CBT to a bigger bike

[Allanmania]

Hi all,

 

Apologies this has probably been posted somewhere else.

 

So been riding my 125 for 18 months. About 4000 miles. I’m 46. 20 plus years driving experience.

 

Question. Which I know is subjective but how easy/difficult is it to ride a bigger bike.

 

Thinking of going for my Direct Access Course

[Fiddlesticks]

Go for it!

Sorry I don't know how much harder it is - never did the 125 thing. My first bike was an XJR1300

[JRH]

125's are easier to pick up than a Bandit 1250's.

Seriously bigger capacity bikes can be easier to ride as the engine is more relaxed and smoother at motorway speeds.

Not having to change gears so much. 

Manoeuvring off the bike can be harder due to the weight but this depends on the type of bike you are aiming for. 650, 750  1000, etc.

[husoi]

They are different when standing still because of added weight and usually higher riding position. Unless you will upgrade to a cruiser.

 

You will have a smoother even if more powerful engine.

Larger engines could mean a more thirsty bike but not always the case.

Once you set off you will have to consider the weight means a different braking process.

Other than that, unless you ride like a monkey on crack, you will get used to it fairly easily 

[Simon Davey]

Riding a bigger bike is easier, you have power on your side, so you can keep up, which in turn gives you confidence. You'll also have a heavier machine, which will be more stable on the road, which will also add to the confidence. Also, those gusts of wind will be much less of a problem. 

Definitely go for it.

[Gerontious]

People do it all the time. With the only time spent on a 125cc being a day at the very start of the process. To gain the CBT which is the very first step. Then straight onto a much bigger bike to do the DAS. Obviously the bike that’s follows varies widely but it could be absolutely anything. With the normal concern being the first insurance with zero NCB. You will at least pay somewhat less with a full year NCB.

[Allanmania]

Thanks all for the replies. Crack Monkey

[Nick the wanderer]

Choose a school with MT07's you'll love em.

[Blackholesun]

On 31/07/2024 at 10:28, Allanmania said:

Hi all,

 

Apologies this has probably been posted somewhere else.

 

So been riding my 125 for 18 months. About 4000 miles. I’m 46. 20 plus years driving experience.

 

Question. Which I know is subjective but how easy/difficult is it to ride a bigger bike.

 

Thinking of going for my Direct Access Course

I personally found the Jump up to a big bike much more stable and safer than my 125 that I often felt quite unsafe especially if it was windy !

[RideWithStyles]

Bigger bikes clutch biting points (range of in and dis engage) is Much narrower.

 

you’ll require less throttle and revs to move off and get going, less essential to be in the correct gear.

 

Going fast than you expected is easier to do as you’ll be going faster with less revs so keep and eye on speedo and reference points.

 

you can use the engine bigger pistons inertia to help balance and slow speed manoeuvres better.

 

brakes might be better depending on the bike. This is very much a wide disparity between models and manufacturers let alone an individual bike.

More/stronger steering inputs will be needed for the same effect, also to note the bike will need to lean over more to have the same steering effect/corner arch. 
 

Things that will be more or wear out quicker : fuel, parts, tyres, chains etc.

[AstronautNinja]

On 31/07/2024 at 10:28, Allanmania said:

Hi all,

 

Apologies this has probably been posted somewhere else.

 

So been riding my 125 for 18 months. About 4000 miles. I’m 46. 20 plus years driving experience.

 

Question. Which I know is subjective but how easy/difficult is it to ride a bigger bike.

 

Thinking of going for my Direct Access Course

Just done my mod 1 training this morning. Only done a cbt in the last 20 years and can definitely say the big bike was a piece of cake. Absolutely zero issue, far more confidence inspiring all round than the wobbly little 125. A different feel but in a good way. Stable, smooth etc. 

 

Go for it. Felt great to have a little power behind me. 

[Allanmania]

Well training booked 24th and MOD1 booked 27th fingers crossed  

 

thanks everyone 

[Simon Davey]

15 minutes ago, Allanmania said:

Well training booked 24th and MOD1 booked 27th fingers crossed  

 

thanks everyone 

Good luck