Passed theory today: Now what do I do A2 or DAS?

[Newbiker0507]

As the title says, I passed my theory today. Now I'm unsure whether to do my DAS or A2.

The argument is as follows:

For A2:

Cheaper
Can do it on my own bike

Against A2:

Will have to wait for two years to ride de-restricted

For DAS:

De-restricted immediately

Against DAS:

More expensive

I am leaning towards A2 for the reasons stated. I am one of those bikers that believes it's better to progress slowly anyway. Not to mention I couldn't fit a massive crotch rocket on my front drive, and it would probably be stolen.

Any other things to throw into the mix?

A few congrats on the theory passing wouldn't go amiss either lol

[AndyGB]

What sort of riding will you be doing ? If longer distance/motorway then would a bigger, unrestricted bike be more useful ?

PS - Congratulations

You can hopefully say the same to me later today (Thursday) as I've my test at 11:45

[Newbiker0507]

[Ste]

Nice one at doing your theory, I'd say you're best to do DAS rather than A2:up:

If you do the restricted license the chances are you'll end up wanting to de-restrict your bike before the 2 years are up. Just cos you do DAS doesn't mean you have to jump on a big bike straight away, it just means you've got the option to go to more than 33bhp without needing to do another test or without riding illegally.

Insurance on a 33bhp 600 will be the same as for it full power, if you have a 33bhp license then you'll be paying lots for insurance but won't get the power.

33bhp is for people under 21.

[Newbiker0507]

[Darth]

[multijoy]

[daemonoid]

I think a lot of people forget that a 33bhp bike is really quite quick... You'll be able to out accelerate most cars and still do about a ton if you so desire. A smaller bike will also be easier in town whilst you continue to learn.

Also remember that half the people on here passed soooo long ago that a 600 of their day only used to produce 4bhp anyway.
____________________
current: ducati monster 750
past: hyosung gt250r, bajaj pulsar 180, hyosung gt 125 comet
@thomasgarrard | www.straitjkt.com | www.racingseven.com

[neil.]

Heck, I've been on the motorway quite a few times on my 4t 125 and it's been just about okay, despite everyone saying it would be awful. Just means you spend most of the time in the left lane. I do 40ish miles of NSL dual carriageways on it every day as it's my economical commuter, so I'm sure a 33bhp machine would be fine.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Ste]

33bhp is good for around 100mph, and they're fairly quick accelerating. But if we all just had what was actually necessary rather than what's fun, then everyone would own a CG125 and litre bikes wouldn't exist.

People who passed a long time ago didn't have to put up with 33bhp licenses.

33bhp will be fine for commuting, but come the weekend you'll want to be out riding on fun roads, and 33bhp is less good then. And other bikes will be leaving you behind.

33bhp is for people under 21.

[ms51ves3]

Do your DAS, it makes buying a bike so much easier.

Sure you can restrict a bike but it's faffing around.

[yandy_yay]

Well i did A2 on my own bike for money reasons (i.e lack of it)

got myself a restricted XJ600 diversion it's plenty fast enough if you give it some, will get up to 90Mph Pretty fast, top speed i've had 107Mph (gps speed, speedo said 110) only cars that can out drag me at lights are scoobies and evo's not that there's that many round here.

as for wanting to de-restrict it, no plans yet but i'm only 3 months in...

Andy
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past bikes: (20 years ago) cg-125 (wriiten off), C-50 (thrashed n' finnaly scrapped), CZ-125 (nicked - never recovered, insurance payout was more than i paid for it !!!)
Current bikes: GN 125(now sold), Divvy 600s.

[swiftb]

How much more is is to do DAS??? Cant be much im doing DAS and sure its only bout an extra £40 for DAS course at my training school.

[Rowey]

DAS all the way. You can get a 33bhp bike or a 120bhp bike. Only going to go as fast as your wrist will tell it.

And like Chives said, makes buying a bike so much easier. Have you thought that it'd cost you money to buy and fit a restriction kit?
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[stevo as b4]

The way i see it is that it's just a cost issue as to which route you take. How much more will it cost you these days to do a DAS course? If you factor that into your bike buying budget, and also the insurance costs first before you commit to anything really.

Do you want a new or used machine for your first bike, and what styles and types of bike are you interested in most, or more realistically some times, able to accept and put up with?

Budget for your insurance as this has to be a big deciding factor when combined with what sort of riding and needs you have for your bike. What can you afford or are realistically prepared to pay to insure a certain type of bike?

You also mentioned another less major factor, but still has to be taken into consideration, Security and how safe your bike would likely be in the locations that you would want to and or have to park it in. So thats home, place of work etc etc. There is not much point in having a very desirable bike that you cannot hide or conceal if there is a stronger than likely chance of it getting lifted fairly soon.

Theres areas like parts of south London just as one example of many, where having something that is very desirable gets too much attention attracted to the bike and yourself, and potentially makes you a target for violence and theft.

Just a list of points that you'd want to go over before making any decision about what to buy, and then how to go about doing things the best route to suit your circumtances and situation.

I can see the argument in the A2 being for under 21's, but not everyone wants to have a big bike or can afford the up front cost to complete DAS, and then maybe buy an old bike that might exceed the 33bhp limit, but not be as much fun to ride as a less powerful, but cheaper, more sharp and precise 33bhp bike.

I for one would take a bike under 33bhp that was nice to ride with really good handling etc, than a cheap but worn out saggy 20year old 750 sports machine, which you might have to pay dearly to insure, and yet it might not add up to such a nice riding experience.

[Newbiker0507]

So what do I do next, do I book my practical test or my DAS first? I don't understand the process.

[yandy_yay]

if your going to do the DAS go see the training school first very often they Block book tests so will have a test for you at the end of your training.

If your gonna do the A2 just book the test yourself but leave time to get some lessons in so that your upto test standard in time, it perfectly possible to pass your A2 without even having a single lesson other than your CBT which is what i did but rode around on my 125 for just over a year and then took my A2

Andy
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past bikes: (20 years ago) cg-125 (wriiten off), C-50 (thrashed n' finnaly scrapped), CZ-125 (nicked - never recovered, insurance payout was more than i paid for it !!!)
Current bikes: GN 125(now sold), Divvy 600s.

[JockyT]

If you plan to buy or have bought your own 125, you have a few options:

Ride around on your 125 to get some experience (with or without the odd lesson to keep you straight).

After a few weeks decide on A2 or DAS. A2 means you just book your test and take it all on your own - no messing about with schools.

With DAS you need a school for training and bike - as mentioned they often block book tests so you can do a few days training then end with the test. Or you can do DAS, taking lessons on a big bike when it's convenient, riding to the school on your 125 and practicing in between (I'm not sure what it would be like switching between bikes though). You'd need to plan the test with the school so you have a bike.

The good thing about having your own bike is that you can learn at your own pace with or without a school.

I would say A2 is a bit more straightforward up to and including the test, but an A2 licence can be a pain afterwards if you plan on getting a bigger bike that needs to be restricted.

A block booked DAS is fine if you can learn at a fast pace and have confidence. If you are struggling with these, you may find the DAS less than direct - fail test, more training.....

I started out planning to do a DAS but didn't learn fast and lacked confidence so I ended up doing A2 on my own bike - it was fine for me. Now I have a restricted 600 and am happy gaining experience on that.

When looking at costs, factor in things like restriction of big bike and possible higher insurance as your bike will be modified. You'll also struggle to get a test ride on anything, unless it's already restricted.

JT
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Current Bikes:
YBR125 - low running cost commuter
XJ600s - a bit dull but cheap and reliable first big bike

[priestessuk20...]

old man
has now failed two test and on Das
that is getting very expensive now
hope to talk him round going the other way
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priestessuk
yes passed cbt 27/10/08
currant - honda CB125 T

[Newbiker0507]

For anyone who lives in North London, Enfield Council have a motorcycle training unit, and their DAS course only costs £247. You have to hire a bike from them...I think I'm going to do my DAS with them.

Thanks for all the replies.

[multijoy]

That's not too shabby, especially if it includes a test fee...

Do you have any details on that? I'm down in the mighty 'stow, so it's not much of a jaunt.

Ta!

edit: Found it!

[The Disapproving Brit]

I've been pondering A2 or DAS after passing my theory last week too. I'm quite happy with my little 125 until I save enough for a decent bike, so I don't think I'd really have a problem with the restricted license.

My plan is to just book my A2 and take it on my own bike. If I pass, I've got my A2. If I fail, I'll take the examiners comments on board, and book a DAS course instead.
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Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

[swiftb]

[priestessuk20...]

[yandy_yay]

The test is exactly the same !

i think th difference (for me anyway) is that most people have there own 125 that they ride everyday an can ride without thinking about it...

the DAS route you have only a few days t get used to the bike and maybe will be thinking more about controlling the machine instead of the quality of your ride.

Andy
____________________
past bikes: (20 years ago) cg-125 (wriiten off), C-50 (thrashed n' finnaly scrapped), CZ-125 (nicked - never recovered, insurance payout was more than i paid for it !!!)
Current bikes: GN 125(now sold), Divvy 600s.