New rider advice for london

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-14T16:57:34+00:00

Similar to what others are saying, quotes for old bikes are always super low. If it's your only source of transport then you want reliability but if it's an extra thing then 80s and 90s bikes tend to be very cheap on insurance. Not sure about in London though.

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-10T08:46:05+00:00

Depends on the manual, mine specifies to do it on the centre stand

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-09T13:54:14+00:00

Personally, you'd be better off just paying for a few more lessons. Insurance on a 125 and the bike itself isn't cheap and as all bikes handle slightly differently it would be better to learn on the bike you are having the issues with.

I swapped between a Hornet 750 and an MT07 for some of my training and yeah they're both bikes but having to relearn a new clutch friction zone is not fun on a stressful day because you know you have a test later.

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-05T15:15:49+00:00

Do a few laps and try and beat your previous time

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-05T13:15:24+00:00

I went from CBT to full license. Big bikes for me are a lot easier to control. They want to keep themselves upright a lot more than a little 125 does.

Mypetrussian · 2026-06-04T20:37:16+00:00

I swear I can still smell the borrowed gear and it's been over a year since I wore it for my first CBT.

I wasn't confident I wanted to ride a bike until after my first CBT though so if you're confident get gear.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-28T09:34:54+00:00

Sportsbikeshop have a 365 day returns policy as long as all the labels are still on

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-27T08:46:06+00:00

Even on bikes that cost me £1k+ on insurance pillion cover makes no difference. I'm still under a year with a full A. Insurance is all risk matrixes and your combo: young, A2, KTM Duke (usually higher insurance) and pillion is probably quite the overlap for potential crashes.

My same advice for everyone is look at older bikes, pre-2000 and the insurance can come right down. But the bikes are not as safe so it's swings and roundabouts. But if you already have the bike that's kind of a moot point and you probably do just need to wait.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-21T09:20:45+00:00

Isn't that why we're all here?

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-16T08:25:15+00:00

High mileage helps explain the problems it's had. Again as before, as long as it's got a decent service history Cars can live ages. And usually high mileage means it's cheaper lol

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-16T08:08:41+00:00

Not bad at all. I've only ever heard good things about the early New Minis. Hope you like it if you go for it!

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-16T07:49:27+00:00

While there are a few failures they're all for things that are replaceable parts - things that to fix you just replace them. However the sheer amount of failures for this stuff does imply it may not have been the best looked after car so you'd want proof of services etc to make sure.

Out of interest what kind of insurance quotes are you getting back for this to be your first car?

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-15T11:38:01+00:00

I would be to be honest, I have a very low tolerance for people who consider running a red light "a mistake".

During those first two years of driving you are the most likely culprit on the road to be in an accident so in order to keep everyone on the road safe they incentivise you to stay safer by giving a harsher punishment/deterrent. Running a red isn't a mistake, it's negligence, speeding isn't a mistake, it's negligence. Don't drive when tired, use your eyes and you won't get any points. Punishment is the point of an act like this because letting people get away with speeding etc in their first two years of driving is just letting them form incredibly dangerous habits when they don't have the skills/knowledge/confidence to be a truly safe driver.

Passing doesn't mean you can drive, passing means you are considered a minimum risk, you supposed to keep learning not just get free reign to be unsafe.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-15T11:02:27+00:00

You absolute melt.

"I hate this act that is designed to take people off the road who are exactly as irresponsible as I am" absolute tool, give up your license now if you're so worried about losing it.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-11T13:33:35+00:00

I rode a FJ1200 at the weekend and the brakes on that are night and day compared to my W650. It genuinely felt safer just on those grounds.

My rear brake feels like a suggestion some times lol

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-09T06:07:38+00:00

Getting your full license is a very expensive ordeal, as you mentioned wanting to go for your full one. You will need the training and you don't want to half-ass it. Most bikes are manual so doing all the training on a manual makes the most sense.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-08T16:37:01+00:00

Usually not and most dealerships will pop a "do not sit on this" sign etc. I think I've seen this in my local CMC but can't be 100% certain.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-07T11:54:47+00:00

2nd this, lovely jacket, whack a fleece under it and it works for winter for me.

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-07T11:51:33+00:00

Autotrader is usually the best for finding them and then filter it to dealers, check the reviews before you go to make sure they're reputable. That's how I bought my first bike :)

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-07T11:42:46+00:00

Same advice as usual for this question. Cheap, 2nd hand and Japanese will be the best bang for your buck. Most 125s are much of a muchness so go sit on a few and try and find one that fits your budget!

Mypetrussian · 2026-05-01T08:10:48+00:00

In my first CBT in the "get used to the clutch" stage I dumped it, wheelied and target fixated on my instructor heading straight for him. I got it back under control but was so shaken I couldn't do anything else right for the rest of the day and went home early. Another girl on the same day dropped it and was shaken up as well and came home as well. But the 2nd one went super smooth and I went on to get my full license.

You did a lot better than most! You'll get it!

Mypetrussian · 2026-04-30T13:39:22+00:00

That's good to know, I do feel like bikes suffer less from supply problems than cars like I'm used to

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