Sylvia Said:

How would I go about learning to ride a motorbike?

We Answered:

All you need to know;
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Lea…

However, you'll probably get the best advice from your local motorbike shop - go and ask, they won't bite & they can probably arrange or provide CBT training and hire of bike & clothing.

Amber Said:

Can anyone give me information about learning to ride a motorbike?

We Answered:

1. CBT test starts around £100 (when I did it 4 yrs ago). Depends on the school & the area of course.... Theoretically you can't fail because they're supposed to guarantee you tuition until you pass....

2. I never buy bikes privately, always go to a dealer then you've got some comback if there's anything dogey. The biggest category of stolen bikes is 125cc or less therefore there are a lot of stolen small bikes out there.

Stear away from cheap scooters (e.g from Argos) go and buy a secondhand Honda or Gilera or another well known name. Heard bad reports about cheap Chinese imported bikes that only last 6 mths.

3. Hmm, common sense I'd say. Look for damage / mismatched paint / check paperwork matches chassis no. Mechanically I don't really know so get some advice from a mechanic if unsure.

Seth Said:

Would I have trouble learning to ride a motorbike if I've never used a conventional bicycle?

We Answered:

You don't need to be able to ride a bicycle. With proper instruction and caution go straight to motorcycle.

Important differences -

a bicycle has to be pedaled. This not only alters the dynamics, but also presents a different set of motor and cognitive skills that are not relevant to a motorcycle.

the controls are different. No clutch on a bicycle, different gears and breaks, and the weight alters the momentum equations.

One similarity - steering. both types of bike use counter-steering. But you'll learn this quickly enough. Weird though it is, our brains manage it really well.

Your first bike should be low powered - and so should the next one (albeit with a little more). Don't rush it, let your skills develop, get some miles under your belt.

Dennis Said:

What is the legal age to start learning to ride a motorbike?

We Answered:

As others have stated in the US it depends where you are. from as young as 14 in some states. (this is to drive on public highways)
Those saying you can ride a motorbike at 16 in the UK mean a 50cc moped. and must hold a provisional license. either for a Moped or an agricultural vehicle. you need to be 17 to drive anything over 50cc and only up to 125cc until you pass your test
more details here
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Lea…
to drive/ride on private land you can do so at any age that you can safely operate the throttle, brakes and touch the ground.
by typing this Im guessing your big enough to do that.

Frank Said:

im thinking about learning to ride a motorbike but dont know how to go about it, do i just need a provisional?

We Answered:

Check this link out for some help...

http://www.hartside.com/bikelaws.html

Might also want to check and see about area Motorcycle Safety classes.

Vivian Said:

Is it worth learning to ride a 125 scooter before a 125 motorbike for road experience?

We Answered:

Experience on a scooter is totally different than experience on a motorcycle. If your wanting to ride a motorcycle then you need to have practice on the motorcycle changing gears in every possible condition. The only way you will get good at riding a motorcycle is by riding a motorcycle.

Kristen Said:

What is involved in learning to ride a motorbike?

We Answered:

I agree with the first person answering this. I live in Ireland and I drive a bike all year round and it is no fun in winter. Even the slightest slippery conditions can make a motorbike treacherous. I would advise learning to drive a car first of all. You have to learn the rules of the road and how to drive through traffic and it is much safer to do this in a metal cage.

I would always advise getting lessons. On a motorbike you have no protection apart from what you are wearing, bikes are small and fast so other vehicles do not always see them coming and if you loose grip on just one wheel you will go down. Also, you will make mistakes and it is far better to have someone point these out to you and get proper tuition before venturing on the road on your own. The first mistake you make on a motorbike may be the last thing you ever do.

Certainly go for a bike, but they are dangerous and do have practical limitations. I love my bike, but I would be the first to admit that it is not practical all the year round and a car is much better in winter. Also, a car is much more versatile.