Did my DAS but failed Mod 1

[Voices]

Hi All,

I did my DAS course over the duration of a week. To say I was absolutely knackered is an understatement. By the Friday (day 5) I was absolutely exhausted with only 4 hours sleep and it was time for Mod 1.

I dropped the bike on route to my Mod 1 test and screwed up the test by putting my foot down during the figure of eight.

My instructor recommended I rebook for one day of training followed by Mod 1.

I have since thought about it and realised that if and when I pass I will not be buying a big bike, as I found the weight to be ridiculously heavy for me.

During my DAS I dropped the big bike in a mad panic by snatching at the front brake. Lesson definitely learned, but after 4 drops it occurred to me that even if I passed Mod 1 and 2 I am in no way ready for a big bike, as I have a lot of learning, experience and confidence to build.

My thoughts now are to buy a 125cc new and keep it 2 years. Use it to practice with for the next 6 weeks (slow manoeuvres in particular) and resit Mod 1 end of September.

If all goes well with Mod 1 I can book Mod 2 and then keep the little bike until I am absolutely ready to move on up.

I am only doing my bike license out of sheer fun and I won't be riding all year round for commuting, so it seems pointless buying a big bike for casual use at the moment.

A friend of mine came off his bike yesterday and I am now just wondering whether I should bother continuing at all.

The aim was for me to pass and then my husband was going to join me and buy a bike again. He used to ride for years, but has stopped in the last 6 years. So we were both just going to buy bikes as a hobby to have some fun.

Thoughts please......

[Efes123]

I'm guessing you had no experience prior to your DAS? It's the main reason I generally recommend bimbling around on a 125 for a few months before doing one. I'd even go as far as to say to take your tests on the 125 just to get used to doing the tests.

As far as a big bike is too heavy for you, then you just need to find the right bike. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and weights. The most important thing is that you can sit astride on it and touch the floor comfortably. different bikes have different centres of gravity, and the shorter you are the more this tends to affect you. Without meaning to sound sexist, this is why a lot of women ride cruisers, low CoG and a low seat, so easy to keep upright.
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[Voices]

Hi Efes123. Prior to DAS I did 1.5 days training for my CBT.

The big bike I was on was an ER6N. I could touch the floor no problems, being 5ft7. The issue was correcting the bike when it did lean too far over. I clearly don't have the leg strength.

[hedgehugger]

Certainly get a 125 to practice in your own time, get used to riding etc, but don't write off a larger bike. Not all bikes have to be 600cc+

You don't say how old you are, but new things can take a little while longer to sink in, the older we get.

So, if it was me in your position, I'd get a 125 to get used to being on 2 wheels, then take my tests on a larger bike.
So long as you practice, read up and more practice, you wouldn't really need lessons again. If your OH bought a bike, maybe you could do your tests on that.

(nothing to stop you booking lessons, DAs etc either if you were more comfortable that way).

Why buy a new 125 though? plenty of them out there 2nd hand.

I'm not particularly strong, am 5ft 4, female, own an er6 and an mt03, didn't take lessons and passed my test first time after a lot of practice

[Efes123]

[Voices]

I really am thinking should I just jack it in, and get a refund on Mod 2 from the training school.

My husband says I've put in a lot of effort so far, with kit, theory, CBT etc.

I guess I'm just spooked by the sudden surge in horror stories from people I know.

[nowhere.elysium]

[Voices]

[nowhere.elysium]

[Minty]

Biking, more than likely, will hurt you at some point.

Quit now.
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My fingers smell of your mum.

[deadwolf]

You've put all that effort in. Don't give up now. People don't seem to put their money where their mouth is nowadays.

Seeing it to the end will be very rewarding personally and get you respect.

I only read the following blog post after passing my test but I reckon it would have motivated me even further if I had read it prior:

https://www.themotorcycleobsession.com/2013/06/600cc-of-awesome.html
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Motorsapien Art

[MC]

[P.addy]

[Englishman]

I think someone has already hit the nail on the head - Do you enjoy it? You must have had some time when all was in control, that you and the machine were doing everything well and smoothly. How did that feel? If you can get over the fears that have descended on you, and get the tests done, then it won't take too long for that smooth riding to come all the time, and you'll just have a great time every time you go out on the bike.
I say to stick at it - the rewards are immense and the danger is way over-rated if you ride properly and within your ability. Go for it.
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[unluckyluke]

You're just feeling down because you're tired and the test didn't go well. Ask your DAS school if you can have a weeks break and then go back to it fresh.
The worse thing about the DAS is the pressure to pass within the week or the time you've paid for. Perhaps ask if you can just do a half days training followed by the test after. Oh and chin up, I failed mod 1 twice both times thought it was impossible, but then I had a bit more practise and it all suddenly became easy.

[Alpha-9]

https://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/OP_15c506_1890926.jpg
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Fzr-600 1999

[rach125]

Don't give up! I failed the mod 1 three times and nearly gave up but I thought, no cos in a years time I'll be thinking I wish I had my license and imagine the conversation "yea I nearly got my bike license once....." Even if you do decide it isn't for you at least you will have completed the challenge on actually getting the license! It is scary hearing about bike crashes but its also scary hearing about heart attacks, both of which can and do happen!

[-Matt-]

[ScaredyCat]

[kevin_cambs_uk]

2 things to mention really,

I think after just doing the DAS over a period of 6 weeks, with about one lesson a week, it was much easier to digest the information learned each time. The thought of trying to do it all in one week is a bit much, there's no time for the brain to assimilate and process all the new information.

When I did the CBT, it was the first time I had ever been on a motorbike. I completed it that day, but when I got home I had such a massive headache I went to bed at 7! But 3 weeks later I did the first DAS lesson, and so much had soaked in over the preceding weeks it was just so much better. So just keep going its a great skill to have and a great asset too, to be able to ride a motorbike legally on the road.

As for the accident. I would not let that put you off, people die in trains, planes, cars, push bikes, coaches, even on the pavement.

[kevin_cambs_uk]

[mailee]

I am a man but built like a woman as I am only 5'4" tall and weigh about 7.5 stone. I was worried about the weight and the size of a big bike for doing my tests. I was returning to biking after about 30 odd years of a lay off. My CBT was easy on a little 125 and i could throw it about a bit but when it came to the big bike (500 Suzuki) it weighed a ton! yes I did drop it a couple of times when stopping but i got used to it after a few lessons. Then the government in it's infinite wisdom moved the goal posts and i had to step up to a 650cc machine for my tests! Bigger bike, heavier bike, taller bike, oh god! luckily it wasn't as tall as it was an ER6 kawasaki. it was heavier but better balanced and it was pretty sedate unless you gave it a handfull. i went for my MOD1 and failed! Three times on the avoidance I almost thought of giving up but i had spent a lot of money on it so far it would have been such a waste. My friends said it would be worth $10000 once i got that licence so i pressed on i passed the fourth attempt on MOD1 and first time on MOD2 i bought a 750 cruiser as these were low enough for me to flat foot on although it was a heavy beast to me and pretty large too! I have now been riding it for over 1 month and have to say the bike now seems small to me. The weight is only an issue when I am paddling it around or trying to push it...which i don't if i can help it. Once moving even slowly it is a doddle to control and it now seems second nature to me. As for worrying about coming off, just don't, think about the fun of biking and ride to your abilities and you will be fine. always ride defensively and plan ahead. I have had an off since passing the test but it was putting my foot down on gravel when stopping. i lowered the bike as best i could and forward rolled over it without any damage. Don't waste your money, press on and it will be worth every penny for the grin factor alone.

[Voices]

Thanks for all of your encouraging comments guys. I appreciate you all posting.

I have decided to carry on. I'm going to see a new CBF125 on Saturday with the hope of liking it and purchasing one.

I will keep this bike for after I pass for further experience, and because I will be a fair weather rider, so the costs of a 125 will be nice and cheap.

Once I've practiced on the bike for a good month I will then get back to the training school for a day on the big bike followed by another attempt at Mod 1.

A few of you asked whether I enjoyed it, and the answer is "yes", but the enjoyment was tainted due to trying to better my technique and think about all the things you have to think about on the road; plus the pressure of the tests.

I would imagine when I'm confident with all the relevant techniques I'll enjoy it a lot more.

I will let you all know how I get on by updating this thread.

Thanks all.

[Rogerborg]

I had an early drop experience with a biggish bike that put me off them for years. I worked my way up gradually though 125 250 305 500 and am now on an 800 and loving it.

There are loads of bikes out there and you'll find one that you're comfortable on. I'd sound a note of caution about buying any new bike if you're prone to dropping them though. Why not buy a "pre-dropped" one?
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[Skudd]