DAS or Get over myself?
Discussion
I'm 50, and when I was 16 did all the Yam Fizz and then Suzuki GT125 and then, just as I'm about to take my bike test, I bought a Vauxhall Viva and the rest is history.
Fast forward to now, and I have always regretted not passing my bike test. I'd really like the option to take out my bike for a spin with my 12 year old son on a sunny Sunday.
So, am I just pandering to a mid life crisis, or should I do my bike test? Is DAS the best way to do it, and what should I be looking for bike wise when I pass?
I'm fully prepared for the "middle aged tosser, weekend wannabe" comments, which may well be justified, I guess I'm looking for a reality check.
Fast forward to now, and I have always regretted not passing my bike test. I'd really like the option to take out my bike for a spin with my 12 year old son on a sunny Sunday.
So, am I just pandering to a mid life crisis, or should I do my bike test? Is DAS the best way to do it, and what should I be looking for bike wise when I pass?
I'm fully prepared for the "middle aged tosser, weekend wannabe" comments, which may well be justified, I guess I'm looking for a reality check.
I am a father of 2 and started riding late in the game (passed test in my late 30's). With age comes experience and a more sensible outlook to riding even powerful bikes. Am sure if I had started at the same time as passing my driving test I would have perhaps taken more risks and not still been around.
Go for it, like me you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Go for it, like me you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Do your DAS, buy the bike you want, and sod what the rest of the world thinks.
In terms of what bike, see what you like. Spend some time riding on the school bikes, do you test then go and sit on a few bikes. Then you will have more of an idea of what style you want (sports, naked, adventure, cruiser) and what fits you and the riding you want to do. Or alternatively let your son choose, as we all know 12 year old boys are the ultimate arbiters of car and bike cool
.
In terms of what bike, see what you like. Spend some time riding on the school bikes, do you test then go and sit on a few bikes. Then you will have more of an idea of what style you want (sports, naked, adventure, cruiser) and what fits you and the riding you want to do. Or alternatively let your son choose, as we all know 12 year old boys are the ultimate arbiters of car and bike cool
.Sounds daft when I say it out aloud or even in text, but learning to ride a bike 11 years ago was best thing, my biggest regret is not getting a cbt 9 years prior when I 16...I'd be some moto gp god or something lol well that's what I tell myself.
No question. Do it, life is for living not thinking or procrastination.
No question. Do it, life is for living not thinking or procrastination.
Tyre Smoke said:
I'm fully prepared for the "middle aged tosser, weekend wannabe" comments, which may well be justified, I guess I'm looking for a reality check.
What do you think this is, The Lounge? Do your DAS, get the bike you like the looks of best, and get out there and enjoy it!I did a DAS course last year on a whim and have loved motorcycling since! My mates dad who is in his 60's now recently did a back to school course after a 30 year or so break and now goes out pretty much every week. After seeing him do that, I would urge you to give the DAS a go if it's something you've always wanted to do. I considered doing a restricted course but then thought to myself if I'm considering doing that, why not just do the DAS and then buy a bike I'm comfortable/confident on. It's hard to know what to get first time I think, I've got a Vulcan S. I'm happy with engine and power but I'm going to swap it for something more practical like a Versys after I've had it for a year.
andburg said:
No question, do the DAS. There will be little/no cost difference to you as you understand the basic controls and have ridden before.
Holding a full license doesn't mean you have to buy S1000RR but at least you'll be legal if you feel like it.
It's a load of hoops to jump through (CBT, theory, Mod1 and Mod2) but I did mine last year and having a run on a sunny day is just fantastic, wish I'd done it sooner.Holding a full license doesn't mean you have to buy S1000RR but at least you'll be legal if you feel like it.
I second the comment on the bike choice. Just cos you can buy a H2R doesn't mean you have to. I keep toying with the idea of a bigger bike but my humble GS500E is doing a stellar job of what I ask of it so I don't care if it's considered dull.
On the topic of bike, and I know the 'what bike?' has been done to death, I suppose I need to get down to Bridge in Exeter and have a chat to the people there.
Back in the day, I was bike savvy, now I don't have a clue! I've never liked cruisers, and reckon a sports bike would be just too uncomfortable, so something (excuse me young 'uns) Honda 400/4, like. But the modern equivalent so 500-650? Sporty, but comfortable and not too slow. Something I can get off after a 100 miles and not think "ooooh, me back!".
Back in the day, I was bike savvy, now I don't have a clue! I've never liked cruisers, and reckon a sports bike would be just too uncomfortable, so something (excuse me young 'uns) Honda 400/4, like. But the modern equivalent so 500-650? Sporty, but comfortable and not too slow. Something I can get off after a 100 miles and not think "ooooh, me back!".
Tyre Smoke said:
On the topic of bike, and I know the 'what bike?' has been done to death, I suppose I need to get down to Bridge in Exeter and have a chat to the people there.
Back in the day, I was bike savvy, now I don't have a clue! I've never liked cruisers, and reckon a sports bike would be just too uncomfortable, so something (excuse me young 'uns) Honda 400/4, like. But the modern equivalent so 500-650? Sporty, but comfortable and not too slow. Something I can get off after a 100 miles and not think "ooooh, me back!".
Suggest any of the current mid sized so 600-800cc naked bikes would suit once DAS/License is obtained. Anything bought now seems more likley to come with added stuff like ABS brakes too. Look at something like Kwak z/Honda cbf /Triumph speed/yamaha mt and add the cc/cylinder layout of choice.Back in the day, I was bike savvy, now I don't have a clue! I've never liked cruisers, and reckon a sports bike would be just too uncomfortable, so something (excuse me young 'uns) Honda 400/4, like. But the modern equivalent so 500-650? Sporty, but comfortable and not too slow. Something I can get off after a 100 miles and not think "ooooh, me back!".
I did DAS and like lots say, its the way to go.
I then went a got a Hornet 600. If you get a cheep bike for the first one then when you drop it you will not cry. Also give you time to work out what kind of bike you want.
Had my licence 5 years now and is one of the best things I did. 2000 miles aroud Europe was amazing.
I then went a got a Hornet 600. If you get a cheep bike for the first one then when you drop it you will not cry. Also give you time to work out what kind of bike you want.
Had my licence 5 years now and is one of the best things I did. 2000 miles aroud Europe was amazing.
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