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Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League Eternal Ascension
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Posted - 2010.10.10 19:54:00 -
[1]
As much as I love the CatMobile, despite our differences, I've been yearning for something more.
One of the stupid poxy L-plates fell off yesterday, and you wouldn't believe how hard they are to find, so I was forced to go to the motorcycle place in my town. It's like a biker mecca on Saturdays, they even have a burger van show up so they can stuff their faces while chatting to each other about bikes. It's very busy.
It made me sad being there, me on my crappy little scooter with a day-glo orange helmet, and everyone else is in leathers standing next to their really sweet machines. I made sure I parked in the far bit of the car park.
While I was in the shop, the bikes are so nice it makes me feel even sadder. I can't quite afford the ú10k Hayabusa I was eying up. I'm on a provisional, so I can't even ride one anyway, I consoled myself with. A scooter is a dead end as far as motorcycles go; I can't pass my test on one. I need to get a 125 before I go for my test really, and if I were to choose "direct access" is about the price of a bike anyway.
I'm thinking a Honda CBR125 would do nicely. Does anyone who rides motorbikes have any input?
x
EVE Garden |
Grimpak
Gallente The Whitehound Corporation The Chamber of Commerce
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Posted - 2010.10.10 20:09:00 -
[2]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails I'm thinking a Honda CBR125 would do nicely. Does anyone who rides motorbikes have any input?
actually that's a very good bike.
it's not the fastest one around, but it's very economic.
as in it just needs like 3-4 tanks or so to make a lisbon-madrid trip.
...and I think the tank packs like 5 or 7 litres or so. ---
Quote: The more I know about humans, the more I love animals.
ain't that right. |
Chipan Asty
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Posted - 2010.10.10 20:18:00 -
[3]
Aw cat, don't be sad. At the end of the day its only a bit of crafted metal on two rubber tyres. Sure they look awesome and the get you from A to B a bit faster, but there is a certain style and something to be said for someone who putters about on a scooter.
I used to be the same with cars. Wanted a sleeker faster model all the time, wasted money on cars with XS RS and GT and Turbo in the title, but now I would be happy with a beige fiesta with airbags fitted. I get around on my trusty pushbike now. All the people that pass me in flash cars or howling motorbikes leave a stink of mid life crisis in their wake. Be proud of your mode of transport and spend your money on something else. |
Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League Eternal Ascension
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Posted - 2010.10.10 20:22:00 -
[4]
To be honest, I want rid of the L-plates too. They look a bastard lol.
x
EVE Garden |
Anti Kondor
Minmatar
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Posted - 2010.10.10 20:32:00 -
[5]
I learned to ride on, and still ride, a 1962 Iz Jupiter. A 350cc two piston two stroke. The low speed was a ****ing pain on that bastard as it is anchient and quite heavy. Hard to go wrong with a modern 125cc though. ----------
Try not to take life too seriously, no one gets out alive anyway.
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Leaving Eve
Send Your Stuff To Me
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Posted - 2010.10.10 20:55:00 -
[6]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails As much as I love the CatMobile, despite our differences, I've been yearning for something more.
That is not a motorbike, it's a hair dryer with an extremely long extension lead.
Many Kind regards and wishes for the future.
L.EVE |
Professor Tarantula
Hedion University
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Posted - 2010.10.10 21:48:00 -
[7]
Get a Goldwing.
My Warmest Regards. Prof. Tarantula, Esq. |
Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League Eternal Ascension
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Posted - 2010.10.10 21:52:00 -
[8]
Originally by: Professor Tarantula Get a Goldwing.
Engine size is an issue until I have a full licence.
x
EVE Garden |
Professor Tarantula
Hedion University
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Posted - 2010.10.10 22:11:00 -
[9]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails
Originally by: Professor Tarantula Get a Goldwing.
Engine size is an issue until I have a full licence.
x
In some places they provide 250cc bikes for training courses and the test.
My Warmest Regards. Prof. Tarantula, Esq. |
Danton Marcellus
Nebula Rasa Holdings
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Posted - 2010.10.10 22:24:00 -
[10]
Don't ride but if I did it would probably be this.
Should/would/could have, HAVE you chav!
Also Known As |
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Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League Eternal Ascension
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Posted - 2010.10.10 22:29:00 -
[11]
Originally by: Professor Tarantula Edited by: Professor Tarantula on 10/10/2010 22:28:40
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails
Originally by: Professor Tarantula Get a Goldwing.
Engine size is an issue until I have a full licence.
x
Regulations about licenses vary so much from place to place. Some would require a full license for a 125cc. I'm just going to let you folks who are probably all American talk this out.
I'm English , and 125 is basically the biggest you can ride without a full licence.
EVE Garden |
dr doooo
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Posted - 2010.10.10 23:15:00 -
[12]
First off, don't be ashamed of your wheels at the bike shop! UK bikers are usually a pretty open minded liberal bunch who will take you as you are if you are honest and upfront, especially if you are into bikes yourself (and if not, well fk m, they're Dk heads).
It's been a long time since I did my test, but afaik it hasn't changed that much (apart from the 125cc limit.. and the two part test... and the theory test... and the following you part instead of standing on the corner... OK maybe it's changed a bit).
You don't have to pay hundreds for the part 1 test. You can book it independently, just like part 2. The direct access is for people who want a licence for a Hayabusa next week! If you've been riding your bike regularly, part 1 is easy, so don't bother with the training, just practice the test moves yourself in a quite space - they are really easy.
I can't really comment on recent learner bikes to choose these days.. any Honda will do - the more you pay the flasher it will look (but do the same job). CG125's were the poor man's workhorse back in my day. I'd say look for any bike that is decent and a good price, rather than a particular model (the Hayabusa will come later)
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Stubnitz
Red Federation
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Posted - 2010.10.11 00:26:00 -
[13]
Cat..
I have no idea about bikes and such but I like your posts very much.
They remind me of the old eve, keep posting!
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Intense Thinker
Minmatar
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Posted - 2010.10.11 00:39:00 -
[14]
Cat, seeing as how most organ donors are motorcycle riders can I haz your liver? Signature locked for editing a moderator's warning. Zymurgist |
furlock
Minmatar Autocannons Anonymous
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Posted - 2010.10.11 00:47:00 -
[15]
When i first completed the cbt, i went looking for a honda cbr 125cc as they are nice looking little bikes. i quickly found 1 in a motorcycle place. asked the shop assistant if i can sit on it to get a feel for it. Now as im 6 foot 2 i felt the bike was too small for me and it felt like a small trike. I then decided i was going to go for a yamaha ybr 125 but these were definatley out my price range at the time. So i ended up with buying my house mate old 125. it looks a bit crappy but im happy with it. it gets me to work and back.Also ur used to riding ur bike sitting up right. with a bike like the honda cbr, ur riding position will be leaning forward. I found that unconfortable personally.
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furlock
Minmatar Autocannons Anonymous
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Posted - 2010.10.11 00:51:00 -
[16]
Edited by: furlock on 11/10/2010 00:55:56 there we are
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Danton Marcellus
Nebula Rasa Holdings
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Posted - 2010.10.11 04:23:00 -
[17]
Originally by: Intense Thinker Cat, seeing as how most organ donors are motorcycle riders can I haz your liver?
My theoretical bike would've had my donor card painted on the gas tank.
Should/would/could have, HAVE you chav!
Also Known As |
Corozan Aspinall
Party Time Inc.
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Posted - 2010.10.11 10:36:00 -
[18]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails As much as I love the CatMobile, despite our differences, I've been yearning for something more.
One of the stupid poxy L-plates fell off yesterday, and you wouldn't believe how hard they are to find, so I was forced to go to the motorcycle place in my town. It's like a biker mecca on Saturdays, they even have a burger van show up so they can stuff their faces while chatting to each other about bikes. It's very busy.
It made me sad being there, me on my crappy little scooter with a day-glo orange helmet, and everyone else is in leathers standing next to their really sweet machines. I made sure I parked in the far bit of the car park.
While I was in the shop, the bikes are so nice it makes me feel even sadder. I can't quite afford the ú10k Hayabusa I was eying up. I'm on a provisional, so I can't even ride one anyway, I consoled myself with. A scooter is a dead end as far as motorcycles go; I can't pass my test on one. I need to get a 125 before I go for my test really, and if I were to choose "direct access" is about the price of a bike anyway.
I'm thinking a Honda CBR125 would do nicely. Does anyone who rides motorbikes have any input?
x
Yes. 6 years of riding bikes, all weathers, all year round in the UK.
Its twice as expensive as a car. Ten times less convenient. It hurts in winter. Its a hassle in summer - shoes, darling, shoes.
My advice? As someone about to get a car: get a car.
The few hundred quid you save on petrol you will spend on servicing, tyres, brake pads etc anyway.
If you really like biking, get a 'toy' for the weekend and a car for the 160 days a year it rains here. Seriously.
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Jhagiti Tyran
Invicta.
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Posted - 2010.10.11 11:02:00 -
[19]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails I'm English , and 125 is basically the biggest you can ride without a full licence.
If you want to stick with a scooter you can get some very fast scooters with plenty of off the shelf engine mods, my friend had a scooter that looked more like a sports bike in style and could easily hit 100 MPH.
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Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League Eternal Ascension
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Posted - 2010.10.11 20:36:00 -
[20]
Originally by: Corozan Aspinall
Yes. 6 years of riding bikes, all weathers, all year round in the UK.
Its twice as expensive as a car. Ten times less convenient. It hurts in winter. Its a hassle in summer - shoes, darling, shoes.
My advice? As someone about to get a car: get a car.
The few hundred quid you save on petrol you will spend on servicing, tyres, brake pads etc anyway.
If you really like biking, get a 'toy' for the weekend and a car for the 160 days a year it rains here. Seriously.
o/
I've ridden a cycle forever, so I'm not unfamiliar with the weather :) I like the flexibility even the scooter affords me, traffic in my town (which is bad) usually does not bother me. It would in a car.
I've never been that interested in a car licence, I've had lessons and can operate a car, but I've never cared. Pedal power was fine. A full bike licence really does appeal to me though. I'll probably get a car one when I have kids or something, for now just a pillion works for me
And I wouldn't be a very good doner, I think my lungs and liver are probably already compost lol
x
EVE Garden |
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Reyold Bengali
Caldari
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Posted - 2010.10.11 21:18:00 -
[21]
Rode for years, usually from mid-April through to late November, which is really stretching out the season here in my part of the world. Owned a few nice bikes during that time: '74 Honda CB550, '74 Suzuki GT750, '79 Yamaha XS750, '90 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100, and a '72 Commando Fastback. Of them all, the CB550 would have to be my favorite for in-town driving. The Yamaha, because of the full fairing and bags, was far and away the leader when it came to extended trips, though the weight made it a pig around town. If you're going to be doing the majority of your riding in a town/city setting, go for something small and nimble with good acceleration through the first few gears. ------- Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |
Corozan Aspinall
Party Time Inc.
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Posted - 2010.10.12 09:24:00 -
[22]
Edited by: Corozan Aspinall on 12/10/2010 09:27:35
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails
Originally by: Corozan Aspinall
Yes. 6 years of riding bikes, all weathers, all year round in the UK.
Its twice as expensive as a car. Ten times less convenient. It hurts in winter. Its a hassle in summer - shoes, darling, shoes.
My advice? As someone about to get a car: get a car.
The few hundred quid you save on petrol you will spend on servicing, tyres, brake pads etc anyway.
If you really like biking, get a 'toy' for the weekend and a car for the 160 days a year it rains here. Seriously.
o/
I've ridden a cycle forever, so I'm not unfamiliar with the weather :) I like the flexibility even the scooter affords me, traffic in my town (which is bad) usually does not bother me. It would in a car.
I've never been that interested in a car licence, I've had lessons and can operate a car, but I've never cared. Pedal power was fine. A full bike licence really does appeal to me though. I'll probably get a car one when I have kids or something, for now just a pillion works for me
And I wouldn't be a very good doner, I think my lungs and liver are probably already compost lol
x
Stick with scooters then - or at least something that is automatic and has a fairing. Bikes are insanely expensive to run. No point getting a 125 bike since a scooter is better in every sense imho. Anything bigger than a 125 is going to cost you money to buy and maintain and insure.
My first bike was a GPZ500s (like most people). Then a Ducati 748. Then a ZZR1100. Then a CG125 (which I rode all round Spain no probs). The CG has cost the least to run and service - I do it all myself etc. But its also the least enjoyable to ride.
Someone has suggested looking at 'super' scooters. I recommend them too. Although they are expensive sadly! In Spain every middle aged bloke had one and they really rock. Fast, automatic, plush, nice full fairings, decent screens etc. Can't fault em.
If you really want to get a bike have a look at the new 4 stroke 250cc sports from Yamaha they're nifty and shouldn't cost too much more than a 125 to run.
Me? I'm still getting a car. Its about more than just transport sadly: moving, shopping, going to social events, travelling in bad weather, having something to sleep in on an overnighter, security, ease of parking (yes cars are easier to park and secure in any major city), ability to use park and rides without worrying, music (!) and of course passengers.
Bikes = fun. Some are practical but not fun. Even a knackered old car will be more useful.
Bikes aren't economical anymore sadly. Not on fuel and not on consumables or insurance.
Oh almost forgot every single one of the bikes I've owned cost me upwards of 2 grand. Every single one rotted away to sludge in a couple of years of daily use. Thats the other thing to consider, unless you clean it every night and keep it vacuum packed it will return nothing on your investment and daily use of any motorcycle will cost you thousands a year in maintenance. It did me.
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Sylek
Amarr Local-Spike
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Posted - 2010.10.13 08:52:00 -
[23]
Hey "Cat",
I've been riding for a couple of years, I guess the thing when you're really getting into riding is just not holding back. Everybody told me when I was getting the license to get something decently recent and something with decent engine size, 'cause if I got something small I'd want to switch out after less than a year anyway. So if you have a chance of passing the test without buying a new bike I would do it. Not too sure how the rules are over there though so I can't offer any real advice.
I got a 750 Vulcan and sure enough I'm tired enough with it that I'm swapping out next spring for a 800 VL Intruder that I just bought, but if I have a chance to sell that and add some money into the mix I might try to see if I can get a 1200 or larger Harley, or maybe just a Yamaha or Suzuki cruiser.
But if you're really set on going for a 125, the Honda looks pretty good. Friend of mine had a CBR125 or 250, can't remember - And he was very pleased with the feel and look of the bike, maybe not so much the power though.
But all that aside, good luck with the new bike and the test, whatever you decide. __________________
No. |
Sonkut
Minmatar The Motley Few
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Posted - 2010.10.13 11:27:00 -
[24]
Been considdering re subbing my account, saw this post and thought, "damnit i need to reply!"
Anyhow, experience wise i have been riding for around 10 years, in england. I just got my GF through a M/C licence a year or so ago.
My advice: Dump the hairdryer! You were thinking about it anyway
now what: Get a bike (what bike? any bike) specificaly a manual, maybe a CG125 or something you can pass to another learner easily which doesn't cost much.
I take it you have been riding for years so no great problem there, take your manual that your (eventualy) used to riding and when you got the doe, crack on with a test. Doing it with an instructor means you will polish it off first go as he will polish out your bad habits in a day or so.
Either do the full licence or direct access, if your old enough for direct access it's probubaly worth it.
last bit of advice: first big bike, dont get anything over 600, if you do, get an organ doner card you dont need anything bigger, really.
Further reading:After 10 years of riding, these are my bikes to current: yamaha TS50, DT125, VFR400 NC30, Kawasaki Vulcan 800 (dont bother with cruisers in england unless you use them once a year), Kawasaki ER6N. I've had some of everything, and the ER6N is the most eco friendly bike i have ever had, and it fights for fastest with the VFR400. i do 75MPG on the motorway and around 60 around town. There is a fully faired version and it's probubaly worth it to avoid the rust in England.
if you want to avoid rust, buy a bottle of ACF50, it was developed by the military to stop jet fighters corroding apparently. does well on the bike :)
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Arkanor
Gallente Ixion Defence Systems
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Posted - 2010.10.13 11:30:00 -
[25]
Edited by: Arkanor on 13/10/2010 11:32:49
Originally by: Corozan Aspinall
Bikes = fun. Some are practical but not fun. Even a knackered old car will be more useful.
Bikes aren't economical anymore sadly. Not on fuel and not on consumables or insurance.
I would definitely agree on your first point, but it really depends on what you have for a bike on the second. I know a couple of people who commute on bikes though to save money, and it can be more efficient if you ride the right thing. Personally I'd rather take the car for simply getting around.
I ride an 03 Yam 600R (pre-R6) and it pulls down around 55-60mpg on 87 octane. My car gets half that and needs 91 (and that as well as any car that gets better than that has a hell of a lot more than 5Lb/hp). Tires aren't too bad depending on if you get longer life ones, and oil/filters are the same price as a car. Insurance is significantly less too, but I don't have collision on the bike. Could just be because I have a much cheaper bike than I do a car, but I've had less problems with it overall. However I live in Maine where winter is effectively 5-6 months out of the year, so I can't really get by on just a bike.
To Cat - If you want a stepping stone to a bigger bike, get the 125 (Honda is great btw). Otherwise keep the scooter as the commute-mobile, those work great for that.
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Corozan Aspinall
Party Time Inc.
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Posted - 2010.10.13 13:13:00 -
[26]
Edited by: Corozan Aspinall on 13/10/2010 13:16:56 Do the maths Cat. Look at how much spares are and consumables like tyres, chains & sprockets, oil (per liter), brake pads etc. It quickly runs into hundreds and hundreds.
Enjoy biking, by all means, but don't expect to make it sole transport without major regrets.
Commuting to work on some 125 piece of **** you bought off ebay for ú600 is about as practical as motorcycling gets these days.
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Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League
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Posted - 2010.10.16 21:50:00 -
[27]
well thanks everyone, i'm still deciding :)
I think my plan is keep catmobile, do theory test, when it's spring get a 125, get a few lessons and do the standard test. Hang on to the 125, sans L plates \o/ for a couple years then get a big boy bike
That's the rough plan at the moment.
x
EVE Garden |
quave
Caldari Agent-Orange
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Posted - 2010.10.17 00:55:00 -
[28]
Edited by: quave on 17/10/2010 01:05:40 Just done my cbt, need to get tax sorted out before i can go out my bike, Yamaha xt125r. It's a taller bike, thankfully, that dinky toy from china i did my cbt on was a nightmare, could barely get my foot under to change gear and had horrible cramp form being hunched over all day.
Have a car for everyday stuff, the bike is just for a bit of fun, planning to do full bike test next year sometime.
One day
edit; wrong smilie
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Cat o'Ninetails
Caldari Rancer Defence League
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Posted - 2010.10.17 01:03:00 -
[29]
Originally by: quave Just done my cbt, need to get tax sorted out before i can go out my bike
Heh that was a frustrating time for me, got the bike mot'd, was insured but the documents hadn't come through. Which meant I couldn't tax it for a few days. Must admit, I couldn't help myself...
x
EVE Garden |
quave
Caldari Agent-Orange
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Posted - 2010.10.17 01:16:00 -
[30]
Originally by: Cat o'Ninetails
Must admit, I couldn't help myself...
x
Once round the block never hurt anyboy
Annoying thing is i had all the paperwork but the DVLA spelt my name wrong, also it was my neighbours address, i could have taxed the bike with it then send it back with corrections but i didn't expect to be able to book a cbt so quickly, so im now left waiting with out them.
I bet if the DVLA where sending a speeding ticked they wouldn't get my details wrong.
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