confused on what to do now!

[cheesypeeps]

Hi

I am new to the forum and to the biking world... I have been a pilon for years... But only did my CBT this week.

This is were the confusion is... I was going to get myself a small 125cc once I passed my CBT and planned to enjoy it and learn on it for about a year then tackle my big test.

However now that I have passed my CBT some people are saying I should just go for the Direct Access Scheme. Is this running before you can walk?

Also, I am worrying that once I have afforded the DAS I won't be able to afford a bike. But if I buy myself a 125cc just now, it gives me a chance to learn and save.

Am I missing something... What are others peoples thoughts and experiences?

Any help welcome.
Cheesy
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Cheesy
CBT - Achieved!! July 2010

[Benson_JV]

Well if you're over 21 you can go straight to any sized bike you want. Be that a 250, 400, 600, 750, 1000.
The thing is that if you only go on a 125, you'll find it easier to get to grips with but perhaps a month or two down the line you may find it lacking in power.

If you do the DAS it may perhaps be a bit too much at first, but then you'll have your big bike there and then without faffing around later.

I'd say go for the DAS. HTH.

[stonesie]

Personally, I have bought a Honda CG125 and when it arrives I will probably only be coming home to eat and sleep

My thinking is to just have a little and cheap bike to tool around on and polish my riding / build my confidence before I go for the DAS or modual 1 / 2 tests, Its 16 years old so dropping it wont be the end of the world and it's light enough for me to pick it back up and carry on (probably muttering profanity as I go)


Welcome to the Forum too, I've not been on here long but the locals are friendly

[The Shaggy D.A.]

It pretty much depends on the individual, and how you intend using the bike. Is it for fun, commuting, touring? Will it be your only method of transport? Will you be riding with other people on bigger bikes a lot?

Personally, I don't think you can fully appreciate a bigger bike until you've lived with a small one for a while.

[edit] Nothing stopping you doing your DAS and still getting a 125. As time goes by, the test is only going to get harder and more expensive.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[NotPamGrier]

To be honest - I had exactly the same thoughts....did my CBT last summer, bought a really nice YBR125 and decided it was better to get practice for an year or so before doing my Direct Access.

After about a week or 2 of going out on the bikes with my boyfriend (him on his VFR at the time) I *needed* a bigger bike! (I'm not good at waiting for things....)

Saying that, having my YBR meant I could do some of my direct access on my own bike, which was confidence boosting, along with extra practice time. Plus I could space out my lessons and not do an intensive course.

Once I got on to the 500's for DAS however, the YBR's days were numbered!

Having passed my test last November I traded 'up' for a cheap big bike (GS400) - mistake admittedly but it was still a mental leap to be off the YBR (and the L-plates).

I now have a great new bike (SV650s) and while still a novice rider, I love every minute of being out -
Ultimately, it is a case of do what makes you feel happiest, however, I dont regret pushing myself through the DAS.

Good Luck in which ever route you take....you are still on 2 wheels after all!
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only a ninja can sneak up on another ninja
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YBR125 (sold) --> GS400E (sold) --> SV650s (my silver baby!)

[The Shaggy D.A.]

[locked]

[cheesypeeps]

The Shaggy DA - I would be looking to use a bike to commute and to do a bit of touring. I do have a car so would be opting for that on the snowy days. I have friends with bigger bikes, however I am open to making new friends on 125s! And I am equally as happy to stick a rucksack on and head off on my 125 on my tod!

I am just not sure if I will be wasting money getting a 125 or if I should just go for the DAS. Some folk are saying 125s are holding thier values really good, which could go in my favour or against. For, if I get one it could resale at a good price.
Against, expensive to buy in the first place.

Suppose it is the running before you can walk factor as well.

I still remain confused.

Thanks for your replies so far.


____________________
Cheesy
CBT - Achieved!! July 2010

[Teflon-Mike]

You only start learning once you are out there, in the saddle, doing it, for real, on your own.
DAS is a useful scheme, & the bigger bikes can be easier to manage in some ways than tidlers.
Its swings & rounabouts.
BUT DAS training is NOT comprehensive & for a complete newbie, 3-days intensive cramming, does NOT prepare you to take on ALL biking can chuck at you and make you an 'expert' rider ready to take on an R1!
Tiddlers, have their faults. Becouse they are small, cheap & under-powered, they are often treated with some err... shall we say 'irreverence'.
Becouse they are not bikes people plan on keeping, normally ridden by less expert riders, they tend not to get well treated or looked after, but becouse of the licencing restriction, they hold thier values.
So, if you went DAS you'd almost certainly be able to get a 'better' bike for your money.
AND fully 'qualified' it would probably be cheaper to insure.
But then so too would a tiddler.
You know the L-Plated DONT come as standard on them..... you CAN ride one of them on a full licence too.....
And, OK they are still treated with distain, and you do have to work them harder to get anywhere, BUT, they are very cheap.
Typically 100mpg or near enough fuel frugality, £15 a year tax, cheap insurance, cheaper & often longer lasting parts, low maintenence costs (LOW, not zero! Some believe 'next to nothing is less than nothiong!) AND very good saleability.
They DO have a lot to offer, and they ARE still useful bikes.
Generally 60-70mph is your limit, but a better one should be up to MOST of what you'll want it to do.
Only thing they will struggle with is keeping up with the big-bike tear aways on a group run, or longer motorway journeys.
Round town they can work better, in the country, still be fun, and depending on the bike, some people even do rallies or touring holidays on the things!
Its a LOT to think about, and I dont have any answers.
You have to work out what suits you best, and what you are more comfortable with.
DAS and a bigger bike is the more expensive route, & possibly more intimidating. BUT remember the throttle goes both ways & those three days intensive training aren't the be-all & end all, the bigger, heavier, more powerful bike CAN be more stable and forgiving while you are getting to grips with it all.
125. No shame in them. They do a job & are often under-rated. Not so intimidating, but they are STILL a motorcycle, and capable of achieving national speed limits. They are lighter, so often a tad more 'manageable' and manouverable, but they dont have the weight to be so stable or damp clumsyness, while lack of power means more gear-changing and 'work' riding them.
The short-comings though are not a handi-cap, and can be as helpful; teaching you to work a bike as unhelpful, not being so 'tolerant' of mistakes.
If that cant help you make up your mind....
Do it on the numbers. Let the £'s do the deciding.
and on that score 125 wins.
Its cheaper, all round and a lot less 'risk'.
Of budget you will afford bike. And a bike thats cheaper to run, and more readily sold if you decide to do DAS later, or do restriced then accelerated access, or just live out the restriction, or simple decide to stop ridinf.
DONT let any-one push you at DAS 'just' becouse you are over 21 and could do it.
Dont restrict yourself unnecesserily.
Think hard. weigh the optioons.
Make the best choice for YOU.
Snowtigeress has just done that, and after 6yrs on 125's, and me pushing her towards a big-bike, has plumped to stay on a 125.... even though she will be keeping it post test. MAINLY becouse its cheap, manageable and 'fast enough'.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[Mr_Cynical]

I think Teflon-Mike has said it all really....

I did my CBT last year and went for my DAS straight after, which for me, turned out to be a mistake.

I was (and have been since) told my technical riding ability is sound, but I lacked the confidence and was putting too much pressure on myself. I had a bike waiting for me, and had the mentality of "If I don't pass, I wont have a bike". I put myself under a lot of pressure and as such failed my mod 2 four times, making silly mistakes every time

After not riding for 4 months, I opted to get a 125. I've been on that for nearly five months now, and while I do have some trouble keeping up with others in my group, it's given me heaps of confidence for my next test.

My point is, if you feel more comfortable with the idea of riding a 125, then get a 125. You'll get valuable road experience and build your confidence for when you do decide to go for a bigger bike. Don't let anyone pressure you into going for your DAS, including yourself!

Hope this helps,

Jay
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Bikes: '05 Better BT125-20 => '79 Honda CB750KZ (Now a project bike) => '99 Suzuki Bandit 600 => '01 Triumph Tiger 955i
"What's my motto? I like ham."
"It's a good motto, sir."

[angryjonny]

Conversely, I did my CBT and my DAS in a pretty intense manner. I then bought myself an ER-5 (bulletproof and strong enough to drop a few times) which I effectively "learned" on, just without L-plates. As has been hinted here - DAS gets you through the test, it does not teach you to ride. I had a lot of fun and when I felt I was ready I moved up to a bigger bike.

There is no right or wrong way to go about it really. Whatever you're comfortable with is the best way.

[Mord]

DAS is the way to go

Then you can ride 250, 400, 600, 750, 1000cc bike... whatever suits you. DAS gives you a freedom to choose.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

...unless doing DAS then screws his budget, when he could have got a 125 and be out on the road now.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[cheesypeeps]

Thanks to all your replies.

I am over 21 (+10yrs!), and yeah The Shaggy DA has a point regarding the finances.

I think I will be content on a 125cc for the time being. After all - I have plenty years ahead of me to get my full licence.

Perhaps, like a lot on here, I will be on a 125cc then want to go bigger in a few months.

Thanks again for all your help and making me feel welcome!


____________________
Cheesy
CBT - Achieved!! July 2010

[waffles]

[Jodie]

Hi Cheesy,

Me and my fella did our cbt's last August, then bought a new 125 each on 2yrs 0%.

We decided to take it slowly, and cost effective doing our tests, taking our theory a few months ago then we have our mod 1 and mod 2 in a few weeks.

We have decided to go the A2 route and booked a full days training before each module plus the 1000 miles of bombing about we've already done on them.

It's taken me a long time for my confidence to grow and still get frustrated with myself sometimes.

Do what you feel is right, it is really hard to get used to. I skidded on some gravel last week and almost came off, that was a bit scarey.

Don't get me wrong, I almost bought a ER6n last week

Good luck and remember there's no rush.

[cheesypeeps]

[waffles]

I think most people here will agree that you can't go wrong with a CG! Personally I dont like them but I put that down to a bad experience with one on my CBT.

Spend a day sitting on different types of bikes, you will soon find a style that you find comfortable
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[angryjonny]

[Mord]

[N cee thirty]

get a cg like me and get bored to hell of it,then you start to learn how to ride properly.

i commute about 300 miles a week on my cg and it costs about £20 for fuel,with about half a tank left for weekend fun.

all part of the fun riding a bike really tbh,enjoy
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'00 Aprilia RS50 > '92 Honda CG > '99 Yamaha Fazer > '91 Yamaha RXS > '79 Suzuki X5 > 01' Honda Cg > 07' Honda Cg > 82' Kawasaki Z200 > suzuki gsxr 400 gk73a > honda vfr 400 NC30 Mod 2 Passed 09/06/2011

Jewlio Iglesias wrote: I actually did vote BNP once

[supZ]

havent read the replies but my personal experience was that i, without having ridden a geared bike in my life (rode a m8s scooter around 10 years previous for a giggle) did my cbt, then had a minor disagreement with a copper and a radar gun in the car, took 3 months to get my still clean licence back off em i then booked my DAS (note i didnt have a 125, hadnt been back on a bike since the CBT), passed first time with with a day DAS then got on my CBR600 and off i went.

i was comfortable doing this, not everyone will be.

some people take longer to learn or simply want to start slowly and build their way up. if you'd prefer to have a 125 for a bit then by all means go for it. it'll be good practice. if however you feel confident enough that you could control your right wrist and trust in the machine then go for the DAS.. its up to you
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CBR954RR - Daily toy
CBR600RR - Trackbike

[Bucky]

[Bucky]

[cheesypeeps]

Hey

Thanks to you all for your advice and comments. I have decided to buy a 125cc and save up money and gain experience first... perhaps aiming to do my full test in spring next year.

I am now (as of today) the proud owner of a Yamaha YBR 125!!


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Cheesy
CBT - Achieved!! July 2010