Too old to start?

[Tanguero]

What is the oldest that anyone has done their CBT? Is mid 50s leaving it too late?

[Tanguero]

CBT is booked!

cat with a hat said:

Not too late.. Just don't jump on the latest 1000cc sports bike and give it billy big balls

The image of a slightly overweight, middle aged bloke in tight, shiny leather, perched arse up on a sports bike holds a special sort of horror...

[Tanguero]

Next dilemma. Do I do CBT and get a 125 to ride on the road for 6 months or so and then do DAS, or should I go straight for a DAS intensive course and buy a bigger bike when I have a full license?

Would 6 months of L plates make me a better rider/make DAS easier? Bearing in mind the last time I sat on anything with 2 wheels and a motor was age 8, pillion on the back of my old mans Vespa and helmets weren't a requirement.

[Tanguero]

CBT completed yesterday! Next step DAS.
WTF didn't I do this years ago?

[Tanguero]

I did my CBT with Mid Kent Motorcycle Training in Maidstone so I will probably stick with them. The instructor was great and apart from having to share a bike for the morning session on the pad no issues with the setup.

[Tanguero]

Andy XRV said:

Tanguero said:

I did my CBT with Mid Kent Motorcycle Training in Maidstone so I will probably stick with them. The instructor was great and apart from having to share a bike for the morning session on the pad no issues with the setup.

Nice one. If you were stuck for someone I was going to recommend Mid Kent Training. A couple of mates have used them and passed first time. They also didn't pull their pants down with loads of unnecessary lesson.

Thanks, that's good to know. It's a bit of a lottery picking a setup, glad to know I chose a decent one!

[Tanguero]

Probably rather laughable compared to some of the fabulous machines on here but I just got this to potter about on and get some experience before launching into my DAS...

[Tanguero]

pigeonskirt said:

Tanguero said:

Probably rather laughable compared to some of the fabulous machines on here but I just got this to potter about on and get some experience before launching into my DAS...

How are you getting on with your new bike?

I'm in a similar situation to you. Unsure whether to do a CBT and stick to a 125 for 12 months or do CBT and straight into DAS. I've plenty of time to decide though as I need to save up first.

The bike is great! Woefully underpowered for hooning round but perfect for getting the controls practised into muscle memory after decades of cars.

I am really glad that I decided not to dive straight into the DAS straight after CBT. It may of course just be me being a slow learner, but just a week of riding out and annoying the nearest housing estate every night has made me realise how much I needed to practice basic control in my own time before progressing.

I am not necessarily going to keep the YBR for long, but decent condition 125s will sell all day long and probably at a bit of a profit to go towards a big bike when I do my DAS.

[Tanguero]

Well, finally got my DAS booked for early September!

Not long after my last post, my wife was taken seriously ill so I abandoned riding and SORNed the bike. Thankfully all is well now so I got the bike MOTd and taxed at the beginning of the month and started riding again.

The next question will hopefully be "what first big bike". I have been looking at TT600's on eBay...

[Tanguero]

dc2rr07 said:

Fireblade obviously , as above really if there are a few local dealers get some test rides booked on different types of bike if you are unsure of what type you like, and good luck.

Would anyone do test rides for a newly qualified rider? I presume they would they ask?

[Tanguero]

phatmanace said:

You mentioned you were in Kent - which school are you using for your DAS? - and do you know which test centre you will be doing your MOD1 at? - I did mine at Erith, but I think Gillingham is an option as well.

I am using Mid Kent Motorcycle Training based in Aylesford just outside Maidstone. Mod 1 is booked for Gillingham and all being well I will be doing Mod 2 in Tunbridge Wells.

phatmanace said:

Jazoli said:

Tanguero said:

Would anyone do test rides for a newly qualified rider? I presume they would they ask?

Yes most half decent bike shops wont have a problem letting you out on a middleweight bike, might be different if you fancy a litre bike!

My (recent) experience - small independents won't let you do a test ride. On anything. The bigger dealers were happy to (both BMW in Tunbridge, and Laguna in Maidstone said they would, although BMW said "there might be a problem if you want to try S1000rr"

Thanks, that's useful to know!

[Tanguero]

DanSI said:

Tanguero said:

I am using Mid Kent Motorcycle Training based in Aylesford just outside Maidstone. Mod 1 is booked for Gillingham and all being well I will be doing Mod 2 in Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks, that's useful to know!

You've booked your Mod 1 already? Have you completed your CBT + passed your Theory test yet, got those in quick !?

EDIT: Saying the above, I note you asked the original question on 1st July. So things could have advanced since then.

Yes - Did CBT and Theory last autumn, then had to put it all on hold for a while. Just got back onto the bike last month and have now booked DAS.

[Tanguero]

Mod 1 passed this morning!

[Tanguero]

cat with a hat said:

Congrats!

What bike are you planning to get once Mod 2 is done?

If only I knew!!! My instructor took me for a poke round the local Honda dealer on the way back from the test and the CB1100 really caught my eye. I haven't started looking seriously yet though.

[Tanguero]

Passed Mod 2 today!


Shopping time...

[Tanguero]

Amirhussain said:

Congrats

I'm looking to do my CBT soon. Been practising my theory too, downloaded an app from Play Store but will buy the CD as I'm guessing wider range of questions and more information. Don't want to drag it for 4 years like I did with my car test.....

How hard is the CBT?

CBT isn't a test, it is training although they won't give you the certificate unless you can show you are safe on the road on L plates. I had never ridden anything other than a push-bike before and didn't find it very difficult at all. Theory is a relative doddle if you have driving experience and can get your head round what they want from the "hazard perception" section. Mod 1 is more demanding if brief. Mod 2 definitely takes tuition and practice.

Edited by Tanguero on Thursday 22 September 21:03

[Tanguero]

Just to bring this one to a conclusion and to answer my own question. Nope - not too old to start! Just old enough to wonder why I didn't do it years ago.

First big bike acquired in the shape of a Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Tanguero]

Pothole said:

That engine only really has one place:

I do agree - it is such a shame to hide it!

[Tanguero]

I just thought that I would bring this thread to its conclusion. Eight weeks ago I was riding out on some rather nice country roads when (as far as the Serious Accident Investigation Unit can tell) I was approaching a tightening left hander and my front tyre skidded on debris in the middle of my lane. I made the rookie mistake of panic breaking with the back brake which stood the bike up and of course I went straight on into an approaching people carrier. Police estimate the combined closing speed on impact as somewhere between 50 & 80mph (I have no recollection from about 30 min before the accident) Both the bike and the people carrier were written off, as very nearly was I.

Kent Air Ambulance got me to the major trauma centre at Kings College Hospital where they patched me up and I still am for the time being.

I won't be riding again, partly due to injuries received and partly due to not being willing to put my wife and family through the stress of dealing with a major accident again.

Thank you to all who encouraged me to learn to ride and get my license, despite the accident I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Gratuitous picture of a bent people carrier. Ride safe people!



EAT No charges from the Police, the accident investigation found that I was at the appropriate speed for the corner etc. All I needed to do was not panic and kept it leaned over and I would have been fine.

Edited by Tanguero on Saturday 10th June 07:41

[Tanguero]

I broke myself somewhat! Ruptured spleen (removed), aortic aneurysm (still waiting for surgery on that one) broken left femur, compound fracture of the right tibia and fibula (external fixator for the next 6 months), right radius and wrist shattered, left brachial plexus damaged with partial paralysis of the left arm (seems to be temporary and slowly improving), partially paralyzed larynx (so not much voice)

I forgot a few minor bits like a cracked vertebrae and the odd bust knuckle and a broken toe just for completeness.

Edited by Tanguero on Saturday 10th June 08:59