h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi,

I'm Bassman, I saw you were new and thought I'd drop by to say welcome. Then I find out you're trying to get into bikes....

Tell me all about it, what would you have if you had your choice of the whole market - what are you likely to get to learn on, what made you think of getting into bikes at your age? (No disrespect - I'm 42 this year)



Bassman

Having lived 28 years of your life in Blighty makes you a Pom and not an Aussie - according to my shift mate, who has done the same thing, but in reverse!!



Bassman

Hi Bassman, yes , sometimes I am not sure myself. Although I am now an Australian citizen and have an Aussie passport I think they tend to take more notice of who you support in the cricket (I would go for the Aussies now). They did a recent survey over here asking kids who played soccer whether they would play for Australia. Unfortunately as most had European ethnic backgrounds they reckoned they would play for Greece or Albania or where-ever rather than Australia (sad really).

As for what made me look at getting a bike licence... maybe I have a few reasons. Never allowed near one as a teenager (as my Dad had a bad crash on one). It's a challenge (never ridden one before). I could ride one to work (instead of 2 buses). A colleague of mine (French) has a very nice Honda 600RR and appears to enjoy himself a lot (lucky so-and-so).

Being a level-headed kind of bloke I am looking to start on something nice and easy to start with. A Honda CB250 or maybe a Honda Spada 250 which are both approved as learner bikes over here and are meant to be easy to handle. I would stick with one of those for a time after getting my licence before looking at something else. I didn't want to get a sports bike first up (even a Honda CBR250RR is an approved learner bike over here too), as I want to take it easy and be assured of passing my test. I am also a bit too old and would look a bit of a dill on a CBR250RR with an "L" plate (maybe if I was 17 again). Plus no doubt all teenagers out there would race me all the time.

aussie_paul

Don't worry if you buy a bike that could be considered a "Soft Option", at the end of the day you've got to learn the basics of machine handling and control operation, which is better done on a less sport oriented machine.

I don't know what the Aussie test is like, but if it's anything like the Brit motorcycle test, there's lots of riding in and out of cones, which I would think would be unnecessarily difficult on an arse up head down machine. You'd also have the benefit of getting something a little less expensive as a first bike, so should the worst happen and the pair of you part company at anything more than walking pace, the repair bill should be kept down.

Make sure you've got a good helmet and other gear, you've only got one hide and you need to protect it! If you need any further advise on that matter, just ask.



Bassman

Thanks for the advice. I agree about the choice of bike, start off easy. The test does include some cone chicanes, various turns, a tight U turn and at least one emergency swerve. I have heard from a workmate that he failed first time round as the sport bike he used had a woeful turning circle. He borrowed a CB250 next time and passed easily. I am booked on a learner training course in July (7 hrs over 2 days). They supply helmet, gloves and a CB250. I might have to shell out for some boots as I don't think a pair of Doc Martens offers much in the way of heel protection.

cheers

aussie_paul

I'll be honest, I would go for specialist bike kit - especially if you think you're going to be doing a lot of riding. I've got a pair of Sidi Vertebra boots, which are all-day comfortable once worn in (which didn't take very long). They've got all the bits and pieces you need, reinforced gear change patch on the top of the boot, toe sliders (I'll get mine down one day - prefferably with the bike tyres still on the tarmac ) and lastly a "Spine" that runs up the rear of the boot for addad stability. The good thing is they've been superceded by Vertebra 2's, so you might be able to find some going cheap. (There's always ebay for kit as well).

You've got to remember, your kit is like an insurance policy - should the worst happen...!

There's a magazine in the UK called "Ride" which I find is very helpful in helping to choose kit, as they do regular comparison testing - often to destruction - under laboratory conditions. Anything they recommend has got to be worth every penny. I was wondering if the mag was on sale in Aus - or if they had a web site you could check out. If not, my old ones go in the bin I could send some over if you like.



Bassman

Yes, I shall invest in some good kit. Better to have some insurance as you say. I've been doing some investigation already on suitable gear. Shame there is no standard over here, I hear that "CE" approved gear is what to look for, from what I can gather that is at least some form of testing approving over your side of the world.
Oooh..! late 4 work....

I have to go for specialist medicals every year, as I have an inherited kidney disorder. I went along on the bike last week, but had to shelve my normal riding trousers. They always weigh me and I'm sure the trousers must weigh 6-7 pounds on their own, with all that armour in. I was quite fortunate, I managed to pick up matching jacket and trousers from two different shops at sale prices six months apart. I saved a fortune. The best thing was I think they really suit me (and my bike) down to the ground, not overly flash and quite retro. I don't think I look too much of a Power Ranger in them



Bassman