What do I need to drive a 125cc Bike

I've recently passed my car driving practical and hold a full driving licence, however now I want a get a simple 125cc bike.
So do I need to sit a theory test for bike?
Also what else do i need to be able to ride a bike and what do i need to ride a bike with (L) plates.

Thanks

CT: bigger discussion on finding cheap motorbike insurance here

(edited 5 years ago)

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CBT

A bike

Seriously, you need to do a CBT which is a one day training course. Then you need to come along to the motorbike society as all the info is in the first place - and if you're lucky we won't feed you to Wiggles :yep:

Reply 3

singh224

Original post by Juno

A bike

lol ye i'll get a bike as well, so I don't need to do the bike theory?

Reply 4

Juno

Original post by singh224

lol ye i'll get a bike as well, so I don't need to do the bike theory?

You will need to do a new theory at some point before taking your full bike tests (there are two parts, Mod 1 and Mod 2. Mod 1 is all the manoeuvre bits, and Mod 2 is on road riding). But if you have a full car licence you only need to do a CBT course before being allowed on a bike on your own with L plates.

Note I keep saying a CBT training course - it's training. You don't have to know anything about bikes before doing it, although if you know basic road stuff (which you should if you drive) that will help.

You also need to get yourself a helmet and some kit - for the CBT you may be able to hire these, but when you're on your own bike you'll want your own.

Reply 5

singh224

Original post by Juno

Just one last question, As a Sikh if I'm wearing a turban I don't need a helmet do I?

Reply 6

Juno

Original post by singh224

Just one last question, As a Sikh if I'm wearing a turban I don't need a helmet do I?

I can't answer that one, sorry. Ask in the bike soc.

Arms

Original post by singh224

Just one last question, As a Sikh if I'm wearing a turban I don't need a helmet do I?

But seriously,

There is an exemption to the safety helmet requirement for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban.

http://bikesafe-sheffield.co.uk/full-test.html

:smile:

Reply 9

Lantana

Original post by singh224

Just one last question, As a Sikh if I'm wearing a turban I don't need a helmet do I?

legally, no (Motor-Cycle Crash Helmets (Religious Exemption) Act 1976 passed by the British Parliament in 1976, Section 2A "exempts any follower of the Sikh religion while he is wearing a turban" from having to wear a crash helmet.), however, if you care about being alive, get a half helmet and pput it under your turban.

(BW)

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 10

Fuzzed_Out

Original post by singh224

Just one last question, As a Sikh if I'm wearing a turban I don't need a helmet do I?

It depends if you value your life more than your religion, but the law will do nothing to stop you.

Reply 11

2_plus_X_equal_me

You need to take a cbt course. Its not really a test, but just a course to gain knowledge. The course will cost around £100.

I would personally take both A's test. This will allow you to ride without L plates. You will also be able to ride a bike with 33bhp around 250cc. This increases your range of bikes. As you can purchase a 250cc bike, or by a bigger bike then restrict it (Reduce its power) to 33bhp.

Reply 12

2_plus_X_equal_me

You should also purchase some gear (other than your helmet) once you have finally made your mind to venture into the world of biking.

Theres no law making you do so, just prefer if i crashed i keep my skin, instead of sliding down the road and having my skin being ripped off me and my knee caps being sanded down.

Search on google road rash / also read this touching article of a road rash victim recall her accident. http://www.rockthegear.org/index.php?/testimonials/view/brittany_morrow_the_roadrash_queen/

1) HELMET

2) motorcycle GLOVES

3) leather or textile JACKET

4) leather or textile TROUSERS

5) strong ankle high SHOES/BOOTS (clearing things up motorcycle)

5) knee PADS , shoulder PADS, hip PADS

6) back PROTECTION

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 13

JC.

*legally* you only need a CBT and a skid lid.

You'd be a prat if that's all you had, mind...

Reply 14

Lantana

Original post by 2_plus_X_equal_me

You should also purchase some gear (other than your helmet) once you have finally made your mind to venture into the world of biking.

Theres no law making you do so, just prefer if i crashed i keep my skin, instead of sliding down the road and having my skin being ripped off me and my knee caps being sanded down.

Search on google road rash / also read this touching article of a road rash victim recall her accident. http://www.rockthegear.org/index.php?/testimonials/view/brittany_morrow_the_roadrash_queen/

1) HELMET

2) motorcycle GLOVES

3) leather or textile JACKET

4) leather or textile TROUSERS

5) strong ankle high SHOES/BOOTS

5) knee PADS , shoulder PADS, hip PADS

6) back PROTECTION

most protective trousers come with knee and hip protection, jackets should come with basic protection in the shoulders and elbows. If you are on a 125 you don't need to go and buy the most expensive protection you can afford, as you won't be getting that fast and shouldn't be in the situation that you need it. Boots should be down the list of priorities, so long as you have boots which cover your ankle bones they should be fine

Reply 15

M4LLY

CBT, a bike, and all the necessary protective gear, sorted mate.

Reply 16

2_plus_X_equal_me

Original post by Lantana

Most beginners tend to purchase cheap kevlar jeans w/e they are called. They tend not to have built in knee protection. Just don't want to make the assumption that he would buy a product with extras.

Reply 17

2_plus_X_equal_me

Original post by Lantana

Doesn't matter if your on a 125cc or a 33bhp bike. You need protection, good 125cc can easily hit 60 mph - 80mph and if you crash at that speed you will cause some serious damage. I also don't agree on the topic of boots as well, in a crash it wouldn't be surprising if your bike is crushing your leg/ankle as you slide to a stop. Happened to a good friend of mine whilst wearing high converses ,he on the other hand was riding a 50cc. All you can say there was not much remaining of the left hand side of his left shoe (he applied the brakes mid corner!)

Reply 18

Lantana

Original post by 2_plus_X_equal_me

Most beginners tend to purchase cheap kevlar jeans w/e they are called. They tend not to have built in knee protection. Just don't want to make the assumption that he would buy a product with extras.

Most begin with nothing.... but what do i know, i'm just a girl. How long ago did you start riding?

Original post by 2_plus_X_equal_me

Your preaching to the wrong person. I've slide down the road in hiking boots walked away even with the bike spinning down the road. Again, what do i know, you've been riding far longer than me i'm sure and have far more experiance?

Reply 19

2_plus_X_equal_me

Original post by Lantana

Most begin with nothing.... but what do i know, i'm just a girl. How long ago did you start riding?

Your preaching to the wrong person. I've slide down the road in hiking boots walked away even with the bike spinning down the road. Again, what do i know, you've been riding far longer than me i'm sure and have far more experiance?

you should of said hiking boots then, instead of just boots. Strong motorcycles boots are designed to stop your ankle from braking by limiting how much it you ankle can twist. Also provides some shin protection. I'm not preaching to you just making a comment so that you don't enforce your bad habits on a individual who is inexperienced compared to you when it comes to riding, intern his chances of crashing will be greater so the stage of purchasing riding gear (made for its purpose) is very crucial.