What do I need to do? Newby

[remal]

Newby question sorry. I am new to bikes but always wanted to learn. coming to my 30th Birthday and will be doing my direct access after my hols next month.

1) how many days would expanrance bikers recoomened to a Newby when going for DA. I was told about 5 days should be right? does that sound OK?

2) can I take my theroy test now then do my CBT and Direct access in 6-8 weeks?

Also what books are good to read when learning for the tests/theory etc


thanks

[funkynige]

remal said:

1) how many days would expanrance bikers recoomened to a Newby when going for DA. I was told about 5 days should be right? does that sound OK?

Most people will say 'as much as possible at the start', I would say 4 days then another 2 after 6 months, but that's just my opinion.

remal said:

2) can I take my theroy test now then do my CBT and Direct access in 6-8 weeks?

Theory test lasts 2 years I think, could be 1, so yes, 6-8 weeks is no problem just tell them when you ring up to book your CBT.

remal said:

Also what books are good to read when learning for the tests/theory etc

Dunno, I didn't bother with any books, though a demo CD of the hazard perception test is a good idea but not esential.

[julianb]

Direct access definately the way to go.

I just did mine. Theory test, then CBT, then two days training & test. Failed first time round, but passed a fortnight later. I'd recommend at least another days training (3 or 4 minimum), 2 days felt a bit rushed. The test is very procedural, and it's easy to trip yourself up with poor observation etc. However, don't be lulled into thinking your Valentino Rossi as you leave the test centre with your pass certificate. Get some advanced training straight away, before you get into any bad habits.

Take it easy and you'll be fine.

A biking pal told me "Assume everyone is out to kill you, pretend you are invisible to every other road user, and rely on your own wits and judgement. Don't force other motorists into making allowances for you, Because they won't - and you'll end up a greasy spot on the road"

I also tuck a picture of the wife and kid in the fairing - it's a good way to remind me where my responsibilites lie!!!

cheers

Joolz

[DucatiGary]

julianb said:

A biking pal told me "Assume everyone is out to kill you, pretend you are invisible to every other road user, and rely on your own wits and judgement. Don't force other motorists into making allowances for you, Because they won't - and you'll end up a greasy spot on the road"

good bit of advice that,

I did it the old style way, had trials bikes when I was a kid, so CBT was easy just needed to get road knowledge.

bought a Cagiva Mito 125 and rode that every now and then for near 2 years before putting in for my direct access.

direct access was great fun, but the examiner made me do a turn in the road (where you cant put your fett down) on a really thin road with high kerbs on a hill.. .. .. .. .. my own fualt for being cocky i guess, only just managed it and passed that day

[DucatiGary]

id also buy somthing as a in between bike for your first bike, I dropped my mito twice in the first 6 months, if it was the ducati I would still be crying now

[julianb]

I was really impressed with the Suzuki GS500 at the training school. Very easy to ride, and plenty fast enough to be going on with. I was almost tempted to buy one as a hack/commuter. Not expensive new, so some good bargains about.

[shot2bits]

I'd also check for local instructors. I was about to do direct access and noticed an advert for tuition in the local paper - ended up with one to one tuition from a local ex Police officer - he was superb and cost me way less than direct access. Just went out riding with him for an hour a night here and there...

I also recommend reading a road craft book since it's the kind of info you NEED to remember for the test - once you have the info in your head, you tend to concentrate better on the riding and also you'll get much more out of the instructors.

[remal]

Many thanks for the replys. I knopw who I will be going with as they have been recommened to me by friends and just ordered a few books on Amazon.

I know I am going ahead a bit but what would I be looking at to insure a 600CC fazer or such like. no NCB, 29 YO and no points clean licence,garaged etc... just so i have an idea thanks

[julianb]

I'd be surprised if you see much change out of 650-800 quid. You're a similar age to me, I jumped onto a new CBR 600RR insured through ebike for £647.00

Bike is in an alarmed garage, datataged, smart watered, Honda immobilised and ground anchored. (Oh, I also keep a baseball bat by the bed!!!)