Getting started - CBT/125 or DAS
Discussion
Hey
Now that I am a bit older (26) I've been wanting to get on a bike for a while but haven't got round to doing anything about it. I was talking to a mate (24) recently who did a 4 day DAS and bought himself an SV650 - he rode dirt bikes as a kid and obviously drove a car beforehand so it made sense he would do a DAS.
He has told me to not bother with a CBT and a 125 and just do a DAS. The problem I have is that having never been on a bike before I will probably fail either the MOD1 or MOD2 (MOD1 scares me the most). I was thinking about doing a CBT and getting a 125 (CBR125 most likely) and getting some experience and practice over the next 6 months or so without the pressure of time/tests.
I am off for the next 2 weeks with nothing to do other than sort MOTs for the cars, so probably have enough time to do either options (providing I can find a space on a DAS course in the Newcastle area).
I am not concerned I cannot ride safely on the public roads, perhaps scared of passing isn't the correct word. I would just like to build up some experience learning on something slower. Which means when I do come to the MOD1 and MOD2 I should be able to breeze them. I won't need the bike for anything other than pleasure, I have a daily car and a fun car so I won't be left stranded without a means to get around should it snow or whatever.
I guess my point is I didn't learn a lot of the stuff I know when it comes to car driving until years after passing my test, and yes some of it will translate (i.e. all the roadcraft stuff) but a lot of it won't. E.g. I won't be heel-toeing or double clutching into first on hairpins etc. I'd like to know how to ride a bike inside out before moving onto something with a bit more pace.
Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts?
Now that I am a bit older (26) I've been wanting to get on a bike for a while but haven't got round to doing anything about it. I was talking to a mate (24) recently who did a 4 day DAS and bought himself an SV650 - he rode dirt bikes as a kid and obviously drove a car beforehand so it made sense he would do a DAS.
He has told me to not bother with a CBT and a 125 and just do a DAS. The problem I have is that having never been on a bike before I will probably fail either the MOD1 or MOD2 (MOD1 scares me the most). I was thinking about doing a CBT and getting a 125 (CBR125 most likely) and getting some experience and practice over the next 6 months or so without the pressure of time/tests.
I am off for the next 2 weeks with nothing to do other than sort MOTs for the cars, so probably have enough time to do either options (providing I can find a space on a DAS course in the Newcastle area).
I am not concerned I cannot ride safely on the public roads, perhaps scared of passing isn't the correct word. I would just like to build up some experience learning on something slower. Which means when I do come to the MOD1 and MOD2 I should be able to breeze them. I won't need the bike for anything other than pleasure, I have a daily car and a fun car so I won't be left stranded without a means to get around should it snow or whatever.
I guess my point is I didn't learn a lot of the stuff I know when it comes to car driving until years after passing my test, and yes some of it will translate (i.e. all the roadcraft stuff) but a lot of it won't. E.g. I won't be heel-toeing or double clutching into first on hairpins etc. I'd like to know how to ride a bike inside out before moving onto something with a bit more pace.
Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts?
I'm in a similar position atm, bit older (43 ) have done my CBT and passed my theory need to do mod 1&2 but not sure whether I should get a 125 for a few months practice as I didn't feel that confident on the road on my CBT or just get on with it.
Even if I do pass mod 1 & 2 I'm a bit nervous about a big bike as I thought the 125 was quick enough !
Even if I do pass mod 1 & 2 I'm a bit nervous about a big bike as I thought the 125 was quick enough !
Thanks for the link, was a good read.
Should be easy enough to move the 125 on when you've passed the test and obviously it's good for experience.
And I reckon the lack of confidence is there because of the novelty, which riding around on a 125 will get you used to being on a bike. Plus there is no reason why you can't find an empty area and practice the MOD 1 maneuvers in your own time and the MOD 2 is the same as riding around just somewhere tells you where to go.
Essentially I have my heart set on the 125 route unless my instructor advises differently or I pick it up really fast during the CBT.
Disco_Biscuit said:
I'm in a similar position atm, bit older (43 ) have done my CBT and passed my theory need to do mod 1&2 but not sure whether I should get a 125 for a few months practice as I didn't feel that confident on the road on my CBT or just get on with it.
Even if I do pass mod 1 & 2 I'm a bit nervous about a big bike as I thought the 125 was quick enough !
I'm going to do the CBT and see how I feel/what the instructor thinks. With winter fast approaching I don't think I would take a big bike out anyway in case I ran into some adverse weather, the 125 would be for quiet plodding around the local area to get some experience when it's nice outside.Even if I do pass mod 1 & 2 I'm a bit nervous about a big bike as I thought the 125 was quick enough !
Should be easy enough to move the 125 on when you've passed the test and obviously it's good for experience.
And I reckon the lack of confidence is there because of the novelty, which riding around on a 125 will get you used to being on a bike. Plus there is no reason why you can't find an empty area and practice the MOD 1 maneuvers in your own time and the MOD 2 is the same as riding around just somewhere tells you where to go.
Essentially I have my heart set on the 125 route unless my instructor advises differently or I pick it up really fast during the CBT.
DAS should give you all the skills necessary to ride a bike safely and pass the two mods now required for a licence. However, you still need to complete a CBT before riding on the road at all with or without DAS and you’ll also need to complete your theory test again before taking the mods at the end of DAS.
Riding a pushbike is more relevant to learning to ride a motorbike, than driving a car and the roadcraft bit.
As for the “heel and toeing” comment in your post below, grow up. Nobody needs to do that on the road.
Riding a pushbike is more relevant to learning to ride a motorbike, than driving a car and the roadcraft bit.
As for the “heel and toeing” comment in your post below, grow up. Nobody needs to do that on the road.
Saudade said:
Hey
Now that I am a bit older (26) I've been wanting to get on a bike for a while but haven't got round to doing anything about it. I was talking to a mate (24) recently who did a 4 day DAS and bought himself an SV650 - he rode dirt bikes as a kid and obviously drove a car beforehand so it made sense he would do a DAS.
He has told me to not bother with a CBT and a 125 and just do a DAS. The problem I have is that having never been on a bike before I will probably fail either the MOD1 or MOD2 (MOD1 scares me the most). I was thinking about doing a CBT and getting a 125 (CBR125 most likely) and getting some experience and practice over the next 6 months or so without the pressure of time/tests.
I am off for the next 2 weeks with nothing to do other than sort MOTs for the cars, so probably have enough time to do either options (providing I can find a space on a DAS course in the Newcastle area).
I am not concerned I cannot ride safely on the public roads, perhaps scared of passing isn't the correct word. I would just like to build up some experience learning on something slower. Which means when I do come to the MOD1 and MOD2 I should be able to breeze them. I won't need the bike for anything other than pleasure, I have a daily car and a fun car so I won't be left stranded without a means to get around should it snow or whatever.
I guess my point is I didn't learn a lot of the stuff I know when it comes to car driving until years after passing my test, and yes some of it will translate (i.e. all the roadcraft stuff) but a lot of it won't. E.g. I won't be heel-toeing or double clutching into first on hairpins etc. I'd like to know how to ride a bike inside out before moving onto something with a bit more pace.
Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts?
Now that I am a bit older (26) I've been wanting to get on a bike for a while but haven't got round to doing anything about it. I was talking to a mate (24) recently who did a 4 day DAS and bought himself an SV650 - he rode dirt bikes as a kid and obviously drove a car beforehand so it made sense he would do a DAS.
He has told me to not bother with a CBT and a 125 and just do a DAS. The problem I have is that having never been on a bike before I will probably fail either the MOD1 or MOD2 (MOD1 scares me the most). I was thinking about doing a CBT and getting a 125 (CBR125 most likely) and getting some experience and practice over the next 6 months or so without the pressure of time/tests.
I am off for the next 2 weeks with nothing to do other than sort MOTs for the cars, so probably have enough time to do either options (providing I can find a space on a DAS course in the Newcastle area).
I am not concerned I cannot ride safely on the public roads, perhaps scared of passing isn't the correct word. I would just like to build up some experience learning on something slower. Which means when I do come to the MOD1 and MOD2 I should be able to breeze them. I won't need the bike for anything other than pleasure, I have a daily car and a fun car so I won't be left stranded without a means to get around should it snow or whatever.
I guess my point is I didn't learn a lot of the stuff I know when it comes to car driving until years after passing my test, and yes some of it will translate (i.e. all the roadcraft stuff) but a lot of it won't. E.g. I won't be heel-toeing or double clutching into first on hairpins etc. I'd like to know how to ride a bike inside out before moving onto something with a bit more pace.
Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts?
I had never been on a bike before I did my DAS.
Given your age I’d recommend you just do the DAS, get it out the way and then ride whatever you want. Sure you could get into trouble faster on a big bike but if you’re sensible it shouldn’t happen. Bikes are like cars, they only go as fast as the power applied!
My first bike was a GSXR-600 which is a complete pussycat to ride below 6k, if anything it’s fairly slow until you rev it out and then it’s character changes. The 600 is also fair low and very light to ride which makes it very easy to handle.
For the first few months of riding the bike, I lacked confidence and just commuted on the bike and then overtime I developed my riding skills and used more power and cornered harder until I was confident in using all of the bikes power.
Finally, like many I didn’t enjoy my DAS and didn’t enjoy riding until after I’d ridden on my own for a while and then I fell in love with it!
Given your age I’d recommend you just do the DAS, get it out the way and then ride whatever you want. Sure you could get into trouble faster on a big bike but if you’re sensible it shouldn’t happen. Bikes are like cars, they only go as fast as the power applied!
My first bike was a GSXR-600 which is a complete pussycat to ride below 6k, if anything it’s fairly slow until you rev it out and then it’s character changes. The 600 is also fair low and very light to ride which makes it very easy to handle.
For the first few months of riding the bike, I lacked confidence and just commuted on the bike and then overtime I developed my riding skills and used more power and cornered harder until I was confident in using all of the bikes power.
Finally, like many I didn’t enjoy my DAS and didn’t enjoy riding until after I’d ridden on my own for a while and then I fell in love with it!
You sound like your mind is made up so unsure why you posted to be a little blunt
However, if you do want advice or others experience then here is mine.
Get a big bike sooner. You categorically WILL NOT learn to ride a bike inside out before moving up. I'm 5 years deep and still s
t so unless you plan on spending your life on a 125 then don't.
I did a restricted access under the old laws meaning I went from having a couple of rides on a minimoto, to having a licence in under 4 months but actually only riding a bike a handful of times between it.
2 weeks after passing my test I got on a coach to Liverpool from Somerset and bought a Suzuki GSX600F and rode it home.
I haven't died once yet but one thing that stuck with me which I read on here many years ago was, "you start with an empty bag of skill, and a full bag of luck. Try to fill one before you empty the other"
However, if you do want advice or others experience then here is mine.
Get a big bike sooner. You categorically WILL NOT learn to ride a bike inside out before moving up. I'm 5 years deep and still s
t so unless you plan on spending your life on a 125 then don't. I did a restricted access under the old laws meaning I went from having a couple of rides on a minimoto, to having a licence in under 4 months but actually only riding a bike a handful of times between it.
2 weeks after passing my test I got on a coach to Liverpool from Somerset and bought a Suzuki GSX600F and rode it home.
I haven't died once yet but one thing that stuck with me which I read on here many years ago was, "you start with an empty bag of skill, and a full bag of luck. Try to fill one before you empty the other"
Just to add, you don't have to do your DAS in a week. I did my CBT, bike theory and then had a series of lessons every Saturday morning for a couple of months and then sat my test.
Which is an option instead of the intensive weeks DAS course.
Horses for courses of course.
I am not sure getting a 125 is that helpful, but I think that comes down to the individual, personally I found riding a Kawasaki ER5 much easier than the 125.
Which is an option instead of the intensive weeks DAS course.
Horses for courses of course.
I am not sure getting a 125 is that helpful, but I think that comes down to the individual, personally I found riding a Kawasaki ER5 much easier than the 125.
I'd not ridden before I did my DAS.
As already mentioned you have to do your CBT as part of the DAS anyway, and yes, the novelty of 125CC bikes very quickly wears off.
In my mind, if asked by friends I always suggest a CBT if they're unsure whether they want to ride a bike. It's a first step that's needed if they continue, but no commitment if it's just not right. If they're pretty sure they want to do it (and really, it's not something you can't do, it just takes time and determination), then may as well just get the DAS done.
As I mentioned previously DAS doesn't have to be done over a number of consecutive days, I did mine on Saturdays. Helped digest and recover after each day, others might appreciate it the other way though.
My other half did her CBT first, he friend vowed never to do any more at that point, whereas my other half booked herself on DAS and went out and bought a 125. It was fun at first, but nothing amazing, and as bought new, lost a fair chunk on trade in. I think she saw the value in having extra time to practice, but equally don't think it was essential.
As to weather. I did my DAS in January, I remember wiping the ice of the seat most days, we had strong winds and rain too. In reality it didn't cause me any problems, and if anything means I'm less worried about a chance of rain or a strong breeze now.
As already mentioned you have to do your CBT as part of the DAS anyway, and yes, the novelty of 125CC bikes very quickly wears off.
In my mind, if asked by friends I always suggest a CBT if they're unsure whether they want to ride a bike. It's a first step that's needed if they continue, but no commitment if it's just not right. If they're pretty sure they want to do it (and really, it's not something you can't do, it just takes time and determination), then may as well just get the DAS done.
As I mentioned previously DAS doesn't have to be done over a number of consecutive days, I did mine on Saturdays. Helped digest and recover after each day, others might appreciate it the other way though.
My other half did her CBT first, he friend vowed never to do any more at that point, whereas my other half booked herself on DAS and went out and bought a 125. It was fun at first, but nothing amazing, and as bought new, lost a fair chunk on trade in. I think she saw the value in having extra time to practice, but equally don't think it was essential.
As to weather. I did my DAS in January, I remember wiping the ice of the seat most days, we had strong winds and rain too. In reality it didn't cause me any problems, and if anything means I'm less worried about a chance of rain or a strong breeze now.
I got my big bike licence just over a week ago. I went the route of doing my CBT and riding around a 125 for a year before spreading my DAS lessons over a few weekends for 2 months. I did this because:
1) I was just wanting to get out on the road and had access to a 125
2) My spare time is limited so I didn't really have a spare week to do an intensive course and I didn't think one would suit me.
In hindsight I wish I'd done the intensive course. Over the year on a CBT I did less than 1k miles on the 125. It was fine at first but once you start doing the big bike lessons you won't want to get back on the 125. I also found that practicing mod1 type exercises on the 125 didn't really help as it's all about balance and power/brake control so the massive power and weight difference between the 2 bikes means you'd be as well practicing on a BMX.
If you are certain you want to ride a bike then just do the intensive course. You don't need to go out and buy an R1 after passing just because you can. The full licence gives you options. At the moment I'm looking for my first bike and am currently favouring an XSR700 over an XSR900 as a newbie friendlier option.
If you aren't certain it's for you then I'd do the CBT with a view to doing an intensive course if you enjoy it.
1) I was just wanting to get out on the road and had access to a 125
2) My spare time is limited so I didn't really have a spare week to do an intensive course and I didn't think one would suit me.
In hindsight I wish I'd done the intensive course. Over the year on a CBT I did less than 1k miles on the 125. It was fine at first but once you start doing the big bike lessons you won't want to get back on the 125. I also found that practicing mod1 type exercises on the 125 didn't really help as it's all about balance and power/brake control so the massive power and weight difference between the 2 bikes means you'd be as well practicing on a BMX.
If you are certain you want to ride a bike then just do the intensive course. You don't need to go out and buy an R1 after passing just because you can. The full licence gives you options. At the moment I'm looking for my first bike and am currently favouring an XSR700 over an XSR900 as a newbie friendlier option.
If you aren't certain it's for you then I'd do the CBT with a view to doing an intensive course if you enjoy it.
I think having a background of riding off-road when younger actually makes it more difficult. It certainly did me no favours.
I kept getting told off for covering the clutch and brake, had a tendency to try to stick feet down and was far too comfortable with the back brake and locking it up.
I kept getting told off for covering the clutch and brake, had a tendency to try to stick feet down and was far too comfortable with the back brake and locking it up.
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