That said, the only legal requirement is a crash helmet. The type of helmet depends on the type of riding you intend to do. An open face helmet is cool in summer, great for commuting in slow city traffic, but a nightmare in winter and obviously rubbish at high speeds. Don’t worry, a helmet is not like a dog, and isn’t for life – you can change them and have different helmets for different occasions if your budget allows. Don’t forget crash helmets should be replaced every five to seven ears depending on the quality of the lid.

Motorcycling: Government Support - Hansard - UK Parliament Motorcycling: Government Support - Hansard - UK Parliament

Possibilities of the Motorcycle". The Automobile. XIII (4): 123. July 27, 1903 . Retrieved 2009-08-15. The cheat’s bike. When someone pulled it out for me to a test ride after a year’s absence from biking, I told them they must be crazy: I couldn’t just get on a massive sports bike and ride off - way too much power. Only it’s got just 47 horses. It just looks way more mental. Which is how some of us (me) want it. Very forgiving throttle, thank goodness.

The type of licence you are eligible for depends on your age and previous experience. But I’m going to try to make it simple… This could put you in the wonderful position of gaining a year or so of riding at the cost of your insurance, fuel and not a lot more—certainly something to consider.

How to choose your first motorcycle - RevZilla

Italian designer Piaggio introduced the Vespa in 1946, which experienced immediate and widespread popularity. Imports from the UK, Italy and Germany, thus found a niche in US markets that American bikes did not fill. From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of the pioneering work of the East German Daniel Zimmermann (rotary disc valve) and MZ's Walter Kaaden who developed the two-stroke expansion chamber in the 1950s. These ideas were taken up by Suzuki when Ernst Degner, the MZ engineer and rider, defected to the West on 13 September 1961 after retiring from the 125cc Swedish Grand Prix at Kristianstad. Degner, an excellent engineer, immediately joined Suzuki and his knowledge became their technology springboard. Also, who can deny the joy of a brand new toy? Some offerings from China are worth looking at now more than ever. Herald motorcycles are made in China and assembled in England. They are very reasonably priced, stylish, and with a 2-year parts and labour warranty on every machine, could well be a very tempting option. It certainly tempted me and my Herald 125, and I have no regrets. A motorcycle to fit youAt 19-23… Once again, it’s CBT and a 125 up to 11kw (as per 17-18). The same rules apply: L-plates, no pillion and no motorway. However, this time, when you pass the theory test and mod 1 and mod 2, you now have an A2 licence. Now you can ride any bike up to 35kw, throw away the L-plates, take a pillion and ride on the motorway.