mikey69

You've probably got the boot now - but do try them on! I have wide feet and the Sidi were just too tight for me, after a day of trying on different boots I've ended up with a pair of BMW boots. Bloody expensive, but by far the best fitting for me - and still cheaper than their bikes

I rode a bike for 3 months in Africa about 20 years ago, been driving ever since and took my CBT back in June. I've taken the slow road of riding a 125 nearly everyday and going through the stages as I've had the money and the time. Off to do my MOD2 on the 5th Nov - so that's been six months. But if you have the money and time, you can do an intensive course in 5-6 days. Good luck

Well done - I'm looking for a cancellation so I can be right behind you.

Can't help - went for the cheapo commuter YBR - I still love it though.

I bought a 125 straight after passing my CBT - but then I use it nearly every day to get to work. I spent about 2 months riding it before i got to start my direct access - and yes, I had to un-learn some bad habits and start putting more observations and life-savers in when i was doing my lessons. Still, working my way to MOD2, but I ride like I'm in a lesson nearly all the time - sometimes I sing Well done on passing the CBT - get a 125 and enjoy... Mind you, it's a bit chilly now.

Well Done!

Passed first time Went through the swerve at 50kph first time, swore I was slow so speeded up for the emergency stop - went through at 60kph No faults - MOD2 here I come

I agree - I went for a 125 and have taken my time to go for the MOD1, but I've been riding nearly every day. I ended up taking 4 lessons before my instructor told me to stop spending any more money and go take the test. So £300.00 on lessons - £60.00 + £15.50 for MOD1 test, hoping I won't need too many lesson for MOD2

At least it's not too long for the re-test. Now you've done it once, you can relax the next time

Gonna give it my best shot - not go through the speed trap at 60kph at least rain is not predicted.

Would you believe it, the first time I've locked up the back while training was last night, on my last lesson before the test!!! Not so confident now .......

Yep - they've been great, even managed to fit me in, as I got I tight cancellation. 3 days to go

Relax and enjoy it. It's about getting your basic skills, it's a good start.

Cool - well done. Have mine on Saturday and oddly, I'll looking forward to it.

Training on a 500 at the moment, even though I get to work on a 125 - the hardest part for me, is getting back on the 125 after a couple of hours on the 500 Go big bike...

LOL - it's not just the power though. It's like going from a tinny Ford Ka to BMW 5 series. I got back on the 125 and went - S%$t ! I've got to ride this now, B&%ger, I own it...

Like the others said, be positive. I took me a couple of hours to work out how to get biting point with your hand, rather than your foot - but the car experience means you unedrstand what you should be doing - you just need to learn the which bit to press, pull and poke to make it happen (well you should need to poke anything). Remember the B in CBT does mean "basic", once you've gone through that it means you have the basic skills to start learning. The school I went to in Hertfordshire didn't charge you if you needed to come back. Took the pressure off, didn't feel you had to pass straight away down to money - not that it's a test.... I've been riding pretty much everyday since getting the CBT in June, and it feels natural to control the bike. Skill building up my riding skills. Balance was a big thing for me, was very wobbly at low speed, but it was something I really wanted to overcome, so I practiced and relaxed, and it worked. I have never enjoyed travelling anywhere so much before - I look for an excuse to not use the car. I even shop every day now, as I can't get a big load in the rucksack. Go for it and enjoy Mikey

Oh My God (in a Janice kind of way) - I didn't expect the difference to be so different or feel so good. Got on a GS500 (I think), nervously had a few practice runs pulling away and changing gear, we then went out for a ride. I'm still grinning - 5 hours later Next lesson Tuesday evening (only because I couldn't do tomorrow) - Mod 1 practice, see how that goes and then book the test. I'm seriously going to have to sell my 125 and get a big bike as soon as possible - bang goes all my reason for getting a bike (fuel consumption) - the car will do more miles to the gallon. As a wise man once said - shit happens

Sounds great - I've got my first lesson on a big bike tomorrow. Really looking forward to it

Having passed my driving test back in the 80's, I was in a similar position. I got convince to go and learn geared and I just don't like the sound of the 50cc scooters. I ended up doing the CBT on a 125 and I cannot recommend it enough. It was great fun and I learnt loads. The main thing being driving & riding are completely different. Having gone down the 125 route, I would recommend it, and would say regardless of what you want to ride - do the CBT.

No worries about the login details - we use it to get a news feed, Just don't tell her

I've seen a few comment about the Mod 1 - especially the swerve test, thought you might like to know it's being reviewed. All the elements will have to remain, as I read it, but the layout is open for change. You can read it here: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=413713&NewsAreaID=2&HUserID=895,777,893,857,772,866,710,705,765,674,677,767,684,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674&ClientID=-1

Completed my CBT on Saturday (5th June) - it was fantastic!!! For a start I was really looking forward to it and I had already said to myself, "If I don't get it done today, I'll go back... No problem" - totally took the pressure off getting it right first time and set me up for the rest of the day. Turned up and the lead instructor was jolly, set everyone at their ease but still managed to get the importance of riding correctly across. As a car driver, he really did get the point across about the difference between arguing the point about right of way with a car, does really matter if you were technically right and had right of way if you're still the one on your back. The training was excellent, we (I mean me) were allowed to make silly mistakes and then questioned until we got the answer, then sent off to do it right (this is in the playground). Once they were happy with your skills (a couple of people didn't get past this point) and they complated the basic Highway Code/Riding theory bit, we were on the road. Started on some nice quiet roads and ended up going through the busy shopping area, initially I was thinking -S**t I'll never get through there, but it was a piece of cake once I relaxed. I struggled on the u-turn in the road (I may have had more chances to get it right than a cat has lives), but I got there and it highlighted a weakness that I have to work on. But, all-in-all, a very enjoyable (and hot) day that ended in a certificate and new range of swear words for idiot car drivers. YBR125 is being delivered Friday -

Hmm - good point Andy, I'll get onto that.

Have to say I didn't really want to risk getting a helmet shipped and went to the local store. What fun! First time in a good few years I've had to buy a helmet and really enjoyed trying the helmets on - one thing I found was that my head fitted some helmets better than others and the "same" size varied a lot between brands. First time in years, I've enjoyed "clothes" shopping