New to biking and jumping in the deep end

[Devon Boy]

Hi everyone,

I live in the southwest and am plunging into the depths of biking.

I have ridden a couple of bikes off the road and ridden on the back of a good number but as I am going to the TT this year and I have booked a bike place time is getting short so it's Direct Access later this month (mod 1 and mod 2 together).

I have been lucky enough to have a friend offer me the use of his bike for 3 weeks with a view to purchase when I get back so I am sure there will be lots of questions coming from me.

[arry]

No point in hanging around eh?

What age are you? Old enough to get straight onto an A licence rather than A2?

[Mumrah]

Welcome and good luck on your DAS!

[Devon Boy]

[janner_10]

You got some awesome roads too right on your doorstep too.
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Rigga]

Hi, I did similar thing, das and then mod 1 and mod 2 together on the same morning. You'll be fine
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Current bike: Honda CBR 1100xx

[Grimeric]

Sounds like fun. Good luck with the tests.

[Devon Boy]

Yeah great roads round here, really looking forward to getting up on Dartmoor and on some of the North Devon coastal roads.

I'm based in Torquay.

Rigger, it's good to know that it is achievable. Hoping that my advanced driving experience and therefore ++ observations will help get me through........ That's what I'm telling myself anyway!!

[Devon Boy]

[-Matt-]

I went from a scooter/125 to a ZX6 within 3 years - it was restricted initially, although in all honestly I doubt I would of taken it much above the restricted capabilities anyway being a paranoid individual Go steady on it to begin with - especailly if you have no riding experience. Over confidence is your worst enemy at first, as it only takes a small unexpected event to make things go really belly up.

I'm in an opposite situation having been on road near 7 years and about to try off-road riding soon, which i've been informed is totally different. But knowing the controls is a benefit if nothing else. Presuming you've been driving cars a while it should help at least a bit - I again did the opposite - near failing after 9 minors on my bike test, to a few years later, 0 minors on my car test and a perfect pass. Observations and planning ahead is key.

Youtube/forums are your friend I would say - there is a suprising amount you can learn from wasting some time online. Besides the initial basics, i've learned more off the net than any instructors or tests have ever taught me. For tests too - try find some videos of what you're likely to experience trying to get your license. If you know what to expect to some extent its a lot less stressful.

[Devon Boy]

[-Matt-]

The mod1 is a lot more stressful from my experience - but it doesn't have to be a huge challenge if you prepare and keep a clear head. I failed mine on the speedtrap initially [going slow as i feared locking the brake] and ironically failed for going too slow through the speedtrap

There are a LOT of videos of Mod1 as its a standard test which is good. Mod2 is a bit harder to prepare for in that respect, as obviously it depends where you take it - but presuming you listen and know whats expected; keep attentive and relaxed and you should pass. If you go into it thinking of it as a normal ride 'by the book' you should pass. At the end of the day its no more than you should be aiming to do everyday on the bike anyway generally; unattentive/stressed riding = potato, sooner or later.

I was the overcautious sort [and still am generally] when I got my ZX6, and getting gradually used to power in a straight-line gives you an idea of what the bikes capable of if you roll the throttle on more and more, but the dodgy moments come on the corners/wet roads/debris in the road/diesel spills and so on that catch you off guard - its trying to be prepared for those rare occasions that have kept me from an accident so far more than anything I think, rather than just 'going slow n steady'.

Coming off at 30mph on a dodgy corner into a lampost could be curtains, even easier than coming off at over 100mph on a clear road. If you aren't already, as a biker working healthcare, you may be particularly interested in the following
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/registration_form.asp
https://www.hta.gov.uk/bodyorganandtissuedonation.cfm

Every little helps

[Devon Boy]

very good - I am already a donor, they can have anything accept my eyes

Th ask for the tips I'll have a good look for mod one videos online

[metalangel]

Going to the TT is a heck of a way to start.
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless
"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt