Got some reading to do....

[oggs]

All

I'm thinking of coming over to the darkerside

I've been driving nearly 20 years and have a driving job.

So i'm toying with the idea of a bike..

Looks like i've a lot of reading to do.

If there are any tips of sites or bike training recommendations in Beds area can you let me know.

Thanks.. best get reading

[oggs]

Cheers
I certainly will keep ya posted

[oggs]

Davel said:

Don't read about it DO IT! and enjoy it......

That sounds like a good plan!!

[oggs]

Its the numpties that i'm worried about

Most people have been saying to me a 600 is great place to start...
Then i'd have the which one do I get...

[oggs]

sybaseian said:

oggs said: Its the numpties that i'm worried about Most people have been saying to me a 600 is great place to start... Then i'd have the which one do I get... you have more choice than you think. Naked, sports, retro, cruiser, off-road, twin, triple, four or big single......... My advise would be to buy something second hand as a first bike as you will have an off within the first year. Get experince of riding out by yourself on this over the summer and winter and then get a better bike in the spring next year. It's amazing the choice you have for a few grand - but take a biker with you if you go looking as they should know what to ask/look for.

Thanks will be taking a biker with me

Another concern is which one will be easier on the back.

[oggs]

Steve_T said:

Good luck with it mate, you'll have a blast.

Cheers mate... hoping so!!

[oggs]

Thanks for your advice guys


Update::

Saturday I passed the CBT :woohoo: First time ever been on a bike

I had a little trouble trying to change gears and braking

Now I'm torn between getting a 125 to practice on then DAS or straight to DAS which could be a few months time

It was a great feeling even at 40 mph.

Any thoughts on 125?? It would have to be big and strong

[oggs]

Steve_T said:

oggs said:

Thanks for your advice guys


Update::

Saturday I passed the CBT :woohoo: First time ever been on a bike

I had a little trouble trying to change gears and braking

Now I'm torn between getting a 125 to practice on then DAS or straight to DAS which could be a few months time

It was a great feeling even at 40 mph.

Any thoughts on 125?? It would have to be big and strong

Just my five cents, but I wouldn't bother. You probably won't lose much on a secondhand 125, if anything at all, but there's the chance of buying a dog, the time needed to sell it once you're done with it and insurance costs. I can't think of many machines that would be a good fit for you either. Better to save your cash for a proper bike and kit. Most folks get DAS done in a few days training, so I it's unlikely think you'll need the 125 for extra practice.

Steve.

Thanks Steve

Just thinking that it could be late sept (at the earliest) before i'm on a bike again if I go just DAS.

You could be right about getting one to fit tho

[oggs]

You could be right mate

[oggs]

Can't beleive it was July I passed my CBT

Update:

Since then I have passed my theory and this evening booked my DAS

3 days early Feb
Can't wait

Bike show this weekend as well

[oggs]

wedg1e said:

Altogether now...


A-DING-DING-DING-DING-PHUT-BWWAAAAAAA A A A A AA AA AAA AAA AAAA AAAA...

O/T Wedg1e your name came up in conversation on Sat nite talking to Mick (french TVR).
About TVR Plenums and Trumpets and enlarging them

[oggs]

rsvmilly said:

We'll have to start going to bike shops....

Frik said:

Nice one oggs

Think I might join you next year.

Thanks mate.... come on over to a darkerside

[oggs]

rsvmilly said:

Good luck today Oggs. Let us know how you get on.

DAS day 1:

I arrived to glorious sunshine Signed in and lets get to the bike.
125 lets see what you remember from your CBT, which was when??? July says me my one and only time on a bike!!

Trying to move off and uphill with erm a bit of meat on me was a struggle.
Stall start move stall start stall start move stop stall

Now he is thinking should we even leave the carpark for the road

Well we do and woohoo I’m biking
Lifesaver watch where your going indicate off the roundabout lifesaver get up to speed look in your mirrors.

After a couple of hours I’m getting the hang of this!!
Then the rain comes and my jeans are getting soaked still wearing my shades tho
My Achilles heel is controlling the bike at slow speed with the clutch and throttle and rear brake…. But that will come

DAS day 2 is Thurs and day 3 is Sun.

Going to book my test for end of this month..

Roll on Thursday

[oggs]

randlemarcus said:

How are the U-Turns?

Dunno yet!!! probably be doing that Thursday

randlemarcus said:

Dont suppose you have the theory test and electronic test DVDs knocking around do you?

I do but they were borrowed... if there is a way to copy both discs...

[oggs]

shot2bits said:

Oggs, remember to relax your arms and don't keep them straight either - don't lock your arms and keep them very relaxed. Also relax your grip - it's amazing how tense arms and hands will make slow speed riding difficult. As for the U turn, look ahead and use the clutch and some power to pull you round. As for riding on the road, its amazing what a difference shifting your weight off the bike will make - just slide off a little, your head should also move away from the front screen - i.e. don't keep your head in front of the screen when cornering (with exception of slow speed cornering of course).

cheers.

I need to sort out getting my knee down !!

[oggs]

Hopefully no snow tomorrow or it'll be

[oggs]

randlemarcus said:

How are the U-Turns?

I hate U turns.

I could do it on the 125 but not to well on a 500

I've got my test next week and that is according to my instructor my weak spot... which I aready know

I know how to do it but I'm not doing it!!

[oggs]

rsvmilly said:

Slow control is tricky. The U turn is the trickiest manouvre on the whole test. And the fact that you only get one stab at it. You'll probably be fine on the big day.

oggs said:

I've got my test next week

Good luck old boy. Which test centre? St Albans?

Test is in Bedford

Monday I'll have another 1hr or so sorting it all out :fingerscrossed:

[oggs]

Steve_T said:

oggs said:

randlemarcus said:

How are the U-Turns?

I hate U turns.

I could do it on the 125 but not to well on a 500

I've got my test next week and that is according to my instructor my weak spot... which I aready know

I know how to do it but I'm not doing it!!

Did your instructor mention how you're going wrong? What do you find difficult?

Steve, when I start turning i'm a bit slow and then the throttle revs higher as I turn and then I try a control it with the clutch & rear brake, I start looking at the kerb instead of down the road then it up foot down and I end up kicking myself.

[oggs]

Well this morning at 9.17 was test time
As my instructor had another test at 8.17 I had to go up at the same time so 7am at his training school

Mr Numbnutz ere arrives at 7am only to of forgotten his CBT cert
2 choices forget the test and do another time or drive up to the test centre with all the documents do the test but have no practice

2nd choice it was then

I knew when it was my time i'd be a bit balance-less to start with and I was stalling straight away
Within 2 mins is the dreaded U turn but I nailed that sucker

The rest of the ride was comfortable I started to enjoy it

And then it was back to the test centre.. park up and go upstairs and i'll meet you back in the waiting room he says....

A couple of Q's about a pillon passenger then the words "Mr Oggs" you have....

PASSED

WooHoo