I want to ride :-)

[RichA]

Evening all . For years now, I've had the urge to ride. It's about time I did something about it . I'm 25 next month and have returned to university as it seemed the clever thing to do, but I hate it and I'm not keen on the career I'm likely to go for after education. So, it's time I started enjoying myself .

Right... where to start? I'm not familiar with what tests I'm going to have to do. And I'm not too sure on what bike I'd be looking for. I'm in no rush to pass and get on the road - I'm going to have to save up some money first. I've had a car licence since September 1998, and haven't had any claims or convictions in this time. I'm not planning on going out and buying a Hayabusa as soon as I pass - maybe something like a Kwak ZXR-400 or GPZ-500/550. Insurance is around £350 for the ZXR and £250 for the GPZ - does this sound reasonable for a new rider with no experience/NCB?

I'm lost. I've typed too much . Basically, I'd like some friendly information about the tests I'd need to do(DAS I assume?), and what kind of bike you think I should be looking at. I'm 6'2 and around 15 stone(mixture of build, beer and chocolate!). I'm pretty handy with a spanner so maintenance should be okay, and my father has had bikes off and on all his life so he'll be okay as a source of information when looking to buy a bike, and for pointers with fixing them.

Thanks in advance!

--Rich

[Steve H]

Hi Rich,

Once you've dipped your toe into the biking pool you'll never look back.

Personally I'd recommend doing the DAS as you're over 21 - once passed this entitles you to ride any bike of your choosing. Some people will advise you to take your CBT and then gain experience on a 125cc prior to taking your test. There's no right or wrong answers on this subject, do whatever you (and your wallet!) feel comfortable with.

You can take a 5(ish) day course that includes your written test and hazard perception, CBT (on a 125cc), Training (on a 125cc and then invariably a 500cc - usually an ER-5) and ultimately your test.

Try contacting a couple of local schools in your area via the Yellow Pages or alternatively contact a couple via the net www.motag.com is a fairly popular one and you'll find most staff more than willing to assist you and answer any questions that you have.

As you've probably noticed via this Board the Motorcycling Community is an extremely friendly one so feel free to ask further questions (even if you feel they're minor ones), we were all newcomers once and there's a wealth of experience shared between the members of this site.

Good Luck

SteveH
____________________
Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.

[RichA]

Cheers SteveH . I'd prefer to do the test and get myself a bike I'd want to keep for a year or two, rather than start off on a 125. Seems to make more sense to me, but I'm keeping an open mind toward the whole thing at the moment, as I realise I know nothing and am happy to admit it .

Does anyone have an idea on price for the DAS, and does anyone know of anywhere good around Stafford?

--Rich
____________________
Nice VFR750. Written off by an old dear who "didn't see me" as she drove onto the roundabout via the side of my bike. Pah... Now looking for something new.

[Steve H]

Rich

Expect to pay (approximately) £350 - £500 for your DAS but don't forget that you've got to have a budget for Safety gear consisting of Helmet/Gloves/Jacket/Trousers/Boots there's deals to be had and you don't have to buy the latest, greatest gear. Try before you buy and shop around. If you're going to buy everything together ask for a discount too - don't be shy

During your DAS the instructor will discuss safety equipment with you so you don't necessarily have to have the lot although you'll feel much safer with it than without it.

SteveH
____________________
Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.

[Hex]

Just a bit more on the tests etc mate:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=16185
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Monkey hanger, Born and bred
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