125 or DAS?

[pr77]

Hey,

Apologies, this has probably been asked before, I’m new to this forum and I had a quick search, but thought I would ask anyway... I recently completed my CBT at the end of last year and have been chopping and changing my mind from either getting a 125cc to get more practice and experience on or going for the plunge and going for direct access. I’ve been driving for 21 years and I’m 38 and have started the mid life crisis early lol...

I was quite surprised at how well the CBT went, completed within one day, even after a slow start in the yard. Done all the stop and starts fine, but when it came to going round in a circle, using break, clutch, accelerator and turning at the same time, I struggled slightly. I was threatened with a moped at one point, then something clicked and off I went (I didn’t want to be seen on a moped)... Problem was, the yard was so small that I kept looking at the fence, so headed for the fence, but the threat of the moped and looking where I needed to go instead of the fence done the trick and once out on the road, off I went. The CBT was a good experience with only two stalls and completed in rush hour traffic in Edinburgh city centre.

I just can’t make my mind up on either getting a cheap, but one in good condition 125cc now, to get some practice and experience or just go for the direct access. I was also told that the larger bikes are more stable and better to handle... I just can’t decide what is best, but I do sway towards the direct access option more, but then sometimes sway to the cheaper 125 to start for the experience and in the event of any drops lol...

All advice is gratefully received

[Tracer1234]

DAS, for sure.

I did the option of 125 for a year, and the itch to go bigger only grew.
While i did enjoy the 125 and was a learning experience, if I were to do it again, i would go DAS.

Not just that, but after riding the larger bike, then having a go on the 125 again, its a shock how dangerous, and horrible the 125 feels.

Do it, jump right in.
____________________
Riding: Yamaha MT-09 Tracer Occasionally Riding: 08 Suzuki SV650, Potato: 2011 Yamaha YBR Custom.
Used to ride: 2015 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (smidsy) 09 Triumph Street Triple (P/X'd) 08 Yamaha YBR (Sold)
CBT 04/14. A: Mod 1 & 2 13/04/15

[pompousporcup...]

Das. 100%.

Depending on what kind of training you do with a school, you'l more than likely get the experience whilst training. You've been driving long enough to know the dangers of over confidence, surely?

Once it's done, you're not limited on what bike you can get. An average das course costs about the same as a budget 125

[struan80]

DAS for me. Umpteen hours of professional instruction before picking up bad habits and being let loose on the road can't be a bad thing.

Then after passing your test you can choose whether to then learn to ride yourself on a 125 or a larger bike. My guess is you will choose to learn on a larger bike.

Note the learning to ride after passing your test

[Rogerborg]

DAS.

If in doubt, blag a go on a training school DAS bike.

Then do DAS.
____________________
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

[Hefty]

A year or two on a 125 is a viable option for those killing time before they're old enough to go for a full A licence. The temptation to settle for a 125 on L plates is there because its quicker and cheaper to get on the road. As said, just have a go on a biggun' & you wont look back.

+1 for DAS
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'13 Honda CBF125 // '99 Suzuki SV650s // '98 Honda CB600F Hornet

[grr666]

Was this the moped?

https://i.imgur.com/79r0LyO.png

Oh and DAS every time.
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[pompousporcup...]

also bare in mind, from my experience at least, car drivers(some) tend to see those L plates as a target and assume the right drive like absolute cocks.

For your own safety, go DAS and get something with powas.

[Ste]

"I was threatened with a moped"



DAS.

[pr77]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Overwhelmingly, I think it has to be DAS - lol... Plenty road experience, so just need to get it booked. Local place has a sale on, so even better...

Thanks again

[lihp]

[lihp]

[pr77]

Hey,

It's Proscot in Fife, they seem to have good reviews, plus it's away from the awful roads of Edinburgh where I done my CBT with Saltire for £150. Proscot do them from £99

The Proscot can do the DAS for £449 just now. Others in Edi and surrounding me are £650+ which I was willing to pay. If anyone has any dealings with them, would be good to know, but will have a search for them on here too...

Thanks again

[struan80]

Did mine at Two Wheels, Edinburgh, no complaints at all, very close to the Musselburgh test centre also. Also would have got to test ride anything at the dealers if I'd pushed it. DAS was on Hornet.

I've seen the Saltire guys running around on MT-07's now, I'd be tempted with this just for that fact alone

I'm from East side so maybe not so practical for you at Two Wheels.

Good luck!

Edit: One thing that did impress me with Two wheels. The gap between MOD 1 and 2. My mod 2 was initially postponed due to weather. Two wheels have me, if I remember correctly 6 additional hours between Mod 1 and Mod 2, no additional charge and usually £30/hour. I may add I had placed an order for a brand new bike at this point, could have had influence!

[pr77]

Hey, thanks for that. I did look at two wheels too, but getting there in the mornings would be hard with traffic etc, was late for CBT because of traffic. West Lothian here, so pretty central for Edinburgh or Fife. Think it would prob be easier and just as quick to get to Kirkaldy in the morning than Edinburgh...

Too many to choose from, but just need to book it so there is no going back like I done with CBT lol

Those MT-07's look quite good actually

[FuzzyBallz]

[struan80]

Yes, I would rather walk down Princess street with a nail in my foot than attempt to commute from Fife to Two wheels each day....unless I had a large bike of course , That Forth Bridge is naughty when the wind gets you, do be aware on there!

[Wednesday Biker]

I had a 125 for about 3 years back in the days when it was really cheap and easy to pass.
The when I got back into bikes I rode a 125 for a year before taking my test.Even after passing it was about another year until I got my first "big" bike.

Yep DAS route is fine but I enjoyed riding a 125 and it was good experience.I went on 200 mile round trips with no problems.
Fuel economy was fantastic

Its up to you really.Some people enjoy a year or so on a 125 and others can't wait to get a big bike.But there isn't really a right or wrong way to get into bikes.

[daifuco]

I love my 125. I have learnt a lot of things on it. The insurance is a joke. I prepared the A1 on the 125 myself for just 15 quid, yeah... useless for the A License, but I have done it so I know what to expect when I arrive with the big bike.


Today I had my first full 2 hours lesson with the Kawasaki ER6N. The instructor was impressed with my confidence.
By the way. Big bikes are not easier to handle, they are not so forgiving. They are a lot more fun though!!!

[someguy]

DAS. I did it the CBT/125 way, but with hindsight it would have been better to just do DAS. Who wants a 125 anyway!

[NJD]

If you don't have to have a motorbike for now (ie; to get you to and from work, you can live without one) then DAS, but let me explain a few things (before you put any money down).

Training schools buy Module 1 / 2 test slots from the DSA in advance and sell them to pupils (first come first serve), therefore talk to your local schools and find the cheapest one, and then talk about dates for training and the Module 1 (don't book Module 2 until 1 is passed).

You'll most likely need a minimum of two days (schools like to make money) before they'll allow you to book the Module 1, talk to them about getting two days in a row for training and then booking the Module 1 earlier the following week, look for dates about a month in advance, book holiday from work and then put the money down for those dates.

I made the mistake of taking a days training last weekend only to find that the next slot available is for mid next month, hence get all funds together and book all at once.

I was on a 500, got on my 125 the next day and thought it was broken.. lack of road presence, ability to get up to speed and power is just a laughing stock, i'm sure i'll spend every minuate between now and getting my tests booked hating it.

[Graham B]

I would advise DAS straight away if you can.

As someone else mentioned earlier 125 for practice is a good idea but you may pick up bad habits......I did.

At the moment you are a blank canvas so why not just learn the right way from the start.

Good luck in whichever way you go.
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Honda CBF 125, Honda Varadero 125, Honda Hornet 600cc

[grr666]