26, never been on a motorbike, and I want to have a go within 50miles of Reading, UK. What options do I have?

Question

I have a full UK driving license for a car but have never set bottom on a motorbike before. I'd like to try out a motorbike somewhere safe and fun - probably off-road. I've been driving for years and I'm not desperate to go terribly fast or tear up much mud or anything, but I'm keen not to get squashed on the roads.

Could someone suggest what options I have? I guess doing CBT would be one option. Or a motorcross off-road driving experience.

I'd ideally like to have a go for between 1 and 8hrs, on one day. I'd ideally like to spend less than GBP100 doing it.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hey William,

CBT is really your only option at the moment - most training providers will also do a couple of off road sessions for around the £30 mark. Which will be for two hours of basic instruction off road. They will call them "introductory" or "rusty rider" courses, and should be a laugh if they have a fairly big area to practice in.

Why not try a cheapo practice session or two, as they will provide all of the equipment you need (except boots) and if you enjoy that do the c.b.t and rethink your plans from there.

I'm guessing you'll get bitten by the bug!

Answer 2

For the road and as you are over 21 you can start on a larger capacity bike with around 33bhp. Give the guys at Lightningpass a ring, I have had a look at their website and they seem pretty good.

As far as off road days go, you can try one even for a non rider but its more of a fun day than a learning day. CasHonda do one near to Ringwood in Hants. I have just checked the website and the locations are being updated

http://www.3cmt.com/

http://www.lightningpass.com/jkcm/defaul...

http://www.motag.com/

Answer 3

Loads of options for you dude.

Off road: You can go to so many off road centre's and have a muck about on some off road machines.

If you are looking at hiring a machine you will proberbly need more then one hundred quid. Normally look at about £150 for everything, dont forget you will need to hire clothing and kit aswell.

Trackdays: Now we are talking! The best service I have ever seen is the Rocket Ron Haslem school at Donny Park in Derby. You get amazing instructions and great bikes. This is more for skilled riders though.

Second best [ for a novice ] is Cadwell Park Yamaha school. Great kit and great bikes.

Your biggest problem however friend is most centre's will only let you muck about for the day with a full UK liecence. You are best of talking your CBT and then you know at least the basics of riding [ cluch / gears/ brakes ...... ] and see how you go from there.

Any further details, you are more then welcome to email me direct at the email address below.

Dude.

P.S I'm from York and now live in Leeds so I know the rules & Law !!