Considering getting a bike....

Conanius

Conanius

Conanius

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
12,753
I'm considering my options to get a bike, primarily, and almost exclusively as a commuting tool.

Currently work for a London based firm, but working for 2 years out in Gloucestershire, so an ideal time to get a bike, get confident, and decide if I can really do it into central London come rain or shine.

I've never ridden a bike before, so I don't know what options I have to give it a go. I got the impression I could rent everything (gloves, jacket, lid, bike etc) for a CBT, so this seems like a sensible starting point.

I'm not the tallest guy in the world, so I'll look hilariously stupid on plenty of bikes, I also don't really fancy some MotoGP leathers setup or bike as I'll just not make use of it. I'd do this if I was tracking the hell out of it.

I saw a KTM Duke 125 the other day that looked ideal (decent size, riding position, and more than quick enough for my requirements) so if anyone has one of these or knows much about reliability I'd be really interested. MCN apparently have one on long term test, and the articles I've read all basically say its brilliant but also devastating that it doesn't have 20 more BHP.

Open to ideas...
 
Well, as you're over 21, the best thing you should look at doing it going to do your CBT, see if you enjoy it, and if you do, get your DAS done.
DAS(Direct Access Scheme) is usually a 3-5 day intensive course that will get you your full Class A licence, mean you'll be able to ride any motorcycle, with no BHP/kWh restrictions.

Most places that do CBT will provide the bike, and if required, provide helmet, gloves, jacket. When I did mine, I borrowed Gloves and Helmet, but went in Jeans and some leather boots of my own. This meant I hadn't committed to buying anything, in case I didn't like it. However, I loved it, so before commencing on my DAS, I bought a helmet & Gloves, and acquired 2nd hand Boots, Jacket and Trousers.

I'll expand on this post later, and I'm sure someone else will reply, but I need to rush back to work haha.
 
How old are you exactly? If its under 24 then I would advise getting your DAS done ASAP as the minimum age for a DAS course is rising to 24 next year.

Other than that.. do the above :D
 
I'm 27, 28 in June... I've done a fair few car based track days, and tbh, I know this will bite me in the arse down the line, but I have no interest in using the bike as a means to go fast. For me it will be nothing more than a commuting tool. However, if I only do the CBT I can't take the bike on the motorway can I?

Anyone here ridden one of these KTM Duke 125's?
 
I was in a similar situation 2 years ago. I decided to give it a go by just doing the CBT to see if I liked it or not. I now have 2 bikes :D (A new ZX6R and a 2001 ER5)

Just pop along to your local training place, do the CBT on a Saturday morning and see if it's something you like (which I reckon it will be). Then either get yourself a 125 to mess around on or just book up for the full DAS and you can be riding a proper bike in no time.

You don't have to dress up like a Power Ranger, most of my riding is just commuting so I wear my leather jacket, kevlar jeans, boots and gloves (and helmet of course).
 
Conanius said:
I'm 27, 28 in June... I've done a fair few car based track days, and tbh, I know this will bite me in the arse down the line, but I have no interest in using the bike as a means to go fast. For me it will be nothing more than a commuting tool. However, if I only do the CBT I can't take the bike on the motorway can I?

Anyone here ridden one of these KTM Duke 125's?
Click to expand...

I originally bought a bike with the same point of view. That's now why I'm buying one of the fastest production sports bikes on the planet :p.

But no, on a CBT, you can't take it on a motorway, you have to ride with L plates, and you have to do your CBT every 2 years.
 
You don't even need to do your cbt to try out... If you google Get On and find your local Get On supporters you can book yourself up for an hours free ride to trial bike riding :) I'm booked in for the next couple of weeks, and me ma and pa have decided they want to try too (they're late 60s)!! Although I know I want want want a bike, just doing it to get used to gears prior to cbt :)

What I'd also recommend is popping into a few bike dealers (I'm fortunate to have fowlers on my doorstep and trying on various gear to get an idea of what fits and you feel good in. Throw your leg over a few bikes too and do muchos research on the ones that feel the most suitable for you!
 
pheebs said:
You don't even need to do your cbt to try out... If you google Get On and find your local Get On supporters you can book yourself up for an hours free ride to trial bike riding :) I'm booked in for the next couple of weeks, and me ma and pa have decided they want to try too (they're late 60s)!! Although I know I want want want a bike, just doing it to get used to gears prior to cbt :)

What I'd also recommend is popping into a few bike dealers (I'm fortunate to have fowlers on my doorstep and trying on various gear to get an idea of what fits and you feel good in. Throw your leg over a few bikes too and do muchos research on the ones that feel the most suitable for you!
Click to expand...

I'm not saying the Get On scheme is a bad thing as I don't know what it's like area to area but the few people I know to have done it have been sold CBT's on the day by them and the instructors doing the CBT's are the most impatient and uncaring instructors I've had the pleasure of hearing about and have put a good few people off. Might be worth going for the Get On day then booking a CBT at a local reputable instructor, but as I say it might be different area to area.
 
Get On don't actually send out instructors, it's the training company who agrees to promote Get On who then set up the hours trial. It's really unfortunate that you've had friends being pushed into training/booking there cbt, it's really just supposed to be a taster and encouragement. I'd suggest getting your friends to report their experience to Get On as it's certainly not their ethos!

I guess you're bound to get businesses like that though. In another thread I've mentioned that it took me ages to pick a motorcycle training centre as when we met some of them/spoke on the phone to various, a couple were all about getting you in and out and passed with little consideration for what we were looking for. A bit bish bash bosh! Really happy with who we've found now, they're superb!
 
Which one did you go with pheebs?

I used Kickstart down in Keynsham, nice bunch of guys. Some of the bikes are ancient as you'd expect but the instructor I had was great.
 
Will be heading to ace motors (part of fowlers) really nice people :)

For our actual training will be doing it with smart in wales, swansea as we're doing a charity ride for Welsh air ambulance so its all interlinked!! They're lovely there too!!

A few people I spoke to in bath though = morons!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom