Starting out...
Discussion
Hi all,
I’m 31, been driving since I was 17 but I’ve always had an itch for a bike and I need to scratch it!
I’ve had previous experience riding scooters, manual pit bikes and a nutty CR250 off road. Also riding manual quads so in terms of the basic controls it wouldn’t be foreign to me.
Being 31 and powerfully built I don’t fancy doing my CBT and riding a 125cc at all.
Would it be frowned upon doing my CBT and going straight for my Direct Access with the view of getting some sort of sports bike upon passing?
I’d love a Ducati 848, prices seem good, insurance isn’t that bad... would this be like writing my own death certificate or would it be a case of, if I’m sensible I’ll be ok??
I’m 31, been driving since I was 17 but I’ve always had an itch for a bike and I need to scratch it!
I’ve had previous experience riding scooters, manual pit bikes and a nutty CR250 off road. Also riding manual quads so in terms of the basic controls it wouldn’t be foreign to me.
Being 31 and powerfully built I don’t fancy doing my CBT and riding a 125cc at all.
Would it be frowned upon doing my CBT and going straight for my Direct Access with the view of getting some sort of sports bike upon passing?
I’d love a Ducati 848, prices seem good, insurance isn’t that bad... would this be like writing my own death certificate or would it be a case of, if I’m sensible I’ll be ok??
I doubt most people go the CBT, plod around on a 125 then DAS route. Most probably go CBT - DAS as quickly as possible.
As for the bike, I wouldn't worry about that too much either - get what you want and dont worry about what others think. Ultimately how fast that bike goes is down to the rider.
As for the bike, I wouldn't worry about that too much either - get what you want and dont worry about what others think. Ultimately how fast that bike goes is down to the rider.
SBDJ said:
I doubt most people go the CBT, plod around on a 125 then DAS route. Most probably go CBT - DAS as quickly as possible.
As for the bike, I wouldn't worry about that too much either - get what you want and dont worry about what others think. Ultimately how fast that bike goes is down to the rider.
Thank you!As for the bike, I wouldn't worry about that too much either - get what you want and dont worry about what others think. Ultimately how fast that bike goes is down to the rider.
Everything I’ve watched advises to buy a 125 to practice before the test... I can confidently ride a motorbike but I doubt I’d confidently ride a 125cc on my 80 mile round trip commute!
I went from never having ridden a bike (apart from some 50cc twist and go things that used to be something like 25p for 10 “laps”) to doing my CBT, then straight on to DAS and passed my test within a week (I seem to remember it was actually 4 days, with the test on the Thursday afternoon of the week). I’d had my car licence for about 20 years by then and the “advantage” of having done my Police standard and advanced card courses, and the TPAC course as well, so I was a reasonable car driver and understood about road position for the best view.
I did my bike test when it was just one thing, on road, with no swerve test etc. I managed to pass first time with I think only two or three “minors”. I think I had to do the theory test before the practical but I can’t remember when I did it. Logic tells me it was before my CBT/DAS, as you had to do the theory part before the practical. I actually struggled a bit with the hazard perception on the theory, because having done my police advanced, I was “seeing” a lot more hazards - gate, change from light to dark under trees, phone box... I was overthinking it really. I’m glad I paid for the official online practice tests for the ,ultimate choice and hazard perception. They weren’t expensive, but it was back in 2006, so I can’t remember exact costs. My firs5 bike was a £500 N reg 600cc Yamaha Diversion, which was fine to start off with. I then moved up to an R reg 750 Honda VFR, which was a step up in terms of performance, even though by the time I bought it, it was about ten years old, but it got me all round France on my first trip abroad.
I think the general consensus is buy what you want, but bear in mind you’ll probably drop it, usually in front of a load of other bikers. That said, I ended up dropping the Divvy and the VFR, as well as the following Tiger 1050 and Explorer. Small bits of motorbike plastic are expensive... also bear in mind there is still a lot of learning to do AFTER you pass your test. The DAS is designed to get you through your test, not necessarily to make you a good/safe/quick rider. If you feel happy/safe/confident, there’s no reason (in my opinion) to get a 125 and build experience after your test. All you’re learning is how to ride a 125. You may as well get something bigger and learn how to use that.
I did my bike test when it was just one thing, on road, with no swerve test etc. I managed to pass first time with I think only two or three “minors”. I think I had to do the theory test before the practical but I can’t remember when I did it. Logic tells me it was before my CBT/DAS, as you had to do the theory part before the practical. I actually struggled a bit with the hazard perception on the theory, because having done my police advanced, I was “seeing” a lot more hazards - gate, change from light to dark under trees, phone box... I was overthinking it really. I’m glad I paid for the official online practice tests for the ,ultimate choice and hazard perception. They weren’t expensive, but it was back in 2006, so I can’t remember exact costs. My firs5 bike was a £500 N reg 600cc Yamaha Diversion, which was fine to start off with. I then moved up to an R reg 750 Honda VFR, which was a step up in terms of performance, even though by the time I bought it, it was about ten years old, but it got me all round France on my first trip abroad.
I think the general consensus is buy what you want, but bear in mind you’ll probably drop it, usually in front of a load of other bikers. That said, I ended up dropping the Divvy and the VFR, as well as the following Tiger 1050 and Explorer. Small bits of motorbike plastic are expensive... also bear in mind there is still a lot of learning to do AFTER you pass your test. The DAS is designed to get you through your test, not necessarily to make you a good/safe/quick rider. If you feel happy/safe/confident, there’s no reason (in my opinion) to get a 125 and build experience after your test. All you’re learning is how to ride a 125. You may as well get something bigger and learn how to use that.
lukeyman said:
It's called Direct Access...
I did mine over two weekends and went straight on to do 11k in a year on an R6. Unless you're mental then self preservation should see you OK.
Spot on. I’m going to be sensible on whatever I get so I don’t see the point in taking baby steps up to a bigger bike especially when the costs aren’t as much as I thought they’d be for a new rider (insurance mainly). I did mine over two weekends and went straight on to do 11k in a year on an R6. Unless you're mental then self preservation should see you OK.
SteveS Cup said:
Hi all,
I’m 31, been driving since I was 17 but I’ve always had an itch for a bike and I need to scratch it!
I’ve had previous experience riding scooters, manual pit bikes and a nutty CR250 off road. Also riding manual quads so in terms of the basic controls it wouldn’t be foreign to me.
Being 31 and powerfully built I don’t fancy doing my CBT and riding a 125cc at all.
Would it be frowned upon doing my CBT and going straight for my Direct Access with the view of getting some sort of sports bike upon passing?
I’d love a Ducati 848, prices seem good, insurance isn’t that bad... would this be like writing my own death certificate or would it be a case of, if I’m sensible I’ll be ok??
Don't start on a Ducati, you are making it harder for yourself than necessary.I’m 31, been driving since I was 17 but I’ve always had an itch for a bike and I need to scratch it!
I’ve had previous experience riding scooters, manual pit bikes and a nutty CR250 off road. Also riding manual quads so in terms of the basic controls it wouldn’t be foreign to me.
Being 31 and powerfully built I don’t fancy doing my CBT and riding a 125cc at all.
Would it be frowned upon doing my CBT and going straight for my Direct Access with the view of getting some sort of sports bike upon passing?
I’d love a Ducati 848, prices seem good, insurance isn’t that bad... would this be like writing my own death certificate or would it be a case of, if I’m sensible I’ll be ok??
Start on an I4 or triple, they are friendly engines. 600cc japanese naked second hand, or older Street Triple, imho, is the way to go.
Then you sell it and get yourself 848 once the license is in the bag.
But if you have experience already and you do not need to do 2-up riding, slalom etc for your licence test then 848 by any means.
(P.S. I am not UK-based, therefore do not know intricacies of license exam in UK.)
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Tuesday 27th August 08:11
By the sounds of things definitely go DAS, forget getting a 125: apart from anything else small bikes are more skittish, bigger bikes more stable so easier to ride.
848 wouldn't be my first choice for an 80 mile commute but once you've realised that it isn't yours either then that's a good excuse to get a commuter and keep the 848 for fun rides. There's lots to learn from a first bike such as where to park (not behind a Transit van
), how to wheel it around (in front of a crowd ) or even simply how to filter without destroying car door mirrors (oops soz). An 848 isn't expensive so if you do pick up some scrapes along the way it might not bother you too much, but to be honest even on a cheap clean bike that sort of stuff is upsetting.
848 wouldn't be my first choice for an 80 mile commute but once you've realised that it isn't yours either then that's a good excuse to get a commuter and keep the 848 for fun rides. There's lots to learn from a first bike such as where to park (not behind a Transit van
), how to wheel it around (in front of a crowd ) or even simply how to filter without destroying car door mirrors (oops soz). An 848 isn't expensive so if you do pick up some scrapes along the way it might not bother you too much, but to be honest even on a cheap clean bike that sort of stuff is upsetting.Have you done an insurance quote on it yet? When I passed I thought about one of these and its was a mouth watering £4500 if I recall.
A high mileage 848 will depreciate faster than a Bolton Wanderers season ticket, servicing costs for belts etc is around £500 if I remember correctly, I don't know the recommended mileage milestones however. So something to research.
Whilst more than capable, I assume given your location (Surrey) and commute plan you will be commuting to Londaaaan. I'll give it a week before its stolen if that is the case.
A high mileage 848 will depreciate faster than a Bolton Wanderers season ticket, servicing costs for belts etc is around £500 if I remember correctly, I don't know the recommended mileage milestones however. So something to research.
Whilst more than capable, I assume given your location (Surrey) and commute plan you will be commuting to Londaaaan. I'll give it a week before its stolen if that is the case.
SteveS Cup said:
Being 31 and powerfully built I don’t fancy doing my CBT and riding a 125cc at all.
An 848 for commuting? If you are to quote the well worn and overused PH cliche 'powerfully built' you might just hate the 848 with its crap steering lock, minuscule dimensions, race focused cramped riding position and on/off power delivery, I couldn't think of anything worse to be honest, you are making things hard for yourself from the beginning 
An 848 isn't nice to ride slowly... clutch needs slipping a lot, corners like an oil tanker, is hotter than a smelting furnace, and seat like a church pew.
If you're commuting get something else. I wish I had sooner. I do miss it's looks and sound though.
CBT can be wrapped up in DAS at many places, so day 1 is CBT. So unless you're purposely spreading it over a few months, I'd not bother with the 125.
If you're commuting get something else. I wish I had sooner. I do miss it's looks and sound though.
CBT can be wrapped up in DAS at many places, so day 1 is CBT. So unless you're purposely spreading it over a few months, I'd not bother with the 125.
moanthebairns said:
Have you done an insurance quote on it yet? When I passed I thought about one of these and its was a mouth watering £4500 if I recall.
A high mileage 848 will depreciate faster than a Bolton Wanderers season ticket, servicing costs for belts etc is around £500 if I remember correctly, I don't know the recommended mileage milestones however. So something to research.
Whilst more than capable, I assume given your location (Surrey) and commute plan you will be commuting to Londaaaan. I'll give it a week before its stolen if that is the case.
Insurance is £1100 TPFT or £2000 FC. A high mileage 848 will depreciate faster than a Bolton Wanderers season ticket, servicing costs for belts etc is around £500 if I remember correctly, I don't know the recommended mileage milestones however. So something to research.
Whilst more than capable, I assume given your location (Surrey) and commute plan you will be commuting to Londaaaan. I'll give it a week before its stolen if that is the case.
Commute is all the M25 and would be parked in a secure bike lockup.
Belts are 7500 miles so not too bad.
Jazoli said:
An 848 for commuting? If you are to quote the well worn and overused PH cliche 'powerfully built' you might just hate the 848 with its crap steering lock, minuscule dimensions, race focused cramped riding position and on/off power delivery, I couldn't think of anything worse to be honest, you are making things hard for yourself from the beginning
I guess the want for a bike like that outweighs the sensible decision of getting something more comfortable. I’d still have a car if I got bored of the bike!phil4 said:
An 848 isn't nice to ride slowly... clutch needs slipping a lot, corners like an oil tanker, is hotter than a smelting furnace, and seat like a church pew.
If you're commuting get something else. I wish I had sooner. I do miss it's looks and sound though.
CBT can be wrapped up in DAS at many places, so day 1 is CBT. So unless you're purposely spreading it over a few months, I'd not bother with the 125.
Would very rarely be ridden slowly, certainly not riding it in town so things like turning circle or clutch in traffic wouldn’t bother me. If you're commuting get something else. I wish I had sooner. I do miss it's looks and sound though.
CBT can be wrapped up in DAS at many places, so day 1 is CBT. So unless you're purposely spreading it over a few months, I'd not bother with the 125.
I might ride one and hate it but when you can buy a sub 5000 mile bike for £6000 even if I kept it for 6 months and put a few thousand miles on it I can’t see me losing any more than £500-1000 if I hated it.
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