Saber Forum

After 9 years of commuting by bicycle in London I decided it was time to upgrade to something with a motor. Due to cost of/lack of parking in London, on top of the congestion charge (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge) I didn't want to get a car.

In the UK you need there are several classes of motorcycle licence. Each has an engine size restriction on it meaning you have to be a certain age before you can ride bigger and faster bikes. (check out this link that explains the difference licences and what age you have to be: http://www.geton.co.uk/motorcycle-training-licence/)

As I am over 24 (and still as pretty as ever) I have started my journey to getting a full licence. I have my two jackets (1 leather, 1 wax textile), I have my gloves, I have my kevlar jeans and boots. And now I have my CBT, which I completed approx. 45mins ago (UK time of course).

Currently looking to book my theory test (another prerequisite) and next stage of my training starts a week on Tuesday.

More updates to follow...

Way to go!

Good luck. Having visited London from Texas it is a totally different world for sure. When there so we did was walk and use the Tubes. I think we took a bus twice. Traffic is crazy!



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Yeah, public transport in London is amazingly convenient (tube, overground, tram, bus, night bus, train). However, while personal experience has taught me the quickest way to get around London is by bicycle (as busy and dangerous as it occasionally can be), having a motorbike won't increase my travel time too much, there are no parking charges, £10 fills up the tank and should last about a month and if I want to get away from The Shire for the weekend to visit some friends, it'll only take me 90 mins or so.

Plus, motorbikes are cool!  ;D

Thanking you

Indeed they are!  Got one in mind that you want to get?

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/street/cmx500-rebel/overview.html

Already have plans to modify/customise it a bit.

Very nice.

Nice looking ride.

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Good luck, Knox. Motorcycles are a lot of fun.

Thanks man. Do you ride?

Hi Knox.  Congrats and that sure will be a great new way to navigate around London and especially the countryside.  :)

Have just removed that most annoying and outdated photobucket kitten from your signature.  Please fill the space with something else if you desire.  Most members are using the free site imgur now.

Incase you were unaware... there is now a maximum 200x700 pixel limitation on signatures including any words.

Kept meaning to get around to doing that. Thanks.

Cheers.

Yes I do. I've had several family members who owned bikes, and I bought this one in 2003. It's a 2003 Harley V-Rod. I still own it, but I don't get to ride it nearly as much as I used to.

(http://databikes.com/imgs/a/b/a/s/z/harley_davidson__v_rod_anniversary_2003_1_lgw.jpg)


(http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/v/vrod03.jpg)

The pinstripe on the air box cover looks pink, but it is gold to celebrate the fact that it was their 100th anniversary. I've put some more chrome on it, put blue LED lights around it, and a few high performance parts as well.

Ooo, that's nice. How's the ride? I've heard that Harley's vibrate a lot.

Really looking forward to getting the Rebel. Planning on new LED turn signals, head & tail lights, paint job inspired by the 1960s AC Shelby Cobra, custom seat, new exhaust obviously, new handlebars/grips/switches/mirrors. Not sure about in the states but in the UK there's a bit of a craze for scramblers, bobbers and cafe racer type mods. Hopefully, by the time I'm finished some elements of those bike types will be there, but in a very unique way.

Harleys used to vibrate a lot, but over a decade ago they counterweighted and rubber mounted their engines, and now the ride is much smoother.

Yeah, those are all pretty popular here too, depending on your riding style and needs.

Daily commuting (where the average speed I may hope to get to on a journey through London is maybe 20mph) and occasional 90 min weekend riding (for trips to places like Cambridge, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton to visit friends), and of course back to my home town to visit the parentals.

My riding style will definitely be laid back, comfy and fun and less about warp speed.

I love bobbers and that Honda would make a bad a$$ bobber!

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Indeed. Although, with so many people going for the bobber look, I want to make sure that mine offers something a little different. Obviously I'll be posting photos of the mods as they happen.

Good luck on your moto future! I only been riding five years and have some forum acquaintances in the UK who ride also. Used to have a Triumph Explorer and looking at the new Speed Triple that was just announced Monday. I have a 2001 Kawasaki ZR7s and a 1995 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide.

(https://i.imgur.com/lTm81VO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DDEaayM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uhDdtzp.jpg)

I always wondered how comfortable it is to ride with raised handlebars like that. Doesn't the blood drain from your arms?

That Triumph looks nice.

Nah. I'm 6-3. My hands are right at shoulder level even with the 16" apes rolled forward a bit. I'll post up a pic later.

I am considering changing out the handlebars for some Biltwell Moto ones. All depends how I feel after sitting on the bike and having a test ride.

A test ride is definitely a must. I think its more vital for a bike than for a car.

I definitely wouldn't buy a bike without a test ride.

I'm curious. Looking through youtube videos it seems getting a licence in American is much less involved than the UK. What exactly is compulsory for bikers before they can get their licence?

Different states may have different rules, but it's usually passing a skills test, and you get a learner's permit, and that usually has restrictions (helmet required, no passengers, no riding at night, etc.). If you hold the permit long enough, then you can get an endorsement on your license, and many of those restrictions will be lifted. We don't have different licenses for different sizes, at least none that I'm aware of.

Still amazes me that helmets are not compulsory.

Just been reading through the highway code, refreshing my knowledge before I take my theory test. That comes in two parts - part 1 has 50 multiple choice questions about road use/road signs etc. I think you need to get a minimum of 40 out 50.

Part 2 is the hazard perception test, where you watch a video from a camera mounted on a bike. As soon as you see the hazard you click on the screen. The quicker you react the more points you get. I think you need a minimum of 20 points out of a possible 25.

 In some states they are. We also require a written test. I forgot about that.

Good luck!

Good luck, Knox! Always wanted to try riding a bike, but Texas drivers are dangerous 😱

I took the two day Motorcycle Safety Foundation course because I had never ridden before. I think it cost about $200 and includes classroom and riding instruction. Well worth the time and money. Arkansas requires proof of the class and a 20-25 question multiple choice test given on an iPad. Then you get your full endorsement. If you don't take the MSF, then you do have to demonstrate riding ability to police like you would a regular driving test for automobile.

I was not aware of a permit anywhere unless you're a minor or something? Don't know.

Cmon Scrub! Texas is one of the better states for riding!

Nice one!

Have you seen the Triumph Bonneville Bobber?
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/bonneville/2018/bobber

I also like their Street Scambler:
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/street-scrambler/2018/street-scrambler

And today I 'found' an interesting Cafe Racer:
https://www.fbmondial.co.uk/model/FB-Mondial-HPS-125

(Yes, I'm a sucker for that retro-style look ;D )

I like the look of Bobbers, but wouldn't personally want to own one. Fortunately, Triumph have me covered with this bad boy (which will be my second bike down the line in a few years)
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/bonneville/2018/speedmaster


I saw this one up close during a break in my CBT course. It was in British Racing Green looked amazing
https://www.hanwaymotor.co.uk/model/Hanway-Scrambler-125

Me too ;D

Okay, I'm gonna do a combo on-topic brag that my motorcycle is featured in Mazinger Z Infinity, which I saw yesterday and posted about in http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=37453.0. It's about as close as an anime representation gets.

(https://i.imgur.com/9sBMzFw.jpg)

Nice (even though I have no idea what Bazinga Infinity & Beyond is), although I would be more jealous if you owned the bike from Akira.

Oh, that's a nice one, too ;D

I think they were channeling the spirit of Steve McQueen when they designed it.

I sat on a Bonnie Bobber with the mini-apes today. Liked it. Even though it looks small, it fit me pretty well.  I also sat on a leftover Speed Triple and I'm like YES... I might have to pull the trigger it's pretty cheap.  Also some leftover Tigers.  The prices are starting to drop as the 2018's are about to land.  Can't make up my mind.

I like everything about the Bonnie Bobber except the lack of a rear fender. I know that that is the point of the bike, but it looks weird to me. However, the Speedmaster on the other hand, is beautiful.

I am already considering what my second bike will be (either Triumph Speedmaster or Indian Scout Bobber). It will be a minimum of three years from now, by which time I should be able to get one of those on a good deal.

I thought you may all like to have a look at the motorcycle gear I have got:

Jacket 1 - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/284493
Jacket 2 - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/331819
Boots - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/230545
Jeans - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/281658
Gloves - https://www.78motorco.com/products/speed-glove?variant=3476126083 (in dune yellow)
Helmet - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/333071 (for riding inside London)

I plan on getting a full face helmet for day/weekend trips outside of London and a waterproof winter jacket and trousers for the very wet days.

Even though my first bike of choice will be a cruiser, I won't be having panniers. Instead I'll be getting a magnetic tank bag (https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/221810) and a waterproof travel bag to strap to the pillion seat behind me (http://chainspeed.co.uk/products/sw-motech-legend-gear-tail-bag-lr1.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAksvTBRBFEiwADSBZfOiyfvZgvidyRA3t9fa4HJQsld5SNQcumpYXz3mBOtdgh6uZmy0ZphoC0woQAvD_BwE)

 

I'm glad to see you are getting proper gear. And I can vouch for Shoei helmets - definitely the best. For your long trip helmet, might I suggest the Shoei GT-Air in whatever color pleases you. Never leaks air or water and has the best internal sun visor. I've ridden in 2 C with 35 kmh crosswinds and pouring down rain for three hours with no problems before. It was my first and still best helmet - I will get another one and/or an X14 next time.

Might I also suggest another magnetic tank bag for your consideration? Cortech Super 2.0 18L convertible bag... https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-super-20-18-liter-magnetic-tank-bag.

The reason is twofold: (1) it has a zipper around the bottom to expand the bag from a normal 12L to 18L when you need it. Second, and more importantly, it has built in and hidden backpack straps.  When I ride/travel, I NEVER leave my tankbag on the bike; I always take it with me.  And with the backpack strap that pulls right out of the bottom, it is easy to toss over my shoulder and go. When done, just stuff it back in the bottom of the pack. I've had mine since 2013 and it is a champ. Probably the best tank bag I've ever seen; I would replace it with the same one if I had to.

Cool post. Looking forward to what's next.

Thanks for the helmet recommendation. I'll check it out. As for the tank bag, the one I have my eye on will only be for carrying my locks, firat aid kit, tools etc. Everything else will be in my rucksack or bag strapped on the back. And I was planning on strapping the tank bag to the bike on day trips out of London (maximum of 70 miles one way). But i'll check out that bag you mentioned and see it's sold over here.

Essential reading for UK road users. Which means you read it before you take your test in order to pass the theory and then never read it again, while simultaneously forgetting the majority of the information contained within!  :D

(https://i.imgur.com/YHfM08o.jpg)

congestion charge ?  Wow, charged a fee just for going to work.

Anyway, good luck Knox.

The congestion charge was introduced in an effort to reduce the amount of people using their cars to come into London. Supposedly less cars means more use of public traffic which reduces traffic jams and pollution from car exhaust emissions. Fortunately, motor bikes are exempt from the charge.

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge

I guess in a place like London where there is a reliable (I assume) mode of public transportation it makes  sense.  Really wouldn't fly here in the states.

I know some people like to complain about public transport in London, but when you look at it objectively we are really really fortunate with all the options we have: The Underground (or Metro for my American audience), overground rail, buses running 24/7, night buses, trams (in certain areas) and that's before you get to national rail services that provides trains to the rest of the country.

The longest you have to wait for something is maybe 4 mins during rush hour, unless something is cancelled due to engineering problems or an accident. And we haven't even mentioned London Black Cabs, taxis in general and Uber.

As I said, the congestion charge is an effort to reduce the amount of pollution and traffic. Has it worked? Not really sure. People moaned and complained about when the announcement was made, but they eventually accepted it and moved on (same thing happened when supermarkets decided to start charging people 5pence for carrier bags instead of giving them away for free). Maybe it's an English thing: we complain, accept and move on.

Anyway, I have had my head turned a little by another bike choice - Yamaha XV950
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/sport-heritage/xv950r.aspx

We here in the states call it a Subway :P.

That's what I said. Subway. I in no way made a mistake (damn new fangled translation matrix technology! ;D)

Your new bike interest is called a Bolt over here. Pretty cool bike; I think cooler than the Rebel, BUT the Rebel is a newer design, and also smaller displacement I think. You're almost up in Harley 883 Iron or Dark territory now. But I bet the import duties make Harley's really expensive. How long until you have a bike? Can't wait to see what you choose.

As a brand, I like Harley Davidson. But I would never buy one. Just something about them doesn't appeal to me as something to own. Not sure why.

As for the XV950 Bolt, the reason my eyes and ears perked up is because I can get a 2014 or 2015 one with around 4000 miles on the clock for about the same price as a brand new Rebel. Financially it just makes sense to get a bigger (and better?) bike that will last me longer. Plus the XV950 is just as customisable as the  Rebel. Even more so as there are hundreds of after market mods available, whereas the Rebel currently has none.

As for how long I have to wait. I have my gear conversion training tomorrow (basically spending an hour learning how to ride a bike with gears). I need to wait for payday so I can book my theory test and then I can move on to Module 1 (slow manoeuvres round cones, U-turns, emergency stops etc) and then Module 2 (riding on the road with an instructor giving instructions over bluetooth headphones). Hopefully within 3 weeks I should be fully trained and actually on a bike.

So my gear conversion course had to be split in half. The instructor was running late this morning due to traffic, so we only got to slow clutch control and changing from 1st to 2ns gear. Weren't able to get out on the road. But that's fine. My over-analytical side crept in towards the end of the lesson and was starting to cause a few hiccups, so having a week to absorb, reflect and digest is a good thing.

*UPDATE*

I am surprised at how long it is taking to get my modules booked in for me to learn and take my test. However, the whole reason I wanted to get a motorbike was mainly to give me an extra option when commuting to work. So, I've decided to get a cheap 125cc runaround so I can be mobile and get some practical road experience under my belt while I do my modules (which now looks like won't be completed till mid-end of March).

I have a test ride booked in on Saturday and, assuming I like it, I should be tearing up London streets by as early as Tuesday

https://www.hanwaymotor.co.uk/model/Hanway-Scrambler-125

*UPDATE*

Tomorrow's test ride got cancelled as someone else bought the bike earlier today  >:( >:( >:(

Fortunately, while browsing online I found another bike that I really like. Was on the phone with the dealer throughout the day sorting out finance, which has been approved. Just need to pay the deposit on Weds when I get paid and the bike will be delivered 3 days later.

Here are some pictures of MY FIRST EVER MOTORBIKE!

(https://i.imgur.com/UVmTQ5E.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GSaT4Tu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EHdfKQs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LF56sTc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/J2pBkiq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cJPyUSB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Pwhgt6e.jpg)

So, London got hit by 4 inches of snow last week (not a lot, I know, when compared to some places in America, but it's a big deal in London as it happens so infrequently). Unfortunately, the adverse weather conditions meant my gear conversion lesson got rescheduled (again) for this Saturday.  :'(

However, on the plus side, my bike got delivered today. I managed to wangle the whole day off work and have been out on it for a few jaunts round my neighbourhood. It's very comfortable and smooth when riding. My open face helmet gives me great field of vision (very useful when riding in London). The only complaint I have about the bike is the mirrors. They aren't adjustable and I can't see what's behind me. Have ordered some replacement as it's an easy fix. Hopefully, by Thursday, I'll be up and running and able to ride to work.

While I was sat on it outside my house reading the owners manual and familiarising myself with the controls I had 4 random pedestrians compliment the bike. Plus, my last jaunt out was right around school kicking out time, and Virgil received quite a few appreciate (and jealous) looks.

Light/dark side point to the first person who can guess why I named my bike "Virgil"

Sweet looking bike, I haven't heard of Bullit and when I first saw the name and color I thought it was a theme bike for the movie Bullitt (the green Mustang).

Anyway still a great looking ride.

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The company is Belgian. Not a lot of information available on them. But as an urban runaround it is perfect. And SOOOOO pretty. I do believe that they made this one only available in green is because of the Steve McQueen classic. I'll have a review video up at some point that I may post on here.

I MADE IT!!! RODE TO WORK AND BACK AGAIN. First time riding the bike on the rode. No crashes. No close calls. Stalled 9 times this morning during my journey in, but only 3 times on the way home. Definitely improving and nowhere near as difficult as I was expecting. Heard some random people compliment the bike as I rode past. I even managed to overtake a car this evening. And I was even able to wear my aviator sunglasses under my helmet.

In conclusion, day 1: I'm still alive, I didn't kill anyone and I had fun.

Congrats!

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The Great Escape - Steve McQueen's character was named Virgil. That's my guess anyway, seeing how you're a movie buff.

Congrats on your first day out and about! Always a great feeling.

To work on stalling, I suggest "friction zone" training. The friction zone is when the clutch gets let out enough for the bike to start moving. Fire up the bike with the clutch pulled in. Rock back on your heels, and sliwly the let out the clutch and slowly give it gas. When the bike begins to move, you'll roll onto the soles of your feet. Pull the clutch back in, and it will stop with your leg power. Rock back onto your heels, and repeat the process. You'll end up just rocking back and forth in olace, but you'll get a great feel for how your bike operates, and you'll stall a lot less.

Thanks. I know why I was stalling (letting clutch out too quickly without enough throttle), which is probably why it happened less on the way home. But was to be expected seeing as how it's only my fifth time on a bike. I foresee no such problems tomorrow (he said confidently before the bike explodes in a massive fireball! lol).

Yeah, you'll get the hang of it in no time.

Nice bike, by the way. I forgot to say that earlier.

Thanks. She's getting lots of compliments. And I only stalled once this morning, so am definitely improving. Gear changing still not as smooth as I'd like, but practice, practice, practice.

Congratulations to your trip and your bike ;D

Day 2 and I'm happy to report that, yet again, I AM STILL ALIVE!!! Despite riding in the rain for the first time and having a near miss right outside my office (thanks to a young guy driving way too fast down a back road).

Seriously though, my road confidence is almost at the same level as when I ride my bicycle on the road (so pretty high). Only 1 stall on the way to work and 1 on the way home. Definite improvement. Even started controlling my low speed using my back brake.

1 week in, 2 near misses and 1 incredibly inconsiderate housemate who have blocked the drive with his old wardrobe and chest of drawers meaning I can't lock my bike up in it's normal place. Very annoyed, but hopefully the local council will come and collect it soon.

Good looking bike!

Keep at it. The near misses will happen. I ride " Counter-Offensive ". Never in a blind spot, and no one is allowed behind by more than 50 feet once we are going over 50mph. Easier said than done.  Intersections though, be careful at those my friend.

If you ever need back up, call me in!!!

(https://image.ibb.co/d6Na6J/Magna_Kylo.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

My wife got me this a while back. Thought due to the color scheme it was " Dark Jedi " ish.

Told her it was Poe's and I love it. We will just tell everyone I had to shoot him down and take it from him. ( yea...right..)

I think she knew what she is doing, always trying to pull me back into the Light....I keep telling her im not in the Dark or the Light, I am the Shadow....and a Shadow requires both.

(https://image.ibb.co/cruVhT/IMG_0791.jpg)

My color changing bike

(http://image.ibb.co/gx0be8/180_F8989_0_EFF_4_AB4_A3_A3_C11_F5_EA3294_F.jpg)
(http://image.ibb.co/mZB4XT/D8_F907_BB_DA8_C_4197_8_C9_A_34_FFD5_C275_A5.jpg)
(http://image.ibb.co/eLc06o/0_BFD6_B1_C_679_D_43_F0_8_FCF_C7_E1_C7_D12605.jpg)
(http://image.ibb.co/cRBSmo/2_DBC5339_896_D_474_A_8_C41_3_E59790_B3_FCA.jpg)
(http://image.ibb.co/fVR2mo/3_FAEBC1_C_899_B_49_A5_989_B_9_AEDE60_C3091.jpg)
(http://image.ibb.co/cmuoRo/44_F9_E74_D_7_BD0_4937_B613_FED0832_C566_E.jpg)

That looks pretty damn sweet! The Wi-Fi where I'm at is crap and I cant see all of the pics. Is that a Yamaha?

Thanks Silenoz.  It’s a Kawasaki ZX10R