Moped/motorbike for 18 year old

Trebor16

xbrenx wrote: »

Can I just point out that he will still need a bit of road knowledge, how to use roundabouts for instance, know what signs mean etc. When I did my CBT (I was already a car driver though) I was taken out on the roads and just expected to know, they don't teach you road knowledge, just use and handling of the bike.

The CBT is about teaching the basics and nothing more, but it should include some work in relation to road work. If someone is not up to scratch on their procedure at junctions and roundabouts then they should get more training before the CBT certificte is issued. As a CBT instructor I have declined to issue a certificate and brought trainees back for another session on another day because I wasn't happy with their road work, even when they showed they could handle the machine ok.

squack

i would recommend an electric scooter
classed as a moped (cbt required) they are available very cheaply
and cost very little to run (free tax, plug in to recharge,no 2 stroke oil required)
a 60 volt one is slightly quicker than a 48 volt
travel around 30 mph so if he does fall off more likely to survive than on a 125cc
no one laughs because they are environmentally friendly (the future)
he does not have a long commute so it would be ideal

:money:

mikey72

Trebor16 wrote: »

I wouldn't ban him, but just respond to his suggestion as I have. The RD125's will be very thin on the ground but even if you could find one I would steer well clear as a learner machine.

I wouldn't think you would find one now.

Padz_2

There's a roadcraft manual for bikes which he could have a look at. For a lad commuting on a small bike defensive riding is the key to keeping safe.

Trebor16

Padz wrote: »

There's a roadcraft manual for bikes which he could have a look at. For a lad commuting on a small bike defensive riding is the key to keeping safe.

If you are thinking of the police driving manual "Roadcraft" then that is not the ideal book for a learner as it is aimed at experienced riders who have already passed their test. The DSA produce some books about riding and they would be more suitable for a new rider just starting out.

Once the rider has passed their test and got some experience then Roadcraft is a logical step.

boyse7en

Some good advice throughout here.

The only bit I'd not agree with (other than the ludicrous "bike = death" message) is to discount the scooter option.
Plenty of 18 year-olds ride 125cc scooters (many, for some reason, wearing motocross helmets) so they aren't lacking in the 'cred' stakes.

A de-restricted 50cc scooter would be OK (my Runner 50cc was good for well over 50mph), but as he'd have to complete CBT to ride it anyway there's no point in considering one.

Get proper motorcycle gear to ride in (jacket and gloves at least). Don't rely on an old anorak and a pair of gardening gloves! A reasonable jacket and gloves are available for less than £100.

Padz_2

Trebor16 wrote: »

If you are thinking of the police driving manual "Roadcraft" then that is not the ideal book for a learner as it is aimed at experienced riders who have already passed their test. The DSA produce some books about riding and they would be more suitable for a new rider just starting out.

Once the rider has passed their test and got some experience then Roadcraft is a logical step.

You're kidding right?

There's loads of valuable stuff in that book and it is useful for everyone! You can't have too much information.

Anyway he can flick through in a library and decide whether or not it is for him. Or his Mum can and if she likes the look of it then he could have it as stocking filler for Xmas.

Trebor16

Padz wrote: »

You're kidding right?

There's loads of valuable stuff in that book and it is useful for everyone! You can't have too much information.

Anyway he can flick through in a library and decide whether or not it is for him. Or his Mum can and if she likes the look of it then he could have it as stocking filler for Xmas.

No, I am not kidding. A book such as "The Official DSA Guide to Riding: The Essential Skills" or "The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Ride" would be far more appropriate books for a beginner to read.

Road positioning shown in Roadcraft is totally different to what is expected of a new rider, especially when it comes to taking the practical test. A novice trying to apply the Roadcraft road positioning could easlily get it seriously wrong.

In Motorcycle Roadcraft in the "About Motorcycle Roadcraft" section it states the following:-

"Motorcycle Roadcraft is the textbook for police riders undertaking police rider training"

From that you can see the level at which it is aimed.

Speak to a motorcycle instructor and see what they have to say about using "Motorcycle Roadcraft" as a reference book for a complete novice. I doubt you will find many who will say it is the book to go for.

Once someone has experience then it is a very good book, but it is the wrong book for the complete novice.

Padz_2

Trebor16 wrote: »

No, I am not kidding. A book such as "The Official DSA Guide to Riding: The Essential Skills" or "The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Ride" would be far more appropriate books for a beginner to read.

Road positioning shown in Roadcraft is totally different to what is expected of a new rider, especially when it comes to taking the practical test. A novice trying to apply the Roadcraft road positioning could easlily get it seriously wrong.

In Motorcycle Roadcraft in the "About Motorcycle Roadcraft" section it states the following:-

"Motorcycle Roadcraft is the textbook for police riders undertaking police rider training"

From that you can see the level at which it is aimed.

Speak to a motorcycle instructor and see what they have to say about using "Motorcycle Roadcraft" as a reference book for a complete novice. I doubt you will find many who will say it is the book to go for.

Once someone has experience then it is a very good book, but it is the wrong book for the complete novice.

Oh come on get over yourself! That book (I've just flicked through my copy) has some excellent advice in it.

I liked your posts on that other thread which got deleted but I am totally at a loss to understand why a CBT instructor would try to steer someone away from a book which has great advice on riding in adverse conditions, what to wear, defensive riding, hazard awareness, the effects of fog, wind, ice etc, the effect of different road surafces, skidding etc.

That complete novice needs all the help he can get and some of it just might save him from becoming a statistic. At least half of the content of Roadcraft is useful for him now.

As for you - you can join that Mikey muppet on my ignore list for being so cavalier with someone else's safety just so you can do a bit of "look at me the instructor" willy-waving!

Plonk!

mikey72

Padz wrote: »

..........As for you - you can join that Mikey muppet on my ignore list for being so cavalier with someone else's safety just so you can do a bit of "look at me the instructor" willy-waving!

Plonk!

Must have been in the past.
If I'm on ignore, how do you know I've posted in this thread?