Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[typhoon13]

I'm just looking into my motorbike licence - you need to sit your CBT (Certificate of Basic Training) -   1 day course in handling a motorbike safely with a test at the end.

That will qualify to you to use a bike  of up to 125cc using L plates (and not allowed on motorways) - that only lasts 2 years & then you need to do the CBT again if you haven't gained your full motorbike licence by the time the 2 years are up.

Although since you've got a full car licence before 2001, you could get the 49cc version which should qualify as a moped (I'd get that checked, specs allowed are: A moped MUST have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, not weigh more than 250kg and be designed to have a maximum speed not exceeding 28mph (45 km/h). You have full entitlement for a moped, no L plates needed, passengers allowed.

I'm doing my CBT Friday, plan on a cheap 125 till next spring/summer than do Direct Access full licence & get a Harley/Harley clone.

Toying with going back into the bike world

Problem being Harley or XT650

I'm increasingly drawn to the Triumphs, the America, Thunderbird or even the good old Bonnie.

What about Commando or Black Shadow?

[Rod Paradise]

They're nice, but I'm still more on the cruiser side. I like the classic look too, but I'm a mechanical ignoramous, all my knowledge is in my head - very little practical skills. Classic bikes & the fettling they need is beyond me at the moment.

[MrDickie]

My first motorbike was a C90. Initially it was used just to get me to the train station but when we had a strike in early 90's I rode it all the way into London. After that I was hooked and never took the train for another 15 years. The C90 kept me going for over a year before I decided to take the M/C test and get something bigger.  It was a 60 mile round trip every day and the C90 never missed a beat. Its the easiest bike you could ever wish to ride and so little maintenance is required. You can change the oil in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea. If you get one you will be hooked.

[Rod Paradise]

It seems impossible to get a general estimate. I did a Go Compare for me (but left out the points on licence  ) on a 10 year old Honda Cub 90 worth £1000, 3rd party, fire & theft. I'm in a rural area too and we've both had a car licence longer than the maximum they ask.

Cheapest quote £65 with £100 excess. Bennetts had one with breakdown cover, legal protection, personal accident & helmet & leathers cover for £95.

Not too dear anyway.

Wow just re-ran it - bumped up usage from 1000 miles fun bike to 10000 main vehicle, added in my 7 points (4 expired but in last 5 years), and got almost the  same quotes (lowest one actually went down by 54p???). Thought I'd be screwed for points... although I'm not going to be doing over 70 on a motorway on a learner 125 I suppose.

[Rod Paradise]

My first motorbike was a C90. Initially it was used just to get me to the train station but when we had a strike in early 90's I rode it all the way into London. After that I was hooked and never took the train for another 15 years. The C90 kept me going for over a year before I decided to take the M/C test and get something bigger.  It was a 60 mile round trip every day and the C90 never missed a beat. Its the easiest bike you could ever wish to ride and so little maintenance is required. You can change the oil in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea. If you get one you will be hooked.

I've friends who were scooter riders from way back (full mod type, scooter club etc). The changes in the licensing rules forced them both to finally do their full licence, they now have bigger motorbikes for commuting etc, but still have the classic vespas for fun & rallies, they say you never leave them.

[RED-DOG]

It seems impossible to get a general estimate. I did a Go Compare for me (but left out the points on licence  ) on a 10 year old Honda Cub 90 worth £1000, 3rd party, fire & theft. I'm in a rural area too and we've both had a car licence longer than the maximum they ask.

Cheapest quote £65 with £100 excess. Bennetts had one with breakdown cover, legal protection, personal accident & helmet & leathers cover for £95.

Not too dear anyway.

Wow just re-ran it - bumped up usage from 1000 miles fun bike to 10000 main vehicle, added in my 7 points (4 expired but in last 5 years), and got almost the  same quotes (lowest one actually went down by 54p???). Thought I'd be screwed for points... although I'm not going to be doing over 70 on a motorway on a learner 125 I suppose.

That's very encouraging Rod, thanks for doing the leg work.

[typhoon13]

My first motorbike was a C90. Initially it was used just to get me to the train station but when we had a strike in early 90's I rode it all the way into London. After that I was hooked and never took the train for another 15 years. The C90 kept me going for over a year before I decided to take the M/C test and get something bigger.  It was a 60 mile round trip every day and the C90 never missed a beat. Its the easiest bike you could ever wish to ride and so little maintenance is required. You can change the oil in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea. If you get one you will be hooked.

I've friends who were scooter riders from way back (full mod type, scooter club etc). The changes in the licensing rules forced them both to finally do their full licence, they now have bigger motorbikes for commuting etc, but still have the classic vespas for fun & rallies, they say you never leave them.

Brings back memories

I use to be a mod on a SP370 Lolz

[RED-DOG]

My first motorbike was a C90. Initially it was used just to get me to the train station but when we had a strike in early 90's I rode it all the way into London. After that I was hooked and never took the train for another 15 years. The C90 kept me going for over a year before I decided to take the M/C test and get something bigger.  It was a 60 mile round trip every day and the C90 never missed a beat. Its the easiest bike you could ever wish to ride and so little maintenance is required. You can change the oil in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea. If you get one you will be hooked.

It's the reliability / simplicity / practicality aspect that attracts me. I like to try and do my own maintenance
and C90's look like the sort of thing I could manage.

I also like the unremarkableness of a quiet little commuter bike. I like to pootle around without attracting attention.

Born to be mild.

[Rod Paradise]

It seems impossible to get a general estimate. I did a Go Compare for me (but left out the points on licence  ) on a 10 year old Honda Cub 90 worth £1000, 3rd party, fire & theft. I'm in a rural area too and we've both had a car licence longer than the maximum they ask.

Cheapest quote £65 with £100 excess. Bennetts had one with breakdown cover, legal protection, personal accident & helmet & leathers cover for £95.

Not too dear anyway.

Wow just re-ran it - bumped up usage from 1000 miles fun bike to 10000 main vehicle, added in my 7 points (4 expired but in last 5 years), and got almost the  same quotes (lowest one actually went down by 54p???). Thought I'd be screwed for points... although I'm not going to be doing over 70 on a motorway on a learner 125 I suppose.

That's very encouraging Rod, thanks for doing the leg work.

Had done most of it in recent weeks, so it wasn't hard to find the info again. Just so long as Mrs Red doesn't blame me for your mid-life crisis motorbike stage

[RED-DOG]

[Kev B]

My first motorbike was a C90. Initially it was used just to get me to the train station but when we had a strike in early 90's I rode it all the way into London. After that I was hooked and never took the train for another 15 years. The C90 kept me going for over a year before I decided to take the M/C test and get something bigger.  It was a 60 mile round trip every day and the C90 never missed a beat. Its the easiest bike you could ever wish to ride and so little maintenance is required. You can change the oil in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea. If you get one you will be hooked.

It's the reliability / simplicity / practicality aspect that attracts me. I like to try and do my own maintenance
and C90's look like the sort of thing I could manage.

I also like the unremarkableness of a quiet little commuter bike. I like to pootle around without attracting attention.

Born to be mild.

Very very good.

[Mohican]

This seems apt- http://youtu.be/mlGYjWr4ntQ

[RED-DOG]

This series is fascinating. The Iran leg is a real eye opener.

[RED-DOG]

Bobba Fett prevented from flying to Romania.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-28814373

[RED-DOG]

Lol. Please check this one out. (Stick with it to the end).