Newby looking for advice!

[SR7492]

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!

[SR7492]

Fantastic - thank guys, appreciate the advice.

CBT booked
Theory booked



I'll be happy with a 4 day DAS course; any extra days of riding will be a bonus.

[SR7492]

Thank you; you've given me great info, I'm really excited to be honest and less nervous with the advice you guys have given, so really appreciate it.

Will keep you up to date on how I get on and no doubt ask a few more questions along the way.

[SR7492]

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!

[SR7492]

Thanks all - great advice.

I might just book in a couple of Mod 1 lessons while I wait for the theory. Will keep you posted.

[SR7492]

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.

[SR7492]

Brilliant - really helpful guys, thanks!

[SR7492]

Can anyone kindly let me know best place on the net to buy clothing/helmet with great deals?

Thanks!

[SR7492]

Thank you - going window shopping on tomorrow then

Also, I realsed once I've purchased a bike I will need a ground anchor for security. I've seen a few by doing the simple google search, but any recommendations on a one, something that may help with insurance?

[SR7492]

DanSI said:

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.

LOL

Really useful info, appreciated

[SR7492]

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 st 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!

[SR7492]

Thanks!

Just like the good folk helped me on here, more than happy to share my short riding expereince to anyone new and in a very similiar position I was in 4 months ago.

[SR7492]

Thank you all; going to try to get out as much as I can as long as the weather and tarmac is dry, so just going to be patient over the next few months.

Any recommend a decent paddock stand; I've seen a few from £25+

Cheers!

[SR7492]

Thanks guys!