Beginner motorcycle?

whatmichaelsays

jennyjelly wrote: »

As my son is a bit of a hothead and has very little sense of danger I fear I may be following in her footsteps!

One thing phrase that he will hear a lot when he talks to other bikers is "The graveyards are full of wannabe Rossi's".

You won't be able to coach the exuberance out of him but what you can do is make sure that he's got the best preparation possible. I'd agree with the earlier poster - get him to take the full A2 licence (or whatever it's called these days) rather than him just going out with the CBT under his belt.

What I will say about that however is that there are a number of issues currently surrounding the motorcycle test. These largely refer to the implementation of new European directives which have seen a reduction in the number of suitable test centres, particularly in rural areas, and the introduction of a fairly controversial "swerve" manoeuvre (read more). Despite those problems however (which are currently under review) the test itself is still a valuable learning experience.

jaz_2

lisyloo wrote: »

The bike school might even sell their old bike now and again.
They get damaged a lot by learners...

And sold on when they're absolutely knackered. The only mistake bigger than buying a riding school cast-off would be buying Chinese.

With regard to CBT - if you fail then you've either crashed, done something reckless or simply have no idea how to ride. Anyone who does fail should probably think about an alternative means of transportation for their own safety.

Rolandtheroadie

lisyloo wrote: »

Some people DO get told to come back another day on the CBT if they don't reach the required standard/attitued.
I'm an IAM secretary and know a number of people that work in the business.

but do they fail? can you fail a CBT or not.

jaz_2

scotsman4th wrote: »

but do they fail? can you fail a CBT or not.

Yes, the instructor can refuse to give you the certificate in they think your riding isn't up to standard. You'd have to be trying quite hard to fail, though.

Markyt

kwaks wrote: »

All those offering advice above, would you allow your son/daughter to drive a car on the roads unsupervised on the roads after a days tuition?

My parents didn't object to me doing it with a bike.

In fact, that was the plan. I rode a 125 for a year, on the grounds that I'd have to work really hard to get into trouble with it and could concentrate on what was happening around me more - the bike wasn't big enough to punish me if I was a bit ham fisted with it. It worked too, as after a year I was relaxed enough just riding the bike in traffic that I could transfer easily to a big bike. I could give the big bike itself a bit more attention, rather than worrying about everything else going on around me and doing something stupid with the throttle or brake while distracted.

Markyt

scotsman4th wrote: »

But YOU CANT FAIL A CBT.

There doesn't have to be a test. CBT is a course, not a test. You fail the course by not reaching the standard required for certification, not by failing a single test.

kwaks

Markyt wrote: »

My parents didn't object to me doing it with a bike.

In fact, that was the plan. I rode a 125 for a year, on the grounds that I'd have to work really hard to get into trouble with it and could concentrate on what was happening around me more - the bike wasn't big enough to punish me if I was a bit ham fisted with it. It worked too, as after a year I was relaxed enough just riding the bike in traffic that I could transfer easily to a big bike. I could give the big bike itself a bit more attention, rather than worrying about everything else going on around me and doing something stupid with the throttle or brake while distracted.

With some 125cc bikes capable of 100mph (well just over) combined with lack of roadcraft and natural youthful exuberance, then extra instruction would always be my recommendation. Add into the mix that bigger bikes have wider tyres and so are more stable at any speed then for me it is the way to go.

davetrousers

Hmm just saying a 125, is a bit vague!

There are 125 2 Strokes like Aprilia which are pretty swift then there are 4 stroke Air cooled bikes like the Honda CG 125 and those cheap Chinese ones that aren't swift!

kwaks

You want a list of the 125cc bikes capable of a ton?

Like the NSR, Mito, RS. I know which 125cc bikes can do it and also that none of the 4 stroke will, however as the OP is looking for a first bike I see no need to muddy the waters.

As an aside if they do go the 125cc route then the recommendation HAS to be a Honda CG, however I still stand that A2 is the most sensible route into biking for an 18 yr old. I know of far too many who have come off riding on L plates where a little more tuition would have prevented it.

Likewise those riding on L plates for any length of time pick up bad habits which need ironed out before test time, in addition they are always under peer pressure to de-restrict and/or remove a L plate or two.

We were all young once and know the risks we took, but the roads nowadays are a hell of a lot busier.

axomoxia

kwaks wrote: »

With some 125cc bikes capable of 100mph (well just over) combined with lack of roadcraft and natural youthful exuberance, then extra instruction would always be my recommendation. Add into the mix that bigger bikes have wider tyres and so are more stable at any speed then for me it is the way to go.

100mph? A de-restricted 2-stroke maybe.....

A few things.

Helmets - buy the one that fits, irrespective of price. A £50 helmet that fits will protect you more than a £500 one that doesn't.

Clothing - gloves, boots (para boots will do the job very well), jacket. Most jackets come with armour in the back, shoulder and elbow. You can get them second hand.

Bikes - any four-stroke 125 from any of the japanese manufacturers will do the job. Ideally one with some kind of service history, but these are easy enough to service yourself! Just make sure you change the oil regularly! The 125 cruiser type bikes lend themselves to a more laid back riding style than the sportier styled ones.

Safety. - TO put it simply, don't ride like a tw*t and you'll be fine.