Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Rusty bolts in Kalifornia

The guy who taught me recounted a tale of a chap who had rocked up on his brand S1000RR after passing his test to show the assembled riding school folk. Stepped off it, walked away and forgot to put it on the side stand...

Budget about £1k for kit too.

Please tell me there's no Rapha of motorcycling...

Where the fuck are my replies?

Think there are similar stories at most places.

When I used to do CBTs, I would regularly fail people. Usually older people who knew better. Got a few complaints, one I remember was a chap who failed as he didn't look at junctions just pulled out. This chap complained as I passed a kid that did a few wheelies on his scoot, this kid had really good control and was very vigilant.

Yeah, getting decent kit is better for concentration, clothing that fits and keeps you dry in the rain and warm yet cool.

Quality gloves, at least two pairs. A well fitted helmet.

There is, belstaff. The kit they made was really good. They were taken over by an italian fashion house...price went up, quality went down and it was more like clothing to look like you are a biker.

You know the turn up at boxhill in a car then walk around wearing your jacket and carrying a helmet.

Rapha of motorcycling...

What lynx said.

Bear in mind lots of kit is more expensive anyway. Decent jackets don't have to cost that much, but everything else adds up.

Having done the CBT+125, then Direct Access I'd say it's 100% your preference which is better. Going straight to DA will likely be cheaper as you only have to buy and insure one bike - even if you need more lessons.

The big plus of riding a 125 cc for a while is getting hours on the bike, which ultimately improves your riding.

Worth adding that some 125's will do +70mph. They just tend not to feel as stable or safe. If you do buy a 125 and have to ride at higher speeds I'd really recommend choosing a faux racing bike. They may look a bit naff, but they tend to go faster, have better brakes and more importantly a fairing - which helps no end.

Would Sir like to try on this Rukka suit?

I have a Rukka summer suit which I've done 2 big tours with and I had to scrap my winter Rukka jacket after I holed it in a crash. They are brilliant. These days I like the under armour that you can wear an armourless leather over the top of, that way you can layer a waterproof on top and have a really big choice of clothing to suit the seasons/weather.

Quite happy with my Dainese stuff. I know it gets bad rep, but It's seen me through winter Alps/scottish riding and it's still going strong 2 years on.

Not the same with boots and gloves though. Can't wait for these to wear out so I can buy more sensible stuff.

Daytona boots are great, £80 for a re-sole makes them pretty economical in the long run.

I think I'll wait till I've done the CBT to decide but I'm leaning towards direct access, just got the thumbs up from Mrs Hammer to use a week of holiday for it... Now just need to rustle up the cash.
Is there any reason not to get a bigger bike other than the temptation to nail it and consequently run out of skill?

Nice... but pricey.
I will probably buy whatever the motorbike shop around the corner has for sale, they're meant to be pretty good and I have a feeling I won't know what I really want until I've ridden for a while.

That's what I did. Straight into DAS from CBT. Not regrets as all the info was fresh in my head and I wanted to carry on riding. I also hated the smaller bikes for their jerkiness, lack of punch when needed and discomfort over distance.
Bigger doesn't mean better, but it is more stable at higher speeds/distance.

If I had to go smaller again, it'd be a scooter for sure.

Good call.Just to ask the obvious question, are you over 25yo? If not then there are different rules for getting your license and what you can ride afterwards.

bigger bike

You mean once you've got your full license? You obviously won't be able to legally ride a bigger bike until then.

Cost, insurance, fuel economy, weight/maneuverability if commuting, would all come higher up as reasons for not getting a massive bike. For e.g. my Triumph Scrambler is 900cc, but it's heavy and naked. A Kawasaki er6f* would knock its socks off. Nowadays most things over 350cc will be fun and plenty fast enough riding one-up.

Engine size shouldn't be your starting consideration, there are so many other variables. Just try out a few different bikes and get what you think you fancy. Luckily most main dealers let you take new bikes out for decent solo test rides

*Incidentally a really decent first big bike imo

No reason not to get a 5/600 (or even a 300 in todays market) over a 125. A few good reasons not to go bigger than that for a first bike. Insurance would be a good one.

I would leave aside any ideas of getting a cool first bike and just go for the standard 5/600 class. Something comfortable for your physique and fitting the commuting you want to do.

If you are starting at this time of year you'll need a winter jacket and trousers, there are plenty around that will get you through even if you get a bit colder than you would in the expensive stuff. I started out with a Hein Gericke Master jacket that I wore out over 5 years, it was a budget option but stood up well. Literally stood up on it's own after 5 years of ingrained dirt.

Yeah I’m 31 so no probs there!
I mean bigger than 125 really and mainly in terms of being a beginner/inexperienced but thanks, those are all good reasons to not go mad!
Mrs Hammer now wants to do the CBT as well and get a scooter for the summer 👌

They last 2yrs so see if you can negotiate a discount if you do it together - especially this time of year. Sounds obvious but make sure you request a manual bike for yourself - it may not be assumed.

Yep, CBT limits aside, I would never choose a 125cc. Second hand anecdote but there's a youtuber call the mission flyer - a bit geeky but he rides a lot of bikes, including modern smaller bikes and irrc although he seems impressed with modern small bikes he still feels 350cc is the lower limit. A mate had a 350cc MT03 and that was wicked and plenty fast enough - worth a look if you ride mainly in London and A roads.

Try a jap import 250cc with an above 10,000 rpm rev limit.

Insurance is your biggest cost when starting out, gather a group of bikes you think you might like, get actual registrations and then spend a day putting them though insurance quotes. You'll have an answer after that, if your in the se, prepare for big £££

I think right now we have it very easy with a choice of solid bikes from 80s till recent, Mid size jap 4 banger with or without Fairings and good enough reliability can be had for £500-1500.

All the money in the world I don't think anyone should spend more than £1500 on a first bike (of any size). Your going to drop it, crash it, have it reversed over by a van or range rover, or just forgot to look after the drive chain. Having a cheaper bike your mote likely to go out in the rain, in the salt and really use it, because your not gonna cry when the triumph sticker peels off the engine casing*

*there is a lengthy thread on some bike forum about a guy who tried to submit a warranty claim for a 2 year old triumph that "sticker is peeling off". somehow I think that guy would never get a peg down.

Edit. If your buy anything used, unless it's already got recent decent tyres on it, put some new quality rubber on it.

Speaking of tyres @BrickMan @lynx @Jung et al. I'm now living somewhere warmer, less rainy with smoother tarmac and many tasty twisties. I'm currently rolling on Conti Road attacks which have been lovely. Any other recommendations on sticky(er) rubber?

Also...totally fascinated by this

Looks like my budget probably dictates something battered with a rad paint scheme from the 90s... Any reason to avoid or look for something newer? Getting quotes between £200-700 which is ok at lower end and not too appalling at the top.

Wow that's some money!

Can't help too much with warm/dry Road tyres, know more about dual sport and dirt tyres than current Road offerings
Bunch of mates (also courier) use Michelin pilot sport 4 (4s?) an aggressively cut wet weather Road tyre for 5-25c weather, amazing things.

What bike? and where, jealous.
Metzeler M7RR are good. Or super corsa for full summer.