Coming to the dark side...
Discussion
Afternoon all,
This is my first post in this sub-forum so please allow for some naivety.
For the last couple of years I've been saying that I fancy a bike one day, but never did anything about getting one. However, given I'm turning 24 next week, thus Direct Access is available, I've decided to finally pull the trigger; I've booked my theory test for next month to get things started.
So I'm basically just making this post looking for a bit of advice for a new rider (although I don't plan on getting a bike until after Christmas, allowing for saving a bit of cash). I appreciate there's a lot of stuff already out there, and I have started doing my research, but I thought it would be good to get some knowledge from a community I'm already familiar with (PH, not the biker community).
A few questions then...
What's it's like going in for training/tests? Specifically CBT, are you expected to have a basic understanding or do they treat everyone as a complete novice? I don't have any biker mates so nowhere to build up any hands-on knowledge but any decent blogs, YouTube accounts, books etc. you could recommend?
I've budgeted to spend about £4k from theory test to owning a bike. This includes all training and tests, all protective gear and clothing, locks and covers, few bits of basic maintenance items (lubrication, cleaning, etc.) and insurance. In terms of actual bike costs, it will be a deposit on a new bike (included in the budget) followed by monthly PCP payments. I'm happy to pay the money for a new bike as opposed to buying used, so would prefer to avoid discussions on pros and cons of finance. Does that budget seem reasonable? Anything I may have missed or overlooked?
Insurance wise I'm looking at just under a grand. A lot of money but less than I paid for my first car which was a 1.2 Corsa C. Any insurers out there who go easy on new riders or is it just something I'll have to deal with until I have some NCB? Going third party would half the cost, but wouldn't be comfortable riding on a new bike, with little experience, with that level of cover.
What's it like when you first go out on your own? Are you s
tting your pants at all times or do you get comfortable on two wheels pretty quickly? I live in a part of the country pretty popular with bikers (Lakes) so have some good roads to build up experience.
Apologies if this type of thing gets posted all the time, happy to be pointed in the direction of any decent threads.
Any other advice on anything at all would be much appreciated.
If you're interested, the bike I'm looking to get is a Honda CB650F. I spent a good day doing my research and this seemed like a good balance of sensible performance and cost, as well as ticking a few personal preferences. However, open to any other suggestions that I may have missed.
Cheers folks.
P.S. The other half isn't best pleased.
This is my first post in this sub-forum so please allow for some naivety.
For the last couple of years I've been saying that I fancy a bike one day, but never did anything about getting one. However, given I'm turning 24 next week, thus Direct Access is available, I've decided to finally pull the trigger; I've booked my theory test for next month to get things started.
So I'm basically just making this post looking for a bit of advice for a new rider (although I don't plan on getting a bike until after Christmas, allowing for saving a bit of cash). I appreciate there's a lot of stuff already out there, and I have started doing my research, but I thought it would be good to get some knowledge from a community I'm already familiar with (PH, not the biker community).
A few questions then...
What's it's like going in for training/tests? Specifically CBT, are you expected to have a basic understanding or do they treat everyone as a complete novice? I don't have any biker mates so nowhere to build up any hands-on knowledge but any decent blogs, YouTube accounts, books etc. you could recommend?
I've budgeted to spend about £4k from theory test to owning a bike. This includes all training and tests, all protective gear and clothing, locks and covers, few bits of basic maintenance items (lubrication, cleaning, etc.) and insurance. In terms of actual bike costs, it will be a deposit on a new bike (included in the budget) followed by monthly PCP payments. I'm happy to pay the money for a new bike as opposed to buying used, so would prefer to avoid discussions on pros and cons of finance. Does that budget seem reasonable? Anything I may have missed or overlooked?
Insurance wise I'm looking at just under a grand. A lot of money but less than I paid for my first car which was a 1.2 Corsa C. Any insurers out there who go easy on new riders or is it just something I'll have to deal with until I have some NCB? Going third party would half the cost, but wouldn't be comfortable riding on a new bike, with little experience, with that level of cover.
What's it like when you first go out on your own? Are you s
tting your pants at all times or do you get comfortable on two wheels pretty quickly? I live in a part of the country pretty popular with bikers (Lakes) so have some good roads to build up experience. Apologies if this type of thing gets posted all the time, happy to be pointed in the direction of any decent threads.
Any other advice on anything at all would be much appreciated.
If you're interested, the bike I'm looking to get is a Honda CB650F. I spent a good day doing my research and this seemed like a good balance of sensible performance and cost, as well as ticking a few personal preferences. However, open to any other suggestions that I may have missed.
Cheers folks.
P.S. The other half isn't best pleased.
mx5tom said:
Nothing against finance, but worth keeping in mind that as it's your first bike:
...THAT SAID...
I did my DAS about the same age as you, and I loved it.
CBT: You don't technically need to know anything, but would be a good idea to read up on what happens during the day. I actually failed CBT the first time around, combination of nerves and a shout, angry instructor. Most people don't have these problems, but not the end of the world if you've got to do it again.
DAS training: Much more fun, particularly tve on road stuff. If you can already drive a car, that will help as you'll mainly be concentrating on learning to control a bike, rather than also having to take in the new experience of being on the road. Not an issue if yoy can't drive a car, itll probably just take lobger. Lessons compared to car driving lessons were also much more laid back in my experience, less belt and braces and more a case of "you need to do this, and do it right, and we'll take the puss out of you until you do".
As for your budget, I don't really know. It sounds pretty healthy though. I think I spent about 700 on lessons, test fees, etc. Same again on kit. Insurance was similar, but dropped to 300 ish the following year.
One thing I'd say is if you don't "get it" straight away, just keep at it. I sucked at first. Couldn't do any slow speed stuff, generally just a liability. I knew it was something I wanted to get good at, so kept at it. Would have been very easy to just say "it's not for me" and leave it at that.
Thanks for the reply. Regarding finance I'll definitely take that on board and have a look at some cheaper options. - you'll probably drop it (if not a crash, then drop at low speed, forget to take disc lock off etc.) Fixing that on a new bike will be more costly, and probably necessary if you're planning on handing it back. With an old bike, fixes are at your discretion (if it's cosmetic) and just generally cheaper
- you'll probably want something different/faster/better after a year or two. Being in a PCP deal makes that a bit more awkward.
...THAT SAID...
I did my DAS about the same age as you, and I loved it.
CBT: You don't technically need to know anything, but would be a good idea to read up on what happens during the day. I actually failed CBT the first time around, combination of nerves and a shout, angry instructor. Most people don't have these problems, but not the end of the world if you've got to do it again.
DAS training: Much more fun, particularly tve on road stuff. If you can already drive a car, that will help as you'll mainly be concentrating on learning to control a bike, rather than also having to take in the new experience of being on the road. Not an issue if yoy can't drive a car, itll probably just take lobger. Lessons compared to car driving lessons were also much more laid back in my experience, less belt and braces and more a case of "you need to do this, and do it right, and we'll take the puss out of you until you do".
As for your budget, I don't really know. It sounds pretty healthy though. I think I spent about 700 on lessons, test fees, etc. Same again on kit. Insurance was similar, but dropped to 300 ish the following year.
One thing I'd say is if you don't "get it" straight away, just keep at it. I sucked at first. Couldn't do any slow speed stuff, generally just a liability. I knew it was something I wanted to get good at, so kept at it. Would have been very easy to just say "it's not for me" and leave it at that.
I'm gonna try and have a good basic knowledge before my CBT, should at least make me a bit more confident.
My 4k budget is pretty much split equal between test/training, gear/equipment, upfront bike cost and insurance.
Thanks for the advice my friend.
Prof Prolapse said:
When they see you coming back home hundreds of times, they start to wind down a little bit. Just try and play down any anxieties or near misses whilst you're learning.
I hope so!Glad to hear not everyone was a bona fide Valentino Rossi straight away.
Really looking forward to getting everything started.
LFB531 said:
I've done the lot this year from scratch and can give a quick summary.....
CBT done on a 125 manual, I'd ridden a geared moped donkeys years ago and it was fine. Most of a day doing safety and handling stuff with a bit of a road ride. Easy.
Theory and Hazard tests done at pop-up centre in local library. Had a play with the on-line free tests, that was sufficient for me to pass.
Bit more practice with the instructors on their smoker 600's, maybe 4 x 4 hour sessions.
I failed my Mod 1 first time, clipped a cone like a twerp.
Went back four weeks later after another session of learning, did Mod 1, had a coffee and then Mod 2. All fine.
Bought an old but spotless GPZ500 to play with, less than £100 to insure TPO but I'm over 50. Perfect to scare myself witless on. Have been borrowing a GS1150 from a chum who wants to sell it to me and the step up hasn't (yet) put me off.
Glad I did it and whilst a bit of an adventure to get to the end, no regrets at all.
I'm looking to be on two wheels within 6-7 months, so about March when the weather starts getting better and I've saved some dough for a bike, buying/paying for all the other stuff along the way. CBT done on a 125 manual, I'd ridden a geared moped donkeys years ago and it was fine. Most of a day doing safety and handling stuff with a bit of a road ride. Easy.
Theory and Hazard tests done at pop-up centre in local library. Had a play with the on-line free tests, that was sufficient for me to pass.
Bit more practice with the instructors on their smoker 600's, maybe 4 x 4 hour sessions.
I failed my Mod 1 first time, clipped a cone like a twerp.
Went back four weeks later after another session of learning, did Mod 1, had a coffee and then Mod 2. All fine.
Bought an old but spotless GPZ500 to play with, less than £100 to insure TPO but I'm over 50. Perfect to scare myself witless on. Have been borrowing a GS1150 from a chum who wants to sell it to me and the step up hasn't (yet) put me off.
Glad I did it and whilst a bit of an adventure to get to the end, no regrets at all.
Rsdop said:
OP I'm in a similar boat at the moment, just done CBT and theory and start on the big bike next week so zero experience to help you except for the bike!
I was also looking at getting a new cb650f, lovely looking bike and the insurance quotes were cheaper than equivalent bikes from other manufacturers. However I spotted a mint very low mileage cb600 Hornet for sale locally (predecessor to the cb650f), ran a quote and it came up just over half the price of the new bike at £170. Reviews seem to rate it higher than the new model so I bought it. Half the price of a new bike, close to half the insurance it was a no brainier to me.
The Hornet is mentioned quite a lot so I'll have a look. Problem is (Problem?), finance is so cheap these days, it's hard to not go for it. By all accounts, the bike is going to encounter some form of damage, so I'll have to do some thinking. I was also looking at getting a new cb650f, lovely looking bike and the insurance quotes were cheaper than equivalent bikes from other manufacturers. However I spotted a mint very low mileage cb600 Hornet for sale locally (predecessor to the cb650f), ran a quote and it came up just over half the price of the new bike at £170. Reviews seem to rate it higher than the new model so I bought it. Half the price of a new bike, close to half the insurance it was a no brainier to me.
WarnieV6GT said:
Well I came make it number 3 on this thread who is now doing the DAS. Just done CBT which was a doddle as I had ridden before, although that was 18 years ago mind..
OP, I don't know weather you have any gear but the school I went with didn't have much apart from some old jackets and helmets. They had no gloves to speak of as apparently they kept disappearing!
Now like you I'm not intending on getting a bike until March next year but I want to pass this year if poss. But even so I have bought a Helmet, gloves and jacket to use on my lessons and hope to add more as I go along. I intend to do 6 2hr lessons over the next 3 weeks, then a lesson before each of the tests.
As for bikes I'm unlucky that I'm 38 so insurance is cheap enough TPFT. A 954 fireblade comes in at £315 which is bloody tempting, but I'm a bit wiser now I hope with getting older so am sticking to a 600 sportsbike to start with. My riding will be pleasure only and I've been told that a 600 sports bike will soon become tedious when you get used to the speed, mainly because you have to rev them hard to extract the power. I'm going 2nd hand as I know I will drop it so I've set a budget of £1500-£2000.
If you want a hornet then get an old one to start with. You won't lose any money on it and will insure it a lot cheaper. I'm saying this because you may find that the hornet may not be enough fun wise as it's more of a commuter style bike. My brother-in-law who rides an R1 has just bought one for commuting to work on and was very underwhelmed by the lack of power and that's despite having very low expectations to start with.
My CBT is on 11th November so I've got a couple of months to start buying gear, hopefully have a few of the basics by then. OP, I don't know weather you have any gear but the school I went with didn't have much apart from some old jackets and helmets. They had no gloves to speak of as apparently they kept disappearing!
Now like you I'm not intending on getting a bike until March next year but I want to pass this year if poss. But even so I have bought a Helmet, gloves and jacket to use on my lessons and hope to add more as I go along. I intend to do 6 2hr lessons over the next 3 weeks, then a lesson before each of the tests.
As for bikes I'm unlucky that I'm 38 so insurance is cheap enough TPFT. A 954 fireblade comes in at £315 which is bloody tempting, but I'm a bit wiser now I hope with getting older so am sticking to a 600 sportsbike to start with. My riding will be pleasure only and I've been told that a 600 sports bike will soon become tedious when you get used to the speed, mainly because you have to rev them hard to extract the power. I'm going 2nd hand as I know I will drop it so I've set a budget of £1500-£2000.
If you want a hornet then get an old one to start with. You won't lose any money on it and will insure it a lot cheaper. I'm saying this because you may find that the hornet may not be enough fun wise as it's more of a commuter style bike. My brother-in-law who rides an R1 has just bought one for commuting to work on and was very underwhelmed by the lack of power and that's despite having very low expectations to start with.
Not gonna start thinking 'what bike?' again until I've got all my training and tests out the way.
Cheers for all the advice so far, really appreciate it.
I'm still leaning towards new with regards to purchase (ooh, new shiny thing), otherwise it would be a loan on used but young, low-mileage bike which would probably end up costing the same anyway.
Currently just practising away on a theory test/HP app I've bought (saw it mentioned in another thread) which is pretty decent, also2 watching a few videos on YT discussing what to expect at the CBT, how to be best prepared, etc.
Also been looking at gear; I want to have helmet, gloves, boots and jacket before my CBT if possible. Wanting to buy new, gives me loads more choice in terms of brand, style, size, etc. plus I'd just generally feel more comfortable buying new. I also want to buy in store rather than online to make sure I get the correct sizes, only problem being that just reduces choice again. One local spot also has an online store and a lot of their stuff is Spada or Held, what's the general consensus on those brands? Can't find much online apart from a few specific product reviews. Example of some stuff I'd consider buying:
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Curve-Evo-...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Moto-Glove...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Held-Masuda-Helm...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Corsa-GP-W...
Yeah, I prefer black. Let me know what you reckon.
I'm still leaning towards new with regards to purchase (ooh, new shiny thing), otherwise it would be a loan on used but young, low-mileage bike which would probably end up costing the same anyway.
Currently just practising away on a theory test/HP app I've bought (saw it mentioned in another thread) which is pretty decent, also2 watching a few videos on YT discussing what to expect at the CBT, how to be best prepared, etc.
Also been looking at gear; I want to have helmet, gloves, boots and jacket before my CBT if possible. Wanting to buy new, gives me loads more choice in terms of brand, style, size, etc. plus I'd just generally feel more comfortable buying new. I also want to buy in store rather than online to make sure I get the correct sizes, only problem being that just reduces choice again. One local spot also has an online store and a lot of their stuff is Spada or Held, what's the general consensus on those brands? Can't find much online apart from a few specific product reviews. Example of some stuff I'd consider buying:
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Curve-Evo-...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Moto-Glove...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Held-Masuda-Helm...
http://www.kcsuperbikes.co.uk/buy/Spada-Corsa-GP-W...
Yeah, I prefer black. Let me know what you reckon.
ozzuk said:
Another learner here
Got my CBT tomorrow, theory next week and DAS 1 in early October. I did a CBT years ago but never really rode, hated the 125 I bought (I'm 6foot4 17stone) so jumping straight to 'proper' bike.
I'm pretty much decided on the Kawasaki Vulcan S, brand new zero APR at around 7k it didn't seem to make much sense buying second hand. I'm not interested in race style bikes, want a more relaxed, muscle car/cruiser look and the vulcan seems to tick all boxes until I feel confident to move up to a harley fatboy (which is what I really want!).
I'm 42, been putting this off for years but really looking forward to it now. Assuming I pass everything of course!
Nice one!Got my CBT tomorrow, theory next week and DAS 1 in early October. I did a CBT years ago but never really rode, hated the 125 I bought (I'm 6foot4 17stone) so jumping straight to 'proper' bike.
I'm pretty much decided on the Kawasaki Vulcan S, brand new zero APR at around 7k it didn't seem to make much sense buying second hand. I'm not interested in race style bikes, want a more relaxed, muscle car/cruiser look and the vulcan seems to tick all boxes until I feel confident to move up to a harley fatboy (which is what I really want!).
I'm 42, been putting this off for years but really looking forward to it now. Assuming I pass everything of course!
You know, I didn't even consider booking my DAS stuff before I'd done the CBT. I'll be making a phone call tomorrow I think!
Are you doing a series of lessons then tests or going for the full day then test at the end approach? I'm going for the latter hopefully, but not looked into it too much yet.
I know it will differ from place to place, but do you mind if I ask if you were expected to pay upfront, deposit or or just pay on the day?
So I bought some gear today. Pleased with it but got a question....
The sticker on the helmet said it had an internal sun visor. However it doesn't, which is something I failed to notice when trying it on. Looking online none of the same helmets seem to have the visor inside. Replacements are £30 online, which I'm happy to pay, but is it something that I should definitely buy right now and I'll always use it or is it a 'nice to have', and I could do without one initially?
Also, it's true that bike gear sizes are weird. I tried a pair of large gloves on that were very small, then a pair of small which almost fit perfectly.
The sticker on the helmet said it had an internal sun visor. However it doesn't, which is something I failed to notice when trying it on. Looking online none of the same helmets seem to have the visor inside. Replacements are £30 online, which I'm happy to pay, but is it something that I should definitely buy right now and I'll always use it or is it a 'nice to have', and I could do without one initially?
Also, it's true that bike gear sizes are weird. I tried a pair of large gloves on that were very small, then a pair of small which almost fit perfectly.
Bungleaio said:
Sounds like you are enjoying the path to 2 wheels even though you haven't even ridden a bike yet. It's great, I've recently done the same.
What helmet did you buy? If it says it should come with an internal visor then it should have one. I find the one in my helmet really useful.
I'm very excited, will talk about it to anyone who'll listen. Very annoying I'd imagine.What helmet did you buy? If it says it should come with an internal visor then it should have one. I find the one in my helmet really useful.
I got a Shark S800 Prime. Can't seem to find the exact helmet online so no idea if I got a good deal or not, seems to be well reviewed on forums though. I rang the shop and turns out it doesn't come with one; the sticker on the front is just a generic one from the manufacturer. Which makes sense as it has a section for the dealer to write in the model name. Seems you can buy different visors online so I will if I feel I need to.
My jacket and gloves were both Richa, Falcon and Stealth I think were the names, respectively.
Completed my CBT today, loved it. Did it on a Suzuki VanVan, with my first driving instructor it turned out. There was one other guy on with me who unfortunately didn't progress to the road riding part, but made it better for me I suppose.
The instructor let me have a quick blast on the Suzuki Gladius in the yard afterwards as he knew I was wanting to progress to the Direct Access. Bloody quick in comparison but so much more comfortable and easy to ride so I don't find the prospect so daunting now.
Next job is get some boots and pants, get a couple of hours booked in for some practise on the 650 then get Mod 1 booked.
The instructor let me have a quick blast on the Suzuki Gladius in the yard afterwards as he knew I was wanting to progress to the Direct Access. Bloody quick in comparison but so much more comfortable and easy to ride so I don't find the prospect so daunting now.
Next job is get some boots and pants, get a couple of hours booked in for some practise on the 650 then get Mod 1 booked.
The latest step in my journey to two wheels.... bought some pants and boots from SportsBikeShop, had a decent sale on over the weekend. Richa Colorado and TCX Rush. So that's just about all the basics now.
Anyone on here got experience of the Suzuki SV650, specifically the newer models? Quite liking the look of them. Less power than the CB but lighter with a smidge more torque, both a bit lower in the range too. Cheaper to buy and insure, also. Do prefer the looks of the CB though.....
Anyone on here got experience of the Suzuki SV650, specifically the newer models? Quite liking the look of them. Less power than the CB but lighter with a smidge more torque, both a bit lower in the range too. Cheaper to buy and insure, also. Do prefer the looks of the CB though.....
So had about six or seven hours practising Mod 1 now with a couple of hours on the road too. All has went well apart from dropping the bike on my second ever attempt at a U-turn, managed to get out of the way of it which was preferable. Also, one of my first emergency stops got a bit dodgy but managed to not bin it.
Hopefully get a pass on Wednesday. More nervous for this than I think I will be for Mod 2.
Hopefully get a pass on Wednesday. More nervous for this than I think I will be for Mod 2.
Well, after a couple of hours delay due to ice, then stting myself more than I thought I would, managed to pass Mod 1 with no faults!
Mod 2 should be booked in for mid-January. Also got some more gear for Christmas; Oxford base layers, Alpinestars neck warmer thingy, bike cover.
Not long now!
tting myself more than I thought I would, managed to pass Mod 1 with no faults! Mod 2 should be booked in for mid-January. Also got some more gear for Christmas; Oxford base layers, Alpinestars neck warmer thingy, bike cover.
Not long now!
For anyone starting out like me and wondering about costs, I paid my full bill this week. It was £795 which included theory, CBT, Mod 1 test, Mod 2 test and 3 full days training.
I'm sure it will differ from place to place, probably cheaper elsewhere as it's the only one in the area for me.
Itching to get that Mod 2 done now.
If I do pass, I happen to be getting my car serviced on the Saturday afterwards. The service centre is conveniently just 'round the corner from both the Honda and Suzuki dealerships......
I'm sure it will differ from place to place, probably cheaper elsewhere as it's the only one in the area for me.
Itching to get that Mod 2 done now.
If I do pass, I happen to be getting my car serviced on the Saturday afterwards. The service centre is conveniently just 'round the corner from both the Honda and Suzuki dealerships......
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