Howdy hey,
I've been toying with the idea of getting a bike for some time now.... I'm getting tempted again at the moment.. I had a few questions though....
I currently hold a full UK driving license, no bike license atall.
Firstly,
What would I need to legally ride a bike, my understanding is you need to pass a basic test to allow you to ride an 'L' plate bike - then another one after this to remove the plates and ride a bike upto a certain CC ?
Whats the limit, and what do you do after to ride bigger bikes?
Also, more importantly, how to you LEARN to ride a bike?
Now, forgive me for my stupidly - it may seem stupid to those of you who DO ride bikes. However, when I was learning to drive a car, you sit in a nice 21c cabin, with a person right next to you guiding you along the way.
On a bike, though... what, you jump on and the teacher points in a direction hoping to see you again shortly? It sounds stupid, I imagine it's much like riding a push bike with regard to balance and such - but balance is one of my biggest concerns on a bike, that and other road users! I feel somewhat safe with a ton of metal around me...
Finally, costs...... Now, I'm only 19 - and I wouldn't be seen dead riding around in a dodgy moped with L plates on the back. My main concern is getting a reasonbly fast bike that I can insure. I drive a 2litre astra, and I can tell you my insurance on that is utterly insane. Think £1000, think double.... then add 600. I can't afford that again on a bike, so could you give me a ball-park figure for a half decent bike... I would imagine ( though correct me if needs be ) that 400cc would be plently, if not overkill?
Thanks for reading ( and hopefully posting )
Sean