What steps do I need to take?

[GTR1400]

Hey guys.. already got my first bike and all my gear for it, but it's still in the shop at the moment and I haven't been on it yet. In fact, I've never been on a bike before.

I sent off for my provisional a couple of weeks ago, and I now have that, so I can book in for a CBT. I'm planning on booking in for next weekend.

The bike is a Derbi Senda Cross City 125, but I imagine that I'll be wanting something slightly bigger at some point in time. I've had a look at a few bikes around the 600cc mark, as I imagine that's the size I'll be needing.

My main point of interest for this thread, is about what additional tests I will need. I'm currently under the impression that I won't need to complete an Mod1 or Mod2 test, and that as long as I have my A2, I'll be able to ride anything up to 33bhp for 2 years, and after that I'll be allowed to get whatever I want.

I should think that I'll be using my Cross City 125 for around 2 years. I've just turned 17, and in hopefully will be going to uni in just over a years time, meaning that if I was to take my A2 at some point soon.. I'd be able to get any size bike by the time I start my second year at uni.

What exactly do the Mod1 and Mod2 tests do? Would that just mean I can ride any size bike instantly, rather than waiting 2 years?

What benefit would I have from taking the Mod1 and Mod2 tests, considering I probably won't need to upgrade my bike for 2 years anyway?

Am I right in thinking that the A2 will permit me to ride any bike I want 2 years after completion, as well as allowing me to carry a passenger, ride on motorways and remove my L-Plates?

What sort of experience/training is needed for both the Mod1 and Mod2 tests, and also the A2? Would I be able to pass the A2 simply from riding around on my own with my Cross City 125?

Cheers guys, all help is very much appreciated

[bhinso]

I'm not sure what M1 and M2 are, ive never heard from them.
I do know that there is no test you can take below the age of 21 that will let you ride a bigger bike (>33bhp) instantly.
I think your best bet is to do the CBT, ride around on the 125 for a few months and get used to it, whilst doing the bike theory test. Then book a course and A2 in the summer. That way, you'll be off the 33bhp in two years

[GTR1400]

[Glenben92]

Module 1 and Module 2 are constituents of all full motorcycle tests. What you're allowed to ride depends completely on which bike the modules are taken on. If you are under 21, you want the A2 test which will result in a restricted license for 2 years then the restriction is lifted. This is taken IIRC on a bike of between 120 and 125cc.

If you're over 21 you have the option of DAS, which is the exact same test taken on a bike producing >35Kw (I.e. a 500 commuter upwards) This will result in an unrestricted license from day 1 and will allow you to ride anything immediately.

AT ALL COSTS avoid the A1 test, which is taken on a bike of between 75 and 125cc and allows you to ride only an 11Kw 125cc bike without L plates. That's a complete waste of time and money.

EDIT: You need a valid CBT and theory for all of the above.
____________________
57 Huoniao HN125-8 - , 97 Kawasaki GPZ500S -
99 Yamaha FZS 600 -
Mod 2 Passed - 01/10/2010

[GTR1400]

[Pete.]

[GTR1400]

[Pete.]

I can't answer that for you. All I can say is, many people get caught up in the 'shiny plastic sportsbike is best' roundabout and deny themselves the opportunity of a broad range of motorcycling experiences. Only you can know what tickles your fancy, I wouldn't be too keen to base it on cubic capacity.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

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

[Rogerborg]

Bike choice is entirely personal, and statistics mean very little. You'll have to find a bike that you get on with. But you're a long way away from that.

[Pete.]

[Rogerborg]

2006/126/EC aka the 3rd European Driving License Directive aka Screw You, Bikey McBikesalot.

We're still waiting on the DfT publishing the UK's exact implementation (pushing 4 months late) but the introduction date and license categories are fixed. The short story is: if you're 17, pass the current A2 ASAP. It'll start to get a bit trickier for people who are nearly 19 as we approach January 2013 and folks will have to weight the current 2-year 25kW restriction against the new 35kW A2 that doesn't upgrade automatically, but at the moment it's a no brainer for younger riders.
____________________
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

[bhinso]

OK and are they going to put similar restrictions in place for car drivers? For example Mr 17 year old with no experience but rich parents who can afford the insurance is allowed to drive anything.

Back on topic yes Liam you need to have the theory to do the A2 Mod 2 (i'm not sure about Mod 1 but i'd guess not since it's offroad). There's no restriction on what bike cc you can get, as long as it's 33bhp or less. For example the SV650 is a popular bike to 33bhp

[Rogerborg]

[yuri2085]

Just to clarify (if roger hasn't already). To get the A2 (you seem to understand what this is) you must pass a test, the test includes mod1 AND mod2 taken on a 125cc bike. You must also have a valid theory test.