Category Archives: Motorcycles

Information and advice about buying a motorcycle in Cardiff

Advice, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Ryder Cup puts Bike Tests Out of Bounds

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It has been anounced that due to the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament being held in Newport this year the DSA have suspened all Motorcycle Tests in the City for the period.

I can understand that the Module 2 Road Ride part of the test might be affected by the ianticipated ncrease in traffic but this is another example of more pressure being placed on a Motorcycle Training & Testing system that is struggling and straining due to the lack of test centres and long wait for tests.

I fail to see why this period can not be used to ease the waiting list for the Module 1 of the test, which doesn’t take place on road at all.

I think the DSA are missing an opportunity here.

So whilst the forthcoming Ryder Cup has been hailed as a welcome boost for the economy it is the motorcycle industry that is adversely affected and remains firmly in the bunker.

So what do I think of this decision? Well I bought a second hand golf bag once. There were no clubs, no tees no pencils, no club covers. In fact all I found at the bottom of the bag was just a load of balls………

In spite of this set back 1st Class Rider Training will still be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff and Newport and we aim to use the time well, to prepare our students for a future on the road.

So why don’t you put this time to good use and book a course with 1st Class Rider Training. Call us now for up to the minute availability.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycles

Cardiff Bike Swap Scheme

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Bike Swap Scheme is launched in Cardiff.

In an intiative to reduce the illegal use of ‘Off Road’ vehicles namely motorcycles and quads, it has been anounced that the owners of these ‘nuisance’ vehicles can swap them for a Mountain Bike and Accessories.

In an amnesty being planned for 23rd – 29th of August a hotline will be set up where residents can call to arrange the exchange.

This scheme (presumably being run by Cardiff Council – although the press release didn’t give details) is aimed at relieving the off road nuisance particularly in Cardiff East.

Interesting.

If the rumour is true about the people with seized engines on their BMW GS 1200 (07 & 57 plates) they might be keen to swap their out of warranty Beemer for a new pedal bike. There might be quite a take up.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, RoSPA

Ride Out…Ride Right

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Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.

The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads.  If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “””

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

Events, Motorcycles, News

Live from Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road Races

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ROSSI at Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road Races.

I am updating this News page live from Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road races and I’ve just spotted the surprise guest. His name wasn’t in the programme and you won’t find him on any of the race lists but anyone who knows anything about Motorcycle Racing will be pleased to know that ROSSI is at Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races.

Just take a look at this picture I have just taken at the track infield!

Also shown below are some of the real race heroes of the Aberdare Park event. Put the date in your diary for next year.

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly August Edition out Now

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The August Edition of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

This is Britain’s best Motorcycle read and it’s absolutely free.

In this issue there are reviews, competitions, news and test reports and much more.

You could win VIP passes to British Superbikes or a Nick Sanders DVD or even a pair is tyres from Metzeler.

Read the report on BMW’s new 1600cc Super Tourer or pick up a second hand bargain in the ‘For Sale’ section.

To get your copy call and see us at 1st Class Rider Training or get one from any 1st Class Instructors.

Join us on a ride out and pick up a copy. The next ride out is this Sunday to Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races – meeting at Hein Gericke Cardiff for 10am.

Motorcycle Monthly. It’s free, it’s all about bikes, and it’s free.

It looks a bit like this……….

Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Training in Pontypridd ?

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1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff were recently contacted by Dareth wishing to take her Motorcycle Test.  Dareth is quite short and has her own cruiser style 125cc Suzuki.  Due to her height this is a perfect bike for her.

She had originally contacted a Motorcycle Training School in Pontypridd, which was closer to her home.  However she was discouraged by the Instructor there who told her that she would not be able to pass her test on her Suzuki Cruiser.

She tells us that he was dismissive of her and insisted that she use one of their motorcycles (but she found them too tall and difficult to control), as she would not pass her test on the cruiser.

Due to the way she was treated Dareth contacted us and we were able to re-assure her and develop a training programme appropriate for her and her chosen machine.

I am pleased to say that after just 2 days of 1st Class Rider Training, today Dareth passed her test on her own Suzuki 125cc Marauder. Not only did she pass, but she passed with a clean sheet.  An impressive faultless ride. Our Congratulations to her.

So when other training schools or Instructors can’t be bothered, 1st Class Rider Training will take the time to provide the service that you deserve.

Dareth became a 1st Class Rider. So could you.

Call now to book your course.

0845 108 2906

Events, Motorcycles, News

Correction for French Trip Dates. 20th – 22nd August.

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Please accept my apologies.  I have up-dated the proposed date of the French Trip to the Somme and to the most recent War Graves Discovery at Frommells.

The date of the trip will be one week earlier than first ‘Blogged’ and will run from the 20th to the 22nd of August.(not the 27th – 29th)

This leaves the following weekend free for the Charity Run to Stonehenge with Francis Maxey.

Sorry for the Confusion.  For full details of the trip please refer to the previous blog

Advice, Events, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1, RoSPA

French Tour 20th – 22nd August

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French Tour of the WWI Battle sites and War Graves with 1st Class Rider Tours.

This is a professionally lead group ride, using Police Class 1 and RoSPA qualified guides for the trip.

Return Ferry Crossing, Three Days/ Two Njghts 3 Star Bed & Breakfast accomodation and our tour guide services for just £300. (that’s cheaper than a CBT in Newport).

You will also receive an information pack giving routes and destinations together with safety and legal advice for motorcycling in Europe.

This is an ideal way if taking your first steps across the Chanel.

Good roads, good food and great company make these trips 1st Class Rider Tours.

Call now to book your place or for further details.

These trips normally sell out fast.

0845 108 2906

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

Motorcycle Training in Newport

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Don’t be misled by our full Business Name.  1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. We still carry out Motorcycle Training in Newport and Swansea.

Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas.,  I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training.  Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between !  Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

Events, Motorcycles, News

Open Day at Thunder Road Motorcycles Bridgend 7th August

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I have received the following email  from Thunder Road.

1st Class Rider Training -Cardiff are pleased to publicise this event.

Thunder Road Bridgend Open Day with Leon Haslam

Saturday 7th August

This is a date to keep free in your diaries for what is going to be a brilliant day at Thunder Road Motorcycles in Bridgend.

We have lots in store, from the Suzuki demo’s* to a dyno and the Extreme Wheelie Machine.  World Super Bike Rider Leon Haslam be making an appearance and you’ll even be able to meet the guy!

The Thunder Road bikini babes will be here and don’t forget there will be great deals on the latest brands of motorcycle clothing.

There will be a wide range of prizes to give away on the day; all you need to do is to enter the raffle on the day to be in with a chance to win.  If you’re a Gixxer rider then don’t forget to enter your bike in the “Best GSX-R” competition, some great prizes to be won.

Check out www.ThunderRoad.co.uk for more details to follow on what is going to be a fantastic day out!  Forward this email onto your mates and spread the word.