Wow, so many replies, thanks to all of you chipping in with advice and encouragement! 

 

CFB, I may give you a tinkle if I need any pointers along the way, thanks! 

 

Garry, strangely enough the ER6 is on my shortlist too! 

 

With regards to kit, as I said I spanked £200 on some bits yesterday. I'm a fat **** so need large sizes but everything I've got is decent. Next up is gloves and Lid in the coming 2 weeks. 

 

So, today! I arrived and got straight into the classroom. I was with 2 others, a young lad who had never ridden a bike before and a girl who couldnt talk or understand english from the czech republic. So we cracked on, shown helmets, boots, gloves etc etc for about a hour or so. We then went to look at the bikes. We were shown the controls, had to take it on and off the stands, the lad with me struggled a bit with the centre stand. So after another hour of that we went into the arena to do some riding! The girl was shown the basics of her moped and off she wobbled up to the cone at the top. Me and the other lad on YBR 125s were show to practice our clutch control by moving forwards slowly and rolling back on the clutch with no revs. I'll admit at this point I was starting to get a little fed up. I know the CBT is very basic stuff but it's hard to be interested in something thats a bit simple. Anyway, after rolling back and pulling forwards (I had to use a bit of throttle as I'm a fat **** as I said before) the other lad set off. He was told to go up to the cone and then back again. He chugged and wobbled up to the cone, couldnt do a U turn so had to stop and wheel it back and forth to turn it round and then done the same back. Next up was me, finally I can do something! Ragged the little 125 to within a inch of its life, tight U turn and back down.

 

I was asked at this point my riding history, told him I last rode a few months ago on my brothers bike but not ridden on the road in years. He gave me permission to "**** about" as he put it, so I went a practiced my clutch control, U turns, figure of 8's etc. Enjoyed that bit, we then done some emergency stops, fairly straight forwards.

 

By this point it was lunchtime so we ate and drank, the instructor then told me to chill out and we'd be going out after he took the other two out. Off they went, coming back after a hour. The other lad got sent home, he fell off after being told to slow down then after that went 20mph everywhere. So radio on and off I went, I'd totally forgotten how fun two wheels were! Even on the little 4 stroke 125 it was so fun bombing about on it! While I'm talking about it, the YBR coped very well with my lump on, got up to 50 pretty quickly, I was very surprised. I wasnt sure how I was doing on the road but very little was said except directions. An hour flew by, we returned to the office and the first thing the bloke said is I hope you're going to do your full test. He said he couldnt really fault anything I'd done all day, to say I was chuffed was a understatement! I was a bit nervous in the morning but was seriously happy with the praise. 

 

So just when I was about to go home fairly happy with my day we got chatting about bikes and I asked if I could sit on the ER6 that was another school bike as it was on my shortlist. "I can do better than that, get your helmet and gloves" he said   Went outside and he sat me on it, got me to get a feel for the clutch then told me to crack on! Only done 3 laps of the loop by my god was it fun! Took it easy on the first lap but second I opened it up and bit and held on for dear life. 60+ was up in what felt like milliseconds. It was fast no doubt but also felt light and controllable. I pulled into the yard and could ride at walking pace next to the instructor without issue. He said he could tell from my grin I enjoyed it lol. I was chuffed, he told me about various offers, he reckoned I'd need about 2 lessons for mod 1 and 3 for mod 2 but they do a offer, 7 lessons for £799 BUT that includes CBT (so I get £100 off as I've already paid and done that) and includes all the test fees (another £100ish).

 

So next up I need to get my theory done then get booked up! I also want some trousers with braces, I took the **** out of them in the shop but can see the attraction for a fat man like myself, saves having my arse hanging out all the time I'm aiming for passing by march and reckon I'll have a couple of grand by end of april for a bike. I want to pay the insurance and everything outright so I can justify just leaving it in the garage when the weather is **** and not have bills going out for it each month. Bike shortlist is ER6, Hornet, GSR 600 and maybe a GSXR but I'd want another go on my brothers first to see how I like the position. 

 

Thanks again for the help and advice, I'll update as I go along.

 

Matt

Edited 1 February, 201412 yr by matt1chelski

well done

 

just bought myself another zx7r, been a few years since ive been on a bike but the lure was too great. looking forward to summer now.

 

well done

 

just bought myself another zx7r, been a few years since ive been on a bike but the lure was too great. looking forward to summer now.

 

Found myself looking at 1200GS's last night on tinternet and I thought I was 'cured'......wonder if I could get away with it...

I have to say the Speed R and Race R helmets by Shark represent great

value for money. The optical grade 4mm thick visor, bluetooth ready and inner sun visor

clinched it for me. In a fibreglass lid for under 300quid, the review Ilinked earlier was very helpful 

in deciding what to buy... (although the way he starts all his reviews really makes me LOL! Soooo american...) 

(also available in carbon......)(for slightly over 300 quid)

Although I went for the Speed R Sauer myself, may get a carbon one too though.

I just wanted one in bright and easily visible colours to go with my bright

jackets. I thought that would force me to wear Hi viz gear all the time    

so again it's green white and black...

Not to mention the green in it is a perfect match for this

Although it doesn't look it in this pic admittedly.

And you've really made me want to get on my CBT now you sod...

I really did want to wait until it was warmer...  :S

Gah I've been looking at a Kawasaki ER-6f as my first proper bike as well, that or the naked 6n.  :love:

Edited 1 February, 201412 yr by Ben90

well done

 

just bought myself another zx7r, been a few years since ive been on a bike but the lure was too great. looking forward to summer now.

 

I still have a weak spot for the zx7r. It is a great looking bike with a amazing front end feel.

Matt, glad you enjoyed your return to two wheels, and anytime.

Gah I've been looking at a Kawasaki ER-6f as my first proper bike as well, that or the naked 6n.  :love:

I couldn't go naked, I need lots of places to put stickers...

I like stickers  

Ahhh it's the Naked I'm looking at too. I'll get a screen for wind protection but not doing long high speed trips and that **** so fancy a naked to start me off.

 

And you've really made me want to get on my CBT now you sod...

I really did want to wait until it was warmer...  :S

 

Do it! Admittedly I got lucky, it was a little windy today but only a slight drizzle lunchtime. Once you're kitted up though it's no biggy, it'll get you wanting to get on with the big bikes! 

 

Matt, glad you enjoyed your return to two wheels, and anytime.

 

 Cheers!

 

Also, on the subject of further training, my old man started doing some advanced riding years ago but stopped due to needing to look after me and my brother. Would be nice if I could get him on it again and we could do it together.  :sun:

Advanced training is certainly worthwhile but I would suggest and the IAM certainly used to advise (if not insist) that you rode for a certain period after passing your initial test to gain some confidence and experience, although I suppose it is a bit of a balance as you don't want to get into bad habits!

 

You will need to budget some money for it though whichever route you use, my experience is only the IAM.  There is the 'Skills for Life' fee and then you will be expected to contribute to the observers fuel costs for each ride out you do, different groups have different policies on this but the observers give their time for free and pay their own fuel and insurance etc..

 

Other options for an intro to advanced training are the BikeSafe programme which quite a few of the Police Forces run although some charge for it now and I believe the ride outs are not always done by the bike cops, which is a shame as they could be a right laugh.

 

There is more info in the Advanced Driving area of the General Car forum.

If you were a brand new rider, I'd suggest leaving it a year or so, but as you've some experience, leave it until you feel comfortable with the bike and can control it without thinking about what you're doing.

Nice touch trying to get dad to join you.

Thinking about it, would do my brother some good too, could be some father son bonding time lol. Took a couple of snaps, this was the old YBR that pulled me along

 

 

An the ER6, complete with crash bars lol

Hummmm, bit sooner than I was expecting but I've been offered a bike. Only a old Honda CB500, my uncle has it but prefers his Vespa for looking cool round Camden so is offering it to me. We've not talked money but sub £750 although it needs a service is in good nick. Anyone got any experience of them? 

 

I was really thinking more funky naked than courier naked BUT I could easy run it for 6 months or a year and sell it for the same/more than I'd be paying. Could be a good cheap bike to get going on, looks presentable enough. 

Edited 3 February, 201412 yr by matt1chelski

Might be a good idea - especially if you intend to ride a lot between now and summer it will serve you well for re-learning the ropes, it'll be reliable and you won't feel the temptation to meticulously clean and douse it in ACF50 every night like one might be with a new shiny bike. Then get your bike of choice in the summer?

There's a reason quite a lot of MTCs use them.

They've a bullet proof engine, just enough power and good build quality.

I'm guessing it's one of these?

For the money and the ****ty weather ATM I'd have it.

And as Ben says, use it through winter and find a ER6 in spring.

It may cost you a bit more then, but it won't have suffered the ravage of salt and winter road muck

Yup! It's a 2001 with 27000 miles. He  swapped it for his Bantam? Dunno what that is lol. Anyway he was hoping to swap it with my other Uncle (his brother) in exchange for his old Vespa back. However, my other Unc had told him he doesnt want it but can have the Vespa anyway, both bikes need tyres/service etc so he is flogging this to fund the Vespa work. 

 

 

I'm going to price up the bits it needs and see, insurance is pennies even for a new rider and as you said it's nice and reliable. If I wait for a few months saving i'll be looking at April/May before being able to get a £2000-£2500 bike where as with this, I could buy it and fix it up and have it on the road for March (my target for passing my test). After sleeping on it and thinking, I wouldnt mind running till this time next year then get something quicker & newer. I'm fairly tall though so might need to get a sit on it and check for size. 

 

Cheers guys! 

From the pic, that's tidy for a 13 year old.

A set of bridgestones would probably cost you £150

A service, about the same for an interim and check over.

I reckon it'll look much better for a bit of time and bucket of soapy stuff.

If you want to tidy up the footrest hangers and engine covers, VHT silver calliper paint

Is a good match

http://www.amazon.com/VHT-SP735-Aluminum-Brake-Caliper/dp/B000CPAVIO

I was going to suggest PJ1 silver barrel paint but can't find a supplier.

CB500 is a pretty good first bike. Nothing exciting but plenty fast enough.

 

I keep thinking about getting one as a commuter but people seem to hang onto them until they crumble.

If you feel the need for something a bit faster then a Fazer 600 is a good bike.

I'd stay clear of sports bikes a for a while. Not because they're hard to ride just the opposite it's far too easy to go at stupid speeds.

 

Have fun

 

I miss me bike :(

On the subject of gear keep an eye on Aldi, they sometimes do an offer on bike gear.  Not top end stuff but from what I have seen it is functional and not a bad price.  If you are after thermal base layers they will have some in this Sunday coming, not specifically biker stuff but doesn't have to be.  I have used a previous offer of this stuff and it is quite good.

 

Not sure how their gear stands up to impact or abrasive testing though but certainly better than a pair of jeans and flip flops!

Yup! It's a 2001 with 27000 miles. He  swapped it for his Bantam? Dunno what that is lol. Anyway he was hoping to swap it with my other Uncle (his brother) in exchange for his old Vespa back. However, my other Unc had told him he doesnt want it but can have the Vespa anyway, both bikes need tyres/service etc so he is flogging this to fund the Vespa work. 

 

 

I'm going to price up the bits it needs and see, insurance is pennies even for a new rider and as you said it's nice and reliable. If I wait for a few months saving i'll be looking at April/May before being able to get a £2000-£2500 bike where as with this, I could buy it and fix it up and have it on the road for March (my target for passing my test). After sleeping on it and thinking, I wouldnt mind running till this time next year then get something quicker & newer. I'm fairly tall though so might need to get a sit on it and check for size. 

 

Cheers guys! 

Looks in very good condition, certainly a good bike to run as a first bike to get a years no claims and some experience at the very least.

 

As CFB says as pair of tyres should only be about £150 fitted.  Service may be a bit more depending on what it needs and who you take it to but Honda's are very reliable and the 500 is almost bomb proof!

 

As you mention though, just check that you fit on it and can ride it comfortably, but you should be okay provided you are not ridiculously tall.

I read somewhere that a first bike should be something you 

won't be too upset about when you drop it, because you will. 

I read somewhere that a first bike should be something you 

won't be too upset about when you drop it, because you will. 

 

That is true. Sticking a set of crash bars on the 500 would make a pretty solid starter.

CB500 would be a doddle to move on when you want to sell.

 

That's 13yr old so is might need forks and shock rebuilt.

 

CB500 is pretty low. I'm a shortarse and had no bother getting my feel on the floor with it. If you're lanky you might feel a bit cramped. You might find a trail bike more comfortable.

Yup! It's a 2001 with 27000 miles. He  swapped it for his Bantam? Dunno what that is lol. Anyway he was hoping to swap it with my other Uncle (his brother) in exchange for his old Vespa back. However, my other Unc had told him he doesnt want it but can have the Vespa anyway, both bikes need tyres/service etc so he is flogging this to fund the Vespa work. 

 

 

I'm going to price up the bits it needs and see, insurance is pennies even for a new rider and as you said it's nice and reliable. If I wait for a few months saving i'll be looking at April/May before being able to get a £2000-£2500 bike where as with this, I could buy it and fix it up and have it on the road for March (my target for passing my test). After sleeping on it and thinking, I wouldnt mind running till this time next year then get something quicker & newer. I'm fairly tall though so might need to get a sit on it and check for size. 

 

Cheers guys! 

 

That looks just the ticket to get you off the mark, as previously said they are pretty bullet proof so shouldn't cost you a fortune to run.

 

Good luck with your test, there is nothing like the freedom a motorcycle gives you especially in Europe where you are not viewed as an undesirable dressed in black leather    

I read somewhere that a first bike should be something you 

won't be too upset about when you drop it, because you will. 

 

Don't say that! I've got the pleasure of owning seemingly the only 125 in the country over 5 years old that hasn't been dropped. I definitely don't want that to change!

 

I had my first front wheel slip today though   I was bimbling down a country lane and like an idiot crossed from the safety of the clear tyre tracks into the muddy mid section - stupid rookie mistake and will not happen again!