Should I buy a motorbike?

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 15:33

Well I have been thinking lately about getting a motorbike, I know nothing about them though which is a big problem, I have a full clean drivers license and am 27 yrs old, I have always wanted a Kawasaki Kx125 Bike, don't know why just always liked the look of them, however they seem quite expensive compared to other bikes.

All I want is a little bit of a run around that I could use to just pop to my mum and dads (who live about 4miles away) - and I'm thinking that a 125 you can just stick an L Plate on and away you go?

Am looking to spend as little as possible really, on something which is low maintenance, doesnt have to be fast or anything like that, its purely for a bit of fun.

Was wondering if anyone can give me any starting points on any of the above

Thanks

Pug · 20 Jul 2006 at 15:58

basically, spend about £40 and a mornings training to do your CBT and assuming your bike is 12.5BHP or less away you go with L Plates on.

Obviously then need to insure it, TPF&T is the norm, buy a helmet and some safety gear (coat gloves minimum really) - then off you go. If it wasnt going to be used much, and you could secure it well, third party only would be much cheaper, and may be enough.

As for bikes, i'm only really up on sports bikes so cant help much...

all i will say is they are great fun, and its sooo easy to get "the bug" and then move onto bigger bikes. They really are great (especially if you have a car for the times you dont fancy the bike!)

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 15:58

So you need to do your CBT even if you have a full drivers license?

Pug · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:00

0gami said:
So you need to do your CBT even if you have a full drivers license?

thats my understanding yes, being as they changed the law about 9 years ago, but its not a test per-sé and you wont fail it. I'm little out of the loop as i passed 10 years ago when i was 17 before they changed all the laws.

<(Multi)> · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:07

Pug said:
thats my understanding yes, being as they changed the law about 9 years ago, but its not a test per-sé and you wont fail it. I'm little out of the loop as i passed 10 years ago when i was 17 before they changed all the laws.

Yes, you'll need to do a day course (CBT) which will then give you the right to ride a learner ready 125cc bike (displaying L plates.)

A CBT only lasts for 2 years, at which point you either take the full test, or retake the CBT.

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:09

Thanks for that

What kind of 125 bikes should I be looking at? cheaper the better really

lukechad · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:11

Well are you into sports/cruisers/crossers/tourers ?

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:15

I'd say crossers.

Pug · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:39

when i were a lad

people used to have DT125s - they were always bullet proof and reasonable...

Glaucus · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:42

are you sure he'll need to do a cbt? As he's 27. I thought when they changed it, it was for new license only. Not old ones as well??

Edit - Doh'. You can ride a 50cc without L plates on. But you'll need a CBT to ride a 125.

Existing full car licence holders who passed their car test before February 1st 2001 and who wish to ride a moped ( 50cc ) do not need to take a CBT and can ride without L-Plates as a full Moped licence holder.
If you pass the car test after February 1st 2001 and wish to ride a moped ( 50cc ) you will need to validate the licence by first taking and completing a CBT course (

<(Multi)> · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:45

AcidHell2 said:
are you sure he'll need to do a cbt? As he's 27. I thought when they changed it, it was for new license only. Not old ones as well??

The 'C' in CBT stands for compulsory. Therefore, even if your taking your full motorbike test, as I am tomorrow, you will still be required to take the Compulsory Basic Training course.

Edit: I didnt know about that rule, with regards a 50cc.

Nevermind, he'll still require the CBT

Scuzi · 20 Jul 2006 at 16:49

Pug said:
when i were a lad people used to have DT125s - they were always bullet proof and reasonable...

Get yourself a Yamaha DT125R. They're the best of the 125 traillies by far. I've owned pretty much every one of them and the DT was the best. With a bit of work (an exhaust system, improved breathing, carbon reeds, carb mods etc.) it can be a hell of a lot more fun too. Here's a short clip of me putting mine through its paces in a forest:

I used to off road it at least twice a week. Never let me down once. They rock

If you've any questions about the DT fire away.

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 17:09

Oooh that DT looks nice matey, what kinda prices do they go for?

Scuzi · 20 Jul 2006 at 17:20

0gami said:
Oooh that DT looks nice matey, what kinda prices do they go for?

You can pick them up from anywhere between £300 and £2500. I bought mine brand new and did quite a bit of work to it.

0gami · 20 Jul 2006 at 17:22

So one for £300 would that be ok just as a run around for a bit of a laugh? as a starter bike, or should I avoid cheap ones?

Thanks for the help btw m8

atpbx · 20 Jul 2006 at 17:43

No, motorbikes are for gays.

Killa_ken · 20 Jul 2006 at 18:14

No motorbikes mean you have to wear leathers, that makes you gay

Lonewolf · 20 Jul 2006 at 18:40

0gami said:
So you need to do your CBT even if you have a full drivers license?

This looks like all you need to know click

0gami · 21 Jul 2006 at 10:31

Thanks i'll check that link out now!

PyroboyUK · 21 Jul 2006 at 10:42

atpbx said:
No, motorbikes are for gays.

Yea you keep telling yourself that. Shame isnt it though how i could tell you to get any car u like providng its road legal and i pick a road legal bike and i could beat u Sooo easily :cool: