Motorbike query

Elaine

Elaine

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Elaine Ireland
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I'm going to take my CBT sometime early this year..but i'm confused with what some sites have with regards to the information...
First off i'm 25, I have held a full driving licence for 7 years, it has a p on the catagory bit.
So what does this entitle me to do? Do i have to start out with a scooter.. or can i use a 125cc for the CBT test or am i allowed to go and do the full bike test on a 125? :thinking: :bonk:
 
Once you've got your CBT you can "legally" train on a 125 (12.5HP max) .
Its the first stage to having a full license. You can't go out with L plates on until you get it.

Once you get this go and register with a school and get the knowledge you need to pass your test.

Then take it VERY easy and learn how to drive a bike (not the guff they teach you to pass the test).
After 6 mths of riding go and enroll on an advanced driving course. This, if they are any good, will teach you how to read the road and stay alive.

Without a CBT you are stuck.
 
You can use anything up to 125cc for your CBT, and ride anything up to 125cc on a provisional licence (which you have) with L plates displayed fromt and rear.

When you take your bike test you really have two choices.

1. Take a 125cc test. You don't need any tuition and can book the test yourself. It costs about £50. This restricts you to 125cc/11HP for two years from the date of your test. After that, you can ride anything.

2. Do Direct Access. You'd do this on a 500cc bike and it usually lasts a couple of days and will cost around £400. When you pass, you can ride any bike.

In all cases you also need to pass a theory test before the 'road' test.

Regarding CBT - it takes about a day, and consists on you being taught the basics of handling a bike, plus a road test at the end which lasts roughly two hours. Once you've passed CBT you have two years in which to take and pass a bike test, otherwise you must take CBT again.

Your theory test pass is valid for two years, also.

Hope this helps.
 
Elaine,
You should find all the answers you need here.
Fortunately I passed my bike test waaaaaay back when you could ride anything upto 250cc for as long as you liked without taking the test, then take 1 test (ride around the block a few times), pass, then you could ride anything. Long before all these CBTs, riding round cones etc.

Good luck with the training and definitely take it easy :thumbs:

p.s. what bike are you after when you've passed?

Rich :)
 
I thought if you passed your test on a 125 you could only ride up to a 33bhp bike for two years, after that you could ride anything you like after that.
 
Thank you for the advice Gfk,oldgit,i intend to do the test where i ride the 125 for two years,i certainly wont be rushing out and buying a 1000c...not that i would even be able to hold the bike up with my weedy arms.
Rick..would the Honda CBR 125 be a good all round first choice? I drive past this huge honda bike showroom on my way into preston...i think i should go in one day and have a snoop :)
 
neonpollen said:
I thought if you passed your test on a 125 you could only ride up to a 33bhp bike for two years, after that you could ride anything you like after that.
Click to expand...

You may be right on the BHP thing :thinking: couple of years since I've been at the mercy of two wheels.
 
The BHP restriction only applies to people under the age of 21 when passing their full test or to people older than 21 who pass their full test on a motorcycle which produces less than 45BHP.
 
Thats why I just sent a link to the DSA website - the rules are too confusing for my simple brain :nuts: :thinking: .
Elaine, regarding what bike to get: thats really upto you and what style you like. But you do need to go in and have a sit on a few to see how they fit, but if you find something you really like you can always slightly alter them, i.e. by fitting a seat with less padding (ouch :eek: ) if its a little too tall, or swapping handlebars or footpegs - depending on the bike really.
Regarding the weight of a bike - it isn't an issue at all one you're moving. But the times it could affect you is when you are manouvering in traffic or just lifting it off the sidestand. Then again I've seen plenty of small blokes and slightly built ladies on quite big Harleys and they're OK because on a custom bike all the weight is low down so its easier to manage.
Re the CBR, I don't know anything about them (I guess its a 2 stroke :shrug: ) but its a Honda so it should be reliable and well made. Slightly larger bikes (after you've past you test) which seem to be popular with ladies are Suzuki SV650, Honda Hornet and Harley Sportsters.
Whatever you get, take it easy and enjoy it.
Bikes are ace (when its not blowing a gale and peeing it down, like it is at the mo :D )
 
Elaine, have a browse round the discussion boards on here, The Suzuki Owners Club - you dont have to have a Suzuki to join, we're not prejudiced (well...:D ).

As on here, there's loads of knowledgable friendly folk, and loads of girly bikers too.

Cheers,
Russ
 
RickMezza said:
Thats why I just sent a link to the DSA website - the rules are too confusing for my simple brain :nuts: :thinking: .
Elaine, regarding what bike to get: thats really upto you and what style you like. But you do need to go in and have a sit on a few to see how they fit, but if you find something you really like you can always slightly alter them, i.e. by fitting a seat with less padding (ouch :eek: ) if its a little too tall, or swapping handlebars or footpegs - depending on the bike really.
Regarding the weight of a bike - it isn't an issue at all one you're moving. But the times it could affect you is when you are manouvering in traffic or just lifting it off the sidestand. Then again I've seen plenty of small blokes and slightly built ladies on quite big Harleys and they're OK because on a custom bike all the weight is low down so its easier to manage.
Re the CBR, I don't know anything about them (I guess its a 2 stroke :shrug: ) but its a Honda so it should be reliable and well made. Slightly larger bikes (after you've past you test) which seem to be popular with ladies are Suzuki SV650, Honda Hornet and Harley Sportsters.
Whatever you get, take it easy and enjoy it.
Bikes are ace (when its not blowing a gale and peeing it down, like it is at the mo :D )
Click to expand...

Haha :D Excellent! You know i had no idea you could adjust bikes..saying that i have seen a picture of Richard Hammond on a superbike..if he can do it theres hope for me yet! I will wait till i get some money saved up and shall hopefully get the cbt done by spring time :) Now just need to get some pennies saved for bike and helmet etc :'(
 
Elaine, just so you don't misunderstand me; most bikes dont have any adjustment in seat/bars/pegs position as standard...you'd have to buy and fit some replacement ones. The bike shop will probably do it for you if you need to.
Some bikes do have adjustable seats and screens etc, but they're usually tourers.
Best thing to do is try out a few you like and ask in the shop about adjustment when you find one you like. :)
 
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