AK2DAY Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Hello all! So I have just started the process of getting my motorbike license which has obviously meant I have spent the last 2 hours looking at bikes online. I am coming here for some advice on starter bikes. Where do I start? What should I be looking for? Excuse my ignorance, I am a complete novice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Hi and welcome. No ignorance at least you asked! what license are you going to be limited to? What use? Manual or automatic? Commuting, pleasure? City or rural most cases? Your height and weight may have a bearing as some have found out. more questions will follow from your reply and other people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Interference Fit Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Welcome to the forum, I've just gone through the very same journey and I'm loving the time with my new bike so will watch with interest and chip in if I feel I can help, but the questions above are absolutely the starting point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 The only question I think Ride missed was budget, also allowing for the fact you'll need to buy helmet and other protective clothing into that budget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Are you looking at 125 or you doing das ? Budget, sports,upright, commuting etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Fiddlesticks Posted November 6, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted November 6, 2023 (edited) I have this mad idea for a website called bikematcher.com - the idea is that you put into it your height, weight, intended use, whether you want to carry a pillion, luggage requirements, style preferences, belt/chain/shaft choice, insurance bracket, price range. Then it will start asking you increasingly random questions about voting intention, which one of the Spice Girls you liked back in the 90s, how you'd resolve the Middle East crisis. Just when you are about to give up, it says, "Great, I have all the information I need to recommend the perfect bike for you, click Next to reveal it..." Then it shows you a picture of a GS. Edited November 6, 2023 by Fiddlesticks 1 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonio Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 One thing to bear in mind is that getting your bike is a really personal decision; it's not like buying a car. There's a bike (or a few bikes) out there that really suits you - it's the right size; it has an engine whose feel you like; it puts you in a position that is comfortable and involving; it gives you enough feedback to give you confidence. Hopefully you'll like the look of it too (but this last one doesn't always happen). So I'd say wait until you've got a few miles under your belt, and then you'll have a much better idea of what you're looking for. No harm in looking at bikes on line in the meantime. We all have a weakness for bike porn. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 51 minutes ago, Fiddlesticks said: I have this mad idea for a website called bikematcher.com - the idea is that you put into it your height, weight, intended use, whether you want to carry a pillion, luggage requirements, style preferences, belt/chain/shaft choice, insurance bracket, price range. Then it will start asking you increasingly random questions about voting intention, which one of the Spice Girls you liked back in the 90s, how you'd resolve the Middle East crisis. Just when you are about to give up, it says, "Great, I have all the information I need to recommend the perfect bike for you, click Next to reveal it..." Then it shows you a picture of a GS. So your trying to put new bikers off 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 (edited) 4 hours ago, Fish said: The only question I think Ride missed was budget, also allowing for the fact you'll need to buy helmet and other protective clothing into that budget Thanks but it wasn't forgotten about fish , that was going to be next when the answers from the list would narrow it down and anything else someone as going to ask. Bonio is correct . there you go to get started... Edited November 6, 2023 by RideWithStyles 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megaross Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 Pick up an old 90's/ early 2000's Japanese 600. They're dirt cheap (£1000-1500), impossible to kill, you'll be able to learn basic essentials like small maintenance jobs (Bikes need more fettling than cars by nature). Plus they're good fun and if it gets dropped or goes sailing into a ditch you'll be gutted but not as gutted as you would've been if you spent loads whilst developing skills as a biker. Plus you'll sell for what you paid when you come to upgrade. Only doing CBT? Same era Jap 125, same thing. It's that good era at the peak of mechanical systems, before electrical issues start to become the main problem with vehicles. I guarantee nothing will go wrong that any self respecting bloke, lady or non binary cheesegrater in a shed can't fix with basic tools and a haynes manual. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofferz Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 R1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) Oh and rule number one dont bother with the Chinese bikes unless your a mechanic (or have a friend youll get to know and theyll regret) or you love wasting money in every fashion which way possible... not stereotype had one of the best ones myself and still problems at every point of any ownership. Edited November 7, 2023 by RideWithStyles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK2DAY Posted November 7, 2023 Author Share Posted November 7, 2023 20 hours ago, RideWithStyles said: Hi and welcome. No ignorance at least you asked! what license are you going to be limited to? What use? Manual or automatic? Commuting, pleasure? City or rural most cases? Your height and weight may have a bearing as some have found out. more questions will follow from your reply and other people. So many helpful responses, so I'll start of by saying thank you all! It seems the motorbike community is a nice one! I am going for the DAS license, I thought if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go all in. Manual or automatic - I don't know, probably automatic for ease (I prefer auto cars) Commuting or pleasure - pleasure City or rural - both but mainly city probably Height - 6ft Weight - lump... 19st I am thinking more of a cruiser type than a sports bike. I like the idea of it being a more chilled ride around with space for some luggage/essentials. Price - first bike I would say up to £3k with the thought of potentially upgrading once I have found my feet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK2DAY Posted November 7, 2023 Author Share Posted November 7, 2023 The £3k mentioned above is for the bike only, helmet and clothing are an essential cost that I'm keeping separate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megaross Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) £3k would easily bag you a VN800 or VN1500 Either would be an excellent first cruiser. Trouble with wanting an auto is basically only the sensible commuter hondas have them, bikes are generally manual - you'll find that snicking through gears is part of the fun when riding for pleasure. Also I'd recommend riding other bikes, I always thought I wanted a sensible lazy bike to start. Turns out I really like sports tourers, I'd love a sports bike if I wasn't 6'6" - you really can't tell until you start riding. Edited November 7, 2023 by megaross 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 Well the automatic narrows it down quite abit. agree with Megaross: cruisers and autos are pretty much non. Also cruisers are really quite particular and niche so its not always for everyone, they tend to be stupidly heavy, parts are always cost more, a swine to man handle and their low speed manners can be a acquired taste unless its a ducati or a triumph but your 3k wont get them unless you go manual and look at nearing vintage. If you dont want a scooter even a big one like suzuki burgman which are actually quite quick and good agility and come with tons of storage off the bat. The other option a certain trikes.... If you look at more versatile bikes first suggestion would be a Honda nc750 dct, its a good quality bike thats very adaptable, engine is from a honda jazz car engine just chopped in half as a twin so its more based on a car engine designed to last with more emphasis on torque and low revs, every economic and simple with no problems getting it serviced or fixed by any mechanic, plently of options official and after market to make what you want or need like topbox, panniers yada yada. another is aprillia mana but they are not as common here. Do every yourself and everyone a favour and avoid the Chinese bikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerontious Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) On 06/11/2023 at 15:12, AK2DAY said: Hello all! So I have just started the process of getting my motorbike license which has obviously meant I have spent the last 2 hours looking at bikes online. I am coming here for some advice on starter bikes. Where do I start? What should I be looking for? Excuse my ignorance, I am a complete novice. I wouldn't even worry about 'what bike' at this stage. you say you have started the process of getting your license. so would this be getting ready for lessons and then eventually the test. or even just the CBT because you just want a 125cc or smaller. What age are you? this is relevant to what course you can go on and what exact license you can get in the short term. and thus what bikes are appropriate going forward to that happy moment that you pass. Edited November 7, 2023 by Gerontious 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 3 hours ago, AK2DAY said: So many helpful responses, so I'll start of by saying thank you all! It seems the motorbike community is a nice one! I am going for the DAS license, I thought if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go all in. Gero it might have been mentioned, unless you think thats not the right category for them? no harm in getting an idea of what is about and advice in advance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK2DAY Posted November 7, 2023 Author Share Posted November 7, 2023 2 hours ago, RideWithStyles said: Well the automatic narrows it down quite abit. agree with Megaross: cruisers and autos are pretty much non. Also cruisers are really quite particular and niche so its not always for everyone, they tend to be stupidly heavy, parts are always cost more, a swine to man handle and their low speed manners can be a acquired taste unless its a ducati or a triumph but your 3k wont get them unless you go manual and look at nearing vintage. If you dont want a scooter even a big one like suzuki burgman which are actually quite quick and good agility and come with tons of storage off the bat. The other option a certain trikes.... If you look at more versatile bikes first suggestion would be a Honda nc750 dct, its a good quality bike thats very adaptable, engine is from a honda jazz car engine just chopped in half as a twin so its more based on a car engine designed to last with more emphasis on torque and low revs, every economic and simple with no problems getting it serviced or fixed by any mechanic, plently of options official and after market to make what you want or need like topbox, panniers yada yada. another is aprillia mana but they are not as common here. Do every yourself and everyone a favour and avoid the Chinese bikes. I say auto as that is what I'm used to driving in a car, but it was manual up until a few years ago. Never ridden a bike in my life so just assumed this would be a better place to start, but what I've learned so far is go for Manual and non Chinese! I appreciate this info, I'll dig a bit deeper and see what floats my boat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK2DAY Posted November 7, 2023 Author Share Posted November 7, 2023 1 hour ago, Gerontious said: I wouldn't even worry about 'what bike' at this stage. you say you have started the process of getting your license. so would this be getting ready for lessons and then eventually the test. or even just the CBT because you just want a 125cc or smaller. What age are you? this is relevant to what course you can go on and what exact license you can get in the short term. and thus what bikes are appropriate going forward to that happy moment that you pass. I'm doing the CBT and DAS and I'm 37. Everything is booked, and if I pass, I should have the license by the start of Feb next year 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK2DAY Posted November 7, 2023 Author Share Posted November 7, 2023 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202311013524143 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202309222263277 So I am thinking something along these lines for a first one. I think 125 to start and then move up the ranks as I gain confidence. Thoughts? This might sound like a silly question... Will I notice much different between a 125 and a 300? I assume 600 is where I'd start to feel it more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerontious Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) 33 minutes ago, AK2DAY said: I'm doing the CBT and DAS and I'm 37. Everything is booked, and if I pass, I should have the license by the start of Feb next year Excellent. I would start with buying the protective gear/clothing you need in the sales that are underway and will peak after Christmas. The bike you use to do your DAS on might be a good jumping off point. it will at least give you some idea of what you do and do not want when time comes to buy for yourself. I would never suggest anyone start with a 125 if they are doing the DAS in short order. Edited November 7, 2023 by Gerontious 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) Yeah up to a 400cc class you would notice the power and torque more, be less forgiving than a 125 for only a little more weight if you stick to a particular type of bike. 125s are 15hp max and 400s max of 46hp, 600cc dont have a legal cap so generally anywhere above 100-120hp. So as a start a heathy and large dimensioned 400 would be better than a 125 but due to your height and weight i wouldnt even say that with a straight face, really a decent /sensible normal 600 is a better starting point like Meagaross said a early 2000-2010, not a r6 or super sports bike alike but boarding towards low powered upto 800cc roadster or sport touring bike could be another another choice if long term ownership was on the cards? the only other option thats reasonable is a big scooter at 800cc or so. Edited November 7, 2023 by RideWithStyles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonio Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 My 400 has only 39 horses but will happily do 85mph* and it's noticeably faster on the twisties than the 800. @Gerontious is right, mind; if you're doing DAS, skip the 125, skip 300, look for something 600-800cc. The bikes are a whole lot more versatile, and usually more fun to ride too. At 6ft you're going to have to think about size - sports bikes are probably too small for you, but any other style will likely suit you fine. * on an private road with the owner's permission Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 3k and 6ft that's Fazer 600 territory 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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