I have questions

[StephB]

Hiya, I want to know how riding a motorbike compares to learning to drive a car? It is easier or harder? I've had a lot of issue learning to drive and am thinking of trying motorbike lessons instead.

 

I was also wondering about safety. People have tried to put me off learning as they think motorbikes aren't as safe. What are your thoughts?

 

Thanks 

[NeilM]

Firstly. 

Bikes are more dangerous.  End of.

Learning is difficult to quantify.  To put it into context.  I failed my car test 3 times before passing. I passed my bike test first time.

But. I'd far more experience of riding a bike than a car prior to test.

 

Because you are far more alert on a bike, I think your skill set only ever really improves.

I do probably x10 more mileage a year in the car, but I'm a far better rider than driver. 

[Bender]

Unless you go automatic your adding the synchronisation of hand throttle, clutch and gear change with your foot to the same level of awareness you need in the car, except your now vastly more vulnerable so you need to be even more alert.

 

Go do a cbt, that will give you an idea if it's for you or not.

[fullscreenaging]

If you can drive a car then you have road experience. So one less thing to be learning. 
Learning to ride a motorbike is actually easier than learning to drive a car. 
You still use both hands and feet, but in different ways. You will already understand about the clutch biting point from a car. It’s the same as a bike but you use your left hand to operate the clutch. 

If it’s what you want to do, don’t let others put you off and go for it. 
 

 

Edited April 27, 2021 by fullscreenaging

[StephB]

Thank you everyone, I think I'll try a taster session then CBT. Is it any safer if you avoid motorways, or about the same? 

[NeilM]

2 minutes ago, StephB said:

Thank you everyone, I think I'll try a taster session then CBT. Is it any safer if you avoid motorways, or about the same? 

You need a full licence for the motorway. 

If you mean after you pass, then in my opinion yes. Traffic only going one way. But not as much fun....

[StephB]

Thank you, I've got some things to think about I think. 

[SometimesSansEngine]

Your taster session will definitely help give you an idea.

 

I think you're always learning on a motorcycle. The basics are simple enough once you have sussed them, but it always feels like you're learning as you progress.

 

Motorcycling is not "safe", but you can ride in a way that reduces risk. Most of the near miss clips you'll see on YouTube are a good demo of how you can add risk if you want (I'd recommend you don't)

 

You'll get loads of help and advice on here and other places

[dynax]

If you want to try it then do it, don't let other people put you off, make up your own mind.

You can reduce the risks considerably by learning properly

[onesea]

Lots of support out there research your training school maybe a local fb or women’s rider group can advise on that.  Some schools are harsh on lack of confidence.

 

Get you CBT then decide what next.

Pre COVID you could do your CBT with next to no equipment, now I don’t know but you can ask the school.

 

I chose a 125 till my confidence was up. Although others will say more training, I would probably say both. Take your time.

[fastbob]

Do you regularly ride a bicycle ? 

[bonio]

There are two ways to get a motorcycle licence:

1. Do a 1 (or sometimes 2) day CBT. This allows you ride a bike up 125cc on L plates for two years. During this time you can't take pillions and you can't go on motorways, but you can ride on your own and gain experience. The idea is that at some time in the two-year window, you take your motorcycle theory test, get a few lessons from a school, and then take the practical tests for the full licence (the first part is at a purpose-built test centre, the second part is on the road).

2. If you're over 24, you can take lessons on a full-sized (i.e. 600cc or 650cc) bike with a tutor following you, and when you're ready, take the practical test for the full licence (again, in two parts and again, you need to pass the motorcycle theory test first). This is very similar to the way you learn to drive a car.

If you're finding it harder to pick up driving skills, you might find option 1 works better for you as it gives you plenty of time to get used to the bike while riding roads you're familiar with. 

Edited April 27, 2021 by bonio

[fastbob]

10 hours ago, fastbob said:

Do you regularly ride a bicycle ? 

The reason I ask is that over the years I've met various aspiring bikers who have had a tough time of it doing  basic training and nearly all of them haven't ridden a bicycle . 

[husoi]

They are completely different things although most road rules are the same.

In a car you're just sitting on a chair and don't need balance, a car have 1 brake pedal while a bike each wheel have it's own brake system (not counting the dual systems)

A car you press the clutch with your foot and shift with your hand, a bike is completely opposite.

3 mirrors in a car, 2 in a bike

Car have lots of tin around you, on a bike you're the tin

Easier to reach the limits on a bike than in a car

On a bend a car can have 1 wheel over a patch of oil and you get away with it. On a bike, 1 wheel over the oil and you're grounded. Same for sand, gravel, sheep etc.

 

Bike are more fun to ride  

[husoi]

14 hours ago, StephB said:

Thank you everyone, I think I'll try a taster session then CBT. Is it any safer if you avoid motorways, or about the same? 

You will have different risks on both.

Motorways

faster vehicles around you, drivers play far less attention to mirrors.

Drivers may not change lane fully when overtaking a bike.

Safer asphalt (less hazards) fewer potholes. you can see further away on a motorway meaning easier to take evasive action if required, smoother bends which is nicer for rookies.

 

Country roads

A lot more fun to ride as they have more bends.

more hazardous, sand, gravel, crazy sheep, dumb pheasants etc.

You can find a car on the wrong side of the road when  you come out or halfway a bend.

narrow road means shorter distance to eventual hazards

Riding alone on a country road can make you "invisible" due to sun glare, confusion with background (trees, bushes etc).

Unless you're familiar with the road "reading" where the bends lead is harder.

Road markings are more important than motorways to allow you to understand the layout.

 

Which ones I prefer?

by far the country roads  

You can have more fun at 40mph on a country road than 90 mph on a motorway.

 

Something very important, in my opinion, is slow speed control. Learn how to make U-turns, left and right tight turns, left and right 90deg turns from stop.

Control of a motorbike (whatever the size) at slow speed will mean better control at higher speeds.

 

Something to avoid (no particular order):

road markings

metal covers

ride too close to the middle of the road or the verge

being anxious (if this ever happens, stop. get out of the bike, take a few deep breaths and resume).

Never think, "If I keep going I'll be there on time." Rush will be your worst enemy.

 

To keep in mind:

Where you look is where the front wheel will go.

When tired, stop and recover.

If you can't avoid a pothole don't panic. Isn't as bad as you think.

The friendliest thought is "I could have gone faster there..."

 

Most important, riding a bike is about having fun and arrive safe.  

[onesea]

15 hours ago, StephB said:

Thank you everyone, I think I'll try a taster session then CBT. Is it any safer if you avoid motorways, or about the same? 

Some where I read less than 3% of motorbike accidents happen on motorways.  How ever I am very happy if less than 3% of my motorbike journeys are on motorways they are boring,  I think most bikers are the same.

 

I would not relish a 125 on a motorway for any length of time then you cannot go on motorways on a CBT.

 

My concern on a motorbike on motorway is being seen many cars see the gap in traffic not the bike in it. Also not being seen in the dark with so many lights about.

[husoi]

4 minutes ago, onesea said:

Some where I read less than 3% of motorbike accidents happen on motorways.  How ever I am very happy if less than 3% of my motorbike journeys are on motorways they are boring,  I think most bikers are the same.

 

I would not relish a 125 on a motorway for any length of time then you cannot go on motorways on a CBT.

 

My concern on a motorbike on motorway is being seen many cars see the gap in traffic not the bike in it. Also not being seen in the dark with so many lights about.

You're absolutely right.

A motorway is no place for small slower bikes.

For night riding you would wear a hiviz jacket and a couple reflective sticker on the helmet won't go a miss either.

There are newer ones that look dark grey during the day and become bright at night.

[Six30]

Have you considered getting a boyfriend  with a car or public transport ?

[Spongefinger]

21 hours ago, StephB said:

Hiya, I want to know how riding a motorbike compares to learning to drive a car? It is easier or harder? I've had a lot of issue learning to drive and am thinking of trying motorbike lessons instead.

 

I was also wondering about safety. People have tried to put me off learning as they think motorbikes aren't as safe. What are your thoughts?

 

Thanks 

When you say you have had issues learning to drive a car what do you struggle with ? Unless you go twist and go riding a geared motorcycle is more complicated than driving a car.

[KiwiBob]

23 minutes ago, Spongefinger said:

When you say you have had issues learning to drive a car what do you struggle with ? Unless you go twist and go riding a geared motorcycle is more complicated than driving a car.

You would think so but my daughter was crap at driving a car but took to a motorcycle like a duck to water! .. I can only think that it was because on a bike you are much more aware of what's going on around you. 

[Spongefinger]

29 minutes ago, KiwiBob said:

You would think so but my daughter was crap at driving a car but took to a motorcycle like a duck to water! .. I can only think that it was because on a bike you are much more aware of what's going on around you. 

 

Was she an avid cycle rider I guess that could make a difference. My daughter is 14 she is going on a motorcycle taster course for and hour in the next couple of weeks.

Edited April 28, 2021 by Spongefinger

[KiwiBob]

45 minutes ago, Spongefinger said:

 

Was she an avid cycle rider I guess that could make a difference. My daughter is 14 she is going on a motorcycle taster course for and hour in the next couple of weeks.

No, not really. She could ride a bike but she wasn't what I would call a cyclist.

My son was the same, like a duck to water,(he is a good car driver though). When he was 12 I took him to a place in NZ for off road riding. They gave him 15 minutes training on the gears and then he was off up into the hills for 2/3 hours trail riding.

Edited April 28, 2021 by KiwiBob

[SometimesSansEngine]

8 hours ago, husoi said:

You're absolutely right.

A motorway is no place for small slower bikes.

For night riding you would wear a hiviz jacket and a couple reflective sticker on the helmet won't go a miss either.

There are newer ones that look dark grey during the day and become bright at night.

Slightly off topic but... You can't ride on a motorway on a CBT with your 125 but with my A licence as long as my bike wasn't under 50cc I'd be ok... Can you imagine using the motorway on a bike that underpowered can't think of much that would scare me more

[Robik]

I haven't read all the posts, but looks on surface there are some excellent responses there.

Think about the sort of person you are, are you sensible, do you take lots of risks, what's you thoughts on other road users?

Think about what you need to mode of transportation for? Is it just for fun? If so, bikes are not as much fun in the rain, heavy winds, winter.

Do you want to options to carry passengers?

Have you got space for it?

I would say if you are feeling unsure, do a CBT and you will very quickly decide if this is something you want to pursue or if this is something that isn't for you. At that point you have little to lose. Bikes are covered by the training school and you will come out of it with a CBT!

[fastbob]

If you've got to think about it , it's not for you . As far as I am concerned there is absolutely no SENSIBLE argument for riding a motorcycle . I already had a passion for exploring the countryside on a bicycle when I was about eight so later on when a mate let me have a go on his dad's Step-through ( Moped )  I was hooked . The rest is history . Back in the day , you didn't do CBT . You just had a go on a mate's bike in a car park until you could change gear a bit and then you bought  a leather jacket from a market stall and bought the first bike you could afford . This is actually my second bike . 

Edited June 13, 2021 by fastbob