Motorbikes for a first timer

125cc scooter! 

Or an electric scooter for those sort of distances. 

Start by looking into the ins & outs of getting a licence....

GS's are just ridiculously big, great bikes but there are better less cool & cheaper bikes especially for commuting - I'd go big scooter myself, perfect for short distances and commuting 

I'm in proper mid life crisis territory, being 50 and am pondering similar. I fancy a single or twin adventure bike, not massively powerful like an older Honda Africa Twin or Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. 

There's a whole slew of small capacity but very capable bikes of 350 to 400cc which have come on to the market in the last few years.  Whilst they are perfect for new riders, a lot of experienced riders are going that way too. Plenty of real world performance, despite unimpressive seeming stats on paper. Lightweight so easy to lug about and manhandle. Frugal on juice (~100mpg for some), cheap to tax, service and insure. Cheap to buy in the first place - less than a high end mtb.

Bike companies have been pushing high performance, high end machines loaded with electronic gizmos for years but there is a real backlash against that and towards "back to basics" motorbiking. People have realised most of that performance is unusable on the road ands gadgets are expensive, distracting and largely unnecessary. Have a look at the Honda GB350, the Triumph speed 400 or scrambler 400 or any of the Royal Enfield 350ccs, Hunter, Meteor, Classic etc.

Triumph 400. Either a Scrambler or a Speed depending on your taste. Water cooled engine so a bit more grunt than an Enfield but in a small, manageable package. 40hp is enough to keep up with motorway traffic but not enough to cost you your license. I've had my Scrambler for a month and it's ace. Last bike was 10 years ago and it was a Ducati Monster with twice the power and I'm not really missing the extra horsepower. Not old enough to be much of a saving on the used market, but a brand new one with full warranty and two years break down cover is under 6 grand. 

What clubby & blokeuptheroad said, they're all great bikes, after dipping my toe in the GS realm I'm more inclined to go for a smaller lighter bike now 

I commute on a Honda ADV 350. I have big bikes too but for the commute you need a bike that is really easy to manoeuvre, has good MPG and being able to store two helmets and other kit in under the seat is a game changer. If you go that route get an EasyBlock lock fitted (and spare fixing bolt in case you get a puncture)

I passed my test at 50 to scratch an itch and beat the oil protestors blocking up the M25.  Bought a Honda Deauville which fitted the bill for motorway commuting, heavy, plenty of fairing but was low powered for a newbie.  Felt big and heavy at first but got used to it over 10k miles in 2 years. Just bought a Triumph Trophy and ruptured my Achillies putting it on the center stand for the first time!  Plenty of time to sit around and regret my decision to get a bigger bike!

Ive doe a lot of track riding and I’ve found that there is a lot to be said for having less power than you need, particularly as you lessen the requirements for traction control etc. I learnt a lot about how to brake deeper, carry more speed and the importance of always being in the perfect gear. You just don’t get that in a 1l hyper rocket, which although it’s a different kind of fun, but robs you of the thinking time you need to make good choices. 

wot johnstell says

I commuted to college for a year on a KTM 390 Duke, in all weathers, and it was tremendous fun. Now have a KTM 990 Supermoto and a R6 track toy but there is still something very endearing about the lightness of a single cylinder bike, and I'd definitely recommend something similar to the 390 Duke for a first timer. Enough power for motorway travel without being insane but also an absolute joy on B roads. It has character that's maybe lacking in a more mundane commuter, e.g. something like a big scooter.

I started about the same time as you OP. Got a KLR650 as that's inside power:weight limits for a new rider in Australia. It was ok, but too heavy for my skill level on the rides I was doing. There were times when I dropped it in the back end of beyond and was tempted to leave it there!

Ended up getting a Yamaha WR250R a couple of years later and it was brilliant. Low power as mentioned abover, but could commute easily and efficiently and ride tight singletrack at the weekend or do trips with guys on big GS and Transalps. Ended up getting another one the same after many thousands of km. After getting into MTB I found i didn't use it for much other than commuting in the end so sold it. 

Father-in-law has a Honda CRF300L which is a similar beast, but with all the torque at low revs which is really nice. If I was going back to it i'd definitely consider one.  

As a life long biker (curretly have a Honda NT1100 after a succession of GS's and an Africa Twin) with your requirements and new rider position, I'd bve inclined to go down the Honda 350adv scooter route. Shaft drive, good weather protection, superb MPG..will sit at the legal limit all day long...perfect for commuting/visiting inlaws etc etc. If you enjoy it and want to go bigger, that'd be easy enough. Starting on something bigger may not be sensible and may oput you off bikes...size/weight/expense/running costs etc

Triumph 400 or Honda 350 would be a good starter but both are fairly new to the market so more spendy.

For a first bike a Royal Enfield might be a good choice, cheap, plentiful and decide on model based on your tastes (meteor, himalaya, etc).

Seen good reviews for the CF motors 400.

Scooters are ok (had a yam 250 and still have two honda c90s) but they are not the same as a bike and if you really want a bike don’t get one, also my 250 yam cost more to insure than my harley sportster does.

i would say whatever takes your fancy. 

if you wanna feel like Rossi, get a sports bike, if you wanna be like Dan Sanders, get a GS, if you wanna feel like McGrath get a motox bike.

they all have compromises of some form. 

I passed my test in my mid thirties, started on a CBR600RR, went to a Husqvarna 701 supermoto and then moved onto a BMW S1000R. After realising it probably wouldnt end well, i sold it and wont get another (self preservation in full effect).

I’d echo the advice above re: massive power is not required. 
i once made a 90 mile journey to my grandparents house, all on A/B roads and literally nothing overtook me for the entire journey. 
on a learner legal 125. 
and i got the pegs down. 
after I passed my test i got a big bike, a derestricted ZZR1100, about 145bhp at the back wheel, which was a lot in the 90s. 
I realised quickly how it was gonna end and chopped in for something smaller. 
40bhp is plenty to keep up with traffic. 
80bhp will leave any normal car up to about a ton. 
wringing the neck of something small is a lot more fun than hanging on for dear life imho. 
suzuki sv650. 
or consider a big scooter, being able to leave your helmet under the seat is a big deal tbh. 

Triumph 400 or Honda 350 would be a good starter but both are fairly new to the market so more spendy.

The Triumph maybe as it's liquid cooled and has more performance and features. The Honda? Not so much. Just shy of 4K, which seems very good value to me.

My first bike was a BMW F650 . The old single cylinder one, it was fast enough to be a bit scary to start with but not too fast and as I got more experienced it was slow enough not to be too fast whilst still able to ride it quite hard. Mainly committed on it. Loved that bike, only sold it as I ****ed my knee crashing the MTB and needed an automatic car to get to work as I worked through two knee ops.

I reckon something under 50hp that is light and your like would be ideal.

A scooter might be the best option for commuting but if it doesn't float your boat get something else.

Depends on the style of bike you want really.

ADV - The Himalayan 411 is plentiful in the 2nd hand market, has huge online resources for helping fix things / parts and is pleasant enough to ride up to and around 60 mph, handles way better than you would expect even with 50/50 tyres on (but you're rarely going much above 55). Ride comfort on the potholed roads is great and the compliance means if you hit something bumpy unexpectedly it doesn't flinch.

Road - The Duke 390 is hellish fun but go for a later one as earlier ones were snatchy at low revs in traffic. On smoother roads it's brilliant, on the rougher stuff it can get a bit unsettled.

Sensible - CB500 - whichever variant floats your boat.

Try a few different types whilst you're learning.

As has already been said, there really is no need more a mega capacity bike as it's just usable on the road.  But saying that, I really do fancy a new Honda CB1000 Hornet at just £9k for a brand new one 🤣 

I currently ride a Yamaha MT-07 which for me, at 5 foot 8, fits me perfectly.  Not big and intimidating, super easy to ride and no electronics other than ABS (which I really recommend).

The CP engines in the Yamahas are it's selling point, really.  Loads of torque low down and no need to push the revs.

But plenty of choice out there, go and test ride some to get a feel.

Maybe try not to decide what bike you want before you have a licence. Your head will be spinning for months before you're even allowed to test ride anything.

Phone your local instructor and book a CBT. Then go through the process of acquiring a licence. There were huge waiting lists for every element when I did mine. It took about 8 months from CBT to MOD 2. Luckily I passed first time.

It's a much, much better feeling to go looking at bikes knowing you can actually buy one and ride it. It's crap falling in love with a certain bike when your licence is still in the distant future.

I really enjoyed doing my CBT, cracking day out as it was the first time I had ridden a geared bike.

I decided to spend some time on a 125 before going for my bigger licence and bought a Honda CB125F which was super fun!  And didn't lose too much when I sold it.

I had lots of fun on that 125, I'm glad I went that route.  Of course you may wish to go big straight away, but having a 125 allowed me to get and ride and put less urgency on doing A1 training.

Posted by: martymac

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or consider a big scooter, being able to leave your helmet under the seat is a big deal tbh.

It is, but choose your ride carefully.  Not all girls are into that sort of thing.

Posted by: smokey_jo

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Sensible - CB500 - whichever variant floats your boat.

My first (only) bike, 1995 vintage.  It was a good purchase, the only faults were a worthless drum brake out back and I longed for a bikini faring.  I took to using a tank bag on motorway journeys, even if it was empty, just to act as a windbreak.  Other than that I couldn't fault it, legendary Honda build quality and it was quick without being stupid.

Maybe try not to decide what bike you want before you have a licence. Your head will be spinning for months before you're even allowed to test ride anything.

Phone your local instructor and book a CBT. Then go through the process of acquiring a licence. There were huge waiting lists for every element when I did mine. It took about 8 months from CBT to MOD 2. Luckily I passed first time.

It's a much, much better feeling to go looking at bikes knowing you can actually buy one and ride it. It's crap falling in love with a certain bike when your licence is still in the distant future.

+1

Don't listen too much to people saying get a maxi-scooter, get a tourer, get a sports bike, get a classic, get this, get that........

You can be sensible and still buy something that you actually want, just get something smaller in a similar style.  BMW do 400 and 650 GS style bikes, plenty of 650cc sports twins that won't intimidate like a pure 600, 650cc 'classic' Enfield's or the new Himalayan.

I bought an 883, between those that are tribally obliged to laugh at Harleys, those that are obliged top laugh at sportsters, and those obliged to laugh at small capacity sportsters you start to question the sanity of it. But then you'd get exactly the same on a ~600cc Ducati Monster with people deriding it's capacity, it's general Ducati-ness, it's naked-ness, etc.

It's your decision, buy what'll make you happy, or at least make your own mistakes. Just don't buy the most powerful bike you can get your hands on.  Even 50Hp and weighing a quarter of a ton the 883 will beat just about anything with 4 wheels away from the lights.

I decided to spend some time on a 125 before going for my bigger licence and bought a Honda CB125F which was super fun!  And didn't lose too much when I sold it.

I had lots of fun on that 125, I'm glad I went that route.  Of course you may wish to go big straight away, but having a 125 allowed me to get and ride and put less urgency on doing A1 training.

I have an 883 as well, after over thirty years of riding bikes it’s one of my favourite bikes and probably the only one I’ll never sell. I commute into london on mine and it’s fine for that (although my c90 is faster (it’s actually faster than most big bikes as it is so nimble). I’ve done London to SW Ireland on it and it was great for that too. I had a boneville 800 when they first came out and it’s a  very similar vibe and ride.

Gave up Motorcycling last year after 22 years of Motorbike Commuting. 

had some great times and also some bad times. 

Commuting in Winter was mostly ok apart from Beast from the East in 2018 which was absolutely horrific riding in the snow. But when it was sunny and dry it was fantastic.

Ive had various Bikes Aprilia RS125 Honda NS125R, Honda CBR 125, Hyosung GT250R, GSXR 750, Suzuki GSR 600, Suzuki Bandit 650 and then my last two bikes have both been Kawasaki Ninja 650's (A more modern looking ER6F) Which were fantastic to commute on. 

Do your CBT and Bike test and see how you like it. Do not go and buy a 200 BHP Supersports as your first bike. If you like the look of the BMW GS. Maybe look at the Entry level Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki VSTROM 650, BMW F810 GS or the Triumph Tiger 600

Plenty of power for a new rider. 

It really is a brilliant time for smaller bikes... I started out in the early 2000s so like everyone else got an SV650, which to my surprise I kept instead of "upgrading" to an R1 or something, and actually still have. Hello sv650.org people! But these days there's so many sensible but also great "first bikes" of the sort that you can get on with easily on day 1 but still be riding 50000 miles later, it's awesome. I did the 125>big big route and I do think it was the smarter option back then, I put in I think 2 years all round on the 125 and had a really good time on it and learned a ton, but again that gap's closed.

One thing I found is that all sorts of biking basically fitted into the same time and headspace for me, which is why I stopped motorbiking- on a nice weekend or evening I was out on the mountain bike, if I wanted to spanner on something I'd fanny about with a pushbike. Money, too! They seemed complementary on paper but ended up directly competing. YMMV of course. I keep telling myself I'll get the bike out of the shed and get it going but realistically that's not going to happen, unless I end up not being able to pedal.

I miss- long rides, trackdays, modifying stuff, and most of all the social side. Which tbf is so much better than pushbikes (and cars) it's unreal. Every few weeks I was out on a group ride, couple of times a year a massive one, ended up running some in fact. Just absolutely loved it. I don't miss- commuting, city riding, rain, winter. 

Had a similar conversation with my brother the other day.  He is in his 50's and had motorbikes since he was 14.  Anything from triumphs, hayabusa, stepthroughs, vespas and everything in between.  

He was in the market for a general runaround recently and the Honda GB350s was his choice.  Said it did everything he wanted with ease and he didnt understand everyones fascination with bigger and bigger bikes with more and more tech.

Each to their own but this tends to go with what an earlier poster said about experienced bikers going back to basics.  Picks his new bike up on Wednesday

Posted by: Northwind

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Hello sv650.org people!

Whaadup Mr Northy.

I've had six-ish years out of the saddle following a combo of new baby / lack of time / picking the mountain bike 99% of the spare time of a sunny weekend. But as is always the case at this time of year I've got the itch again. 

I really don't have the need or want for another face-melting 150bhp + superbike in my life just now. And as much as I really hanker for the longer trips (that something like the new Transalp or an older GS would be ideal for), I still just don't have the free time. Or garage space.

Current front-runners are either the aforementioned Honda GB350S - which I love the look of. Or either the Triumph Speed 400 or Scrambler 400x, both with double the pony power of the Honda but not as pretty (imo).

Something fun. Simple to get back on again and re-sharpen the skills etc without having to man-handle a brute of a thing whilst it all feels alien and weird. 

Would echo the SV650 (in whatever form - older ones / Gladius / V-Strom) - they're great beginner bikes.

Interesting reading, I'm currently learning for my CBT and looking at 125's. I'm not a speed demon and figure I want something small to mid-size for getting out with the wind in my face on a sunny sunday afternoon. Nice to hear that I'm, on the right track.

Huh? How does one "learn for a CBT"?  That's your start point, you start learning after a CBT.

Have things radically changed since I passed?

Current front-runners are either the aforementioned Honda GB350S - which I love the look of. Or either the Triumph Speed 400 or Scrambler 400x, both with double the pony power of the Honda but not as pretty (imo)

The Honda looks beautiful in the flat paint and I love the look of the air cooled engine but it as just too low in power for me. The engine in the Triumphs swung it for me, despite the price difference. For a smaller bike, the seat on the Honda also felt weirdly wide at the front. Wasn’t noticeable when riding but it made it difficult for me to get both feet down. Between the Triumphs, I preferred the looks of the Scrambler, it’s also roomier than the Speed. The faux off road tyres are also brilliant on the crappy back roads covered in tractor muck, potholes and gravel patches. 

Did my refresher training on a SV650 and it was cracking. Engine reminded me of my old Ducati. Looks just didn’t do it for me though. 

I don’t think any of them would be a wrong choice. 

Currently going through this with my wife. She has always wanted to ride motorbikes and passed her CBT last year. Personally I think that she'd be better spending some time on a 125 but she is adamant that she wants to go and do her "big" bike test as soon as possible. I passed my test years ago and currently have a Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog. When she passes she Is going to have my Royal Enfield Scram 411 ( an ideal first bike as long as you don't do much motorway riding). 

Huh? How does one "learn for a CBT"?  That's your start point, you start learning after a CBT.

I get your point, and would add that you keep learning, long after your test and any advance training you do. In fact, as long as you ride. However, some pre-learning if only theoretical, before you do your CBT would be sensible imo.  Being aware of the syllabus, what's expected of you, kit needed, an idea of what all the controls do, boning up on the highway code, that sort of thing. 

Not essential I know, but I'm one of those people who likes to research and prepare before I do new stuff, others are more laissez faire and happy to turn up without the vaguest clue of what's involved. Which is fair enough on a CBT as of course you'll be told what you need to know.  But maybe being prepared means you have a slightly easier, less stressful time of it?  Perhaps that's what the poster you quoted meant by "learn for a CBT"?

Gave up riding 24 years ago when I took up looking after my wife full time. Back then was a GPz900r.

previous to that was a succession of fast or big bikes. When she recently passed away the itch came

back with a vengeance so off to the dealers I go … one Sunday visit, several £k’s later the somewhat

panicked me owns a KTM 390 adv. as a “starter” bike I reckon it’s ace. Nice riding position, enough oommmpphhhh to stay with traffic easily, good on fuel. The only problem - the seat ! Omg what a

Medieval torture device 🤪

Got some saddle time in and have traded up to the 790 version. At 95bhp that’s about all I’m ever 

going to need and more than enough for the plans of distance touring. 

on the whole I’d say the 390 would probably make a great starting point in any biking career 😁😁

Lots of good advice above. I can only say what I did don't kill me, but almost did... I did my full license then bought a Yamaha MT09 from a mate. 

Great fun. Lots of scary. Wouldn't recommend to be honest. 

I'd just do the license then decide what type of bike you would want.  You'll probably see the intensive 1 week courses but if you're in no rush i'd just do it over a couple of months to avoid the stress and high upfront costs.  Most schools will do a CBT and then a taster lesson for the bigger bike to see if it is for you.

I haven't got a bike at the moment and not too fussed.  I loved commuting by bike but hybrid working has stopped the need to go in 5 days a week where it made sense to have a bike.  Just going out for a ride didn't entertain me enough and I couldn't take the partner or dog and it isn't as fun as my mtb.  If i get time away from my commitments then I'm on my MTB.

I'd love to go on some adventures and aim to get somewhere rather than just a loop but not sure where I'd get the time.

Depends what you want from motorbiking as to what bike you'd like.  Do you have any mates that ride? 

I picked up my new bike on Monday this week. A Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, I love it. 

it's not my first bike got my licence in 2021, I've had an ER6n, a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and A Vstrom 1000 so far, but this is spot on for a new rider in my opinion. 

Meteor was great but a bit too slow, I nearly went for the new honda but it's the same 20bhp so I know I would have been a bit frustrated. This is 40bhp, a bit quicker than the triumph 400s according to youtube drag races and it's a bit bigger so less toy like, but still very manageable, feels similar size wise to the ER6.

£4950 OTR, still running in obviously but it's quick enough off the mark even limited to 4k RPM, top speed is limited to 50mph for the first 300 miles, can't wait to get the first service done. Been approached by 3 older gents asking questions about it in the 2 days I've been out on it, and I've only been to work and Taco Bell 😂

Here it is

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

That's lovely Prawny 👌

I'd be tempted to add an additional green stripe to make it Rasta 😊🙏

Another former SV650s owner here, and SV650.org forum member too. Even went to a few of the meets!

That Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 above looks lovely 😎 

^^^ What he said lol

Makes me want to get my licence and get a bike looking at that lol

Cheers guys, it really is a lovely thing. Had to pop to the post office at lunch and took the bike just because I wanted to, not had that feeling with any of my other bikes, I really think it would make a perfect first bike. 

Sadly because it's a commuter I'll soon be ruining it by fitting a top box and rack, but at least when I'm riding it I won't have to look at it.

Posted by: Lorne Gray

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Sadly because it's a commuter I'll soon be ruining it by fitting a top box and rack

*Reported to RSPCM 😭😉

Huh? How does one "learn for a CBT"?  That's your start point, you start learningaftera CBT.

Depends how you learn, if you're the kind of person who can learn from a lecture then it's probably fine to just turn up and be taught.  Personally I learn by doing stuff so it works better for me when I can learn the syllabus for this sort of thing in advance and then just use classroom training days to ask questions. 

The two times I did my CBT the people who didn't complete it had either no experience of bikes and couldn't get familiar with the controls / slow speed stuff quickly enough to go out on the road in the afternoon. Or the opposite, a kid who'd ridden MX bikes, but had zero knowledge of the highway code.  So there's certainly value for some people in doing some prep for the day.

And obviously :

Posted by: Cougar

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Huh? How does one "learn for a CBT"?  That's your start point, you start learning after a CBT.

Have things radically changed since I passed?

This depends entirely on your existing knowledge and skills, you're supposed to preprepare with highway code stuff, if you don't know the basics your instructor is entitled to refuse to take you on the road. Some people already have that, some people don't. 

OK

Current fleet, blue commuter c90, harley, 883 touring Ireland, red c90 that lives in Kerry and 1968 bantam that lives in kerry and seldom runs!!!,

Edit, ffs how complicated is it to add images to this forum

Even 50Hp and weighing a quarter of a ton the 883 will beat just about anything with 4 wheels away from the lights.

Might have been true before EVs became popular, even with 120bhp & 300kg incl rider, I don't find it's a given these days.