CBT & Commuting..Some Questions

daz said:
40 miles through London before and after work on a bike doesn't really sound like fun. :o

I'd definitely advocate a bike/scooter for <10 miles, but 40 miles is going to be pretty knackering each day. I enjoy a good ride on my little 125 to london every now and then (from Maidenhead) but it's not something I would ever consider doing every day.
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I see what you're saying but im going insane sitting on a noisy tube for 50 mins a day twice a day. Then driving..then paying parking...then paying fuel. ;)

Regardless of whether or not it becomes a long term thing id like to learn to ride a bike anyway. Its something i've always been interested in. :)
 
mrsnowman said:
I see what you're saying but im going insane sitting on a noisy tube for 50 mins a day twice a day. Then driving..then paying parking...then paying fuel. ;)

Regardless of whether or not it becomes a long term thing id like to learn to ride a bike anyway. Its something i've always been interested in. :)
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get ya self booked in for a CBT, and see how you feel after that, there are people who come out of CBT not liking biking. CBT will cost you about £100 and just a day course.

no point in buying expensive gear for the CBT, try and borrow theirs, and if you like it then of course go out and buy ya own gear.
 
lmfy2k said:
get ya self booked in for a CBT, and see how you feel after that, there are people who come out of CBT not liking biking. CBT will cost you about £100 and just a day course.

no point in buying expensive gear for the CBT, try and borrow theirs, and if you like it then of course go out and buy ya own gear.
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Most places seem to ask you to turn up in sensible clothing, but they'll lend you gloves and helmet. Most people 'pass' their CBT within the day, occasionally some require more time, so it might be worth checking with the place you intend on going what their policy is. Once you've got your CBT, if you still intend on biking then you can get some gear. Plenty of advice on here about gear on a budget, and about CBT and tests etc
 
RoysonBobson said:
180miles = 1.5 gallons

1 litre ~ 0.2 gallons and ~ 90p at todays prices

so 1.5 gallons ~ £7 at today's prices

Those are typical figures, but I'd say 120mpg a little high, perhaps nearer 100mpg costing you nearer £8 to fill up.
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My bike (Yamaha YBR125) costs £7 to fill to brim, and does 180-200 miles to a tank easily.
 
mrsnowman said:
I see, i was looking at the CBT as if that was THE test. Ill take on board the comments about 2 stroke..although im used to a thrashy revy engine driving a saxo ha.
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Believe me, that's not what a 2 stroke is like!

Imagine your Saxo with no power under 9k rpm, then all the power comes in for 2k, then nothing again. That's what a race rep 2 stroke is like. Absolutely tons of fun, but probably not the best solution for commuting.

I'd recommendeither the Varadero, which looks like a full size bike, or an XR125
 
MrMoonX said:
cheers, damn I missed out by 1 month lol, oh well might as well do DA
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you didn't miss out on anything if it's a bike you're thinking of learning, rather than a moped.

And if you passed your car test in 2001, you're over 21 now, so DAS all the way. Unless you really feel uncomfortable with a larger bike, I don't see why not.

Scythe said:
My bike (Yamaha YBR125) costs £7 to fill to brim, and does 180-200 miles to a tank easily.
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I stand corrected. Wish my bandit had that fuel economy, but then i'm glad it's got more than 13bhp :)
 
If not a Varadero then consider a DT125 or similar (it has a power valve so that when you pass your test you can very easily de-restrict it for a nice power increase at no cost), Hoysung are abut the best of the budget stuff but Jap stuff is of a better quality and will retain it's value.
 
Just looking at my local test centers at the moment :D

Whats the wait time usually like or is it completely dependant on location?

Also..i dont have to display L plates on a 125 once i pass my CBT do i ?

Ta all
 
mrsnowman said:
Just looking at my local test centers at the moment :D

Whats the wait time usually like or is it completely dependant on location?

Also..i dont have to display L plates on a 125 once i pass my CBT do i ?

Ta all
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Test centres vary. I booked my test about 4 weeks in advance because I only had a select few times I could take it. Others you could perhaps get away with booking only two weeks in advance. That really depends.

Yes you need L-Plates until you pass your test. You also can't go on motorways and you can't carry pillion passengers.

And before you take the practical test you'll need to have passed the theory test. It's different to the car, so choose the right one.
 
Personally i would find 40 miles each way really tiresome on a bike during the winter. In the summer though it might actually be more fun on a bike. Plus bikes need constant cleaning in the winter to stop the salt wrecking it.
 
Sagalout said:
I'd recommendeither the Varadero, which looks like a full size bike, or an XR125
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another vote for varadero, you have to look twice at them as they look like the 1000. a lot of road presence for such a tiny bike.

the 1000 varadeo is a fantastic bike to ride, you're cocooned in a perfectly still bubble of air, it's so relaxing, I'd guess the 125 feels similar.
 
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