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Beginner Motorcycle Lessons
Jake T · October 30, 2018
Getting out on two wheels can seem like a daunting challenge for some people. Worry not, we're here to help.
If you're over 17 and you want to ride up to a 125cc machine then you will need to complete a CBT. Don't worry if you're 16 you can still complete a CBT but you will be restricted to 50cc until you are 17 years of age.
We know for some getting on two wheels isn't the easiest prospect. That's why here at RideTo we created the 'New Rider Journal'. This is a resource designed specifically for new riders to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to confidently get through your training and onto the road. You will find sections on the highway code, licences and laws, pre-training guides and tips to help you get through the day.
Once you've collected your certificate the journal will also help you with choosing your first bike and getting the best protective equipment. From there you can read all about the best routes and destinations we recommend first-hand from our own two-wheeled travels.
CBT
The CBT itself is completed in a single day and you would usually expect it to take around 6-8 hours. Don't worry if you don't have any previous experience on a motorcycle. The CBT training is designed to take you from complete beginner to confidently riding on the road. You need only be able to ride an adult-sized bicycle. This just shows that you have a general understanding and basic skills to balance and coordinate yourself on two wheels.
The CBT itself is made up of 5 elements:
1. Introduction and Eye Test
2. The On-site CBT Training
3. The On-site CBT Riding
4. On-Road CBT Training
5. On-Road Riding
Introduction to Motorcycling
If you don't feel you're ready to jump straight into a CBT then we also offer a pre-CBT course known as an ITM or Introduction to Motorcycling course. An ITM Course is a 2-hour motorcycle training session that is ideal for beginner motorcyclists who want to gain some knowledge and understanding before committing to a CBT course.
This course is perfect for those riders who want to learn on a manual motorcycle but have never used a clutch or gears before or for a slightly more nervous rider who wants to spend some time sat on a bike becoming familiar with controls and balance before committing to a full day of CBT training.
The beginner's motorcycle lesson will follow the same format as the beginning of the CBT. Introducing you to the most basic skills and techniques you will need to ride a motorcycle and progress on to the CBT.
This includes the controls of the motorcycle, how to sit and balance yourself on a motorcycle, how to put the motorcycle on its stand and take it off again too, clutch control and gear selection and how to turn the motorcycle.
It’s a relaxed and introductory session designed to give you a taster of what riding on two wheels is like.