Bike licence

[Louis123]

Whats the deal with a bike licence these days, I'm 18 at the moment and will be 19 next month and I did my CBT when I was 16 which has run out now I think? And I'm wanting to get a motorbike probably just a aprilia rs 125cc for the first year or so but I don't want it with 'L' plates so I can't go on motorways :/ as I'd be wanting to go to work on it aswel so would need to go on motorways.

So my question is what do I need to do to be able to ride a 125cc or higher without 'L' plates? Anyone know?

I know I need to do more than CBT as you have to have 'L' plates with just this licence and it only lasts for 2 years doesn't it?

Thanks,
Lou

[4WayDiablo]

You'll have to take your full bike license no?

[Louis123]

Yeah I think so but can only ride a 250cc until I'm 21 is that correct then after I turn 21 I can ride anything

Is your full bike licence like a 1 day thing, or do you have to take lessons etc etc

[Eeyore]

yep you just need a full bike licence. I had a aprilia rs50 when i was 16. Brilliant looking bike
Its only with bigger engines there are rules about riding experience and age.

full bike is lessons and a test. just like a driving test.

[Louis123]

So you don't need to do a theory and hazard perception and bike lessons and all the other bollocsk

[4WayDiablo]

Think my mate spent around 300 on lessons and test for his bike

[Eeyore]

So you don't need to do a theory and hazard perception and bike lessons and all the other bollocsk

yeh im pretty sure you need to do theory and hazard perception if you havent got a driving licence. Might have to do them anyway. Its the same a a car but for a bike.

[Ricky]

Yeah full theory and hazard rubbish needed for a full license. As for lessons, it depends on riding experience, I did one long half day lesson then my test the day after. Not sure if you can still do that though, I did mine 4 years ago now. Had to ride restricted for 2 years, then full power after that. If you do get a full license, you may find it cheaper to get something like a 500 rather than a 125 insurance wise, especially with an RS, not to mention a lot more useable power, comfort and reliability. I first got a GS500F after passing, didn't restrict it though as it only has about 40hp anyway! Nice bike though, completely bullet proof. Then after 2 years (I was 20 btw) I got a CBR600RR..

[el sid]

You have to be 21 to ride a big bike unrestricted and have to do the theory and hazard perception to ride a bike bike and it is a lot harder now .if you do your cbt you can ride a bike upto a 125 . But they are slow not really suitable for motorways .

[Louis123]

Cheers lads dream bike has got to be an r6! Cbr600 though nice ricky, u got any pics

[el sid]

Ducati is the way to go

[el sid]

Although expensive

[Ricky]

Ducati is the way to go

If you can afford them!

Couple of pictures of the 600..

[el sid]

Have had two 748 sps getting a new 848 next April in pearl white

[Ricky]

Would love a 996, but I don't think I can put up with the reliability of an ageing italian bike!


Back on topic

[TheGateKeeper]

Will be doing mine soon! Thank god I am 24

[el sid]

Would love to get the new 1199 panigale awesome bike !

[bigcheez2k3]

Mmm...CBR's.

I've got the baby 'blade but if/when I get a big one I think I'll be going Suzuki, the GSXR's are so sexy.

[Toby]

As you are 18 at the moment, if you pass your full bike test you will be restricted for 2 years, as Ricky says.

The restriction imposed is 33 whp, but what you will find is that restriction kits for bigger bikes are readily available. Once I passed my test I bought a '99 plate ZX-6R and stuck some washers in the carburettor which restricted air flow. (I quickly got bored however and took them out).. What you will find is that when you are on a bike the plod tend to give you a bit more freedom than say if you dick around in a car. I got pulled a couple of times for things like an indicator bulb blowing, but they never questioned the power of the bike. It's one of those laws which isn't actively enforced.

I do recommend that if you do pass the full test, get yourself a decent 600cc. It's important to get to grips with the machine whilst it's restricted, and then you will be 400% more comfortable when you pop the restrictors out. A restricted 600 will also manage 110mph+, so fine for any UK roads.

It's also a decent investment to make, after the 2 years are up your restriction is lifted automatically, no further testing is required.

Edit: The total cost for me was ~£600 for a week long course. But that included my CBT/Theory/Practical. But that was 4 years ago now..

[Louis123]

Thanks a lot lads, very helpful and Ricky that's a very nice bike you got there!