Trying to get the woman a license before January - thoughts?

[ttr]

So I've been looking at the various options, and it more or less boils down to;

DAS

Get a 125, try and teach her myself + possible top up lesson(s) for mod 1.

The issue is most definitely cost as we're both dirty penniless students.

The latter route seems to be more cost effective, as the 125 will resell at roughly the purchase price. But it's a major pain in the arse trying to find one for sensible money that's on the DSA list for A2 license.

I'm quite worried about the timescale of it all, but then if we went the 125 route we'd have a while for retests if needed without the extra cost of bike hire etc that a DAS would probably incur...

DAS is looking pretty attractive, as I've seen a course advertised for £460 locally. But then, that money is gone forever whereas, as said, a 125 can be resold..

On the other hand, I have a GPz 550 that, once repaired, she could use. So owning a 125 is not really any great incentive to choose that route, as it would be purely to get her through the test.

What does BCF reckon? How often do newbies tend to fail their first tests on DAS courses? Are we gonna end up forking for lessons anyway if I try and teach her?

She's not totally incompetant, had a bit of a go on bikes and didn't crash or anything else that would make me think she'll need longer than average to get to test standard..
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[Derivative]

Based purely on cost, buying a 125, insuring it and passing on that is almost definitely a cheaper option (Rogerborg has posted a few times on the stats involved, the pass rate between DAS students and restricted A differs by only 10% or so - it's assumed most people doing restricted A don't go for lessons).

The 125 route will almost definitely require more up front though.

If you don't crash the bike and buy something decent (3-4 year old YBR or similar), you'll likely sell it on for no loss. So the cost will be petrol, minor consumables, CBT, test fees.

CBT ~£100, test fees, £15 per Mod 1, £75ish per Mod 2. You'd have to fail Mod 2 about four times to come close to the DAS fee.

The issue is more about which is more sensible - undergoing training, or trying to pass the license as cheaply as possible. Also keeping in mind whether she'd be happy with a restricted license.

[ttr]

That is more or less how I see it, although I wouldn't be looking at a 3-4 year old anything - bugger that! Way more up front than I'd like.

Even older 125s that are on the list are fetching ridiculous prices compared to a few years ago. Wish I'd held onto one of my GSes now!

Has anyone managed mod1 with no training? I don't really frequent this section having passed quite a while ago now!

My worry is that, ignoring the cost of the bike, going the 125 route would still come to a high cost. If the DAS cost includes tests & cbt, then it looks highly attractive, as that's £230~ accounted for already, that we'd still need to fork out either way.

So that'd make the cost of training & bike hire £200. If we went the 125 route and she couldn't manage the mod1, a lesson or two would probably end up costing similar. Also the cost of insuring the 125 would be about £150, though I dunno how much switching it to the GPz would be (or just starting from there if DAS)...

Upfront cost is a problem, as said, this does rather have to be on the cheap if we're gonna beat the January deadline..
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[Teflon-Mike]

Buy her a 125.
Get her a CBT booked.
Get her on the road.
Get her some follow on lessons booked within a fortnight of CBT.
DO NOT try and TEACH her yourself.
NOT if you value the relationship!
As like as not it will only lead to tears, and as like as not, you will teach her YOUR bad habbits.
Leave teaching to teacher.
When she gets back, get HER to show you what she was tought!
Encourage, support, enjoy!
TIME ON A TIDDLER IS RARELY WASTED
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[ttr]

You're probably right, but that is liable to be the most expensive option! Lessons are bloody expensive, I've seen prices as high as £150 per day! Mental!

I could probably get a mate to teach her if it is gonna cause issues between us. But again bad habbits.

On the flip side I figure at least if someone's watching her riding we can try and address test specific stuff, road positioning, lifesavers blah blah.

Do you reckon timescale wise it makes the most sense to go for the test pretty soon after the suggested lessons? I'd like to try and get the process going as quick as possible to allow time for retests if she fails.
____________________
GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[Rogerborg]

[ttr]

[ttr]

Just looking at vids of the swerve. Looks easy as piss if done on a bike with a bit of power. Wouldn't like to try and get my old 125 up to 30 in that short space though!
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[Derivative]

[Elffie01]

the insurance is available I have only a provisional

I have my 125 insured obviously as I am riding it

My gpz500 is sat insured at home waiting for me

[Rogerborg]

[_Iain_]

If she can pass a cbt she can pass the rest with no instruction whatsoever...everything on the Mod1 is covered on the CBT anyway bar the swerve, and all you've gotta do for that is pin it in 2nd from the 2nd to last blue cone. Mod2 is just a case of doing what your told, rembering indicators, shoulder checks and watching the speedo. Happy days!

Going through this myself...hence keeping my px bike and buying a ratty GS for the time being. Soon as she passes the YBR will be sold on, she'll have the GS and i'll then have some dollar for a pretty bike.
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[Nick_Giles]

I have recently passed.

Mod 1 is easy. Follow the rules and don't deviate and its a pass.

According to the instructor I had its most commonly failed either by failing to do ALL the observations or clipping a cone.

The swerve is not difficult in reality but can easily become so in ones imagination. Positioning correctly on the 'run in' can make it no more than a flick to one side and back again.

As I said its easy. But if this does not sound a contradiction its so easy you can fail it in 1/2 a second through a silly mistake you would kick yourself for. (those that have done it will probably know what I mean)

Mod 2. I was fortunate. It was a nice day, the route was an easy one, the traffic 'events' were favourable and the examiner was a really nice guy that seemed to want to pass me. I treated it as going for a ride with a sat-nav in my ear.

I am informed that most examiners actually do want to pass you as in their hearts they are bikers themselves. Its therefore up to you not to 'ef' it up, not as some think the examiner being a khunt and setting traps. (I certainly found that to be the case anyway)

Being realistic though, I would not have passed if I had not had a few professional lessons.


Nick.
____________________
Peter Cook: "I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly".

[Nick_Giles]

[Daytona Paul]

Bike training is not just about getting you through the test.

A good instructor will teach you how to ride properly and safely. Being successful in passing the test is just a by product
____________________
www.angliaroadtraining.com
CBT FROM ONLY £85
Back to Biking Refresher Day £99! Book with a friend and get 20% Discount!

[ttr]

[tom275]

My girlfriend did a CBT and passed her test on a 125 6 months later without a single minor and no tuition apart from the CBT.

Without being rude, she was hopeless in her CBT and only just passed within the day but still managed her test with ease, youtube has some really useful mod 1 stuff.

I'm taking my mod1 tomorrow on my own bike (fazer 600), I am with Adrian Flux and they give you 7 days provisional cover.

[moppy]

Mod 1 is a piece of piss to pass. I did, first time. On a 125 cruiser too.

Get her to do a CBT, and just ride around practising. Remembering to teach things like NOT TO TAILGATE (failed my mod 2 first time for this), NOT TO DRIVE IN FRONT OF A CAR THAT IS REVERSING TO PARK (failed second time for this).

[Llama-Farmer]

[fraggie]