His birthday is a week before christmas, so the plan is to get him everything he needs for the bike, give him the bike for Christmas and he will be set to ride it. The question is:
What sort of bike should I get him? (He's 6'3" and weighs 15 stone ish)
What sort of courses will he need?
Can I get his provisional liscense for him in advance?
Does anyone have a moped for sale that would suit him? (I live in SW Devon and want something reliable)
What else do I need to know?
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
2006-08-08 14:55:07 · 18 answers · asked by krazykarenteague 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Firstly, in the UK a sixteen year old can only ride a 50cc bike which has been limited to 30 mph
To those who cite stories of doom and despair - I am not completely stupid. My granfather lost his leg as result of bike crash and all family members have had bike crashes. However he's 16 and needs independence and to be trusted as the fine young man he is...
To those who say get a car when he's 18, actually the plan is to get a car for his 17th b'day .....
2006-08-08 19:28:35 · update #1
What a nice present to get...
I would go for a Piaggio or Gilera, both make good bikes that are reliable, nippy, good for short journeys, and even the 50cc's are cool to be seen on. The popularity of these bikes means spares will not be in short supply if anything goes wrong.
He will need to take a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). It is a one day course costing about £70. He will spend the first few hours talking about bike maintenance and road safety and the afternoon actually on the bike. At the end of the course he will be told whether he has passed or failed and given a certificate (if passed).
You can get the bike before he does the CBT, but he cannot apply for his provisional licence until he is 16, and he will need to sign and have his photo taken so keeping this as a surprise may be difficult. You can get the forms from the post office.
He will need a helmet. Important: buy this new because they are such a snug fit they mould to the person's head. A second-hand helmet will not be a perfect fit and offer the protection required. Also, if a helmet is dropped, it could have small cracks. I cannot stress this enough, safety for your son is paramount: buy new.
He will need a jacket and gloves. He can wear normal clothing but both offer protection in a fall, with padding on the knuckles and elbows. Also, get him a scarf. Don't laugh, a scarf is essential when riding because the wind whips up under the helmet.
He will need road tax and insurance. If you buy the bike new, it should be taxed, if not you can get the form from the post office and it will cost you about £70. Insurance shouldn't be too much, shop around the big names like Churchill and you should get a good deal. You are looking at a few hundred pounds because of his age. I had a 100cc Piaggio three years ago and the insurance was just over £100, but I am a little older than 16...
Next of course: the "L" plates. He may begrudge putting them on the bike for fear of not looking good in front of his mates but they must be on the bike by law.
Also, get a good lock for the bike. Mopeds are hot property with thieves.
As for the bike itself. It depends on your budget but buy new if you can, maybe on a monthly payment plan. At least then you have specified knowledge from the shop, a guarantee with the bike, especially its safety, and more importantly, peace of mind that your son isn't on a death-trap.
I found this website which contains information about the legal requirements for riding a moped and training centres for the CBT test in your area:
http://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/law.htm
I wish you luck with it, and I'm sure your son will be very happy.
2006-08-09 03:11:49 · answer #1 · answered by Innocuous pen... 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That is a cool present, I wish my mum trusted me like you trust you're son and because of the lack of trust I rebelled and found my own transport(other peoples cars/bikes with out there permission you are very cool and should encourage like you are. No offence but I am the same size as you're son and from experience I looked like a plum riding a moped. Maybe go for a crosser bike(same power, bigger bike frame and more street cred) I had a Yamaha dt but that was nearly ten years ago. There will be plenty of choice, maybe ask him what he wants, I know it mite spoil the suprise but he will be happy. Please let me know how you get on and what decision you make regarding this, thanks and good luck, you cool mummy you. Just notice other peoples answers, he does not need a test to ride anything under a 50cc and his provisional licence is fine for this, again, good luck.
2006-08-08 20:47:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He needs to pass his CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) before he can ride it. Book this in advance - plenty of bike training places in the yellow pages. Get him helmet (he'll need to go with you to buy this as correct fit is important) gloves, jacket, etc. Don't skimp on the protective gear. It is very important (saved me a lot of pain in my teens !!) and make sure he wears it EVERY time he goes out. Most accidents happen close to home believe it or not.
You can't get the licence in advance as he will have to sign the application form. You will also need insurance for him.
I would get a good, second hand 125 cc bike, not a scooter, so he learns to ride properly. I would also go to a bike shop to buy one. That way you can be reasonably sure of getting something that is reliable and in good condition. Buying privately is not a good idea if you don't kow what you're looking for. The bike shop will also advise about the proper clothing.
Edit : Oops - forgot 16 year olds were limited to 50cc machine.
2006-08-08 15:18:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
wait till he does his full license for a bike with lessons. hes too tall for a scooter or a 125. at 15 stone hes also too heavy unless the bike has the power. my nephew had a cbr 125 and thought he was joey dunlop, i took him on the back of my blade he got off a bit soiled. if your son gets a scooter or a bike he will want more power. make him do his full test first when he's 17 and get him a 750 yamaha or ktm trailie. big bikes lots of power. he'll be restricted to 33 hp for two years
2006-08-10 22:32:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you seem to know the law. yes get his provisional for him but ha cant go on the road without a CBT, perhaps find him a one day CBT course for Xmas, they cost about £70 in Gloucester...
For a moped... I bought one of these Chinese imports from "the Internet bike shop" on eBay for my lad... real cheap and reliable...
2006-08-09 10:46:38 · answer #5 · answered by engineer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-17 16:40:38 · answer #6 · answered by Juan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boy is turning 16 next month and hes getting a Harley . He is 6' 2" and 145 pounds . a moped would be too humiliating for him , of course this is America and we do have different standards than the English
2006-08-13 09:17:00 · answer #7 · answered by vpsinbad50 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If you determined in finding out to speak Chinese then you must now that the best selection is a Program for Mandarin.
2016-06-04 14:26:10 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get him any kind of motor bike, I speak from experience, my brother was killed on one and it was low powered. There dangerous wait till he's 18 and buy him a car.
2006-08-08 15:07:18 · answer #9 · answered by Gerry 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
as long as he gets the best training in road craft then he should be ok an electric bicycle is just as quick and needs no big money being spend so then you could send him on a driving course at 16 to help him with driving exprience
2006-08-14 23:06:00 · answer #10 · answered by martin r 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋