DIRECT ACCESS again
Discussion
Sorry to bring this up, you lot have probably been asked this many times before.
Long time car driver (well 10 Years) and want to go for my DIRECT ACCESS. I live the bristol and was wondering how difficult is it, whats involved etc...
I have never been opon a bike before, but have always wanted to learn to ride. I thime seems right and the wife don't seem to mind either.
Any tips, or helpful suggestions about direct access
Regards
Long time car driver (well 10 Years) and want to go for my DIRECT ACCESS. I live the bristol and was wondering how difficult is it, whats involved etc...
I have never been opon a bike before, but have always wanted to learn to ride. I thime seems right and the wife don't seem to mind either.
Any tips, or helpful suggestions about direct access
Regards
Sounds similar to what I did last year.
It's easy enough to do. Have a look for some local schools and see what they offer. You will need to do a CBT, theory test and hazard obs test and also the DA training before your practical test.
You basically have two options, spread it out taking a lesson here and there until you are ready or do it in 3/4/5 days in one go. Personally I preferred the quick and dirty route. You spend the first day or two (after CBT) on a 125 then a couple of days on a 500 or 600 (Suzuki Bandits seem popular) then on the last day go do your test. If you pass then thats it.....
For kit I wouldn't go too mad until you have at least tried it, I just got a pair of good boots as I value my feet and used their helmets/gloves. Afterwards I got textile kit for the cold but I'll be looking for leathers for the summer.
Go for it.... I started off thinking I'll just get a little 600 for a couple of years and now I find myself with a new bike on order and at least 2 Europe trips planned for this year.
It's easy enough to do. Have a look for some local schools and see what they offer. You will need to do a CBT, theory test and hazard obs test and also the DA training before your practical test.
You basically have two options, spread it out taking a lesson here and there until you are ready or do it in 3/4/5 days in one go. Personally I preferred the quick and dirty route. You spend the first day or two (after CBT) on a 125 then a couple of days on a 500 or 600 (Suzuki Bandits seem popular) then on the last day go do your test. If you pass then thats it.....
For kit I wouldn't go too mad until you have at least tried it, I just got a pair of good boots as I value my feet and used their helmets/gloves. Afterwards I got textile kit for the cold but I'll be looking for leathers for the summer.
Go for it.... I started off thinking I'll just get a little 600 for a couple of years and now I find myself with a new bike on order and at least 2 Europe trips planned for this year.
Woooo
Do IT!
Sooo much more fun then driving!
Ok, first of all, get your Theory test out of the way - This needs to be done by anyone doing the direct access regardless of if you've done one for your car test or whatever....
This includes 35 "theory" questions and then a hazard perception test. Lots of people fail on the hazard perception so it is worth getting a CDRom mock hazard test so that you pass first time.
Right, now onto the fun stuff!
As part of your DAS, you'll have to do your CBT. This Teaches you all the basic biking rules - except swearing at car drivers, they assume you can work that out for yourself!
You'll spend most of a day in a car park on a 125cc motorbike for your CBT going around cones and the like and at the end of the day you'll be let out on the road, if you're good enough.
Now the even more fun part - Going out for a few days on 500cc Bikes like the GS500.
Pass your test, enjoy the freedom!
Do IT!
Sooo much more fun then driving!
Ok, first of all, get your Theory test out of the way - This needs to be done by anyone doing the direct access regardless of if you've done one for your car test or whatever....
This includes 35 "theory" questions and then a hazard perception test. Lots of people fail on the hazard perception so it is worth getting a CDRom mock hazard test so that you pass first time.
Right, now onto the fun stuff!
As part of your DAS, you'll have to do your CBT. This Teaches you all the basic biking rules - except swearing at car drivers, they assume you can work that out for yourself!
You'll spend most of a day in a car park on a 125cc motorbike for your CBT going around cones and the like and at the end of the day you'll be let out on the road, if you're good enough.
Now the even more fun part - Going out for a few days on 500cc Bikes like the GS500.
Pass your test, enjoy the freedom!
Everyone will have a different opinion on that!!!!
Find something you like and that feels good. Don't believe the stories about killing yourself on a big bike. You go as fast as you decide to twist your wrist, it's your decision!
The usual suspects are Bandit, SV650, CBR600, then there's some good deals on 2004 R6 just now and also on Triumph Speed4. Over 600cc the insurance starts to creep up.
I've just been quoted 1000 quid for TPFT on a Sprint ST1050. A very different story to what they told me they could do a few months ago when I first mentioned this to them. My CBR6 was 450 quid for the same cover.
Find something you like and that feels good. Don't believe the stories about killing yourself on a big bike. You go as fast as you decide to twist your wrist, it's your decision!
The usual suspects are Bandit, SV650, CBR600, then there's some good deals on 2004 R6 just now and also on Triumph Speed4. Over 600cc the insurance starts to creep up.
I've just been quoted 1000 quid for TPFT on a Sprint ST1050. A very different story to what they told me they could do a few months ago when I first mentioned this to them. My CBR6 was 450 quid for the same cover.
I now its too early to start looking but for a few years I have been buying bike mags, and have always like the R6, Gsxr-600 & Kawasaki ZX-6R. that is the bikes I like alot. have have read good things about.
if I had to choose i think I would have the Gsxr-600. or not really for a newbee biker
I was thinking of selling my daily drive (focus), as I only have to drive about 3miles to work. And still rely on the wifes cars and my Kitcar as Backup when needed.
talking about it makes me want to book my direct access next week. I just may do that
if I had to choose i think I would have the Gsxr-600. or not really for a newbee biker
I was thinking of selling my daily drive (focus), as I only have to drive about 3miles to work. And still rely on the wifes cars and my Kitcar as Backup when needed.
talking about it makes me want to book my direct access next week. I just may do that
You wont be able to book your DAS until you have your theory test under your belt. Get on and book that ASAP and then get the DAS booked the moment you pass your theory. Get started as soon as you can mate, summers coming and thousands of people will be looking out of the window and thinking "Hmmm, wouldnt mind a bike for this weather!"
As for GSXR - hmmm. I would try something a little more manageable and cheaper to repair first
I passed last June and my first bike was/is a Bandit 600. Plenty fast enough to enjoy yourself and get you into trouble, but no expensive plastic to replace when you drop it!
As for GSXR - hmmm. I would try something a little more manageable and cheaper to repair first
I passed last June and my first bike was/is a Bandit 600. Plenty fast enough to enjoy yourself and get you into trouble, but no expensive plastic to replace when you drop it! Blimey Matt, I didn't realise you wanted to be a biker I'm planning to do a DAS in a year or so once I've moved house. Nothing like a bike to get round cities (especially busy ones like Bristol!) I'm currently thinking Bandit or Fazer as a good alrounder for commuting and blats 
What's the missus think of this idea?
I'm planning to do a DAS in a year or so once I've moved house. Nothing like a bike to get round cities (especially busy ones like Bristol!) I'm currently thinking Bandit or Fazer as a good alrounder for commuting and blats What's the missus think of this idea? remal said:
I now its too early to start looking but for a few years I have been buying bike mags, and have always like the R6, Gsxr-600 & Kawasaki ZX-6R. that is the bikes I like alot. have have read good things about.
Now's probably the time to start going round the bike shops and trying out the riding position on the bikes you think you fancy. Quite often, sitting on a sport 600 will be enough to put you off, they are not for the faint hearted.
You will need to decide if you are sensible enough to cope with a bike like the ones you mention above. They are small and very powerful and it's easy to get yourself into trouble with one of these. If you lack self control you would probably be better off with something a bit milder; Bandit 6, SV650, CBR6 etc
Having said all that, you could kill yourself just as easily on a CG125, so...
Welcome to the world of biking - you're gonna love it
KITT said:
Blimey Matt, I didn't realise you wanted to be a biker
I have always wanted to learn to ride a bike. I wanted to start finding out what I need to do and my best options. From talking to my cousin last night, I think something on the lines of a secondhand Bandit would be best for me and more than powerful. So once the busy family life quiets down int he spring/early summer I will be bookign myself in for the direct access course.
remal said:Ah yes, I remember telling my mum AFTER I'd bought the Aprilia at uni. She wasn't best pleased! In fact she would try to discourage me visiting at weekends so I wouldn't have to ride from Southampton to Somerset
But my mums not best please. Blo*dy parents. thats why I did not go for my bike test when I was young
I reckon a pair of cracking bikes for DA's are the following:
If you like fours, you can't go wrong with a Fazer6. Much nicer to ride than a Bandit or Divvy.
If you fancy a twin, how about a lithe SV650?
Both these bikes are forgiving, haven't got too much plastic in case you drop them (gravel in pub car park is merciless), and will be easy to sell on in a year's time when you buy your new 'Blade or RSV
VS
If you like fours, you can't go wrong with a Fazer6. Much nicer to ride than a Bandit or Divvy.
If you fancy a twin, how about a lithe SV650?
Both these bikes are forgiving, haven't got too much plastic in case you drop them (gravel in pub car park is merciless), and will be easy to sell on in a year's time when you buy your new 'Blade or RSV
VS
afaik; CBT is included as part of the DAS. ie, you go over the same things on the first day. You dont get a certificate - which allows you evidence to ride a 125cc until you get a full licence - because when are you going to use it!!
You need a full driving licence (ideally), and I suggest the first step is book the theory+hazard perception with yor local test centre, there can be several week delay on getting a place.
The bike instructors you go with might sort it out for you, but check with them direct.
Apart from that, phone a training centre, explain what you want and book training. they will tend to arrange the actual test with the centre themselves.
You need a full driving licence (ideally), and I suggest the first step is book the theory+hazard perception with yor local test centre, there can be several week delay on getting a place.
The bike instructors you go with might sort it out for you, but check with them direct.
Apart from that, phone a training centre, explain what you want and book training. they will tend to arrange the actual test with the centre themselves.
I am just in the process of sorting out getting my bike license. Have been wanting to do it for several years now and one day recently decided to do something about it.
I booked a theory test on the internet (which I took and passed today). Prior to booking the theory I did a bit of research into the local riding schools and got some info and prices. I then booked my DAS course which includes the CBT. Practical test is on the 26th April with 5 sessions of training beforehand (and CBT). As far as I am aware most novice DAS courses include CBT.
With a bit of luck I will be on the road in time for summer. I think it is best just to get on and book your theory test, that way you at least have started the ball rolling!
>> Edited by WBC on Wednesday 23 March 16:16
I booked a theory test on the internet (which I took and passed today). Prior to booking the theory I did a bit of research into the local riding schools and got some info and prices. I then booked my DAS course which includes the CBT. Practical test is on the 26th April with 5 sessions of training beforehand (and CBT). As far as I am aware most novice DAS courses include CBT.
With a bit of luck I will be on the road in time for summer. I think it is best just to get on and book your theory test, that way you at least have started the ball rolling!
>> Edited by WBC on Wednesday 23 March 16:16
WBC said:
I booked a theory test on the internet (which I took and passed today). Prior to booking the theory I did a bit of research into the local riding schools and got some info and prices. I then booked my DAS course which includes the CBT. Practical test is on the 26th April with 5 sessions of training beforehand (and CBT). As far as I am aware most novice DAS courses include CBT.
>> Edited by WBC on Wednesday 23 March 16:16
Right, so book the theory test and hopfully pass that. and check around for riding schools and book up my course for DAS.
cheers and thanks
Remal,
I went straight out and bought a ZX6R for my first bike after passing my DAS.
I'm only 23 and I could manage to insure it and I've lasted 5 months without crashing yet!!! Although this may be due to a guardian
One advantage of getting a "Scary I'm going to kill myself" sports bike is you WILL respect it. Each time you start it, you'll remember your mum saying "You're not allowed a Bike, you'll die"
Where as, if you buy "Just" a bandit, you'll treat it with less respect. You'll feel safe on your "Slow learner" bike and because of that, you'll take more risks and so might be in more danger then on a sportsbike.
I went straight out and bought a ZX6R for my first bike after passing my DAS.
I'm only 23 and I could manage to insure it and I've lasted 5 months without crashing yet!!! Although this may be due to a guardian
One advantage of getting a "Scary I'm going to kill myself" sports bike is you WILL respect it. Each time you start it, you'll remember your mum saying "You're not allowed a Bike, you'll die"
Where as, if you buy "Just" a bandit, you'll treat it with less respect. You'll feel safe on your "Slow learner" bike and because of that, you'll take more risks and so might be in more danger then on a sportsbike.
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