Recommend bike school Manchester

[drbaig]

A little intro first. I am Baig, 25, M, live in Manchester (SALE).

Got my car license last month, never had the desire or the cash to do it before that but thought it might come useful after i finish my postgraduate. Unfortunately, car insurance prices are extortionate (its a bloody joke) so no car for me. Therefore I'd rather ride a bike. I have very little respect for the weather because i usually pedal my way around on a bicycle anyway so it doesnt bother me rain or sunshine.

As i can take the direct access route due to my age I am considering doing that. I will be doing the theory test as i still remember 90% of it from last year's car test sometime around the next month.

I am looking to get my cbt and the DAS training done in the next few months (as cash becomes available). I would like to hear some suggestions/recommendations if anybody has any idea about motorcycle schools in the Manchester area. I basically dont know anyone who rides a bike so cant get any input in this matter as to which school is suitable/reasonable and good enough to train you to pass the tests.

Any/all help will be appreciated.

regards.

[Hokum]

I 've been to Road Rider in Droylsden, and they seemed reasonable. Very relaxed and the instructors are pretty good.
https://www.roadrider.co.uk/contact-us/
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Sane: To know when you are doing something crazy.

[Carl_G]

I passed with Moto-Technique, which frankly means they are brilliant 'cos I was shit at first!

They're just outside the city centre - https://www.moto-technique.co.uk/showpage.php?page=page1
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CBT 11/09/10! Theory Passed 12/10/10! Mod 1 Passed 08/03/11! Mod 2 passed 13/04/11!
1993 Yamaha XV 535 (SMIDSYed) 2008 Suzuki GSF 650 (Hire Bike) 1993 Yamaha XV 535 (Resurrected!) 2004 Triumph Speedmaster 790cc (Payout from SMIDSY!)

[breadlord]

Soz drbaig, I'm hijacking this thread.

WHAT THE FUCK CARL?

I've been here several weeks and you don't comment on anything I post to call me a knob. Knob.

[drbaig]

[breadlord]

I know Carl IRL and he's a big ghey.

Down here in London a CBT costs ~£120-£150
A four day DAS costs ~£600-£700, including both test fees and bike hire, so expect to pay that or less.

DAS courses last between three and five days generally, depending on experience. You'll do all days bar one in a block, then assuming you pass the module one test, the last day is used for the road test or module 2.

Basically, for a big bike you're looking at ~£700-£900 if you don't stuff anything up.

There is another option. Once you get your CBT you can just rock up at the test centres on your 125 to do your mod 1 and mod 2, so the whole lot will come to ~£250 not including whatever you spend on your own bike.

BUT: You'll have to wait two years before you can ride an unrestricted bike. As of next year this option disappears. If you want to ride a bigger bike you'll have to pass on one.

[breadlord]

Really though, you'll find him on Canal St. during pride, dancing with the bears.

[drbaig]

yeah, i have read the sticky a few times so i understand the type of licenses. I am definitely sure i'd be doing the DAS rather than the restricted license.

What i am not sure about is the condensed nature of the DAS, one week surely is not enough to grasp everything even if you have spent a whole week on the bike. Then again most people recommend going the cbt route, get a 125, ride, get a few lessons to polish up skills then take the test.

I think I'd prefer to do the DAS, how hard can it be.

Canal st, reminds of men dressed in drags.

[breadlord]

Well, if you do a five day course you'll do a CBT first, then you'll have to go away and do your theory before you can take the mod-1. They're both legal requirements.

The "lessons to polish you off" are basically the instructors correcting everything you've taught yourself wrong. Honestly, others will tell you different but I found:
1. CBT
2. Buy your own 125
3. Do your theory test
4. Do your DAS course
5. Profit.

[Carl_G]

Ignore Brad, he's just become obsessed about me since he moved darn sarf and can't see me as often as he'd like, the little minx.

To answer your question drbaig, Moto-Technique don't do an accelerated DAS course because they don't think it suits most people. You do lessons at your own pace there and can always add on more lessons to the DAS pack if you feel you need them.

As for other schools in Manchester, I'd just take your hint from the fact that only Road Rider and Moto-Technique seem to get recommended...
____________________
CBT 11/09/10! Theory Passed 12/10/10! Mod 1 Passed 08/03/11! Mod 2 passed 13/04/11!
1993 Yamaha XV 535 (SMIDSYed) 2008 Suzuki GSF 650 (Hire Bike) 1993 Yamaha XV 535 (Resurrected!) 2004 Triumph Speedmaster 790cc (Payout from SMIDSY!)

[breadlord]

[drbaig]

[Carl_G]

Ignoring the sexual tension for a moment, the lessons are 2 hours.

Dunno if it makes a difference but the bikes they use are CG125s and ER6-Ns. I found all of the instructors there really helpful, though for the purposes of fairness I have to say I've heard exactly the same of Road Rider. TBH I think it just depends who is nearest for you.
____________________
CBT 11/09/10! Theory Passed 12/10/10! Mod 1 Passed 08/03/11! Mod 2 passed 13/04/11!
1993 Yamaha XV 535 (SMIDSYed) 2008 Suzuki GSF 650 (Hire Bike) 1993 Yamaha XV 535 (Resurrected!) 2004 Triumph Speedmaster 790cc (Payout from SMIDSY!)

[drbaig]

I quite like the humour on BCF, it's definitely different. May be its just the bikers mentality. eh!

Honestly, they both are around 10miles away so i think the deciding factor might come down to price and suitability with the lessons and etc.

But I have not arrived at that conclusion yet becuase I need to get my theory booked first, pay day tomorrow so yeah! and then take it from there.

Then buy some gear and book the cbt at one of the centers. Oh well, lets see how it pans out.

Oh and the DAS prices dont seem as high as people seem to be saying. I had planned a budget of 600 and I think it will be easily done in that keeping in mind I do pass the tests first go.

Hmm!

[drbaig]

One thing i needed to confirm was, do i need to apply for a provisional license again before i go for the theory and CBT ?

Apparently the car license should have the cat. A for motorcycles but I only have cat B and B1 listed.

So what does this actually mean.

[breadlord]

[andy-b]

I could reccomend 2 bike schools but without transport they would be no good to you.
Just book your CBT with the nearest one and decide if you think they are any good for you.



Andy
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CBT passed 13/02/12 Theory passed 22/02/12 Mod 1 Passed 28/05/12 Mod 2 Passed 29/06/12
Current bike 59 plate Keeway Speed 125 Now sold - 1989 FZR 1000R EXUP - 1996 SLR 650 and 2003 ZX9R

[drbaig]

I dont have any bike schools near me. They are all atleast about 10 miles away. I live in the south of manc.

I'll probably be asking my gf to drive me there if its in an awkward place or public transport it is, might bike there if im feeling like it but i dont think i will because i wouldnt want to be tired for the lessons.

[andy-b]

Well, Scotti Knights website does mantion DAS but if you can't get hold of them..

I did my CBT at Bowlee riders - about 5 minutes from the M60 Heaton park junction. He was great and it only cost £90 when I did mine in February. I would have done DAS with him but he was booked up so I went with Apex based in New Mills. Dave at Apex charges £20 per hour on a 500cc bike so is quite reasonable.

Neither of the 2 schools above will do intensive DAS as such.
Bowlee riders does so an all inclusive DAS course but how long it takes is dependant on your ability.

I had a free trial with Apex and He decided I only needed a practice at the Mod 1 test centre (done this Thursday) and Mod 1 booked for Monday morning.

A certain training school at Belle Vue got the thumbs down from my younger brother and 2 of his mates that did CBT there but I have never been myself so can't comment.

Hope some of that helps


Andy
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CBT passed 13/02/12 Theory passed 22/02/12 Mod 1 Passed 28/05/12 Mod 2 Passed 29/06/12
Current bike 59 plate Keeway Speed 125 Now sold - 1989 FZR 1000R EXUP - 1996 SLR 650 and 2003 ZX9R

[corf]

go with mike he is the best,

pass my test with him and some of my mate have first time

they are good bunch of people,



https://www.williamsmotorcycletraining.com/About-Mike-Williams-Motorcycle-Training.aspx
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custom made decals and reproduction decals, Yamaha tzr125 and the rd125lc mk1/2 complete full set available.

[drbaig]