License, First Bike and Other Things?

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James R

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Hi, just trying to navigate the complicated license procedure and wondering if someone could tell me what sort of bike I can actually buy. I've just turned 17. As far as I can tell I can get a 250cc once I've finished getting my license (i think). Though I think you have to take your license on a 125cc. Any suggestions of good bikes with this sort of power, something durable that's decent for regular use. Looking for something under 2500£. I don't really know anything about bikes, so any advice much appreciated. Hoping to take a long ride in the summer from london to bottom of italy, so preferably something that will take a little bit of luggage too.
Many thanks
 
I'm afraid at the tender age of 17 you are stuck on a 125 for a few years. The dsa.gov site states for riding anything over a 125cc:
* Age 21 if the rider passed the test for large motorcycles as part of the Direct Access scheme, or two years from the date of test pass if the rider passed the test on a standard A motorcycle (power output up to 25 kW (33 bhp) or a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.)
Which, if i'm reading it correctly, means you have to hold a 125 test pass, which is NOT a CBT (but an extra test) for over two years before jumping on anything bigger.
As for a bike i would suggest buying a moped or something easy to handle for your first bike. Don't worry about buying a knacker cus your gonna chuck it down the road or drop it. Everyone does. Buy something for under £500 and learn how to work on it and service it yourself. Spend some money on good Equipment. Buy gloves, boots, helmet and a jacket. Never ride without these. Road rash REALLY hurts!!! Boots saved my foot from amputation this time last year. NEVER underestimate the stupidity of other drivers!
 
First of all you need to obtain a provisional licence. Then you need to take CBT training and pass that test. That validates your provisional licence for 2 years and you can go on the road with L plates on a moped or learner motorcycle.

(A moped has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). It has an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc and can be moved by pedals, if first used before 1 August 1977. A learner motorcycle has an engine up to 125 cc and a power output not exceeding 11 kW.)

Then you go on to train for and pass your theory and practical driving tests.

There are two types of full motorcycle licence, depending on what you took your test on. :

A light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75 cc and 125 cc

A standard motorcycle licence (A), is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120 cc but not more than 125 cc and capable of at least 100 km/h per hour. After passing the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After this you may ride any size of bike.

There are additional options for those over 21, but they won't apply for you at the moment.

For what it's worth, 11kw is 14.6bhp, 25kw is 33bhp.

And I'd press home a tip of being very careful to keep your CBT certificate, and for that matter the paper copy of your licence. So many are about to go for their tests and realise too late they've lost them! Keep a photocopy for reference purposes.
 
The first thing you need to do is take a CBT. This will teach you the basics and costs about £100. The morning part of this will be on private land (usually a car park or similiar) and teach you gears,handling, signalling etc.

The afternoon part will include a 2 hour on the road part. The examiner will see if they feel you are safe to be allowed on the road alone and will not hurt yourself or others.

If they feel you are safe you will obtain your CBT certificate. This will allow you to ride upto and including a 125cc with 'L' plates, you not allowed to ride on motorways or carry a pillion.

The CBT will need to be redone every two years unless you get your full licence.

-------------------------- The Tests ----------------------------------------------------

For either of these tests you will need to pass a Thoery Test (I think its about £30)

You then have the choice of taking one of two tests.

The 'A1' Licence will allow you to ride a 125cc without 'L' Plates and carry a pillion go on motorways.

The 'A' licence will allow you to ride any size bike as long as it is restricted to 33BHP for two years and then you can ride what every you like. It will also allow you to carry pillion passengers and go on Motorways.

----------------- The Bike -----------------------------------------


I passed my 'A' licence last year and got a Honda CBF 500, fantastic bike, forgiving for the new user with still enough power to get you out of trouble. Can be easily restricted as well.

Look also at getting a 600cc Bandit or an ER-5 used as training bikes and they are all good bikes to start on.
 
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