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Doing test on 125 questions

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Whatsername
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 20 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 13:39 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Doing test on 125 questions Reply with quote

Thinking about doing my test and the best route for me. I have a CBR125 at the moment and like the Ninja 250. I hadn't really planned on getting anything bigger for a while because I want to commute on the bike and have good fuel economy. I do want it for a bit of fun too but I'm a bit older (31) so I won't be going too crazy Embarassed

So I'm thinking I could do my test on the cbr I have no and then I will be restricted for 2 years to a 33bhp bike. Firstly do I have this right and am I right in thinking the 250 Ninja fits into this category?

Next is the cost, is the test the same as what you do for a bigger bike only you do it on a 125? So does this mean the cost is the same? I am also thinking I would need fewer lessons because I wouldn't need to "get used" to a bigger bike as I would already be used to the CBR 125 I ride now.

I am only 5'4 and just think the Ninja would really suit me in terms of size/fuel economy I don't really want anything bigger. Only downside is if I do the test on the 125 then it does mean I am restricted for 2 years so if I change my mind and want a bigger bike in that time I guess I will have to wait or pay to do the test for a bigger bike.

Hope all that makes sense! Opinions please Smile

Thanks guys
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 14:17 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

inb4 dont get a "Ninja" 250.

You'll want bigger than a 250 possibly, you can get any bike to the 33hp limit.

Ride around on your CBR125, perfect bike to do test on.
Get used to it, do your theory, mod1 and mod 2.

33hp for 2 years, after that go nuts Thumbs Up (you could just not bother with the restriction....your choice though)
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SweenyT
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 22 Sep 2010
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PostPosted: 15:18 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't know anything about the CBR so I don't know how good it would be for taking the test as I took mine on my YBR. However if you feel comfortable do the MOD 1 manoeuvres with it then go for it.

I'm older than you and took the A2 as I didn't want to wait another 2 months and end up doing the DAS in winter. I'm halfway through my restriction and still riding my YBR which I'll upgrade after the restriction ends. As long as the bike you ride during the 2 years doesn't exceed 33bhp you'd be okay. I think the Ninja is within that but there are others on here who are vastly more knowledgeable on that than me.

The cost for me was cheaper (3 day course) as I had my own bike and I didn't need an instructor with me for my tests. It really depends on the school you use so ring around.

If you feel the 250 will not be enough for you after you pass your test then perhaps you should really look at doing the DAS. You can still do a 3-4 day course. The instructors will let you know if they feel you can't 'handle' the bigger bike or need any extra days.

Good luck with your choices.
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Current ride - 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600 K4 - 2x 2014 Honda NC750s long term courtesy bikes - 2003 Fazer FZ6 written off as idiot reversed into me - 2009 YBR125 - still have from new
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ThoughtContro...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Aug 2008
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PostPosted: 15:46 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes you can do your test on the CBR125, it's a great bike for doing it on. I did a mod 1 and 2 on mine. It's the cheap way of doing your test. The only drawback is if you were not confident doing the swerve test and binned it in the wet, when it'll cost you some fairings. If you want to play safe take the lower and side fairings off for mod 1 if it's wet.

I practiced mod 1 to death on a large retail car park when it was quiet, both early on Sunday mornings and late at night, both in the dry and the wet. Practice like you will do the manoeuvres on the test, ie. do your shoulder checks before you start each one. That way it'll be second nature on the test.

As for a first bike I wouldn't really suggest the Ninja 250. Something like a restricted SV or a 400 would be a better bike. You will get bored of the power limitation in the 250 I would guess. My SV is still capable of 63mpg if I take it easy on the throttle. If I pin it everywhere then fuel economy is not as good. That power is in your right hand.
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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 15:48 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Re: Doing test on 125 questions Reply with quote

Whatsername wrote:
So I'm thinking I could do my test on the cbr I have no and then I will be restricted for 2 years to a 33bhp bike. Firstly do I have this right and am I right in thinking the 250 Ninja fits into this category?


Correct, and correct. That's the route I went. Your CBR is an "A2" class bike, what the DSA's online booking is currently calling a "standard motorcycle test". Pass both modules on this and you'll get a proper "A" license with a 2 year 25kW / 33bhp restriction on it.


Whatsername wrote:
Next is the cost, is the test the same as what you do for a bigger bike only you do it on a 125? So does this mean the cost is the same?


Exactly the same, yes.


Whatsername wrote:
I am also thinking I would need fewer lessons because I wouldn't need to "get used" to a bigger bike as I would already be used to the CBR 125 I ride now.


Indeed. You don't need to have had any training (beyond your CBT), and can book the tests yourself when you're ready. It'll almost certainly cost less than having lessons - you can learn during a test, but you can't pass during a lesson - and you can always get more training after you pass.


Whatsername wrote:
I am only 5'4 and just think the Ninja would really suit me in terms of size/fuel economy I don't really want anything bigger. Only downside is if I do the test on the 125 then it does mean I am restricted for 2 years so if I change my mind and want a bigger bike in that time I guess I will have to wait or pay to do the test for a bigger bike


Height isn't as important as inside leg. I'm 5'6" with 29" stumpy pins - the Ninja 250 was a good size for me, and it'll should suit you too. Fuel economy should be in the region of 70-80mpg ridden sensibly, but be aware that it's quite a revvy engine that wants you to give it some beans.

I enjoyed a test ride on a Ninja, but the value for money proposition just wasn't there.

Consider that during September, you can buy a brand new Suzuki SV650S for £1 down, at 0% finance, with a free 25kW restrictor for £200 less than a new Ninja 250. Shocked

Now, I'm a fan of small, light bikes, but financially they don't make a whole parcel of sense. In particular, the Ninja is over priced now compared to 500/650 twins, but its resale value will plummet in 2013 when the 3rd Directive kicks in and replaces the 25kW license category with a 35kW one. I suspect that the Ninja will become practically unsellable then.

So I think your plan is very sensible, but I'd suggest that you look at bigger bikes than the Ninja. I ended up with a Kwak 305 (quite similar to the Ninja in size, weight and power) through a burst of whimsy, it wasn't really a rational decision. Wink
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
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Alex_B
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 15 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 16:02 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

I frekin love the baby ninja. It's close to #1 on my list of wants. Simply because I'm a new rider, it will cruise at 80 all day and will beat most hot hatch's at the light if you need it to.

Trouble is, it's what the guys have already said. It's gonna be a weight round your neck when the new rules hit.

Damn shame really but it's not a practical bike for me when I pass my test as I need to get something that will be suitable 2 up.


Good luck with the decisions though Very Happy
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 16:22 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alex_B wrote:
I frekin love the baby ninja. It's close to #1 on my list of wants. Simply because I'm a new rider, it will cruise at 80 all day and will beat most hot hatch's at the light if you need it to.


When they walk past you at 60...you'll soon think you have a naff bike.
You can have a fair few cars off the lights on my 125... but i'd still prefer knowing I could win the Traffic Light Grand Prix regardless of the car Laughing
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Alex_B
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 15 Jul 2011
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PostPosted: 19:11 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK mate, fair do's.

You gotta admit if you want a 33 bhp and not bother with restriction they are freakin cool though? Very Happy

Well, for a 250..
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 20:08 - 02 Sep 2011    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alex_B wrote:
You gotta admit if you want a 33 bhp and not bother with restriction they are freakin cool though? Very Happy


About as cool as AIDs...

Knowing that most bikers still look at you with utter shame? Laughing To be honest, If I wanted a 250, it would be a CB250RS or a CBR250RR, the older one..
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