Getting into Biking. Test / First Purchase

[Dracata]

I searched but couldn't find a thread that seemed to clearly answer the questions I have, so I'm wondering if anyone can help.

I'd really like to get into motorbiking, but I know pretty much nothing about it. Where should I start?

What are the tests needed to ride, and what do they involve / prices etc?

I've heard that the tests are changing come late this year, is this true? If so, how?

I've seen that age (Under 21) affects the bike engine size that you can ride, so If under 21 you'll need to have been riding for two years to ride a larger bike. Are there any restrictions for over 21s?

 

[Fireskull]

First yes the bike test is changing in october, test sites are going to be rare and probably have a long waiting list to start with so if your serious about it get it done asap!

Firstly get your CBT (Compulsory basic training) done you have to do this before you can do anything else, costs around £100 and will allow you to ride a 125CC bike with L plates on it, now the CBT lasts for 2 years so you could ride your own 125 with L plates for 2 years no problem, great for around towns etc

Next

If your under 21 you do your full bike test on a 125, once you have passed you are restricted for 2 Years to a 33BHP bike, now most people get any 600cc you like the look of and restrict it, these are usually the sports tourer/naked bike variant (SV650, hornet, bandit, ER6F etc) you can restrict sports bikes but I guarantee you will get bored with only 33bhp on one, after the 2 years you take restriction out and you can then ride ANY bike you want full power
Costs: not sure how much the test is now but you could in theory just book the test yourself on your own 125cc and hope you pass or you can do lessons again not sure how much these are now prob over £20 an hour I would imagine though, or you can do week long intensive courses that include test and usually CBT for anything upto £700 depending on how much your area want to screw you over

Next

If you are over 21 you can do the Direct Access Bike Test, this involves all your lessons and test on usually some honda 500cc bike, once you have passed this test you can ride anything you like, Direct access costs more but in the long run if your over 21 best do it just get something sensible for a year after you pass.
I did mine when I was 17 so I have no idea how much Direct access costs sorry, im sure some googling would tell you average price though.

Either way you need a CBT first so get that done and go from there, you might have it

 

[atpbx]

You would go direct access, and for your first bike i would suggest something with neutral handling and moderate power, for instance, a fazer 600, or a bandit.
I would also put a lot of miles in on that bike, in all weathers before you thought about something else.

 

[Arpegius]

There's a thread on page 2 about exactly this. Anyway, pretty much what Fireskull said. CBT for £100, motorcycle theory for £30 then a 3-5 day DAS course for £400-£650 depending on the course and where you are. Then you are able to ride any bike you want from piddly 50cc scooters to 1300cc rockets