I dont like to buy any clothes online tbh. You never know just how well they fit.

Especially helmets. They really need to be tried on

Okay thanks again guys...

Time for a visit to a couple of the local biker shops!

You must buy a helmet having tried it on because Helmet fit is everything!

Read up or take proper advice on helmet fitting before buying so you know it is the right fit for your head. Some brands do not seem to suit some head shapes.

Edited 30 June, 201511 yr by kevberlin

You must buy a helmet having tried it on because Helmet fit is everything!

Read up or take proper advice on helmet fitting before buying so you know it is the right fit for your head. Some brands do not seem to suit some head shapes.

Agreed!

And some settle in to be larger than others.

Some use the same size shells and different sized paddings to make up the different sizes, the better ones use different sized shells (:

I agree with fabiam, you need to try bike gear on. I must have tried on at least 6 different makes of leather trousers all allegedly the same size before I found the ones I've got. J & S are great as there is such a large range & they have prices to suit everyone.

Where abouts in the local area are you fabiam?

I agree with fabiam, you need to try bike gear on. I must have tried on at least 6 different makes of leather trousers all allegedly the same size before I found the ones I've got. J & S are great as there is such a large range & they have prices to suit everyone.

Where abouts in the local area are you fabiam?

Agreed! Ive only had textiles before, went in for a leather jacket and thought i couldnt find one big enough, strange i thought as im only about 5 foot 9 and not the biggest build. Until a member of staff took a guess at my size, i cramped into it n thought how silly tight it was. "Go and sit on that kwak 636 over there" he said. So i did and it all made sense, it was bloody comfy on a bike.

So i bought it. Top service, nice people, good range and competative prices.

I live in buxton, derbyshire. Yourself mate?

Slight hiccup they now can't do the 13 July so I have changed my CBT to the 26 July instead but still looking forward to it!

Slight hiccup they now can't do the 13 July so I have changed my CBT to the 26 July instead but still looking forward to it!

 

I'll pass you the secret to riding a bike especially when going slow....

 

Look where you want to go.

 

Your body follows your head, the bike follows your body.

Took me ages to figure that and start managing figure 8s and U turns easily.

I'll pass you the secret to riding a bike especially when going slow....

 

Look where you want to go.

 

Your body follows your head, the bike follows your body.

Took me ages to figure that and start managing figure 8s and U turns easily.

Especially useful on test when doing the U turn so you don't hit the kerb and even more useful on the open road when you are going round a left hand bend and seem to be drifting towards the centre of the road and the car coming the other way.  Fixate on the car and that is where you will end up. Look out of the bend and up the road and hey presto job done,life saved.  So many people fall foul of left handers and this easy tip from Aspman can save lives so easily.

I'll pass you the secret to riding a bike especially when going slow....

Look where you want to go.

Your body follows your head, the bike follows your body.

Took me ages to figure that and start managing figure 8s and U turns easily.

True that!

It works when going fast too.

Target fixation can get you in alot of trouble

I live in buxton, derbyshire. Yourself mate?

 

Just the other side of Chester in to North Wales. I thought that you may have been a little closer given that you mentioned J&S in Northwich

Edited 1 July, 201511 yr by BlueMonster

Just the other side of Chester in to North Wales. I thought that you may have been a little closer given that you mentioned J&S in Northwich

Ah lovely. I go for a ride round wales occassionally (:

Nah its just the closest decent place and its a nice ride out haha

Okay little update I had a taster hour on a 125 at the bike school this evening and really enjoyed it!

From having never even sat on a bike I went through all the basic controls then progressed to riding around in first gear to going into second then third.

Did it all in a large car park and finished off with using both brakes, figure of 8 and then a U turn.

I was a bit nervous at first but really enjoyed it overall.

The only bad thing is that it has put a little spanner in the works as the instructor said I picked it up quickly and should consider direct access as he thinks I will get bored with a 125.

I think the only issue for me might be money as doing CBT then a 125 bike will be a lot cheaper for starters than doing direct access and getting a proper bike.

I also have to factor in at least £300+ for helmet and all riding gear.

Okay little update I had a taster hour on a 125 at the bike school this evening and really enjoyed it!

From having never even sat on a bike I went through all the basic controls then progressed to riding around in first gear to going into second then third.

Did it all in a large car park and finished off with using both brakes, figure of 8 and then a U turn.

I was a bit nervous at first but really enjoyed it overall.

The only bad thing is that it has put a little spanner in the works as the instructor said I picked it up quickly and should consider direct access as he thinks I will get bored with a 125.

I think the only issue for me might be money as doing CBT then a 125 bike will be a lot cheaper for starters than doing direct access and getting a proper bike.

I also have to factor in at least £300+ for helmet and all riding gear.

You can always ride the 125 on a cbt for a little while, then do direct access when youre ready mentally, physically and financially.

Glad you enjoyed it (:

Whilst it is good that the Instructor thinks you will do OK with DAS in the end it's up to you to decide what you want to do bearing in mind all the factors such as money time and so on.  Make your own mind up and don't be hurried into making a decision that isn't right for you at the moment.

 

I am also pleased that you had a go and enjoyed it.  It isn't for everyone but it can be brilliant fun and is VERY addictive.  You have been warned.

Whilst it is good that the Instructor thinks you will do OK with DAS in the end it's up to you to decide what you want to do bearing in mind all the factors such as money time and so on.  Make your own mind up and don't be hurried into making a decision that isn't right for you at the moment.

 

I am also pleased that you had a go and enjoyed it.  It isn't for everyone but it can be brilliant fun and is VERY addictive.  You have been warned.

Spot on Chris as above.

Do your own thing.

There is plenty of pleasure and experience to be gained from riding a 125.

Focus on your riding skills rather than the size of bike.

Couple of thoughts from my side after 27 years in the saddle.

Spend more on the gear less on the bike. Top quality textiles with removeable linings work all year round. Leathers don't.

Dont spend a fortune on your first bike. You probably wont keep it long!

Learn your trade on a smaller bike - gears, braking, inputs, road positioning all have a greater effect.

Once you're at home on 2 wheels get some advanced training. It'll make a world of difference.

Always always ride defensively - if you anticipate something happening you're always ready.

Lastly - enjoy it !

Cheets

Okay little update I had a taster hour on a 125 at the bike school this evening and really enjoyed it!

From having never even sat on a bike I went through all the basic controls then progressed to riding around in first gear to going into second then third.

Did it all in a large car park and finished off with using both brakes, figure of 8 and then a U turn.

I was a bit nervous at first but really enjoyed it overall.

The only bad thing is that it has put a little spanner in the works as the instructor said I picked it up quickly and should consider direct access as he thinks I will get bored with a 125.

I think the only issue for me might be money as doing CBT then a 125 bike will be a lot cheaper for starters than doing direct access and getting a proper bike.

I also have to factor in at least £300+ for helmet and all riding gear.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed your taster session. I never did a taster session, I went straight to the CBT. My instructor gave me similar advise, he advised a 4day DAS for me but I chose to get time on a smaller bike 1st.

 

There are times on a 125 that you know if you had a bigger bike you could make the overtake of the car travelling at 30mph in a 50mph limit but I still enjoy riding my 125.

 

In my opinion, making sure you have the correct trousers/jacket/helmet/gloves/boots etc is the main thing for any new rider & a lot of people seem to ignore this. As mentioned above, make sure your clothing has removable inner layers, they're great for all year round riding.

 

The choice is yours and you must do what feels right to you & not be pressured into either decision.

Didn't read all posts, but its simple.  EXPERIANCE = good rider.

You need to be switched on at all time and be able to look well ahead.

Do NOT, say again NOT jump onto a big bike. Work your way up, 1 year on each bike.

START IN A FIELD, on a field bike. Much safer and gets you used to sliding etc.

Riding a motocross saved my bacon a few times.

It all takes time. 50cc, 125, 250 400 600 1000. Each step up will give you a power buzz.

1 point I will make. Bigger bikes are safer!!!

Didn't read all posts, but its simple. EXPERIANCE = good rider.

You need to be switched on at all time and be able to look well ahead.

Do NOT, say again NOT jump onto a big bike. Work your way up, 1 year on each bike.

START IN A FIELD, on a field bike. Much safer and gets you used to sliding etc.

Riding a motocross saved my bacon a few times.

It all takes time. 50cc, 125, 250 400 600 1000. Each step up will give you a power buzz.

1 point I will make. Bigger bikes are safer!!!

I agree.

I know many folk that rant on about how fast their bikes are and how awesome they are.

But you see them on the road and some are horrific. Just no clue. Mistake after mistake without even realising. Just not seein or lookin for the right things.

he thinks I will get bored with a 125.

You will, unless you're some kind of masochist, lol. If you can afford it, do the direct access.

I also have to factor in at least £300+ for helmet and all riding gear.

£300 will get you a good lid, but you need to budget substantially more than that to get kitted out head to toe.

You will, unless you're some kind of masochist, lol. If you can afford it, do the direct access.

I dno. I enjoyed my time on a 125. You dont need speed to enjoy biking, the rest of the package is there. Freedom etc etc.

Plus its soo cheap on a 125 it almost feels free haha.

But no, i wouldnt want to go back aha.

You dont need speed to enjoy biking,

You don't? Are you sure? That doesn't sound right, lol.

Never owned a 125 myself (although I did spend 5 days on one to get my full licence). My first bike was a '75 RD200. With Ramair filters and no baffles in the pipes. Quiet it wasn't