r/MotoUK Dec 01 '23

Advice Zero to Hero Guide (So you want to do your CBT / Full Licence?)

245 Upvotes

📢 Guide has moved to Google Docs

What started as a simple Reddit guide has grown into something that has amassed over 300,000 views in since 2023.

Due to Reddit’s character limits, the guide has now been moved to an open Google Doc, allowing it to be expanded, updated more easily, and supported with diagrams (rather than just being a wall of text).

The document is freely accessible, and you do not need an account to view it.

🍵 Get yourself a brew… It’s a long read.

Please Note: The guide was formatted for Desktop and will not appear correctly on mobile due to Google's Webview mode (no paragraph breaks, compressed and fuzzy images).

As such, I have also created a non-live PDF version so that you can download it instead.

🖥️ Desktop Users ---> r/MotoUK's Zero to Hero Guide

📱 Mobile Users ---> Downloadable PDF Version


r/MotoUK 21d ago

Insurance Monthly Insurance Thread

3 Upvotes

Ask your insurance questions here.

Be sure to read this post about insurance too.


r/MotoUK 15h ago

Bike bowled over

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47 Upvotes

Woke up to see this, someone just bowled it over in the night there’s no damage on the disc lock appears to be just a pure acct of vandalism. No point in this post just want to vent. Only bought this bike a month ago.

Edit: I think it was my own mistake, I left it in neutral it likely rolled forward, will not be leaving it in neutral again.


r/MotoUK 10h ago

Well it happened 1st attempt at my bike being stolen...

9 Upvotes

Well technically the 2nd attempt because the first time someone tried stealing my 125 and failed, now a year and a half later someone had a go at cutting my locks (and failed again) on my 650 while it was chained up during the day.

I can't emphasise the importance of good security and quality locks. Don't skimp out. I nearly had my day (and life ruined) by some scrotes.


r/MotoUK 7h ago

Advice Colour change and resale

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5 Upvotes

Just after some advice.

Thinking of changing the colour of my Thruxton RS. I’ve got a second fuel tank and all panels to paint, so I can return it to stock should I wish.

I don’t plan to sell it anytime soon, but has anyone experienced significantly lower part exchange prices for a bike with a recorded colour change with the DVLA? Even if it’s back to original condition it’s still going to show as being painted on any HPI/vehicle check. Obviously like any modifications, it will be harder to sell, but I’m just interested in hearing some experiences and problems that it’s caused.

Poor quality pic for of the bike as it sits currently at this year’s DGR.

TIA

.


r/MotoUK 15h ago

Calais to Paris

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22 Upvotes

Looking for road recommendations to ride from Calais to Paris….after the D940!
😎


r/MotoUK 2h ago

Advice CBR650R 16 K mile Service

1 Upvotes

I’m coming up to needing do the 16k mile service on my 2020 CBR650R it’s had an oil and filter change done recently ~800 miles ago how feasible is it to do this service myself, and is this a major service milestone? From what I’ve seen in the manual I joust need to change the air filter and spark plugs. Are these easy to get to? I have done work on my previous bike which was a 2016 cb125f. Thanks, any advice appreciated


r/MotoUK 2h ago

Discussion Ultimate ear repairs

1 Upvotes

Anyone had ultimate ear soundear fitted earbuds?
I’ve had mine for a year and two weeks, unfortunately one side is busted playing very very quiet sounds and the other is fine. Unfortunately they are warrantied only for 1 year (incredibly annoying considering these were £240!!!)
Spoken to them today and they say they offer a repair service, but this is £35 just to look at them, before telling you if they’re repairable.
Anyone had a similar problem, would you tell me if this is basically going to be £35 to end up with broken earbuds?


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Advice I built a map of every police-reported injury road collision in Great Britain (2000–2024). This link opens it filtered to motorbike crashes. You can look for blackspots and see details of individual collisions

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168 Upvotes

r/MotoUK 7h ago

Advice Too much steering play, again, and again, and again.

2 Upvotes

Riding a '17 PCX. This feels like a fix needed every second year at this point. Ongoing cost (quoted £400+ incl. new baring) is becoming a real problem vs the bike value. Any tips or thoughts appreciated.


r/MotoUK 12h ago

What can I lock my bike to if I don’t have a ground anchor??

4 Upvotes

Anyone have any ideas?

Been thinking getting a barrel, filling it full of old scrap metal and cement and chaining it to that could work?

Of course all the usual, buy a angle proof grinder D lock type stuff and disc locks too


r/MotoUK 14h ago

Meetup Calne bike meet on Saturday 25/7

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5 Upvotes

Hi everyone just posting about this meetup happening this weekend on the 25th of July in Calne in Wiltshire. It's free: lots of bikes, food, and music in the town.

More info here https://www.calnebikemeet.com/


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Advice First time solo ride to France

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77 Upvotes

As above, I'm planning my first solo trip to France (London to Colmar via Dijon) in a week or so!

I'm mainly used to riding into and out of London on my 14' CB650F, although I've been on larger roads in my 5 years of riding (many hard and cold lessons learned trying to get to Edinburgh in a day...).

Anyway, I'm just looking for general thoughts regarding what to take or anything that might have caught you out on your first solo long adventure!

I've upgraded the bike with a screen (thanks Edinburgh) and have made sure to properly gear up for the ride. My bike has a wireless charger and I'll be using a 50L tail bag and smaller tank bag for all my luggage as I've heard that even the strongest rider regrets long distances with a backpack. I've also briefly consulted ChatGPT but that can't replace lessons learned the hard way!

Open to the most obvious to most niche comments.


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Mod 2 passed with zero faults! Over the moon!

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93 Upvotes

To preface this, I'm 37 and until a year ago I had zero driving experience, I did my CBT on a whim last June and fell in love straight away, got myself a Keeway superlight 125 and told myself I'd spend a year on the road to make sure I'm happy with it.

A year later I finished up my 4 day DAS on a Honda Hornet last Thursday, was a little bit nervous going into the mod 2 today as my instructor was still picking up the odd mistake even on the ride around we did before the test today however the test itself went perfectly! Chuffed to bits and looking forward to getting on a proper bike!


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Funny Interaction

102 Upvotes

I work in the same city I did my CBT in, was going across a roundabout, about 15 feet past it is a junction.

Recognised the instructors bike and he had a learner with him, learner stalled, then stalled again (this was at like 6pm so I'm assuming the instructor was desperate to finish) i saw the instructor shake his head.

I cross the roundabout and stop as no one was behind me, wave to let the learner go, he correctly double checks no one is overtaking me and then stalls, he gets it the next time and goes, instructor goes to follow and stalls too, he looks right at me, lifts a finger to the helmet where his mouth is, the universal shh sign and then rode off after the learner 😂


r/MotoUK 8h ago

Advice Advice needed for choosing saddle upgrade

1 Upvotes

I have a Keeway Superlight 125 that I'm using until I pass my test.

I love this bike, it's comfy, it looks cool and it's my first step to getting a larger cruiser down the line.

as I am on L plates, I realistically won't be taking any pillion passengers, so I figured I would convert the regular larger saddle over to a single saddle setup then put a rack on the back arch for when I want to strap bags on etc.

I honestly don't know what to search for saddle wise, should I be looking for a bobber saddle or something else? I just want it to be comfy.

any advice is appreciated.


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Rideout Early morning ride to Lichfield Cathedral on the Trident 800

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54 Upvotes

Took advantage of the quiet roads early this morning and rode down to Lichfield Cathedral.

The lighting was spot on, and with no one else around, it felt like a good excuse to pull up onto the cobbles and grab a few photos of the bike against the West Front.

That 800 triple engine is an absolute gem, and I'm still loving how the gold wheels look against the Carnival Red paintwork.


r/MotoUK 9h ago

Advice Is it stupid to buy a bike before passing CBT?

1 Upvotes

So i have my CBT in 3 weeks, and I plan to buy a new cb125f. After shopping around there are none in my area or for 100 miles, and the ones I do see want almost full, new price for 2nd hand. So for peace of mind on maintenance, as well as reliability, I am going new. The problem is, iver been told it can be 2 weeks from the dealership to do service and chain checks? I don't like the idea of waiting 2 weeks before I can get on a bike.

Is it stupid to buy early and just hope I pass? I'm assuming i could simply insure it for 3rd party fire and theft before i pass, but do insurance companies do this? Does it cost a fortune?

I know i run the risk of not passing and still having to pay for the bike too. Happy to hear people's experiences with this.


r/MotoUK 9h ago

Quad lock

1 Upvotes

What quad lock would fit a gsx r125? I wanted a fork stem but not sure if that would fit or not?


r/MotoUK 9h ago

Theory prep

1 Upvotes

Just passed my CBT and I have my theory booked in for a couple of weeks.

Could anyone offer any advice as to how to prepare?

Thanks


r/MotoUK 5h ago

2004 Honda XL

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0 Upvotes

r/MotoUK 1d ago

I’ve just been made redundant by SBF. AMA

68 Upvotes

r/MotoUK 1d ago

Leaking Brake Caliper

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8 Upvotes

Changed the front brake discs and pads and seemed to be fine for a day. Brakes felt great and even felt like the brake fluids were bled and changed.

This afternoon I noticed there was a leak under one of the bolts that connects to the fork. Took the caliper off and it might be from one of the pistons?

Anyone know the cause and what the fix would be?


r/MotoUK 1d ago

Rideout 140 mile, birthday Peak District tour. Quarter life crisis, completed it mate

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100 Upvotes

r/MotoUK 22h ago

Commuters in London - speed limits, average zones etc. Do they count for bikes? No one seems to worry?

2 Upvotes

It's controversial but I see all manner of bikes being quite spirited.

A1 - I ride often, no drama there. Normal A road. I do have others pass me and I'm doing 80+ on the GPS.

North circ - average sections to and from Hanger Lane. Many spots, people seem to be averaging over 40 or 50. Maybe 60?

20mph zones in London. Specifically, along the rear of Kew Gardens. 20, everyone on a bike is 30-35 I would guess.

I'm no stranger to speed and spirited driving or riding, I just choose my times but I'm intrigued by the number of bikes I see in what I would consider high risk (ending up in front of a Magistrate)

I've seen instances of unmarked police, do they just not bother with bikes unless you're being an absolute twat?

On my bike safe course, the chap did say "be progressive so you have a clear view in front of you but don't be dangerous" which I translated as "get on with it". 😁