Hello!

I'm going for my licence and am not sure what's the best make to go for.

I'm a complete motor bike virgin so any help would be welcome!!
(within reason!;) ;) :D :D )

Hi there. Good question that needs quite a lot of answering here. First off you will have to decide what you want to do on the bike when you pass your test. If its just for commuting around town, going to work then a moped/scooter type thing would be what you may need. If you want to blast around at the weekend then obviously a good powerfull bike would be what to buy.

There are stacks of bikes to choose from. Some good fast ones are the supersports such as the Suzuki GSXR600, Yamaha R1, Kawasaki ZX-6RR or the Honda Fireblade or Firestorm.
Then you have the likes of the beautiful Ducatis and Harleys and so on. It wouldn't be advisable though going straight out and buying a powerful bike until you have a bit of experience under your belt as some of the above really take your breath away when accelerating.

Another point worthy of mention is when you go and buy one. As I say you have to think about what you want from a bike then start looking at what options you have. Also consider if you can afford to buy and run an expensive bike and think of checking out the prices of spares, servicing and insurance. Also look at clothing as helmets and leathers can be quite expensive too. It all adds up.

When you decide to buy think of your options. Do you buy from an ad in the paper?, not recommended if your a bike virgin. I would go to a dealer and see what deals you can get from them. Also ask your mates if you know any who have bikes for advice, maybe even buy the bike off one of them. That cuts out a lot of potential grief in the long run.

I will be going around the local dealers around here over the weekend looking at buying a bike/moped/scooter. I have had enough of driving around town down here, its just so busy nowdays, Always stuck in traffic crawling along from one set of lights to another. I just hate it when I have finished a really long shift and then have to drive home which can take up to about 25/30 mins sometimes depending how bad the traffic is. On a bike though the journey would only be around 5/10 mins. Thats one of the reasons I want to get back on two wheels again.

Whatever you do, think carefully about what you want and don't be rushed/pressured into buying the first bike you see. Have a look at the latest bike magazines. I don't know what they are called but a look at one of them may give you some idea of whats about these days.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on and how you get on with your test. :)

Ive noticed that a lot of Pilots are into biking. Mabey its got something to do with bank in corners.

What type of motorcycle you choose is something thats very hard to give advice on. There are so many different types of bike, all designed with a different purpose.

A lot of people will caution you against starting on a powerful bike, and for good reason. But I think that at the end of the day, if you can trust yourself to ride within your limits, a nimble sports bike will get you out of trouble and make for a safer ride. They can all out brake and out accelerate every car you are likely to encounter on the streets. It's good to have the power there if you need it. However, if you see yourself covering a lot of distance, you might want to think about something with a more upright riding position for comforts sake.

Personally I wouldnt ride anything other than a sports bike. With practice, you can master pitch, bank and yaw. :} Nothing in my opinion beats the rush.

As for the other classes, they all have their benefits.

Trail/Motocross bikes are great fun off road but on the road, what's the point? They're not comfortable and they dont perform that well.

Tourers I have no experience with but as the name suggests they offer a comfortable riding position.

Scooters / mopeds are good for 5 minute journeys. And the cost almost nothing to run and insure. You can have a bit of a laff on them too.

Cruisers are something I just can't get my head around. Mabey someone would like to point out the benefits of these for me. The only time I can see a cruiser being a good choice of bike is if you're living in america, riding exclusively on the long straight interstates.

Commuters (another style i have no experience with) are, as the name suggests a bike of convenience, balancing comfort, performance and economy for those who choose to ride in order to get from A to B on a regular basis.

Then there are the muscle bikes, I have no experience but have had my GSXR-600 ass whipped of the lights by one. (not by much though :O )

These are just examples of the main classes. There are numerous motorcycles that bridge the gap between two or more of these.

I hope this helps you without having offended too many other riders.

Kawasaki is it!!
They have the new baby ninja on the market. Its light, good looking and sooo fast. The ZX12R is the ultimate. You feel the adrenaline surge when you touch that throttle. (heavy on petrol though). The ZX9R is a nice bike to go back and forth to work and still go on trips and excursions. I will never touch a scooter. yuck

ZX-12's are FAST! I raced one down the M27 on a GSXR-6 at about 130mph. When we got into the clear he just took off like I was standing still.
I caught him up later though when he hit traffic, and later left him behind on the B roads.
In conclusion, most riders dont get the most out of their bikes. A 600 is fine unless you're a maniac.

Don't be a squid by going for a 'Blade or R1 or ZX-?? etc. Have a look at the Honda VFR. Stacks of typical Honda build quality and fantastic ability. See the vfr mailing list (http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~john/vfr-list/) if you are interested in hearing what other fans have to say about it.

If every viffer suddenly became "unavailable" then a Ducati would be my next choice.

If you feel the 750/800 engine is too big, either on power or insurance cost, then have a look at the CBR-6.

D

Take the advice "it's very quick so you can accelerate out of trouble" with a very large pinch of sodium chloride. If you're new to biking, powerful anti-lock brakes will get you out of a lot more.

For God's sake if you are just going for your license stay AWAY from the aforementioned crotch rockets unless you want to want wings and a harp.

I have been riding for forty years and now ride a Yamaha FZ1 and it frightens me from time to time.

Don't let your testosterone overtake your commonsense. Put in a couple of years on a big single or twin before dashing off to the mortuary.

PS BTW Blondie if you are of the fairer sex forget the testosterone.

An excellent first bike is the Honda CB600F Hornet. As the Hornet Fan Site (http://www.hondahornet.co.uk/) says "It's got looks, hooligan power and a cult following."
Personally I think it looks the canine's testicles without the the fairing (available from 2000 onwards) but I am told it makes a big difference if you are planning to travel long distances. It is an excellent first bike, light and nimble with amazing brakes and an engine from the CBR600F super sports bike and the wheels are those used on the CBR900RR.

I currently own a Kawasaki ZX6R and had a test ride on the newest version (ZX6RR), and that is a sweet sports bike that looks as though it is going fast even when it is parked.

There is a huge choice in the 600cc category and what it comes down to is what your personal tastes are. The riding positions vary as well from the extreme sports of the Yamaha R6 where alot of weight ends up on your wrists through to the mobile easychairs such as the Honda Shadow. Take a test ride on a number of bikes though, see which ones fit best. Best of luck doing your test.

Get one with four wheels and a metal "cage" for you to sit in. It's called a car. Too many w****rs on the roads these days trying to kill bikers !

(Biking is magic though, innit !)

OK, I relent - CG125, or whatever you learnt on for a few months, then VFR750 for a few more, then a DUCATI (and join the AA or whatever when you get the last one). :ok: IMHO

Like flying, don't ride one that will get you somewhere your brain hadn't reached twenty seconds previously - must be why I've got a 30 year old rigid Harley!

I got into biking last year for the first time since I was a lad. Did the DAS entry and test, then researched the bike market. Since I am a 'fair weather weekend blaster' I quite fancied something like Ducati, but they are really not comfortable for long distance, and have a reputation for poor build quality. Eventually it transpired there was only one bike that would do what I wanted - excellent build quality, fast and powerful, good handling, good looking - the Honda VFR 800FI. I found one in a local dealers and bought it. It's bright red and I love it to bits.

After about a year of biking, I don't regret my choice. Just about the only other bike that takes my fancy is the BMW R1150GS, which is much-rated by experienced bikers. It isn't as fast as a Viffer, but has a more upright riding position and has more torque. The upcoming 2004 model will be over 100 bhp (as is the Viffer) and will have alloy instead of wire wheels - well worth a look. And the only bit of my Viffer I don't like is the chain - BMs have shaft drive.

But, you will not fine a poor reveiw of the VFR anywhere - they are excellent bikes, and unlike the BM can be had in excellent condition second hand at reasonable prices.

Beware out-and-out sports bikes like the R1. They are a bit mental in that they demand to ridden hard and fast to be any fun, have an uncomforatble (for anyone over about 25) feet-up bum in the air riding position. So try before you buy if one of these rockets takes your fancy. The Viffer has performance that wil blow your socks off while being relatively civilised. A friend described it as being like that bit in Startrek when the stars flash by - only faster!

And I'd go straight for the big bike. Don't buy a 500 'to get experience on'. You'll just get frustrated, end up selling it to buy a big bike, and losing money on the deal. Go straight for the big bike but be very careful. They do bite, and it can easily be fatal. If you really, honestly, consider yourself to be a safe and AWARE driver, you'll probably be OK on a bike if you take great care. I've had many years of intensive push-bike riding as well, which certainly sharpens up your instincs about what motoristst rae about to do, or could do.

But most of all - enjoy! No car can match a bike for fun and performance.

SSD

I would completely agree with the advice leaning towards either a VFR750/800, a CBR6 or the Hornet.

To be fair, I've never owned any of them but they are good bikes and will do distance as well as be quick (trust me, whatever you ride after your learner machine will feel quick if it's a 600+ and sporty!).

Although I agree that the supersports machines can get you out of trouble, they can also get you in it. Most will get out of shape more quickly than the more sports/tourer types if you ride them as they should be and if you aren't expecting it or that experienced in getting out of it you'll wind up on your face.

I had a couple of smaller bikes before getting a Fireblade and I was glad of the experience once I started using it properly :D

Get yourself to Australia! There's nothing quite like the feeling of passing the local constabulary at 200km/h and knowing it's perfectly legal! The main north-south highway in the Northern Territory has an open speed limit on most of it and it's 1500km long! They've started to put limits along some sections due to the tourists who keep falling off the road.

Had a CBR900 Fireblade back in '92, great bike but had to sell it. Helicopters are bloody expensive!

Cheers,

Hollywood. :cool:

Also could depend on how tall you are, I find the seats are so wide,they take up all my leg length and I can't reach the floor.:*

Thank you all very much for your advice, I'll have a look at the bikes you've all suggested. I've got a few magazines to look through so that should keep me out of trouble for a while.

I intend to live to see my 24th birthday so will try not to get carried away when I pick a bike! Easier said than done tho.

Again, I'm new to all this so I'm after as much input as I can get where this is concerned!

I'll have to see if I can find someone experienced to come and help me look and get their opinion. If dealers see a 23yr old female pitch up to buy a bike God knows what I'd come back with!!!! lol

If anybody knows of any good dealers in the Bournemouth area then let me know.

Thanks again!xx

:D :D :D :D

Just 23 and no experience?? Check out the insurance costs before you buy. Even an old git like me who lives in a 'good' area had to pay over 400 UKP for fully comp on my Viffer.

There are some advantages of being older ;~))

SSD

Blondie

It really depends on what you want the bike for, round town, touring or ripping about like a nutter at the weekend. It also depends on your inside leg. Dirt bikes and super motos are great in town or for blasting round back lanes when top speed is irrelevant but acceleration and handling are all but unless you have an inside leg of more than 32” forget it you’ll never get your feet down.
Also consider how heavy a bike you could pick up? If you drop it a car park the last thing you need is having to ask for help to get the thing stood up again. Oh and believe me you will drop it sometime.
As you are young and inexperienced you might want to check out 400s. There is a huge variety of grey import 400s from Japan, they are mostly sports bikes but there is a really cool Honda 250 Hornet which is supposed to be a great laugh to ride. Or for total insane big bike killing fun look at the Aprilla 250 RS stroker. So it smokes you’ll smell of burnt oil and it will break sooner rather than later but 2 strokes are the best laugh per £ you can get. For sensible bikes look at the Kawasaki ER5, Suzuki GS 500 or the Honda CB 500 none of them will set the world alight but all good sound bikes.
If it’s a cruiser you’re after or you are seriously short of leg all of the jap 4 do baby harley replicas that do all a hog can do except leak oil and cost to much. (hog owners don’t bother I don’t care).
Finally if you just want to blast around town with out getting caught in traffic get a wind up and go scooter they do villions of miles per gallon and will take anything off the lights.
Oh and get the best protective gear you can afford tarmac hurts big time. Don’t stop wearing it because the sun is out, ripping the skin off your hands and legs is just as bad in June as it is in January. I don’t mean to seam patronising but it scares me silly seeing people on bikes wearing tee shirt shorts and trainers. Have fun
:D

Pommie

Most of the dealers in Bournemouth are specialised i.e Suzuki, kawazaki, Harley, etc.
I know that crescent (over the wessex way from town) has a small second hand section. three cross motorcycles has a variety of new bikes.
If I were you I'd go to southern motorcycles (or is it Southern motorcycle centre?) in southampton. They have a huge range of second hand bikes along with new imports at much cheaper prices.
Its on Bevois valley road.

Hi Blondie,

I have read with interest the replies to your post and would say that they are all correct.

When considering to buy a bike you have many things to consider;

1. What’s it for? - Daily or Occasional use (Community/Sunday's & Fundays). This will have a huge effect on your flavour of machine.
2. How much do I have to spend? - Set an upper limit, include and security bits and clothing, oh and the bike...!
3. What about insurance? – It killed me. But it depends on what you buy. I bought my first road bike a Ducati in November just past at 23 years old. After searching about I saved a fortune – cost me £1200 though (TPFT).:eek:
4. Where do you intend to keep the bike? - (Garage, back garden or front lounge:) ) If it’s a fancy bit of kit, ‘out of sight of out mind’ is my advice.
5. What about clothing? - Very important, don't skimp on helemets/trousers/takets/boots and gloves. Treat them as a second skin, that's what they are.
6. Style – What you buy is a reflection on you, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. It’s your money.

If you know someone who is into biking take them with you when looking a machines. There is no reason to avoid buying from a private seller as long as know what to look for. If you choose to go to a trader, make sure you’ve done some homework and hammer a deal out – ie bike, clothing, etc etc…. They are there to help you, but make sure you stay in control of the sales person.

Magazines are a good place to start. I would recommend Ride or Bike as there all-round biking mags. Another good source is MCN – Motor Cycle News (Out every Wednesday).

Good luck with the training (remember those live-savers) and the bike. Let us know what you buy…

Funkie

Blondie, you're in ATC right? At Bournemouth?
Do you know Stuart Coning? Hes my uncle.

Today I went to have a look at two of the dealers nearby. I told them what I wanted the bike for (commuting/town) and both reccomended the Gilera VX125 (http://www.uk.piaggio.com/gilera/model.asp) scooter. The insurance will be around £200. For £2.500 they will do me a deal that will include a free CBT, helmet, additional alarm, chain/lock and a few more bits. All that seems ok to me.

I intend to use this for now until I get a bit confident riding around town then go for the test in June/July and PX for a 'real' bike if I pass. The reason I have choosen something small like this is simply playing safe. Get to know the road a bit. The last time I rode a bike in anger was years ago and the roads have become busier since then. Safety first really untill I find my feet again and become confident enough for a big bike.

Come that time there is a massive bike warehouse/showroom place just up the road from here who have got all kinds in there. I can't wait to go shopping in the summer for my new bike, really looking forward to that indeed. If you are ever over in the Brighton area I will e-mail you the address and you can go and see for yourself whats on offer.
Good luck. :)

Blondie 118.
I can't add much to what everyone else has said so far. You are doing the right thing in finding out as much as poss. before partaking.
I must endorse one of Funkie's points, in that it is essential you get the right protective clobber. Apart from the weather, you need accident protective riding gear, i.e. reinforced kidney panels, spine pads, elbows and knees, all of which should help you on the day you come off your machine.
It happens to most of us, and hopefully if it's just a slider on a bend or corner, hopefully you and your machine will not get hurt too badly.
Just remember that when, if, it happens, you will slide along the world's biggest, fastest, dirtiest cheese grater, so keep well protected.
Don't be tempted to ride without gloves, even on the hottest of days, like some of the Macho cretins we see in summer giving the rest of us a bad name,for the above mentioned reason.
The staff at most A & E units take fiendish delight in picking grit and gravel out of well-scraped tar stained hands!!
Above all, don't let this diatribe put you off. Be sensible, remember that you have got to think for everyone within any reasonable distance to you, because they are often incapable of doing it for themselves, and try hard to learn other vehicles "body language". I'm sorry that seems vague,and it's one of those things which is near impossible to explain, it's just something you realise you are doing one day. "Reading the road" might be another way of putting it, but somehow it's more than that.
I don't know if any of my fellow bikers reading this might know what I'm on about, and if so, explain it better.
Above all else, ENJOY it. It really is excellent. Good Luck.

Blondie
I went straight from a 125 to a 1000cc BMW after passing my test. I found it easier to ride than the smaller bike, lots of torque and very smooth, no need to worry about stalling and keeping the revs right!
The superbikes many Ppruners are recommending are essentially race replicas, fantastic machines but not ideal for new riders. Find yourself an old K75 BMW, you won't be troubled by outrageous insurance, it will be inexpensive, reliable, comfortable, quick enough for starters and easy to maintain.
Get yourself some good instruction even after you've passed your test (preferably from a police rider). The Institute of Advanced Motorists run courses of instruction in most areas.
Have fun, it's the greatest way to travel.
Flowman

p.s. I moved on to a Triumph 955 Daytona eventually. Fantastic!

Whatever you get, make sure first and foremost that you get it because you want it, not cos some bike journo, salesman or anyone else with a vested interest says its the biz.

I would also suggest at this stage not to buy new. Apart from the amount of dosh you would lose as soon as the back wheel is out of the dealers, you need experience. To get experience you need something you are not afraid to ride. Including when the road is a bit wet. Also if you do have a mishap, you won't be quite as p!ssed off if you drop something with a mile or two on the clock.

Talking of salesmen, when you go to a dealers (buying private is not a good idea IMHO at this stage,) take a copy of MCN with you. You can wave it under his nose when you realise the "fair price" on the ticket of the year-old bike is actually more than that of some of the discounted new bikes (last years' models etc.) I have worked at various bike dealerships all of which would charge top dollar if allowed.

Lastly, whatever you get, buy a big lock at the same time and make sure you use it. Even if you just park up two minutes to nip in the offee. Thieving scum may be lurking. If you have a garage, no matter how full of junk, clear a space and use it.

Whatever you fancy, if you want to PM me for an honest opinion, feel free. Good luck and welcome.

Me? I got a Bandit. :}

Just thought of one other thing: if you are buying brand new, do hunt around and look at imports.

I dare say this is going to attract some "Nooooooooooooo!!!" responses, but I bought my Fireblade as an import 4 years ago and paid £6k for it. RRP was nearer £9500... It does have KPH clocks and odometer but the headlight was adjusted and is fine. Exhaust wasn't kite marked but it hasn't caused any MOT issues. Have never had a problem servicing it or getting parts either (they are identical to UK). Mine came from Germany, but I think they can come from anywhere in Europe.

You WILL have to endure jokes about it being left-hand drive. You WILL be told that it's resale value is less (bear in mind that you've saved a fortune on buying it, so what's the biggie?). You WON'T notice any other major difference (aside from the aforementioned clocks and possibly suspension setup differences if you go super-sporty). And I've NEVER had any problems with insurance - they don't care in the same way that some seem to vis a vis imported cars.

There are loads of people advertising in the likes of MCN Bikemart. I'm sure some are iffy and some are fine - you need to do your homework and pay minimal deposit if the machines aren't already in stock and registered here.

Hersh

looks like pretty good advice all round.

If you're in Bounemouth, you could do worse than head up to Bristol and visit... sod it. It's on the tip of my tongue... Anyway, they import second hand Jap bikes, mostly 400s, but quite a lot of older stuff - early GSXR's and the like. Have a look at the NC30/35, CBR400, and ZXR400 (all £2000-£3000). Also the CB-1, Bandit 400 (especially the Limited, with the uber-cool Mad Max fairing), or the Goose 350, a street version of a DR350 (all nearer £2000). They've gotta have ~150 bikes there. Go Honda if you can't garage it - the others of that age are made of monkey metal. Most of the sports 400's are ins. group 12. TPFT, garaged, should be less than £400 (PM me if you want to know where). If you're over 5'2" you'll be fine on a 400, and it's fun enough without getting silly. Scared the sh!t out of myself the first time I opened the throttle on my '30. (Mind you, it was supposed to be restricted, and wasn't...)

Bike Direct. That's the name of the place. Lad who runs it has a face full of metal, but is a top bloke.

Of course, if you're a bit more minted you might want an SV650(£3000 upwards), which also has the advantage of cheaper insurance - group 9.

And definitely agree on the leathers - budget £1000 for a decent dry and wet weather get-up. Hein Gericke would be first on my list of places to look.

Blondie

I have ridden for twenty five years, instructed and raced, so I thought I might add my six penneth.

Most of the advice given you is not bad and it's realy down to common sense. To start with, get something sensible (sorry) around the 500 mark, Japanese and not their race replicas. Until you get on a large superbike, it is probably beyond your comprehension just how fast they are, and you have to be fast thinking enough to keep up with them. You will be one day, but probably not quite yet. Also steer clear of the lethally fast small two strokes - probably even more difficult to ride than the big ones. Large twins (750+) can be a handfull 'cos of the way they deliver the power - Ducatis (Gods own bike:) ) especially. Also avoid extreme riding positions.

Basically get something easy to ride so you use less of your capacity riding the bike so you have more left to deal with what else is on the road

Good luck

Here is a question for most of you. How do you do that front brake-rear wheel-in-the-air kind of stop? Is it easy, hard, does it do much damage to the bike? Seen it done and would love to know how easy it is or is my mate just showing off....... :)

BRL

Stopys are easy, take a modern bike with good tyres and a piece of dry road. Dirt bikes are good for practice, as there are fewer bits to break if it goes wrong.
Ride at about 20 mph in a straight line and break hard just before the bike stops break harder. This should lift the back wheel off the road. It helps if you wear thin race gloves to give maximum feed back about what the front wheel is about to do. If it locks up get off the breaks and try again. Keep practising at low speeds and as you get more confident increase your speed.
It may damage your bike by increasing the wear on you front forks and by repeatedly dropping your back wheel from a height. You can mitigate the rear suspension damage by lowering the rear end gently by easing off the break rather than just stopping and letting the back end drop.
Oh legal notice thing: the boys in blue view having on wheel in the air front or back as riding without due care and attention. If you get caught I never met you I do not endorse riding like a nutter and in no way do I encourage people to try this at home. But it is bloody good fun seeing the looks on people’s faces as your rear wheel goes by at waist height.
I have yet to make my triu I will just t.
;:cool: :cool:

Practice wheelies and stoppies on an RD350LC. They are cheap and dont weigh so much when you cock it all up and it gets you in a full nelson.

Never practice these things in front of an audience.

Never wear your brand new leathers or posh custom painted Shoei helmet.

Dont practice in a carpark which has a CCTV system.

If you really want to experience the bike on top feeling here are my top tips:

Stoppie
A stoppie is actually the opposite of a wheelie, at least it can look that way. By breaking hard enough the rear wheel will go up, off the asphalt

* use a dry asphalted road (free of sand and gravel)with as little traffic as possible or carpark sans CCTV and enough room in front of you.

* go about 10 miles per hour to start with.

* keep a firm grip with your hands, and knees against the tank.

* build up braking pressure like squeezing half an orange (so not too sudden)

* keep looking in front of you, looking to either side will make the bike fall sideways. (Trust me on that one)

* be content with a “lift-off” of a few centimetres at first (the rest comes later)

* when you feel the front getting unstable or the fronttire slide, release the brake immediately, if not sooner.

Wheelie
This is a matter of practice in learning to dose the clutch and throttle in the right amount. At first gravity will give you an awkward “falling backwards” feeling. You will either fill yer breeks or continue to fall back and get that warm exhaust pipe on you back feeling. Both sensations will generally persuade you to end your wheelie session early. With practice however, you will get used to the “falling” feeling and continue until the scars heal. When you can do this trick the opposite sex with find you irresistable and you will be beating them off with a sh!tty stick.
Rolling wheelie
* ride about 50km's per hour(30 mph) in first gear

* accelerate 2 seconds, close the throttle fully, then open the throttle fully again and with a gentle tug on the handlebars, your front wheel is pointing at the clouds.

* To end this kind of wheelie gently close the throttle, NO clutch grabbing during a riding wheelie.

From a Standing Start

* Whack the throttle wide open.

* Pull on the handlebars and you are either orgasmically looking at the sky or feeling the exhaust pipe burn your back.

This advice is given with the warning that tarmac and hot exhaust pipes can be a wee bit painful if not given due repect. Doctors, nurses and ambulance personel will laugh at you if you make a twat of it.

I've ridden all sorts of bikes all over this world and I even took a Direct Access test in the UK in 2001 (drink driving put me out of the Game for 18 moons and I had to take my licences again to be clean at home in the UK.

There are SO many machines around now for the sensible guy to have fun on.

CB500 - cheap, people will laugh. No worries - ootstanding machine to learn on. All that you need and a few necessary scares thrown in.

After that - personally - borrow a V-MAX or a VF750 - just to see how bad it was and for you to realise how much you need to learn.

I'm only 32 but I had my first crash at 18. First and last. Driver turning right after Church on a Sunday morning. I learnt the power of invisibilty! Since then, I've had a 996, ZZR1-D and a (borrowed) R6. Never do over 180 km'h in any of 'em. Whatever the conditions.

Have a chat with Henry Gherkin and if you can afford a Voyager suit then so much the better.

Enjoy it but be bloody carefull - and buy earplugs.

IF you're on the UK and near London then bag a courier outside a pub of a Friday and LISTEN to him. They KNOW what you NEED to know.

Take care.

NWMGPS
richardr@<hidden>
Pretoria

I have been riding a Honda Rebel 250 for a few years and now I have a notion to move up to a BMW F650ST. Anyone got an opinion on this model. I am not so sure of the looks on the newer 'GS model.

About stoppies, look in the forums at www.gixxer.com
Theres a lot of good advice in amongst the bull$hit. The stunt section is visited regularly by top motorcycle stunters, who are happy to answer questions.
Beware though, there are some total idiots posting there aswell.

So do you think that a 500 would be a good starting place for me then???

I'm looking for something that will last me a good few years and that's a good 'all rounder' i.e towns, motorways, country roads etc..

I've got a jacket, helmet and gloves so far. The jacket and gloves have the appropriate protection in them, there's no way I'm taking any risks with my safety. I'll shop around for the rest of the gear.

Noah Zark: I understand what you mean about reading the 'body language' of other vehicles. There are some complete muppets on the road and being able to second guess them..... I know what you mean.

I'll be doing a direct access and as you know the test will be on a 500. I suppose it's just a matter of seeing how I get on with it, and if I get on the bike!! ( I'm 5'7" so not too bad)

I'll have a look at the other mags that have been suggested and if all else fails I'll see if one of the instructors will help me find a good deal. A lot of the guys at work ride so I can try them as well.

I have already thought about advanced courses as the DA only covers the basics. I could also pop down to the local cop shop and get a few tips as one of you suggested.

Thank you so much again for all the advice, it's been very very helpful. I'll let you know how it all goes with the training.

Thanks again.xx:D :D :D :D

Hi all.

Just to let you know I passed my CBT with flying colours! Took a bit of getting used to in the beginning but I was fine once I got started.

I was attacked by a giant bumble bee but apart from that!:)

I'll be looking to take my test around June 1st via direct acess once I've fitted more riding time in around work. I actually fit on the 500's they have so that's a good start!!

I'm hooked, what more can I say!!!!

:ok: :D :ok:

Blondie

Excellent news on passing your CBT:ok:

I just reread your post where you mention protective clothing, if you add protective trousers and bike boots with a lot of ankle suport then you'll be well sorted. Oh and don't forget water proofs nothing spoils a ride on your bike like coming home cold wet and died blue by your jacket.;)

Wheelies and stoppies? How did we get onto that?

Stoppies: don't practise on ANY kind of motorbike. USe a mountain bike - take it too far and you can just walk off the front. No damage, no bills. :D

Wheelies: don't use the clutch - too mechanically unsympathetic. Find the appropriate lift-off speed for your bike (exactly 20mph for the 1200 Bandit, just under 45mph for my RRV Fireblade) and give it a handful of throttle. Simple.

Both are silly, illegal and don't impress the ladies, though, chaps. :D

Hersh

The first is the best. I'll stick with him:

DUCATI if you like an agressive and agile bike and have some extra money to make your mechanic rich too.

The 900's from Kawasaki and Honda are probably the only thing that comes close to it. (We're talking ZX 900 R or 900 RR) The 1000 Yamaha is also similar.

The rest - depends on your style. Get a clear idea of where do you want to go with the bike?

Is it just for show-off or for serious riding?

Do you want to go far or just the next canyon road?

Do you want to go fast or enjoy the scenery?

Do you want to sit comfortably or like an ape attached to a cannonball in a full leather outfit?`

Questions like these may make the general kind of bike mor clear

Enjoy riding anyways no matter what bike.

the crazy italian :cool: - flying over the alps - biking throug the alps

Some of them old enough to know betters: You know the type, paid the mortgage, divorced, kids left home. Well they get wheels that are like armchairs without tassels. So the bike has to suit your age group. If you are one try not to look like it.