Car to learner bike?

forgotmyname

King_Nothing wrote: »

Ahh right, so I can ride a moped without L plates, and without having to take another CBT when mine expires? That's good to know.

Also OP, I wouldn't bother with the rigmoral of attempting to swap NCB from car to bike, I'd just start a moped/bike policy on no NCB and build one.

Depends when you passed your test. And a moped must be rectricted to 30mph. de-restricted and you need a CBT and notify the DVLA and your insurance that its now classed as a motorcycle not a moped.

30mph is not enough.. Mine did 50mph+

SailorSam

If you do decide to get a bike, a few weeks ago both Aldi and Lidl had riding gear including helmets for about £30.

Coveredinbees!!!!

would you trust you life to a £30 helmet

victor2

Once you sort out the legal aspect of it, give a lot of thought to owning and regularly using two wheeled transport. From simple things like where you will park and secure it at work and at home to what it will really cost you to run.
The basic safety equipment is essential. Do not even think of riding in icy conditions, so you need an alternative way to get to work. Riding in pouring rain is also no fun, not only do you eventually get soaked inside even the best waterproofs, your vision is significantly hampered.
Having said that, biking can easily become a way of life and influence everything you do. I rode motorbikes all over the UK and quite a bit of Europe in my younger years. Even the inevitable crashes didn't deter me!:)

KillerWatt

forgotmyname wrote: »

And a moped must be rectricted to 30mph. de-restricted and you need a CBT and notify the DVLA and your insurance that its now classed as a motorcycle not a moped.

Not strictly true, it depends when the vehicle was first registered.

I still have the first "moped" I bought when I turned 16, a 1977 Yamaha FS1-E that still quite happily hits 50mph on the flat providing there isn't too much headwind - yet it is still officially a moped and can legally be ridden by a 16 year old today.

davetrousers

It would be wise to do a CBT anyway, you will learn stuff that you won't have learned whilst driving. Phone up your local bike training place and have a chat.

victor2

KillerWatt wrote: »

I still have the first "moped" I bought when I turned 16, a 1977 Yamaha FS1-E that still quite happily hits 50mph on the flat providing there isn't too much headwind - yet it is still officially a moped and can legally be ridden by a 16 year old today.

Ahhh, how I remember the kids at 6th form turning up on their smokin' fizzies!
I waited until I was 17 and could have a real bike - a Honda CD175!:D

KillerWatt

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

would you trust you life to a £30 helmet

Cost doesn't necessarily have a bearing on performance.
I've seen "unbranded" lids costing £70 get 5 stars, and I've also seen "branded" lids costing in excess of £200 that just about get 4 stars.

I do however see your point when you say £30, I wouldn't be overly keen to rely on something like that keeping my canister intact if/when I faceplant.

KillerWatt

victor2 wrote: »

Ahhh, how I remember the kids at 6th form turning up on their smokin' fizzies!
I waited until I was 17 and could have a real bike - a Honda CD175!:D

I remember them, my mate's dad bought him one when he passed his test. Surprisingly quick for what they were, and an engine that seemed almost indestructible no matter how much you abused it (and he certainly knew how to abuse it).

I had slightly bigger kahoona's back then (or, more likely, a lack of common sense), I went from a FS1-E at 16 straight on to a GSX-750 ET (the first road bike to have 16 valves) 10 days after turning 17.

Needless to say it wasn't long after passing my test before the Suzi & I had our first parting, but if I could go back and live it all over again then I would (crashes, bruises, scars & all).

SailorSam

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

would you trust you life to a £30 helmet

It's a long long time since i've had a bike, so i haven't got a helmet now, but i would have thought if you buy something whether that be a washing machine; a pair of shoes; or a motorbike helmet. If it's got the kite mark on it, it must have been made to a standard.