Page 1 of Motorbike License - what`s involved?

Hi Chaps

I`ve seen some motorbike-type posts here before, so I know some of you are clued up on this stuff.

I want to learn to ride/get a bike license, so can someone tell me generally what`s involved - costs, time, etc?
What`s this CBT(?) thing you have to get first.

This has been prompted by a friend of mine who recently got a Honda CBR600RR, which is frankly lovely. I can see me doing myself damage though, so may start off with a putt-putt scooter!

Ta,
Craig

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Assuming you`re over 16.
Get yourself provisional motorcycle entitlement on your licence first.

CBT gets you on the road on a motorcycle up to 125cc and/or 12 bhp.
A few years since I passed my test so I stand to be correct here,but you then have to pass a test to entitle you to ride a motorcycle of unlimited capacity but no more than 33bhp.
You could,in theory,buy yourself a CBR600RR (they are lovely,although petite) and buy yourself a restrictor kit taking it down to 33bhp.
You then have to pass another test allowing you to ride a bike with unlimited power,or to take the restrictor kit off your CBR !

I`m 99% sure the above is correct,but there are `direct access` options I haven`t listed as I know little of them.Courses that you attend for a week and `jump the queue` kind of thing.

So,to sum up

1/ Bike of up to 125cc/12bhp on provisional licence and L-plates.
2/ Pass test and get bike of unlimited capacity but no more than 33bhp.
3/ Pass final test and get what you like.

In my day we had the 125cc/12bhp rule as well,but passing your test enabled you to ride any bike you liked.I was sensible enough not to jump up the ladder too quickly.I went from a 125 to a 350,then a 500,then a 750 etc.etc.
It was more to do with insurance costs than anything else really.
I did once see a guy jump off a Suzuki 125 onto a brand new Yamaha FJ1200 once,then dump it 10 yards down the road on wet cobbles.... :/

This item was edited on Friday, 1st October 2004, 12:27

What he said. :D

I only did my CBT about a month ago having never ridden a motorbike before in my life. It was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be (I stalled a lot when pulling away and found the u-turn really tricky), but by the end of the day I had begun to get the hang of it.

It was a really good day, and it gives you a relatively inexpensive way to find out if motorbikes are really for you. Plus as a car driver, it taught me to give motorbikes a lot more respect!

If you have any questions about the CBT, pop them on here as it is still pretty fresh in my mind and I`ll help you where I can.

One tip I have is that if you are defintely going to be getting a bike, buy yourself a helmet, jacket, gloves etc before doing the CBT. The ones they had at my place were a little ill-fitting, and it`s hard to concentrate on what you`re being told while you are worrying about your gloves slipping off!

Don`t think of yourself as an ugly person. Think of yourself as a beautiful monkey!

You`ll need to do a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) which lasts about day. This then entitles you to ride any bike up to 33bhp (Sccoter - 125cc).

You can then stay with this for two years before having to do the CBT again.

Or if you want a full bike licence you have 2 options.

1) Learn & take test on bike of no more than 33bhp (most schools have 125cc). Pass test and you are restricted to a bike with no more than 33bhp. (Restrictor kits are available to put on bigger bikes). After 2 years you can get any bike or do away with the restrictor kit.

2) Learn & take test on bike higher than 33bhp (most schools have 500cc/600cc bikes). Pass test and get any bike you want :D

In both instances you will also have to sit the Theory Test after the CBT but before the actual bike test.

Badboybez

In Madness You Dwell

This item was edited on Friday, 1st October 2004, 12:58

Quote:
You`ll need to do a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) which lasts about day. This then entitles you to ride any bike up to 33bhp (Sccoter - 125cc).

That can`t be right !
You don`t get many 125cc bikes putting out 33bhp !!!! :/

Ok, cheers.

I found a website of a place near to me, that was quite helpful as well.

I think i`ll go for a CBT course, I`ve decided. Will have to look sort out some proper gear for myself though - gloves etc.
Not sure i want to shell out on new stuff, reckon theres bargains to be had on eBay?

C

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Definitely motorbike clothing bargains on e-bay
I sold a one-piece racing leather suit on there a year or so ago.
The buyer got a bargain.
Obviously,you can`t try stuff on over e-bay but provided you know your size there is nothing wrong with e-bay at all.
Better to get used quality than new crap.
Names to go for are the likes of Dainese,Texport,Nankai,RS Taichi,Kus***ani,Spidi,Scott,Joe Rocket.
Anything by these companies is properly made using proper leather,properly put together.
Cheap protective gear is sometimes as much use as no protective gear.

Yup, eBay is good for getting cheap gloves, jackets etc (I got my jacket for £16 and Kevlar gloves for a tenner!). But make sure that you buy your helmet from a shop (or at least try it on in the shop and then buy it new online!)

You will be shown on the CBT exactly why you should never buy second hand helmets or helmets that don`t fit properly

Don`t think of yourself as an ugly person. Think of yourself as a beautiful monkey!

I`ll keep an eye out for those brandnames then.
I`m not sure what to get though - gloves, a jacket, trousers?
helmets - quite expensive are they not? might just put up with the bike places one.

anything else? boots - do i need anything special?

ta
c

*This message was brought to you by Glagnars Human Rinds*

You need as much as you can afford.
Basics are a helmet (anything with an ACU gold sticker is good,and they can start at under £100 no problem) a jacket,gloves and boots.
Once you progress to a bigger bike you can then look at `proper` gear with body armour etc.
Little point looking like a Grand Prix god on a small bike,although tarmac at 60mph is the same no matter what size bike you fall off !
:/