[Closed] Question for experienced motorcyclists ONLY

Perfectly good plan mate in all honesty.

Learn to ride in a SAFE position on the road, don't hug the gutter, you have rights to be there too.

Can't imagine why you're thinking like this.

I've been riding down south for 12 years, i'm an experienced racer and trackdayer too.

Or you could die terribly in a tragic gardening accident.. Seriously WTF?? Do it - first time on a busy high street with people crossing without looking / opening car doors in your path etc will scare you, but it's all relative. And really really good fun.

I wouldn't hesitate.

(disclaimer- I've stopped riding, but not because I felt it was unsafe, I just stopped enjoying it much and mountain biking took over, and my short commute's easily cycled)

Up until a few years ago, I taught motorcycling. I feel safer on a bike than I do in a car. However, I feel safer on a bigger bike than I do on a 125. Learn to see trouble coming. With a bigger bike, it's easier to not be there when trouble arrives.

Now you're middle aged your sense of self preservation and knowledge of pain are most likely pretty well developed. I'd be more concerned about a young rider. Get professional training or at least some supervision and advice from someone experienced and build your confidence somewhere quiet.
Lots of motorcyclists don't die on their bikes.

I'd imagine you would be fine, as a cyclist you'll automatically be more aware of road position, safety, etc. than most car drivers.

I'd also recommend signing up as an IAM associate. Some people are a bit down on the IAM, but IMHO the course really helps out if you're a beginner, and also reinforces good practice for more experienced riders.

I've been playing with motor cycles since age 13. and whilst the roads are as dangerous as they've ever been, conversely training is as good as it gets as is bike technology.
ABS brakes, air bags, really well made helmets and leathers are all now available for two wheeled fun.

I wouldn't think twice about it, you already have the street-wise savvy needed for push-bike riding on busy roads.
You'll probably take to it like a duck takes to water

Have been doing it since 1978 apart from 4 years bikeless in the late 90s. Nothing has changed much every other vehicle is still a lethal weapon and I never commit to any manoeuvre without having an escape Plan B and a Plan C etc

Look at everything and take it all in. Things change quickly on a motorbike at speed but nothing happens instantaneously there is always a clue a sign that something is about to happen.

Yeah, go for it.
Ride with confidence and defensively.... ie. take a good position on the road and assume that you haven't been seen.
Get some training.
As above; tyres, brakes, etc. are all so much better these days too.

Same as onzadog, but still instructing now. Find a good school and youre sorted. Any and all extra training is valuable post DAS.

Absolutely. What are you worrying about?

Thanks for the sensible replies and to be honest I'll be giving it a go whatever as I tend to be pretty singleminded - just wish I'd sorted out my licence ages ago before all the changes.

First thing I've noticed is the bike shops are absolutely brilliant - I can't remember the last time I went into a shop and the staff took a pride in their work - been to two motorbike shops in the last couple of weeks and they were both exceptional on service

First thing I've noticed is the bike shops are absolutely brilliant - I can't remember the last time I went into a shop and the staff took a pride in their work - been to two motorbike shops in the last couple of weeks and they were both exceptional on service

Yes, most motorbike dealerships put most bike shops to shame (not all, but a great majority). Could be something to do with the higher cost of motorbikes though.

Not sure about the cost issue - try a car showroom for a masterclass in how not to understand your product or the person you are trying to sell it to!

But yes the stuff sure is more expensive than cyling gear - just spent 240 quid on a helmet, most i've ever spent on a cycle lid is £35!

Don't underestimate how much extra kit you'll have to wear over cycling to stay warm when you're not supplying the motive force.

Question

The car in front has its right indicator on, what is the only information you should take from this?

Answer

The indicator works...

Do it, ridden for +30 years, including 20k commuting into West London last year. But m/c's are easier to ride when they are bigger, but not too big 🙂

Buy a new helmet, good gloves/boots and a decent textile 2-piece suit.

But as a long-term cyclist you already know that the 'tin-tops' are out to get us!

been riding here since 1988. go for it, and get lots of training.

other things:
i never ride without some kind of back protector. i find fabric clothing lots more practical than leather, and the goretex stuff is waterproof. sportsbikes really dont make very good road bikes, they are very uncomfortable and make my back hurt.

You'll tune into it after you start riding a bit. Sounds cheesy, but the motorbike just becomes an extension of you, probably like you feel with your bicycle. Cars take you more seriously on a motorbike than a bicycle, but they still don't see you. Be assertive, create your own bubble and guard it. Don't go looking for trouble like the helmet cam warriors as it'll happen quicker than you can react. Turn riding smoothly, making progress and being safe into a game you play every time you swing a leg.
Go for it!

Get rid of the 125 would be my advice

500+ cc bikes tent to have better everything all round plus are generally cheaper to buy and to insure

Just do your direct access course.

Then buy my bike off me so I can start my cafe racer project

Get rid of the 125 would be my advice

the motorbike just becomes an extension of you

Be assertive, create your own bubble and guard it

totally agree 100%

I'm no experienced motor cyclist, so apologies. I also have had this middle-aged itch for a few years now, and reckon I could get right into motorcycles, as much as I got right into cycling when I was 14...

But, my wife works in a neuro ward at the local hospital and has lost count of the number of people who have been in similar situations and have done themselves a debilitating injury.

For that reason, I decided against it. Decided to focus on getting faster on an MTB for my thrills, although only seem to be getting slower...

I had a 50/125 at 16/17 then let it lapse for a few years (till 23) before doing the direct access, which I failed (not entirely my fault, basicly I didn't overtake a granny doing 40 on a DC <mile from my roundabout, could have reacted better, if the situation had developed differently I'd have passed but I ended up trying to overtake and got stuck with a stream of rush hour coming up behind me and overtaking meaning no gaps to pull into).

Didn't go back as the school was crap and the schoo bikes even worse.

2 years later as the MOD1 and theory are abbout to expire I book it again and a couple of mornign lessons with a different school. Much better bikes, better instructors and doing the test in a different town (Darlington Vs Oxford) was interesting. The instructor said he was happy with my riding and would ride that way AFTER the test, but for the sake of doing the test in a smaller town with way less trafic I should ride more to the letter of the law and stop at give way lines to wait for bigger gaps rather than keep rolling unless absolutely neccecary, rather than the southern way of riding to avoid stoping, the southern instructors logic being that if your stopped at a give way line you're likely to be hit by the guy coing up behind.

Come the test the examiner was in a car, so I went back to the old way reasoning that if there was a bike sized gap and he was way back then he wouldnt be able to see any mistakes at the next junction. Passed with 1 minor.

Having just moved back to Reading, I can confirm that people south of Watford can't drive for s***. I'm scared in a 5* rated car let alone a bike! the standard of driving is jsut appaling, waitign at a roundabout this morning, in about 10 cars coming round all either indicated that they were turning off, then didn't (almost resultign in me pulling otu infront of them), or didn't indicate that they were turning off and did (so I could have pulled out).

Don't have time for a DAC - can;t take time off work and weekends are already spoken for.

Have theory test done already

So plan is to commute once/twice a week to practice riding and take my restricted 125 test before Jan 19th (when the rules change) That way I can ride a 33bhp bike for two years and then anything without further testing or cost. Will prob keep 125 for a year then flog it to buy a restricted 600

Come the test the examiner was in a car, so I went back to the old way reasoning that if there was a bike sized gap and he was way back then he wouldnt be able to see any mistakes at the next junction. Passed with 1 minor.

"If he's in a car try and lose him" said my examiner! 😆

Aprilia RS125 🙂

I agree with what thepodge says. A bigger bike like an ER5/CB500/sv650 etc will feel much better and safer.

"Got a 125 arriving on Saturday."

Stupid question but, You have done your CBT haven't you??

You're going about it all wrong

Get proper training

Teaching yourself you're far more likely to pick up bad habits

Getting a bigger bike after two years again without proper training is statistically the quickest way of putting yourself in hospital.

I wouldn't buy a bigger bike without a couple of weekends training - surely plenty of people buy 125's and learn to ride first? Thats how my dad and his brothers did it

Anyone having a mid-life motorcycle crisis and not getting a Harley-Davidson just isn't taking it seriously! 😀

I've had two (does this mean I've had 2 mid-life crises?).. rode them around for a 2-3 years, got very nearly taken out by cars on 3 occasions.

Sold Harleys, back to MTBs, road bikes, Cyclocross. Much less dangerous.

The difference between full throttle on my old 500 and my new 600 was 50mph

The smallest lapse of concentration the first time out on it saw me doing 120mph down the local dual carriageway. Luckily it was perfectly straight and up hill so backing off was easy.

Now consider if that'd have been between a 125 and a 600

I'd prefer to wait & take time off work now than be forced to take time off and spend it in hospital

Now consider if that'd have been between a 125 and a 600

I had a CG125, you could do full throttle mid corner with no repercusions (other than a worn footpeg)!

Interesting question as I am currently thinking of selling the motorbike and all the kit. It is / was used as a toy but I must confess that the volume of traffic and consequences are reasons I am thinking of packing it in.

If I was 25 now I would probably do it all again but looking at relative costs, time available and consequences of enjoying myself I think it will probably go.

I was in a similar situation last year. Did the tests over the winter, bought an SV650. Went with a local trainer with a good rep and at times I thought I should've got a 125 so I could get more practice between lessons. He said that would be worse because its harder to correct the bad habits I would pick up. Now I've had all spring/summer learning to ride proper and really enjoying it, although in North Scotland I'm blessed with very quiet roads in comparison though.

Oh I was going to reply, but then I noticed the "experienced only" so I might not be experienced enough 😉

just wish I'd sorted out my licence ages ago before all the changes.

I passed my test about 16 years ago in my mid 20s and I wished then I'd have done it earlier and nothing has changed since then
In fact, I'd be more tempted to start riding now if anything, it's just the best way to travel.

I've been riding 7 years. I pretty much echo the points everyone has made. Buy the best helmet you can afford, textile gear is better than leather (and cheaper), and bigger bikes are far easier to ride than little ones.

Biggest bit of advice I was given (by my dad) was that "Everybody knows the best thing about a motorbike is going fast, but only do it when the only person you can hurt/kill is you." Simplified 'don't be a tit'

Pip

Buy the best helmet you can afford, textile gear is better than leather (and cheaper), and bigger bikes are far easier to ride than little ones.

Ok in this case best = best fitted, there is no difference between a 150£ Casberg and a 800£ Arai protection wise, they all pass the same tests.

I am not sure what is a "bigger" bike, but as a first bike, I wouldn't go bigger than 500 CC. If you get something with more than 50 bhp, you'll start using the throttle way to much and use it as a skill compensator. Better to start riding with a smallish bike and learn to corner and brake properly.

juan - Member

Ok in this case best = best fitted, there is no difference between a 150£ Casberg and a 800£ Arai protection wise, they all pass the same tests.

Well... That's not a given, they all meet the target but that doesn't mean some don't exceed the target by more than others. Though o'course price is no guarantee of protection and unfortunately there's no way for a punter to know for sure which are best. Weight also contributes to safety and cheap helmets are generally heavier.

But there's also build quality and aftercare... I had a midrange HJC which was functional, but heavy, a little uncomfortable, and wore out very quickly- after a year it was junk. Daily use, but still.

So I got the cheapest Arai, which was about twice as expensive but lighter, far comfier, and when I crashed in it hard enough to think it was dead, Arai checked it for me and confirmed it safe (and replaced the strap and pads too, and retouched the paint) all for free. So 4 years later I was still wearing it. Worked out cheaper in the long run and for all of those rides it was a nicer place to put my head.

I would learn no problem.Just dont go crazy once you get on a big bike.
Been riding for 32 years its more dangerous now not because of the bikes because people are more preoccupied while they are driving.
No different to cycling on the road these days.Bigger bike will get you away from trouble over a 125.Could go greenlaning more relaxing just muddyer.

Just started to do the same myself - did my CBT last Saturday (so now road lethal) and starting proper training on Saturday 🙂

Have a few bad habits picked up from car driving and cycling (forgetting to turn off indicators and riding too far to the left) - really having good fun! Have to keep your wits about you, but looking forward to getting the full license!

Am in the SE too (Hants/Berks), and would happily the folks I'm learning with... if you're interested.

I feel far more vulnerable on a pedal bike than motorbike!

Most of my annoyance on a road bike comes from motorists who just can't overtake - that rarely happens on a motorbike.

But you do need the right training and the right attitude.

[i]I've been riding 7 years. I pretty much echo the points everyone has made. Buy the best helmet you can afford, textile gear is better than leather (and cheaper), and bigger bikes are far easier to ride than little ones.

[/i]

No, textile is not better than leather - but for someone just starting on a 125, textile is a better 'option' than leather. And I've pretty much had every quality level of helmets, from full custom made-to-measure through to £20 poly FF's - if it doesn't fit I don't care how cheap it is; but its best to go for a 'name' in a sale.

Unlike bicycle helmets (which aren't required by law to conform to any standard in the UK), motorbike helmets used on the road must:

meet British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark

meet UNECE Regulation 22.05

meet a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark

However, not all helmets are created equally and higher price isn't synonymous with higher protection.

Have a look here http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ before justifying an Arai with "what price you head"...

I'd love to see a similar scheme for bicycle helmets but it won't happen for obvious reasons 🙂

Yeah but then, for the price of an arai, you could probably get fully kitted from something not to expensive like franck thomas or furygan in the sales and that includes helmet 😉 I know where you come from, but IMHO, it's far more important to get the whole package (jacket, boots, gloves, helmet and trousers) even mid range than just a shiny helmet. Worst case scenario you get yourself a decent lid one or two years after, and keep the first one as commuter. Plus it's unlikely that he'll be a stupid as me and rides 700kms in one day 😉

Having ridden a fair few times in Europe ..( which seems to be biking heaven) when coming back to the UK ......I think why bother riding on the road in this very over crowded country especially with the attitude of most car drivers ....I see the appeal in track days but not road riding for pleasure ....all IMHO of course.

I passed test in 2007. Brilliant, brilliant fun.

Very practical way to travel and eco too.

Seriously consider trying a trailbike type of motorcycle.

They have great roadpresence and riding position. This is superb for filtering through traffic and vision.

I strongly reccomend taking your bike on some legal byways with responsible company. You'll learn what it's like to be on a slippy surface at a low speed (never over 25mph on a byway). Finding out what it's like to have the front wheel lose grip whilst riding a byway will prepare you for when it happens on a patch of unseen diesel etc on the tarmac.

I learnt more about riding in on month of green laning than I did in a year of tarmac riding. Having a 25 mile commute on rural B roads these skills have saved me countless times. Plenty of unexpected mud on the tarmac!

Buy the best helmet you can afford, textile gear is better than leather (and cheaper), and bigger bikes are far easier to ride than little ones.

Buy the helmet that fits best and not sure where textiles are better than leathers comes from I have both, textile for rubbish weather and leathers for rest of time, and I know which I'd rather have on , and its not the waterproof stuff lol

I went from a KMX125 to a GSX600F, but the GSF was more of a tourer, not a loony sports bike. My confidence on the road improved, I think, due to the increased road presence of a bigger bike. But for commuting in traffic the higher riding position of the 125 was much better. I've not ridden a bike with an engine for 10yrs though, things have probably changed.
Keep looking out for a winter project though... 😉

juan - Member

Yeah but then, for the price of an arai, you could probably get fully kitted from something not to expensive like franck thomas or furygan in the sales and that includes helmet

£200 for a Chaser, could just about get a full set for that much but it'd be scraping the barrel (even for terrible shit like Frank Thomas)

Mind you I'm not neccesarily recommending an Arai y'understand, just commenting on the safety and value side.

I passed my test nearly twenty years ago now but had sixteen without a bike, long story. I bought a bike this summer and love it, use it for commuting and the odd run into the peaks, but I plan bigger trips on it. Haven't once felt that I've made the wrong decision.
There is only one rule to riding on the road, same as cycling, assume every f****r is trying to kill you including the leaves on the Tarmac.
My commute home has gone from being twenty minutes through Sheffield to being forty minutes round Sheffield including the strines and moscar 😀

I passed my test just before the law changed.
Up until then I'd been a mad cyclist, riding too fast, broken collar and wrist etc.

I would repeat what most others have said.
Get lots of training.

I did an intensive course and took the option of 2 extra days to 'just go riding' with the instructor and it was the best thing I did.

I bought a Bandit 600 as my first bike and it scared the hell out of me (well it's potential did), but it made me respect the power and ride well within my skills.
A 125 is dangerous IMO, a bigger bike has the power and more to keep up in traffic, the brakes to stop and more of a presence.

I've ridden for about 20 years, now on a 1250 Bandit, always assume the worst and never had a close shave.

Passing my test all those years ago was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Buy the best kit you can afford ( it's not cheap you know) and enjoy.

Tried on about 15 helmets - only one fitted! Shark Speed R (white obviously)

Also bought BKS ventura Jacket, RST Ventilator Jeans , RST Boots and Richa Gloves plus two zero hi-vis vest

Even with a hefty discount was more than i wanted to spend! Still stuff should last to my next bike as long as I do, from what you are saying

Take all your points on training and will certainly get some but will have to unlearn some bad habits as little CBF is arriving tomorrow and can't wait to get on it

totally get wet leaves, drain covers, mud, diesel, cars, lorries and deer are all out to get me

Will take care

My advice is get a good hi viz vest, and always use it.
They are like a magic non-invisibility cloak.

I had a lovely ktm 950sm, nice leathers, and would ruin my cool look with the hi viz vest... But as soon as I forgot it, within 3 miles I put a dent in a car door that pulled out.

After my friend and mechanic died on a road bicycle... I hi viz gilet it on the bicycle too now.

I've been riding for 19 years (when the hell did that happen!?!) and it's a better time than it was in some ways, worse in others.

Better because motorbikes are more mainstream. More people are using midrange twins for their commute so more people understand bikes and everyone's 'coming to terms' with them, due in part to "Think Bike" and similar campaigns. Worse, cos the police forgot their half of the unspoken deal we had; we'll go easy in the towns and villages, they generally leave us alone on a quiet Sunday road.

I still commute by bike (and enjoy it) but riding purely for fun only happens on a MX/Enduro track. If my main bike was the KTM Duke I lust after I could ride on the roads for fun again, cos they ain't that quick. 🙂

I gave up motorbikes after nearly been taken out by yet another women who thought it was more important to text than look where she was driving. In all my time riding bikes I felt safer around London than anywhere else. Other motorists in London seem to realise that if they cut you up then they will loose a mirror or need a panel beater and allow you a bit of space to make progress. Around Leeds they just tend to drive with their brains in neutral and thumbs wedged firmly up their backsides.
I'm now in the position where I am looking at getting another bike despite my previous comments and waiting to see what the new KTM Adventure will bring.

Had an SV650 as my first bike, no issues with the power, goes as fast as you twist the throttle and as has been said you can get out of situations, especially as i'm a bit of a lump weight wise. So i would say don't be scared of a bigger bike. I didn't get on with the drop bars on it though. Switched to a supermoto after that as i used it for london commuting, absolute blast to ride. So i would say if you're going for a decent size bike try something like a Suzuki Bandit, a Honda Hornet etc as they have bars more akin to mtb and for the less experienced are probably easier to maneuvre. Sorry, there is a technical term for the bars but it escapes me. If you're only going to use it for short jaunts then definitely try a supermoto. I had a KTM 625, a 660 and a 950. All brilliant fun, especially the 660.

If you're using it to commute in heavy traffic areas so you're filtering a lot i'd also suggest a loud can. Getting the 660 with a Akra titanium race exhaust was like jesus parting the waves. Sounds lovely as well.

I ride an R1, substantially quicker than a previous posters 600, and have never accidentally hit 120 due to inattention. Did you fall asleep at the bars and slump forward, fully opening the throttle or something?!

I've ridden 20 years. Munqe Chick recently did DA and rides an SV. Whilst I naturally worry about her she is a better biker than a car driver, having cycled since a kid she has really good awareness and anticipation. We don't like to admit it but many bike accidents are rider error. Have the right attitude and you should be fine.

Sorry, there is a technical term for the bars but it escapes me

Yeap it's called clip on. And they are the best to "manoeuvre" bikes as they put your weight where it's needed.