tbourner Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 What is the current process for learning to ride a motorcycle? I've never ridden a motorbike but have a full UK car licence. I always thought it went along the lines of CBT - Some other test/course like an advanced CBT (optional) - ride on the roads for up to 2 years on a 250 or less - take test within 2 years and ride anything. What's the advanced course though that lets you ride any bike straight away? I'll probably only want a 250 anyway so should I do that? What kinda timescales? I assume there's no theory test or anything? How much is it all? What about intensive courses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeordieSteve Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 CBT - Theory - Test. Direct access means ride any bike from that day onwards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Walker Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 I am sure Neil/SkyJawa will advise of the current costs! Was I the only one who thought this was going to be a joke? Gaz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelG Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 What's the advanced course though that lets you ride any bike straight away? I'll probably only want a 250 anyway so should I do that? I sense someone who wants a rather powerful bike in the not too distant future....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afreemason Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 You have to do your CBT which is a day long thing and will have you on the roads in the afternoon. On it's own, this allows you to ride a Vidal Sasoon special on the road with L plates (no pillion though ! unlike the bloody kids round by us !!!) This is valid for 2 years before you need to take it again unless ....... you take an actual bike test : 250 cc once passed means you've got to ride a vidal sassoon for two years before buying a bigger bike Direct Access (500cc plus) exactly the same test so a bit of a no brainer IMHO but means you can go straight out and buy an R1 or Firebkade and make like Valentino Rossi !!!!!! Cost ..... about £100 per day ...... you'll need 3 - 5 days depending on how good you are to start with !!!!! Either which way ........ it's a ***king blast mate ....... enjoy !!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted September 9, 2005 Author Share Posted September 9, 2005 Was I the only one who thought this was going to be a joke? Gaz. I thought the title was a bad choice after I'd posted it!! D'OH!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 I did the direct access and that cost around 500quid, includes all the lessons you need before you pass + the cost of each test should you fail the first. While I was waiting for my first lesson I booked a theory test - specific to bikes. You need to have the pass cert before you can book your practical test, which has to be done well in advance because there's quite a waiting list. First off was the CBT, started off on a 125 learning clutch control and dodging cones around a school playground, just to get you used to a bike. After 30minutes on that I jumped on the 500 and did the same thing. After that you're out on the road. I did mine at the weekends but you could do a 4-5 day intensive in one go if you wanted. IMO avoid the big schools and choose a local trainer with a good rep. I used D&G based in Orpington, one man band and there's never more than two of you learning at any one time so you get the attention and training you need. Riding a proper bike is great fun, you're love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicmatty Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 Im fairly sure its done by BHP......Once you pass your test you are limited to 33BHP, so you could buy an R1 for example and restrict it to 33bhp for 2 years... Then unrestrict it and wahey............ (Unless you do D/A, then you can ride anything.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afreemason Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 Doesn't an R1 deliver more than 33bhp when on tickover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicmatty Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 A bike reporter tested some kids 33bhp restricted Hayabusa not that long ago.......Said it was fine until you needed to pull away quick, then it became a real "gamble" machine.....But Im sure 33bhp is the actual limit for a new rider...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyJawa Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 I did my DAS early August though I'd previously done a Cbt and rode a 100cc scooter for 2 years so the road awareness etc already there. Had a 2 year gap, booked the theory (20 odd quid) and passed, then re-did the CBT - 1day (well half as we were sh!t hot ). Then did monday on a 125cc, tuesday onto the 500cc's did practical test at 8:40 Thursday morning and passed I can now ride whatever I want as thats DAS. Total cost was around 700, but you can get cheaper however the place I learnt with all the bikes were in top nick and nearly new, top class instructor etc. Other option is the smaller bikes, ride 2 years then move on to the big boys - sod that I bought a 600cc Yamaha Fazer, has a detuned R6 engine, puts out 98bhp and weighs about 179kg. Suffice to say its faster than most cars, and easily faster than my BPU Supe and Stage 1 GTR! Its not even a supersports bike Still hits 60 in about 3.5 and 100 in about 7.5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted September 9, 2005 Author Share Posted September 9, 2005 Well at the moment I'm only looking at getting something to use for work and bits like that when Zoe passes her test and nicks the Renault, so a 125 or 250 will do. But then I also said I won't be modifying the Supra cos 320bhp is enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyJawa Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 TBH, theres not that much cost saving to be had, at least you have the choice if you do the full licence................ Oh - and watch out for van drivers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 After never even having ridden a moped, I did the 6 day DAS with Paragon (based in Gosport). As opposed to my driving test when I was a bundle of nerves, I was totally confident on my bike test, and only got one minor fault. Plus, they're a friendly and relaxed bunch. http://www.orangebikers.com/ You might find yourself getting bored of the 125/250. I've had a CB500 since my test a year and a half ago, and am constantly debating whether to sell the Supra and buy a hooligan bike! (can't afford both at the mo) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terribleturner Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 Do the direct access mate, you'll get bored with the 125 or 250. But then i guess if you don't have far to commute then it'll be alright. I've never ridden anything less than a 500 and i've now got an R6 and i still want more power. Saying that i had a 320bhp supra and i still want more power, maybe it's just me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afreemason Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 A bike reporter tested some kids 33bhp restricted Hayabusa not that long ago.......Said it was fine until you needed to pull away quick, then it became a real "gamble" machine.....But Im sure 33bhp is the actual limit for a new rider...... Sorry to go backwards in the thread BUT ........ a hyabusa; std 150 ish bhp or something like that ?????? ....... limited to 33 bhp that'd be like having sex with 5mm worth of your todger where is it ..... only time I'll ever stuff a busa !!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salvatore Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Just do it m8! Go the DAS route, then you're not restricted in the future if you fancy a bigger bike. I did it about a month and a half ago, got a lurvely GSX-R600 and can't stop grinning whenever i twist the throttle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobAndrews Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 what are the noobies paying for insurance on bikes when you've only just passed? i want to do this but can't afford to shell out a load on insurance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicmatty Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Try H&R insurance sevices (Post number later if I can find it!!) They take into consideration your car no claims (Not a full discount - but a helpful start!) Def do the DAS...99.9% of people I have ever known take a bike test say "A small bike will do for a now" But after a week or 2, the bug takes you, and you HAVE to have more power & speed, cause you'll love it and get bored to death..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyJawa Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 I'm with H&R - £700 quid for me on an almost new Yamaha FZ6-N 600cc worth 4.5k Supersports generally were weighing in over 1k........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Need4Speed Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 It's a bit more sensible than years ago. I passed my test on a 100 Yamaha and went out and bought a Honda CB900. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afreemason Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 I'm with H&R (I think) £650 on a S reg VFR 800 with zero no claims after a sliding incident on the M5 ..... took into account full no claims on car policy ....... SUCKERS !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terribleturner Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 I was with Zenith and my first bike last year was a ZX6 and i was paying £745. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salvatore Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 £600 fully comp through Norwich Union Direct - not too shabby really... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 I thought bike insurance was cheaper!!!!! Oh well I can't afford that then never mind - was worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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