This years plan!

[wots]

So I passed my restricted test in October, took out a restricted XJ6 a fortnight later and loved it. Seems to represent the sort of bike I'm after but that was naked, I mean butt naked. I just don't like bikes that don't have at least a screen and something around the clocks. On the XJ6 they wobbled in the wind.

Anyway, I'm going to do my 'A' test, can't be arsed with DAS too expensive and most places aren't interested in doing a reasonable price for a really short course. I've done over 2K on my 125 and relatively trouble free, passed Mod 2 on second go.

So I've got some options.

1) I can hire the XJ6 again and wing it, it's only £40 for a day and I get to enjoy it for the rest of the day. £55 and I do my Mod1. I found my Mod1 on the 125 really easy, I got on with the XJ6 within 50 yards of the dealer, apart from a couple of low speed moments where I discovered I needed more throttle at low speed in conjunction with the clutch it was all good. If Mod1 goes ok, then onto Mod2 in the same fashion.

2) Borrow a bike (now I've found out how to get short-term insurance). Paddy has offered but sadly his bikes aren't really suitable for a test (for me anyway), that and obviously way too old as he has been previously advised by ITM . I need something with a good turning circle for the test. I don't know anyone else who has something suitable.

3) Buy a 600 restricted (maybe) and do the test straight off the bat. My first bike will be really cheap anyway as I don't know exactly what I want, therefore it will likely be changed for something I really want.

I realised when looking at bikes after my test how much it costs for restriction and the faffing around with insurance (if they want to see docs). For the price of an FI kit I could do the tests myself (if I pass 1st time on both). I'm not in a rush as the weather is crap right now and my 125 is serving me well, but I want to let the Mrs ride the 125 in the spring.

Suggestions/advice on all 3, particularly 3 on choice of bike. As said, part faired would be the sort of thing as I will want it for a few months at least after that.
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[Clive L]

Unfortunately, a restricted 600 is not suitable for the A test, and you cannot ride an unrestricted one with a DAS instructor. A bike for A has to be at least 40Kw (53.6bhp).

So your choice seems to be to hire or borrow an unrestricted 600, and trailer it over to the test centre, or get a mate to ride it over.

[Rogerborg]

You're at least 24, right?

I'd suggest that you go ahead and buy your own 40kW+ 600, don't bother restricting it, and insure with (e.g.) Swinton who only ask if you have a provisional or a full license, and don't ask to see it. You have a "full" license under those definitions.

Then get it to the test centre legally. Get a chum with appropriate insurance cover to ride it there with or without you on it, van it, trailer it or get lucky...

Smash in your tests, you're fully licensed to ride anything you like while on test.

After you've got full A, you don't even need to tell your insurer anything. You had a "full" license, you still have a "full" license. Job done.

As to bikes... well, budget? Sports, commuter, touring, Ewan-and-Thingy? What do you like? Soooo much choice.
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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

[wots]

[wots]

[Clive L]

[wots]

Why would I be riding other than in accordance?

Bike insured, legally able to ride bike as I have restricted licence.

Test centre could refuse to test me, as my bike wouldn't meet the criteria, if they knew and could prove. Worst that could happen, I'd be turned away. Losing my test fee.

Ideally getting someone to ride an unrestricted bike (preferably my own) to the test centre and then doing the test.
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[Clive L]

The examiner will want to know if it is suitable for test. If you tell him it is unrestricted, you are admitting to riding other than in accordance, and plod will be waiting. If you then tell him it is restricted, you are admitting to having lied to the examiner.

Just get someone else to get it there, or van/trailer it in.

[wots]

As I said, how would it be other than in accordance? I am legally able to ride that bike? It just wouldn't meet the criteria, so if they knew, they'd turn me away. Not call the police and say there is someone riding off from the test centre illegally, I'm perfectly legal. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to hire a bike previously.

If I turned up on an unrestricted, which I had ridden there and was about to ride out, then yes that would be other than in accordance. I don't have a license to ride such a bike, therefore also invalidating insurance (likely).
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[P.addy]

You are <33hp

Bike is more than that.

You riding it to the centre is the bad bit.

[wots]

[Rogerborg]

At least one member here has gotten away with riding it in solo - he invented an imaginary licensed up friend who'd popped out to look for a burger van. Fooled nobody, but he got his license.

You're in London, maybe someone from here would be kind enough to accompany you for purposes of examiner-placating? It might be worthwhile just asking that directly.
____________________
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

[wots]

Fair point. So setting aside that issue, suitable 600's that I could legitimately use (with the help of a licensed rider to get it there) after passing the test too.
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[Nexus Icon]

It seems a lot of aggro to avoid waiting out the restriction period on your current licence, to me at least.

33bhp is plenty, on the right bike, and the 20 months will pass quite quickly now you're hitting 40 (trust me).
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[wots]