Help me please!
Discussion
Hi!
Firstly - please don't flame me! I'm new to these forums and to posting on forums!
Well here we go! recently (2 months, roughly!) I've had a very keen interest in bikes, although I odn't know much about them at the moment, I'm turning to what my mate said is the best forum around for bike advice!
I don't know where to start really, I am 21, drive a car (but don't know if I need to apply for a new licence to allow me to do my CBT...? I can't see anythign on the back of it with a pic of a bike or anything) so where do I start, try a CBT and then do my direct access?
Also, I would especially value advice from experienced riders who go long distances please. Every weekend I travel 70 miles to see my girlfriend, is it possible to do this on a bike - even in horrible weather and high winds? as I'd love to get rid of my car if possible, but I just don't know if that's a possibility!
I have more questions, but in fear of nobody replying because I ask too much I'll keep it to them vital questions at the moment!!
Thanks;
Andy
Firstly - please don't flame me! I'm new to these forums and to posting on forums!
Well here we go! recently (2 months, roughly!) I've had a very keen interest in bikes, although I odn't know much about them at the moment, I'm turning to what my mate said is the best forum around for bike advice!
I don't know where to start really, I am 21, drive a car (but don't know if I need to apply for a new licence to allow me to do my CBT...? I can't see anythign on the back of it with a pic of a bike or anything) so where do I start, try a CBT and then do my direct access?
Also, I would especially value advice from experienced riders who go long distances please. Every weekend I travel 70 miles to see my girlfriend, is it possible to do this on a bike - even in horrible weather and high winds? as I'd love to get rid of my car if possible, but I just don't know if that's a possibility!
I have more questions, but in fear of nobody replying because I ask too much I'll keep it to them vital questions at the moment!!
Thanks;
Andy
Hello mate 
Right then.... CBT, DAS, Bike...simple as!!
The CBT will be a day spent in a car park, learning the controls etc.
The DAS is a 3/4/5 day course, after which the instructor should tell you whether you're ready of not. Then there's the test. pc based hazard perception test, then the practical. Master basic roadcraft and the u-turns and you'll fly through it.
I commute 60 miles a day on a bike reportedly useless for the road, but I find it a opiece of cake.
Good luck!
Right then.... CBT, DAS, Bike...simple as!!
The CBT will be a day spent in a car park, learning the controls etc.
The DAS is a 3/4/5 day course, after which the instructor should tell you whether you're ready of not. Then there's the test. pc based hazard perception test, then the practical. Master basic roadcraft and the u-turns and you'll fly through it.
I commute 60 miles a day on a bike reportedly useless for the road, but I find it a opiece of cake.
Good luck!
Hi and welcome to the best biking forum on the internet.
I’ll leave your question as to how to get your license to those who have done it more recently as they are more likely to know what has to be done. What I will say is do it soon. Firstly because you’ll love having a bike and secondly because as of 2008 it will be harder and more expensive.
Yes bikes are great for distance work. (My personal record is 1000 miles of Italy, two up in 13 hours) They are brilliant fun when the weather is good and ‘all right’ when the weather is bad, but do get good quality gear as it will keep you warm and dry as well as providing protection.
Ask any questions you want. There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers.
I’ll leave your question as to how to get your license to those who have done it more recently as they are more likely to know what has to be done. What I will say is do it soon. Firstly because you’ll love having a bike and secondly because as of 2008 it will be harder and more expensive.
Yes bikes are great for distance work. (My personal record is 1000 miles of Italy, two up in 13 hours) They are brilliant fun when the weather is good and ‘all right’ when the weather is bad, but do get good quality gear as it will keep you warm and dry as well as providing protection.
Ask any questions you want. There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers.
Edited by black-k1 on Friday 16th March 10:05
Also worth a look here
[url]www.visordown.com/forums/[/url]
Worth knowing that running a bike over lots of miles is not always cheaper than a car. Tyres, brakes, chains etc don't last very long.
[url]www.visordown.com/forums/[/url]
Worth knowing that running a bike over lots of miles is not always cheaper than a car. Tyres, brakes, chains etc don't last very long.
Wow, just wow! within 5 minutes 3 responses!
Well the licence part is confusing me, you said there are no stupid questions so I'm about to prove you wrong :P
Well, OK say I book myself in for a CBT in 2 weeks, I go to that and complete it - then what? the way I see it, I then have to do my theory BEFORE I can do my direct access, correct? as I'm confused by the above response, it sounds like from what you're saying I can do my DAS, then on the last day do my theory just before doing my real test? if so I'd do this option, no questions!
Also to those saying they commute long distances, the comfort part doesn't bother me so much, it's the concern about bad weather and high winds (I drive to leeds, highest motorway in the UK there...!) and would be worried of getting blown off! is that just a silly assumption?
Also insurance wise, I've seen other threads around with people asking but I really would like a ball park figure - even if it'sa wide one (e.g. £800 to £1k), I would be looking to get a Fazer 600 or something of the like, and I think I would want a sports tourer...? I just want a fairing, thats the most important thing for me, I love the sport bike look.
Again, I have more questions but I don't want to scare you all off!
Well the licence part is confusing me, you said there are no stupid questions so I'm about to prove you wrong :P
Well, OK say I book myself in for a CBT in 2 weeks, I go to that and complete it - then what? the way I see it, I then have to do my theory BEFORE I can do my direct access, correct? as I'm confused by the above response, it sounds like from what you're saying I can do my DAS, then on the last day do my theory just before doing my real test? if so I'd do this option, no questions!
Also to those saying they commute long distances, the comfort part doesn't bother me so much, it's the concern about bad weather and high winds (I drive to leeds, highest motorway in the UK there...!) and would be worried of getting blown off! is that just a silly assumption?
Also insurance wise, I've seen other threads around with people asking but I really would like a ball park figure - even if it'sa wide one (e.g. £800 to £1k), I would be looking to get a Fazer 600 or something of the like, and I think I would want a sports tourer...? I just want a fairing, thats the most important thing for me, I love the sport bike look.
Again, I have more questions but I don't want to scare you all off!
Again, I’ll let those who have recently done/are doing their test advise on the order in which things have to happen.
High cross winds on a bike do make life a little difficult but it just means you have to slow down a little and give yourself some room. Having said that it is very rare for the winds to be strong enough to make a significant difference.
The best way to get real insurance examples is to go to a web site like the one at www.autotrader.co.uk/BIKES/insurance/insurance_centre.jsp and put in some examples. The quotes will then be right for you and your specific circumstances.
Keep asking any questions you have, you won’t scare us lot.
High cross winds on a bike do make life a little difficult but it just means you have to slow down a little and give yourself some room. Having said that it is very rare for the winds to be strong enough to make a significant difference.
The best way to get real insurance examples is to go to a web site like the one at www.autotrader.co.uk/BIKES/insurance/insurance_centre.jsp and put in some examples. The quotes will then be right for you and your specific circumstances.
Keep asking any questions you have, you won’t scare us lot.
I'd suggest you get the theory test out the way as soon as you can. I remember doing mine before I did anything practical. I think I avoided the computer based hazard perception bit they do now (it's been a while since I got my license). I'd suggest you get some practice in on that, because from what I understand the software doing the hazard perception stuff is a bit quirky.
Steve.
Steve.
great stuff, thanks! thanks about the high wind stuff, that's good. Here's one of my silly questions - what do you do when it rains? Do the visors on helmets do pretty well for your visibility, or do you have to keep wiping it with your hands? I know it's a silly question - I just don't know!
Other than that, gear wise - what's best? I'm thinking if I'm going to be commuting and riding in all weathers then 2 piece textile gear will be better then leathers, as it's waterproof and easier to get on/off? please correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, for a starter bike, will 600cc be OK? I've also been looking at the Aprilia bikes, they look nice and the kind I'm after...
Other than that, gear wise - what's best? I'm thinking if I'm going to be commuting and riding in all weathers then 2 piece textile gear will be better then leathers, as it's waterproof and easier to get on/off? please correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, for a starter bike, will 600cc be OK? I've also been looking at the Aprilia bikes, they look nice and the kind I'm after...
There is a great choice of good gear out there and also quite a lot of crap. Check out some of gear tests in Ride magazine to give you some pointers. I have a two piece lined suit for colder weather and leathers for warmer weather. I have a 1 piece unlined suit for over the leathers when it rains. I have lined Gore-Tex gloves for the colder weather and unlined leather gloves for the summer. (I just accept that my hands will get wet in the summer.) I use 1 pair of Gore-Tex boots all year round. There was a post not so long ago on what everyone wears so may be worth doing a search.
I use RainX on my visor to help keep the rain off. Misting on the inside is more of a problem than water on the outside but there are various products that reduce the misting problems.
Any bike you want is good for a starter bike as long as you treat it with respect and don’t ride beyond your own capabilities. As has been said before, don’t expect a bike to be cheap to run. My bike costs more to run than my Audi A6 TDi daily hack and the bigger/faster the bike the greater the running costs.
I use RainX on my visor to help keep the rain off. Misting on the inside is more of a problem than water on the outside but there are various products that reduce the misting problems.
Any bike you want is good for a starter bike as long as you treat it with respect and don’t ride beyond your own capabilities. As has been said before, don’t expect a bike to be cheap to run. My bike costs more to run than my Audi A6 TDi daily hack and the bigger/faster the bike the greater the running costs.
Some bikes are cheap(ish) to run but they are at the lower end of the capacity/performance/fun scale. Service intervals for most bikes are a lot less than a car and fuel consumption for most 600cc+ bikes are no better (often worse) than a reasonable car. (You have to get over 100bhp per ltr from somewhere and it all comes from the petrol you pour in!!) Tyres are expensive as they have to be sticky and they wear out in very short distances compared to cars. Chains are also expensive and need replacing on a regular basis.
You need to remember that your average sports 600 has performance to equal your average Ferrari. The running costs of a bike look pretty good compared to a Ferrari but are pretty crap compared to a Golf.
You need to remember that your average sports 600 has performance to equal your average Ferrari. The running costs of a bike look pretty good compared to a Ferrari but are pretty crap compared to a Golf.
Just do it!
It's not just cost thing and probably your biggest costs will be the test, the kit and the bike.
After that the costs needn't be too expensive at all - except that you will finding biking very addictive and great fun.
Do your theory first, if you need to, get the CBT on a loan bike and do the Direct Access on one too.
and enjoy!!!
It's not just cost thing and probably your biggest costs will be the test, the kit and the bike.
After that the costs needn't be too expensive at all - except that you will finding biking very addictive and great fun.
Do your theory first, if you need to, get the CBT on a loan bike and do the Direct Access on one too.
and enjoy!!!
Yeah I think I would do the DAS on a loan bike anyway, as I wouldn't want a 125 on passing!
Hmmm, any actual figures from anyone please? e.g. is it going ot cost me a load of cash on a monthly basis? how much are we talking for chains? and tyres for bikes? I know it will all vary, but an estimate would be great
Hmmm, any actual figures from anyone please? e.g. is it going ot cost me a load of cash on a monthly basis? how much are we talking for chains? and tyres for bikes? I know it will all vary, but an estimate would be great
For my Honda Firestorm (will be about the same as a sports 600) the costs are:
35 – 40mpg average
3000 to 4000 miles from a rear tyre (approx £120)
4000 to 5000 miles from a front tyre (approx (£100)
20000 miles from a chain and sprockets (approx £120)
Service every 4000 miles – average £100 to £175 (non main dealer)
Odd parts as required.
I’ll let you do the ‘per mile’ maths.
35 – 40mpg average
3000 to 4000 miles from a rear tyre (approx £120)
4000 to 5000 miles from a front tyre (approx (£100)
20000 miles from a chain and sprockets (approx £120)
Service every 4000 miles – average £100 to £175 (non main dealer)
Odd parts as required.
I’ll let you do the ‘per mile’ maths.
To quote gear and bike costs, you can buy cheap stuff and get cheap stuff...my first lot of gear was all in for £290. I now see where the money didn't go and am concidering replacing some of it aftre 200 miles and a week of use...you get what you pay for!
Insurance for a 35yr old just passed - <£600 for a Ducati 748s in an OK area in Essex
Licence was probably £7-800 - CBT, DAS theory etc.
Do the CBT, then the Theory straight away...Theory lasts 2 yrs and once you've got it you can forget about it and concentrate on the riding. Look into getting a deal for the lot together, but space out the CBT, Theory and let the school book the test for you when THEY think you are ready...you may think you are ready earlier, but more practice DOES help and to do an extra day learning is probably cheaper than one day less, fail then book another day in!
Good luck, and I have heard it IS easy to get blown off in Leeds...not sure you want to do this on the bike though...
Book it up and good luck...
Insurance for a 35yr old just passed - <£600 for a Ducati 748s in an OK area in Essex
Licence was probably £7-800 - CBT, DAS theory etc.
Do the CBT, then the Theory straight away...Theory lasts 2 yrs and once you've got it you can forget about it and concentrate on the riding. Look into getting a deal for the lot together, but space out the CBT, Theory and let the school book the test for you when THEY think you are ready...you may think you are ready earlier, but more practice DOES help and to do an extra day learning is probably cheaper than one day less, fail then book another day in!
Good luck, and I have heard it IS easy to get blown off in Leeds...not sure you want to do this on the bike though...
Book it up and good luck...
Wow, thanks! that really helps, I think that order of doing my CBT, then theory and then direct access sounds great!! sounds quite good, I better start revising...!
Does anyone know what a sports tourer is like? I'm not planning on doing track days or anything with it so that doesn't bother me at all.
Again, thank you all for your input! Insurance, I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up! unless I get a less powerful bike - but I'm even less knowledgable on anything <600! I hear the RS125's are a great bike but surley they are slow...?
Does anyone know what a sports tourer is like? I'm not planning on doing track days or anything with it so that doesn't bother me at all.
Again, thank you all for your input! Insurance, I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up! unless I get a less powerful bike - but I'm even less knowledgable on anything <600! I hear the RS125's are a great bike but surley they are slow...?
andybrads said:
Wow, thanks! that really helps, I think that order of doing my CBT, then theory and then direct access sounds great!! sounds quite good, I better start revising...!
Does anyone know what a sports tourer is like? I'm not planning on doing track days or anything with it so that doesn't bother me at all.
Again, thank you all for your input! Insurance, I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up! unless I get a less powerful bike - but I'm even less knowledgable on anything <600! I hear the RS125's are a great bike but surley they are slow...?
Does anyone know what a sports tourer is like? I'm not planning on doing track days or anything with it so that doesn't bother me at all.
Again, thank you all for your input! Insurance, I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up! unless I get a less powerful bike - but I'm even less knowledgable on anything <600! I hear the RS125's are a great bike but surley they are slow...?
Yes they are slow...top end...compared to the 500 you will take your DAS on. The 500 you take your DAS on is slow campared to the first 'big' bike you will go out and buy...I am at this stage. The first big bike you will go out and buy will definately be more capable than anything you can throw at it, so it's basically whatever you fancy...If you want a faired bike, get one. If you drop it, you will scratch (more of) it, but so what. It's what you want.
I asked the question whilst doing my DAS on here about going out and getting XYZ big bike...now I've ridden my Vtwin 750, I understand all the mixed answers I received. For you, you may be capable of safely riding a K7GSXR thou' from day one...you may not...WHATEVER you buy, you will be slower on that for quite some time than an experienced rider on something 'less'. Insurance will be a pain in the first year, but keep it out of the hedges and second year should be less painful...that's what I'm banking on
Just remember, don't try to compete with anyone...there will always be someone who is
a naturally faster or more skilled/experienced
b has a faster bike
c values their life/licence differently to you so will take greater risks.
There is a scuba addage that goes, there are old divers and there are bold divers, but there are no old bold divers...kind of equates well to road bike riders...
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff