Morris Minor Owners Club

I passed my CBT today! It was a very enjoyable experience although a rather long day. Now I just have to wait for my bike to be delivered which should be this coming week. It's a 1990 Yamaha RXS100, like this one:

Congratulations !!!!!

Well done! Will you be going for the full test in a while, or just keep renewing the CBT (I know a lot of people who never passed their full motorbike test, just relied on getting a new CBT and constantly drove on L plates)?
I know nothing about bikes, but it looks like you will end up with a nice serviceable machine. What are the regs on size, etc, for motorbike testing? I've heard that there are many levels depending on size of bike, etc, but as I never went to learn for myself, never learned about them.

The bike itself isn't the one in the picture, it's in a bit better nick than that and with 12 months' MOT. Hopefully it should last for a while!

I want to pass the full test before October 2008 as that's when they're bringing in new regs which will mean a much tougher test and more cost. Hopefully I can get up to the required standard by this autumn/winter.

The test regs themselves are quite complicated, but basically I won't be doing it on my bike, as because it's under 120cc (it's 100cc) I'd end up with a category A1 licence which only allows you to ride up to 125cc bikes. If you do the test on a 125cc bike then you get a category A licence which means you can ride any bike as long as it doesn't have more than 33bhp for two years and then after that period any bike you like.

I quite fancy a 70s Suzuki GT250 eventually.

I'm lucky, I did my full bike test when I was 17 so it was far simpler then, then did my car test 3 months later and my LGV (HGV) when I was 21. I've been looking into doing my bus/coach license but the thought of doing a theory test with hazard perception and then a seperate driving test has put me off the idea. But very well done Chris it's always nice to add a category to your license

Ah yes, I have a provisional C1 now, but I'm putting off doing the theory/haz perception until I feel confident enough to pass it first time, as it's all getting rather expensive.

but the thought of doing a theory test with hazard perception

but I'm putting off doing the theory/haz perception until I feel confident enough to pass it first time

Have a look at the BSM site. it will have mock theory/haz tests on it

I passed my bike test in 1974 but have always liked small capacity machines.
The little Yamaha will be a lot of fun but despite it's size please make sure you wear approriate protective gear.
Don't overlook footwear as "fashion" items, even boots, aren't really suitable. If you don't want proper motorcycle boots how about safety work boots ?
Lidl / Aldi often have motorbike gear on offer and it's reasonable quality / value for money so keep you eyes open on their webs sites for when they next have them.

Me - I've a 1959 Honda CB92 Benly (125cc twin), 1979 Honda CB400A "Hondamatic" (400c twin), 1983 Honda Stream tilting trike (50cc single) and a 1998 Vespa ET4 (125cc single).
I'm currently after a Honda CN250 scooter (250cc single) as well (I've got the choice of several but cann't decide which to buy).

Paul Humphries.

Lee, if the theory & hazard peception tests for a car licence are anything to go by, then you need not worry as they were an absolute doddle when I did them just over 2 years ago.

Paul, that's quite a collection you've got there! I quite like the Honda CB250 G5 but the GT250 is at the top of my list!

chrisd87 wrote: I quite like the Honda CB250 G5 but the GT250 is at the top of my list!

I always liked the GT250 "Ram Air but from what I remember they seemed top heavy and not the best handling compared to most of the other 250's of my youth. More of a sporty looking "go to work" bike. Still very nice and I'd happily have one.
My favorite was the 250 single Ducati Desmo but they were well out of mine and circle of friends buying power.
The "absolute nutters" bike was the early 250 three cylinder Kawasaki. Drum brakes and "flexible forks / frame that made intersting handling.
The "sensible nutters" chose the Yamaha RD250 - pre LC era.
I had a RD350 and when power used fuel consumption could drop to almost single figures !
Honda were always sensible all rounders - which I cann't remember any of my friends having one
I was young enough for there to still also be a selection of British bikes although I don't think there were many new choices - someone had a nice 250 Triumph trail bike but rest were secondhand Bantams, BSA etc. I had a 250 James Sports Superswift fitted with a Villiers two stroke twin - same unit as used by Bond in the later Minicars.

Paul Humphries

I'm looking for a Honda tl 125 trials bike, road legal. Just a long shot!

Congrats on passing your test mate; and like someone else has said (and I'm sure you're sensible enough to work this out) pick up some decent bike gear. I'm also big on recommending back protectors (I've got a Knox one - it's the 2nd one I've owned - and the last one saved my back*); a decent helmet (mine have all been race approved, and cost 40 quid, granted they were heavy compared to the posh ones, but again, what's your head worth), and decent boots (the footpegs tried to make their way through mine, but failed to do more than give me a massive bruise and a small cut).

I still love my bikes though, 2 ETZ 251s registered in my name; one of which should be back on the road this week**

*I came off on the M4 at 2100 hrs on a weekday in moderate traffic after a massive engine seizure; having rolled down the centre lane for a good couple of hundred yards, I managed to orientate myself and roll out the way of the traffic (in between lanes) and then off the motorway all-together. After which, once I managed to orientate myself and decided that while I hurt a lot nothing was broken I walked away. At least, until the paramedic caught me and told me to lie still so he could put a neck brace on...

** The other one needs a fair amount of wiring work doing, 'cos I'm hybridising a late and early 251; and they have *completely* different wiring.

Well done on passing the CBT, but keep the momentum going and do the test soon - otherwise you probably won't.
There are loads of bikes out there to choose from, but there are plenty that will give you lots of grief - especially trying to undo the fasteners.
I personally prefer Hondas (newer) - best build quality by far (my 12 year old FireBlade still looks like new), but any bike if looked after will give you a buzz.
I'd second the comments on good protective equipment - even for the shortest of trips.

Have fun.

Pete

plastic_orange wrote: I'd second the comments on good protective equipment - even for the shortest of trips.

I went out on a little Honda Melody moped I had at one time and touched the front brake lever less than 20 yards for home.
Next thing I knew I was lying on the floor (laughing).
What had happened was the bonded on lining on the brake shoe had become detached and locked the front wheel up solid hence throwing me on the floor.
This was a freak accident and no injuries but it proves that it doesn't matter how short the journey or what size / capacity of the bike things can happen so always be careful.

Paul Humphries.

The instructor made similar comments regarding protective gear and recommended a few local shops which have a good range. When I get time I'll pop over there and sort out a jacket, boots and gloves (I already have an ACU gold approved helmet).

I think I'll book the theory test soon just to get that out of the way, and then decide when I can afford to do the practical test.