Thinking about a motorbike

[David_1984]

I'm thinking about a motorbike.

But I have a few questions.

Something reliable on fuel.
I would like a bike that can somehow hold a fishing rod.
A bike that is suitable for tall riders, I'm 6' 2" tall.

A security device which will deter thieves, as they are high in my area!!


Also what am I able to ride? I am 24yrs old and have a full car licence.

 

[Eklipze3k]

Having just been discussing this last night, anything up to 125cc at 21+

Best way to deter thieves? Put a whacking great iron ring on the side of your house and chain it to that

Or move to a safer area

 

[Papa P]

I've decided that I'm gonna get my bike licence as well. I'm 32 and got no commitments so no reason why I shouldnt just go for it and get it!

I take it the 125cc applies to me as well since I'm 21+ ?

 

[alainax]

yeha unless you do your direct access.

 

[Papa P]

okay...what exactly is the Direct Access??

From what I can gather, I need to do the CBT and Theory test and then do a Direct Access course for the practical side of things. Would that be right?

 

[5abr3]

Direct access is basically lessons on bikes of varying sized engines (sequentially, think you do them in phases as set tests). And yes you do them once you have done the Theory and CBT, my dad isn't around so I can't ask until Tuesday (he's an instructor) but I've heard stories of people turning up for tests expecting to do EVERYTHING in a day

I'm sure a local motorbike training school would gladly explain in detail!

 

[x Alex x]

its not your age which decides what you can ride, everyone with a car liscense can ride a moped (50cc) but depending on when you passed your test you can have up to a 125cc

 

[The Beard]

It's a while since I passed my test, but if I remember rightly, you now have to
sit a theory test and CBT, Compulsory Basic Training, which is basically to show you can manoeuvre the bike at low speed, put it on and take it off the centre stand and can demonstrate the basics of riding safely. After you've passed your CBT, if over 21, you can then go on to direct access which effectively entitles you to ride a bike of any size. From what you're saying, you may be best off with a medium sized trail bike such as a Yamaha XT600/660, which should suit someone of your height and, would enable you (if permitted) to take the bike close to where you are fishing. The only problem is that trail bikes such as the Yam XT are among the main targets of the thieving scum. As for securing it, generally alarms are unreliable and drain your battery if you don't use it a lot. As has already been said, get a ground anchor and the heaviest lock and chain you can get. Use it even if it's kept in a garage. I love riding my bike and the best thing I ever did was go back to
biking.

 

[jug]

Something reliable on fuel.

i guess you mean economical. but a bike mag they usually have tables with fuel economy and performance and insurance etc.

all 125's are great on fuel.

I would like a bike that can somehow hold a fishing rod.

i would like a car that can fly.

A bike that is suitable for tall riders, I'm 6' 2" tall.

in the 125 market this is a big deal. most of them are only suitable for short skinny teenagers.

the aprilia RS125 and the cagiva mito (& planet) are the best for big riders. derestricted, they'll get a big man to 120mph very quickly (mine did and i'm a big un).

if performance isnt an issue then the hyosung comet is suitable for tall people. generally speaking, all the off roaders will be suitable for you too (but usually no good for going off road with their restricted 125 engines. )

if you fancy yourself is black leather with a long beard then the harley wannabe 125's are mostly suitable for tall people.

A security device which will deter thieves, as they are high in my area!!

abus make the best locks. spend £100 on one and it'll mean a thief needs to spend a good 3 mins to steal your bike, instead of the usual 15seconds. your insruance company will give you a discount for an approved lock, and all abus locks are insurance approved. a garage is the best security, imo you shouldnt have a bike unless you have a garage to keep it in.


personally i think the 2 stroke cagiva planet is a great first bike. derestricted its fast enough to keep up with most 600s to 100mph, and more than fast enough to have some fun. they have proven themselves to be surprisingly reliable for a cagiva. they are easy to ride, and not been a race rep they are comfortable to sit on even for tall people.

you can pick up a minter for £1500

 

[x Alex x]

Can always rely on Jug not to suggest a 4 stroke lol

EDIT just noticed you suggested Hyosung, we aren't all perfect though lol

 

[jug]

EDIT just noticed you suggested Hyosung, we aren't all perfect though lol

hang on, i said "if performance isnt an issue"

 

[x Alex x]

hang on, i said "if performance isnt an issue"

in other words, if you're not bothered about keeping up with traffic in built up areas lol

 

[99sei]

your height wont matter, im 6'2" and ride a cbr600 and fit on that comfortably. a 125 you might feel a little big on as they are really small, anything over and youll be fine