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Vortex, love the look of that Triumph btw
I’m in the process of (hopefully) acquiring my full licence at the moment. 40 years old and wanted a bike for years but wife had always vetoed it.
CBT was fun and fairly basic, the theory test was fairly easy too. A bit of revision but a lot of the knowledge comes from driving cars for 20 years.
I start my DAS on Monday and have already bought a 650!
When you upgrade you need to upgrade to this ... 😀
Honda Goldwing 2018 - I think Honda redesigned to reduce the weight a little.
I prefer my Goldwing!!
I prefer my Goldwing!!
Very nice looking classic Goldwing 😀
The modern version looks like the "transformer" that will turn into a talking robot. 😀
That said I already want to trade it in for a Royal Enfield Himalayan
Oddly, just had a sit on one of these at Robinson's of Rochdale at lunchtime.
They look fantastic, and I really fancy one, despite all the issues with the original carbed models.
However.
3000 mile service intervals for the valves. The service cost for this is less than £150, usually nearer to £100, but it's still crazily short for a modern bike.
They've sold loads and showed me all the work carried out at various services. No one's had any serious problems, yet. 🙂
Have a motorway commute and 24hp and a realistic 70mph is just a bit lacking.
Finish is a bit mixed - full stainless steel pipe, but it looks like it's been knocked up in a shed and the clocks look cheap.
No clutch cable adjuster at the lever.
Oddest of all, I'd read somewhere that the spokes, even though at first glance a straight pull design are actually slightly bent as they leave the hub. And upon inspection, yes they are. Why? Someone spec the wrong rims or hubs?
Heart says yes, head says run up the road to the Honda dealer and look for a secondhand CB500X.
In the time-honoured tradition of recommending what you've got - I've just bought a nearly new BMW F800R Sport. I wanted something smaller and lighter than my Tiger 800, but which could still handle a pillion. I really wanted a Street Triple (I've had 7 Triumphs in the last 17 years!), but my OH hated the pillion provision (can't blame her). Anyway, after getting used to the unusual engine noise, I really like it. It's quick enough, handles beautifully and as a bonus is incredibly economical.
Well, last Thursday I went to a "novice introduction" for a couple of hours of 1-2-1 coaching. Rode a 125 around a few cones at Dunsfold until the instructor was happy, and then we went for a spin around the perimeter road. It all seemed to go pretty smoothly, I even got as far as counter-steering. The hardest thing for me was the low-speed control, and adjusting my brain away from the MTB method of braking.
I will shortly book my CBT, and I'm actually thinking of getting a cheap 125 to commute and practice on for a while before I try for the big bikes. I'd like to get the clutch control and braking fully into muscle memory before I try anything more powerful.
Nice one.
Exactly the route I went down. I did a year on the 125 to get my confidence up.
One thing on Clutch control- on the 125 you can dump the clutch when shifting. On a big bike you will learn to feed the clutch. Really quickly.
Something like a Yamaha YBR125 is a great choice for the commuter bike. Mine was great, and so cheap to run.
Also- good 125's retain their value- I think I only lost £200 on the year with my YBR.
Normandy Motorcycles stock a lot of 125's and they are great guys. Definitely worth a visit, and just down the road.
Paul
My advice would be do a DAS course, buy something that actually you have some enthusiasm for. Ride it for a few weekends to get a feel for it. You might think its hard to start it will get easier.
Give it a chance is the big bit of advice, it will take time to get the right setup and the right kit etc. Once you do though if its for you (and its not for everyone) it will change your life 🙂
Black clouds outside and I have the Take the BMW for some warranty work this afternoon, with the right bike and the right kit it doesn't really matter.
@allthegear you had any problems with yours?
You don't need to worry about a clutch on the upshifts once you're above 1st, maybe 2nd depending on the bike
I found moving to a big bike so much easier. The bike was comfier, heavier, yet smoother and easier to ride. Strange I know. That was on my DAS moving from a 125 to a 500. Went straight onto an SV650s after I passed
You don’t need to worry about a clutch on the upshifts once you’re above 1st, maybe 2nd depending on the bike
Great advice for someone looking to pass their test 😀
Maybe if you added something along the lines of...roll off the throttle slightly if not using the clutch on upshifts... Better to learn how to use the clutch properly ime
I could quite easily see how you could only get 1500 miles out of a rear on an MT-10 with a soft sports tyre. I have seen off a Rosso Corsa in a little over 2000 not riding stupidly on my Tuono V4.
I have had a couple of pairs of Metzler Roadtec 01's on the S1000XR recently, sport touring tyre. They last probably 4000miles. I get about 3000 from a Rosso II. I think I am going to go back to a sportier tyre, the sports touring tyres may last a bit longer but the profile is not as nice a a sports tyre even from the start, even worse when it squares off a bit. So think I will give the Metzler M7RR a go next. They may last a 1000 or so miles less but they are actually cheaper than 01's so swings and roundabouts. Just a pain when on a long tour.
I found moving to a big bike so much easier. The bike was comfier, heavier, yet smoother and easier to ride.
Same. Did my CBT as part of a Direct Access course a few years ago. No immediate plans to buy a road bike, just wanted to be able to and the option to do road sections on the trials bike. 3rd CBT I think - couple of stints on L-Plates when I was younger, never took the test.
Riding around on the 125, I kept thinking "Why am I doing this?!" All the practical drawbacks of biking v. hopping in the car swam to the surface, and it wasn't even any fun!
Different story on the 500, though, felt like it was supposed to, as above - comfier, smoother, enough power (only 47bhp) rather than not enough. Definitely an "Aha!" moment getting out of town on that one.
I'm now selling the trials bike, but keeping the CBR1000F I bought off my brother shortly after I passed. There's a recommendation. Good introduction to big bikes. It's big and heavy, but very smooth power delivery and very predictable handing. Traditional Honda build quality, so high mileage examples shouldn't be an issue. Some people slag them off for being boring, but they've got a lot of fans in the people who ride them.
Probably doesn't tick your boxes, I commute 50 miles into London every now and then, and it's not ideal for nipping in and out of traffic. 40mpg ish too.
I will shortly book my CBT, and I’m actually thinking of getting a cheap 125 to commute and practice on for a while before I try for the big bikes
This is what I did for 6 months over winter to see if commuting by bike was something I wanted to do long term. If you buy a second hand 125 and look after it you wont loose too much on exchange.
@Euro - my comment re clutchless changes was aimed at tootalpaul who doesn't appear to be a novice rider
My CBT instructor was useless, my proper DAS instructor was much better. Quick top tips for slow speed moving
- slightly more revs, slip clutch, use rear brake (right foot). That keeps it balanced and upright
- look where you want to go. If you're doing a u-turn turn your head and look at the exit. Trust me, the bike will just follow. don't look down
Wish my CBT instructor had told me that
I did mt CBT in April 2014 then got a 125 to commute to work, did that for 6 months then passed the full test in October 2014. Got myself a cheap little Honda CB400 to commute on, went to Wales/Devon/Belgium and Germany on it:
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Then got an Aprilia Tuono as a nice summer bike to keep it company:
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/816/40972032012_8209373b4b_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/816/40972032012_8209373b4b_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Then I sold the CB400 and replaced it with a 5th gen VFR800, commuted on that and did a 3000 mile Alps trip on it:
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36623709161_b0d2105757_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36623709161_b0d2105757_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
The, after 45k+ miles of commuting/touring I changed jobs to one 2 miles away 6 months ago and got rid of the VFR, which just leaves me with the Tuono and I'll soon have a winter commuter in the form of a Subaru Legacy Spec B. 🙂 4 winters of commuting was enough, if I was still doing 200 miles a week I reckon I had another 1-2 winters on a bike in me.
May I suggest a Panigale?
Cougar
Subscriber
As far as I’m aware you cannot fail a CBT – it’s Compulsory Basic Training. If you do “fail” you’ll be invited to come back the next day. At least, that’s what I was told when I did mine.
Well, people always say that but if you do the training and don't get the pass certificate what is that if it's not a fail?
I gave up bikes @ 35 & have not really missed them at all , kinda weird as I absolutely lived for them since I was a teenager. Been semi interested in an XR 400 for a bit but the prices people are asking for them is a joke & I don't care how great the classic air cooled traily is I aint forking 2k + for a 20 year old bike.
However recently these have caught my eye , I think it looks the dogs & there is some bargains out there 3k for something a year old with a few hundred miles is possible.
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That is one nice KTM
I'm 3 months and 3000 miles into Duke 390 ownership. Commuting 70 miles a day and all I can say is that it is a fantastic bike. It's the perfect amount of power for UK speed limits, enough grunt for motorways and safe overtakes on single carriageway roads but I doubt it would top 90mph, immense fun on the B roads and almost as nimble as a pushbike around town. I've had a big V-twin cruiser, scooters, an 80s classic, a sports-tourer and a supersport, but the Duke is rapidly becoming my favourite. Get one vongassit, you'll love it.
I really like the Duke 390. Cracking looking little bike, I'd like one but wouldn't want to sell my Blade, and don't have room for 2 (or time to ride both)
Well. I passed on Friday morning and went to pick up my bike in the afternoon. Did 90 miles on it Friday and commuted on it yesterday. I bought a 2008 er6n. Brilliant fun so far.
Good stuff 👍 get a pic up then!
400's are great fun and perfect for the road - fast enough up to 80 to beat 95% of cars (5 seconds 0-60) and yet only do 110-120 tops so you can thrash it around in every gear and not be doing stupid speeds. And they're so light they handle brilliantly.
Congratulations! Well done!
Well done Andy!
I passed my MOD 1 last week, MOD 2 is coming up shortly...
I was thinking of getting a Yamaha MT-07 or Honda CB650 or similar - but I do like the look of the KTM 390. And sounds like the power of these size machines is good and being a bit lighter certainly makes them a tempting choice...
Well I'm currently trying to come up with ideas why I shouldn't buy the KTM. Winters on it's way & our roads suck! are the 2 best so far ,closly followed by your a fkn idiot on a motorcycle : ) That 1 should probably be at the top of the list.
Loving the look of that KTM Duke, stunning bike.
Did my CBT last year and A licence in July. Was going to get a Suzuki SV650 or Yamaha MT07 but ended up with a 16 plate Triumph Street Triple R 675. Loving the smooth 3 cylinder engine.
STR is a wondrous bike
Picking this chunky beast up at the weekend. It was a Cat N, and the only damage seems to be a dent in the tank.
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1848/43845152865_8be865210b_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1848/43845152865_8be865210b_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/29NrSpt ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/79912681@N06/ ]kayak23[/url], on Flickr
It's a retro retro GSX750W. Year 2000, and retro when it was bought out and now even retroerer. It's in fantastic condition for its age and only 15k.on clock.
It'll compliment my 1982 Gsx400f well and will now be the youngster bike 😁
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/42944309620_82bfc5cc50_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/42944309620_82bfc5cc50_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/28qQP6o ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/79912681@N06/ ]kayak23[/url], on Flickr
Both will have modifications along the way. Thinking about a flat tracker build for the 750.
I like the GSX. I so want a "muscle" bike...
CBT booked for this Sunday. The forecast is not looking grand.
Good luck! 🙂
So, I did my CBT yesterday. Eventually it was great.
In the morning, there were 4 of us, with one instructor. Another was scheduled for later in the day to accompany us on the mandatory road ride section. The other 3 lads were complete novices, never having so much as sat on a bike before. They also were not car drivers. I had already done the recommended complete novice intro.
The first theory session was fine, just what we expected. Here are the controls, this is what you need to wear etc. The first practical session was slow, and even the instructor was getting a little frustrated, although he did a good job of hiding it. We were well behind by the time we got to lunch - a couple of the lads were having serious issues with the clutch control, and that stopped us moving on to any kind of manoeuvres. Frustratingly, I felt like I was making good progress on the exercises, but ended up waiting around for 20 minutes at a time while the rest of them pootled around the cones. Not their fault at all, as complete novices, but it was winding me up.
At the first break, instructor #1 told us that we probably wouldn't complete the course in the day, because we were all struggling so much. Not much I could do, but I wasn't happy.
Thankfully, at that point, Instructor #2 turned up and we went out on to the airfield again to try u-turns. I'd had some lunch by then, and my brain was working again, so I had no trouble. The instructors decided that I should go down to my own patch of tarmac and just practise what I wanted while we waited for the others to catch up. After a while, #2 came over to me and said "Look, I want to try and get you out on the road today - it's a shame that you've had to wait around so much." so while the others went back to the classroom to do the Highway Code gubbins, #2 took me around some fake junctions, watched me to an emergency stop, check I was ok with the gears etc. We had a really quick dash through the road theory - I was fine on that due to years of car driving (and a couple of police-mandated "awareness" days...), and at half three, we just got out onto the West Surrey road network.
All fine, all fun. I was regularly convinced I was going faster than I actually was. Enjoyed some curves, the road surface was a bit mulchy in places due to the horrendous weather that morning. At one point I got a corner wrong: left hand bend, tightening, slightly greasy surface, MASSIVE pile of horse **** bang in the centre of the lane, exactly half way through the turn. I found myself on the wrong side of the road, having had a complete failure to process all the issues quickly enough. But I think (and #2 agreed) that that did me a favour. I saw how quickly things can go unexpected, and how my brain reacts, especially when everything is still so new to me.
Got back to the office at 5:30, got handed my certificate and a handshake, and was very pleased with myself.
And massive credit to Barry @ Ridesure training (at Dunsfold) for going out of his way, and staying late just so I could make the progress I needed to, and being a constant, informative chatterer in my ear throughout the whole ride.
Right. Shopping...
Incidentally, having been told about counter-steering on my previous session, I decided to deliberately emply it on my mountain bike on Saturday morning. Good grief can I now change direction quickly!
Two of the basic ways you can change direction on a bike.
A) countersteer,
B) Weight the footppegs.
You've tried the countersteering now see the difference when you weight the pegs.
You can try both on a bicycle so try it on your MTB .
Before any of the Super-Moto or track day gods chime in,yes there's rear wheel steering etc.But it's probably best to stick to the basics for a few months...
well done
is it the direct access next?
Two of the basic ways you can change direction on a bike.
A) countersteer,
B) Weight the footppegs
Wasn’t it the Keith code race school that had a bike with a welded steering head to demonstrate that weighting the pegs is not a method of steering. Transfer of body weight may help your other steering inputs (and fairly marginal use for normal road riding) but it’s not steering on it’s own
I passed my Module 1 recently and I started my Module 2 training this weekend (more to follow this week).
Although bigger bikes are a bit daunting at first (just size/weight) they are just as easy to ride as a 125cc (if not easier). I'm still learning the ropes but the first Mod 2 session was great fun 🙂
well done
is it the direct access next?
Eventually. My plan was to ride a 125 around for a whole so I make all my mistakes at low speed, then DAS early next year when the days are getting shorter again.
Good work, pig! Glad they turned it round for you. I did my direct access with then a few years ago. Nice lot.
@16stonepig Honestly don't waste your time on the 125, if you can afford to do the DAS now just do it. Then if you are not feeling you want to get something fancy by a cheap CB500 or such like and ride that. It will just ride a lot better than a 125.
Edited to add
Well done on the CBT 🙂