Motorbike licence

martinwitnam

Well having sat on a section of the M25 that normally takes me about fifty minutes, for about three hours and watched all the motorbikes weave their way past me, I've decided that it may be time to get my licence. It's also a bit of a mid-life thing.
Firstly how hard is it to get your licence?
And secondly any advice on a sporty looking 600!

andy162

If you want to ride a 600cc bike the only route is to do a "Direct Access" test. First it's you'll need to do a CBT, this is a straightforward basic test to ensure you have the basic skills required to ride a bike. Next it's a theory test & then your Direct Access test.

The best way forward is to sign up with a motorbike school & do an intensive course. The tests have got progressively more difficult over the years & they're are different licenses depending on age & what type of bike you want to ride.

If you're over 21 & want to ride a full power 600 you'll need to do direct access. Regards bikes....Honda CBR600 RR would be my choice. Suzuki's SV 650 is a sporty, novice friendly machine.

martinwitnam

As I said this is a mid-life thing so I'm getting on.
Have you done your m/bike licence andy?

Mynameisdann

Martin take a walk into lagunas in ashford they should have a few nice bikes

600 wise the sporty ones tend to be

Zx-6
Gsxr 600
R6
Cbr600

they should also be able to point you in the direction of a decent training school.

andy162

martinwitnam wrote:

As I said this is a mid-life thing so I'm getting on.
Have you done your m/bike licence andy?

I passed my test in '94. It was a lot less complicated then. I did a 3 day course. I jumped off the schools CG125 & bought a CBR600. I was 21 at the time & stopped riding in 2007. I only ever owned sports bikes & for the most part enjoyed them. Never fell off on the road(a few close shaves tho'). I stopped road riding in 2004 & raced/did trackdays 'til 2007. Wouldn't have another bike now.

kettrinboy

Mynameisdann wrote:

Martin take a walk into lagunas in ashford they should have a few nice bikes

600 wise the sporty ones tend to be

Zx-6
Gsxr 600
R6
Cbr600

they should also be able to point you in the direction of a decent training school.

you could also consider a Triumph Daytona 600/650 secondhand or the current Daytona 675 triple/ 675 Street Triple if you wanted to buy British, the Street Triple in particular has had rave reviews in all the bike mags.

softlad

andy162 wrote:

Wouldn't have another bike now.

same here. I stopped road riding in 2002 after one too many close shaves - I came to the conclusion it was only a matter of time before I got hospitalised, or worse. No plans on buying another......

The bike test has changed so much since I first did it that I wouldn't even know where to begin if I was taking it again now...

tebbit

I have been riding since the 80's, I only stopped when I moved abroad getting rid of the R1, if it is a commuting bike consider Yamaha's Fazer, if you don't want to spend too much a second hand bandit, no fairing so it limits your speed. I used to commute on a variety of machines ranging from a Honda Cb125s, through a number of BSA B series singles, CBRs 600s and Blades and finally an R1.

I felt more of a potential victim on the BSA and a perpetrator on the R1 or Blade.

Smokin Joe

I passed my test when it was a couple of trips round the block with the examiner watching from the roadside. I packed up riding four years ago, just lost interest and sold the bike. I even rode as a cycle race escort a few time just before they set up the Motorcycle Escort Group, and even went part way through the course before moving house got in the way.

I would not advise anyone to start off with a sportsbike. The power and speed available have to be experienced to be believed and unless you drive a very exotic car it will be beyond anything you have experienced before. Modern bikes are so stable that it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security and ride way too fast for your ability. Many middle aged bikers who jumped onto a high powered machine straight after passing their test have lost theit lives when they found that in an emergency a bike cannot corner or brake anything like a car.

Any 500 will easily top 100mph, out drag all but the fastest cars but have a smooth power curve that is less likely to get an inexperienced rider into trouble.

tiny_pens

Test isn't too hard if you have a decent road sense (which you normally get through years of riding a road bike)

I'll add Yamaha Fazer into the sports 600 mix. Nice engine and potentially a little more practical than some. Also there seems to be a large choice of second hand ones so the prices can be a little cheaper.

Less plastic to replace when you drop it (everyone I know drops their first bike, mine happened when I moved the bike into the garage and didn't check the side stand was fully down before leaning parking it) and easier to clean in the winter.

stannie

There are plenty of 600cc sports bikes - take a look around a few dealers and see which you prefer. I have a Honda CBR600RR - which would be fine as a first bike as long as you are capable of keeping your throttle hand under control. ( I also have a Ducati). I would recommend a naked 600 as a first bike though - easier riding position and not as much damage WHEN you drop it.

As for taking your test, there is now a two part test ( as well as a theory test). It can be done in a few weeks as part of a course, or can be done in a more traditional way as regular lessons.
You can even get on a smaller 125cc bike by just doing a day's training, practise yourself and then take your test when you are ready.


Take a look at this site


http://www.geton.co.uk


every thing you need to know should be there.

softlad

Smokin Joe wrote:

Any 500 will easily top 100mph, out drag all but the fastest cars but have a smooth power curve that is less likely to get an inexperienced rider into trouble.

+1

if I ever did get another bike, it would be something like an SV or DL650...both would be great commuter bikes and if ridden well, would easily out-ride newbies on their R1s or ZX10s on 'real' roads....

rf6

I've been riding for over ten years. I honestly don't know much about getting through the test now, apart from it is not cheap. There's some good advice on here;, sports bikes look the business, and are flipping good fun, but for a novice, may be too much.

Also, the other bikes mentioned do have a better commuting position. I would suggest something along the lines of a CB500, Bandit, SV or a Fazer. You should get a good deal on a second hand one. A good bike shop will know a good school, and should also suggest a few good bikes for your needs.

The only other thing I'd say is extra training is well worth the money. Police forces do one day course, IAM and Rospa lessons are good, or you can go do a track day, which will get you very familiar with your bike in a relatively safe environment.

proto

My advice would be go the Direct Access route, but don't get a 600 sports bike.

1) they are much too fast for beginner. 160+mph and acceleration to match. And it's the latter that will catch you out.

2) You will drop it. Everybody does. At £200.00 per panel a stationary drop at the end of your drive can prove very expensive.

So, I suggest a 600 Bandit, Hornet or probably the best bet, an older 600 Fazer. Good bike, small fairing to take make commuting a tad more comfortable, more than fast enough for some fun. Cheap and easy to maintain.

If you just want a work horse get a CB500. Bombproof very capable and surprisingly quick.

If after a year or so, you want something more exciting then go the sportsbike route. I'm going in the opposite dirrection, sold my Fireblade last year, bought a naked BMW 1150R which I had 6 weeks (way too heavy). Now having fun on a Buell XB12S Lightning

guinea

I got a 125cc Honda Varadero and rode that for the best part of a year on L plates before doing my Direct Access. The Varadero is a big 125, gets you used to handling the weight of a big bike.

I failed my first test due to leaving an indicator on after waiting a very long time at a junction. Passed 2nd time no problem the week before the new test came out.

My first big bike was a BMW F800R. A naked street bike, lots of poke, and amazing efficiency. I though about the usual Bandit, SV, Hornet, ER-6 but in the end just chose the one I like the look of best.

Trust me, a 'slow' 600-800 is still going to pretty much smoke any car you'll encounter at a set of traffic lights. 0-60 in 1st gear takes ~3.5 seconds. A sporty inline-4 bike usually develops it's power at high revs which you rarely get to, a torquey twin has a far more accessible power band so you can get to play with the power more often.

nasahapley

I'm going to be contrary and say get whatever bike you like the look of best - if that's a sports 600 then get that. My first bike was a GSX-R600 and I loved every minute of it. I'll admit that when I first got it I was sh1tting myself because of all the stories I'd heard about it being 'too powerful for a first bike' and the unsuitable riding position for a beginner, but it was no problem at all. I really don't see the point in getting a naked 500 or 600 for a first bike if you don't really want one - as others have said they're still fast enough to get you in trouble if you act a prat, you'll only chop it in after a year and take a financial hit when you do that - and if you're worried about dropping it at slow speed (I never have), then stick some crash bungs on it.

One thing I will say, though, is if you're getting a bike with the intent of being a road warrior and treating the road like a racetrack then best stick to 50cc tops! If you're able to admit that you need to go easy for a while to start with, then there's no reason not to get a sports 600. Yeah they'll do 160 and out accelerate near enough any car out there, but only if YOU make them.

I've got the GSX-R750 now and tbh I'm not sure I'll ever buy anything else (other than another GSX-R750!)

Tom Butcher

I'd get something with a decent fairing - I'd actually get a large capacity scooter but as you are talking about sports bikes I'm guessing that isn't going to appeal. I used to commute on a naked 500 Kawasaki down the M69 and after being buffeted by the wind for 45 minutes I didn't arrive feeling fresh and ready to work - and that's without it raining.

ride_whenever

martinwitnam wrote:

Well having sat on a section of the M25 that normally takes me about fifty minutes, for about three hours and watched all the motorbikes weave their way past me, I've decided that it may be time to get my licence. It's also a bit of a mid-life thing.
Firstly how hard is it to get your licence?
And secondly any advice on a sporty looking 600!

From some one who has had a few to many motorbikes, All what you are after is kinda wrong for what you want. If i was in your shoes ( i was once) then
Honda cbr600f looks sporty but its not "face down ass up" ride. Plus honda build is really good. Also Bandits are good but i find that lack of fairing can be little harsh some times.

Then its up to you or i will say for sure is TEST RIDE!

O one more thing....Good luck!

nicensleazy

Mid-life crisis and high powered motorcycle do not go together!

Wheelspinner

If they still sell them, the Suzuki SV650S (the vesion with the half fairing) was a terrific mid size bike for all round use. Relatively light, narrow V twin motor, simple dsign and surprisingly comfortable. Could be hooligan quick if you wanted, but a doddle to ride.

A beginner friend of mine here bought a CBR 600, kept it for 6 months and scared himself silly, so he traded it for a Harley V-Rod. :roll:
Tips for a beginner.
Ride like EVERYONE on the road is trying to kill you. Even the pedestrians.
Spend a decent amount of your budget on quality clothing, especially boots. Good leathers, boots and gloves ain't cheap, but one tumble even at very low speed and you will be grateful. Get some proper waterproofs too. The one piece rain suits are a nuisance to put on and take off, but much better when it counts.

Captain Fagor

proto wrote:

If you just want a work horse get a CB500. Bombproof very capable and surprisingly quick.

Another vote for the CB500. I got one when I passed my test in '96. It served me very well, and was plenty quick enough! Stored outside under a cover, it eventually succumbed to the vagaries of time in '05 or '06. Didn't bother getting a replacement.

stratcat

I've ridden bikes since I passed my test in 87. Had all sorts from Blades to Harleys.

In my garage I have a 1960 Bsa 650 and a Honda CBF500. I bought the honda to replace an unreliable BMW and it is the most comfortable, real world quick bike I have owned.
Sure other bikes had more outright speed, but as someone said all at the top end. It only gets to feel exciting at three figure speeds. For about £1500 you can get a light, easy to maintain (cheap) fast 500 bike that will be faster and more nimble than any cage on the road. When you've got a bit of experience you'll get your money back when you sell it to a courier
e.g.
one I found on the web

Do not buy a 600cc sports bike - way too much for someone with no riding experience IMHO

I don't mean to be preachy, I just dont want you to become another statistc.

da goose

Had the bike licence over 22 years and its a fantastic way to travel (and enjoy it) sadly though, in those years road traffic has increased beyond belief, and also cars are more powerfull putting bikers at a disadvantage, how many times at an rtc have I heard "I JUST DIDN`T SEE YOU" and imo that sums it up, ride a decent well maintained bike having fun but without being an idiot you will be fine...sadly its not your riding likely to be an issue.
Was thinking of riding again after a few years away...the only bike slightly tempting would be the bmw off roaders styles...decent mini faring luggage no issue and importantly excellent riding position/visibity/comfort.
If you do get riding check with the local police and get on a biking day...it may save your life with the skills you learn, imo the basic test is not enough on a bike.
Saw some great riding territory last week in Shropshire, always pulling over to let the beasts run through.....once a biker? :roll:

ndodd

if your going to use it for mainly commuting dont rule out a big maxi scooter plenty of underseat storage something you dont get on sports bikes had a yamaha tmax 500cc of fun

thecrofter

I've not had a bike for quite a few years now, but my last one was a Kawasaki GPZ600R I'd been riding bikes since I was about 13yrs old and, with hindsight, the GPZ was probably too quick for me then, so Christ knows what an up to date CBR or an R1 would be like. Start off with something managable even a 250 would still feel quick.

Slow Downcp

Recently did my CBT (and theory test) with the intention of doing Direct Access and getting a 'big' bike. After the CBT, came away wondering whether it was really for me, so decided to get a CBR125 and see how it went. Enjoyed it for three months, but three near misses in as many days last week (all down to the driver not looking/paying attention/indicating) had me ready to sell up.
With a weekend of reflection, I've enjoyed the three months too much to give in (plus got used to the half hour saving in commute time), so sticking with it for now. Probably go for a Suzuki SV650 - less extreme position that a ZXR or CBR for commute - and less prone to the front wheel pointing to the sky.