Newby looking for advice!
Discussion
308mate said:
If you go for your full license, you'll do the last bit of learning and the test, on an ER6N or MT-07 or something wont you? Sod going back to a 125 after that, whats the point? You'll know your way around 60ish hp, may as well go forward from there.
I read it that the OP wanted some time between the CBT and the DAS - which I think means either paying for instructor guided training on a big bike for each practice session, or getting a 125. Very possible I misinterpreted it, in which case, I stand corrected.
SR7492 said:
Yes, sorry, I did say I was looking at buying a 125 for the interim period however after some thought, I'm now thinking of just getting MOD 1 lessons started and by the time I, hopefully, pass my theory, should be able to complete the first test and almost be ready for MOD 2.
Well your CBT is now valid for 2 years, from the date you took it. Sounds like you are unlikely to wait around that long before going forward for training towards a full bike license.The motorcycle Theory test, you can do that now and also have that under your belt. You have to pass that before you can start booking Module 1 test...
I just downloaded a few 'Bike Theory Test' Apps onto my mobile phone, and was doing their mock tests whenever I had an spare 10 minutes. Plus you should already be pretty competent on the road signs, considering you already Drive a car?
There are specific bike related questions on handling, safety, maintenance, that you'll also need to be aware of (most are common sense), as those questions are likely in the test.
You don't necessarily need to cram a DAS course in, if you have the time. I just booked 2 hour lessons with a local riding school, and was out on their ER6n's every week, preparing first towards Module 1 (but also general road riding).
Booking a 1st lesson, you can get a feel for the 'big bike' plus your instructor can provide feedback on your performance plus how much training he predicts, prior to booking your Module 1. Note though the test centres will be fully booked this time of year, so you will likely have 5+ week wait, just due to demand.At this stage though, considering you are serious about riding, definitely buy your own helmet, gloves, boots, at a minimum. You'll feel far more comfortable (plus familiar) putting these on, than some well used, half-fitting gear a school throws in your direction.
I haven't previously been cruising around on 125's / scooters, just using the riding schools bike. After passing both tests (Mod 1 and Mod 2) I would jump straight onto a 600cc bike (that I have already sat at home). But after recently failing my Module 2 test (first attempt) I've had a change of heart...
Edited by DanSI on Thursday 4th August 12:03
DanSI said:
You don't necessarily need to cram a DAS course in, if you have the time.
What he said, I did mine over 6 weeks, doing a full day each saturday, with a couple of weekends off through the period. I don't think it took me any longer than if I'd done it all at once, and meant I could have a frustrating day and not carry anything into the next lesson as I'd gotten over it.I'd also second the advice to get as much of your own gear as you can, it's one less thing to worry about.
Edited by phil4 on Thursday 4th August 12:04
....plus you might also find doing it this way, if you are competent, you end up paying LESS overall (lessons then Mod1/2), compared to if you went for a DAS week course (that you pay up front for).
Plus the DAS is structured on the assumption you PASS Module 1, to crack on with the remainder of the course. If it doesn't go to plan and you fail it, the whole DAS falls apart, as you need to re-book the test, which again, this time of the year could take weeks. So there's more pressure.
Plus the DAS is structured on the assumption you PASS Module 1, to crack on with the remainder of the course. If it doesn't go to plan and you fail it, the whole DAS falls apart, as you need to re-book the test, which again, this time of the year could take weeks. So there's more pressure.
I can't tell you the best... but here's how I do it.
firstly, helmets are odd. So go to real stores and try them on for as long as you can (think 30-60minutes if you can!), even if you don't buy there you should know what fits and can order it from wherever is the cheapest on the net.
For clothing, if it's named brand items, again use the net to shop around for the cheapest. I use this place as a real physical store to try stuff: http://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/ but would be quite happy buying from anywhere if I knew it was going to fit ok.
Good luck.
firstly, helmets are odd. So go to real stores and try them on for as long as you can (think 30-60minutes if you can!), even if you don't buy there you should know what fits and can order it from wherever is the cheapest on the net.
For clothing, if it's named brand items, again use the net to shop around for the cheapest. I use this place as a real physical store to try stuff: http://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/ but would be quite happy buying from anywhere if I knew it was going to fit ok.
Good luck.
Also remember DONT buy the Helmet on special offer out on the display. It's likely to have been handled many times over plus could even have been dropped! Looks fine on the outside, but the inner "shell" could have cracked or disformed.
You want a helmet they bring out from the store room, in its box, brand new and untouched!
As above. Clothing is an individual fit, especially if you decide to go for a full leather outfit. No 2 are the same.
Plus trying a few on, you'll decide what works for you and perhaps what you don't like too...
Don't go over the top though, you want to feel a level of "freedom" on your lessons / DAS course. You don't want to feel like you are being restricted by your nice new biking gear!
At this stage, again, I'd only say lookout for your Helmet, Gloves and Boots. You are training, at relatively slow speeds on minor roads, not speeding round a race track at 180mph. The full outfit could be a treat once you acquire your Full Bike license.
EDIT: See if you have a J&S Store close enough to get to. Very large motorcycle chain that sell all the regular biking labels. Importantly their stores are massive, so hundreds of Helmets, etc etc etc.
You want a helmet they bring out from the store room, in its box, brand new and untouched!
As above. Clothing is an individual fit, especially if you decide to go for a full leather outfit. No 2 are the same.
Plus trying a few on, you'll decide what works for you and perhaps what you don't like too...
Don't go over the top though, you want to feel a level of "freedom" on your lessons / DAS course. You don't want to feel like you are being restricted by your nice new biking gear!
At this stage, again, I'd only say lookout for your Helmet, Gloves and Boots. You are training, at relatively slow speeds on minor roads, not speeding round a race track at 180mph. The full outfit could be a treat once you acquire your Full Bike license.
EDIT: See if you have a J&S Store close enough to get to. Very large motorcycle chain that sell all the regular biking labels. Importantly their stores are massive, so hundreds of Helmets, etc etc etc.
Edited by DanSI on Friday 5th August 13:57
Ground anchors I'd say the type that are "sunk" into the ground... rather than one that just screws to the floor.
But then the weakest link will become the chain that you shackle around the bike to the anchor! Depends how far you want to go, to protecting your pride and joy.
From that respect, you want a chain as thick as possible. A tip here, you might find a length of chain cheaper at a Chandlers (cut to your required length), rather than a chain in the motorcycle isle at Halfrauds.
Then to prevent your chain being interfered with, you want to rig it up to your homes 240V supply!...... nah, I'm joking about that bit.
But then the weakest link will become the chain that you shackle around the bike to the anchor! Depends how far you want to go, to protecting your pride and joy.
From that respect, you want a chain as thick as possible. A tip here, you might find a length of chain cheaper at a Chandlers (cut to your required length), rather than a chain in the motorcycle isle at Halfrauds.
Then to prevent your chain being interfered with, you want to rig it up to your homes 240V supply!...... nah, I'm joking about that bit.
If you're on a budget there's usually a lot of really good quality kit on e-bay. Lots of people seem to buy all the gear and pack up riding and sell it on again (often also selling a GS with 200 miles on the clock at the same time 
)
Go to a shop for your helmet though, try plenty on, don't get too fixed a particular brand, fit is very important.
)Go to a shop for your helmet though, try plenty on, don't get too fixed a particular brand, fit is very important.
phil4 said:
I can't tell you the best... but here's how I do it.
firstly, helmets are odd. So go to real stores and try them on for as long as you can (think 30-60minutes if you can!), even if you don't buy there you should know what fits and can order it from wherever is the cheapest on the net.
For clothing, if it's named brand items, again use the net to shop around for the cheapest. I use this place as a real physical store to try stuff: http://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/ but would be quite happy buying from anywhere if I knew it was going to fit ok.
Good luck.
Or go to a good shop with a budget in mind, take the advice and time of the experienced assistants, drink their coffee, find a helmet that fits and is in budget, and buy it.firstly, helmets are odd. So go to real stores and try them on for as long as you can (think 30-60minutes if you can!), even if you don't buy there you should know what fits and can order it from wherever is the cheapest on the net.
For clothing, if it's named brand items, again use the net to shop around for the cheapest. I use this place as a real physical store to try stuff: http://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/ but would be quite happy buying from anywhere if I knew it was going to fit ok.
Good luck.
SS7
Time to update this thread
So, I have managed to pass my 2 Mod tests and bought a bike over the weekend.
From never ridden a bike until I did the CBT in July, buying a Honda CBF125 2 weeks later followed by doing my theory in August, I booked in Mod 1 in early October and passed first time. Very straight forward and easier of the 2 tests in my opinion. Wait time for Mod 2 was 4 weeks but manage to pass this just over a week ago. Thought I'd failed when I stalled it twice on a awkward hill taking a right, but only got a minor (4 in total). Job done and very relieved.
Over the weekend drove down to Gloucestershire and picked up a stunning GSXR 750 L1 - it was immaculate, I could't tell the difference from a brand new bike it is that good. 3700 miles and never ridden in the wet. I'll be lying but my balls dropped when the owner pulled her out of the shed, I kinda s
t myself and remember thinking 'what have I let myself into' the thing looked like a monster (pictures don't do bikes justice in the flesh)
Transported her back home but the weather was pants until yesterday when the roads where clear in the afernoon. Was stting myself at first but excited at the same time, took her for a 25 mile spin and have not stopped smiling. First imppressions? It is so easy to ride. I was exptecting this monster to gobble me up but it is so refined and user friendly, within 3 mins the nervousness all went and confidence grew massivley.
First few miles were like 'installation laps' so get used to postion, mirrors, gear changing but more I rode it the more at ease I became, at a point I was starting to open the throttle a little more (more than I planned for its first ride). The pull is stunning, 5th gear @ 30 mph, the thing just flies.
Oh the standard exhaust, it is a awesome - not sure why others have change it as it screams like a mofo. I didn't take it past 6k as it quite literally st me up, I honestly thought I was high reving it by the ferocious noise from the exhaust only to see 6k on the rev limiter.
To my surprise, the sitting position is not as bad as I thought, it is certainly manageable and at no point did I think or feel this would be awkward or uncomfortable for future rides.
I couldn't stop smiling even though it was steady ride, I know that all being well, I'm going to love this bike.
A very happy Gixxer owner but importantly a huge thanks to everyone on this thread for the awesome input as it has got me here today.
Can't wait to get back on!
So, I have managed to pass my 2 Mod tests and bought a bike over the weekend.
From never ridden a bike until I did the CBT in July, buying a Honda CBF125 2 weeks later followed by doing my theory in August, I booked in Mod 1 in early October and passed first time. Very straight forward and easier of the 2 tests in my opinion. Wait time for Mod 2 was 4 weeks but manage to pass this just over a week ago. Thought I'd failed when I stalled it twice on a awkward hill taking a right, but only got a minor (4 in total). Job done and very relieved.
Over the weekend drove down to Gloucestershire and picked up a stunning GSXR 750 L1 - it was immaculate, I could't tell the difference from a brand new bike it is that good. 3700 miles and never ridden in the wet. I'll be lying but my balls dropped when the owner pulled her out of the shed, I kinda s
t myself and remember thinking 'what have I let myself into' the thing looked like a monster (pictures don't do bikes justice in the flesh)Transported her back home but the weather was pants until yesterday when the roads where clear in the afernoon. Was s
tting myself at first but excited at the same time, took her for a 25 mile spin and have not stopped smiling. First imppressions? It is so easy to ride. I was exptecting this monster to gobble me up but it is so refined and user friendly, within 3 mins the nervousness all went and confidence grew massivley.First few miles were like 'installation laps' so get used to postion, mirrors, gear changing but more I rode it the more at ease I became, at a point I was starting to open the throttle a little more (more than I planned for its first ride). The pull is stunning, 5th gear @ 30 mph, the thing just flies.
Oh the standard exhaust, it is a awesome - not sure why others have change it as it screams like a mofo. I didn't take it past 6k as it quite literally s
t me up, I honestly thought I was high reving it by the ferocious noise from the exhaust only to see 6k on the rev limiter.To my surprise, the sitting position is not as bad as I thought, it is certainly manageable and at no point did I think or feel this would be awkward or uncomfortable for future rides.
I couldn't stop smiling even though it was steady ride, I know that all being well, I'm going to love this bike.
A very happy Gixxer owner but importantly a huge thanks to everyone on this thread for the awesome input as it has got me here today.
Can't wait to get back on!
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