No i didn't have a friend teach me, that was an instructor, thats how we do it over on this side of the pond.
As I say dont take my word for it on the size but you'll definitely want armoured cable
Mine will do 95mph in 1st gear now give it a rest I'm bored of this shite now as is everyone else, you would not win a ¼m race nor a hoon around any twisties.