Wanna get on two wheels and don’t know where to start or who to ask?

Maybe you’re looking for some new wheels and don’t know which bike to go for? Or maybe you’re looking for some new riding gear inspiration that isn’t fuchsia pink and doesn’t make you look like a power ranger?

We’ve always found the best way to find out the answers to all the burning moto questions we’ve had is to ask around and get advice from other riders. So since we’re currently in lockdown here in the UK and we can’t run our VC beginners’ lessons, dirt days and moto meet ups where you can usually ask us Qs, we recently ran our VC Q&A session over at the VC instagram and mannnnn you got a lot of questions! So the team at VC thought we’d share some of our different riding experiences from our collective, answer a few more of the frequently asked questions we get and hopefully give a few tips that we’ve picked up along the way for anyone - from newbies wanting to start out riding to what bikes we currently ride and the gear we’re currently riding in.

Check it!

Oh and BTW…. if you’ve got more burning questions that you’d like answering we’re gonna be running more regular open Q&As with the collective over on the @vc_london insta stories, so make sure you follow and tune in!

- GEMMA -

@GHWFIVE

When and why did you first start riding?

I started riding in 2012 after being handed down a little Yamaha SR125 from my other half who had moved on to a bigger bike. Not long after starting to ride I went to a bike show with him - him on his bike and me on my little stock 125. He was ushered into the custom bike area with his bike and I followed him (terrified to be left on my own as I had only just passed my CBT). I got a few sniggers and vowed I’d rebuild that little bike and come back the next year. That was how I started messing around with bikes and customisation.

What was your first bike?

A 2000 Yamaha SR125.

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

I’ve ridden all over the place with that bike, usually taking the scenic route as before I got my full licence I could only ride on A roads and not main motorways, but I didn’t care as the A road were always much more fun. I’ve ridden from London to Wales a few times on that bike with a few friends and it was awesome. I have so many great memories riding around the Brecon Beacons on that little scoot.

Any tips on what you think is a great first bike? What bikes would you recommend for a first bike?

I love older bikes like 70s CG125s and old dirt bikes like Honda XLs but they often come with a lot of problems which can be hard to deal with when you’re just starting out, and a kick start only bike for your first bike is just another thing to think about when you’re first learning. It’s a real headache if you stall (which in the beginning, everyone does until they get the hang of things) and you need to kick start it in the middle of traffic. There are some great modern smaller first bikes out there. I really like the Mutt 125 and the Herald 125 as they have the more naked, stopped down look of a custom bike build but without the problems old bikes can come with.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Go at your own speed when learning and take your time. Just because someone you know went straight to a bigger bike it doesn’t mean you have to feel pressured to do the same. I love smaller bikes for getting round the city and had some amazing trips on my 125 bike before getting something bigger; so just because you have a smaller bike doesn’t mean you can’t go on road trips or start to customise your own bike.

What route did you take (CBT, a 125 for a bit, DAS straight away etc)?

I got my CBT and rode for about 2 years before I went on to get my DAS in a bit of a rush after booking a trip to LA to Babes Ride Out with a buddy - and neither of us had our big bike licences yet. No pressure then! I failed my MOD 1 first try but thankfully nailed it the second time and passed my MOD 2 with a few weeks to spare before our trip. I then flew to LA, jumped off the plane, picked up a Harley with no experience riding on the other side of the road, or riding a Harley, and rode straight onto a 5 lane freeway. Arghhhhhhh! One of the best road trips I’ve ever done!

What bike do you own now?

I’ve got different bikes for different kinds of riding that I like to do. I have a 1966 Triumph 5TA bobber built by Steve Marshall for my daily road bike, a KTM 350 Freeride for trail riding, a Honda CRF100 mini bike, a Honda CRF50, a half built 1989 Yamaha DT125; and I still have have the little SR125 that I learned to ride on.

What do you love about your bike/would you recommend your bike to other riders?

My bobber is exactly the reason why I have other bikes as it’s not all that reliable and it’s great to have a back up when I wanna ride but that bike doesn’t start. Bikes that old generally come with a lot of quirks, creaks and leaks so they’re not for everyone, but that being said it’s my favourite bike to ride as it has so much personality. Also, being an old British bike it has the clutch and back brake foot controls on the opposite side to a normal bike which take a little getting used to.

What bike would you love to own?

I’d love a Harley flat head or one of the new Harley Live wire electric bikes. I had the chance to ride one last year at GoodWood festival of speed and then later in Barcelona for a weekend and it’s an animal!

Do you do any work to your own bike?

The Yamaha Sr125 and the KTM Freeride yes, but with the bobber I do a little but tend to leave the big stuff to the pros.

Tell us about your dream road trip?

I’d love to ride across America on a Harley with some of my best buds or even on my own, but I also really want to do a big trip in Japan as I think the bike scene there is the most inspiring in the world right now. Also, there are some rad female chopper riders out there who I’d love to take a burn with.

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

I’m a massive fan of Atwyld clothing from the US as it’s very low profile and you don’t feel like you’re wearing bulky moto gear when you’re off the bike after riding. I wear their D30 under armour both for road riding under a jacket and for off road under my jersey. I usually ride in Red Wing 8” women’s mock toes which are great because of their extended length and how thick and durable they are. For off road I generally wear gear from FOX as the quality is the best around and I love the collaboration collections they do with their LAB project.

What helmet do you ride in?

I currently ride in a Bell Moto 3 which I love. It’s cool as it has a retro style but has modern safety standards. I’d love a custom painted one for my next one. Mmmmmmmm metal flake.

Fave instagrams for moto inspiration?

@babesinthedirt

@20thcenturyracing

@survivorcustoms

@tipsy_unicorn94

- ANNELISE -

@ANNELISE_S

When and why did you first start riding?

I met a chick through a friend who mentioned she was getting her bike license. I was shook - had no idea that bikers weren't just middle aged fat blokes! I decided that I would probably love it and went and booked my CBT the next day.

What was your first bike?

2010 Triumph Bonneville

Best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

Camp VC - duh! But I did do a great trip on a rented Harley from LA out to Joshua Tree for Babes Ride Out that first year of riding too.

Any tips on what you think is a great first bike? What bikes would you recommend for a first bike?

A modern bike so you have less hassle/maintenance - electric ignition, comfortable seating position. I love Triumphs and the Bonneville was a fantastic first bike.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Go out riding with a friend for the first couple of times after you get your license - makes it a bit less scary.

What route did you take (CBT, a 125 for a bit, DAS straight away etc)?

I went full DAS - although it did nothing for my nerves when I had to go onto the road on a big bike for the first time after passing (!), I knew that I would get bored of a 125cc quickly and I didn't want the hassle of having to first find/buy and then sell months later.

What bike do you own now?

A 2016 Triumph Scrambler and a 1954 Triumph Tiger 100 custom bobber.

What do you love about your bike/would you recommend your bike to other riders?

I would recommend the Scrambler - or any of Triumph's Modern Classic range - as it's comfortable and great for cruising around on.

Pros and cons of your current bike/s ?

The T100 has problems every now and again, she's not entirely practical (e.g. I can't ride her in the rain - perfect for Britain) but looks great, ha! The Scrambler is my daily and I can take her on and off road (note: not full off roading) which is ideal.

Do you do any work to your own bike?

The Scrambler doesn't need any and the bobber I take to my mechanic.

Tell us about your dream road trip?

I really want to do a Scandinavian roadtrip - the Trollstigen road in Norway is top of the bucket list!

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

Atwyld everything. Invest in some dyneema jeans and some low profile body armour.

Lid Tips?

My daily is a Bell Bullitt and I love it - combo of practicality (wide opening so much more peripheral vision than most helmets) and style. It's not ideal for long motorway trips and can be a bit loud for that, but for my city commute it's great.

Fave instagrams for moto inspiration?

@british_customs

@thompsonscycles

@brittanywould

@forrestminchinton

@instaroads

@_sandraiders

@motosafari

- ROZ -

@ROZZLEDP

When and why did you first start riding?

I first started riding when I was about 8 maybe? My dad bought me and my twin sister a little Honda 75 and we learnt in a big field. He tells me I used to get incredibly frustrated when I would stall it and be unable to kick start it again.

What was your first bike?

My first bike was a 1968 BSA Starfire, 250cc (LOL)

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

I never managed an actual road trip on my first bike because, being a 40 year old BSA, it would break down all the time. I would ride the 25 miles to and from work on it, but only if I was on a day time shift at the pub I worked at because there weren’t really any lights to speak of and no indicators. As a new rider I think I did find not having indicators, or lights, or mirrors quite disconcerting, and, combining this with the inherent unreliability of old British bikes (the only bikes I had access to at the time) meant that I mainly concentrated on doing little trips close to home. The first big trip I ever did on a bike was actually Camp VC in 2017. I borrowed my dad’s 1987 BMW R65 (the only bike he owned that he thought was capable of doing any sort of distance), rode it from the West Midlands to London, and then from south London to Camp and back.

What bikes would you recommend for a first bike?

I think MUTTs look really cool, they have a great sound, and they’re a great seat height. If I was learning now I would definitely want a MUTT. Actually, if I had all the money in the world, I would have a MUTT for riding round the city and commuting because they’re perfect for it.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Get out and get riding! Find some pals (maybe through VC London? - that’s how I made ALL my riding friends) and don’t be afraid to ask them tips and advice about when it comes to riding. Riding in the city is fine, but try and get out of the city and on a long ride if you can - you’ll learn more and you’ll also remember why you actually like riding a motorbike (riding in the city at 20mph and with constant speed bumps can really take away some of the joy of riding…)

What route did you take?

I did my test in 2008 when you could just do the whole thing on a 125cc. I did my CBT on a 125cc, but I never had an actual 125cc. I think I did my CBT and then went straight to lessons at the local riding school. My dad had a BSA B40 that I would practise on in the meantime - though I’m not sure how helpful this was because it had a right hand gear change, and was set up for trials - so no mirrors or lights.

What bike do you own now?

I now have an Yamaha XSR 700 and a lil Honda CB250RS (though this isn’t actually running…)

What do you love about your bike/would you recommend your bike to other riders?

I love the retro styling of the XSR, reflecting the fact that I like have always been into vintage bikes having grown up riding my dad’s old British bikes (like his T25 and TR5T). In an ideal world I think we would all ride 1960s Bonnevilles every day, but the fact is I wanted a bike that would work every time I wanted it to. I also like the BMW R9T, but as soon as I saw the XSR I was quite taken with it. It’s got a retro modern vibe, and I like the interesting customisations people do to it. It’s quite sporty, but not over the top. And it’s not covered in loads of plastic with fairings all over the place. I do yearn for a fairing every time I go on the motorway, however. I would recommend an XSR to everyone because I love it! It’s the same engine as an MT-07, but, in my opinion, much better looking, it’s fairly light (186kg wet) and while I can’t fully plant both feet without a pillion, I can get my feet down more than enough.

Pros and cons of your current bike?

Pros - you can buy loads of custom parts for it. I spend loads of time looking for all sorts of different bits, getting inspiration off instagram etc. to get stuff to customise it to exactly how I want it. There’s a real range of things - from REALLY SPENNY to nice lil cheap stuff.

Cons - one massive con is the exhaust - it’s way too quiet. Gemma calls it a hairdryer but I think she says that just to upset me. It just seems cheap and crap. I am searching for the perfect exhaust but I also don’t really have £1K hanging around to drop on that when the current one is working fine, even if it does so very quietly. Loud pipes save lives ya know, and I just want my bike to look good but also sound good….

Do you do work to your own bike?

Yes, bits and bobs, but I haven’t done anything really major to it. I have done a few cosmetic things to it, but this has mainly consisted of bolting new bits on. I put a tail tidy on it, which was a bit more complicated and did require some supervision from a much more competent pal (it turns I really rush things and often don’t read instructions properly). I have some fork shrouds and smaller front mudguard still to put on, but I don’t have a suitable lift for the front end to do this at the moment. I do small stuff like change the oil and clean and oil the chain, and have fixed small electrical bits, but anything rated more than 2 spanners in the Haynes manual is probably beyond me at this stage. I really want to put a loud Akrapovic exhaust on it, but that might be too advanced for my humble skills (and certainly the remapping would be).

Tell us about your dream road trip?

I would love to ride through California on an old Triumph or a BSA A65, preferably with my dad so he could show me how to fix back on all the bits that fall off. We could do the Pacific Coast highway and then ride all around in the sunshine. It would also be fun to ride across the States on a big Harley with some pals - I’ve only done road trips with one or a couple of other people, it would be amazing to have a real gang, carry a tent, eat weird food at roadside diners and sleep under stars: a bit like the Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance vibes.

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

Urban Rider is a great shout - they’ve got loads of nice women’s gear, much more than there ever was in the olden days (by this I mean the early noughties). I generally always get my helmets from Urban Rider because I only really wear retro styles and they sell all the best ones. Jackets I actually get from the Stafford Vintage Motorcycle Show. They sell an awful lot of truly terrible pink/purple/cinched-in plastic women’s gear, but, if you have the stamina to look through everything you can get some very good stuff - for example I have a really nice Merlin wax jacket that I wear all year round, and it was two thirds cheaper than it would be in the shops. I have some Resurgence kevlar armoured jeans too, I got these at the Bike Shed show in 2017 - with the armour out they just look like normal jeans. I wear either Red Wings or Thorogoods on my feet.

What helmet do you ride in? Tell us what you think of it.

I have three different ones, and it depends what I doing/riding. I have baby blue BELL BULLITT and an AGV X3000 in matte black. The Bell is great for any and all applications, and I like to wear this when I ride my dad’s bikes (partly because I have a retro bubble visor for it too). This helmet has a MASSIVE visual field, which is great for seeing stuff. I also have a mirrored visor for it which is fun because it makes me look like I’m in Daft Punk and it keeps the sun out of my eyes. Sadly, it’s blue and my XSR is green so I bought the AGV because I wanted another helmet with a visor that didn’t clash with my bike… This helmet has my SENA intercom system in it, so I use this if I need directions somewhere. The great thing about AGV helmets is the variations in shell sizes, I have a small-medium instead of just small or medium and it means the helmet is very low profile in contrast to lots of other brands - basically it doesn’t make me feel like I have a mushroom head.

Favourite moto instagrams for inspiration?

I follow @CappuccinoMoto for XSR-specific inspiration, and @Bikeexif for amazing builds. @j.shia is an incredible builder, creating increasingly bonkers bikes (including the ones for the Ghostbusters film). I really love @hello.engine - he only really works on desert sleds and I love the stories he does of doing bits of work on old Triumphs. In 2013 I started following @WomensMotoExhibit, probably one of the first motorcycling account focussed on women riders - it made me realise that there were loads of cool women riders out there to hang out with, I just needed to find them! Turns out, none of them lived in Shropshire, but in 2015 @VC_London came along and I realised some cool moto gals could be located in east London!

- NAMIN -

@NMCHO

When and why did you first start riding?

I started riding 5 years ago. After a few years on the back of an ex's bike, I decided to take the plunge when I met Gemma. Seeing another girl who I could relate to ride a cool 125cc that she had built herself, that's what sparked the idea and also got me asking myself why the hell did I not think of doing it sooner!

What was your first bike ?

'87 Honda CG125. Was stock when bought, and gradually customised.

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

Dirt Quake 2015, not a big trip but I think it was my first riding trip riding out of London. I was still learning and went far too wide on a few corners, plus I couldn't kickstart my bike so I had to get other people to do it for me every time we had a stop! But we were riding in a great little crew, and even with a big mix of bike sizes and riding experience, everyone stuck together.

Any tips on what you think is a great first bike?

Something you feel comfortable on and won't cause any problems. It can be a stressful and full on experience learning to ride anyway, you don't want a bike that's going to be breaking down on you. Once you are comfortable riding, then look for your dream project bike.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Everyone learns at a difference pace, do things at your own speed. Also, if you don't have any road experience (driving or cycling) and you struggle with the geared bike, consider getting your CBT on a scooter and take more time to get used to being on the road and using gears. One day is really not a long time to learn everything so don't put too much pressure on yourself.

What route did you take into riding?

CBT first, 125 for about a year whilst I tried (and failed, many times!) to get my full license.

What bike do you own now?

2000 Kawasaki W650, custom bobber.

What do you love about your bike/ would you recommend your bike to other riders?

I love the chopper/bobber aesthetic, but I can't deal with the problems you get with old bikes, so I love that my engine comes from a modern bike. It also looks pretty damn sexy :)

Pros and cons of your current bike?

Pro: electric start, Con: tiny fuel tank

Do you do any work to your own bike?

Nothing major, just little fixes and bits of maintenance.

Tell us about your dream road trip?

I would love to go riding in NZ where I grew up. There are some stunning roads I used to go to when I was young, and I bet they would be even better on a bike.

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

I'm not very bike gear brand savvy, but if I needed something I would start by looking on Urban Rider or Bike Shed. General gear recommendation would be to invest in good winter gloves. Also get one of those buff things for your neck/face. I thought they were a bit lame at first but now it’s a must have.

What helmet do you ride in?

A DMD seventy five. I used to wear open face helmets as well before I got this one, but now I wear the seventy five exclusively. It fits well, is pretty light, I like the vintage motocross style, and I feel safe wearing it.

What are your fave instagrams for moto inspiration?

I really enjoy following the small but growing moto scene in my home country. @mazenta.c this guy and his mate have a workshop called Garage 94, which @dangerdamesseoul took me to when I was last in Seoul and got to hang/ride with them for a day. I love the 125cc trackers they build, which often start as extremely ugly Daelim bikes (a Korean motorcycle brand)

KIRSTY

@KIRSTY_LOWREY

When and why did you first start riding?

I started riding in 2017. I always wanted to ride - I grew up around bikes with my dad, my boyfriend also rides and we were desperate to get out on a trip together.

What was your first bike ?

A Herald 125

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

When I passed my full licence in 2018 three days later I went on the Bonnie for a month across Spain - I basically learnt that if I can ride into Barcelona I can ride anywhere.

Any tips on what you think is a great first bike?

I loved my Herald, it was reliable, electric start - I just felt confident getting around on it, I think that’s important when you first start - especially if you're in London.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Practise Practise Practise! If you can - talk to other riders, ask them questions, not even the most experienced rider is the best, you can always learn more.

What route did you take (CBT, a 125 for a bit, DAS straight away etc) ?

CBT, 125 for a year then I got my full licence.

What bike do you own now?

A 1978 Kawasaki KZ750 chopper

What do you love about your bike/ would you recommend your bike to other riders?

I love my bike because I can touch the fucking floor! ha! It’s been nice working on a bike that suits and feels comfortable for me, I would totally recommend my bike to others but I would say most importantly find a bike that fits you.

Pros and cons of your current bike?

Pros: It’s comfortable and it's a babe.

Cons: it's old and sometimes has "issues"

Do you do any work to your own bike?

Other than picking the aesthetic stuff not really.

Tell us about your dream road trip?

Italy! Winding roads and eating pasta.

MAI

@MAII_STL

When and why did you first start riding?

I started to ride around 2015, I learnt cause I was intrigued and wanted to be independent as I didn’t have a driving licence at the time.

What was your first bike?

A 1976 Honda CG125.

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

A trip to the Revolution show in Hastings with all the crew.

What bikes would you recommend for a first bike?

I would recommend the CG125 cause they are very reliable bikes and easy to learn on. In terms of mechanics it is easy to understand as well.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Do it! Build your confidence and enjoy yourself.

What route did you take into riding?

I passed my CBT and rode for almost 1 year and a half before I decided to pass my full licence. I didn’t feel like starting on a big bike straight away.

What bike do you own now?

I still have my little Honda and also bought a 1980 Yamaha XS650

What do you love about your bike/ would you recommend your bike to other riders?

I feel very comfortable on my two bikes, I feel I know how they are and can control them if something goes wrong.

Pros and cons of your current bike?

As I said, my little CG is very reliable so will always work but my Yamaha is heavily customised and always has something going wrong; I’ve been having battery problems on this bike since the beginning but it’s ok. It’s my pride and joy so can’t get mad at her for too long hahah

Do you do any work to your own bikes?

From time to time, whenever something easy needs to be fixed or replaced, I put my hand to it.

Tell us about your dream road trip?

My dream road trip would probably be in the Canadian wilderness.

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

I like wearing protective gear that doesn’t look like you’re wearing body armour. Brands like Atwyld, Saint cc, Tobacco motorwear and Red Wing boots

Fave instagrams for moto inspiration?

@doposthuma

@shelbyclarc

@babesrinthedirt

SARAH

When and why did you first start riding?

I first started riding motorbikes at the beginning of 2017 but I used to ride a moped back when I was in my early 20s and spent my childhood on the back of my father’s motorbike. I had always wanted to learn to ride a geared bike and after meeting my partner who had been riding for years, I finally took the plunge. Also, discovering VC London helped give me the extra confidence!

What was your first bike ?

My first bike is still my current bike. I ride a sweet lil’ customised Yamaha SR125 which I bought about a month or so after I first passed my CBT.

What was the best road trip you ever did on your first bike?

This may sound lame, but I have never taken my bike further than a few hours ride outside of London. It sadly wasn’t working when I did the epic ride from London to Wales for Camp VC in 2017 so I had to hire a 125.

Any tips on what you think is a great first bike? What bikes would you recommend for a first bike?

My only tips are to get something vaguely reliable and with an electric start. You really don’t want to be stalling in traffic (and you will stall in traffic) when you only have a kick start. You will end up swearing and sweating your tits off and looking like a real idiot when you still can’t get it started after the 10th kick.

Any general tips for newbie riders?

Get someone to teach you who is patient and make sure you understand that when changing gear, you wanna take your hand off the throttle! Also, don’t go cheap on the helmet. It’s your head and you only have the one so be kind to it. Watch out for dickheads riding in the cycle lane and lock your bike up with AT LEAST three different locks when leaving it unattended.

What route did you take into riding?

I am still only on a CBT sadly. I was booked in to do my DAS in March and then everything got cancelled and shut down due to the Rona…. Hopefully later this year I can finally get it done!

What bike do you own now?

As above, my cute as hell lil’ Yamaha SR125.

What do you love about your bike/ would you recommend your bike to other riders?

My bike is small and light and that gave me a lot of confidence when I was first learning. It also has a pretty rough and ready look to it, which I like as it made me feel better about dropping it (which I have only done once!). I would for sure recommend it for a beginner and in fact, lots of gals have already had their first taste of motorcycling on my bike at the VC London Learn to Ride Days!

Pros and cons of your current bike?

It’s cheap to run, light, low, not too desirable to thieves and generally very reliable. On the other hand, it has some idiosyncrasies that take a little getting used to (like cutting out if you don’t give it a little gas just after coming to a stop) and a mirror that always come loose.

Do you do any work to your own bike?

I have done a few little things on it here and there but I generally take it to my awesome mechanic when anything more complicated than a change of spark plug or battery is needed! I would LOVE to be able to do more by myself and will hopefully learn one day.

Tell us about your dream road trip!

I would absolutely love to ride through the USA on a bike. The wide open spaces and small town places along the way are so inviting, especially for a photographer like myself.

Any recommendations for great bike gear?

I wear Resurgence riding jeans when I am going out on a longer ride and I have two great jackets; an armoured wax jacket and a really warm Kevlar-lined, waterproof and armoured riding ‘hoodie’ for winter. I always wear Red Wings when I ride as they are super comfy and very hardy.

What helmet do you ride in?

I have a few different helmets but they are all full-face. I quite like my chin and so would like to hang on to it! I have a couple of DMD Seventy Five lids, which I love to wear in the summer and a Premier full face which does me well in the colder months. I like having the option of a visor like on my Premier but love just wearing sunny gees or goggles with the DMDs when it is warmer. I also have a Premier Trophy MX Racer helmet, which is similar to the DMDs. I find both brands to be super comfortable and well made.

Favourite moto instagrams for inspiration:

@womensmotoexhibit