best way forward for an old new biker

[Pepi1967]

hi all I need some advice from you guys. I'm just about to tick off one of the items on my bucket list, namely learning to ride. I'm early 50s so not sure the best way to approach it. what I mean is after my cbt would it be better to spend a year on a 125 to get my road craft up to scratch first so I have a better chance of passing the DAS or should I just go straight in for the das after the CBT? ive been a car driver for 30 years not sure if that will help or hinder me tbh so any advice you can give would be a bonus.

[Pete.]

Given your road knowledge I would book a CBT which you'll need anyway then if you're still keen on it jump right in with a DAS. You don't need to learn to use the road, only to use the bike and you can accomplish that at your own pace.

Much more will depend on what type of bike you buy. If you get a get a bike with a neutral and forgiving handling you'll feel at home very quickly.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Ste]

Go straight in for DAS.

You're going to have to do the training for DAS at some point, be it immediately or in a years time after wobbling around on a 125 with L plates, so there's no benefit from putting it off.

In lots of ways bigger bikes are easier to ride than tiddlers as well.

Get your CBT booked and take it from there.

[Johnnythefox]

CBT Then straight into DAS, I did this last year aged 55.

[Polarbear]

[Rogerborg]

[Pepi1967]

thanks guys so in short take my cbt if after that I still want to ride then go right in for the DAS. good advice and thanks for all your replies. I shall get it sorted then and let you know how I get on

[Tracer1234]

[Alpineandy]

Do your CBT.
If you enjoy it and plan to continue (quite a few don't), then talk to the instructors (who will have seen how good/bad you are) and see what they say.
Assuming you pass your CBT OK and want to continue, then don't fuck around on a 125 unless they tell you to.
As has been said on a thousand+ threads on here, a bike is only as fast as your throttle control makes it....
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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

[F1.ash]

[arry]

[mrtisme]

I was in a similar position to you hit 50 in March did CBT + Theory tests went for the DAS option felt so much more in control on the bigger bike. Actually hated the 125 seemed to be either on or off with the throttle. MOD 1 in Wakefield where the examiner was a real cool guy encouraged me not to rush at it take a breather between each section and relax, MOD 2 in Bradford in the the rain hail and the notorious Bradford drivers and aced it. For me a 125 was not the way forward, if you are attending a riding school ask for a go on a bigger bike with a view to going on to DAS, worked for me but horses for blah blah blah.

[chrisndaz]

hi all I did my CBT and couldnt wait so got a 125. a nice one too.
Currently loving it and have been on 3 rides.
I dont see why i should get a bigger one if im terrified at 55mph
Im sure that will wear off shortly so will keep you updated.

[M.C]

[Dimerz]

[Alpineandy]

[155mph]

Scratched that itch at 46. Don't waste time and money on a 125 like I did. If you enjoy your CBT, book your DAS at the end of it.

[Pepi1967]

well took my cbt and it went very well. it was a good informative day and ive booked for my DAS. just got my head in the books to pass this theory test and I will be good to go. ive decided to go to do the DAS on a residential course that I found. its the West Pennine Motorcycle Training place in Blackburn Lancashire. looks ok and they seem to have good reviews. just got to get the time off work to coincide with the DAS and I will be good to go. thanks to all of you who took the time to reply and your right a bigger bike is a lot easier to ride than the 125 was so cant wait to get on and get it done now.

[Rogerborg]

Great, glad to hear it went well for you. Definitely straight to DAS then, best of luck with the course.

Oh, don't get too frustrated with clicking too early in the hazard avoidance clips in the theory - it's just a game, you have to learn the rules about when they expect a genuinely new driver to notice the hazard.
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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

[Pepi1967]

[grr666]

See hazard, count to 2 then click.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Tracer1234]

[Pepi1967]

its five days including tests to full A licence

[Pete.]

[Beehive Bedlam]

Just to add when you do pass don't buy a fully kitted out GS1200 to ride to the local cafe and back on sunny weekends