Some Newbie Bike Questions

[Ivan Drago]

I am thinking of getting a cheap motorbike (not scooter) for doing the commute from South London into central London but I know nothing about bikes. Here come the stupid questions...

Has anyone used the free introductory day for beginner riders offered by geton.co.uk? Any thoughts?

I don't need a bike that does 150+mph so I was looking at a 125cc but even this looks like it does way over 100mph. Should I be looking at a lower cc class? Not sure 50cc would cut it.

I am looking at off road bikes due to price. Do these all have the high pitched scooter engine noise or can they sound more respectable?

I am only 5 foot 7 inches. Will this affect my choice of bike? I suspect sports bikes would be uncomfortable to ride because of the distance between the seat and the handlebars?

Thanks.

 

[Maccapacca]

I'll reply usuing your nomenclature

I commute Sussex to South London every day on a F650, it's the only way I'd do it now so easy

Nope, however most firms will assess your competence for free you say your South London have your tries ART part of P&H in Crawley

You'd want at least a 400, a 125 is OK once you get going but the traffic light grand prix in London is scary on a 125/50 unless you central central London

Off road bikes can be uncomfortable for commuting because of the thin seat, try a naked bike such as a Bandit 400 or if you really want a off road try DRZ 400 or a DR 350 real nice

Go and sit on a few, do you have a budget?

 

[Sagalout]

I assume you don't currently have a bike licence? You'll need to do a CBT first, which will then allow you to ride a 125 with L plates, and dont worry you wont be going anywhere near 100mph lol. Most 125's realistically top out at about 65mph - a couple of the highly tuned 2 strokes will reach 80 or maybe 90 if derestricted.

As for which one to go for? Well 125s are all fairly small anyway, apart from the Varadero, so it really depends what style you want to go for (and what your budget is). A CG125 is the old favourite for practicality. 80+ mpg and as reliable as stone

 

[PieEater]

There are cheap new motorbikes and there are second hand bikes that you can budget for, I would not get a cheap chineese bike as their build quality and life expectancy are very low. Don't forget to budget for kit - helmet, gloves, boots, jacket, waterproofs - this can add up.

It's not a free introductory day, its an hours taster session, it's not goingto hurt because it's free and you'll get an idea as to whether it's the right route for you. The instructors will ikely want to sell you their other courses but use the opportunity to get answers to your questions and commit to nothing.

The only way a 125 is going to do 100 MPH is off a very big cliff, some tuned 125's can get close on the road but I don't think these will be what you are looking at. a 125 would be a minimum IMHO it offers you just enough power to get out of trouble if you need to.

I don't get why you think off road bikes are cheaper than on road bikes, however if you are going to be riding the bike on road most of the time get one that's made for what you need it for not because it's built to a budget.

The high pitcehd scooter noise is the sound of a 2-stroke engine, there are some 2-stroke 125's but I wouldn't reccomend them to a novice such as yourself I would suggest that you will be looking at a 4-stroke bike.

You'll need to sit on a bike before you buy it to make sure it feels right, ther are many that will be fine for your size.

 

[sean]

I am looking at off road bikes due to price. [...]
I am only 5 foot 7 inches. Will this affect my choice of bike? I suspect sports bikes would be uncomfortable to ride because of the distance between the seat and the handlebars?

Off-road style bikes are generally quite tall with long suspension travel. I wouldn't recommend a bike you can't comfortably flat foot as your first bike.

As said most 125s are pretty small but something more cruisery like a Suzuki Gn125 or Yamaha SR 125 with their low seats and high bars would probably be more comfortable for a shorter rider.

 

[Ivan Drago]

You'd want at least a 400, a 125 is OK once you get going but the traffic light grand prix in London is scary on a 125/50 unless you central central London

I thought a 400 would be too powerful for a first bike? Would a 125 not easily beat a car from being stationary at traffic lights?

I was hoping to spend less than £1k judging by what's around. Could stretch to £1.5k.

Was looking at the Aprilia rs 125 but maybe I should get a 4 stroke because I hate that noise it makes.

Do people think it is generally safe to commute in central London on a bike if you are a savvy rider? I hear conflicting stories on how safe it is.

 

[spp]

A 4 stroke 400cc bike is certainly not too powerful for a first bike. Most DAS training centres use 500cc bikes, which are around 55bhp. You can pick up cb500's in the price range you are talking about. These bikes will be better in every way to a 125.

 

[Maccapacca]

I thought a 400 would be too powerful for a first bike? Would a 125 not easily beat a car from being stationary at traffic lights?

I was hoping to spend less than £1k judging by what's around. Could stretch to £1.5k.

Was looking at the Aprilia rs 125 but maybe I should get a 4 stroke because I hate that noise it makes.

Do people think it is generally safe to commute in central London on a bike if you are a savvy rider? I hear conflicting stories on how safe it is.

No a 400 would be fine, you'll have to learn on a 125 then a 400 or restricted larger bike anyway, I think you'll be suprised how much influence your right hand has and how fast you go. My Varadero 125 was OK for commuting in normal traffic but you allways get the idiot that thinks because you have filtered past them that classes as a race proposition, they then end up on your back wheel because the didn't realise you have a 125

Aprilia 125 is OK not as a commuter unless you are handy with changing pistons at the roadside, I'd never reccomend a 2 stroke as a commuter

Safe in London hmmmm sometimes I find it safer than on Sussex roads, i.e. no hidden driveways no bends you can't see round etc, your able to use the bus lanes which makes it a lot easier but you just have to anticipate disaster, if someone is slowly pulling out just slow down. I've seen many a superbike rider in jogging bottoms usually a plasterer or painter trying to get their knee down on Streatham High Street which is only going to end in tears

And yes kit, buy all the right stuff, NOT jeans unless they are the draggin type

 

[PardonTheWait]

I thought a 400 would be too powerful for a first bike?

Just because a bike will do 150mph, doesn't mean it *only* does 150mph. It will, in fact, go any speed you like upto the maximum speed.

A 125 probably would be alright in London, but a bigger bike will be more comfortable, faster, be more willing, and to be honest if you get the right one, no more expensive.

To be honest 400s are a bit slow for most people once you're used to them anyway. My first bike was a 750 and it was no problem, it was easy to ride. Easier than an RS125 definitely.

I personally dislike riding in London, and haven't even ridden in Central London, only East London.

 

[Souleh]

Sports bikes arent uncomfy for the commute, I ride in to work in a suit and wearing protective kit, bag on the back and no probs.

 

[Dogbreath]

Sports bikes arent uncomfy for the commute

That's a bit of a generalisation, it would depend on the rider, the sports bike in question and length of commute...

 

[helpimcrap]

I am thinking of getting a cheap motorbike (not scooter) for doing the commute from South London into central London but I know nothing about bikes. Here come the stupid questions...

Has anyone used the free introductory day for beginner riders offered by geton.co.uk? Any thoughts?

I don't need a bike that does 150+mph so I was looking at a 125cc but even this looks like it does way over 100mph. Should I be looking at a lower cc class? Not sure 50cc would cut it.

I am looking at off road bikes due to price. Do these all have the high pitched scooter engine noise or can they sound more respectable?

I am only 5 foot 7 inches. Will this affect my choice of bike? I suspect sports bikes would be uncomfortable to ride because of the distance between the seat and the handlebars?

Thanks.

Are you a man or a woman? (sorry if you said in other posts but i'm just looking at this one)
If seat height is an issue (and at 5'7" it might be...) get an SV650 as it has a low seat height, will do 100mph, is reasonably reliable, cheapish for bits and sounds good....

 

[Dogbreath]

get an SV650 as it has a low seat height, will do 100mph, is reasonably reliable, cheapish for bits and sounds good....

They hold their money ridiculously well though. For the OP's budget something like a GS500 or ER5 would probably be more than adequate.

 

[helpimcrap]

They hold their money ridiculously well though. For the OP's budget something like a GS500 or ER5 would probably be more than adequate.

sorry, i didn't see a budget when speccing, just that they had to pass a bike test etc.

 

[Ivan Drago]

And yes kit, buy all the right stuff, NOT jeans unless they are the draggin type

TBH, I was hoping to get away with a helmet and jacket. Is there really a need for full leathers, boots etc when you're just commuter riding?

Are you a man or a woman

Male. Is my choice of bike severely restricted because of my short height?

 

[Crowze]

TBH, I was hoping to get away with a helmet and jacket. Is there really a need for full leathers, boots etc when you're just commuter riding?

Ideally yes - if you come off even at 30mph the tarmac will tear up any regular clothing very quickly then get to work on your skin, which isn't pleasant. Plus you won't want to hit the ground hard without knee or ankle protection.

Male. Is my choice of bike severely restricted because of my short height?

It's not so much height but leg length, you need to be able to firmly plant at least one foot (ideally both) on the ground while sat on the bike normally so you don't drop it when coming to a stop. You can get away with a taller bike once you're confident at low speed manoeuvring.

Perhaps an oddball choice would be a middleweight cruiser-style bike like a Guzzi 750 Nevada (Crowze in shock Guzzi recommendation ) - low seat, not too heavy, relatively low powered for a 750 and pretty cheap to buy these days. Or the Jap equivalents, can't remember the model names.

 

[PardonTheWait]

TBH, I was hoping to get away with a helmet and jacket. Is there really a need for full leathers, boots etc when you're just commuter riding?

Yes. Even toppling off the bike at 0mph can see you seriously hurt your ankle/foot if you're not at least in boots.

I'll go without proper trousers sometimes but I shouldn't. I tend to wear at least Draggin' Jeans. 95% of the time though it's leathers. Always boots unless I'm literally going round the corner, and even then trainers is very rare for me.

Without the proper kit, if you have a spill, you're in trouble, even if it's a little one. If you have a little spill in the right kit half the time it's like nothing's happened. Just wear it.

Male. Is my choice of bike severely restricted because of my short height?

Possibly, but 5 feet 7 isn't too bad. My dad's about that height and can ride pretty much anything, but he's experienced and still does have trouble sometimes. I'm 5'9 and mostly fine. Some taller bikes are a slight struggle to maneuver, I've nearly toppled off my Pegaso a couple of times paddling it around.

I wouldn't worry, there's plenty of nice bikes you can get - the CB500 and ER-5 would both be fine for example, they're quite low. Traillies and so on would present a problem though especially for a newer rider.

 

[Felix]

Go an have a look at some of the textile trousers and jackets at your local bike shops. They provide better protection that normal clothing, have built in protection and are usually waterproof.

 

[PieEater]

TBH, I was hoping to get away with a helmet and jacket. Is there really a need for full leathers, boots etc when you're just commuter riding?

Gloves - come off at any speed an you'll instinctively put your hands down, think about how important your hands are and then think about wether or not you need to protect them.

Boots - Get knocked off and you may well find the weight of your bike plus the impact forces being transferred to your leg / ankle, decent boots can significantly lessen the damage, no protection could mean no leg.

Waterproofs - You want to commute, you want to stay dry. Riding a bike when you're wet and the weather is cold is a miserable experience your concentration will suffer making an accident more of a possibility.

Leather - probably the better option in terms of abrasion resistance but textile kit is cheaper and may be better if you're commuting in all weathers, most good textiles come with armour.

Remember it doesn't matter how good a rider you are, you're obviously not planning to have an accident, but neither is the innatentive car driver who hits you. Protective kit is not worth skimping on.

 

[Ivan Drago]

How do you cope in the summer with all that protective gear on? Don't you boil to death?

I know insurance is different for everyone but I would like to know roughly how much it would cost me to insure a bike. I'm 27 years old and have had a car driving license for 10 years with no claims. Are we talking between £400-£800 per year?