First motorbike recommendations
Hey everyone,
I've had my motorbike license for a few years now, but only had a motorbike for a couple of months when I was 20. now I'm in my mid-20's, and feeling a bit less insane, I'm seriously thinking of buying a bike to commute with (London, ~8miles each way).
I've been looking at a Suzuki SV650s, had them recommended by a friend. Others recommended a bandit, nothing special I know but good reliable starter bike.
I was wondering what other peoples experience is, if there are any comments or recommendations for a first bike. I'm looking to spend about £1500 on the bike, and £500 on kit to start off with.
Re: First motorbike recommendations
hi, im 18 and want to get my first bike but im not sure about how high a CC bike i can get? can anyone help?
Re: First motorbike recommendations
http://www.cub90.co.uk/cbtlicencelearne.html
Quote:
The licence
Before you can even think about riding you must have the correct licence. If you already have a full car licence, you are automatically entitled to ride a learner bike (up to 125cc and 14.6bhp) with 'L' plates and no pillion passengers. If you don't drive already you need to apply for a provisional motorcycle or moped licence. There are a number of different licence categories you can go for, depending on your age and what licence you have already.
Moped licence
A moped is defined as a vehicle that must not exceed 30mph, weigh more than 250kg or have an engine over 50cc. The definition for machines registered before 1 September 1977, also includes its propulsion by pedals. You can ride a moped at 16 years old on a provisional motorcycle licence with moped entitlement. You must complete CBT (compulsory basic training), the theory test and the practical moped test to get a full moped licence.
Once qualified, you may ride a moped without 'L' plates and carry a pillion passenger. You must not, however, ride on motorways. If you have a full car licence gained after 1 February 2001 you must complete CBT before riding a moped. If your licence was gained before 1 February 2001 you are entitled to ride a moped without taking CBT. Again, once qualified you can ride a moped without 'L' plates and with a pillion, but not on motorways.
The A and A1 licence
At 17 you can apply for either an 'A' or 'A1' licence. To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must complete CBT, the theory test and a practical test on a vehicle between 75cc and 125cc. A full 'A1' licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without 'L' plates, you may carry a pillion passenger and travel on motorways. For the category 'A' licence you must complete CBT and pass the theory test followed by the practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. A full standard category 'A' licence permits you to ride motorcycles with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp), and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg, without 'L' plates, carry a pillion passenger and use motorways. The 33bhp ceiling applies for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After that you may ride a motorcycle of any capacity and power.
Direct access
At 21 or over you have the option to take a test on a larger machine. On passing the test you will be qualified to ride any size of motorcycle without restrictions. This option is called direct access. You must complete CBT, the theory test and a practical test on a motorcycle of at least 35kw (46.6bhp) to qualify for this licence. You are exempt from taking the theory test if you already hold a motorcycle or moped licence. When you are training for direct access you are not permitted to ride on the road unless accompanied by a qualified instructor
Re: First motorbike recommendations
Quote:
The licence
Before you can even think about riding you must have the correct licence. If you already have a full car licence, you are automatically entitled to ride a learner bike (up to 125cc and 14.6bhp) with 'L' plates and no pillion passengers. If you don't drive already you need to apply for a provisional motorcycle or moped licence. There are a number of different licence categories you can go for, depending on your age and what licence you have already.
Thats out of date.
If you have a full car licence now you still have to do your cbt before you can get on a bike
Re: First motorbike recommendations
The GPZ500 is well worth a look. I've had 2 of them in between bigger bikes and they're just so much fun to ride. They're ideal for commuting but fast enough and with good enough handling to keep up with much bigger bikes.