Moped/motorbike for 18 year old

forgotmyname

Maybe they suggested an RD125 because they own one of the 3 on ebay?


Look at those prices, I can think of much better bikes to buy for that money.


Avoid CB125, CG125 ???? Were these not the most reliable bikes ever made ???

Maybe not as fast as the RD when thrashed to death, But its the hare and tortoise all over again..

Wave as you pass the RD owner rebuilding it yet again.

But they are old, Much better (newer) stuff.

Trebor16

Padz wrote: »

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

For an experienced rider, yes, but there is a heck of a lot in there that would cause confusion

Padz wrote:

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.

Because there are other books that are better suited for a novice which also have great advice on a variety of subjects.

Padz wrote:

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.

And the other 50% could confuse the novice and get them into trouble.

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!

Nothing to do with "look at me , I'm an instructor", its to do with looking at books that are pitched at the right level. You wouldn't give a 5 year old learning maths and arithmetic the same books as someone who is at GCSE level, but it seems you are too stupid to realise that a book aimed primarily at prospective police motorcyclists and covers advanced riding techniques is not the right book for a novice.

King_Nothing

Alias_Omega wrote: »

I would recommend an Yamaha RD125 if you can get one. Unfaired, fast enough (100mph if tuned), easily repaired if dropped.

Avoid CB125, CG125 etc. 4-stroke, reliable. Slow.

That is frankly, idiotic advice. You sound like a 17 year old oik, trying to pull schoolgirls, with your 100hp tuned 100mph 2stroke 125.

Arg

He could always get something in between a scooter and motorbike like this Honda ANF 125. http://www.therevcounter.com/for-sale-motorbikes/67846-2003-honda-anf-125-innova.html

Trebor16

One other consideration. If there is any intention of taking the motorcycle test then the bike will need to have a engine capacity of between 120 and 125cc and have a top speed of at least 62.5mph/100kph as claimed by the manufacturer) in order to get the A2 licence. If the bike has an engine smaller than 120cc or it has a claimed top speed of below 62.5mph then the rider will only get the A1 licence which is a full licence for bikes up to 125cc only. The test will have to be taken again on a suitable bike in order to be able to ride larger capacity machines.

If the test is taken on an automatic machine then the full licence will only be for autos.

somethingcorporate

Gear is one of the keys to being safe on the bike, don't scrimp on things like leathers, boots and helmet - they literally are life savers!

forgotmyname

Did i mention make sure he carries enough money for the bus/taxi fare to get home.

They are high risk items and many get stolen a year.

Peelerfart

somethingcorporate wrote: »

Gear is one of the keys to being safe on the bike, don't scrimp on things like leathers, boots and helmet - they literally are life savers!

Also to add to SC's list - Gloves.

Whatever the weather,gloves.The first thing you do in the event of a low speed tumble is put your hands out.

If anyone is in any doubt just google road rash girl.

k4kate

Hello again and thanks for your further suggestions and replies (and the mild entertainment on the arguing front!). Of course, safety is of paramount importance and we will be furnishing him with some safety gear and road sense as a priority. I know he doesn't have to take the theory test for what he is doing but I think it might be worthwhile getting him to do it anyway.

I have plenty of bike recommendations now and my next job is to find a good CBT course. The nearest one to us looks to be Rebel Dogg - has anyone heard of them? They seem to have the 2:1 ratio previously discussed.

Hey RoadHog - I notice you live in Warwickshire too. *waves*

BillScarab

There is an official list of 125 motorcycles suitable for the A2 test availble on this page

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_178483

about half way down under motorcycle sub-categories.

Basically if you stick ot one of the Japanese big four you won't have a problem though. Just avoid any bikes with fairings as the fariings are expensive to repair if he drops it.

They're probably a bit far away for you but Black Country Motorcycle Training in Tipton are good and reasonably priced. Also they don't charge extra if you don't complete it in one day.