First bike

[Mattastic]

Hi

I'm looking to do my CBT in a few weeks but I don't know what to get as my first bike. It'll be mainly used for nipping too and from work (25 mile round trip). Thing is I have found that most of the 125cc prices seem to be quite high as there is a large demand for them, especially with decent weather just around the corner. Is there anything stoppung me from buying a larger bike and getting it restricted? Thing is I can't really afford to buy a 125 now then upgrade when I do my test in the summer.

Any advice will be gratefully accepted!
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Too skint to buy a bike

[Ste]

You are only allowed a 125cc bike on a CBT, so you can't just get a larger bike and restrict it I'm afraid.

How old are you? If you're over 21 you should just do a DAS course now and get a larger commuter style bike. If you're under 21, do some intensive training and lessons and get a bigger bike and restrict it to 33bhp.

And welcome to BCF.

[Laura]

What ste said look around you can find 125 bikes quite chaply look in bargain pages and on loot they can be found you just have to look hard enough. Welcome by the way.
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Good girls ride motorcycles bad girls thrash them.

[Mattastic]

I'm 22 and really considering a direct access course.

I've just been offered a job in 45 miles away, mainly motorway, so what would you suggest for a first medium size bike? I'm on a tight budget and need something that won't rape me insurance wise!!
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Too skint to buy a bike

[andrew]

Welcome to the forum. I would recommend something like a CB400 or XJR 400 but seeing as your limited by funds you could try something like a cb500, it will probably cost a bit more to buy but should be cheaper to insure because it isn't imported. You could also consider an old GPZ or something like. Whatever you decide I would suggest you stay away from the 125's. Hope this helps.

[Mattastic]

Thanks for all the advise given so far, most helpful.

Are there any insurance companies which would be cheaper than others? I've heard of Carole Nash and Bennetts but are these decent for young, inexperienced riders?
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Too skint to buy a bike

[priller]

Mitchell and partners are cheap for young riders. Rampdale are cheap on 125 but not on bigger bikes.

[dainesefreak]

I would say something like a CB500 too, you should be able to pick em up fairly cheaply, they have been around for years. It's also a Honda, so an older model should have weathered better than some other manufacturers machines. They are supposed to be quite well put together, have a decent turn of speed and handle ok too. The only thing that may be a bit of a pain is the lack of fairing for motorway miles.

[Edit] - As for insurance, it's all relative to you really. Have a look at Bendy's insurance quotes https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=3198 and try giving some of them a ring. You will tend to find that some places that have been good for one person aren't too good for you. The one thing I can say though is that Bennetts have always been quite expensive for me.

[Mattastic]

Just had a quote for a 95M CB500 worth £1100 Third Party only from Mitchell's at £426.35
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Too skint to buy a bike

[Kickstart]

Hi

Something like a CB500 or GPZ500 would be good for the job. Plenty around, cheap to buy, good on fuel, light weight and with reasonable power.

All the best

Keith
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