Notices
West Yorkshire Impreza Owners Club (WYIOC) The official dedicated forum for West Yorkshire Impreza Owners Club.

Motorbike (Learning to ride one) help needed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01 November 2007 | 12:40 PM
  #1  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default Motorbike (Learning to ride one) help needed

Given it looks like the Scoobs days are coming to a close I'll need to fill the void somehow.

I'm therefore going to go for my bike license - can people advise of best places to go locally are (I'm based in South Leeds) to do theory tests, CBTs and all that. Any crash courses that people recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by scg; 01 November 2007 at 12:50 PM.
Old 01 November 2007 | 02:40 PM
  #2  
MickWrx's Avatar
MickWrx
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 0
From: Wset Yroksrhie posts: 82,555 - total _____ Avg monthly
Default

I recently passed my test, I found it relavely eas,y saying that have piloted bikes most my life.

I was worried about the theory test as it was a long time ago since I last studied the highway code, the DVLA website offers two free theory test examples in full, really worthwhile registering free, and having ago.

The CBT was relatively easy but as said I have been on bikes quite a lot. as for the test I would suggest the guaranteed pass sitting direct access. the company I went with do 3 and 4 days crash courses to get your licence.

FMT castleford is the school i went with, I know it's not quite leeds, but very good instruction and friendly too
Old 01 November 2007 | 02:55 PM
  #3  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Thanks for the advice Mick

What bike have you got at the mo? Can you recommend a 'pootling about' 125 for when / if I get passed CBT? Just going to go for a cheapie, hopefully it won't be for too long
Old 01 November 2007 | 03:02 PM
  #4  
girl-in-a-scoob's Avatar
girl-in-a-scoob
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9,914
Likes: 0
From: N.Y.S.O.C. - NORTH YORKSHIRE SUBARU OWNERS CLUB
Default

My first bike was a DT125. Had loads of fun on it
Old 01 November 2007 | 03:28 PM
  #5  
s3emo123's Avatar
s3emo123
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: west yorkshire leeds
Default

Past mine with Road runners up at Colin appleyards roseville rd
Did direct access guaranteed pass allows you to ride any cc bike
3 day course cost me £450 all in that includes insurance and bike hire
got jacket and boots gloves etc you can borrow if req
Old 01 November 2007 | 03:56 PM
  #6  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Originally Posted by s3emo123
Past mine with Road runners up at Colin appleyards roseville rd
Did direct access guaranteed pass allows you to ride any cc bike
3 day course cost me £450 all in that includes insurance and bike hire
got jacket and boots gloves etc you can borrow if req
Cheers mate (&cheers Clare). Sounds like a good idea I'll have a look round but they sound good, only started thinking about it this morning but I'm now really into the idea . Btw saw your motor down at B&Q about 3 weeks ago - liking the roof
Old 01 November 2007 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
s3emo123's Avatar
s3emo123
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: west yorkshire leeds
Default

Cheers one of stickys
Old 02 November 2007 | 11:43 AM
  #8  
KnobbySP1's Avatar
KnobbySP1
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Otley, West Yorkshire
Default

Have fun but it you're doing any test, do it before the really bad weather comes!

and be warned - if you go down this path it's very addictive...

Even a moderate bike can make most cars look like mobile chicanes

Of all the cars I've had and driven, nothing stands upto thrashing a bike - it's just not that much fun in bad weather. Hence the need for a car as well - especially in this country!
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:46 PM
  #9  
simonbb1328's Avatar
simonbb1328
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
From: Huddersfield/ Wakefield
Default

Originally Posted by KnobbySP1
Even a moderate bike can make most cars look like mobile chicanes
Foo me and with some of the cars you have owned
Would love a bike but not allowed one, seen alot of accidents some involving family and friends etc
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:49 PM
  #10  
KnobbySP1's Avatar
KnobbySP1
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Otley, West Yorkshire
Default

Too true...

That's why it's important to stick with no thrashing in built up areas of traffic or bad weather.

A fine day in the countryside is the place to be!

Also - don't let stupid "show-off" bikers push you into doing something dumb. Always ride within your own abilities.
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:53 PM
  #11  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Yeh Ian / Si I'm making many promises to my girlfriend about things I'm not going to do but as she says it's the actions of others that lead to most bike accidents.

I'll certainly not be going daft on one straight away, I'm well aware they have to be treated with the utmost respect.

Out of interest Ian if you had about £5k to spend on a bike prob about 3 years old what would you go for? I'm obviously thinking along the lines of sports bike as opposed to a chopper Prob will use for 5 mile drive to work each day too.
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:55 PM
  #12  
simonbb1328's Avatar
simonbb1328
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
From: Huddersfield/ Wakefield
Default

Well said Ian, from personnal bike experience this isn't always easy to do, the most dangerous part I would say is other road users as a bike is alot harder to see..
Very expensive too for the best in safety, I have heard that you can buy leathers made from kangaroo now instead of cow hide, and is supposed to be alot stronger and eliminate alot of the bounce from the tarmac
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:57 PM
  #13  
simonbb1328's Avatar
simonbb1328
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
From: Huddersfield/ Wakefield
Default

suzuki gsxr 600
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:59 PM
  #14  
simonbb1328's Avatar
simonbb1328
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
From: Huddersfield/ Wakefield
Default

Earnshaws in huddersfield is a good place to start
Old 02 November 2007 | 12:59 PM
  #15  
KnobbySP1's Avatar
KnobbySP1
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Otley, West Yorkshire
Default

I'd go 600cc and Honda.

Good one to start with (you'll need a full license though) and Honda's tend to be more reliable.

Be very careful not to buy a shed though. One's not looked after with corrosion/oil leaks are common.

For £5K you should be able to get a good one.
Old 02 November 2007 | 01:21 PM
  #16  
Jamie's Avatar
Jamie
Super Muppet
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33,364
Likes: 0
From: Inside out
Default

Get it done asap i was told they are changing the test making it harder to pass after christmas
Old 02 November 2007 | 02:24 PM
  #17  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Originally Posted by KnobbySP1
I'd go 600cc and Honda.
Yeh a lad at work has and recommends a Honda CBR600RR so may be a good call. Although I would like it to be BLACK
Old 02 November 2007 | 02:26 PM
  #18  
KnobbySP1's Avatar
KnobbySP1
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Otley, West Yorkshire
Default

Originally Posted by scg
Yeh a lad at work has and recommends a Honda CBR600RR so may be a good call. Although I would like it to be BLACK
Don't get a black bike - they're a pig to keep clean - trust me, I've been there!
Old 02 November 2007 | 09:22 PM
  #19  
Sticky Stuff's Avatar
Sticky Stuff
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,048
Likes: 0
From: ShyTot graphics Location: Squires Bar Location: Wakecastlefract
Default

Originally Posted by simonbb1328
Very expensive too for the best in safety, I have heard that you can buy leathers made from kangaroo now instead of cow hide, and is supposed to be alot stronger and eliminate alot of the bounce from the tarmac
Sorry to stray o/t, but that really made me chuckle. You'd have thought it'd have had the opposite effect
Old 02 November 2007 | 10:23 PM
  #20  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Originally Posted by Sticky Stuff
Sorry to stray o/t, but that really made me chuckle. You'd have thought it'd have had the opposite effect
I wonder if it has a little pouch too to keep your things in
Old 02 November 2007 | 10:27 PM
  #21  
corradoboy's Avatar
corradoboy
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19,020
Likes: 0
From: Just beyond the limits of adhesion
Lightbulb

Originally Posted by *Jamie*
Get it done asap i was told they are changing the test making it harder to pass after christmas
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=405

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=510

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/ad...foreitchanges/
Old 02 November 2007 | 11:11 PM
  #22  
Dazza's-STi's Avatar
Dazza's-STi
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,970
Likes: 0
From: Some say he has frost on his helmet...
Default

you mean like this Ian, fits the criteria of Honda and 600
New toy... arriving in the morning:



04 with 1700 miles and as new

Speaking of new toys, I very very nearly purchased one of these today... And may i say if you like your cameras don't go hold one of these... I had one of those oh,oh Ohhhhhhh moments... thing of beauty


Mick, go to Jessops and have a fondle with that thing....
Old 03 November 2007 | 12:04 AM
  #23  
dunx's Avatar
dunx
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
From: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Default SCG careful please !

Had a colleague a few years back....

Decided to save money so bought a motorbike, did the test, had all the gear and promised the wife he'd be careful....

One week in he ASSUMED the pick-up infront was overtaking....

It wasn't it was turning right !

Paul accelerated, pick-up stopped !

Result = one broken bike, sold ! + one broken wrist !

Dunx

P.S. Please be careful Si, very careful.
Old 03 November 2007 | 02:05 AM
  #24  
stuart148's Avatar
stuart148
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,226
Likes: 0
From: colchester
Default

oh dunk your a bundel of joy lol



stu
Old 03 November 2007 | 11:43 AM
  #25  
dunx's Avatar
dunx
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
From: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Default

This guy had a brain, a wife and two young kids, like many on here, and still made a mistake that you would get away with in a car. Put him off work for six weeks, and he still has problems with his wrist years later.

Dunx

Glad to be of service. Stu

P.S. Ther's a link on S'net to the story about a guy, crippling a biker on a run out... Not to good ont' net but think it's Prison... on Pistonheads.

Have a nice day and be safe everybody. It made me think twice.
Old 03 November 2007 | 12:27 PM
  #26  
fl6's Avatar
fl6
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 0
From: north/west yorkshire
Default

se wot damage a motor bike can do to a scooby
so i dont trust non of them sorry lads
Old 03 November 2007 | 12:27 PM
  #27  
simonbb1328's Avatar
simonbb1328
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
From: Huddersfield/ Wakefield
Default

Got to agree dunx
That is the main reason why im not arguing with Flis when she says no.
As many know my brother was involved in a nasty one when a landrover hit him but luckily he is on the mend
Old 03 November 2007 | 12:36 PM
  #28  
DaveSTI350's Avatar
DaveSTI350
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: In an East Yorkshire Pub somewhere....squires Milk Bar.
Default

Si i can only say this. bikes are a lot of fun off road and on. and it is most of the time someone else's fault when accidents occur. I would suggest that you get one like Daz's as it's not head down and **** up. And will be a lot easier to handle than a race rep. they should come later mate when you have some experience. I started riding motocross at the age of 6. And at 16 i was one of the top fourty schoolboy riders in the country and been to a lot of hospitals up and down the countey. But never had to visit one since iv'e had my bike license thank god.
It's great fun on a bike and i have done lots of touring over seas with some mates in the police force you will enjoy it i'm sure. I still keep my hand in at off road and feel that if you have never been on a bike it would be an idea to have a go off road as the mud is softer than tarmac I will of cause take you on mine and if you need a refrence... ask Mick... I also i have a big road bike GSX 1400K7 so if you ever fancy a ride out you know where i am mate.... good luck with your test

Regards

Dave

Last edited by DaveSTI350; 03 November 2007 at 12:41 PM.
Old 03 November 2007 | 12:51 PM
  #29  
DaveSTI350's Avatar
DaveSTI350
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: In an East Yorkshire Pub somewhere....squires Milk Bar.
Default

Originally Posted by fl6
se wot damage a motor bike can do to a scooby
so i dont trust non of them sorry lads


Its not your fault john ...... you where just in the right place at the wrong time... Most bikers are like subaru owners love em, polish em, and ride em, and then meet up somewhere for a coffee.. And chew the fat . or in your case the pasty. . Sorry mate... luv ya.....

Old 03 November 2007 | 12:58 PM
  #30  
scg's Avatar
scg
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
Default

Many thanks for all the advice guys Dave the comment about not having a head down **** up seems very sensible especially as I'll be going to work on it quite a bit too.


Quick Reply: Motorbike (Learning to ride one) help needed



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:15 PM.