Commuting on a motorbike?

skivenov

Yeah, sorry, brain and fingers not saying the same thing there!

Depending on the bike, I quite often used to pre-mix anyway, oilers aren't always the most reliable things and you don't always find this out til it stops going forward.

Arfa__

Whole heartily agree with Skivnov. Do your CBT, see how you find it. They'll probably give you the option to do it on an automatic (scooter twist'n'go) or manual (more traditional bike). Go for the latter, it'll give you more options. It'll probably be on something like a Honda CG125, which will give you a pretty good idea of what a proper bike is like to ride.

As Skivnov mentioned, you can run about on a 125, L plates after just the CBT to get some experience. Personally however, I skipped this and went straight for Direct Access (DAS), and up to a 500cc bike. I actually found the Honda CBF500 an easier ride than the CG125, less twitchy and more forgiving on clutch control. Don't be put off by the extra size/weight, you quickly get the hang of it.

The other advantage here, is you're not buying a 125, taking a loss when selling it on, switching insurance, etc. Second hand prices of commuter 125's aren't much different to commuter big bikes (500-650cc). Insurance quotes are also cheaper if you've got a full license compared to just a CBT.

Also, going straight for DAS, I felt a damned sight more confident on the bike afterwards than I was straight after a days CBT! The extra tuition makes a big difference, makes you a better and safer rider. Not sure I'd want to go straight into the centre of London with just 1 days CBT biking experience under my belt...

Either way, You need to do a CBT regardless, so book it now, go get on a bike and try it out! At the very least, it'll make you a better car driver with an understanding of what it's like to be on a busy road with just two wheels.

Buellguy

The other one of course is, once you've passed your test get extra training. I did the Bikesafe course (run by IAM and the police) best 2 Sundays I ever spent - loads on information on the first day, then an observed ride out on the second. Makes you a far safer rider (and I loved being told by a police officer that it is perfectly OK to exceed the speed limit when overtaking so long as you slow down, without cousing problems for the person you've just overtaken, once you've overtaken them LOL) and it does teach you that every other !!!!!! on the road IS out to kill you.
IAM training, I've not done it yet, all you pay for IIRC is the fuel of the person observing you (then the test). Seriously though I would get extra training.

Arfa__

I keep hearing good stuff about the BikeSafe course. Been meaning to go for that myself. That and a basic bike maintenance course!

mkirkby

Arfa__ wrote: »

Don't skimp on gloves, nowt worse than cold, wet fingers!

I've got some of these:-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GERMAN-ISSUE-GORETEX-LINER-MITTSXL/dp/B0041L4WFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351003908&sr=8-1

Over leather gloves. Never had cold or wet hands since. Cheap and unbelievably effective.

In addition, if you wear thermals and keep your core temperature up, blood will continue to flow to the fingers and keep them warm. As the guru of warmth Ranulph Fiennes has said. "If you want to keep your hands warm, wear a hat"

skivenov

Arfa__ wrote: »

As Skivnov mentioned, you can run about on a 125, L plates after just the CBT to get some experience. Personally however, I skipped this and went straight for Direct Access (DAS), and up to a 500cc bike. I actually found the Honda CBF500 an easier ride than the CG125, less twitchy and more forgiving on clutch control. Don't be put off by the extra size/weight, you quickly get the hang of it.

I had the same when I did my refresher. He gave me a CG and told me to go round the cones. I came back having made a right mess off it. He said "Not really working for you is it?" so he stuck me on a 600cc BMW and I was fine after that :rotfl:

That said, I'd say even if you're just going to ride a bog seat (I can call it that, I have one!), do your CBT on a manual bike. My reason for saying that is if you can ride safely and do all your observation whilst doing the clutch and the gears, you'll find a twist and go so much easier.