Straight to A2 licence?

[BNABFG]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum and biking generally, so if I seem to not know much, please be forgiving!

I'm 22, will be 23 in January and am wanting to get a bike. My dad has advised me to just go bomb around on a 125CC for a bit, but I'm tempted to do both my CBT and my A2 so I could get a bigger bike that's restricted.

There's a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, I'm a big guy (6"5, quite broad) and there doesn't seem a lot of choice for big-sized 125CC bikes that'd fit my frame. Secondly it seems to make sense to buy a restricted bike, so when I get the full licence I could simply derestrict it and keep using the bike, saving the hassle of buying a bigger bike down the line.

What do you guys advise I do? I don't hold a car licence and I don't have experience on bikes either. My dad has been biking for years, so he could probably help me get the hang of it before my test.

Also, is there any A2-suitable bikes for a big chap like me? I would mostly use the bike for commuting each day, but I'm not too fussy on what kind of bike it is as I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks a lot!

Ben.
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"I stand amid the roar of a surf tormented shore". Edgar Allan Poe.

[CVSensei]

Everyone will have a different opinion on this but from what I can hear, you have a sensible head on your shoulders and access to information and training via your dad so I see no reason why you shouldn't go straight for the A2.

There are 125's out there that could support your frame but you'll find bigger bikes far more comfortable and easy to ride in general.

Also being able to ride a bike you know when doing your full A license will help a great deal, and 0 financial strain when you want to move up as you can just derestrict as mentioned.

If you have the money to spare you could always get a really cheap 125 for a few hundred to get the hang of 2 wheels for x amount of months and then move up if you don't feel ready but I don't really see the point in that.

Go for the A2 - makes sense and you can handle it.

There's an abundance of A2 bikes suitable for you Have a look at this list to find out which bikes are A2 permissable and then do some research from there. https://www.dft.gov.uk/motorcycle-test-vehicle-list/ If you're having trouble working out what type of bike you want have a search of the forum, there's loads of 'what bike' threads floating around.
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[BNABFG]

Cheers for that advice, will look into it! I think the A2 is a great idea, thanks for the support!
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"I stand amid the roar of a surf tormented shore". Edgar Allan Poe.

[pinkyfloyd]

My advice would be get your theory test out of the way and then get in touch with a school. Explain the plan and book the CBT. The instructor will assess you and tell you if it would be beneficial for you to ride around on a 125 for a bit to get experience or if you should go straight to DAS.
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[Rogerborg]

There's no good reason on God's clean earth to waste your time on a tiddler unless you absolutely have to.

Why wobble around on an under-sized, under-power bike with bargain basement brakes and suspension, essentially untrained, sporting L plates that act as a red rag to ever rageaholic driver out there?

You can't get a license for anything bigger without doing A2 / A tests, so why wait? Get your training in early so that it benefits you the most.

There are loads of big A2 or A2 restrictable bikes out there for any budget. Think the big 'adventure' or trail style ones, Suzuki Bandit or GSX650F, plenty of choice.
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[BNABFG]

Thanks for all of the tips guys. Think I'm going to save for the A2 and get loads of practice in till then. First choice of bike probably is an old Bandit 600. We'll see!
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"I stand amid the roar of a surf tormented shore". Edgar Allan Poe.

[Wednesday Biker]

See how you go on with the CBT.
Some people can zip straight through everything and get a bigger bike and other take a bit more time to get it.
A friend of mine struggled and wobbled on a tiddler and just wasn't ready to do straight to DA.
My girlfriend picked it up really quickly and passed straight away.

I think when you are young,which you are, it can be easier.You still have the cockiness of youth on your side

I picked up riding fine but I felt I needed more time on a 125 to get things like road positioning and observations down properly.
When I did take the test I sailed through.Well wobbled a bit on the cones but the rest went ok.

I enjoyed my time on a tiddler and i'm currently in the market for another.For town riding they are great.Not so good for long runs but that didn't stop me going on a 90 miles trek to skeggy a few times.
If you do get one, buy a cheap one with a view to selling it within the year and losing minimal value.

But yeah if you piss the CBT consider doing the A2.

[Monkeywrenche...]

The only good reason for getting a 125 is that you're 24 in 17(?) months, and you can get a fulle A license BUT you'll have to pay for all your tests again, or stay power limited till you do

only a financial/hassle reason thóugh so you'll know best how big of a deal that is.

[someotherguy]

I'd just do your A2.

I did a CBT, bought a 125, then did my DAS. I've been riding around on a 125 for ages.

With hindsight, I'd have done the CBT/DAS at the outset and bought something bigger to start with.

The 125 turned out to be a bit of a waste of money. If you know you're set on biking, do the A2. A 125 is fine for nipping around town, but if you need to do any longer NSL/motorway journeys you'll wish you had something with a bit more top end speed.