Notbitingmynails

I have been doing some research and think for gear I will go and do a drive to a J&S which one is about 50 mins away. I'd like to get a feel for quality and fit obviously. Just did an internet search and for helmet, gloves, jacket, jeans and boots £450! Ouch. And that was the cheapo range. Bike wise I will avoid "supermarkets" as they stack them high and sell them cheap. (got a car through Cinch and had to send it back as it had a warning light on that they couldn't fix - delivered with the light on too) I am also looking for after sales stuff as well, mainly good service and after care. Shame Cambridge is a tad light on that. Probably spend more on fuel than I want, but also time well spent in the long run. But obviously need to get some gear and then pass the tests. Learning to drive a car back in the day was so much easier! As no doubt was motorcycling - but my parents were not so keen.

Thanks for the advice - I was planning on doing theory first then a direct access. Already have the book. I may need a trip to get some gear as well, I know the training centre place I have contacted (Camrider) require at least boots and can lend other stuff, but would. prefer to have my own kit. So a nice pay day venture at the end of the month. Re 2nd hand bikes - which actually makes sense rather than a nice shiny new one that I can break in a week - private or dealer? I know nothing about motorcycles apart from if they look nice or not. Thinking taking a small hit on dealer with some back up. Also it does open up my choices as Cambridge is limited but can go further afield if I can get a good price. Insurance - Last time I did anything was for a car and after a few searches the websites just give me the same prices after a while. Again - thanks for advice I think used would be a better idea and getting kit is top of the list now.

Coming into some cash and want to do a direct access - any advice on size of bike (thinking 500CC for now) and also new -v - used. I know nothing mechanical but have driven cars for years and can ride a pedal cycle so should be OK with some good instruction. Based in Cambridge so limited with motorbike sales, Honda, Ducati and Enfield / BSA unless I travel a bit further. Would like something for commuting (25 miles max) but also a weekend toy. Honda 500CL(?) and one of the new BSA bikes looks good. Not wanting to race or anything stupid. Also any recommendations on training? Not much to ask surely! Thanks in advance.

Used to be in Telecoms - I went for a Tesco job. Alcatel Pop something or other. Bit cheapskate, but does pretty much what all the others do. Doesn't cost the earth and no worries if the thing breaks. Something like £7.99 a month and never go over the contract limits. Although depends on how much bandwidth you use. If it is a main phone then a decent contract with good limits a must as otherwise you will get screwed. Each to their own - I use Apple for laptops as they tend not to break (I'n my experience). But mobile phone wise the cheaper brands are still pretty good, use the same chips. Might be a year or 2 behind, but all depends if you will notice the difference. Very much a 2p's worth there.