Should I buy a bike now or pass my test first ???

Dez · L Plate Warrior Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Karma :

I am due to take my restricted test soon, (hopefully). I want a Virago 535 which will need to be restricted. As I don't have a full licence yet, should I wait until I pass or buy the bike I want now.

I have seen the bike I want but I'm worried if I wait too long, it will get sold and I'll lose out on it.

I'm not sure how I would insure a bike of this size if I haven't passed my test. What should I do ???

ProXimaCore · Dougal Joined: 01 May 2003 Karma :

A few years ago when I wanted to get my car license I bought the car first and it gave me the incentive to go out and do the test as soon as possible. If you see a good deal on the bike you want then I'd say go for it. As long as it's not going to be sitting around for months from now. You also wont be able to insure the bike until you pass your test whether it's restricted or not. No test means you're stuck with 125cc and under 15bhp and as long as you've done the CBT. So you'll have to get someone else to insure and ride it back or get a van to pick up/deliver it.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing Sad

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

Do the test now or at least asap. You never know, after riding a different bike around for a while you may change your mind about what you want.

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

I was left with a similar choice a while back. I decided to get my test out the way before looking for a bike. But if you've already found a bike then it might make sense to buy first. As long as there wont be a big gap between buying and doing test...

big al · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Karma :

i would do the test first,then buy later. "why" because you might not be able to afford the insurance cover you want. Shocked

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nobody saw me coming

True Blue · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Karma :

Personally I would do my test first. I wouldn't worry about missing out on the bike, there is always another good deal round the corner. Wink

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Past >>>> Honda NSR 125 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K1 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K4 >>>>Kawasaki Z1000 DAF >>>>Suzuki RMZ 250 >>>> Current >>>> KTM Superduke R 1290 >>>>

BIKELESS STEVE · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Karma :

With regards the insurance, I'd not even passed my CBT and got TPFT on a Bandit 600 for Â£400 through Norwich Union Direct. Phone about 10 companies of which 3 said would insure without license but they were the cheapeast. As a price guide I'm 27 with 5 points for speeding. Smile

BIKELESS STEVE · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Karma :

With ref to my Avatar I was without without camera detection unit at the time on the motorway.... Bugger! Thumbs Down

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I passed my test on a Monday and bought my bike on the Tuesday.

Personally, unless there was an awesome never-to-be-repeated deal, I'd get a licence first. Quite a few people have bought first then failed their test and had a bike sitting there that they can't use.

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

Do your test first because having a bike you cannot ride will do your head in (it would p*ss me off) Also there is always a bike for sale somewhere Thumbs Up

Inglesina94 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Karma :

I agree, do you test first. I have booked mine for May and certainly I would not buy one before as I know I could not resist the temptation to take it out for a ride Twisted Evil