Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tunnie on 03 November 2008, 20:30:47
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I plan to take my DAS early next year to get my full motorbike license.
You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow, and watching subscriber numbers free fall thats quite possible! and i maybe looking for a job much closer to home, if that day comes, commuting on bike could save a lot of money. So since i have the time and spare cash, thought i would learn.
Been looking at 125cc Honda CG's to learn on, they seam to range from £800 - £1200, later being 2006 with around 10k on the clock.
I have been looking at Honda NT650's as a main commute bike once i have a DAS, all the reviews say its great for such a task, reliable, easy to maintain, very comfy upright riding position which is what i like, not sporting and nicknamed 'dullville' - But i don't care about that i want comfort! (rings a bell with my Omega! ;D)
These seam to go for the same budget i have of £1,200, it will get me a 2001/2 model with about 30/40k on the clock.
Being 24 and with a CBT after i have passed i can ride anything, is it worth buying the bigger bike and getting used to that? - I could have it restricted to 33bhp which is what my CBT limits me to.
Any thoughts?
TB? ::)
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You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow,
Thank you, someone on my wavelength ::) ;D
In all seriousness, start with a smaller bike, and build condifence :y
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You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow,
Thank you, someone on my wavelength ::) ;D
In all seriousness, start with a smaller bike, and build condifence :y
Although very possible, the government would never let the NHS go bust! ;D
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You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow,
Thank you, someone on my wavelength ::) ;D
In all seriousness, start with a smaller bike, and build condifence :y
Although very possible, the government would never let the NHS go bust! ;D
No, but the amount of money they let it waste is absolutely criminal.....
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You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow,
Thank you, someone on my wavelength ::) ;D
In all seriousness, start with a smaller bike, and build condifence :y
Although very possible, the government would never let the NHS go bust! ;D
No, but the amount of money they let it waste is absolutely criminal.....
My higher boss, wanted to spend a 5 figure number on "fixing" something that would never be fit for purpose, purely so he could say to the board "look, I've wasted £xxx on this, now give me a proper amount for more resources)..."
Ethics with public money are out the window...
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I would go for something with a) lots of cheap spares and b) minimal go faster tupperware in case you end up laying it down, either at speed or overbalancing when pushing it into the garage.
Suggest something really cheap and cheerfull that you will not weep big tears at if it breaks, at least for the first few months.
I know I have sounded quite pessimistic on various posts on your evolvement into two wheeled ownership, but I would earnestly recommend that you cut your teeth or earn your spurs, whichever phrase you like, on something other than a tupperware torpedo that will spit you off quicker than you could blink.
A cheap midrange CB (or even an elderly CX500) to use over the winter/early spring to get some miles under your wheels, then something shiny for the summer. :y
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ok different era i know but i pased me test and went straight out and bought a brand new 650, then completed 10k in six months riding to work and couriering in the evenings!! go for the big one it wont take long to get used to it just watch out for OVLOV drivers!!!! :y
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I plan to take my DAS early next year to get my full motorbike license.
You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow, and watching subscriber numbers free fall thats quite possible! and i maybe looking for a job much closer to home, if that day comes, commuting on bike could save a lot of money. So since i have the time and spare cash, thought i would learn.
Been looking at 125cc Honda CG's to learn on, they seam to range from £800 - £1200, later being 2006 with around 10k on the clock.
I have been looking at Honda NT650's as a main commute bike once i have a DAS, all the reviews say its great for such a task, reliable, easy to maintain, very comfy upright riding position which is what i like, not sporting and nicknamed 'dullville' - But i don't care about that i want comfort! (rings a bell with my Omega! ;D)
These seam to go for the same budget i have of £1,200, it will get me a 2001/2 model with about 30/40k on the clock.
Being 24 and with a CBT after i have passed i can ride anything, is it worth buying the bigger bike and getting used to that? - I could have it restricted to 33bhp which is what my CBT limits me to.
Any thoughts?
TB? ::)
I wouldn't limit a big heavy bike to 33hp...
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... (or even an elderly CX500) ....
Are there any of them still around? :-? I rode pillion frpm here to Rosyth many many moons ago, I was nodding on the back along the A702 :o :y :y
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I plan to take my DAS early next year to get my full motorbike license.
You never know whats going to happen in life, the company i work for could go bust tomorrow, and watching subscriber numbers free fall thats quite possible! and i maybe looking for a job much closer to home, if that day comes, commuting on bike could save a lot of money. So since i have the time and spare cash, thought i would learn.
Been looking at 125cc Honda CG's to learn on, they seam to range from £800 - £1200, later being 2006 with around 10k on the clock.
I have been looking at Honda NT650's as a main commute bike once i have a DAS, all the reviews say its great for such a task, reliable, easy to maintain, very comfy upright riding position which is what i like, not sporting and nicknamed 'dullville' - But i don't care about that i want comfort! (rings a bell with my Omega! ;D)
These seam to go for the same budget i have of £1,200, it will get me a 2001/2 model with about 30/40k on the clock.
Being 24 and with a CBT after i have passed i can ride anything, is it worth buying the bigger bike and getting used to that? - I could have it restricted to 33bhp which is what my CBT limits me to.
Any thoughts?
TB? ::)
I wouldn't limit a big heavy bike to 33hp...
and with a CBT your still limited to 125cc. You can't get a big bike and limit it with just a CBT cert and no full licence.
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wouldnt bother with the 125,a couple of tanks of petrol into your ownership and its limitations will be all too obvious.
something around 500-ish would be a sensible start,and as said 33bhp on a big heavy bike would be bordering on ridiculous.
As also said,something not too expensive and not adorned with too much expensive plastic might also be a good idea.
next summer could be the best you ever had. :y
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... (or even an elderly CX500) ....
Are there any of them still around? :-? I rode pillion frpm here to Rosyth many many moons ago, I was nodding on the back along the A702 :o :y :y
This one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HONDA-CX500_W0QQitemZ180303796017QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180303796017&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) looks quite tidy for the cash.....
And insurance really is that cheap for someone just starting out on one.... ;)
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I would go for something with a) lots of cheap spares and b) minimal go faster tupperware in case you end up laying it down, either at speed or overbalancing when pushing it into the garage.
Suggest something really cheap and cheerfull that you will not weep big tears at if it breaks, at least for the first few months.
I know I have sounded quite pessimistic on various posts on your evolvement into two wheeled ownership, but I would earnestly recommend that you cut your teeth or earn your spurs, whichever phrase you like, on something other than a tupperware torpedo that will spit you off quicker than you could blink.
A cheap midrange CB (or even an elderly CX500) to use over the winter/early spring to get some miles under your wheels, then something shiny for the summer. :y
Wise words :y :y
When i rode back in the eighties, i started just the oppisite (Suzuki GS1000) Looking back now the smaller bike wouldv'e
been a better option, but i was young & wouldn't listen ::)
Even now i'm alot older & if started riding again, i'd start with something small & work up :y
Oh, i dropped mine & when a bike weighs in at 550lbs you aint picking it up by yourself ;)
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... (or even an elderly CX500) ....
Are there any of them still around? :-? I rode pillion frpm here to Rosyth many many moons ago, I was nodding on the back along the A702 :o :y :y
This one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HONDA-CX500_W0QQitemZ180303796017QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180303796017&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) looks quite tidy for the cash.....
And insurance really is that cheap for someone just starting out on one.... ;)
Not far from my place of work either if anyone wants me to have a look.. Not that I know a damn thing about bikes. :-[
Kevin
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... (or even an elderly CX500) ....
Are there any of them still around? :-? I rode pillion from here to Rosyth many many moons ago, I was nodding on the back along the A702 :o :y :y
This one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HONDA-CX500_W0QQitemZ180303796017QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180303796017&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) looks quite tidy for the cash.....
And insurance really is that cheap for someone just starting out on one.... ;)
It's been years since I last saw one of them, don't they look small? The tyres look skinny too. :-?
It would be a good bike to start off on, maybe a Yam Fazer?
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I had a CX 500 for about 3 days after I passed my test. Really heavy bike as are all Honda's, lead lined frames I reckon! Got rid of it for a ZZR11 ;D
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hi mate. there is 1 other option open to you. get an aprillia rs 125. de-restrict it and it will give you around the 33hp you're after. cheap to insure (only a 125) but you get to ride a full 33hp on L plates. i just recently sold mine. passed my cbt last year and bought a rs 125 de-restricted. amazing fun, especially when the power valve opens. not many 125's capable of 110mph :o :o :o :o
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cheers guys :y
Think i will stick with the CB125's - Not into the sports bike side of things, hunched over arse in the air type, not really me!
Think i will budget 7-900 on a new ish CB to get me going, at least around town.
Got to get the gear first!
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Kawasaki GT550 is one of the most reliable bikes around, 4 cylinder so smooth to ride, not a lot of plastic bodywork so if you bin it the damage should be minimal, surprisingly nippy too. Look out for ex courier ones and rust, Kwakkers have poor paintwork.
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good point. :y..........600 Bandit would be another possibility.
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When I lived in Aylesbury, I rode around on my old 125, even after I had the full test. It was only when I started commuting to Milton Keynes from Brackley did I decide I needed something a little bigger. Nearly bought a brand spankers CBR (paid the deposit), but came to my senses, knowing I'd kill myself, and got a 500 twin instead.
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I had a CX 500 for about 3 days after I passed my test. Really heavy bike as are all Honda's, lead lined frames I reckon! Got rid of it for a ZZR11 ;D
May be but an easy to handle bike and not stupidly fast. I had one with full cruising fairing, lovely gentle bike but loads of fun. Silverwing would be the best for someone who does not want a sports bike. :y
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Don't restrict a big bike, will be awfull
CX500s - can you still get them?
Limited to 125?
Limited to 33bhp
any 125 would do then
Try a few and see what you like
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Remember though on a cbt you are restricted to a 125 AND its either 15,16,or 17bhp, unless as mentioned you get one and de-restrict ti (illegal) or buy an import as my nsr was an import and came full 33bhp powered so i was just gonna play the innocent :-) (still illegal though)
However i read somewhere (maybe true maybe not) that if the police wanna dyno your bike to see its bhp they have to pay for it which means it never happens,
I have just learnt that the revsed test has been postponed till march the 30th so woo hoo i can still get my test done before my cbt and theory run out 8-)
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Tunnie this may sound daft but see what your insurance would be on a 100cc bike.... i know when i was learning the difference was quiet alot so I opted for a CB 100N to learn on which wasn't a bad bike really ideal to learn on.
The CX500 was a great bike and do starship miles, they were used alot for dispatch riders if i remember rightly so insurance, petrol consumption etc spoke for itself.
Think once you have had a bike you will realise what you have being missing all these years..
Enjoy it mate :y
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Get a Vmax!! NO DON'T (not yet anyway) get an easy handling mid size crotch rocket and progress upwards when you get a bit of experience.... :y
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Tunnie this may sound daft but see what your insurance would be on a 100cc bike.... i know when i was learning the difference was quiet alot so I opted for a CB 100N to learn on which wasn't a bad bike really ideal to learn on.
The CX500 was a great bike and do starship miles, they were used alot for dispatch riders if i remember rightly so insurance, petrol consumption etc spoke for itself.
Think once you have had a bike you will realise what you have being missing all these years..
Enjoy it mate :y
I think the 100-125 insurance gap has disappeared now, I remember it used to be moped, up to 100 up to 200 and so on.
But 100s used to be a cheap form of transport, no slower than a 125 but a lot cheaper insurance.
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cbr600,thats what you want,no really it is! ;) ;D ;D
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hi mate. there is 1 other option open to you. get an aprillia rs 125. de-restrict it and it will give you around the 33hp you're after. cheap to insure (only a 125) but you get to ride a full 33hp on L plates. i just recently sold mine. passed my cbt last year and bought a rs 125 de-restricted. amazing fun, especially when the power valve opens. not many 125's capable of 110mph :o :o :o :o
Can I ask how much your insurance costs on something like that?? Been considering a bike also but at 23, the insurance companies are likely to bend me over with no lube :-(
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Tunnie ,have you thought of something like this as you are a bit on the tall side lot more seat height than a cg 125 or cb 100 just a thought :) Honda XL 125 Varedero
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i think i look quite commical on a 125 being 6ft4 ;D
To answer some questions, insurance is cheap, around £100 a year fully comp on a 125, goes up to around £300 for a 650.
Been thinking though, is it worth it buying a 125? I might as well go straight for the DAS :-/
Its £450 for the 4 day course, but i think that also includes the CBT, so could get £100 off that.
If i got a 125 i would only potter about on it at the weekends, so i think it could be better doing it all in one go?
I don't need a 125 to get about on, and it really struggled to get to 60, and my commute to the station is fast A roads and a lot of dual carridgeways, so i need something that could easily do 65/70!
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i insurance is cheap, around £100 a year fully comp on a 125, goes up to around £300 for a 650.
I would LOVE so see some insurance figures like that! hehe!...presumably on a fresh licence you don't have any ncb?? All too complicated for me :( what company and what 'values' did you put to them for a good quote!?!
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Ridden many bikes on & off road so would seriously consider an older 500cc model Kaw/Hon /Suz...like you say your tall so you need a larger model & one that that as more upright handlebars fitted with some sort of fairings on it as believe me you will want to be behind something at 70mph on a damp wet day so look in auto trader for some ideas there's lots for under £1k :y
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You will need to learn on a 500cc or more otherwise if yoy will be limited on bike size once you have passed your test.
I to intend to go for my bike license early next year ;)
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If you gonna get a 600 go for a suzuki bandit or a honda hornet ,basic bikes but with a bit of zip would imagine resonable insurance 8-) 8-)
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
Looks like its gonna be under a ground sheet ! out in the cold me thinks, mind you not like cars bikes generally fire up easy, been ice racing on frozen lakes when younger living in US sub zero temps but bikes never missed a beat.. ahh fun times ::)
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
i might need to borrow your bike for a test, was thinking between the 2 cars (in the middle) at the back, if i moved the junk in the middle out of the way. There is a big table at the back in the middle next to the bench. Opening doors will not be a problem if the bike is right back, as i back the car in anyway.
If not, bike cover down the side path.
Insurance i did from MCN Compare, i fibbed a bit, i said i got my license a month ago to test it out on a 650. Apart from that all correct details.
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
i might need to borrow your bike for a test, was thinking between the 2 cars (in the middle) at the back, if i moved the junk in the middle out of the way. There is a big table at the back in the middle next to the bench. Opening doors will not be a problem if the bike is right back, as i back the car in anyway.
If not, bike cover down the side path.
Insurance i did from MCN Compare, i fibbed a bit, i said i got my license a month ago to test it out on a 650. Apart from that all correct details.
So you plan to get car out of garage every time?
My bike would fit too well down there, its too big
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
i might need to borrow your bike for a test, was thinking between the 2 cars (in the middle) at the back, if i moved the junk in the middle out of the way. There is a big table at the back in the middle next to the bench. Opening doors will not be a problem if the bike is right back, as i back the car in anyway.
If not, bike cover down the side path.
Insurance i did from MCN Compare, i fibbed a bit, i said i got my license a month ago to test it out on a 650. Apart from that all correct details.
So you plan to get car out of garage every time?
My bike would fit too well down there, its too big
Won't use the bike to go to work every day every week, will most likely alternate.
Got loads of room down the side path between the houses, cover on. Should be ok there? Garage it for longer periods of time.
Maybe even a Shed would help?
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Couple of points Tunnie:
Where are you going to keep it - your garage is full with cars
Your NCD on bike is 0yrs - your NCD on your car does not count (unless insurance co agree)
i might need to borrow your bike for a test, was thinking between the 2 cars (in the middle) at the back, if i moved the junk in the middle out of the way. There is a big table at the back in the middle next to the bench. Opening doors will not be a problem if the bike is right back, as i back the car in anyway.
If not, bike cover down the side path.
Insurance i did from MCN Compare, i fibbed a bit, i said i got my license a month ago to test it out on a 650. Apart from that all correct details.
So you plan to get car out of garage every time?
My bike would fit too well down there, its too big
Won't use the bike to go to work every day every week, will most likely alternate.
Got loads of room down the side path between the houses, cover on. Should be ok there? Garage it for longer periods of time.
Maybe even a Shed would help?
Check with your insurance where you can and can't keep it
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if it makes it cheaper, can go in the garage, mine only goes in there when its frosty.
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I took and passed my Direct Access in September with absolutely no experience of riding whatsoever. What a hoot, loved every minute.
Tunnue, why are you considering buying a 125? Surely, it makes sense to pass your cat A, then buying a 600 or eqivalent?
The 125's are so underpowered, you'd get bored of it too quickly - especially after getting two days or so on a 500.
I'm nearly in the market for a bike; just need my gf to ratify the decision. But there's so many conflicting views on the ideal first bike, so I'm as confused too.
But Tunnie, I'm like you, don't want a sports bike (no experience, too fast, too uncomfortable) but can anybody recommend a sports tourer that doesn't look too old man, for less than £2k.
I'm thinking Honda (good reputation for reliability), up to ten years old with no more than 20k miles.
Have I hijacked this thread?
Oh, TheBoy - the Mondeo's rather terrible :'(
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I took and passed my Direct Access in September with absolutely no experience of riding whatsoever. What a hoot, loved every minute.
Tunnue, why are you considering buying a 125? Surely, it makes sense to pass your cat A, then buying a 600 or eqivalent?
The 125's are so underpowered, you'd get bored of it too quickly - especially after getting two days or so on a 500.
I'm nearly in the market for a bike; just need my gf to ratify the decision. But there's so many conflicting views on the ideal first bike, so I'm as confused too.
But Tunnie, I'm like you, don't want a sports bike (no experience, too fast, too uncomfortable) but can anybody recommend a sports tourer that doesn't look too old man, for less than £2k.
I'm thinking Honda (good reputation for reliability), up to ten years old with no more than 20k miles.
Have I hijacked this thread?
Oh, TheBoy - the Mondeo's rather terrible :'(
Good to hear from you again Edward :y
Take a look at the Honda NT650 "Deauville"
Its a great commute bike, all the reviews say its easy to ride, very comfy, very reliable. I think its a really good looking bike, just have to put up with "dullville" jibes, its got enough poke get about but its no sports bike, which i don't want!
You right, i am now not thinking of getting a 125, money aspect is one thing...
I am very close to reaching a savings target i put myself at the start of the year, might wait until i have a bit of spare cash, and book the DAS for January.
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DAS Booked!
Theory is 6th December - Practical 3rd-6th January 2009
:D
Might have to get some revision in before my theory! ;D
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The small 500 twins that most DAS places use are a good start, but you'll probably get something bigger after a year or so.
They are generally easy to maintain, and survive the kocks well, and are light enough to pick up.
Although they will do a ton, they are happy up to around 80mph ish, so easily keep up with traffic.
They are also some of the easiest bikes to ride, and to manouver when not on it.
If you want more power, the 600 4cyl unfaired (or half faired) Fazer or Hornet type. Also the SV650 V twin is a good first big bike, brilliantly easy to ride, but may look a shade too sporty
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will have to try a few see what i think of them.
Only thing that concerns me with the test, is the U-turn!
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will have to try a few see what i think of them.
Only thing that concerns me with the test, is the U-turn!
That was what I struggled with. I had to keep practicing every day for ages. I can now, obviously, u-turn any bike on full lock (the zx10 has such a poor lock, it needs a very wide road ;D)
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600 as a first bike sounds scarey - they are rather quick and you could get into trouble rather easily.
Not saying how fast I have been but the Sierra didn't stand a chance!
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The throttle works both ways. :y
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The throttle works both ways. :y
Indeed, but would you put your son in a Ferrari at 17?
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will have to try a few see what i think of them.
Only thing that concerns me with the test, is the U-turn!
That was what I struggled with. I had to keep practicing every day for ages. I can now, obviously, u-turn any bike on full lock (the zx10 has such a poor lock, it needs a very wide road ;D)
When training for an instructor, managed to do the CBT cone test and turn in the road etc on an FJ1200......
Someone took piccys (looked quite spectacular, apparently) with me hanging off the bike on the opposite side to keep balance..... Must track them down.... ;D
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The throttle works both ways. :y
Indeed, but would you put your son in a Ferrari at 17?
I offered to teach him to ride my gpz750 when he was 17 (private road,controlled environment)but he wasnt interested,doesnt like fast things. I wish I could remember who my milkman was in 1983,I think he owes me some maintenance money. :D ;D