Motorcycle Forums

Geared bikes

Hi Vladmirzvik

My view is if ur feeling un confident on a geared bike but would like to get back into riding them i think a 125cc bike is the best starter bike! to learn on and gain experience without feeling too overwelmed with the size and power of a bigger bike its personal choice at the end of the day and what u feel comfortable on! I have just passed my CBT not long ago and i bought my self a 125 suzuki van van they are a great  fun bike and iam learning and gaining experience on it every day! and i think most 125 can keep up with traffic no bother as i have got top speed just over 60mph on it ! so not the fastest bike in the world but most 125 arnt! but i didnt get it for speed got it to learn on and gain experience untill i feel confident to go in for my big test! but i keep up with traffic myself no bother on it,and i had a look at the bikes u got on ur message and i would say go for a 125 over a 50cc and u cant go wrong with All the makes like Honda, Kawasaki, yamaha ybr are a good bike too ,suzuki etc etc  Go and explore and sit on a few see how u feel geared bikes are not that bad honest! i wish u luck in finding the right bike for u ! regards vv

Vladmir

If you decide to take your test on an automatic bike you will be beholden to automatic machines, you'll need to pass on a geared bike to be entitled ride a larger geared bike.

Contrary to what ANichol posted, you're Not entitled to do Direct Access, you've got to be 21 to do that at the moment and this is likely to be raised to 24 (could be higher though!) next year so get your test passed soon!! His suggestions about getting a 250 (as long as it adheres to the 33bhp rules) are certainly something to consider though

As for not being too confident, if you've got a little spare cash use it to get a lesson or two to build up your confidence on a geared bike.

Best wishes with it all & Have fun

Honda CBR

Hey

This is the bike im looking at.  http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/CBR125R/2006/_/R-NXGN-2189342?mfy=11.048215

First i would like to thank you gentleman and madam for the reply but really did not know that i would need to pass my CBT on a geared bike to actually legally drive one on the road with insurance. I took my first CBT couple of weeks ago but never passed because it was my first time using a geared bike but the instructor said i was not ready to go on the road but im back in tomorrow to try again, i just hope i pass on a geared bike this time. Mr.Amateurcynic i don't seem to understand a certain part. The 250 parts? I am not restricted to 125cc only or is that the model name? Sorry is this sounds stupid. 

Not read

too much from the above as I'm slightly monged out on morphine. However.

Rules

you do need to be 21 to do DA as amatcynic says - but I guess that is only a little way off for you. If you decide against this route (and there's no real reason why you shouldn't IMO) you will be restricted to a 33bhp (25kw) bike for 2 years unless you do DA part way through that "probation". In theory you could restrict a Bandit 600 or similar to 33bhp; but you'll end up with a heavy and sluggish bike. Taking out the restrictor (after two years of course) would revitialise said bike and by then you may be looking to exceed the general performance of a 250; so its quid pro quo on which route is best. 250s average 30-40bhp so may only need mild restricting at best. Can't say I ever noticed the extra 6 alleged horsepower that returned to my GPX250 when I took out the air intake washer that kept it to 33bhp.
For confidence, extra lessons are a good idea. If you can stretch to it, might I recommend a day's offroad training. I go to Yamaha Schools' one a couple of times a year. Would give you lots of practice of geared bikes and teach you VAST amounts about handling bikes, corners, and less than perfect road/grip conditions. All whilst doing less than 35mph (generally); but feeling like 135mph. You WILL be a lot better road rider for it.