Shasel

Despite being a bit older I am a newbie. Did my CBT 2022 during the summer. Cost £140. Didn't really enjoy the CBT if I am honest and was not confident to go out first time. Couple of old school biker types who had no patience for learners but because I am stubborn and had bought my kit I got through the CBT. initial CBT plus revisit cost me ~£200. Bought myself a nice little 125 and was loving that. Was thinking of keeping doing the CBT and sticking with a 125 but decided in a moment of madness to try direct access done over four days. Cost about £800 all in and passed first time. Experience was night and day and the group I did my direct access with were fantastic (CMS Bike School in Aberdeen). It helped I was confident on a bike by that point but I watched them deal with others who weren't and they were really good.

If i were to get a Hornet that would probably be the colour I would go for. Love the look of it.

That made me laugh. Yes wind is a bit of an issue up here. When I started riding I thought it would be rain that would put me off but actually riding in rain doesn't bother me that much but high winds can be exciting and not in a good way. Hoping that something a bit heavier than my 125 will be a bit more stable to be honest. Like the suggestion of the Himalayan as do love the look of them. See this thread is what I love about motorbikes. Loads of great options each one good in their own way and each one I would love.

So I am mainly on mainland Shetland and highly likely to do a lot of commuting and general cruising with the odd excursion down a side/back road. Have to say I had been sleeping on the CB500X and that might just have jumped to the top of the list. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Looking for some views and opinions please as I am genuinely stuck. Passed my bike bike test this year but still riding my trusty 125. I am thinking I might get a big boy bike next year but getting stumped as to what bike to get. I have a strong preference to Honda as I live on Shetland and there is only a Honda garage on island. Any other bike would be two overnight ferries and two days out of my life to get it to an approved garage. Being on Shetland even when commuting it is hardly a lot of town driving or stop start stuff. Filtering is not really I thing. Most of my riding time is spent at 50mph+ Also being Shetland I am not likely to be doing motorway type speeds So what type of bike? I like the idea of a more offroad biased bike like the CRF300 Rally as it could be fun to explore the more out of the way roads. But realistically most of my riding will be on good quality faster roads. I had thought of something like the Hornet but then a fairing might be nice if I cruise at 60mph or so. I love the look of sports bikes and have slowly been looking at them more and more. I had thought more sports tourer but I am unlikely to tour and the island isn't even two hours end to end so comfort isn't as big deal. I am paralysed by too much choice! I guess right now I am stuck between Hornet, CBR650R and CRF 300 Rally and utterly confused because they are all so different.

That's great thanks.

Okay a bit of context. My daughter is newly 17 and living away form home to train for her apprenticeship. She would really like to get mobile and is keen to get a motorbike as soon as possible. She is 5'3" tall and many of the riding schools she has used to try and book CBT are saying they don't have bikes she can use. Does anyone know of any schools for CBT which can accommodate the shorter rider? Ideally in the Warrington/Manchester area but willing to travel. I know we could go down the buy the bike first route but that leaves all sort of problems like how do you get it there and what do you do if you don't pass. I may have to hurriedly pass my CBT to help deliver a bike to her CBT for her but that seems extreme. Any help would be appreciated.