One for the Bikers among us...
Discussion
What bike would you all recommend to start off with from your own experiences? I'm looking for a bike to get myself started. Can anyone advise on the Law with regard to Age vs CC. I haven't a clue on that one! I'm hoping to do my CBT in Jan/Feb so any help would be good! What sort of insurance would I be looking at roughly and wheres the best place to go, a couple of friends have recommended brokers but anyone had any good/bad experiences with brokers?? I'm 19 BTW!
Cheers
Stuart!
Cheers
Stuart!
If I remember correctly you are restricted to riding a bike with less than 33BHP until you are 21. Then you can do a full access test that will allow you to ride anything you want - or if you have the 33BHP license for two years (i.e. age 19 to 21 !) it will automatically allow to ride bikes more powerful than 33BHP (hope that makes sense !).
I waited until I was 21 because I didn't want to mess around with smaller cc bikes. However, I know that you can fit restricter kits that will limit any bike to 33BHP.
Regarding a recommendation for a bike, I went for a Jap import Handa CBR400 - very forgiving, quite quick and really good fun to ride. The Honda VFR400 is also a good starter bike and there are loads of these about for not a huge amount of cash. These both have approx. 60BHP as standard, but I know you can fit the restircter kit to both of them.
I have stayed with one insurance company since passing my test as no'one else could come close to their premiums - MC Edwards. They are a broker and specialise in 3rd party fire and theft insurance for bikes worth less than £5k. I haven't got the number with me at the moment, but I will try to post it for you soon.
Hope that helps - and hope the info is accurate as it's a few years since I did my test.
Cheers
Paul
I waited until I was 21 because I didn't want to mess around with smaller cc bikes. However, I know that you can fit restricter kits that will limit any bike to 33BHP.
Regarding a recommendation for a bike, I went for a Jap import Handa CBR400 - very forgiving, quite quick and really good fun to ride. The Honda VFR400 is also a good starter bike and there are loads of these about for not a huge amount of cash. These both have approx. 60BHP as standard, but I know you can fit the restircter kit to both of them.
I have stayed with one insurance company since passing my test as no'one else could come close to their premiums - MC Edwards. They are a broker and specialise in 3rd party fire and theft insurance for bikes worth less than £5k. I haven't got the number with me at the moment, but I will try to post it for you soon.
Hope that helps - and hope the info is accurate as it's a few years since I did my test.
Cheers
Paul
OK, at the risk of being accused of shamelessly plugging a mate's business, take a look at: www.ukridertraining.co.uk
You'll find a lot of useful information there; Kev's also a very good instructor....
You'll find a lot of useful information there; Kev's also a very good instructor....
if you want a good bike to begin with, then you need to avoid the 3 extremes of
1) weight
2) power
3) seat height
Too heavy, and you'll struggle, too light, and the bike can be unstable (but some like this!! R1/R6, Mel?)
Too much power is obvious, but too little can be dangerous too.
Too high a seat is scary, but too low can be bad if you are tall....
Having said all that, may I recomend a few machines?
a) Yamaha Fazer 600 (had one, excellent!)
b) Suzuki SV 650 (got one now, also excellent!)
c) Suzuki Bandit 600
d) Honda Hornet 600 (can be a bit fast for beginner)
e) Yamaha Diversion 600 (bit dull, but very good)
f) Honda NTV650 / CB500 (top bikes on a budget)
Any of these machines is sub 6 seconds 0-60, the Fazer & Hornet are sub 4, the SV is about 4.5.
They all do atleast 100, the HOrnet & Fazer can do 140. All bikes have good "in gear" power, but be prepared to THRASH them to get the best. Bike engines love it these days.
The SV is the best handler in my opinion, with the Fazer a good second.
Keep it shiney side up !
Carl
1) weight
2) power
3) seat height
Too heavy, and you'll struggle, too light, and the bike can be unstable (but some like this!! R1/R6, Mel?)
Too much power is obvious, but too little can be dangerous too.
Too high a seat is scary, but too low can be bad if you are tall....
Having said all that, may I recomend a few machines?
a) Yamaha Fazer 600 (had one, excellent!)
b) Suzuki SV 650 (got one now, also excellent!)
c) Suzuki Bandit 600
d) Honda Hornet 600 (can be a bit fast for beginner)
e) Yamaha Diversion 600 (bit dull, but very good)
f) Honda NTV650 / CB500 (top bikes on a budget)
Any of these machines is sub 6 seconds 0-60, the Fazer & Hornet are sub 4, the SV is about 4.5.
They all do atleast 100, the HOrnet & Fazer can do 140. All bikes have good "in gear" power, but be prepared to THRASH them to get the best. Bike engines love it these days.
The SV is the best handler in my opinion, with the Fazer a good second.
Keep it shiney side up !
Carl
PS...
I really recomend 2nd hand for your first bike, 'cos if you really really don't like it, you don't lose as much dosh. Also if you drop it, you won't be quite so upset.
Oh, and consider the new anti-speeding laws, and think about it, before buying a bike that is not comfortable at less than 100mph... I had one that fitted this category, and had to sell it for that reason. Go for accelaration, and handling, or even looks, before top speed.
I really recomend 2nd hand for your first bike, 'cos if you really really don't like it, you don't lose as much dosh. Also if you drop it, you won't be quite so upset.
Oh, and consider the new anti-speeding laws, and think about it, before buying a bike that is not comfortable at less than 100mph... I had one that fitted this category, and had to sell it for that reason. Go for accelaration, and handling, or even looks, before top speed.
but anything that looks fast to plod and they pull you over ....... and the fazer can do better wheelies ........oh and stopies 
hi ZZR,
I wanted a thou, but no brick garage = no insurance !
I like sports riding, but the bikes no longer like me - my elbows are playing up from too many miles in too short a time.
Things round my way are getting very oppressive with the pols putting camera vans on NSL road, but totally hidden so you can't see a thing. (A414 Harlow-Ongar). Oh, and radar detectors still don't give enough warning at the speeds I enjoy.
This has taken away the ability to go fast where it is safe, and made it easier to speed in town, which is perverse (project "Limehouse").
So I am considering hanging up the leathers for ever, and buying a Tiv, or a Yank-tank.... either that, or get a big cruiser bike. I can't afford a prison sentance or a ban, just because I cannot ride at 60 all day.
Car drivers think they have it bad with the Pols, but just try a bike if you want to see the nasty side of the law.
Wotcha think of my reasoning? try and cheer me up, please !!!!
Carl
I wanted a thou, but no brick garage = no insurance !
I like sports riding, but the bikes no longer like me - my elbows are playing up from too many miles in too short a time.
Things round my way are getting very oppressive with the pols putting camera vans on NSL road, but totally hidden so you can't see a thing. (A414 Harlow-Ongar). Oh, and radar detectors still don't give enough warning at the speeds I enjoy.
This has taken away the ability to go fast where it is safe, and made it easier to speed in town, which is perverse (project "Limehouse").
So I am considering hanging up the leathers for ever, and buying a Tiv, or a Yank-tank.... either that, or get a big cruiser bike. I can't afford a prison sentance or a ban, just because I cannot ride at 60 all day.
Car drivers think they have it bad with the Pols, but just try a bike if you want to see the nasty side of the law.
Wotcha think of my reasoning? try and cheer me up, please !!!!
Carl
Carl ive had my bike for about year and a half now and am relitivly new to it (had the 50's and 125's) im in West Dorset and there isnt may speed cameras down here i like to think i ride sensibly ie 30 in a 30 etc but open bit of A road and let it have it .. thats where im going to get caught one day ! and thats why im thinking of changing the bike to a fazer have the fun at lower speeds 
cos i need my licence for work . Dont give up the bike though the more of us there is the more seriously we will be taken instead of being looked at as a "sunday sport", if you want some nice roads to play on we have a few down here the B3157 Bridport to Weymouth is a favorate just dont think your foggy when you ride it cos it will bite back 
as you say keep it sunny side up 
Edited by ZZR600 on Wednesday 2nd January 14:54
cos i need my licence for work . Dont give up the bike though the more of us there is the more seriously we will be taken instead of being looked at as a "sunday sport", if you want some nice roads to play on we have a few down here the B3157 Bridport to Weymouth is a favorate just dont think your foggy when you ride it cos it will bite back as you say keep it sunny side up Edited by ZZR600 on Wednesday 2nd January 14:54
cheers, ZZR..
I am one of the people the Gov'mnt hates. A self confessed speedophile. However, I don't speed in town, or where I consider it dangerous. But I do give it the big one on NSL road, and I mean anything up to maximum speed on a big bike (170 on Thunderace, or 175 R1). But I am prepared to use the machine to the full it it is safe.
Hey, I don't think I've harmed anyone, ok, a bit more petrol used, but nothing worse.
But now I've done a few miles, it seems like the net is closing in a bit. I have a Geodesy, and a radar detector, but what's the point in the RD if it only picks up mini-gatso when you're passing it???!!!
Bloody camera vans are my latest fear, next up being helicopters.
I like biking so much, so I might have to get a slower machine in order to keep doing it? been looking at some trailly's, but fancy a long & low cruiser instead. Obviously no top end, no cornering, and no brakes to speak of, but atleast I won't get nicked going much above 80 !!!!!!!
If you get the F1000, good luck to you ! lovely machine, but more than my license is worth.
Carl
PS, yes I know I ought to know better than to go to damn fast, but its just another "high", eh? if the druggies can now do it, why not me?
(before anyone asks, NO I WAS NOT deliberately speeding when I got flashed last year!)
I am one of the people the Gov'mnt hates. A self confessed speedophile. However, I don't speed in town, or where I consider it dangerous. But I do give it the big one on NSL road, and I mean anything up to maximum speed on a big bike (170 on Thunderace, or 175 R1). But I am prepared to use the machine to the full it it is safe.
Hey, I don't think I've harmed anyone, ok, a bit more petrol used, but nothing worse.
But now I've done a few miles, it seems like the net is closing in a bit. I have a Geodesy, and a radar detector, but what's the point in the RD if it only picks up mini-gatso when you're passing it???!!!
Bloody camera vans are my latest fear, next up being helicopters.
I like biking so much, so I might have to get a slower machine in order to keep doing it? been looking at some trailly's, but fancy a long & low cruiser instead. Obviously no top end, no cornering, and no brakes to speak of, but atleast I won't get nicked going much above 80 !!!!!!!
If you get the F1000, good luck to you ! lovely machine, but more than my license is worth.
Carl
PS, yes I know I ought to know better than to go to damn fast, but its just another "high", eh? if the druggies can now do it, why not me?
(before anyone asks, NO I WAS NOT deliberately speeding when I got flashed last year!)
Hertsbiker...don't ever admit defeat - it's just too depressing to contemplate.
The prospect of a 6.00am start, A4 to Bath, A36 to Wells, A39 to Minehead, Porlock and Countisbury, A377 to Exeter via Crediton, A3052 to Seaton and Lyme Regis (stop for fish and chips!), B3157 to Weymouth via Abbotsbury, lie on the beach and take in the exotic sights of Sandbanks, Poole, A377, B3054 to Beaulieu (time for a quick peek at some different exotica!), A3057 to Andover, A343 to Newbury and A4 back to Suburbia, is frankly all that keeps me going through the winter. This is what God gave us wheels for - (although my brother, known in these parts as Driller and proud owner of Griff 500, discovered he just couldn't compete...well, for most of it anyway!).
Don't contemplate cutting your nose to spite your face!
The prospect of a 6.00am start, A4 to Bath, A36 to Wells, A39 to Minehead, Porlock and Countisbury, A377 to Exeter via Crediton, A3052 to Seaton and Lyme Regis (stop for fish and chips!), B3157 to Weymouth via Abbotsbury, lie on the beach and take in the exotic sights of Sandbanks, Poole, A377, B3054 to Beaulieu (time for a quick peek at some different exotica!), A3057 to Andover, A343 to Newbury and A4 back to Suburbia, is frankly all that keeps me going through the winter. This is what God gave us wheels for - (although my brother, known in these parts as Driller and proud owner of Griff 500, discovered he just couldn't compete...well, for most of it anyway!).
Don't contemplate cutting your nose to spite your face!
Firstly, VFR/RVF 400 is unbeatable as a starter bike. Perfect handling, good power ultimate reliability - go for this (but only if your not too tall!) On a reasonably twisty road it will keep with ANYTHING - trust me.I came back to biking on one of these, liked it so much I have raced it for two years now after spending mucho money on it! (78bhp at rear wheel).Gave up road riding now tho'...too dangerous1
quote:
Firstly, VFR/RVF 400 is unbeatable as a starter bike. Perfect handling, good power ultimate reliability - go for this (but only if your not too tall)
Define tall?! - I'm 6'1"/6'2"ish, that sound ok or too tall? If it is too tall, any other suggestions?
Lets say I did go for the VFR/RVF 400 (Who make it BTW (Your about to tell me VFR)) how much would I expect to pay for a decent example? and Insurance wise?
Cheers
Stuart!
Edited by tvradict on Thursday 3rd January 03:55
Sorry TVRadict, I forgot the original point of the thread.
The VFR is made by Honda. Build quality is very good, and handling is superb. Most were grey imports, so parts availability can be an issue, especially on some of the older models (there are various versions knocking around, dating back to the mid 80s.).
I'd say that, at over 6.0ft, you are going to find it a serious squeeze however. This is a very small bike indeed and has very high pegs, very low bars and a very thinly padded seat. If you want to travel any distances, it'd probably put you in hospital. It's also pretty hopeless for commuting because the riding position makes it very difficult to maoevre around at low speed for any period of time.
My advice would be to sign up for a three day crash course, which'll get you around the necessity to buy a 33bhp bike, and then spend your money on the biggest, most powerful thing you can afford.
Small bikes are dangerous. You don't have the power to escape from a tight spot. The serious accidents I've had were almost all on smaller bikes. Skinny tyres don't stick to the road so well, suspension and brakes are generally less advanced.
Don't be scared of a bigger bike - the throttle works in both directions and it'll only go as quickly as you make it. Second hand prices are so low at the moment that you could find a really good CBR600 (the ultimate middleweight all rounder) for not much more than a VFR400.
This'll give you complete reliability, 90+bhp, 150mph+ performance and enough space and comfort to ride all day.
The VFR is made by Honda. Build quality is very good, and handling is superb. Most were grey imports, so parts availability can be an issue, especially on some of the older models (there are various versions knocking around, dating back to the mid 80s.).
I'd say that, at over 6.0ft, you are going to find it a serious squeeze however. This is a very small bike indeed and has very high pegs, very low bars and a very thinly padded seat. If you want to travel any distances, it'd probably put you in hospital. It's also pretty hopeless for commuting because the riding position makes it very difficult to maoevre around at low speed for any period of time.
My advice would be to sign up for a three day crash course, which'll get you around the necessity to buy a 33bhp bike, and then spend your money on the biggest, most powerful thing you can afford.
Small bikes are dangerous. You don't have the power to escape from a tight spot. The serious accidents I've had were almost all on smaller bikes. Skinny tyres don't stick to the road so well, suspension and brakes are generally less advanced.
Don't be scared of a bigger bike - the throttle works in both directions and it'll only go as quickly as you make it. Second hand prices are so low at the moment that you could find a really good CBR600 (the ultimate middleweight all rounder) for not much more than a VFR400.
This'll give you complete reliability, 90+bhp, 150mph+ performance and enough space and comfort to ride all day.
ok, back to the thread...
I really like my Sv650, vee-twin power, which means you don't have to rev it to death all the time, hard to stall compared to a 4 cylinder bike, low insurance group, good brakes, fairly sharp handling.
Top speed 125ish, possibly 135 on a very good day. 0-60 in 4 to 4.5 seconds. Cost NEW = 5K. Group 10.
Sound like you? oh, and good headlights too. You don't want a fast bike with crap lights now, do you?
Carl
I really like my Sv650, vee-twin power, which means you don't have to rev it to death all the time, hard to stall compared to a 4 cylinder bike, low insurance group, good brakes, fairly sharp handling.
Top speed 125ish, possibly 135 on a very good day. 0-60 in 4 to 4.5 seconds. Cost NEW = 5K. Group 10.
Sound like you? oh, and good headlights too. You don't want a fast bike with crap lights now, do you?
Carl
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