before you get on the road?

[wupwup]

as ive said before im still 16 now and will be for a while. but when i am 17 and go for my cbt what can i do to keep safe? that day will be the first time ive been on the roads ever and though i will have an instructor it dosnt sound safe. and what about after when im let loose on the roads? so yeah what can i do to make sure im safe and know what im suposed to be doing?

[Pete]

Seems like you've a sensible head torqued onto your shoulders . Regarding the CBT don't worry about it - the instructor will make sure you're as safe as can be from behind. They'll also provide you with a hi-viz vest to wear and will most probably provide helmet, gloves and a jacket but do check.

For general riding it's worth investing in a pair of boots (cheap ones will do, as long as they're motorcycle boots and not trainers or anything with steel toe caps). Also think about a pair of textile motorcycle trousers - again these don't have to be expensive for a first set, just something that has padding at the knees and ideally around your bum (standard jeans aren't as tough as one might think in an accident).

[wannars125]

As Pete says, your instructor will stay behind and make sure you are as safe as possible. As it's training, they'll make sure you're up to a competent level on the bike/scooter before taking you out onto public roads. Trust that your instructor will not put you at any undue risk.

As for gaining confidence out on the road, if you have a bicycle, take that out for as many rides as possible and think about your positioning on the road. I found that when riding the bike, the positioning wasn't much different ie being in the middle of the road when turning right, checking over your shoulder before making any turns to make sure nothing is coming from behind.

Most of all when it comes round to doing the CBT relax and enjoy it. If you've not ridden a powered 2 wheeler you'll love it!

[wupwup]

i thought steel toes where good? how durable are leathers e.c.t. im getting a cg first so wont need them most likely. at least not good ones. but i wil progress to a nice big sportsbike as soon as possible so i will deffinatly need them then. so would you say its worth investing in good gear to begin with? or will they just wear out and i need to buy new stuff in a year?

i think when i get it i will just practice on some remote country roads to begin with. but theres alot i dont know about the road in general. it seems simple- ride on it. but on a second glance it looks tricky with lanes e.c.t.

[Guest]

how durable are leathers e.c.t. im getting a cg first so wont need them most likely. at least not good ones

Get the best you can afford - those roads are hard!

[Pete]

Spending money on a decent bike is one thing, but like parapanfan says the money is best spent on safety gear first, bike second.

Regarding the steel toe cap thing, they're not great because they don't allow any feel with the gear lever / brake lever. That's especially important when learning as you're still getting used to things. After you've been riding a while you may want to wear work boots, but to start off steel toe caps are generally not recommended. Speaking of boots - try to get some that aren't lace-ups. One of the big problems with riding in trainers (apart from the lack of protection) is that they have laces. Laces on any footwear can get caught up in the gubbins by your feet. Much better to get a pair of dedicated motorcycle boots in my opinion.

[Guest]

The instructor wont let you out on the road until they are satified that you have understood the Complusary Basic Training, they talk you through everything you need to know, but it never hurts to read up on the Highway Code yourself.

Its all BASIC stuff, like do you know your left from your right, understanding some roads signs, plus your paying them so get your monies worth, pick their brains, after all your common interest is bikes.