Some questions

[kevjsmith]

Hi All
I am looking for some advice really I am quite undecided whether I should do my full DAS or use a 125cc for 2 years?
I have some biking experience as I used to have a moped for about 2 years.
What would you advise people?

[anthony_r6]

You've got a little over 3months to pass your restricted test. Once restricted you don't have to ride a 125cc, you can ride anything and have it restricted. Some people will tell you the bike becomes gutless, but I've not had an issue with my Hornet.

If you're over 24 then you can do DAS after the changes, so no hurry there. If you pass after January 19th (I think?) on a 125, you're stuck on a 125 until you're eligible to do the next level test.

Given what our winters have been like, I wouldn't leave it until the last minute to get them done.
____________________
Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[kevjsmith]

I thought I could do a full test now and ride any bike?

What does the restricted test mean I can ride?

[Zen Dog]

I'd advise posting in the "New Bikers" section.

But really, its down to how you feel. If you're confident on a bike, go straight for DAS (if you still have time before the new regs). If you're not, go down the 125 route.

I spent 4 years on 125's, and I don't regret it, but they were 2-stroke and de-restricted.

Zen Dog
____________________
Current - '94 VFR750FR (Dead), '00 VFR800FI, 2011 CBF125 Previous - '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win (chinese copy of an old Honda design with a C90 engine)
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[kevjsmith]

Ill be 24 in 18 months, so I could get a 125 and run it for those months then when I am 24 I could go straight in for a big bike test?

[Zen Dog]

[anthony_r6]

[kevjsmith]

After I am 24 can I drive any sized bike?

[anthony_r6]

No. If you pass your test on a 125 you will be restricted to 33bhp for 2years. So any bike you get will have to come under that limit, which is easy to do via restriction.

Early next year the law changes. At the moment you can do DAS from 21, but when it changes you will have to be 24. So if you want to do DAS you need to do it before January.

If you pass your test on a 125 AFTER January, you're restricted until you do another test on a bigger bike, and then after that you have to do another test to get your unrestricted license. There are age restrictions on those tests, but I think you'll be fine if you're turning 24 in 18months
____________________
Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Rogerborg]

NOW:
Pass your tests on a 125 = get an A license restricted to 25kW that automatically upgrades after 2 years.
Pass your tests on a big bike (35kW+ eg a 500) = get an unrestricted A license.

AFTER NEXT JANUARY:
Pass your tests on a 125 = waste of time and money.
Pass your tests on a 395cc+ bike making 25-35kW (e.g. NC700S), get a 35kW license that doesn't upgrade automatically

then when you hit 24

Pass your tests (possibly again) on a 595cc+ bike making 50kW+, get an unrestricted A license.

The short answer is that if you can pass any tests this year then you probably should, since it'll only get more expensive and burdensome in future.

Riding around on a 125 until you hit 24 and then going straight to a full license under the new rules is perfectly viable, but you'll likely get bored of it fast.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
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