Newby looking for advice!
Discussion
As title, looking at you guys for some expert advice, if you don't mind.
Never ridden a bike but always had a itch to buy one and get on the bike scene (after getting on the back of a CBR900 many years ago) I think the time is now right - I'm sensible and old enough (36)
I've done some basic research and understand a CBT & Theory/Hazard Perception needs doing (I'll get this sorted)
The next part will be (as I'm over 24) would be DAS - can someone explain if this is both the MOD 1 and Mod 2 (little confused on this) and is the cost of DAS including the test? What does the DAS involved etc
My initial plan was CBT/Theory/DAS and then buy something like a CBR600 and take some Advanced rider lessons - is this a sensible approach? I'm now thinking it may be worth buying a 125 in the interim period just to get some experience (mainly changing gears/general road riding) and then get a 600 after I've done the DAS.
Any particular 125 I should look at (Honda/Yamaha) - not bothered about looks, just need the riding experience. Once I'm ready for a 600, then will look for one that looks nice too
Thank you in advance!
Never ridden a bike but always had a itch to buy one and get on the bike scene (after getting on the back of a CBR900 many years ago) I think the time is now right - I'm sensible and old enough (36)
I've done some basic research and understand a CBT & Theory/Hazard Perception needs doing (I'll get this sorted)
The next part will be (as I'm over 24) would be DAS - can someone explain if this is both the MOD 1 and Mod 2 (little confused on this) and is the cost of DAS including the test? What does the DAS involved etc
My initial plan was CBT/Theory/DAS and then buy something like a CBR600 and take some Advanced rider lessons - is this a sensible approach? I'm now thinking it may be worth buying a 125 in the interim period just to get some experience (mainly changing gears/general road riding) and then get a 600 after I've done the DAS.
Any particular 125 I should look at (Honda/Yamaha) - not bothered about looks, just need the riding experience. Once I'm ready for a 600, then will look for one that looks nice too
Thank you in advance!
DAS is Mod1 (manovures around a 'playground - figure of 8, u turn, etc), and MOD2 (out on the road with instructor directing).
The test fee is paid to your riding school.
Some good videos on Youtube of what's involved.
I am a fan of learning the ropes on a 125 but after a while you'll hanker for a bigger bike.
The test fee is paid to your riding school.
Some good videos on Youtube of what's involved.
I am a fan of learning the ropes on a 125 but after a while you'll hanker for a bigger bike.
CBT compulsory to start taken on a 125cc bike. Lasts 2 years and allows you to ride a 125 on a L plate
Theory test including hazard perception about £35, usually paid and taken separately from DAS training and test (Not required for CBT.
DAS involves 600 cc bikes and the following two elements:
MOD 1, which is the skills test on a large car park type area, (Similar to CBT skills test but on a bigger bike and includes swerve test)
MOD 2, which is the road ride with examiner following but in radio contact.
MOD 1 and 2 training usually quoted with the first test fees included, from memory these are circa £40 for MOD 1 and £85 for MOD 2, (Slightly more at the weekend.
Unless you want a bike between the CBT and the DAS training I wouldn't bother with a 125cc as you will want a 600cc as soon as you pass and they feel more stable when you have tried them.
Theory test including hazard perception about £35, usually paid and taken separately from DAS training and test (Not required for CBT.
DAS involves 600 cc bikes and the following two elements:
MOD 1, which is the skills test on a large car park type area, (Similar to CBT skills test but on a bigger bike and includes swerve test)
MOD 2, which is the road ride with examiner following but in radio contact.
MOD 1 and 2 training usually quoted with the first test fees included, from memory these are circa £40 for MOD 1 and £85 for MOD 2, (Slightly more at the weekend.
Unless you want a bike between the CBT and the DAS training I wouldn't bother with a 125cc as you will want a 600cc as soon as you pass and they feel more stable when you have tried them.
Did my test last year at 29 years old, I'll cover what I know.
The DAS should include X amount of days training (depends on the package you buy, usually 2/3/4 days), your Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests and the bike with necessary gear.
You will need to do your CBT and then your theory test before you start the DAS. Some do provide packages that include this, but it is probably cheaper to do them seperately. Definitely do your CBT on a 125cc manual.
The amount of days training is up to you; if you haven't ridden before then they usually suggest 4 days.
The actual layout of the week depends on the company, but with mine it was:
Day One - All day in a car park doing slow control and Mod 1 practice.
Day Two - Car park as above in the morning, Mod 1 test in the afternoon.
Day Three - On the road all day.
Day Four - On the road all morning, test in the afternoon.
The Mod 1 test is done in a special tarmac area and is mainly focused on slow control (weaving cones, figure 8 etc) and two medium speed avoidance/braking maneuvers. There are loads of videos online showing the setup.
Mod 2 test is exactly like your driving test, but your examiner will follow behind you on his own bike giving instructions in an ear piece.
The tests aren't too bad, but nerves can throw you off.
I passed my test and jumped straight onto a Brutale 910, so I don't know about advanced courses etc. Some swear by them, others dont, it really is a preference thing.
I considered getting a 125cc after my CBT and using it for a year before doing my DAS. My advice, don't bother unless you are particularly s
t at riding and need the road time. I went from no riding experience (aside from a moped 10 years before) to full licence in less than 6 weeks (inc. CBT and a retest for Mod 2).
Definitely do it; as cool as bikes look, it is even better when you actually get on them
HTH
The DAS should include X amount of days training (depends on the package you buy, usually 2/3/4 days), your Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests and the bike with necessary gear.
You will need to do your CBT and then your theory test before you start the DAS. Some do provide packages that include this, but it is probably cheaper to do them seperately. Definitely do your CBT on a 125cc manual.
The amount of days training is up to you; if you haven't ridden before then they usually suggest 4 days.
The actual layout of the week depends on the company, but with mine it was:
Day One - All day in a car park doing slow control and Mod 1 practice.
Day Two - Car park as above in the morning, Mod 1 test in the afternoon.
Day Three - On the road all day.
Day Four - On the road all morning, test in the afternoon.
The Mod 1 test is done in a special tarmac area and is mainly focused on slow control (weaving cones, figure 8 etc) and two medium speed avoidance/braking maneuvers. There are loads of videos online showing the setup.
Mod 2 test is exactly like your driving test, but your examiner will follow behind you on his own bike giving instructions in an ear piece.
The tests aren't too bad, but nerves can throw you off.
I passed my test and jumped straight onto a Brutale 910, so I don't know about advanced courses etc. Some swear by them, others dont, it really is a preference thing.
I considered getting a 125cc after my CBT and using it for a year before doing my DAS. My advice, don't bother unless you are particularly s
t at riding and need the road time. I went from no riding experience (aside from a moped 10 years before) to full licence in less than 6 weeks (inc. CBT and a retest for Mod 2).Definitely do it; as cool as bikes look, it is even better when you actually get on them
HTH
Just relax and enjoy yourself. Providing you can grasp the basics, passing the test shouldn't be a problem.
Mod 1 is probably the real stumbling block as there is little room for error. Make sure you can do exactly what you need to do before starting, instead of wasting an attempt by guessing how it should be done. Watching a video on youtube will be helpful, and good riding schools will get you on the course before actual test for a dry run.
Mod 2 is a piece of piss by comparison. It's just a test of your basic riding skills, and you van lose the instructor for a while, should you wish.
As for getting a 125, I think it's worth it if you have a good bit of time between your CBT and DAS and fancy learning the ropes. For slow bike control and the other Mod 1 tasks they're quite handy as they're less stable at low speeds than a bigger bike so they can really fine tune your control. If you're not going to have much time to ride alone, I wouldn't bother.
Mod 1 is probably the real stumbling block as there is little room for error. Make sure you can do exactly what you need to do before starting, instead of wasting an attempt by guessing how it should be done. Watching a video on youtube will be helpful, and good riding schools will get you on the course before actual test for a dry run.
Mod 2 is a piece of piss by comparison. It's just a test of your basic riding skills, and you van lose the instructor for a while, should you wish.
As for getting a 125, I think it's worth it if you have a good bit of time between your CBT and DAS and fancy learning the ropes. For slow bike control and the other Mod 1 tasks they're quite handy as they're less stable at low speeds than a bigger bike so they can really fine tune your control. If you're not going to have much time to ride alone, I wouldn't bother.
I did my DAS in November (after 2 years on a 50cc scooter and about 4 on a van van) - I passed MOD1 and MOD2 first time.
I can confirm that the MOD1 is the easiest to mess up. I did mine on a Gladius - big old lumpy bike compared to my 125 and some of the tighter manoeuvres were quite hard going. The test only lasts ~7 mins (yes. 7 minutes, go look on youtube) - but they are strict on mistakes. Foot down mid-manoeuvre - fail. Cross white line on U-turn, fail.
Mod-2 was a lot easier as its mostly road and common sense. I actually took a wrong turn at one point (followed the wrong sign during the 'self guided' part of the test) as long as you go the wrong way correctly, i.e if you take 3rd exit but do all your indicating correctly for a 3rd exit procedure, they can't even minor you.
I think the years of riding around on a 125 was helpful - esp that I did more than half of it on a geared bike. Means you can use all your mental concentration on the manoeuvre and not on clutch control etc.
For me, the u-turn was my nemesis. I went down to a carpark for a couple of evenings and did solid u-turns for about an hour. Trying to go as slowly as possibly and not put my foot down to improve balance.
Also, my instructor took me to the MOD-1 area on the sunday before I did my test - and we practiced all the manoeuvres a few times. This also has the fringe benefit that you get familiar with the space (its a little intimidating with test pressure + the face it has a bloody great fence around it)
good luck
I can confirm that the MOD1 is the easiest to mess up. I did mine on a Gladius - big old lumpy bike compared to my 125 and some of the tighter manoeuvres were quite hard going. The test only lasts ~7 mins (yes. 7 minutes, go look on youtube) - but they are strict on mistakes. Foot down mid-manoeuvre - fail. Cross white line on U-turn, fail.
Mod-2 was a lot easier as its mostly road and common sense. I actually took a wrong turn at one point (followed the wrong sign during the 'self guided' part of the test) as long as you go the wrong way correctly, i.e if you take 3rd exit but do all your indicating correctly for a 3rd exit procedure, they can't even minor you.
I think the years of riding around on a 125 was helpful - esp that I did more than half of it on a geared bike. Means you can use all your mental concentration on the manoeuvre and not on clutch control etc.
For me, the u-turn was my nemesis. I went down to a carpark for a couple of evenings and did solid u-turns for about an hour. Trying to go as slowly as possibly and not put my foot down to improve balance.
Also, my instructor took me to the MOD-1 area on the sunday before I did my test - and we practiced all the manoeuvres a few times. This also has the fringe benefit that you get familiar with the space (its a little intimidating with test pressure + the face it has a bloody great fence around it)
good luck
For Advanced rider lessons you need to have spent some time riding. If you can get on your bike quite often it will take about a year of riding before looking at what advarnced riding you would like to do. It takes time for the riding to become automatic so you can focuse just on the road and not how you are making the bike do what you want.
I would look at starting with the Police day traning then ether IAM or RoSPA. Also look at thing like www.i2imca.com that is about bike control.
Most of all enjoy is it it a LOT of fun.
I would look at starting with the Police day traning then ether IAM or RoSPA. Also look at thing like www.i2imca.com that is about bike control.
Most of all enjoy is it it a LOT of fun.
I passed my full test last Friday after doing the CBT back in Jan. I'd already bought a bike for when I passed, but given lack of time to get lessons in I was growing annoyed about not being able get out whenever I wanted, so got rid of that and bought a KTM RC125 in March instead.
I also had to wait 12 weeks for a Mod 2 test, so having the 125 to practice on while I was waiting was a huge benefit. Ended up doing over 900 miles on it.
If I had to do it all again from scratch, I'd do the same. Definitely benefited from having miles on the 125 under my belt and made any mistakes on that, rather than a bigger bike. Having the 125 didn't stop me from going anywhere either (apart from motorways due to the L plates!) and meant I could just pop out whenever I felt like it, instead of having to book a lesson in. KTM is up for sale now and hoping not to lose too much money on it as they're always in demand.
I also had to wait 12 weeks for a Mod 2 test, so having the 125 to practice on while I was waiting was a huge benefit. Ended up doing over 900 miles on it.
If I had to do it all again from scratch, I'd do the same. Definitely benefited from having miles on the 125 under my belt and made any mistakes on that, rather than a bigger bike. Having the 125 didn't stop me from going anywhere either (apart from motorways due to the L plates!) and meant I could just pop out whenever I felt like it, instead of having to book a lesson in. KTM is up for sale now and hoping not to lose too much money on it as they're always in demand.
Use the riding schools bike for the DAS training then buy yourself a 500cc or 600cc commuter style bike for a year to get the hang of things and so it's not too expensive when you drop it. Get a 5ish year old CB500/ER6 or something like that then sell it again after a year for almost what you paid for it and buy a Hayabusa, because that's what you'll really be hankering after 
.
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UPDATE:
CBT done
Loved it, much better than I expected. Got the bike bug good an proper. Bike handling was really good but had a few niggles with clutch control but sure will get the hang of that.
Theory booked in a couple of weeks.
I'm going to go for a 125 to get some base miles in and then go for the DAS once I've done my theory.
Anyone know of a good deal going on a 125? Looking at around £1000 - £1500.
Thanks!
CBT done
Loved it, much better than I expected. Got the bike bug good an proper. Bike handling was really good but had a few niggles with clutch control but sure will get the hang of that.
Theory booked in a couple of weeks.
I'm going to go for a 125 to get some base miles in and then go for the DAS once I've done my theory.
Anyone know of a good deal going on a 125? Looking at around £1000 - £1500.
Thanks!
SR7492 said:
UPDATE:
CBT done
Loved it, much better than I expected. Got the bike bug good an proper. Bike handling was really good but had a few niggles with clutch control but sure will get the hang of that.
Theory booked in a couple of weeks.
I'm going to go for a 125 to get some base miles in and then go for the DAS once I've done my theory.
Anyone know of a good deal going on a 125? Looking at around £1000 - £1500.
Thanks!
Lots of eBay ybr 125 within that budget.CBT done
Loved it, much better than I expected. Got the bike bug good an proper. Bike handling was really good but had a few niggles with clutch control but sure will get the hang of that.
Theory booked in a couple of weeks.
I'm going to go for a 125 to get some base miles in and then go for the DAS once I've done my theory.
Anyone know of a good deal going on a 125? Looking at around £1000 - £1500.
Thanks!
Did my CBT & theory end of June and DAS Mod 1 & Mod 2 with the training in July and passed Mod 2 two weeks ago today. Good advice here and I found the bigger the bike the easier it was to ride and the Suzuki Bandit I used for Mod 2 was great. Picked up my first bike yesterday and did 50 miles and loved it. Get an app to practise theory as there is a bit of an art to hazard perception (especially if you have been driving for a while) as you tend to spot hazards too early and score zero. On mod 1 look where you want to go rather than what you want to avoid and mod 2 just ride smoothly and confidently. Good luck and watch relevant videos on YouTube.
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