Want to ride a motorcycle?

If you're thinking about learning to ride a scooter or a motorcycle, or getting back on one after a bit of a break, then you're in the right place.

If you're new to scooters and motorcycles, you'll find there's a lot of new information to deal with all at once. You don't need to worry though, there are plenty of people who are willing to help and advise you and the route to riding is actually quite straight forward. The best source of information and advice is your nearest Honda dealer. They are always happy to assist and guide new riders so you needn't be shy. Or why not visit www.geton.co.uk. There you'll find everything you need to know and you can even take advantage of a free 1 hour taster session.

Route to riding

Many people think you can buy a Scooter or 125cc motorcycle, hop on and ride off. But that is not the case. If you are 17 and over and you want to ride, you have 3 possible routes:

A1 Motorcycle Licence	A2 Motorcycle Licence	Direct Access
If you only want to ride a 125cc motorcycle, you can train and take the test on a machine of 75cc - 125cc and get a Category A1 motorcycle licence. This lets you ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 14.6 bhp (11kw). You can carry a passenger and use motorways, but your licence will not automatically convert into a full Category A licence. You will have to complete one of the other routes if you want to ride a bigger motorbike.	Training and testing are on a motorcycle of 120cc - 125cc, capable of reaching at least 100kph (62 mph) but not more than 14.6 bhp (11kw). Passing the practical test gets you a restricted Category A2 motorcycle licence, which lets you ride any motorcycle up to 33 bhp (25kw)* You can carry a passenger and use the motorways, and don't need L plates. After 2 years your A2 licence becomes a full Category A licence and you can ride any size motorcycle, even if you are under 21. *Not exceeding 0.16kw/kg power-to-weight.	You must be over 21 to follow this route. Training and testing use a combination of 125cc and larger motorcycles, which you are allowed to ride on the road with a qualified instructor. Your test must be done on a machine of at least 46.6 bhp (35kw), probably around 500cc. If you pass, you immediately have a full category A motorcycle licence, can ride a machine of any size, carry a passenger and use motorways.

Finding the Right Trainer

It's important that you get the right trainer to help you - whether you're learning from scratch or even if you think you're sort of OK on a bike. A poor trainer will just mean you struggle when it comes to getting your licence.

All Motorcycle Industry Training Association (MCITA) members abide by standards covering safety and quality of service, so you can feel really confident in the training levels you'll receive through our recommendations. See their website www.mcita.co.uk

Further Training

Passing your test should not be the end of your training. Further training will help you ride more safely and enjoy being in control of your motorcycle. The DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme is one way to improve your riding - and save money on insurance premiums.

What to Wear

You don't need to spend a fortune to get yourself kitted out for riding. Gear comes styled for every kind of riding at prices to suite all budgets. If you're uncertain about what you need, speak with us. They carry a range of different makes and styles and will be able to advise you on the best gear to suit your needs, and your budget.

Practical Guide to Parking

In many places, motorcycle parking is completely free. Scooters and motorbikes can be left in parking bays, car parks and in odd corners where cars don't fit. Obviously, you still can't park on a double yellow line, or blocking a pavement, but if you had no common sense you wouldn't be riding, would you?

Motorcycle Security - Locks - Covers

 

Motorcycles and scooters are easy to move around and small enough to fit into a van. Unfortunately, this makes them easy to steal. New scooters and small motorcycles are especially likely to go missing.

Insurance

Yes, you do have to insure your motorcycle. Not only does it protect you against losing everything if things go wrong, you're breaking the law if you don't. But you can keep the costs down and make insurance work for you.

Motorcycle & Scooter Maintenance Tips

Whether you're a committed all year rider, take your bike out once in a while, or you're just starting out - you need to regularly check the following very important things. They may seem small, but they could prove to be vital.

So remember to regularly check:

* brakes and brake fluid - make sure you have plenty left on your brake pads and remember, brake fluid runs out and doesn't re-fill itself. No brake fluid equals no brakes!
* tyres - cracks can appear during winter time, even if you're not using your bike; also keep a look out for nails, bulges and make sure your tyres are always at the right pressure.
* fork seals - loss of oil in the fork seals will result in poor suspension performance, so check for any leaks.
* oil - regular changes work wonders for your bike and its longevity.
* coolant - this is just as important in the summer as it is in winter so keep it topped up.
* chain and sprockets - winter can cause a chain to seize and be weak in places, so make sure all your links are loose and your sprockets don't have too much wear in them.
* lights - make sure your bulbs are working and generating light, and make sure your light is positioned correctly. It's easy to blind oncoming drivers, which can be very dangerous.
* have the bike serviced regularly at your local dealer - it will save you a lot in the long run.