the highest point it gets quite windy too.
I frequently rode the Snake pass on my CG125 before I passed my DAS, and got some good experience too.
Good luck with the DAS BTW.

Cheers!
Yea ive got it really stuck in my head now that i want a bike so i think im defo gona go ahead with it. But maybe get the train to manch unless its a good day and i'm feelin brave. lol!

[w111smh]

jagdpanther said:

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

Hi, thanks for your advice, yea im not really built too slimlined so probs would struggle. Just a quick one back to you...did you take ur cbt in sheff and if you did where did you do it. i was thinkin of doing at bikesafe at owlerton stadium but as non of my mates ride i have no advice on wheres best.

cheers

[jagdpanther]

w111smh said:

jagdpanther said:

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

Hi, thanks for your advice, yea im not really built too slimlined so probs would struggle. Just a quick one back to you...did you take ur cbt in sheff and if you did where did you do it. i was thinkin of doing at bikesafe at owlerton stadium but as non of my mates ride i have no advice on wheres best.

cheers

Not done CBT yet old pal, I'm waiting until I've sorted a few things and planning on doing the Circuit Based Training with Sean Hayes at Mallory Park.

It looks fairly pricey at £750 for 3/4 days, but CBT, bike and kit and practical test is thrown in free so it aint all that bad, plus it gets RAVE reviews from lots of people...

Edited by jagdpanther on Monday 5th January 22:55

[w111smh]

jagdpanther said:

w111smh said:

jagdpanther said:

I've not done the snake on a bike, but I would think a 125 would make steady progress over the snake as it gets bloody hilly in places.

It depends on whether you're built like me or like that racing snake that is Mark H

Also be very VERY careful on Snake Pass, doubly so on a bike as it can be extremely slippery

As with any road really

Exercise caution and all will be fine, especially in the summer

I'm looking at doing my DAS later this year so hope to catch you on two wheels

Hi, thanks for your advice, yea im not really built too slimlined so probs would struggle. Just a quick one back to you...did you take ur cbt in sheff and if you did where did you do it. i was thinkin of doing at bikesafe at owlerton stadium but as non of my mates ride i have no advice on wheres best.

cheers

Not done CBT yet old pal, I'm waiting until I've sorted a few things and planning on doing the Circuit Based Training with Sean Hayes at Mallory Park.

It looks fairly pricey at £750 for 3/4 days, but CBT, bike and kit and practical test is thrown in free so it aint all that bad, plus it gets RAVE reviews from lots of people...

Edited by jagdpanther on Monday 5th January 22:55

Yea thats not too bad at all with all that thrown in!

The reason why i fancy a small bike for a while is just for an easier commute to work cos i live out towards the barnsley end of sheffield and to save some money up too.
i crashed my car in november so my renewal in march is gona be horrible. i did an insurance quote for a small bike and couldnt believe how much cheaper it is than my car! lol! could save up for a lads holiday for my 21st! haha!

[jagdpanther]

w111smh said:

Yea thats not too bad at all with all that thrown in!

The reason why i fancy a small bike for a while is just for an easier commute to work cos i live out towards the barnsley end of sheffield and to save some money up too.
i crashed my car in november so my renewal in march is gona be horrible. i did an insurance quote for a small bike and couldnt believe how much cheaper it is than my car! lol! could save up for a lads holiday for my 21st! haha!

Right off the cuff here, but have you thought about a big enduro style bike? 400+

They're not quick, not expensive and should conform to that 33bhp crap that comes with the CBT

Something like an old NX650 Dominator perhaps? Can be had for £1k and perfect for the commute and you wont feel like you're holding traffic up???


sorry - brains on melt down tonight!

Forgot you still need to do a test after the CBT to reach over 125

Sorry, complete blonde moment there

Carry on

Edited by jagdpanther on Monday 5th January 23:14

[w111smh]

jagdpanther said:

Right off the cuff here, but have you thought about a big enduro style bike? 400+

They're not quick, not expensive and should conform to that 33bhp crap that comes with the CBT

Something like an old NX650 Dominator perhaps? Can be had for £1k and perfect for the commute and you wont feel like you're holding traffic up???


sorry - brains on melt down tonight!

Forgot you still need to do a test after the CBT to reach over 125

Sorry, complete blonde moment there

Carry on

Edited by jagdpanther on Monday 5th January 23:14

tbh i did think abt doing my test but then in september i have to make the decision of paying for another test or wait another 18months. think the best thing to do is do my cbt and c if i even like it. lol! i really hope i do tho.

you have loads of knowledge on bikes by the way to say u dont ride. is it in ur family or have u just always bin interested?

[Mark.H]

scott ya cheeky sod!

have some of this as a revenge shot!...scott on a 125 everyone!

WHAHAHAHA

..jus kidding buddy. ...ITS A 50cc!!!

[jagdpanther]

w111smh said:

you have loads of knowledge on bikes by the way to say u dont ride. is it in ur family or have u just always bin interested?

I don't have as much knowledge as I used to have mate, but I've been around cars and bikes since I could walk so it's in the blood.

I was planning on doing my CBT back in the late 90's, but we lost my cousin to a motorcycle accident so to spare my family from worrying, I decided I wouldn't do it....it's always been in the back of my mind though, it's like a bloody disease

There's a possibility that I might be getting a good chance with something to do with bikes this year ( I can't say atm ) so now it's a case of get myself sorted and kick things into gear....plus, it's 2009 and I'm motivated

Have you been around bikes long yourself? Ever rideen or been pillian? Or is it just something you fancy experiencing?


oh and Mark:

I can't help it if you're built like a slimline whippet me old fruit

[Mark.H]

jagdpanther said:

I can't help it if you're built like a slimline whippet me old fruit

...but i can do something about it! My new years resolution is to be able to come back at chrimbo and beat scott in an arm wrestling contest just started going to the gym!

[jagdpanther]

Mark.H said:

jagdpanther said:

I can't help it if you're built like a slimline whippet me old fruit

...but i can do something about it! My new years resolution is to be able to come back at chrimbo and beat scott in an arm wrestling contest just started going to the gym!

Good news, I was always crap at arm wrestling

[w111smh]

jagdpanther said:

w111smh said:

you have loads of knowledge on bikes by the way to say u dont ride. is it in ur family or have u just always bin interested?

I don't have as much knowledge as I used to have mate, but I've been around cars and bikes since I could walk so it's in the blood.

I was planning on doing my CBT back in the late 90's, but we lost my cousin to a motorcycle accident so to spare my family from worrying, I decided I wouldn't do it....it's always been in the back of my mind though, it's like a bloody disease

There's a possibility that I might be getting a good chance with something to do with bikes this year ( I can't say atm ) so now it's a case of get myself sorted and kick things into gear....plus, it's 2009 and I'm motivated

Have you been around bikes long yourself? Ever rideen or been pillian? Or is it just something you fancy experiencing?


oh and Mark:

I can't help it if you're built like a slimline whippet me old fruit

My biking experience is zilch unfortunatly. my uncle has had a bike on and off since ive known him but he would never let me ride pillion...he said he wouldnt be able to forgive himself if i came off (i was around 12 at the time) and then he sold it and hasnt had one since. so ive always thought they were cool but in the last 6 months ive really started seriously thinking about how i cud own my own and actually get involved instead of just looking at them.
thing is for me to fund a bike id have to sell my car so it wud have to be my primary source of transport hence me askin abt the snake pass.

[jagdpanther]

w111smh said:

My biking experience is zilch unfortunatly. my uncle has had a bike on and off since ive known him but he would never let me ride pillion...he said he wouldnt be able to forgive himself if i came off (i was around 12 at the time) and then he sold it and hasnt had one since. so ive always thought they were cool but in the last 6 months ive really started seriously thinking about how i cud own my own and actually get involved instead of just looking at them.
thing is for me to fund a bike id have to sell my car so it wud have to be my primary source of transport hence me askin abt the snake pass.

To be honest, if it's going to be your only transport, be prepared for it to either turn into a shed in no time or for you to spend every waking minute cleaning, greasing, lubing, stripping and maintaining!

Some bikes cope with it better than others, but I know from my close friend who has run nothing but a bike for years and his current CBR600 F Sport is something of a shed due to the winter usage, wear & tear and general spills

It's not all bad like

[zeb]

Firstly...How glad am i to have my bike licence? £750 to take your damned test! strewth.

Been many a time over snake/woodhead on bikes from a 250 superdream (wehaaaay!) to a blade and RSV-R.

But in the winter on a 125 on friday night...naaa

I'd stick to a car or get a new bird

snakes great in summer mind you..!

[jagdpanther]

zeb said:

Firstly...How glad am i to have my bike licence? £750 to take your damned test! strewth.

Been many a time over snake/woodhead on bikes from a 250 superdream (wehaaaay!) to a blade and RSV-R.

But in the winter on a 125 on friday night...naaa

I'd stick to a car or get a new bird

snakes great in summer mind you..!

£750 aint that bad when you consider what's thrown in...don't get me wrong, I would sooner it be £200 but I don't begrudge paying it...if I have it

[jaybee747]

Go on you know you want to!
Seriously though, the 125 route is a good idea. I started life on a 400cc Jap import sports machine and never looked back. At that time just after passing my test, I could have ridden anything but experience on a smaller machine is the right way to go. Just be careful on the pass, had an accident a few years ago there (albeit very slow speed) but when the summer comes it's a nice run.

Jaybee