A total an utter newbie saying hello

[Paulo Bishop]

Hello folks as it says Im a total newbie to the world of motorbikes. Always had a keen interest and desire but never got round to it. i went down the car route

 

A bit about me.

New rider - just started lessons. always wanted a bike but never got round to it (im 52). Lots of sports cars but hankering after the buzz but cheaper running costs as well as community (used to drag race air-cooled VWs and love the VW community)
Just moved back to Cheshire and looking for an easy one-stop-shop really (maybe I'm lazy)
Have bought cars on finance and cash before so flexible on how I get the bike
Some mechanical skill but really want a ride-away package for my first purchase
Will need all the gear, insurance etc
Looking for advice - a good community to get involved with
Looking for a 125 to get going then a 350/600 - Mutt/Enfield/Triumph etc maybe down the line a Ducati monster but really open to thoughts here

 

I live now in Cheshire and quite near to Macclesfield and naturally Superbike Factory was top of the Google search. When it comes to cars I know where to go (Pistonheads, Collecting Cars etc) and what to look for. With bikes I have zero clues. Zero

 

Is Superbike Factory a good place to start??

 

Hopefully, some folks on here will have had some experience with them.

 

Thanks in advance for any help and glad to be on the forum

 

/P

 

 

[Nick the wanderer]

Hi and welcome,

never used Superbike Factory so can't comment on those but I'm sure someone must have. Seems like a good place to go and have a wander around if nothing else.

[Paulo Bishop]

1 minute ago, Nick the wanderer said:

Hi and welcome,

never used Superbike Factory so can't comment on those but I'm sure someone must have. Seems like a good place to go and have a wander around if nothing else.

Thanks!

[Bungleaio]

We were all new at one time, enjoy the process of learning I'm sure you'll kick yourself for not doing it earlier!

 

If you're sensible then I'd just skip the 125 and go straight to the big bike.

[Bender]

Superbike factory does not have a good rep at all.

 

Welcome, I was a late starter too, better late than never  

[bonio]

Never too late to start.

Bungles is right. If you can afford it, think about taking the direct access route: once you've got your CBT on 125, direct access allows you to do your lessons and take your tests on a 650, and once through you're fully qualified to ride any size bike you want. It's the quickest way to getting going on anything bigger than a 125cc.  Only disadvantage is the cost of the lessons, which can add up.

As for what bike, I'd suggest you leave that decision until you've at least done your CBT (which is the first step whatever route you take - you will do it on a bike the school provides) and perhaps later. Better to have a bit of experience to bring to the thought process than to go in completely new. Kit too. No home in looking online at bike porn tho. We all do it.

As for Superbike factory, I've read posts of people's bad experiences about them I wouldn't go near them. 

 

[RideWithStyles]

Hi and welcome.

bcars and bikes are totally different beasts!

 yes for a gauge of bikes but you really need to research what you ACTUALLY REQUIRE for you, not just be biggest lump you can fit your arse on!

 body dimensions, skill matter, 

your lifestyle rather than lust for!!!!

 

just to be clear they hope the bike they get in doesnt have a problem so don't expect them to actually know to fix a bike, they get outside help for that...

Edited April 25, 2024 by RideWithStyles

[Gerontious]

Just so you know…

 

when dealerships accept bikes as trade-ins, unless the bike was sold by them, is the same brand and new enough with a high value. It’s often the case the dealership won’t keep the bike to sell. Usually they don’t have the space to display it, or it’s not worth enough. Maybe its history is incomplete. There are a whole load of reasons. So.. to get rid, it goes to auction. And super bike factory is the type of business that will buy, if they think they can sell and make some money. They have the space and they don’t really care about the bikes history. Condition and MOT is all they care about.

So buying from them is always a case of “eyes wide open” and it’s definitely best if you have the experience as well as the knowledge to ask the right questions and get the right answers. The only reason a newbie should go there is to window shop. You have a huge number of bikes and the chance to at least sit on them and that can help with your choices going forward. But don’t be tempted. Ignore the salesmen. Act interested yes. But don’t go any further than that. Walk in and then walk out.

 

nowadays the only reason to get a 125 is because of money. Or age. It’s always best to go the direct route if you can. But, if you must get a 125 do not be tempted by Chinese brand bikes. Or Chinese bikes with UK branding. Go for Honda/Yamaha etc. anything else can lead to nothing but tears. You might as well set fire to your cash.

 

Start with a CBT and take it from there. Pop along to a local school and talk through the options. And think carefully what your next step might be.

[RideWithStyles]

Thanks Gero! added in wise words i dont have time to add in myself. 

first of buy on condition and history- doesn't have to be dealer, specialist or owt fancy. but if local ask the service mech what they needed to do to it, slip um £20 for honest answer cos mostly those poor mofos aint paid enough 

Edited April 25, 2024 by RideWithStyles

[Fiddlesticks]

13 hours ago, Paulo Bishop said:

Is Superbike Factory a good place to start??

To wander around and look? Yes.

To buy a bike? I wouldn't, personally.

[Simon Davey]

Welcome to the forum @Paulo Bishop

[Paulo Bishop]

Thanks to everyone for the advise. All wise words a common thread

Do my CBT - then work out what I want and work to that

 

and yes @RideWithStyles cars and bikes are different, the cars had roll cages...

 

And thanks all for the advice on Superbike Factory, but I will visit to just sit on different bikes

 

Thanks again