Beginner motorcycle?

missile

jennyjelly wrote: »

As has been said, it may cost a bit more but money is SO secondary to safety, at least from a worried mum's pov if not from hothead son's who would no doubt get on the first cheap bike he was offered, buy a used helmet(!) and be off.

I hope my comments have not alarmed you unduly. I am sure my parents were horrified when I bought a 250 and went out on the road before passing a very simple test and moving on to ever more powerful bikes. No helmet testing standard, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnA-OEeWitM when I was a lad :eek:.

It is hard to exagerate the sense of freedom your son will enjoy. I am sure it will work out well for him.

jennyjelly

kwaks, I think that is an excellent idea. My problem is convincing him to wait - he's still arguing against our (immoveable) rule about having a decent bike AFTER his CBT (he wants to get a £50 deathtrap right now :eek: and a secondhand helmet :eek::eek: - that ain't gonna happen!).

I forsee some serious negotiations!

Thank you all from some great advice. I must admit I do feel a certain amount of jealousy, it's something I have always regretted not doing myself. I'm a bit old to be a biker chick now though!

axomoxia

jennyjelly wrote: »

kwaks, I think that is an excellent idea. My problem is convincing him to wait - he's still arguing against our (immoveable) rule about having a decent bike AFTER his CBT (he wants to get a £50 deathtrap right now :eek: and a secondhand helmet :eek::eek: - that ain't gonna happen!).

I forsee some serious negotiations!

Thank you all from some great advice. I must admit I do feel a certain amount of jealousy, it's something I have always regretted not doing myself. I'm a bit old to be a biker chick now though!

Second hand helment is a big no no!

And finally you are never to old to learn to ride. As long as you are physically able to hold yourself on the bike, its not a problem!

Andy

missile

jennyjelly wrote: »

I must admit I do feel a certain amount of jealousy, it's something I have always regretted not doing myself. I'm a bit old to be a biker chick now though!

Never say too old. Maybe your son will take you for a spin :A
I know one chap in his 70s who is off to tour the himalayas in August > http://www.endurohimalaya.com/home.htm
I know a "girl" in her sixties who rides a Harley

If you check the helmet strap, it ought to be stamped to show when it was manufactured.

jennyjelly

axomoxia wrote: »

And finally you are never to old to learn to ride. As long as you are physically able to hold yourself on the bike, its not a problem!

Andy

When I was in 6th form I had a Puch Maxi moped - top speed about 30mph downhill, then when I started work I graduated to a Honda moped which would reach about 45mph and I thought I was flying.

That was back in the late 70s/early 80s when you could ride on L plates forever and never take a test (giving my age away now!) DH also used to ride a little bike on L plates, proper bike rather than a moped or scooter but can't remember what it was.

I would love to learn properly though. Who knows, seeing my son do it might just give me a shove.

Rolandtheroadie

Just to clarify my little "you cant fail". As I'd only ever been on a bike twice in my life, I questioned my instructor about failing the CBT. The reply I got was that I couldnt fail, it was just a matter of how long it took me.
The fee (£110 at the time rings a bell) was the same whether it took 1 day or 5 days. Coincidentally, I had to go back the next day. They didnt have a helmet large enough for my head (chin poked out the bottom too much). Neither did I. So they wouldnt allow me to do the road part that day. Finished early and went to buy a helmet, done the road part the next day.
I also asked about what happened if I dropped the bike. Didnt matter. A workmate was offered an insurance policy to cover any damage he done to the bike whilst he was learning(may have been to reduce excess or similar) but it was definately an addition.
So ensure the CBT provider trains until he's up to standard for whatever the upfront fee is and doesnt charge you for any damage etc.
And go for it yourself too.

Ximian

Thought I'd let the OP know that Hein Gerrick have a sale on this weekend, spend £160 and get £40 off. Hein Gerrick make some decent quality clothing and worth considering if you're looking for clothing and accessories and they also sell big name brands such as Shoei, Arai, Aplinestars etc..
http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/1/

Link to the online catalogue: http://www.hein-gericke.at/0/uk_bk/