Doing A2 license

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Hi I bought a scooter just under a month ago and already I'm so bored of it- I am planning on doing A2- but I don't want to pay the 500+ for the training they have- I feel like that's such a waste of money- I've seen mod 1 videos thats so easy and mod 2 all youve got to do is ride like a woman. All the stuff like gears I reckon I can master with practice and watching youtube videos for free. I find it weird that they dont give you a bike for the test so I reckon I'll have to buy my own bike and practice on my own- my plan is to get a Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer 2000/2001 such great value for money- seen some on gumtree for around 750 and great reviews and 140mph top speed which I like. The only thing is that I have to restrict it- a website says that it needs to be restricted to 48% of original power since its 69kw. Does that mean the speed will go down to 67mph? Sad

asta1 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Dec 2015 Karma :

In the interests of full disclosure, I am not a super experienced bike guru. However, I have recently passed my A2 tests.
First things first, my understanding is that resticting the bike won't have much effect on the performance at road speeds at all, although you will probably lose a bit (20-35mph?) from the top end. I wouldn't worry too much, especially as you only have scooter experience as yet.
The next issue is how are you going to practice on the big bike without an instructor? You can't pootle around on L plates on the road without one and although you would probably get away with it, is it really worth the risk? Additionally, you will need an instructor to ride the bike to the test centre, or alternately a mate with a full licence or a van. Doable, but tricky.
On the subject of the test, well yeah, on the whole it is pretty easy, although I still took two attempts for my Mod 2. My questions are, have you got any experience on a geared bike at all and have you got previous experience of driving or riding tests? If the answer is no, then I would advise at least a few days with an instructor, it will be worth your money and won't cost £500. If you don't, well, you might still pass, but if you cock up a few times you will probably not save much cash over an instructor anyway, total cost for a mod 1 is around £16, whilst mod 2 is nearly £70 I think?
Good luck and try not to die.

PS, If you haven't already, get your theory done before you faff around booking practical tests, they usually have quite a long waiting list for slots.

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Yup my theory's end of this month. I've never ridden a geared bike before but did CBT on scooter. Thanks for the advice I'll do maybe a few hours lessons maybe 3/4 after I buy the bike. I'm happy if it can do 100+mph after restriction but where did you get that figure 20-35?

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

People always complain about how much it costs. It's cheaper than car lessons, of the UK average for car lessons and tests which is around £1000.

But by all means, teach yourself gears, get yourself through the A2 test with no training. Let us all know how it goes. Wink

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Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

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Cronik · Scooby Slapper Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Karma :

How impetuously impulsive of you to buy a scooter and, quite predictably, become victim to its short-lived offerings...

It seems a little worrying that, along with your empty dismissal of A2 training as being a bogus waste of time, your first query is:

"Will it be able to do 100mph?!"

If you are intent on becoming tomato purée on the asphalt, you may soon be finding out that the end is closer than you think.

However, I may retire the doomsday vibe when I actually get my own journey started. The only thing I see is a hybrid view of destruction, from the things I've learned and NOT* experienced.

*I am just a pondering ponderer. I haven't even done my CBT yet. My only bike-related knowledge is being on the back of other motorbikes. Call me the pre-novice. Your choice. Listen to someone who knows, or someone who cares. No bluffs.
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Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Cronik · Scooby Slapper Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Karma :

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

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Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Dave70 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2012 Karma :

It depends where you live/want to take the test.

My local test centre (St Helens) have no available dates until the 16th of June. Other areas can get you a date for mod 1 in about a week.
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pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

notbike · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Apr 2014 Karma :

I reckon you should spend £500 on rider training so you don't spend double that on your crashed FZS600 in the future.

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

Bozzy · Traffic Copper Joined: 20 Dec 2015 Karma :

Hi Arcane,

For Pete's sake, get some proper training before you marmalise yourself on a 600. You've already had an off riding your 'ped. £500 on lessons is a tiny amount to spend if it helps you to be a good, safe rider. It might be the difference between staying alive and ending up dead.

TL;DR

Don't be a knob. Have lessons. Smile

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

Arcane1729 · Banned Joined: 23 Mar 2016 Karma :

You all need to stop holding this bit about me falling off my moped against me- I did a hundred mile ride in total return included from oxfordshire to london that day in the cold and rain when I was visiting my friend and it was my 5th day actually riding it despite having it longer. I also didnt have much sleep on the return and was panicking cos my fuel was running low and was desperate to get to a petrol station but I kept circling this ringroad area leading to long a-road routes where I could only leave at next exit in order to turn back( cos I couldnt figure out the way on my way back- I didn't plan for the return stupidly- it was impulsive decision to just go cos I was bored of studying). I was also getting scared cos I wasn't reaching dual carriageway speeds and lorries were overtaking and wasnt wearing much protection. Give me a break man- it was a small blip on a not bad first long journey. rant over.