So I want to learn how to ride a bike... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

allaboutmusic · 02-26-2010, 03:25 PM

I've been driving for about 10 or so years now and I've decided I'd really like to learn how to ride a motorbike. I've never ridden one before, and as I understand it here in the UK, you can ride one on a CBT basic training course, but I want to do a full licence with proper training (as it is potentially much more dangerous than driving). I am also thinking of going the whole hog and taking the training for larger bikes as I'd really like to own one of those big cruising / touring bikes rather than a little one.

I'm sure there must be some riders here, possibly even in the UK who have gone through the process. Any advice on picking a school, or whether I have to buy a bike first or do the training first etc? Thanks in advance.

AquaFox · 02-27-2010, 08:46 PM

I'm not in the UK so I can't speak directly to the process. I do recommend you take as many classes as possible before buying a bike of your own. I took safety classes over here using class owned bikes, it was nice since you didn't have to risk your own bike.. After learning on class bikes and taking test rides on numerous bikes, I finally went out and purchased my own, by then I was confident enough to own a nice big bike.

nomcat · 02-27-2010, 11:15 PM

I went through the licensing process in the UK a few years ago, and this was my approach...

1) CBT
2) Buy a cheap, reliable cg125 (or similar) and ride it as often as possible every week which will allow your confidence to grow, for maybe 3 - 6 months
3) Direct Access training and test (for an unrestricted license)
4) Buy something you like that's not overpowered or overweight as these can be confidence shattering when not handled properly
5) Do a BikeSafe course (best 50 quid you'll spend)
6) Ride as often as possible!

Always enjoy the ride.
Never get cocky.
Always assume car drivers are idiots.

Where in the UK are you? I only know the training schools in the Sussex area.

Chris

AquaFox · 02-28-2010, 01:03 PM

do you have a specific bike in mind that you are looking to buy?

geeza · 03-01-2010, 11:58 PM

Been riding 25 years, everything on and of road. It's a much more 'interesting' place out there these days and people often ask me where they should start (since I am now the cool guy with all the bikes and stories and pictures etc, which is really cool and you have it all to look forward to my friend!)

I don't know where you live but my advice is start small, with a scooter. It is easy to handle and will build your awareness of all matters 2 wheel (road conditions, traffic behavior, weather issues, braking distances, bozo moves by drivers etc) all on a vehicle you can stop on a dime, fix easily if you crash, and generally not have to worry about.

I'd recommend a Vespa et4 because you can get em cheap second hand, they hold their value like crazy, and both girls and boys will want to buy it off you when you're done with it.

After you build your awareness and capacity, then go for bigger bike, gears etc.

So many accidents are about lack of capacity and roadcraft. Start there. 6 months of that and you'll be ready to move up.

Or you could take a direct access course, buy a 600cc and enjoy a trip to A&E.

allaboutmusic · 03-02-2010, 01:16 PM

Wow, thanks for all the tips guys - this is why it's good to ask people who know something about this stuff.

I don't have a specific bike in mind to begin with... a Vespa sounds like a fun summer ride and I might look at getting one to start off with. I live in outer London but intend to primarily use it for local commutes and for fun to begin with. Starting off low-cost is ideal for me.

geeza · 03-06-2010, 04:47 AM

The Vespa will do just fine. It's really fun and basically like having a 60 mph bicycle that comfortably transports 2 people. The handling dynamics are incredibly good, very forgiving, and it has superb brakes. This coming from a guy with all the expensive race bikes, enduros etc. I am a big guy and it never ceased to amaze me how it would also do 60+ MPH on the west way 2-up. Brilliant. It was my loyal steed for 10 years and will never be sold or let go of, despite the fact there are now a few other rides in the garage :-)

02-26-2010, 03:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
allaboutmusic Aurally Fixated	So I want to learn how to ride a bike... I've been driving for about 10 or so years now and I've decided I'd really like to learn how to ride a motorbike. I've never ridden one before, and as I understand it here in the UK, you can ride one on a CBT basic training course, but I want to do a full licence with proper training (as it is potentially much more dangerous than driving). I am also thinking of going the whole hog and taking the training for larger bikes as I'd really like to own one of those big cruising / touring bikes rather than a little one. I'm sure there must be some riders here, possibly even in the UK who have gone through the process. Any advice on picking a school, or whether I have to buy a bike first or do the training first etc? Thanks in advance.

02-27-2010, 08:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	I'm not in the UK so I can't speak directly to the process. I do recommend you take as many classes as possible before buying a bike of your own. I took safety classes over here using class owned bikes, it was nice since you didn't have to risk your own bike.. After learning on class bikes and taking test rides on numerous bikes, I finally went out and purchased my own, by then I was confident enough to own a nice big bike. __________________ ...AquaFox...

02-27-2010, 11:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
nomcat Twisted Location: UK	I went through the licensing process in the UK a few years ago, and this was my approach... 1) CBT 2) Buy a cheap, reliable cg125 (or similar) and ride it as often as possible every week which will allow your confidence to grow, for maybe 3 - 6 months 3) Direct Access training and test (for an unrestricted license) 4) Buy something you like that's not overpowered or overweight as these can be confidence shattering when not handled properly 5) Do a BikeSafe course (best 50 quid you'll spend) 6) Ride as often as possible! Always enjoy the ride. Never get cocky. Always assume car drivers are idiots. Where in the UK are you? I only know the training schools in the Sussex area. Chris __________________ There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming.

02-28-2010, 01:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	do you have a specific bike in mind that you are looking to buy? __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-01-2010, 11:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
geeza Crazy	Been riding 25 years, everything on and of road. It's a much more 'interesting' place out there these days and people often ask me where they should start (since I am now the cool guy with all the bikes and stories and pictures etc, which is really cool and you have it all to look forward to my friend!) I don't know where you live but my advice is start small, with a scooter. It is easy to handle and will build your awareness of all matters 2 wheel (road conditions, traffic behavior, weather issues, braking distances, bozo moves by drivers etc) all on a vehicle you can stop on a dime, fix easily if you crash, and generally not have to worry about. I'd recommend a Vespa et4 because you can get em cheap second hand, they hold their value like crazy, and both girls and boys will want to buy it off you when you're done with it. After you build your awareness and capacity, then go for bigger bike, gears etc. So many accidents are about lack of capacity and roadcraft. Start there. 6 months of that and you'll be ready to move up. Or you could take a direct access course, buy a 600cc and enjoy a trip to A&E.

03-02-2010, 01:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
allaboutmusic Aurally Fixated	Wow, thanks for all the tips guys - this is why it's good to ask people who know something about this stuff. I don't have a specific bike in mind to begin with... a Vespa sounds like a fun summer ride and I might look at getting one to start off with. I live in outer London but intend to primarily use it for local commutes and for fun to begin with. Starting off low-cost is ideal for me.

03-06-2010, 04:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
geeza Crazy	The Vespa will do just fine. It's really fun and basically like having a 60 mph bicycle that comfortably transports 2 people. The handling dynamics are incredibly good, very forgiving, and it has superb brakes. This coming from a guy with all the expensive race bikes, enduros etc. I am a big guy and it never ceased to amaze me how it would also do 60+ MPH on the west way 2-up. Brilliant. It was my loyal steed for 10 years and will never be sold or let go of, despite the fact there are now a few other rides in the garage :-)