Never owned a bike, where do I start?
Discussion
As the title really, I have never owned a motorbike and I have no idea where to start with owning a bike.
I am turning 45 soon, so maybe going through a midlife crisis, but I have always had an interest in bikes and I am now in a position to scratch that itch.
I was lucky enough to pass my test in the early 90's so I can ride a 125 on my current license I believe, but other than that, I don't know what I need to do, how I take a test, what I need to do for a test these days, can I just buy myself a 125, insure it and crack on learning to ride? Is insurance cheaper than a car?
Right now I am only interested in experiencing a motorbike rather than going full on superbike, so a 125 may suit my needs, but what 125? I quite like the idea of a road legal trail bike, but really have no clue.
Open to suggestions, opinions etc etc.
Cheers,
Ian
I am turning 45 soon, so maybe going through a midlife crisis, but I have always had an interest in bikes and I am now in a position to scratch that itch.
I was lucky enough to pass my test in the early 90's so I can ride a 125 on my current license I believe, but other than that, I don't know what I need to do, how I take a test, what I need to do for a test these days, can I just buy myself a 125, insure it and crack on learning to ride? Is insurance cheaper than a car?
Right now I am only interested in experiencing a motorbike rather than going full on superbike, so a 125 may suit my needs, but what 125? I quite like the idea of a road legal trail bike, but really have no clue.
Open to suggestions, opinions etc etc.
Cheers,
Ian
You’ll need to complete a one day CBT course before you can ride a 125cc bike, which is then your limit on L plates. Most bike training schools will do these, I think my local one charges around £150.
Once you’ve done that, you have two years to either take your full licence tests or repeat the CBT process again to renew.
Once you’ve done that, you have two years to either take your full licence tests or repeat the CBT process again to renew.
As said, you can take CBT and ride on L plates no pillions. Last 2 years. You can either keep taking it, or you can go DAS, which is Direct Access scheme.
For DAS you will need a valid CBT anyway, you take your theory test, then you complete a two part practical (off public road and on public road).
That’s it. Book your CBT then chat with your local centre about DAS which will let you ride any bike at your age.
Good luck, enjoy.
For DAS you will need a valid CBT anyway, you take your theory test, then you complete a two part practical (off public road and on public road).
That’s it. Book your CBT then chat with your local centre about DAS which will let you ride any bike at your age.
Good luck, enjoy.
thanks for the replies so far gents, I have found my local CBT centre so thats first thing done. So as for actual bike options, any suggestions?
I know cars inside out but when it comes to bikes I have very limited knowledge. Looking at options there seems to be loads to select from, lots of Chinese stuff as well be the looks of things but I have no idea if these are any good or not?
I know cars inside out but when it comes to bikes I have very limited knowledge. Looking at options there seems to be loads to select from, lots of Chinese stuff as well be the looks of things but I have no idea if these are any good or not?
Most 125s are really quite small. If you're tall I'd look at bikes with an offroad tinge, like a Honda Varadero.
Mutt make classic style 125s, they're built in China but that's not as concerning as it used to be. Most manufacturers build bikes or major parts of bikes in China now.
The KTM RC125 looks really sporty for a 125.
A Yamaha YBR125 would be a reliable, no frills option and may be what the CBT training centre uses.
Mutt make classic style 125s, they're built in China but that's not as concerning as it used to be. Most manufacturers build bikes or major parts of bikes in China now.
The KTM RC125 looks really sporty for a 125.
A Yamaha YBR125 would be a reliable, no frills option and may be what the CBT training centre uses.
I know you seem keen to stick with a CBT and a 125, but honestly, I wouldn't bother. Do you really want to be riding round with L plates on? Do you really want to be restricted to a 125? What if a really nice 250/400/600 came up for sale that you preferred?
I went through this dilemma about 15 years ago when I decided I wanted a bike, and was desperate to just get away with sticking to 125, for reasons that I can't remember. Instead, I bit the bullet and just booked my full 'A Licence' test via the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) and it was the best thing I did.
Very easy. The rider training centre phoned up and booked my test, then worked the dates back from that. I did the theory test while I was waiting for the weeks to pass before my training, and I did my 4 days of rider training, including CBT, in the week before my test, and that was it. Job done.
No L plates, cheaper insurance, can have any bike I like whenever I feel like it.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against 125 bikes, I love them. Some of the most fun I've ever had has been on 125, 250 and 400's, and honestly I don't think I'll ever bother with 750-1000cc sports bikes ever again. I find lower powered enduros, scramblers, cafe racers etc far more fun.
A friend of mine was in the same quandary recently, and he also just bit the bullet and did a DAS course. He said the same thing. Best thing ever. Done in 4 days and he can ride anything.
Just my two pence worth
Edited to add my opinion on bikes:
As already said, stick to the Japanese stuff. A 25 year old Honda that has been even vaguely maintained will be far more reliable, well made, and easy to work on than anything new and Chinese.
I've got a 1987 Honda Z50R that I've had since I was a child, and it has quite literally never broken down in 35 years despite being ragged senseless for years on end while I was a kid/teenager. It has been serviced once in it's life. I got it out of the garage the other day for the first time in about 8 or 9 years and it started second kick and ran/rode fine.
Stuff like the Mutt 125's that got mentioned above, are ok. They are Chinese but assembled and tested in the UK. I would still prefer an older Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki over a newer Mutt (or similar brands).
I went through this dilemma about 15 years ago when I decided I wanted a bike, and was desperate to just get away with sticking to 125, for reasons that I can't remember. Instead, I bit the bullet and just booked my full 'A Licence' test via the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) and it was the best thing I did.
Very easy. The rider training centre phoned up and booked my test, then worked the dates back from that. I did the theory test while I was waiting for the weeks to pass before my training, and I did my 4 days of rider training, including CBT, in the week before my test, and that was it. Job done.
No L plates, cheaper insurance, can have any bike I like whenever I feel like it.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against 125 bikes, I love them. Some of the most fun I've ever had has been on 125, 250 and 400's, and honestly I don't think I'll ever bother with 750-1000cc sports bikes ever again. I find lower powered enduros, scramblers, cafe racers etc far more fun.
A friend of mine was in the same quandary recently, and he also just bit the bullet and did a DAS course. He said the same thing. Best thing ever. Done in 4 days and he can ride anything.
Just my two pence worth
Edited to add my opinion on bikes:
As already said, stick to the Japanese stuff. A 25 year old Honda that has been even vaguely maintained will be far more reliable, well made, and easy to work on than anything new and Chinese.
I've got a 1987 Honda Z50R that I've had since I was a child, and it has quite literally never broken down in 35 years despite being ragged senseless for years on end while I was a kid/teenager. It has been serviced once in it's life. I got it out of the garage the other day for the first time in about 8 or 9 years and it started second kick and ran/rode fine.
Stuff like the Mutt 125's that got mentioned above, are ok. They are Chinese but assembled and tested in the UK. I would still prefer an older Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki over a newer Mutt (or similar brands).
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 5th January 15:17
SamR380 said:
Mutt make classic style 125s, they're built in China but that's not as concerning as it used to be.
.
Unless you just hate the geopolitics of everything coming out of china. Or need any parts for it. .
Id prefer a 10 year old honda than a new china bike, but what do I know, Ive only been a bike MOT tester for 20 + years.
My Mrs learned on a chinese copy of a CG125 we bought from a mate, it needed 2 new shocks to get through it's first MoT, and generally needed a bit more fettling than a japanese bike. I'd say if you're happy with the spanners then they're ok, but if you're paying a bike shop to maintain it they're probably not as cheap as you think. While basic japanese commuter like a CG or a YBR will be more expensive to buy, they'll hold thier value really well.
Not sure what it's like now since they've introduced the extra categories since my Mrs learned, but it used to be that a second hand 600 was actually cheaper than a 125, and that extra power actually makes them a lot nicer to ride.
I'd say do your CBT first to check you enjoy it, and then have a bit of think about whether you want to be limited to a 125 for a while or would like something a bit bigger. For a gown adult the Varadero 125 is a decent bike as it's taller than most as is a V twin rather than a single, which apparently gives it a it more torque than the usual 125 singles.
Also don't forget to budget a decent amount for kit. Probably 500 quid or so minimum for helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots.
Not sure what it's like now since they've introduced the extra categories since my Mrs learned, but it used to be that a second hand 600 was actually cheaper than a 125, and that extra power actually makes them a lot nicer to ride.
I'd say do your CBT first to check you enjoy it, and then have a bit of think about whether you want to be limited to a 125 for a while or would like something a bit bigger. For a gown adult the Varadero 125 is a decent bike as it's taller than most as is a V twin rather than a single, which apparently gives it a it more torque than the usual 125 singles.
Also don't forget to budget a decent amount for kit. Probably 500 quid or so minimum for helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots.
I was in your position about 7 months ago. I was raised around bikes though so had a rough idea on the bikes.
I'm mid 30s and hadn't ridden in about 20 years. Decided I wanted a 125 to commute on so went for a CBT. CBT is extremely basic and teaches you just enough to control the bike, nearly all your proper learning will happen on your own, on the road.
After about 5 weeks, I wanted more. 125 is great for pottering about town on but once you want to hit any road with a 50+ limit, you'll struggle, especially if you're not the smallest chap like me. I went straight through and did DAS, great decision and now have a bigger bike which I love.
DAS I found quite enjoyable, you'll need to go get a theory done which is basic common sense. Find a school with a decent reputation and away you go. I found still using the 125 between training helped massively and I passed rather quickly with a clean sheet. Only hold up I had was getting an actual test date.
I looked at a good number of 125s before purchasing the one I did. Chinese stuff like Lexmoto etc was a definite no no. Even bikes at less than 12 months old already felt like they were falling apart and rode horridly. I ended up paying abit more and getting a lovely Honda Varadero 125, big bike feel, comfortable and run like a Swiss watch. After just giving it a good service and running it for 2 months, actually even made a profit when I came to sell it.
Insurance wise, 125s are daft! Still cheaper than a car but the fact loads get stolen and they are likely to be binned by 17/18 year olds means costs are high. I have a 1200 now and my insurance is less than it was on the Varadero. I even got a quote on the 125 with a full license as thought I may keep it and was still £40 a year more than my 1200!
I'm mid 30s and hadn't ridden in about 20 years. Decided I wanted a 125 to commute on so went for a CBT. CBT is extremely basic and teaches you just enough to control the bike, nearly all your proper learning will happen on your own, on the road.
After about 5 weeks, I wanted more. 125 is great for pottering about town on but once you want to hit any road with a 50+ limit, you'll struggle, especially if you're not the smallest chap like me. I went straight through and did DAS, great decision and now have a bigger bike which I love.
DAS I found quite enjoyable, you'll need to go get a theory done which is basic common sense. Find a school with a decent reputation and away you go. I found still using the 125 between training helped massively and I passed rather quickly with a clean sheet. Only hold up I had was getting an actual test date.
I looked at a good number of 125s before purchasing the one I did. Chinese stuff like Lexmoto etc was a definite no no. Even bikes at less than 12 months old already felt like they were falling apart and rode horridly. I ended up paying abit more and getting a lovely Honda Varadero 125, big bike feel, comfortable and run like a Swiss watch. After just giving it a good service and running it for 2 months, actually even made a profit when I came to sell it.
Insurance wise, 125s are daft! Still cheaper than a car but the fact loads get stolen and they are likely to be binned by 17/18 year olds means costs are high. I have a 1200 now and my insurance is less than it was on the Varadero. I even got a quote on the 125 with a full license as thought I may keep it and was still £40 a year more than my 1200!
Edited by CoreyDog on Wednesday 5th January 16:00
You say you passed your test in the early 90s (and I'm assuming you mean your car license, since you say you've not had a bike before), but that would only entitle you to ride a 50cc moped class machine, not a 125cc.
Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
mikey_b said:
You say you passed your test in the early 90s (and I'm assuming you mean your car license, since you say you've not had a bike before), but that would only entitle you to ride a 50cc moped class machine, not a 125cc.
Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
I have category A on my license which means I can ride classes A1 and A2 so that includes 125cc as far as I am reading things below. Happy to be corrected though.Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
If you're going to go down the route of a 125 I would highly recommend the KTM Duke 125. It was a great bike - really enjoyed pootling around on mine and taking my time with the DAS. Bought it new in the depths of winter and sold it about 6 months later for about a £500 loss which I was happy with. Not fast obviously, and buzzy like all 125s, but great fun.
...and this was it with my first big bike after I passed
...and this was it with my first big bike after I passed
Evil.soup said:
I have category A on my license which means I can ride classes A1 and A2 so that includes 125cc as far as I am reading things below. Happy to be corrected though.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
Like my instructor said to me "They only go as fast as you want them to go".https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
I was pretty cautious once I passed my test, and it was the strangest feeling being 'allowed' to ride a bike on the road. It felt really wrong if that makes sense! Like I wasn't supposed to be doing it. I didn't get that feeling after I passed my car test.
Personally I think the power of the bike is irrelevant. You will get most 125's up to around 60-70mph, depending on what it is, and that is more than enough to kill or seriously injure yourself. It is certainly more than enough to hit a corner at 65mph, s
t yourself, panic, grab at the brakes, and end up sliding along the road and under a car coming in the opposite direction, or hitting a tree/wall/kerb.If you were being gung-ho or over confident, you could easily crash badly on a 125 or a 600. Makes no difference. Some people even argue that a bigger bike would be safer (better brakes, better/wider tyres, more grip).
Ultimately, you must only do what you feel is best for you, and safest for you.
Junior Bianno said:
If you're going to go down the route of a 125 I would highly recommend the KTM Duke 125. It was a great bike - really enjoyed pootling around on mine and taking my time with the DAS. Bought it new in the depths of winter and sold it about 6 months later for about a £500 loss which I was happy with. Not fast obviously, and buzzy like all 125s, but great fun.
...and this was it with my first big bike after I passed
Both lovely looking bikes there, do like the look of the 125, looks quite grown up for a small bike....and this was it with my first big bike after I passed
Lord Marylebone said:
Evil.soup said:
I have category A on my license which means I can ride classes A1 and A2 so that includes 125cc as far as I am reading things below. Happy to be corrected though.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
Like my instructor said to me "They only go as fast as you want them to go".https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
I was pretty cautious once I passed my test, and it was the strangest feeling being 'allowed' to ride a bike on the road. It felt really wrong if that makes sense! Like I wasn't supposed to be doing it. I didn't get that feeling after I passed my car test.
Personally I think the power of the bike is irrelevant. You will get most 125's up to around 60-70mph, depending on what it is, and that is more than enough to kill or seriously injure yourself. It is certainly more than enough to hit a corner at 65mph, s
t yourself, panic, grab at the brakes, and end up sliding along the road and under a car coming in the opposite direction, or hitting a tree/wall/kerb.If you were being gung-ho or over confident, you could easily crash badly on a 125 or a 600. Makes no difference. Some people even argue that a bigger bike would be safer (better brakes, better/wider tyres, more grip).
Ultimately, you must only do what you feel is best for you, and safest for you.
The idea is at the starting blocks at the moment...
cat A allows to ride what you want it is a full bike licence.
Insurance will be dear until you get some bike NCB/Years experience
may be go for a refresher on a 650 type bike with a school then buy what you like not what the internet tells you
after-all you don't ask the internet what pants you should be wearing why do people ask what bike they should be on
Insurance will be dear until you get some bike NCB/Years experience
may be go for a refresher on a 650 type bike with a school then buy what you like not what the internet tells you
after-all you don't ask the internet what pants you should be wearing why do people ask what bike they should be on
Evil.soup said:
mikey_b said:
You say you passed your test in the early 90s (and I'm assuming you mean your car license, since you say you've not had a bike before), but that would only entitle you to ride a 50cc moped class machine, not a 125cc.
Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
I have category A on my license which means I can ride classes A1 and A2 so that includes 125cc as far as I am reading things below. Happy to be corrected though.Aside from that, as per other answers, a CBT done at your local training school is the right way forward if you want to learn to ride a proper bike.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
As for my reasoning looking at going straight to the 125, I guess there is a part of me that is concerned I may not even like the experience of owning/riding a bike. There is the other concern that I may kill myself quickly on anything more powerful before learning to ride properly. Don't get me wrong, I can keep a bike the right way up, but I have a reputation for pushing the limits on a mountain bike and have picked up a few minor injuries because of it, so if I get too confident too quick on a powerful bike, I am afraid I am going to be found in a tree!
Truth be told and at the risk of sounding like a big girls blouse, I do find the idea of riding a motorbike on public roads a bit scary!!
If you have a full Cat A, I would not recommend a 125. Anybody with any vague sense of self preservation (which your attitude shows you have), is safer on a larger bike.
125 rarely have ABS, but have small tyres, basis suspension, weak lights etc.
I wouldn't go for anything less than a mid range bike with ABS. Plenty of choice and more for your money than the sought after and abused 125s.
Where abouts are you?
Edited by OverSteery on Wednesday 5th January 17:25
Do the whole thing and get your full licence.
125's are great for gaining experience and I really enjoyed riding mine. But once you've tried a bigger bike it will really open your eyes. If you price up doing the whole thing, start to end; including buying kit, lessons, tests, the bikes, insurance, etc. along the way. It will look expensive. But once you've passed; you will not regret the investment for a single second.
I went like this
CBT -> KTM Duke 125 for 2 months -> Theory test | MOD 1 | MOD 2 (on a Kawasaki z650) -> Pass and got a Triumph street triple RX & Honda RVF400.
The whole process took about 3 months from CBT to passing my MOD 2. I did my CBT the day after the Easter bank holiday weekend. Prior to this I'd never even sat on a scooter; nevermind controlled a motorbike. Going out for the first time after passing, riding on your own on a bigger bike with nobody in your ear and you can choose where ever you want to go. It's just magic! Roads you've driven thousands of times feel completely different. It's like you finding stuff for the first time again (I'll shut up!)
If you have even a small amount of curiosity to try it, grab that thought and go and enjoy the experience. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!
125's are great for gaining experience and I really enjoyed riding mine. But once you've tried a bigger bike it will really open your eyes. If you price up doing the whole thing, start to end; including buying kit, lessons, tests, the bikes, insurance, etc. along the way. It will look expensive. But once you've passed; you will not regret the investment for a single second.
I went like this
CBT -> KTM Duke 125 for 2 months -> Theory test | MOD 1 | MOD 2 (on a Kawasaki z650) -> Pass and got a Triumph street triple RX & Honda RVF400.
The whole process took about 3 months from CBT to passing my MOD 2. I did my CBT the day after the Easter bank holiday weekend. Prior to this I'd never even sat on a scooter; nevermind controlled a motorbike. Going out for the first time after passing, riding on your own on a bigger bike with nobody in your ear and you can choose where ever you want to go. It's just magic! Roads you've driven thousands of times feel completely different. It's like you finding stuff for the first time again (I'll shut up!)
If you have even a small amount of curiosity to try it, grab that thought and go and enjoy the experience. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!
Evil.soup said:
I have category A on my license which means I can ride classes A1 and A2 so that includes 125cc as far as I am reading things below. Happy to be corrected though.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
Is there a code after the Cat A?https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories
I would assume if you have never passed a bike test then you will have Cat A code 79 (Tri) which only entitles you to ride trikes.
To echo what others have said, you need to do a CBT to ride a 125 on L plates or go down the route of Direct Access (CBT, Theory, 2 part practical test) to ride any bike.
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