Bike Help

[M@rco]

Hey guys i'm 16 years old and have recently discovered a passion for bikes after my dad bought himself a Honda CBR600F, I’m planning to get myself a bike when I’m 17 and was wondering what kind of bike I could get at that age, and what tests would I have to take? Cheers sorry for the newbie question lol

[Shogun]

Can legally get a 125 or any bike restricted to 125 (bit of a waste though really ) Im looking at getting one too (i'm 17). Any info on the tests will be appreciated. IIRC having a privisonal drivers lisence will allow you to ride one on L plates but you can't go on the motorway. Don't quote me on this though.

[M@rco]

Ouch nothing faster than a 125 at 17?

[Shogun]

Ouch nothing fast than a 125 at 17?

Nope, thats why you see people riding mopeds when they are 16, they are restricted to a IIRC 50cc

[M@rco]

Ahh i suppose its ok, when does it increase? Honda do a nice CBR125R

[Shogun]

Ahh i suppose its ok, when does it increase? Honda do a nice CBR125R

Yea been looking at the CBR125R, might just go for a 250 as I want one for uni and il need the extra power for the motorway Think it goes to 250 when you get to 18, not sure when you are allowed the 500's

[M@rco]

Yeah, my dads got a Honda CBR600F and thats a beast, would love a go on somthing like a Ducati 999 lol

[Rave]

At 17 you can ride a (restricted) 125 as a learner. If you pass your test, you can ride a bike with up to 33 horsepower for two years, after which you can ride whatever you like- insurance permitting.

It sounds a bit grim- but even a 125 can be a lot of fun, a 33hp bike could easily do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, so it's not quite as rubbish as it sounds.

Rich :¬)

[Shogun]

At 17 you can ride a (restricted) 125 as a learner. If you pass your test, you can ride a bike with up to 33 horsepower for two years, after which you can ride whatever you like- insurance permitting.

It sounds a bit grim- but even a 125 can be a lot of fun, a 33hp bike could easily do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, so it's not quite as rubbish as it sounds.

Rich :¬)

Restricted to how many HP rave? Also what exactly does the test invovle?

[Rave]

Um...it involves passing the motorcycle test, which is pretty much the same as a car test, except you're riding a bike. You have to prove you can ride a bike about safely, and you have to do a feet up u-turn, and an emergency stop. At least that's what I had to do in 1996.

Once you've passed the test, you are restricted to a bike of 33 horsepower for two years. Strictly speaking, since it's another stupid European law, you're restricted to a bike of 25KW, but that's equivalent to 33hp. It's all ****ing arbitrary of course.

Is Martin Bangemann still alive? I hope not

Rich :¬)

[Shogun]

Um...it involves passing the motorcycle test, which is pretty much the same as a car test, except you're riding a bike. You have to prove you can ride a bike about safely, and you have to do a feet up u-turn, and an emergency stop. At least that's what I had to do in 1996.

Once you've passed the test, you are restricted to a bike of 33 horsepower for two years. Strictly speaking, since it's another stupid European law, you're restricted to a bike of 25KW, but that's equivalent to 33hp. It's all ****ing arbitrary of course.

Is Martin Bangemann still alive? I hope not

Rich :¬)

Can any competant fool pass it? Haven't seen places for motorbike lessons. Also isn't the test done on private property and not out on the road? Also who would be able to tell if you weren't driving a restricted bike?

[TeePee]

First things first. Apply for your shiney green provisional licence. Then find a motorcycle training place (a yellow pages should list a few) and do a CBT. This starts off-road and from explaining basic controls of the bike it progresses to circles and figure eights. Then it's on to the road where you'll do a short ride around some local roads. At the end of this (mine took two hours from never having ridden before, but some take longer) they will give you a CBT pass certificate, which you should hang on to. Any competent fool can pass this.
You are then entitled to ride a bike of up to 125cc and limited to 12hp, which is basically your CG125 type non-race bikes, with L plates and no passengers. You must then do a theory test and (after training) a full practical test. As you are under 21, you're only option is to do the standard test on a 125cc bike. Any competent fool can pass this.
After completeing this, you will get an A2 entitlement on your full licence. This will allow you to ride any bike with less than 33 horsepower or 25kw, which includes 125cc race bikes, and many larger bikes, although most bike bikes will need to be restricted (which can be good depending on the bike). You can throw away the L plates and carry passengers. Two years after passing your test, you will automatically have a full A entitlement, allowing you to ride any bike.

If you ride an unrestricted bike without a licence for it, I will be able to tell, and I will confiscate your bike.

[Shogun]

You aren't a police officer by an chance? /me goes to hide all his personal details....
Thanks alot for the info, for the motorcycle training place will I need to have bought my own bike by then?

[TeePee]

You aren't a police officer by an chance?

No, I'm just mean.

Actually the reason for the limitation on the licence for two years is to stop 17 year old young male riders from jumping on too powerful bikes the day after passing their test and killing themselves, something which used to happen a lot, and still does to a degree. I know it sounds like a great hardship when these bikes are so affordable (160mph for the price of a chavtastic Nova Spin), but building up experience on lesser powered bikes is really worth it. And it helps with the fatality rate.

Most motorcycle training places will have bikes you can use for the CBT and lessons, in fact many will do a weeks course, with the CBT on Monday and full test on Friday, all on their bikes, which would save you from owning a CG125. Personally, I'd reccomend doing the CBT and a couple of lessons, before buying your own bike and riding for a couple of months. With loads of experience you'd only need a couple of lessons for polish and your test should be easy.

After your test, find a local group of the IAM, who will provide you with further training up to a very impressive standard. I've just spent a day being chased by a police instructor (at speeds I won't mention near the trolls). Safe smooth and progressive riding is the order of the day!

[M@rco]

Nice one mate thanks alot!