The urge for a bike returns

[JS2808]

That time of the year again where I start getting a massive urge to get a bike license ready for summer.

Over the last couple of years I’ve started getting bored of cars and looking more at bikes, tried to fight the urge to get one over the last year or so but not sure I can hold out any longer haha. It’s starting to piss me off now how much I think about getting one

Went to a few bike shops today and had a look round, sat on a few different styles etc. already know a lot about bikes in general (not riding) as I watch a lot of YouTube videos.

Did my CBT a few years ago but got talked out of getting a bike by family, I’m old enough to do DAS now though which makes the whole process a bit smoother for me.

Already have a nice Arai helmet which I bought last year for the Nurburgring but need to get all the other kit ££££

Time for me to stop being a pussy and book my CBT

Absolutely no idea what the purpose of this post was

Also, currently watching The Ride London to Beijing on Prime, would recommend if you haven’t seen it!

[moanthebairns]

There are nine-million bicycles in Beijing.
That's a fact.....

[underwhelmist]

Do it, do it, do it...

There's loads of barely-used gear on ebay, you can obviously ride a bike if you've done your CBT, and taking some advanced training (Rospa or IAM or whatever) is a good way to allay family fears that you'll instantly die in a massive fireball. The extra training (1) gives you an excuse to go for regular rides out and (2) does actually make riding more enjoyable. I reckon, anyway.

Get it done!

[gland]

Don't worry about the cost of gear - I bet the expense will be tiny in comparison to what you've spent to keep all your cars in working order. Even if you go for the fancier stuff you won't be out more than a about £1,200 now that you have a helmet. Can also be done on a shoestring and the only person likely to notice is you.

I suggest not buying any more gear until you've got your DAS. Your school will be able to supply you with everything while you learn. Then when you've passed and know you're actually getting your own bike you can get all the stuff you want.

If you are budgeting remember to include insurance in your sums.

Edited by gland on Sunday 17th February 04:09

Edited by gland on Sunday 17th February 04:10

[Zarco]

I'd at least buy some gloves for DAS. The riding school ones are likely to be rancid.

[Krikkit]

I decided to buy my own, bought some RST textiles which have proved really comfortable etc so far.

Just do it op, I finished DAS a couple of weeks ago, can't wait.

[Alex@POD]

gland said:

Don't worry about the cost of gear - I bet the expense will be tiny in comparison to what you've spent to keep all your cars in working order. Even if you go for the fancier stuff you won't be out more than a about £1,200 now that you have a helmet. Can also be done on a shoestring and the only person likely to notice is you.

Agreed, you can get some bargains if you go for quality second-hand gear. I've been commuting every winter in a Hein Gericke gore-tex jacket and trousers, for about 3 years now, still waterproof and really warm even in -5 degrees, that was £200 off ebay I think. I bought some 2 piece Richa leathers last year, used but not scraped, £50 including a pair of boots, again on ebay.

[JS2808]

underwhelmist said:

Do it, do it, do it...

There's loads of barely-used gear on ebay, you can obviously ride a bike if you've done your CBT, and taking some advanced training (Rospa or IAM or whatever) is a good way to allay family fears that you'll instantly die in a massive fireball. The extra training (1) gives you an excuse to go for regular rides out and (2) does actually make riding more enjoyable. I reckon, anyway.

Get it done!

Good idea, going to have a look for some proper gear later! and yeah would do the advanced training etc too.

Cheers for the advice

[JS2808]

gland said:

Don't worry about the cost of gear - I bet the expense will be tiny in comparison to what you've spent to keep all your cars in working order. Even if you go for the fancier stuff you won't be out more than a about £1,200 now that you have a helmet. Can also be done on a shoestring and the only person likely to notice is you.

I suggest not buying any more gear until you've got your DAS. Your school will be able to supply you with everything while you learn. Then when you've passed and know you're actually getting your own bike you can get all the stuff you want.

If you are budgeting remember to include insurance in your sums.

Edited by gland on Sunday 17th February 04:09

Edited by gland on Sunday 17th February 04:10

Yeah the helmet purchase is a nice bonus as its one less thing to pay for now

tbh I think id rather buy the gear myself before DAS just because I will need it anyway.

and yes insurance is proving to be pretty steep at the moment on anything of a decent value, will likely have to buy a bike I don't really want for a year or two haha until I can insure something I like

[JS2808]

Zarco said:

I'd at least buy some gloves for DAS. The riding school ones are likely to be rancid.

Yes I agree, will probs buy all the gear before DAS...

[JS2808]

Krikkit said:

I decided to buy my own, bought some RST textiles which have proved really comfortable etc so far.

Just do it op, I finished DAS a couple of weeks ago, can't wait.

How long did it take you to do it all?

You got a bike yet?

[JS2808]

Alex@POD said:

Agreed, you can get some bargains if you go for quality second-hand gear. I've been commuting every winter in a Hein Gericke gore-tex jacket and trousers, for about 3 years now, still waterproof and really warm even in -5 degrees, that was £200 off ebay I think. I bought some 2 piece Richa leathers last year, used but not scraped, £50 including a pair of boots, again on ebay.

Does seem to be the logical thing to do, had a look around the shop the other day and I could of easily spent 1k on clothing alone with ease.

eBay hunting tonight!

[Harji]

Zarco said:

I'd at least buy some gloves for DAS. The riding school ones are likely to be rancid.

The full aroma of training school gear comes to bloom in Summer, its a bit like rotten cheese and stale sweat.

[Krikkit]

JS2808 said:

Krikkit said:

I decided to buy my own, bought some RST textiles which have proved really comfortable etc so far.

Just do it op, I finished DAS a couple of weeks ago, can't wait.

How long did it take you to do it all?

You got a bike yet?

My local school do it as 5 half day-sessions plus the 2x half-days(ish) for the Mod1+Mod2 tests.

Not bought a bike yet, but tested a Ducati Monster the other day which was tremendous.

[Zebrs]

Have an eye on what sort of riding you will do post DAS when sorting your first lot of gear out. I fell into the trap of not thinking much beyond the training where with a fair bit of hanging round thought a decent set of textiles would be the ticket.

Once passed I realised I didn’t really want to wear it to ride so then needed to get myself some leathers. Of course you can then sell the original stuff, but as you’re finding, second hand gear values aren’t that great (if you’re selling!)

[JS2808]

Just to update, after researching everywhere and popping into some shops I ended up liking the Richa gear as it seems good quality and not too expensive to start.

I bought a Richa jacket with D3O - ordered online through an eBay bike shop. Brand new but previous season gear so got it fairly cheap. Also got some Richa Ravine gloves as they have good reviews and weren't that expensive.

Due to collect my Richa trousers on the weekend (bought these new), they weren't that expensive so didn't mind paying it.

I am a full kit wker I take it?

All in, hasn't really cost me as much as I thought, now to actually ride a bike.

[brad93]

I've been wanting a bike for a number of years now too, also lost interest in cars a bit since selling my ST225 and getting an ST180. Always been talked out of getting a bike but decided to do my CBT in August last year, loved it!

I bought my own bits, Helmet, RST Jacket & Gloves came to around £300 which is fine for just doing a CBT (in my opinion) as I didn't really want to use the school gear. Did my theory a couple weeks ago and booked my DAS for April, just in time for summer. Told myself if i do pass then I will get a nicer helmet and some decent gear for the weekend and can use my cheapo stuff for my commute.

What bike are you looking to get if (when) you pass?

[croyde]

Spent a fortune in kit over the years. Most of it barely used and taking up loads of space as I tend to ride in jeans, usually heavy boots, gloves, old Arai and an ancient expensive Italian textile jacket.

Sitting around my room I have:

Sidi touring boots
Furygan Kangaroo leather jacket
Furygan leather racing trousers
Furygan textile trousers
Furygan mesh jacket with armour.
Various gloves.

Having written that down, I think I have a problem

[JS2808]

brad93 said:

I've been wanting a bike for a number of years now too, also lost interest in cars a bit since selling my ST225 and getting an ST180. Always been talked out of getting a bike but decided to do my CBT in August last year, loved it!

I bought my own bits, Helmet, RST Jacket & Gloves came to around £300 which is fine for just doing a CBT (in my opinion) as I didn't really want to use the school gear. Did my theory a couple weeks ago and booked my DAS for April, just in time for summer. Told myself if i do pass then I will get a nicer helmet and some decent gear for the weekend and can use my cheapo stuff for my commute.

What bike are you looking to get if (when) you pass?

Sounds like the same situation as me.

Also assuming you were born in 93, I'm same age so insurance is the biggest factor for me atm with looking at bikes.

The bikes I like are turning out to be really expensive to insure, like the Yamaha MT09 (have read they are a bit mental but should be ok) but insurance is over 2k haha. Sat on a Street Triple but didn't find it very comfortable. I am really unsure to be honest, I am a long way off buying a bike yet and unfortunately funds don't allow me to just go out and buy what I want. Suppose an MT07 is the logical choice for me..

How about you?

[brad93]

JS2808 said:

Sounds like the same situation as me.

Also assuming you were born in 93, I'm same age so insurance is the biggest factor for me atm with looking at bikes.

The bikes I like are turning out to be really expensive to insure, like the Yamaha MT09 (have read they are a bit mental but should be ok) but insurance is over 2k haha. Sat on a Street Triple but didn't find it very comfortable. I am really unsure to be honest, I am a long way off buying a bike yet and unfortunately funds don't allow me to just go out and buy what I want. Suppose an MT07 is the logical choice for me..

How about you?

Yep born 93. I've not really looked too much in to insurance, I did contemplate a 125 but insurance was a bit ridiculous so decided against it. I did get a few quotes for some bigger bikes which strangely enough was cheaper than the 125. I've been looking at SV650's and Kawasaki ER6N's as these seem to be good suggestions for a first 'big' bike and they seem to be giving me some good quotes. Or if I went with something like a KTM Duke 390 I get good quotes too so might be worth looking at just to get a year no claims on the bike. I'd prefer an ER6N out of them all though, can pick a fairly new one up with lowish miles for £3k now.