Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Post-CBT, are 3 days enough if I can already ride a geared motorcycle to pass?

I played it safe and did the longer 5 day option, basically wanted the best odds at passing first time. Even doing the longer option, I found it stressful but granted hadn't riden for a few years.

I had 3 lessons (Saturdays, over a few weeks)
1st was to the Mod1 test centre then practicing for a few hours.
Then had mod1 test a few days later (passed, even though I fucked the u turn, and did the emergency stop at 50mph rather than 30 so overcooked the stopping distance)
2 more lessons then Mod2 test (40 minutes bombing around town, stop/ start, lifesavers and careful driving)

It's not "hard" as long as you remember to turn off your indicators and move your head slightly exaggeratedly when checking mirrors and doing lifesavers.
(And can ride a motorbike)

You will need a valid CBT and a passed theory test (for motorbikes, they aren't transferable if you have a car one) best have the theory done before you start as you can't take your tests without it.

Also I'll add I was riding 200miles per week on a 125 for 3 months before I started my lessons, so had decent road sense and bike experience

some top tips here! Similar advice I got when I asked about driving, its more than 'being able to drive', following rules, behaviour and unlearning bad habits etc.

I will go with the 5 day option once I do CBT and theory :)

@Chak Its a slow start, I am going to get the license first and then see, I have the same issue as most London dwellers, cant buy a 'nice' bike as it will get stolen. I dont have anything in mind to buy or know what I will use it for but good to have the license.

Mod 2

Hence my comment about riding like you’re not a RLJ. Maybe I was too nuanced.

What you can do, and what an examiner sees, are wildly different.

My XJ600N is ideal. Not as gnarly as some options and cheap enough to be fun.

I only fancy selling it as I need to do long road miles. As a 50-60hp commuter it is wonderful. As a motorway bike, not quite.

By the way, I’m gonna sell my XJ600… !

Amey may be effected by the ULEZ, so the bike might have to go through a test.

Well, that is alot of time to have bad habits to form ;)

You learn to pass a test, nothing more than that. No idea about what the test is now I am out of the loop.

Ah true

What you can do, and what an examiner sees, are wildly different.

This exactly. First time I was too careful I suppose, which made me look too nervous. Second time was just moving through traffic.
What you looking to replace the XJ with?

@amey Unless you're 85%+ secure in storage, just get something cheap or incognito.
Done a few 'nice' bikes so far, and It's always ended sour. Tesla driving neighbour here had a 1000RR. He just sold it and got a CB500. As @pdlouche something like the XJ is good.

Just gonna drop another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DJkjGjAvQ

Maybe a 90’s sport 600. I’d like around 100hp but don’t want a 250kg bike or anything monster.

Something like an early Ninja, or one of the CBR iterations.

Not fussed to get a litre bike yet, just something that I don’t have to upshift halfway through an 80mph overtake on A-roads.

best have the theory done before you start

Top advice, just helps with relieving the pressure slightly.

My Kawasaki was something like 115bhp and a bit over 200kg but I could go 6 months without ever seeing 3rd gear.
That was a 750 and not a sports bike but just too big for city riding.
If you do a lot of a roads it's wicked tho

200KG!!!! Jesus, the Tiger is 210 fuelled up! Heaviest bike I had was the 6th Gen VFR800. Lovely thing, but a fucking porker.

@pdlouche If it's CBR, it has to be a 954. They're lovely and underrated.

What's your budget?

Aye, 207 according to Google.
Think if I was to get a cheapish but decent bike these days it'd be either a striple, a hornet or a GSR

If it's CBR, it has to be a 954. They're lovely and underrated.

Not a CBR man myself, but have a real soft spot for the 954.

Budget?

Low as possible, hence 90’s and such. The XJ owes me more than it’s worth, but the work done on it and low mileage (<18k) if I can get around £1500 then that saves me putting much on top for a late 90’s Ninja.

CBR’s I might need to pay more. Gutted guys I know keep finding good ones for £900!

I’m on the wrong forums.

954’s too powerful and too dear for me at the moment. I still want a bike I can wring the neck of.

Slightly left field, but what about the RSV Mille? Amazing on A roads, surprisingly good on motorways, underpriced because it's not a Ducati, more reliable than you'd think.

Eta: actually, bad idea. Wringing its neck will end in tears.

Fair enough, totally get that. CBR600F, YZF750R or a lovely ZXR750?

Two issues, first it’s Italian, and second I should have specified I should like to stick to straight 4’s.

Yes pretty much

I noticed your preference for straight 4s, but aren't they a bit bland until you get to high revs? With a big twin you can have more drama at lower revs. All that thumping. Have you tried a big twin? And what's wrong with Italian? Prillers tend to have more sensible servicing and spares bills than Ducatis.