With a Cbt only a single days ride away and but a fraction of the price of driving lessons; a motorbike or scooter seems to be the perfect foothold in any teenagers driving life. With a measly £500 budget, I was able to take my compulsory bike training, afford third party insurance for the year and even purchase my new old bike. Unlimited freedom, easy commutes and a cool new set of wheels was in my grasp... Or so I thought.
Can You Ride a Manual Bike After Taking a CBT on an Automatic
Yes. My plan for my CBT was simple; play it safe and take the test on an automatic 50CC moped to obtain the License and make a judgement call as to whether I wanted to upgrade to a 125CC.
It was after completing my test I realized the scarcity of automatic 125's in my area, especially considering my budgetary restraints and unwillingness to navigate miles back to my home on what would be my first ride on a higher CC. My first bike was inevitably a manual with only a five-mile ride from home. "What could possibly go wrong?" I asked myself as I booted back the kickstand and started the engine. All I can say from this experience is that I would highly recommend you do not attempt this. What began as a few miles ride transitioned into an epiphany regarding my total incompetence whilst navigating on the road, the abrupt realization that purely learning the theory of changing gears is not entirely transferable to practice and that a pair of jeans on the A419 at night does not offer adequate insulation.
So spawned an evening of abrupt stalling, mockery from strangers and to top it all off a jaw shuddering, knee-wobbling adventure down an extremely busy A road in what turned out to be the wrong direction from home.
Can You Ride a 125 On a Car License
No. Despite the offers from my helpful natured friends aware of my predicament to collect what they described as the "perfect automatic" within reasonable distances to them, I had to regretfully decline.
If on the other hand, I was in search of a 50 CC automatic moped, I would have been in luck! Holding a full drivers license enables you to ride a maximum of 50 CC, but you can look cool doing it with the knowledge that you don't need ill-fitted, easily lost "L plates".
Do I Need Two L Plates on a Bike
This one is tricky and took some digging.
According to the official UK Highway Code website "you must display L-plates on the front and rear" despite the many, many claims, discussions and disputes across a host of bike chatrooms. You must consider the purpose of L plates to begin with; they are to inform other motorists of your novice status on the road. Of course, you could argue that people who simply cannot afford to take the full test, can't find the time off to commit or do not want a higher CC are considerably more knowledgeable on the road than the average first CBT teen and therefore would not classify as a "learner rider". The answer to this simply does not exist.
How Often Should I Service my Motorcycle
It is common to find a checklist of service checks within your owners manual along with a recommendation.
Usually, the duration between services is more than often attributed to how many miles you have undertaken. Legally you have no obligation to do this, however, it is imperative in sustaining a smooth running and extended life to your bike so it is highly advised. If it's a second-hand bike; try checking the service history and make a judgement call based on its current condition. If you've been roped into a sale from a representative to purchase a fast depreciating new motor then my advice is to follow what's recommended. I would advise against agreeing to their additional professional, periodic servicing pitch however you probably have the disposable funds to not simply undertake the service yourself.
Unfortunately, your chauffeur cannot drive you to your appointment as it is against the law to have/ be a passenger on a 125 CC.
My Advice Before Your CBT Test
Find a bike prior to taking your test and open a dialogue with the seller, ensure you know which CC you want and in addition to that take your CBT on the motorbike you intend to purchase. The purpose of compulsory bike training is to make sure you are safe while on the road, learning on an automatic and purchasing a manual such as me brought nothing but hardship and mockery.
