Birch Vand

Not as plentiful as the YBRs I've been seeing around, there are a few though. It's an interesting choice. I'm seeing a quite few with big top boxes and pannier boxes, they look to me like upright adventure bikes.

Blimey, the XL125V Varadero does not look like a 125! Definite possibility, as they say

That's a good shout ill have a look what's out there, much obliged

Good shout, there are quite a few about, bit less pricey than an XSR. I think I'll be doing my cbt on a YBR, I spent a couple of hours on one during my first attempt (that's another story...), felt quite nice. That was an 09 plate I think. A decent fit for my height, 6'3".

Good stuff, looks like it's Yamaha or Honda - there are loads about, I'll get the CBT out the way and start having a look at some bikes, got loads saved on Facebook and Autotrader.

Ha! I'm getting the idea that the Benelli is one to avoid, didn't realise it was a Chinese bike. I'll give the Husqvarna a miss, there had to be a reason for the big discount

That's interesting, hadn't spotted that, I'll give that one a miss. No worries, only looking for a 125 so far, I do have some ideas for later down the line, but focusing on the 125s for now

CBT has been rebooked for April, in the meantime I'll be looking for a good starter bike. Something decent to ride for maybe up to a year before moving to something bigger. These four in particular interest me, as I've seen some for sale locally: Yamaha XSR125 Honda CB125R Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 Benelli Leoncino I'm seeing Yamahas between £3k - £4k depending on age/mileage, similar story with the Honda. There's a Benelli near me for £2400, 23 plate with low mileage, looks interesting. Best deal looks like the Svartpilen - local dealer has a couple, brand new, for £3500 - a £1200 reduction. Good brakes, engine, tyres, decent potential resale value, looks too good to miss. Any thoughts?

Cheers fella - I think that might help, I noticed when I didn't think to much about the mechanics of changing gear, finding hitting point etc, it worked better for me. I also know the roads round that area really well so I have a feeling this will be borne out.

One thing I wasn't expecting, my left hand / wrist is hurting today! We spent a lot of time on slow control, getting that clutch feel, keeping the revs even and using that rear brake, harder than it looks!

That's my plan, get a Yamaha XSR125 or Honda CB125R, get some experience on that for a year, then think about moving up

That's interesting, it's easy to compare ourselves with others, but I don't think it helps much. I've always looked at myself first, which is just as well, as the only other learners today picked it all up really easily and was out on the road in the afternoon no problem!

I think relaxing is going to be key, it was too easy to snatch at the throttle, grab the front brake etc when tense, it was much easier when just not overthinking it. It won't be the end of the world if it takes a few more goes, though would like to get it done next time! I'll be riding a 125 for a good while before looking at moving up the licenses, I'm in no rush

Absolutely, they seemed pretty happy with my progress, I was getting it eventually. Just need to relax a bit and give it another go, I'm sure it'll be easier next time. I'd literally never sat on a motorbike before; the coordination will take a while, but it will happen. I'm not even sure if there's any specific advice I can ask the forum, each subsequent exercise just took a bit too long to get right. I'll process it and go again!

Well, did the CBT, did okay, but have to come back for another day (another full day at half price, so not too bad on that score). Basically took too long getting the hang of each manoeuvre, clutch control was a bit iffy at times. Just need a bit more practice, ran out of time to get safe enough for the road section. Going back in two weeks. Had a great time though, was definitely getting there, should be good for the next one. Not as easy as it looks! Bit disappointed, but it's not put me off, there no rush.