Newbie with a 600...

[vanboosh]

Hello all! Quick background: I'm 34, driven cars since I was 18 but now live in London (car = bad). I've done my CBT/theory and originally my plan was to get a 125 and pootle about on it for a year then look at a full license, but someone has offered me an incredible (seriously) deal on a Honda CB600F that I can't say no to.

So my question is; what is the cheapest/easiest way to proceed? DAS? Intensive training? Can I use my own bike? If so, how? I guess I can't ride it anywhere...

[weasley]

Easiest/quickest is a DAS course. No reason you can't do this on your own bike if it is insured and L-plated up, but you can't ride it to or from the place you do the learning, so either an instructor will have to come to get you, or you find another way of getting the bike to where you need to be.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[Rogerborg]

Ahoy. Since you've been smart and got the CBT and Theory done, there's no reason that you can't be licensed up within days at this time of year.

There's no legal way to practice on your own bike soLo. To validate your entitlement to ride it, you must be accompanied by and in radio contact with a certified DAS instructor (plus L plates and hi-vis).

You could, in principle, use your own bike for the tests, if you can find a legal way to get it to and from the test centre, and someone who will insure you on your provisionaL entitlement (e.g. Bike Sure)

Practically speaking though, you'll end up going via a training school to get use of their bikes and instructors. If you got on well with the CBT then you might be able to do it with just a couple of days of intensive training. The tests really aren't that hard, it'll be nerves that get you in Module 1.

The cost will come down to your confidence and ability. Any decent school will want to assess you first, likely on a 125 to begin with, before advising you how much training you're likely to need.

Beware though, there are a few Shouty McRants and lazy chancers out there with no real teaching ability or particular interest in it, so be sure that you can get on with the instructors. You're paying for a service, and I wouldn't hand over a big lump sum up front on faith.

How good a deal are we talking on the Hornet?
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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

[Ste]

Do DAS now rather than wobbling around on L plates for a year.

Easiest way would be to talk to local training schools and find a 3 or 4 day course that'll take you from CBT to having a full big boys license.

There'll always be someone else offering an incredible seriously deal.

[MahatmaAndhi]

If there's not much price difference, do the DAS on the school's bike. Just so you get to play with another bike. Mine had a Gladius 650 which was a doddle to ride, but loads of fun. I'd love to be able to try different bikes now, but I have no money and no friends...
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

[Rogerborg]

Given the paucity of providers of big bike provisionaL cover and the lack of competition, I'd expect it to be cheaper to just use the school bike.
____________________
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

[andyscooter]

If you drop a school bike you won't have to repair it
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[Rogerborg]

[Polarbear]

[Rogerborg]

Out of the goodness of their hearts?
____________________
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

[Dave70]

[vanboosh]

Wow, loads of good replies, thank you! I think I'll go straight into my DAS in the next couple of weeks, I'm just looking at what school to go for. I can either do it in London or up near Worcester/Redditch. Anyone have any recommendations?

I was also thinking about hiring a bike for a week to practice on - I can get a CB125f for £70 which seems like a good idea just to get me into the swing of things, confidence wise.

[pudder]

You appear to be one of a rare breed, aspiring bikers with some common sense

Any additional time in the saddle you can get is going to help you out.
Being able to get out and practice at your own pace, with as much time as you need is invaluable.

Look up the Mod 1 maneuvres, then go to a nice empty car park and practice. Do plenty of slow control, walking speed riding. Practice pushing the bike around, anything which gets you more comfortable with the bike.
Get out on the road and practice road positioning, observations, and not trusting anything or anyone.

When you come to do DAS, you'll be on a bigger bike, but all the basic skills translate.

Hopefully overcoming any bad habits you've picked up will be more than made up for by the additional practice you've had.
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1993 Kawasaki AR50 (In bits) - 1984 Suzuki GP125 (Sold, but still ridden) - 1954 Matchless G3L (Being restored) - 2007 Suzuki Bandit 650

[vanboosh]

I'm not sure about common sense... Maybe just desperate to get out on a bike

Thats exactly my plan and I've even got the carpark picked out! I've found a couple of videos and tips online - Links here for anyone else thinking of doing the same:

https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/learners/i-want-ride/taking-your-practical-motorcycle-tests

https://battleycycles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/parking-lot-practice-guide-introduction.html

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/biking-tips/how-to-pass-your-motorcycle-test

I might even pick up some cones to work around!

[AshWebster]

[vanboosh]