[Closed] A question for the motor cyclists new and old

How old are you? If you're intending to ride in a spirited manner I'd wait until you're past 25. I took my test at 23, bought a CBR600 as my first bike and was lucky to get away with it. Bikes are great though, just don't sell your car to get one, you'll regret it come winter

I did a direct access course, never ridden a motor bike before, spent 4 days on an ER-500 and 4 days later had my licence. 2 days later bought a VFR-750 and put 12k on it in the 1st year...

However, that was years ago and I think it's all changed and you might not be able to get a full license so quickly...

Motorcycling changed my life in many many ways, I met my wife through it, I made lifelong friends through it, I went racing, I shattered bones, I survived. I do lots of trackdays, a little road riding, but overall I love motorbikes and all that they bring to me.

I'm pretty much an ex-biker now, parked mine about 4 years ago in the really bad winter and just never put it back on the road... mountain biking took over. But still, I loved it, I could love it again if I had the money and time, some of the best times I've had were on or around motorbikes.

So what would I suggest... Mmm, do you drive? I didn't, so picking up all the bike handling skills + roadcraft was harder than I expected, I went down the CBT and 125 route initially and glad I did- that was hard enough, I don't think I could have gone direct to full licence. Got an inexpensive bike to learn on that I didn't mind too much if I fell of it in the car park, which I actually never did now I think of it.

After a year or two I went up to full licence and an SV650, which is a great wee bike but also has the most fantastic user group- so got right into modding, trackdays, social rideouts, weekends away and touring etc. Doing it with other people made it much better. If that's your sort of thing, check out the owners groups, some are ace.

Would I recommend it... Well yes and no. You didn't really say what you want to do with it so I guess that influences it. For everyday use, I'd need a very persuasive reason to go back to a motorbike (ie, terrible traffic or parking). They are basically quite impractical, a lot of the time. Winter commuting took a lot of fun out of it for me.

But when it was good it was brilliant. Frankly it's a lot like mountain biking, you have a great time, you meet great people... Sometimes it's a pain in the arse and sometimes you wake up in a ditch.

I've had my bike licence for about 10 years now (car driver for 16 years)and i'm glad I did it but ultimately, it's an expensive hobby.
I haven't had a bike for 4 years. I used to ride as part of my job for site visits and riding day in, day out on London roads took the fun out of it so when I changed to an office job, the bike went.
I don't regret doing the test though and now i'm thinking of getting another bike, just for fun.
I did a week long, direct access test (incorporating the CBT test) for around £600 but I think there are more restrictions now and I would imagine it is more expensive.
I've had a few different bikes (2 x CBR600s, CB1300, GS500) and I can honestly say the little 500cc was most fun, for the simple fact that I was always within my limits. Given the choice again, i'd probably get something similar - i've been eyeing up the new CB500x as a bit of a budget tourer.
It you afford it, go for it!

Would not recommend it unless you're an absolute natural, very good at concentrating and doing the right thing all the time everywhere. If this doesn't sound like you then motorbiking is not for you

Why not try an off road day like Yamaha do. No pressure of being on the road. Loads of fun and learn to use gears etc in safety.

rocketman - Member

Would not recommend it unless you're an absolute natural, very good at concentrating and doing the right thing all the time everywhere

I'm not sure anything could describe me less.

Been riding 20 years.

I used to ride mainly for fun and long trips to visit folks, since the roads now seem to have more speed cameras than lamp posts I only really ride on the road to commute. For that it's basically the unltimate solution, no queuing, frugal-ish, sometimes fun.

If you do go for it, get advanced training as soon as possible. After passing your test you can't get it too soon - and it needn't cost much at all, the IAM is a good route. (And going on a track day is [b]not[/b] advanced training!)

Why not try a free taster session on a geared bike run by an approved school?

http://www.geton.co.uk/

I think it's a fantastic campaign - managed to get the wife to do it, and whilst she doesn't want a bike (she only did it cause I made her), she really enjoyed the experience (or at least failed to not enjoy it insufficiently for her to make sure I knew what I'd put her through).

Thanks guys.

I'm in my early 30's and have been a car driver since I was 18.

I guess being realistic any subsequent bike ownership and running would be fair weather only.

My commute when I do it by road is 100mile round trip and mainly dual carriage way so boring, boring, boring!

I guess its on of those things on my bucketlist to do.

rocketman - Member

Would not recommend it unless you're an absolute natural, very good at concentrating and doing the right thing all the time everywhere

I guess this isn't me. I won't know if I'm a natural until I try it. I would consider myself to be a good, if fast, driver but then don't we all.

And going on a track day is not advanced training

However, teaches you lots more about bike control, cornering, handling and braking than any 'training' ever will.

I've been around bikes for 40 or more years, everything from screaming 2 strokes to big capacity 4 strokes, I just love it all.

You'll either love it or hate it IME and there's only one way to find out

I just got back into it after a very long lay off (15 years) and I really like it and would recommend it to anyone. Even if you don't every ride a bike again it will teach you to be significantly more aware than you would otherwise be in a car. Having said that I'm not sure I'd enjoy a 100 mile commute on a bike especially on dual carriageway. As long as the traffic move at a reasonable pace you won't be much quicker on a bike and you will be more tired when you get to work.

rocketman - Member

Would not recommend it unless you're an absolute natural, very good at concentrating and doing the right thing all the time everywhere. If this doesn't sound like you then motorbiking is not for you

What a load of rubbish 😆

You'll either love it or hate it IME and there's only one way to find out

Step one is the CBT. I took the CBT on a whim with the attitude that if I liked it then it was something I'd have to do anyway, and if I didn't then I'd effectively paid for a "red letter day" of playing with a motorbike. So it was a win-win situation for me. I started DAS lessons on another whim maybe a year after I'd done the CBT, then bought my first bike maybe a year or more after that.

Point I'm getting at is, you don't have to commit to it at the level of "I have to buy a bike right now" if you don't want, you can try it first and see if you get bitten by the bug. Which you almost certainly will. Even if you don't carry it through, the skills taught on the CBT will make you a better driver; I firmly believe that it should be a prerequisite for a car licence.

I firmly believe that it should be a prerequisite for a car licence.

I would consider myself to be a good, if fast, driver

You have to stay sharp and have a plan B and a plan C

All the time. Everywhere.

Post test training is something I'd recommend, 30 years ago I would have laughed at the thought of it but you live and learn (usually)

You can get a full day of Police training with Bike Safe for £10
£10 for a full day's training, classroom and one2one ride out - you'd be mad not to

http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/

Do it!!!

Did CBT and Direct Access at 27. Even the Aprilia RS125 was a complete and utter joy to ride on my CBT.

Once you get some miles under you on a 'big' bike then you start to realise why people go on about it so much.

I know its a well used phrase but '4 wheels move the body and two wheels really do move the soul!'

You'll also suddenly understand why dogs stick their heads out of car windows 🙂

footflaps - Member
I did a direct access course, never ridden a motor bike before, spent 4 days on an ER-500 and 4 days later had my licence. 2 days later bought a VFR-750 and put 12k on it in the 1st year...

However, that was years ago and I think it's all changed and you might not be able to get a full license so quickly...

Well Ben that is just spooky, that's exactly what I did including the VFR750! I'd been driving for a few years so the road craft bit was easier and I was in my late twenties so arguably a bit more mature...

You really learn to ride a bigger bike once you've passed your test and being a bit older and wiser hopefully helps mitigate the risk this represents. I kept the 750 for a couple of years then moved onto 1000's. They are fantastic in the way they make their power and if you're at all into adrenaline rush, you'll love it. I couldn't imagine commuting or using a bike as mere transport, It'd ruin it for me.

Go for it.

[i]I've been around bikes for 40 or more years, everything from screaming 2 strokes to big capacity 4 strokes, I just love it all.

You'll either love it or hate it IME and there's only one way to find out

[/i]

+1

It's just like riding a bike; all the freedom with just higher speeds and greater 'range' 🙂

Also like a bike; you'll pay for any mistake that you (or anyone else) make.

I still reckon that the way I came into biking created a far better 'learning curve' than the modern way. Started on a moped (45-50mph), got a 250 at 17 (good for +90mph) then passed my test and had a selection of RD350LC's (110mph) before moving onto 4-strokes (and higher speeds). Drum brakes and cross-ply tyres too. Cash (or lack of it) also helped/hindered my move onto faster bikes.

Go do you CBT, and see from there.

[i] I couldn't imagine commuting or using a bike as mere transport, It'd ruin it for me.

[/i]

Yes, but this is where the RoadCraft comes from. Nothing more depressing than those sunny mornings where the Sunday Bikers are out and observing that many of them have got a complete lack of RoadCraft and only luck is stopping them been the next casualty.

Coincidentally I am just sitting down for lunch having just had a demo ride on a bike.

I passed my CBT 2.5 yrs ago and last winter decided to take the DA tests rather than renew my CBT. I've done 6,000 miles on my 125cc scooter and very much enjoyed it, using it for local journeys and some comuting . Now that I have the Landrover I want something I can ride for longer distances than either the scooter or the Landrover, so tomorrow I will choose between a 2013 nc700 and a 2014 nc750 and buy my first big bike.

I like to think that I'm a technically good rider, I think years cycling on roads puts cyclists at an advantage as new motorcyclists as our sense of road craft is often far more developed than most car drivers.

I'm 38 BTW.

stoner, I had an nc750 as a loan bike the other week and it was a reet laugh. It reminded me of a chums 50cc mx style thingy he had when he was 16 (in a good way). Light, quickish and you could let rip without reaching escape velocity. It would make a great first bigger bike.

BTW, agree with the 'time served' comments above. I don't claim to be anything special on a bike and in extremis, I'd prefer to have 30 years of the sort of experience outlined above rather than a few thousand miles of pissing about on sunny Sunday's. However, I can't turn the clock back and bikes were verboten for me in my yoof. Just remember that when you're hooning around....

Fantastic way to travel, love riding, doesn't matter what or to where.

I'm doing this this weekend 😀

www.thelongestdaydownchallenge.co.uk

If you're really bored you can follow it on facebook all through the day/night

www.facebook.com/TheLongestDayDown

http://www.yamaha-schools.co.uk/

I love them, and have since I got my first scrambler as a 5 year old.

Didn't have the money, time or space when I was in my twenties, but then got my license a few years ago. I had agreed that I wouldn't get a road bike as the other half is a medic and said no, so bought a road registered enduro bike which I somehow convinced her was 'slightly motorised mountain biking'.

It seems a good compromise, it's a hoot to ride and race and in all honesty is slow enough that I'm unlikely to do myself much damage, especially given the rural backlands I ride in to get to the green lanes. Love it and couldn't imagine not owning one now.

Got into bikes in my early twenties. Had been driving cars for a few years and was very glad I had learned a bit of road craft and made the usual beginner type errors in a car.

40+ now and the bikes are a distant memory - apart from a z900 and a GSXR 1100 a few years ago as part of my mid-life crisis !

No doubt bikes can be great fun and a fantastic way to get about, but they are also fantastically dangerous. Having been to four bike funerals by the age of 30 and regularly seeing several ex-bikers in wheelchairs I think you have to ask yourself is it really worth the risk - if bikes are your thing and you live for them (and I can understand why some people do) then fine........... but if you are just looking for a hobby then I would look elsewhere at something a little less dangerous, or at least where the danger is more within your control.

Haven't read the rest of the thread, rode motorbikes for years, loved it, they're brilliant things. Eventually reached the conclusion that the level of risk outweighed the pleasure I got from it. I'd never try to put people off motorbikes, but understanding that you're very vulnerable to both other people's mistakes and your own, is a good start to staying in once piece. But they are brilliant fun.

You can get a full day of Police training with Bike Safe for £10
£10 for a full day's training, classroom and one2one ride out - you'd be mad not to

Definitely THE best riding experience I've ever had. I learned so much and gained a huge respect for traffic plod. Though it was slightly disconcerting being pursued by a traffic bike with the guy shouting over the radio "faster faster faster!" It properly changed the way I drive and ride.

(And going on a track day is not advanced training!)

I managed to get my employer to pay for some advanced training due to the owner of the business losing a close friend in a bike accident and him seeing me riding 'quite' fast on my commute.

I booked a Ron Haslam track day - not sure that's what they meant but my bike handling skills improved dramatically!

I did my Direct Access and then got an RVF400 for a few years which I loved - it was more fun than the sports 600s I had afterwards because you could thrash it without being at prison sentence speeds to quickly.

PS I no longer have a motorbike as I know my throttle hand is irresponsible. Its very easy to get into a lot of trouble very quickly (both legally and medically) so I bowed out on the birth of my first child.

I'm 38 BTW.

He is but a child!

Had license for approx 17 years. Had a few years off as couldn't justify running a bike. I now commute on mine, rain or shine. Love the freedom it gives unlike a car. Couldn't image not having a license. Motorcycle and cycling are so closly linked. You feel and smell the elemets like you do on a bicycle. You're very aware of traffic and somehow you feel better for it. Not sure others would agree, but it's safer than riding bicycle on the road. Do it, get proper traning when you're learning and throughout your riding years. Enjoy it whether it's a 125 or an R1. They all make you smile..
If you have a wanderlust, checkout advrider.com

bikes are great fun - just don't make the mistake of thinking that you need to get something sporty right away. there are plenty of fazers and bandits out there that will give you enough fun and scares to keep you happy for a couple of years. I would contact the traffic cops and ask about BikeSafe. They vary from region to region, ours (Tayside) was free, and evening at traffic cop central with general discussions about bikes and riding from the top bike cop and some first aid. Then a Sunday ride out with a bike cop on your tail who pulls you over after an hour so and crits your riding. very helpful. grampian used to charge £30 but the cop mechanic came along as well and gave pointers on maintenance

30 years riding and an ecletic collection of stuff from 1953 AJS to early 90's cagiva elephant.

my reccomendation would be take an all in training test package then get something like a step thru scooter to learn your roadcraft and apprciate that the most dangerous thing on the road are car drivers..
dont ever consider an F1 11 love missile that voyage of discovery ends all too frequently at the crematorium

get something classic 80's for 3 grand use it on high days and holidays for riding out to the country /pub and polishing the rest of the time.. it ll appreciate hand over fist you wont kill yourself itll be cheap to run and insure.. whats not to like?

get something classic 80's for 3 grand use it on high days and holidays for riding out to the country /pub and polishing the rest of the time.. it ll appreciate hand over fist you wont kill yourself itll be cheap to run and insure.. whats not to like?

The joy of 180mph, the joy of knee scraping on roundabouts, the joy of lapping Silverstone GP circuit as quickly as you can, the pleasure of doing 300kmh+ when you really shouldn't be ?

The pride of owning a 916, the ease of spannering on it, the smile every time you see your bike and fire it up.

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IMO the recommendations of needing to be the next Marquez to be able to ride on the road is rubbish. Being able to control a bike is a small part of being on the road.

The most important thing is the roadcraft: identifying dozy b******ds who won't check blindspots/are on their phone; keeping an eye out for road surface changes; making yourself visible when passing through junctions; road-positioning, etc, etc.

I've got a 110c scooter that I ride on a CBT. I want to learn to ride a geared bike, both so I've got more options in the future, and also so I can ride without L plates - there's apparently no test I can take on my own scooter due to the increasingly bizarre limits. It's too small for an A1 license,and too big for an AM one. :/

I can't learn or take an A1 test on either of my husband's 125s, because he is a giant and I'm a hobbit (he's got a Varadero and a motorcross bike!).

#firstworldproblems

Been riding 25+ years now, started on small two stroke and then moved onto bigger and bigger, never really went sports bike mad, lairiest was a firestorm with yoshi pipes. years ago my work put me through the full police advanced course which was one of the toughest courses I've done but a hoot and learnt loads, firm believer in advanced training and something based on roadcraftrather than racetrack. Just a commuter now but have found it almost impossible to be without a bikeeven to the extent of buying a shonker which i barely rode when my last big bike fell apart. So my advice is go for it.

#firstworldproblems

Hire one? When I did my DAS, I did the lessons and test on the bike school's bikes.

IMO the recommendations of needing to be the next Marquez to be able to ride on the road is rubbish. Being able to control a bike is a small part of being on the road.

The most important thing is the roadcraft: identifying dozy b******ds who won't check blindspots/are on their phone; keeping an eye out for road surface changes; making yourself visible when passing through junctions; road-positioning, etc, etc.

I agree, I found IAMS training really good.

[i]Definitely THE best riding experience I've ever had. I learned so much and gained a huge respect for traffic plod[/i]

Yes, but just remember that most of them are use to riding a big POLICE emblazened bike so other road users see them.

Also their lines while giving the best visability can easily put you in the wrong part of the road, ie either in the gutter (grit and punctures) or on the white line and in a position to be wiped out by a dozy driver coming the other way.

Weesky is spot on, the whole point of a bike to me is for its speed.

Adrenaline is without doubt the best drug in the world!!!

[img] [/img]

Try a few things & see what floats your boat before you take the plunge, I started out on 4 stroke trail bikes 30 years ago & would recommend the same for any one just starting riding, at one point had a company motorbike, never actually owned a jap four but right now I'd be quite happy to give up road riding & invest in a track day bike for blowing the cobwebs away every now & then.

I took my test a couple of years ago but haven't ridden since for a variety of reasons.

Now I realy want a Harley, shoot me now!

For a totally different ride experience, i have just bought and put this BSA back on the road after 25+ years of non biking and loving it- doesn't necessarily have to be fast to be fun! 😀

[img] [/img]

OP I passed my test at 40 (4 years ago) as a typical middle aged crisis biker though I did need something to commute on as well.

Lots of ground covered already in this thread but a couple of observations:

A lot of bike gear is crap. Expensive and crap. Crap jackets which aren't waterproof and don't fit properly for £250 etc. Same goes for boots gloves etc - compared to mtbing kit lots of it is useless and not fit for purpose. I can't believe bikers have put up with it. Just be careful what you buy unless you can afford Rukka or one of the other top brands - even then a lot are massively overpriced

The exception is Kriega which are fantastic and worth every penny

Buy an 'adventure' bike or fit crash bungs - this way you can drop your bike as many times as you feel like it.

Always carry a headtorch and a high viz vest. This way when you breakdown you will be visible

I learnt to ride a bike off road by riding trials and dirt bikes and thought I was pretty handy on a bike. When I eventually decided to get my license, I quickly learned about life-savers, road positioning and how much you're dependant on other road users for your safety. Also if you make a simple mistake or mis-read a road, this can have huge consequences. IIRC a large proportion of M/C accidents have no other parties involved.

Motorbikes are great fun, but learn your 'craft' by riding within your limits.

I've gone off motorbiking a bit (after 30 odd years of riding a bike). When I look out the window today, I wish I was going a run up the West Coast of Scotland. However, I remember once I get there I would rather be on a push bike, instead of being cooked in protective gear.

......One KTM Adventure going up for sale.

'Course, if the OP is just after a bike for fun, then he should forget tarmac altogether. Buy a slightly tatty crosser for 2k, another few hundred on gear, then find the nearest club running hare and hounds.

Or more sedately, a classic trials machine should be available from £500, and there's more of that about as the events are easier to run and need less space.

Also their lines while giving the best visability can easily put you in the wrong part of the road, ie either in the gutter (grit and punctures) or on the white line and in a position to be wiped out by a dozy driver coming the other way.

only if you are doing it wrong

Safety, Stability then View

One KTM Adventure going up for sale.

£500??? 😆

b r - Member

Also their lines while giving the best visability can easily put you in the wrong part of the road, ie either in the gutter (grit and punctures) or on the white line and in a position to be wiped out by a dozy driver coming the other way.

Er... The idea isn't just to gain extra visibility, it's to make use of it (for example, to avoid bits of road covered in grit, or oncoming vehicles). Anyone who finds Roadcraft positioning puts them in danger just hasn't understood how it works.

Classic trials bike for £500? I'm in ..........

Oh wait seems like they go for more than that!

Get a bike and you'll put on weight fast because the extreme cold makes you hungry for calories and you can park at your destination and never walk anywhere. But motorcycling is more fun than anything else, especially when you're out on the open road in a place like Scotland or Wales. I rode for 12 years, covering up to 12,000 miles a year until I got in trouble for speeding then moved to France.

Now I realy want a Harley, shoot me now!

[img] [/img]

anagallis_arvensis - Member

One KTM Adventure going up for sale.

£500???

Always carry a headtorch and a high viz vest. This way when you breakdown you will be visible

I used to carry flares....

I used to carry flares....

Setting the Ducati on fire was easier than fixing it ?

I definitely would if I could find a decent older 125 that isn't a bloody nail.

I'd prefer to do it this way than jump straight upto a 600 etc.

Get a Yamaha 125 Supermoto Hora.

Also their lines while giving the best visability can easily put you in the wrong part of the road, ie either in the gutter (grit and punctures) or on the white line and in a position to be wiped out by a dozy driver coming the other way.

only if you are doing it wrong

Safety, Stability then View

+1 it was drummed in our course - never sacrifice safety for position. Plod bike makes little difference first two weeks on mine were on red vfrs

Yamaha 125 Supermoto

Oooo these look nice.

'Course, if the OP is just after a bike for fun, then he should forget tarmac altogether. Buy a slightly tatty crosser for 2k, another few hundred on gear, then find the nearest club running hare and hounds.

I've been doing just that since Nov. Don't use a trailer. My bike was stolen this weekend :sniff:

Or more sedately, a classic trials machine should be available from £500, and there's more of that about as the events are easier to run and need less space.

Even more sedate still, how about Long distance trials?

Oooo these look nice.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Yamaha-WR125-X-Learner-Legal-Supermoto-Style-Less-than-1k-miles-/141322100508?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20e7741f1c

mine is the bigger brother. A slightly fettled and tuned XT660X

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The KTM version is also pretty cool

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-DUKE-125-SUPERMOTO-learner-legal-/321436312498?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4ad718e3b2

[img] [/img]

I definitely would if I could find a decent older 125 that isn't a bloody nail.

Have you ridden a 125 since you were 17 and weighed <75kg? I rode from Oxford to Reading and back on one once, it was intolerably dull and slow as a full grown bloke/fatty, I was worried the local chaingang could catch me on the hills!

Even the 500's aren't so quick as to give you the heebie jeebies once you get past the fact they have more power than a 125 with the throttle barely cracked open.

The pride of owning a 916, the ease of spannering on it, the smile every time you see your bike and fire it up.

classic trials bike for 500 quid? i ll have two dozen, i have the cash and will collect..

my latest drayton bantam build cost me just shy of 7k..

Hora, look at Derbi Terra's Usually can be had for £1k or 1.5k and sold for the same

[img] [/img]

I did my direct access last year - never even been on a 125 before I did my cbt. Passed everything first time with a couple of days training. Cost about £550 all in I think.

I bought a SV650 and have ridden it lots around where I live (france, italy, switzerland, spain ect) loved every minute of it... it's great getting to places that are a pain on cars and its great being on empty roads with sweeping bends and the sun shining down on you.

I'd imagine a lot less days to be had in the UK and I'm moving to Scotland in a few weeks so I'm going to sell it and get a project bike that just comes out for special days.

I'd be tempted by a BMW touring or something for big trips but I think a sporty bike in the UK will spend too much time in the garage.

Any regrets or tips? nope just do your test and have fun!

Passed my Mod 2 for an A licence week. Did the CBT in February, bought a Suzuku DR125SM (for sale if anyone's interested!) and put on about 1300 miles before doing the direct access. Passed mod1 and mod2 first time with clean sheets.

I'm 52, a qualified driving instructor, and thought it would be a good form of "continued professional development" as they like to call it.
It's improved my teaching and my road skills are better too.

I didn't enjoy the CBT and at the end I said that I wouldn't take it any further. However, I felt I'd be quitting if I didn't give it another try and so bought the bike.

Once I'd got past the stage of being nervous of the bike and felt that I was controlling it rather than the other way round I was much happier and have really enjoyed it.

The bigger bike I used on Mod1 and 2 (A Suzuki Gladius) was much easier to ride than the 125 - more manoeuvreable and able to keep up with the traffic.

I'd certainly say do the CBT and see how it goes. It's obviously not for everyone but it's an itch that won't go away until you've scratched it.

Rich.

Well after a 26 year hiatus from bikes (I had a crash on my brothers bike) I decided to do a DAS last year. I managed to put my foot down during my u-ie but passed everything else first time.... The theory test, although a pain to have to do, was actually a good 'refresher' course and I even got something out of the hazard perception bit.

Anyway, I passed the beginning of September and bought a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (I really fancied the Triumph Tiger but it was knocking on £2k more expensive) which I really like. I'm off to take it for a 200 mile round trip to get its 4,000 mile service today. It's fast enough to be scary, but not scary fast (important on a first bike I'd say), has a comfortable position and I've done a couple of 400 mile days. Position is good for view and it's manoeuvrable in the twisties. Gets low 60's mpg too, even with an eager-ish right wrist....

The fun part is actually learning how to ride. Being a v-twin the DL has engine braking which I use all the time. The mate I do most of my riding with is an IAM observer (I've done a couple of IAM club runs too) so I've been pointed in the right direction i.e. 'Roadcraft' lines, keeping the gas on going round corners, filtering and 'positive' steering. I'm now a lot smoother (and faster) than when I started out. I'm comfortable 'making progress' hovering around the speed limit (obviously). The fact my mate rates me as being pretty decent (especially being a new rider) has helped my confidence on the road. It's also helped me notice how crap a lot of other riders out there really are! Mind you, it's quite easy to make mistakes (it's good if you can recognise this fact too) but I think I'm improving

I'm definitely glad I did it (good to face down the crash demons) and like others for me it's an expensive hobby (although I do use it for commuting (a 30+ mile round trip) the majority has been pleasure miles. Been for lunch in Plockton and Lochgoilhead, got plans for the NW & the islands later on.

All in it cost me around £600 for the CBT & DAS plus the theory test. Bike hire and gear (helmet, jacket & gloves) were included. Didn't like the 125 for the CBT. The DAS was on an ER6 which I quite liked. The bigger engine was easier I found and actually having brakes more so...

I've been riding bikes on and off for 28years but decided to pack it all in last year.

They can be good and you can make some good friends. I've also lost two friends through motorcycling, one killed by a car driver and the other we will never know what happened.

As others have said get the best training you can and buy a sensible bike for your first year or few!

I sold my Ducati 749s to a guy who had only just passed his test and when he picked it up I had to wheel it off my flat driveway as he was confident enough to move it backwards by 6 feet! He then rode off looking terrified!

[i]Er... The idea isn't just to gain extra visibility, it's to make use of it (for example, to avoid bits of road covered in grit, or oncoming vehicles). Anyone who finds Roadcraft positioning puts them in danger just hasn't understood how it works. [/i]

Yes, I know that I did the original Bronze/Silver/Gold training over 30 years ago as a 'sop' to my parents when I got my RD250 on 'L' plates. Probably took me a couple of years and two written off bikes to learn properly though 🙂 And then no accident since.

I was making an observation of what I've seen, plus having followed many police bikes over the years of riding.

And, not sure now, but statistically a police rider use to be at an higher risk of an accident when on their own motorcycle compared to your average 'Joe' on theirs.

What Rich says is right - CBT is utter tosh - the bikes are horrid as well - doesn't give much inspiration.

Big bikes are easier to ride and the respect of them is certainly there unless you're a bit simple.

I actually dropped my bike the other week in Italy for the first time since I passed my test.

If you want 1 bit of wisdom - even if you think you are feathering your front brake very softly before going into a junction... then just make sure you are fully aware of the road surface.

I put it down at about 5mph because of a perfect stretch of gravel making me go rubber side up in about 0.2 seconds.. anything under 15mph now I'm just using my rear brake.

SV650 is a great first bike... vtwin engine so lots of torque... its light enough to pick back up (now experienced) and the torque means you don't touch your brakes as much and you can just let the engine brake for you.

I'd get another if I was doing it all again.

Bump stops are your friend - the only damage to the bike when dropped was a snapped rear foot pedal and a small scuff on my mirror.

£30 probably saved me £500.

CBT is utter tosh