Same shi...question! Different poster!

[Logan]

Hello all

I'll get the pleasantries out the way. I'm 26, been driving four wheels for 8 years. Moving into my first house with the other half mean't my car had to go and I'm now forced to drive around in her bloody Micra!

Tragic ain't it? Woe is me!

However the future is bright! I'm going to be getting my motorcycle license Ditching four wheels for two.

I've not had a lot of experience riding bikes, so I'm practically a pure virgin. Apart from that one night stand with the moped in Greece, but we'll not go there. Everything else has been on the back of a bike as a passenger.

Anyway, I've been driving cars since '99. No accidents. Full NCB. Never been caught speeding or received any points on my license.

I've had a look at the sticky posts on here regarding the ways to learn, test and get your license. Can somebody please clarify further though, what my best route would be?

As I understand, I'll have to:

- pass the theory and hazzard perception tests
- pass my CBT

I then assume, I'll take lessons, as many as needed, then sit a test right?

But wait, whats this business about if you're over 21 with motoring experience, something about DAS's, different ways to do it...

Confused. To say the least.

My uncle has been riding for years, but its all changed since he sat his. He's setting me up with some lessons with an instructor he knows, so I'm sure he'll give me the lowdown. However I'd like to know before I chat to him, a little about the procedures.

Now we come to the million dollar question - which bike?

Over enthusiastically I let my heart run away with the notion that I'd get myself an R6 or a CBR RR - as a first bike, I'm pretty sure most here would shoot me down for being so stupid as to even entertain the thought - or would you..!?

So I've decided to set my sights a little lower, on the CBR600F. Its not a million miles away from say, the CBR600RR I was lusting after, I know, but its obviously not race tuned and designed with a functional purpose - on the road.

Is it a wise choice for a first bike? I'd probably be looking at picking up a second hand one, couple of years old, for a good price.

I've started looking, but once again I'm thwarted by questions! I notice that CBR600F's have a letter or number after the 'F' - now I'm assuming they are some sort of model or production line number, with the higher numbers being the more later models - is this correct? What are the differences in that case, and which should I be looking out for and which to avoid?

Thank you kindly for your time, and I hope to be spending a little more time on these forums!

EDIT: Ok digging deeper. DAS seems to be my best option. My license is a full driving license, issued before February 2001 so I possibly don't require the CBT. So its theory/hazzard test followed by the DAS. Optionally afterwards, I may go for the IAM.

[strag]

a few answers for you:


Irrespective of when your licence was issued you do have to take your theory/hazard perception as it is specific to motorcycles.

Being over 21 you can take your Direct Access (DAS).

Your best bet would be to book a course with a local training school (these vary frmm 2-5 days I think) that includes your CBT and DAS, you will have to book your theory separately.

CBT is done on a 125 bike and measures your ability to be safe on the road, it is not a test as such.

DAS is done (usually) on a 500cc machine, you spend time with your instructor and he prepares you for the test which, is taken at your local driving test centre.

The DAS allows you to ride any CC machine you wish.

Hers a link to training schools local to your area https://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/c_northants.htm

In terms of what bike you get, that really is up to you. I would not flame you for your choice, I had a 1000cc sports bike within a month of passing. You need to get what you feel comfortable on.

The IAM is different altogether and is basically advanced training and a qualification. You would need to get some experience under your belt before doing this. It has nothing to do with DAS.

Good luck
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carbon bling

[Logan]

Thanks Strag

Yeah I was aware that the theory/hazzard test was compulsory, its the rest I wasn't too clued up on.

So does everyone have to take the CBT? Because I was reading somewhere that its not necessary if you hold a full car licence issued prior to February 2001 (this provides full moped entitlement) - which I do, unless the information I read was outdated.

Thanks for the link, I'll have a browse through. I'm hoping the intstructor at the Open University my uncle knows, will sort my DAS out for me.

Thanks again

[tonshar]

If you have passed your car test before feb 01 then yes you can ride a 50cc moped without taking a cbt and without L-plates, but only a 50cc anything larger than that then you need a cbt.

Also if you are going to take your DAS then you are required by law to take your cbt first.

Good luck
____________________
CBT Passed, Theory Passed - Practical Passed 9/6/07
Suzuki Intruder C800 & Suzuki Bandit 650
I am a female biker

[Logan]

Excellent. Thanks for clearing that up for me

[TheShaggyDA]

Just as a heads up, Northampton is taking about 6 weeks for test dates, whereas Wellingborough is only 1-2 weeks.
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[Bendy]

[Logan]