Becoming a Biker

[BlackCoat2k10]

Well I have always been interested in becoming a bike rider, the thrill of riding always excites me even on a pedal bike at times. I have ridden a few of my friends bikes, just in an empty carpark and well I enjoyed it a lot. With things going as they have, I am wondering that maybe now would be a good time to get a bike.

However I am not sure on the total costs or what exactly to get. I am interested in the Kawasaki ninja, either a 250 or 600 2008 or recenter. I'd probabally be more inclined with the 600 as im a 6 ft 2 rugby player that goes gym a fair amount. Now I understand and respect the powers of a bike and the dangers too, so I am not going to be an idiot on it.

Apart from getting my A1(i think thats correct) bike licence I am abashed as to what to get and the prices involved. Such things as adequate protective gear and insurance and even the best place to get a bike from as ive seen a lot of price variation. So any input would be much appreciated!

 

[thepeteh]

Firstly you will need to do your 1 day's 'cbt' course (compulsory basic training) and can expect to pay ~£100. A local riding school should be able to provide you with the appropriate protective clothing and a bike to do you're training on.
Assuming you're at least 21, probably the best option would be to do the 'direct access course' if not, there's quite a few other options which can all be found on here;
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/index.htm

Then you will need your;

Theory test: £31, purchase the highway code and swat up, particularly if you don't already drive a car.

Module 1 Test: £15.50 + hire of school bike bike (Skills set through cones and manoeuvres basically)

Adequate training - how much training you need depends on how quickly you pick things up, and what your riding instructor recommends... much the same as learning to drive. Personally, I had four full days training and then test on Friday. To be honest I can't remember exactly how much I spend on training, somewhere in the region of £500...

Module 2 Test: £75 + hire of school bike

Once you've passed your test and you know motorcycling is for you... time to buy the gear and of course your bike
Ideally, you want Helmet, Gloves, Boots, Trousers and a Jacket... spend as much as you can afford... and in my opinion avoid second hand stuff, particularly helmets.

As for bikes, unless you're made of money, I wouldn't buy new that's for sure. The choice of bike is up to you... but if you're not 17 and plan to use it for stuff other than a commute across the city, you will be wanting to avoid 125's and move to bigger machines as you will get bored very very quickly, the ninja 250 from what I've heard is a waste of time, suzuki bandits, honda cbf's and other such steeds should see you right... myself, I went from a Honda xr125 to a Honda cbr600 and so far so good - love it.

Listed above will all be good strong first bikes and seems to be what a lot of people go for. Just go steady as you will still be learning once passed and it's easy to say your responsible but all that power is just a twist of the wrist away!

Good luck

 

[ElvisFan]

Don't wear textile gear if you want to call yourself a "Biker".

Bikers wear leather and denim

"Motorcyclists" wear textiles and Hi-Vis.

Hilarious, I know, but my mate came out with it and after I'd finished laughing I actually saw the truth of it.

 

[Dogbreath]

Don't wear textile gear if you want to call yourself a "Biker".

Bikers wear leather and denim

"Motorcyclists" wear textiles and Hi-Vis.

Hilarious, I know, but my mate came out with it and after I'd finished laughing I actually saw the truth of it.

What a load of arse; plenty of bikers wear both textiles and leather depending on conditions. In bad weather soggy leathers are far from a pleasant experience.

 

[bloodiedathame]

Don't wear textile gear if you want to call yourself a "Biker".

Bikers wear leather and denim

"Motorcyclists" wear textiles and Hi-Vis.

Hilarious, I know, but my mate came out with it and after I'd finished laughing I actually saw the truth of it.

BOMBO BREAKER:

I wear textile and demin/leather combo depending on weather.

 

[gillywibble]

Snip

Spot on. He'll be too big for a bandit though.

Your local bike shop will advise on gear, just give them your budget and they'll work within it. You don't need to spend silly money, for example Lidl were doing flip lid helmets with a sun visor for £40 recently, nothing wrong with them.

I've spent about £350 so far on clobber, just a gradual build up from day one, although I now do want a Shark Evoline Series 2, oh well

 

[Griffo]

Don't wear textile gear if you want to call yourself a "Biker".

Bikers wear leather and denim

"Motorcyclists" wear textiles and Hi-Vis.

Hilarious, I know, but my mate came out with it and after I'd finished laughing I actually saw the truth of it.

hahaha excellent!

What a load of arse; plenty of bikers wear both textiles and leather depending on conditions. In bad weather soggy leathers are far from a pleasant experience.

Bah, on my lovely faired SV I never got soggy leather legs, just stuck to the soaking wet crotch instead!

EDIT: No idea where I got 'legs' from.

 

[BlackCoat2k10]

Cheers fella's for you replies, will give this a good look into over the xmas period when I've got the money to do it.