View Full Version : New to Bristol, and new to bikes
Hi guys,
I recently moved to Bristol and have decided to bite the bullet and get my bike licence. Theory test is booked and will be doing the DAS next month.
Obviously i'll be looking for some kit and a bike in the near future (hopefully an SV) - then will be looking to meet up with some local riders for some weekend trips out.
Any locals willing to show me the roads around bristol and give some riding advice/tips etc?
Also can you recommend somewhere to buy my riding gear, and if anyone's selling an SV (£1k-£2k) locally then let me know.
Cheers,
AL
Paul the 6th
04-10-08, 02:00 PM
quality mate, welcome to the forums.
For riding gear I'd definitely recommend Hein Gericke:
http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/shops.php (6th bullet point down = bristol store)
I bought my leathers and my gf's gear from the store near us in leeds, the sales assistant guy spent an hour with us making sure we got all the right fitting gloves and textiles, and then gave us 15% off the total bill. Can't really speak for the brizzle store but they should be good :)
As for the sv, I only passed my test in may last year and bought a honda cbf600 thinking that the sv might be a bit mental for me. Within 6 months I bought an sv and flogged the honda. The sv is an absolutely brilliant first bike and the engine is literally miles of fun. All the torque and pulling power is lower down the rev range (from 3k to 6k revs it pulls well and then 7k+ it trams like a beast), where with other 600's or inline 4's, the power is located further up the rev range so you have to thrash 'em to get them singing = not always the best arrangement for a new rider.
Oh and there are hundreds of accessories and bits to add to your bike, so you can trick it out as you learn more about riding :)
last thing (since its confuses most newbies):
SV650 N or 'Naked' is the one without any plastics or fairings, just a round headlight. 1999-current (are they still making the N or did it finish last year/year before?)
SV650 S Curvy is the 1999-2002 sv with a curvy fairing.
SV650 S Pointy is 2003-current with pointy fairing (see my profile pic).
Any other questions, just ask - someone will be along with more info soon
Bristol based here mate.
In retrospect I regret having the SV as a first big bike. Basically I prefer 4's to twins.
Local bikes: Here are a few, which as much as anything show you some sources even if you don't like the bikes I've shown.
A Hornet
http://www.bikehutbristol.co.uk/used-motorcycles/1091_honda-cb600--f-3.htm
A Bandit
http://www.bikehutbristol.co.uk/used-motorcycles/1113_suzuki-gsf-600-sv-bandit.htm
A CBR
http://bristol.gumtree.com/bristol/38/28366238.html
An SV
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/advert+search/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-9-13-121-239/advert.action?R=200840320057878 (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/advert+search/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-9-13-121-239/advert.action?R=200840320057878&distance=20&postcode=BS4+3QP&channel=BIKES&make=&model=&min_pr=1000&max_pr=2000&max_mileage=)
Another bandit
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/advert+search/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-9-13-121-239/advert.action?R=200840320189147 (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/advert+search/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-9-13-121-239/advert.action?R=200840320189147&distance=17&postcode=BS4+3QP&channel=BIKES&make=&model=&min_pr=1000&max_pr=2000&max_mileage=)
And finally, another Hornet
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/advert+search/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-9-13-121-239/advert.action?R=200839319758861
I like the last one myself, nice looking, good colour and in-budget.
How old are you and what part of town are from?
Cheers for the info chaps
Some decent looking bikes there.
I'm 24, living right in the city centre.
Are there regular biker meets around here, or does it tend to be adhoc when the weather's looking good?
Yo, S'up!
Can you find me bike please alex :D
Yo, S'up!
Can you find me bike please alex :D
http://www.geekologie.com/2007/07/24/office-chair-bike.jpg
Cheers for the info chaps
Some decent looking bikes there.
I'm 24, living right in the city centre.
Are there regular biker meets around here, or does it tend to be adhoc when the weather's looking good?
Well it's end of season so most of the larger ones will be winding up.
But normally....
Thursday nights at Weston Super-Mare
Monday nights at the Lysely Arms near Chippenham
Wednesday nights at Avebury, Wilts
All day Sat & Sun at Abergavenny Bus Station, Powys.
tinpants
04-10-08, 05:18 PM
Welcome.
I'm from the other side of the Severn Bridge to you, in God's Biking Country, but I manage to get over to Brizzle now and again.
P.S. Watch out for a nutter going by the forum name "Vickster". Shifty bit of work that one!!
mrs cuffy
04-10-08, 06:42 PM
:smt082:smt082:smt082:smt082 LMAOhttp://www.geekologie.com/2007/07/24/office-chair-bike.jpg
Vickster
04-10-08, 07:17 PM
Welcome.
I'm from the other side of the Severn Bridge to you, in God's Biking Country, but I manage to get over to Brizzle now and again.
P.S. Watch out for a nutter going by the forum name "Vickster". Extremely, funny and georgous that one!!
oh why thank you !
thefallenangel
05-10-08, 06:02 PM
Guess you'll be a mofo living on that side of the bridge. Good luck with the DAS, bet your glad on the test extension and hope you pass.
Guess you'll be a mofo living on that side of the bridge. Good luck
We'll look after him lol
thefallenangel
05-10-08, 07:53 PM
We'll look after him lol
Just don't be too rough with him on the initiation :p
Welcome, another Wiltshire bod here, just down the road from Cuffy. Work permitting I crop up at a few of the local Bristol meets and Wales rideouts for a steady potter about the twisties.... which is nice.
Welcome, another Wiltshire bod here, just down the road from Cuffy. Work permitting I crop up at a few of the local Bristol meets and Wales rideouts for a warpspeed blast about the twisties.... which is nice.
Corrected for YOU beenz!!
Just don't be too rough with him on the initiation :p
Good point, look at Neio. He was a quiet church going type but we created a monster :smt077
Isn't our fallen comrade due back today?
Welcome dude if you are!!
blue curvy jester
06-10-08, 01:26 PM
Just don't be too rough with him on the initiation :p
Isn't the glos. uni initaion just MOFO lite??
_Stretchie_
16-10-08, 03:41 PM
Alright mate, nice to meet you. How'd the test go? You done it yet?
You don't want an SV.. I got a Thundercat jigsaw you might want...
:smt040
Biker_Billy
16-10-08, 05:31 PM
Welcome, and good luck with the test..!
I'm with Xan on this one - there are a lot of bikes which will suit you within your budget, don't necessarily narrow it down to an SV, although they are very good bikes!
Best thing is don't rush into buying something - there are deals to be had at this time of year. A sensible way would be; do your the test )& pass!) and see if you can test ride some bikes at a local dealers (Fowlups maybe?) - remember you don't have to buy from them, just abuse their offer of test rides. Work out what you like, and find the best one you can! Buying privately offers the best deals, maybe if you narrow it down, one of the MoFo's will offer guidance on whats a dog and what isn't...?
+1 for HG - I bought some textiles this year http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.php/cPath/1_15_7/products_id/3066 - 170 quid - waterproof, comfy, and provide decent protection (I hope). If I was starting out again, I'd deffo go for textiles first. Remember to be cheeky when buying - if you are getting gloves, boots and textiles, ask for a discount - most places will easily give 10% off just for asking if you are spending a bit - asking costs now't. Oh, btw, I'm from Yorkshire, can you tell?
Finally and most importantly, beware of Vickster...
Theory test is next tuesday (21st), been cramming in some online practice...... although i've been driving for 7 years, it's worrying how many signs i don't actually know.
Can anyone recommend or warn me off a driving school local to Bristol. I was thinking a 3 day DAS with kickstart in Keynsham...?
I've bought all my gear now, got me a nitro fibreglass lid, alpinestars gloves & boots, and a textile+armoured jacket which seemed pretty decent. So just need a licence and i'll be ready to go for some test rides.
The fowlers suggestions sounds good, do you reckon they'd mind me riding a few bikes one weekend? i'd imagine a new rider asking for a 600 would be pretty risky from their point of view.
Cheers for all the advice,
AL
Biker_Billy
16-10-08, 08:36 PM
From their perspective, with the current climate - refusing a new rider a test ride would be worse...they could be doing themselves out of a sale.
I think you will be ok...
squirrel_hunter
17-10-08, 08:52 PM
Hello, welcome, and good luck with your test. Sunny Swindon calling but was Bristol for some time, and I'm often found down that way.
Now onto your question...
Can anyone recommend or warn me off a driving school local to Bristol. I was thinking a 3 day DAS with kickstart in Keynsham...?
Do it with Kickstart. I did. But that was quite a few years ago when they were just starting out, so I sent me Sister to them a couple of years back and they even managed to get her a license. I recommend them.
Theory passed this morning - 49 out of 50 - ideal.
Onwards and upwards, Full test booked for the 11th November.
Can't wait!
well done on the theory and good luck with the next bit.
Vickster
21-10-08, 06:57 PM
Finally and most importantly, beware of Vickster...
Oi cheeky!
_Stretchie_
22-10-08, 11:54 AM
congrats mate. Fingers crossed for the biggun in November
Dappa D
27-10-08, 03:54 PM
welldone mate, who u doing ur test with on the 11th?....
+1 for kickstart, they let me do my das with them in 1 day (took a bit of persuasion and proof showing them i could ride a bigger bike on my cbt round there carpark) but a hell of a lot cheaper....
Booked it with Kickstart as recommended. So far they've been nothikng but friendly and helpful.
AL
Congrats on your theory. Good luck for your DAS and test :D
lawriejones1
03-11-08, 04:25 PM
Hi mate, as you know I'm based in Bristol too and Kickstart were great with me. The motorcycle test is pretty standard around there, so if you have access to a 125, happy to potter round there with you (I've got a 125 as well).
When you're done, drop me an email and we can go out and do a bit of riding or whatever.
I was reccomended the 650 as a good work horse bike, and so far it's been perfect. Brakes could do with a bit of tightening, but it's not a frightening machine, just a nice larger bike.
Lots of lovely rides in and around Bristol, obviously taking it easy on some of the twisty A Roads. When you've seen a tractor coming towards you you have to be careful!
And +1 for Hein Gericke too, great guys in there, well, to me at least. Got my leathers reduced from £189 to £99. Nice.
give me an email at: lawriejones1@hotmail.com when yer all passed up. And always remember 'The Lifesaver'!!!!
Well, despite a 1st time fail, I've finally passed my test!!!!
Next time there's a ride organised on here i'll be along with the new bike :)
You might recognise this one as the owner lived in Newton Abbot.....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/alsx/8632_1.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/alsx/8963_1.jpg
well done
i dont think there will be too much happening till next year now, but keep an eye open;)
Congratulations on passing your test :cheers:. I live near Bath which isn't too far away from you. Foxy :p
Well done on your test mister:D Cue the cheesy grin for weeks:mrgreen:
Nice looking bike from Newt in a Boot. Personally I'd get the rim tape off smartish but that's just me as I think it looks chav. Otherwise, lookin good:D
Rideouts? I dunno about down south. You gotta come to the AR though, wherever it might be:D
_Stretchie_
01-12-08, 10:49 PM
Alright mate, congrats on the test and the bike..
Dappa D
02-12-08, 10:58 AM
well done fella, im not back on 2 wheels yet but will give u a shout when i am
mrs cuffy
02-12-08, 09:29 PM
well done matey, top bike :D
Daneshmend
02-12-08, 11:01 PM
live right in the city centre too. Have a red 06 reg pointy with full fairing. It has Rizla stickers but im considering removing them!!
squirrel_hunter
02-12-08, 11:52 PM
It has Rizla stickers but im considering removing them!!
Do it. (And welcome).
Congrats to AL20vT, you're not the only one out there who failed first time.
Hopefully when things pick up in the new year you'll both join us on a ride out, me thinks young Mogs is organizing something...
Dappa D
03-12-08, 12:31 PM
live right in the city centre too. Have a red 06 reg pointy with full fairing. It has Rizla stickers but im considering removing them!!
im on corn street....ill keep an eye out for a NON rizla stickered pointy! and welcome
Cheers ALL!
I'll definitely be along to MOGS ride out, and if anyone's out in the new year drop me a message :)
AL
Cheers ALL!
I'll definitely be along to MOGS ride out, and if anyone's out in the new year drop me a message :)
AL
you do relise as its your first rideout, you need to bring sweets for everyone?;)
Phaelok
12-12-08, 09:00 AM
Heya bud, my names Hans and i live in bristol. I know quite a few roads if you wanna hook up sometime for a ride. I live in the Stockwood area, near dammit enough on the outside of bristol. I ride a curvy '99 blue SV650, with iridium screen and GForce racing pipe (yes i do put two fingers up to the system, both emissions and noise wise - how can mopeds be so loud and get away with it?!)
South of bristol is awesome, endless joy of twisties and a few long straights.
Ill be happy to offer any riding tips / motorcycle advice.
If you ever wanna meet up bud, im always free on a monday - can always go out for a ride. Dont go plowing off though - im only on a restricted SV :) But ill still give ya a run for your money! :P
Ride safe mate.
Phae
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