Advice Needed - Learning

[RedTen]

Hello

I passed by CBT last year and never purchased a bike. To be honest I took the CBT to see if I'd enjoy biking - which I did.

I'm now in a position (and over 21) to get into it but I'm not sure whether I should pick up a 125cc and remind myself the basics in a quiet carpark or pop down the test centre and do a 3/4 day course of tuition and try to get my full license.

Or I could get a bigger bike and have it restricted?

Short term goal is commuting a 20 mile journey a day and when confident do the Europe trips. I'm thinking a BMW tourer or something.

Any suggestions? I don't want to rush and crash but at the end of the day I don't want to waste cash on a 125 or failed tests.

 

[RedTen]

I'd recommend riding around on a 125 for a couple of months first. That will really prepare you and teach you anything more than a CBT could. If you feel happy and love it then sure, go for it, you should have no problems passing if you have several months experience on the road first.

Bike-wise. Go for a big name bike such as Honda or Yamaha. As everybody says, you will sell these for pretty much the price you bought them providing you don't knacker them. Search around, see what style you like.

I suppose it'll be cheaper too as I can get away with having less time at the test centre?

 

[RedTen]

Any opinions on the YZR125 or maybe the CBR125? Ideally looking at around £1500 for the bike.

I'm sure someone will suggest the CG125 but I really just wouldn't enjoy getting on it which would put me off clocking up some hours learning.

 

[RedTen]

CBF125 is a great little bike. You should be able to find one second hand for less than £1500

Edit: 128mpg too

Although I know it shouldn't be important at this stage.. I find the CBF pretty ugly.

Both excellent bikes. The YZR is pretty expensive though. I take it you want the superbike look then? CBR is good but quite small (if you're under 6 foot I think it would be perfect), should do around 70mph eventually and has excellent fuel economy. +100mpg. The YZR is slightly more powerful and will have good fuel economy too probably not quite as good as the CBR though. The YZ is bigger too.

Well not necessarily the super bike look - just something I will look forward to riding and not feel like a giant on. I'm 6ft2.

I've seen some YZF's at around 1800-2000 which I don't mind stretching too if it means getting the ball rolling.

I'll read some reviews.