Quote:
Originally Posted by ELK
Ok, I know nothing about bikes but thought it would be fun to get into it so I did my cbt yesterday.....
Doing the rest to das next few weeks as weather allows.
Any of you guys got any advice on a good starter bike? Don't want to kill myself but don't want to be bored either....
Is a yam fz600 a good choice? Or any other suggestions??? I'm 6'4 so does that matter very much when it comes to model choice?
Cheers
Chris.
|
You haven't said whether you are riding or intend to ride your own learner bike while doing your direct access. If you're only riding during your training that will be a very limited riding experience and moving to a bigger or performance bike will be a challenge; in riding skill and physically coping with the extra weight whilst keeping to and advancing your roadcraft training . IMHO, you could do worse than riding a similar bike to your training bike for a while after you've passed your tests because, for sure, the bike will be capable of more than you can manage at that time. That's in no way meant to insult you. If you find yourself learning on a Honda CB 500 or 600 you'll find that these bikes are very good for improving your riding skills, they are very stable at slow riding speeds and help a lot in town riding, they're pretty solid so will stand up well to learner abuse and they're cheap enough to have as a first bike then just sell on when you feel ready.
What you end up living with will be a very personal choice and it may take you a couple of bikes before you find your friend. Bikes are extremely personal and that is part of their pleasure...half man, half bike. What use you give the bike will obviously have an influence on your final choice too. And yes, at 6'4" some bikes will simply be too small for you.
I learned to ride via direct access also and found it a challenge, at times I reckoned I had no more brain power left and was at my limit of processing. If you ride well and stay out of trouble, one thing is for sure, it'll keep you alert.
I love biking and am pleased I went ahead and did my training, any riding is good but touring is where I've settled. Currently on a Goldwing which is obviously not everyone's cup of tea but me, bike and luggage weigh about half a ton and handling that whilst riding well and staying safe is part of the appeal for me.
I hope you enjoy it, stick with the rules of your training and work to advance those skills in the future, don't be in a rush to settle on a bike. What's for you won't go past you so you'll find your ride eventually.
Stay safe and watch out for those silly bugrs pulling out of junctions in front of you because they didn't see you.
Good luck with your training and tests.
__________________