Bike Training Question

Maryc2010

Hi everyone

Wonder could you help me please. My son wants to buy a motorbike, which I am not dead set against but at the same time am apprehensive about. I have insisted he get lessons before he buys the bike as he is not a car driver either.

I am not sure are there different types of lessons available and what he would need to start off on a 125cc bike and I have been told some different stories (not least by my son!) to date. I am anxious to make sure he gets the right training and also from the right company. We are living in Dublin

My son has said a work colleague used this company and found them good, and having looked around I have found some apparently reasonable prices too.
http://www.dublincard.ie/search/?category=Lessons+%26amp%3B+Education

Would anyone have an opinion they could offer?

spankmaster2000

I suppose it depends on where you're based, but, whatever it's worth, the first time I rode a bike it was under the instruction of David Lyons.

http://www.motorbiketraining.net/

An excellent instructor.

The guys in your link might bo good too; but unfortunately I've never heard of them; so can't help you out there!

You're speaking wise words too when you've suggested that he gets the lessons first. I've seen one or two chaps shell out for brand new bikes, decide that they don't like the cold / wet, and leave them in the garage for years before selling them again.

That said; speaking for all in the biking world; the more the merrier!
(Make sure he gets all the right protective gear, it's vital! Don't let him tell you otherwise!)

Maryc2010

thanks for the reply. Can I ask how many lessons you had when you first started out Motorcycling?

My son and I are at least in agreement on the protective leather clothing, he has told me that he wants to spend money on good quality clothing he saw in Bikeworld.

eurofoxy

i think my story is similar except i am the young lad...
My girlfriend was not at all happy about me getting a bike, but i took her along to bike world and we chatted with the lads there and we got some very decent gear and the lads explained how the gear worked etc, this seemed to put her mind at ease as it seemed like we were doing as much as possible to allay any fears.

Secondly she insisted that i do plenty of lessons, i did 18hrs of IBT training with a place in co. clare as that was where we were living at the time but unfortunately due to my work i had to travel so i could not ride every week, so i made sure that whenever i had not been in the saddle for a while i would go back and get an hour or two with the instructor just for my own peace of mind.

I passed my test first time with 2 marks against me, both related to the same thing, but it shows with the right attitude you can ride a bike very safely from the off....

What i would say in my opinion and i am sure most here will be similar, go with him to bike world chat to the lads there ask them questions about the different things, get some decent gear for him, and make him do the ibt.
But something that was mentioned earlier, biking is not for everyone and its best to try it out before investing in expensive gear.....

Cuddlesworth

Maryc2010 wrote: »

Hi everyone

Wonder could you help me please. My son wants to buy a motorbike, which I am not dead set against but at the same time am apprehensive about. I have insisted he get lessons before he buys the bike as he is not a car driver either.

Its understandable to be apprehensive. But biking isn't the killer its made out to be. Lessons are a good thing, gear and bike choice is another. Insurance will define the bike choice. New licenses have a power restriction regardless of weight. I started off on a 650cc restricted. Its a good balance of grip, acceleration and most importantly braking.

Maryc2010 wrote: »

I am not sure are there different types of lessons available and what he would need to start off on a 125cc bike and I have been told some different stories (not least by my son!) to date. I am anxious to make sure he gets the right training and also from the right company. We are living in Dublin

I used David Lyons as above and found his training and out right honesty invaluable. I have never met anybody who used him who had didn't have the same experience.

Your son will be required to complete a mandatory 16 hours worth of lessons called CBT(compulsory basic training) before attaining his provisional. Prices for this vary, but I was of the understanding that most people do it in groups of two at weekends for in around 400-500 euros. Its a great step forward for biking and should hopefully reduce our death rates significantly over the coming years. At the end, most do a insurance assessment which decreases the cost of the initial insurance. I spend 500 euros on my first year of training and got back 400 euros off my insurance afterwards because of this.

I would also recommend a further bit of training one or two months in to try remove any bad habits developed in that time. Driving a bike can be tempting in regards increasing the risk and it takes a strong will to keep that in check especially in young males. The extra training should help. One to one for a day would be the best for this.

Maryc2010 wrote: »

My son has said a work colleague used this company and found them good, and having looked around I have found some apparently reasonable prices too.
http://www.dublincard.ie/search/?category=Lessons+%26amp%3B+Education

As above, I'd recommend David. Great guy, done millions of miles without a accident. He can teach a lot.

gipi

If your son is starting out, he must do 16 hours of compulsory training (called IBT) before he's allowed on the road. The instructors must be ADI registered, and will, in most cases, supply the bike - allowing your son to try different styles before buying his own.

I had a look at the link you posted, it's not clear if the "3 motorcycle lessons" offer is part of the IBT or is just lessons.

Edit: Post crossed with Cuddlesworth's

Del2005

Have to do another +1 for Dave Lyons.

Have no knowledge of the trainers in the OP, so can't comment on them.

You and your son are taking all the precautions necessary, good training and the best PPE you can afford, to get onto a bike so he should be fine. Just make sure that he gets his head measured and a proper fitting helmet, any of the bigger bike shops can do this.

Mr Motorcycle

Maryc2010 wrote: »

Hi everyone

Wonder could you help me please. My son wants to buy a motorbike, which I am not dead set against but at the same time am apprehensive about. I have insisted he get lessons before he buys the bike as he is not a car driver either.

I am not sure are there different types of lessons available and what he would need to start off on a 125cc bike and I have been told some different stories (not least by my son!) to date. I am anxious to make sure he gets the right training and also from the right company. We are living in Dublin

My son has said a work colleague used this company and found them good, and having looked around I have found some apparently reasonable prices too.
http://www.dublincard.ie/search/?category=Lessons+%26amp%3B+Education

Would anyone have an opinion they could offer?

Your son has to do the IBT 16hrs just make sure the instructor you use is IBT approved.It really depends what part of Dublin your living in.There are several good driving schools in dublin however i would reccomend using a school that specialises in bikes only. There are a few around dublin and they tend to have a better set up for bike choice and gear:)

Please Kill Me

Maryc2010 wrote: »

thanks for the reply. Can I ask how many lessons you had when you first started out Motorcycling?

My son and I are at least in agreement on the protective leather clothing, he has told me that he wants to spend money on good quality clothing he saw in Bikeworld.

As mentioned a number of times, David Lyons is top class. If he can't do it, Jeremy Tilly is just as good.

Regarding gear, unless you're minted don't go near Bikeworld. They're ridiculously expensive. There are numerous other places you could buy good gear without breaking the bank. Cotters is well known for doing good brands at bargain basement prices. There's also Megabikes, Dogs Box, RPM in Drogheda to name but a few. But if you REALLY want to save a few quid, head north! Two shops in Newry (Hein Gericke and Crossans) you'll get the stuff a LOT cheaper.

Best of luck with everything.

gipi

I think Jeremy Tilley has left these shores PKMe - I seem to recall a thread somewhere (on another forum) asking about him, and it was reported he'd left.

Unless he's back again, of course!

Another good instructor is Peter Bookey, based in North Dublin. I took a pre-test from him and passed the test first time!

Maryc2010

Guys thanks so much for all of the information, I really appreciate you taking the time. You have put my mind at rest and left me clear on exactly where we are going with this. You hear so many tragedies regarding bikes, many of which come down to younger guys on machinery they are not properly skilled or equipped to handle and I am obviously keen to make sure we take all of the precautions to give my son the best chance of staying safe.

RosieJoe

Maryc2010 wrote: »

Guys thanks so much for all of the information, I really appreciate you taking the time. You have put my mind at rest and left me clear on exactly where we are going with this. You hear so many tragedies regarding bikes, many of which come down to younger guys on machinery they are not properly skilled or equipped to handle and I am obviously keen to make sure we take all of the precautions to give my son the best chance of staying safe.

Unfortunately you can say the same regarding cars too. IBT and level heads will help reduce these types of deaths.

Interceptor

Maryc2010 wrote: »

You hear so many tragedies regarding bikes,

Yes, you do but you forget the thousands of people who use them daily with no issues. There is no question but riding a bike is a risky activity. The way to reduce the risk is by addressing each risk separately - is your son a level headed, road-savvy individual (I know he doesn't drive a car but has he spent time in traffic on a bicycle?) Training with an instructor, spending time practicing and developing skills before taking to the road is important if he is not used to traffic.

The safety gear should be chosen for the weather and journeys he will take - there is always a compromise between water resistance, comfort and protection. Leathers are best but are not suitable for short urban spins in heavy rain... A decent helmet that fits properly, a pair of good gloves and sturdy boots are the cornerstone of safe riding gear.

You don't say how old your son is or what journeys he will use the bike for - if he is under 20 and taking to the road for the first time and only making short urban journeys I'd suggest he gets a moped or scooter (he'll hate me). These don't travel very fast, require less concentration and are better for getting used to traffic. It can be traded quickly for a bigger machine once he has gotten used to it.

I bought my son his first 50cc bike at 5, he is 8 now and riding an 80cc bike in the fields behind our house (with constant supervision) so I understand your apprehension. Get him going on a training regime and tell him to stay shiny side up!

'cptr