Any bikers here? If so, how did you get into it?

I (think) I want to do my CBT and bike test, but not sure what the (best) options are?

I'm over 21 so I can do the "direct entry" scheme, which seems to basically mean that you can get straight on a 400cc machine for your test. Is that a crazy idea??

I've got a car license, so I can do a CBT and then be licensed for 50ccs but I don't want a 50cc, purely to save myself the embarrassment!

Basically, whats a good first bike? 400cc sounds like a lot to me - perhaps a bit too much to handle for a complete n00b?

I do want to be riding something >= 400cc so perhaps it makes sense to start there??

Most schools use Honda CB500s or Suzuki GS500s, most 400s don't have enough power to meet the guidelines for the licence, or they are pimped out mini-racers.

I took my DAS course on a GS500, then bought a Suzuki GSF600 Bandit. A great fun allrounder (the older models at least), forgiving for beginners, but still providing enough get up and go, once you are experienced. The same goes for the early Yamaha Phaser bikes.

I think people who own motorbikes in "UK" are suicidal

Down under they are known as temporary Australians.

Motorcyclists = ready-wrapped organ donors.

My Dad got a motorcycle because he wasn't old enough to drive a car. He found it cheaper to run than a car and enjoyed riding it.
His brother crashed it when I was about three, Dad's not had a bike since, but has always dreamed.

Up until Christmas I always wanted to have a motorbike, I'd still like one, just not sure what the Purple One and her family would think...

My grandfather used to ride Nortons.
He kept putting it in the hedge, so he got a sidecar.
It didn't help.

You could always buy one of these:


RRRRRRHHHHH!

Loud pipes and bored out to just shy of 1800cc! High lift cams as well, so it goes like stink, for such a barge.

I want to learn. I have been looking up direct access courses in my area and plan to have it done, and my "Virago" bought by my 40th birthday.

'Sup?

I did my CBT when I was 16 (17 now), and I did it on a 50cc scooter when I was 16. But since it counts for 2 years, and as soon as you turn 17 you can have a 125, I'm riding an Aprilia RS125 around at the mo. It's stupidly quick (like almost GS500 quick) for a 125, and will probably be all the sports bike I'll need for a while.

depends on the 400 you nuy, a baby blade or zxr 400 will eat most things on the road and are great fun, ive had a bandit 600 and loved it, i would honestly say you would be looking for something bigger in quite a short time if you bought a 400

WTF? you dont look a day over 32

Thanks for all the input guys (and gals).

I'm still very confused though - even in this thread, I've had one person say 125cc is plenty and would keep most people happy for a long while, and someone else say 400cc is boring and will leave you wanting more!

I think I'll just have to get down to my local bike shop and arrange my CBT through them. I'll do my CBT on a 125cc and see how it feels.

Doing the CBT part of the DAS course (you have to complete the CBT, before you can ride the big bikes), I had to paddle my 125cc bike up to the top of Portsdown Hill, because the engine didn't have enough power! I got it up to full speed on the straight (about 35mph), then had to progressively drop it down the gears, until I was slipping the clutch in 1st and paddling with my feet!

125cc enough? Not on a restricted 4 stroke!

If you are talking about an unrestricted 125cc Aprillia RS125, then yes, they have some power, but it all revolves around keeping your momentum going and not slowing down too much.

A 600cc standard (upright riding position) is probably a good all round bike and, as I said, the Bandit makes a great beginners bike, that will grow with you.

After 8 months, I did an advanced riding course. That is well worth doing.

Also, get yourself a decent helmet and a decent set of leathers or all-round riding gear, with good armour. I wouldn't get on a bike, even to rid to the shops, without wearing all the gear - I was lazy once and my jeans were upstairs, my leathers by the door, so I put my leathers on to go to the cinema! On the way, a plonker did a U-turn at the traffic lights, from the left hand lane of a 4 lane road, without looking, as I came up the right hand land. I took the brunt of the impact on my left leg, but only suffered some swelling and a sore leg for a week. If I'd been wearing jeans, I'd have been in hospital!

Motorbikes = high powered coffins.

I've had two of my friends die in biking accidents.