Category Archives: Motorcycles

Information and advice about buying a motorcycle in Cardiff

Events, Motorcycles, News

Classic British Bikes

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Classic British Bikes. During our Monthly Ride outs we have travelled far and wide and visited a few Classic Bike Shows over the years.  Our next Ride Out on the 18th of October will see us trekking up to The Stafford Classic Bike and Motor Mechanics Show.  The auto-jumble at these events always amazes me, but to see the lovingly restored finished product is truly astounding.

After the fire a few years ago at the British Motorcycle Museum near Coventry many Classic British Bikes were lost in the flames, never to be replaced.

In recognition of the British ingenuity that saw British Bikes rule The World I will be doing a periodic feature on these pages highlighting a particular Classic. Some quirky, some strange, but some true Classics that most of us can identify with.  I didn’t realise that there were so many different names associated with the Bike history in Britain.

Names like Triumph and Norton mix with Rudge and Singer and even the ‘Humber Trike‘ which will be the first featured machine.

So keep a watch on these pages and enjoy a journey into nostalgia, oil leaks, solid rubber tyres, tool rolls and leather seats.  When the only ‘Engine Management System’ needed was a bag of spanners and an oily rag!

See you soon.

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

CBT Training Cardiff

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For CBT Training in Cardiff, 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff is based at the Cardiff County Council Road Safety Centre, Maindy Stadium, Cardiff. We are able to use a purpose built site that is designed with a large dexterity area, a mini road system with authentic road signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and a full sized roundabout.

You will be well able to practice on our site before venturing out onto the road with your instructor.  We find that using such a site fully prepares our students for riding on the road.  When examined and approved by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) Examiner he commented that it was a ‘perfect site for CBT’.

We can’t agree more!

The CBT is your first step towards becoming part of a breed of road user who is able to get the best from travel on today’s busy roads.

Compulsory Basic Training ( CBT ) is exactly that.  It is compulsory for all learners who wish to ride on public roads. Normally completed in one day, it equips you to ride safely on a bike of up to 125cc, with ‘L’ plates.  You are not allowed to carry passengers or use Motorways at this stage but it forms the basis of good riding to build upon for the future.

So don’t delay…. You can become a 1st Class Rider Today.  If you are looking for CBT training in Cardiff then give us a call.

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

Launch of our Site for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff

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1st Class Rider Training are pleased to announce the date for the official launch of our New Site for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff.

Thursday the 29th of October will see the Lord Mayor of Cardiff officially open the New Cardiff County Council Road Safety Centre at Maindy Stadium, Crown Way, Cardiff.

Since 1st Class Rider Training was established we have been fortunate to work closely with the staff at the Road Safety Centre and we have enjoyed their hospitality using Briardene Road Safety Centre as our Training Base in Cardiff.

The move to Maindy stadium will see the opening of a luxury suite of offices and training rooms with computer simulators and lecture facilities.  We are also able to make use of SID, the portable Speed Indicator to fully prepare our students for the speed related elements of the Part 1 Motorcycle Test.

The new training area is made up of a large ‘Dexterity Area, and mini road system with authentic signed junctions, bends and a full sized roundabout.

Secure on site storage for our motorcycles allows us immediate access to these new facilities and for when we have finished work……there is a swimming pool and a fully equipped Fitness Suite!

1st Class Rider Training on First Class Machines on a First Class Training Site…. 1st Class !

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Next European Tour. France & Belgium.

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Now that the Summer is over and the nights are drawing in we all need something to look forward to. The next 1st Class Tour is being arranged for the weekend of Friday the 27th of NOVEMBER – Sunday the 29th.

Travelling from Dover to Calais on the prestigious Sea France Fleet and visiting the World War 1 Trenches, still intact at Hill 62, The staggering Tyne Cott British War Graves Cemetery, which contains over 12,000 fallen heroes, and to visit the Menin Gate at Ipres to witness the moving Last Post ceremony.

At 8pm every night (and they have done this since the 1920’s) they close the road at the Menin Gate and a Bugler plays The Last Post as Poppy Wreaths are laid in memory of the lost generation who fought in the Flanders Fields.

This trip is timed to coincide with the opening of The Christmas Markets so this will be a moving mixture of ‘sombre and festive’.

Please read below the comments of those who joined us on our recent trip to The Somme.

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Great company, lots of laughs – bet Ron is still trying to work out the serviette trick.

Thanks Andy for making the trip run so well. Hope we can all make the next one.

I have to say what a fantastic weekend that was – hope all got back safe? Thanks Andy for the organisation and I look forward to more next year.

Great trip, first one abroad on a bike, rode 852 miles and enjoyed every minute.

Excellent trip, well organised, great company, couple of beers and a really interesting tour. What more can you wish for? Loved it – can’t wait for the next one!

FAB FAB FAB!

Only trouble was that I think Big Ron lied to us, he’s really 27!

Nice one Andy, bring on the next one.

What can i say that,s not been said,excellent weekend, good riding,bloody good company,very interesting, lot of food for thought,thanks Andy stunning trip.

The cost of this trip is to be confirmed but will be in the region of £250. This will include the services of our Experienced Guide, Return Ferry Crossing and two nights, 3 Star (at least) shared Twin Room accommodation.

If you wish to reserve your place on this trip, please be quick as our previous trips sold out rather quickly.

Please visit our web site ‘online payment’ page where you can pay the £150 deposit to reserve your place.

These trips are restricted to approximately 10 riders and we operate an easy navigation system that allows every rider in the group to ride at their own pace (unless we are late for the Ferry!).

So don’t delay or you might miss out. Reserve your place now and come and experience Europe the ‘1st Class’ way.

Advice, Events, Motorcycles, News

James Toseland at Open Day

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James Toseland will be appearing at the open day of the New Thunderoad Motorcycle Showroom at Cwmbran this Saturday the 19th nof September.

Thunderoad, who already have a flourishing dealership at Bridgend, recently opend a store at Cwmbran.

Come along on the day to meet Bike Racing Hero, Toseland, also Special Offers, Discounts and Bikini Babes to tempt you….(into spending money that is!)

Visit the Thunderoad website for full details.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Direct Access, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

1st Class Rider Tours

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1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are pleased to announce the launch of their new web site.  www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

The launch recognises the success of our European and War Graves Tours so far this year.  The new web page is being constructed but will hold a full calendar of trips for 2010.  The Somme, Normandy, Battle of The Bulge, Bruges and Ypres to name but a few.

These are biking trips professionally lead by Police Class 1 Riders to points of interest along some of the best biking roads on offer in Northern Europe. Conveniently packaged into just a long weekend.

The web site will also hold links to our main training page and our popular Newsletter Blog where you can sign up for automatic updates on Advanced Training, Special Events and Monthly Social Ride Outs.

These are exciting times for us here at 1st Class Rider Training as we expand our successful training company.  We will still be offering ‘Learner’ & Advanced Training and we will still be available for the many corporate classroom training sessions that we currently present, but these tours are a natural progression as we look forward to changes in the biking industry in the UK.

Come and join us.  Watch out for news on the completion of www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Aberdare Park Road Races

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July Ride Out.

The next ride out with 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff will be to Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road Races.

In it’s 30th year this is a spectacular event, and the Racing takes place over the weekend of Saturday the 18th & Sunday the 19th of July. So our July Ride Out will be to see the Sunday racing.  The speed achieved by these riders around Aberdare Park have to be seen to be believed, and yes they do race around the park. Straw bales duck taped to the trees and guarding the Duck Pond.

Sunday the 19th of July. (Yes…it’s a Sunday)  Meeting at MacDonald’s at Coryton Interchange, junction 32 M4.  Don’t pretend you don’t know where it is!  Meeting for a 9.30am departure, to;

Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races. This is a weekend event and if you haven’t been…go! Racing starts at 12 noon on Sunday (to allow people to go to Church….or to have a scenic ride around before visiting the Hot Pot Cafe for a pre race breakfast).  If you join me you might be lucky enough to have a £1 off your entry fee. The first lucky few, before I run out pf vouchers. They race around the Park at ridiculous speeds and you get to stand so close to the action you can smell the sweat as they go past! (Or am I just standing too close to the Burger Van).  This is a must see event.  So join us.

For automatic up dates for events, training and special events just log on to our newsletter blog.  Just click the link on the left.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

BMW Motorcycle Technician

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Here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we enjoyed a close working relationship with Rydale BMW when it was the BMW dealership in Cardiff.  The Sales Manager at the time was Peter Cramp who was very supportive in our early years of setting up a Motorcycle Training School.

Peter has moved on and now manages the Bike Sales at Ocean BMW in Plymouth.  He has emailed me with the following appeal.

So if anyone is looking to re-locate with the opportunity to work for a really nice bloke in a fantastic BMW dealership now is your chance.  Have a read.

Skilled Motorcycle Technicians

At Ocean Plymouth Motorrad we are currently looking to recruit skilled motorcycle Technicians for our state-of-the-art dealership.

We need top quality Technicians to help drive the business forward, to put in the hours to ensure the company succeeds and who are capable of rattling through the work with an attention to detail and a quality focus that is second to none. The successful candidates must be skilled in all aspects of diagnostics, servicing and bike repairs, along with excellent customer handling skills and the ability to work to the highest standards.

Combine this with a passion for motorcycles and you could be right for the job.

If this sounds like you, we want to talk to you.

Call Ocean Plymouth Motorrad on 01752 202828 and ask for Peter Cramp.

Ocean Plymouth Motorrad
St Modwen House, Longbridge Road, Plymouth PL6 8LD
01752 202828

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Cardiff NSPCC Children’s Centre

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1st Class Rider Training – Cardiff are please to support the NSPCC and recently we donated money collected on our monthly rideouts to the NSPCC fund for their new Children’s Centre in Cardiff.

I have received the following letter from the NSPCC.

” Dear Supporter,

Thank you for your recent donation of £155 to the NSPCC. Your generous gift has gone directly towards helping to create a brand new NSPCC Centre in Cardiff.

This new NSPCC Centre will help us deliver the very best therapeutic services in a purpose built environment and will give hundreds of children the chance of a better future.

So, on behalf of the children that will visit the NSPCC Centre, thank you. It’s fantastic to know that there are people like you that care about children, who often have no one else to turn to.

With many thanks and regards

Christine Wood.

Relationship Manager  ”

So, I too would like to add my thanks to all of you who donate so generously on each ride out. Your money is going to such a worthy cause.

For details of the New NSPCC Children’s Centre in Cardiff visit www.nspcc.org.uk

Thank you.

Andy Smith 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff

Advice, CBT, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Thunderroad Motorcycles

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I have been asked recently to clarify an issue that has arisen from a recent radio advertising campaign by Thunderroad Motorcycles of Bridgend & Cwmbran.

They are advertising a new 125 cc bike and the radio ad claims “and it can be ridden on a car licence”.

In the ‘small print’ at the end of the ad it does say “CBT required”.  To say it can be ridden on a car licence is not strictly correct as a car licence alone is not sufficient and you must have a licence which shows Category A (Which is Motorcycles).  Most car licences do show Category A as a provisional entitlement, but not all do. Of course you would be riding this 125 (or any 125 for that matter) on a Bike Licence- which may be included on a Full Car licence.

But it’s a bit like saying I can drive a Bus on my Bike Licence.

So you need to check your licence to make sure it shows Category A, otherwise you will not be able to ride it at all, or you will be riding it without a licence, whether you’ve passed your car test or not!