I wanna buy a Motorbike

sgx.saint

Hey.

I want to buy a Motorbike, but I am a complete beginner when it comes to bikes.

I know I can do a "Direct Access" learning course to get my full motorcycle licence.

I just dont know where to begin with researching bikes, understanding them, prices, costs of running etc.

Therefore was hoping some motorbike owners on MSE could point me in the direction of a decent website or forum?

Cheers

Nile

Hello sgx.saint

I'll move your thread over to the 'Motoring & Public Transport' board, where it should get more views and responses.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

sgx.saint

Ok cheers

Rikki

If you contact your local bike shop who do direct access they will advise you and talk to you about bikes.
It really depends on what you want the bike for. Enjoying just riding about, touring maybe riding solo or taking a pillion etc.
You must also consider your size. I am only small so it does restricts the size of bike I am able to ride.
There was a forum mentioned on here a while ago. I'll have a look and also the is a member of a bike group who posts on here, can't remember her username offhand.

K9cuddles

I've been looking up DAS courses.. they vary from £550 in scotland to £750 London/SE England.

I really wanna do mine too, plus add the cost of a bike £2-3k for a decent one, leathers etc £800, tax £100 and insurance £400 it's not cheap.. especially if you already drive! Good luck with it though... I look forward to doing mine when DF!

lisyloo

plus add the cost of a bike £2-3k for a decent one

Depends what you want.
I bought a 500cc bike 2 years ago for £1400 in good condition (about 10K miles on the clock).
Obviously it's not brand new and not in show room condition but apart from not being shiny and new there is nothing wrong with it at all.

In fact I would advise getting something cheap and second hand to begin with (especially if it's a heavier one) as you are quite likely initially to "drop" it.

I have dropped mine twice.
Once when I forgot to put the side stand down and second time when I lent over too far at slow speed and as the bike is 170kg I couldn't hold it up.
It didn't do much damage but nevertheless I was glad I didn't have a brand new one. In hindsight it was the right decision.

As long as it's mechanically sound and not accident damaged then there is nothing wrong with getting a second hand bike.

lisyloo

I would also advise spending a bit of money on gear.
If you are sensible then you will get clothing with approved armour in it and a decent helmet.
Getting good gear can cost hundreds of pounds but well worth it if it might save your life or save you from long term damage.

I also have a back protector.
These protect your spine physically from (for exmaple) a landing on a kerb.
and also absorb a lot of impact.

The human body cannot withstand fast deceleration (the aorta - large blood vessel to the heart is quite short and not very flexible so if you experience a very fast deceleration it will literally rip out).
The impact absorbed by a proper back protector could save your life.
Modern materials are quite lightweight.
Mine is made by a company called Knox and is very lightweight.

vansboy

You'll find an interesting selection of bikes at https://www.forcemotorcycles.com & if you mail/call Nick, the guy whos place it is, like most bike people, you'll find him pretty switched on, especially in relation to the machines he sells!

Most his stock is ex Police or Ministry of Defence, so not quite what you find in a 'normal' bike shop!!

VB

PS You'lll never get me on one!!

carl310166

I was in the same position last year,i took my Theory Test book on holiday in Sept and read it on the beach (sad i know),passed my Theory Test on Oct 12th,them made enquiries about the DAS,most bike shops have cards for local schools,luckily for me,my mate,who is a traffic officer knew a guy who ran a bike school,so he did me a good deal,i completed the CBT (£70)on the 22nd Oct,then did 2 Saturday's on the DAS (£330),then passed my test on the 9th Nov,still keep smiling about it !

Now,as for bikes,it all depends on your budget,i wanted a supersports bike,NOT very money saving,but all the saving i have made in other areas made me justify the expense !!

I scoured Ebay for boots (£12),gloves (£16),and full leathers (£81),which i saved a fortune,i did buy a new helmet though,but i spent £4500 on a ZX6R 2 weeks ago,£300 on insurance,and gallons on petrol since.

You can buy a nice second hand bike,which is cheap to run and insure,but as other posters have mentioned, get the correct safety gear.

If you want encouragement/advice etc,i use
http://www.superbikeforums.co.uk/ and go to the Newbie Rider section.

Good Luck