Peter Ford

I might be learning to ride a 2 wheeled beast soon, but was wondering if anyone had any tips.- What do I have to do for the CBT test before I start learning? What are those silly laws about smaller engine size before being 21?
Sorry if these sound like obvous questions.

andrew6321

Peter - best tip....listen to your instructors!

The CBT itself takes about a day, and involves basic handling exercises, clutch control, balance, braking, etc - usually on a closed course (ie not on the road), although there will be a bit of practical road work at the end of the day. Nothing to worry about.

After that, you have two choices - standard, or direct access courses. Direct access presumes that you are over 21 and once you've passed, lets you ride any bike, any size. Direct access training is usually conducted on 500cc machines. The standard test is conducted on a 125cc and once passed, restricts you to a 33hp machine (ie about 250cc, or a larger machine fitted with a restrictor) for 2 years.

Both tests are pretty much the same, although for the direct access, the examiner will want to see you riding a 500cc quite well, 'cos he knows that as soon as most people pass, they just run out and buy the biggest b*st*rd machine they can afford and ride like a maniac.

Get out there - the only regret you'll have is not doing it earlier....!

Peter Ford

Cheers, thanks Andrew.
125cc? Doh. And there was me thinking I could straddle a hog straight away. Hang on, I'd better re-phrase that incase any farmers get any ideas. Straddle a Harley. Aparently thay handle like dogs though.
Any recomendations for what to get as a 1st bike?

longun

I'm just 21 and Am planning to do the direct access course I will let you know what I think when I get the money together to do it. Also want a harley....

On the harley front. I might Get a sporster only a 850cc engine but nice bike's none the less, and cheap.

Or one day a fatboy

My dads bike: Fatboy 1300cc on a MY97 Bought new cost £12,500...

I need to get saving!!!

First the scooby tho then the bike!!!

P.s They do handle like dogs, but they pull like you would not belive. But it's not for going fast on, if you want to go fast DON'T buy a harley (You'll keep losing)

(Edited because I wanted to say more OK)

[This message has been edited by longun (edited 29 November 2000).]

andrew6321

<<And there was me thinking I could straddle a hog straight away.>>

Peter,
Actually, you could. I think I'm right in saying that almost any bike can be restricted to 33hp. A friend of mine passed her standard bike test and then bought an 883 sportster with a 33hp restrictor kit. She's taken it off now, as she's done her 2 years. Cruisers aren't really my cup of tea though, although if you're determined to get one, there are plenty of Jap 125/250cc Harley clones, which are probably a little lighter than an 883 with a restrictor kit.

Depending on your age, you could just take your CBT (which entitles you to ride a 125cc with 'L' plates) and ride around on that until you qualify for the direct access test...

Murray53

Peter

Just do it!

If you are too young for direct access, a restricted 600 or depending on your height a trail bike would probably be a good first bike.
I am not into Harleys, I've ridden one (my brothers 883)and it was better than expected but not my thing.

Whatever you get, you will enjoy. Its like the fat girl/moped joke, you will enjoy both but wouldn't want your mates to see you!

Murray
1200 Bandit