Hopefully a new biker some time soon

[kgt68]

Hi folks. As per the title, there appears to have been something of a thaw in the KGT household and my dear other half has decided that I've now grown up enough to be slightly trusted and the icy shoulder shown towards any previous mention of a motorbike seems to be melting.

The fact that I'm now 51 is a bit of a bugger, but hey, you've got to grab a chance while its there, right.

Luckily I've got a bike school just round the corner from me and places are available. I've got a CBT planned in for early August and I'm looking at bikes next week with a view to buying something that I can sit on in my garage and make vroom vroom noises till I'm road legal.

I'd normally rush into this all gung ho, but I'm considering starting on a 125cc, getting the road miles under my belt and then looking at going the DAS route early next year. Any flaws in that plan, assuming I can maintain my patience ?

I've been reading on line about the process for getting a full licence and went to find my photocard out of curiosity. I passed my test back in Sept '91 and looking at the back of the card I see a number of categories which includes the "A" motorcycle section 19.01.13 through to 01.10.38 (with a restriction for trikes)

Before I get too excited, I thought I'd better check with the experts. I presume I still need to go through the whole CBT, Theory, Hazard, Mod 1+2 process and this doesnt give me some kind of magic pass to jump on a 500cc straight away with being an old git ? Let me know.

Appreciate any comments and advice. I come from a background of modified Subarus (and the associated forums) + Mountain Biking & Road Biking, but please dont hold that against me. Cheers, KGT

[wr6133]

Yes you need to do it all.

I'd go straight to big boy licence. You'll find a 125 tedious and you are old enough you probably have enough sense to not go and buy an early GSXR thou or R1 as a first bike.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

I did a cbt and got a 125 because it seemed like a good idea - in retrospect i'd do the same again, although i would probably have been alright on something like a 500 twin
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[arry]

[1198]

51 years old you'll be wise enough not to ride like a tit regardless of what bike you're on. Pass your tests on school bikes (check you like motorbikes, as 'Arry says it's not a given!) then purchase one you like. I'd guess you're more than mature enough to ride even a sport 600 without splitting yourself, just remember the throttle is proportional not on / off!
I'd guess a wall of text will be along shortly, time on toddlers isn't time wasted etc...

[Kentol750]

The A bit probably has a number after it which means provisional. Or something like that.
Yes. CBT, see if you like it, get a theory pass and book a course on full A. Then pass mods 1 and 2 and ride whatever you want.
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Some bikes.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

What was good about getting a CBT and buying a 125 was that, when after a year or so, I put in for the full license, I looked like an absolute genius compared to those who hadn't done any riding before. I'd been practising the MOD 1 manoeuvrers but with tighter cones and bays for the u-turn, etc. etc. for months. The DAS people looked like shit.
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Easy-X]

CBT + 125 is low risk financially. Going for a full A licence cold = more training. On top of that if you've spent >3 months on 125 you at least know that you can ride a motorbike and a >650cc bike won't be so intimidating.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[kgt68]

Thanks for all the advice folks. CBT booked for mid Aug. I've scaled back on going square eyed looking for bikes till Ive actualy ridden one

I look forward to following stories on here and getting some tips and inspiration.

[Polarbear]

The bears input. Direct access, full licence and get a decent sized bike and not a 125. The only 125 I have ridden that didn't frighten me with how crap it was, was a Varadero and they are lke rockinghorse poo.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[spongefinger]

I'm 50, did my CBT last year couldn't decide what to do 125 or DAS then life got in the way and lockdown happened. Anyway gave me time to think and I thought I'd treat myself to my DAS for my 50th. Started training last week and after a four hour session I can say that I'm my opinion big bikes inspire so much more confidence and are much easier to ride than a 125.

[Zen Dog]

[struan80]