Just a little question

[darthbuttchin]

Hi guys,

I was thinking about my CBT earlier (8 months ago, yet I still remember it like it was yesterday). Anyway, one of the blokes who was with me was doing it for his 3rd time. Not through inability to complete it, rather it was his 3rd over the last 6 years.

He was on a scooter and apparently that's what he rides on a daily basis.

My question is, I suppose, can anyone see any merit in going through the hassle of a CBT every 2 years, as opposed to spending near enough the same amount (well, certainly where I did it in Essex) on doing a test which would be him sorted for ever?

I don't plan on re-newing my CBT every 2 years for the rest of my life, I was just wondering whether anyone could really see the point?

Cheers,

db
____________________
CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
Call me Tomsk - I am the Flying Womble after all.

[Alpha-9]

[nowhere.elysium]

I know one person who's done this. Given the way he rides his DT, it's probably a good thing that he doesn't have anything larger - he's a complete mentalist
Only person I've ever met that can negotiate a busy T-junction, on a hill, on the back wheel, without so much as a wobble.*
However, since he struggles with the theory test, he's unable to pass his full bike test.
The guy's not stupid by any measure, it's just that a written test doesn't work well for everyone.

*Yes, I know that sounds like the beginnings of a warped story, but I'm hoping that my word might carry some weight around here.
____________________
'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[yen_powell]

The first two part tests were brought in because thousands of riders were quite happy to use a C90 on L plates forever to get to work.

Initially if you did't pass your two part test within two years of the start date on your motorcycle provisional you were banned from using a motorcycle of any sort for a year.

I suspect some people still treat the CBT as a bi-annual road tax.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[Rogerborg]

New motorcycle licensees halved when the new 2 part tests came in in 2008. Theory + mod 1 + mod 2 might indeed look like a lot of silly hassle for a casual sub/urban commuter who only wants and needs a 125, and who can probably find a test centre who'll say "Eh, ride around for an hour", then just hand them a new DL196 at a reduced rate every couple of years.

Heck, I rode quite happily on a CBT for about a year before bothering with the tests, and most of the time I still don't really need anything bigger than a 125.

It's only after you pass all the tests that you can look back and say "Well, that wasn't so hard" and wonder why you waited.
____________________
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

[darthbuttchin]

See, the bloke said he had no interest in progressing to anything bigger, which is absolutely fine by me. If that's what you want, go for it, if not don't quite simply. At least you're another person on two wheels.

It just seems that for the sake of - an hour and a half ish of tests, you don't have to bother with the hassle of the CBT every two years. Particularly for him, as since the place he used has shut down, he'll have to travel a good 20 or so miles to find another place (although, Chelmsford is a city now, so who knows whether another one will pop up?).

I personally haven't ridden since my CBT. Not through lack of desire, more through lack of a motorcycle that can be stopped without stalling

Once it's fully sorted and on the road (over Easter break from Uni - I've set the 14th of April as my date to work to) I'll have a couple of months out on the road on it, then try and get my test done before January. Then I can take the 'L' plates off and have a nice single cylinder bike, unidentifiable as anything other than a Honda. Lovely.

Until I can afford something else....

But I still can't get my head round the progressing to a full license. Maybe it's because it is so often referred to as a 'big bike' license, that put's him off?

Food for thought,

db
____________________
CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
Call me Tomsk - I am the Flying Womble after all.

[Taught2BCauti...]

You should take your tests as soon as possible after doing CBT - preferably the same day - or you will get Tef'd
____________________
Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[darthbuttchin]

So far, I've avoided a Tef'fing.

That may not last however.

I have read a lot of his posts though. And skimmed a lot more. Seems a nice enough chap though.

But he won't discourage me from getting a couple of months experience before I do my tests

db
____________________
CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
Call me Tomsk - I am the Flying Womble after all.

[andyscooter]

i know two people who do this

one that can ride well enough to pass his cbt but from what i have seen would never pass a proper test

and the other is brilliant on a bike but has so much trouble with his reading he couldnt do the theory part

he is also a very good mechanic but cant go through college as his reading and writing abilitys let him down
____________________
gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[fozzym]

I worked with a guy that did the same thing, He had no interest in becoming a biker. All he wanted to do was ride a scooter faster than a 50cc to get to and from work.

In fact he did see having to re do the cbt every other year as a right con but still it didn't sway him towards the full licence.

I guess if you look at the finances, if I'm the average learner which I think I was. Taking out the CBT cost it cost me about £650 to get training and take the theory mod1 and mod2.

The guys at my local training place do what they call a CBT refresh for folks re doing after 2 years, its a morning and costs £70.

So if you bar the hassle of doing it which isn't really a hassle concidering its a morning every 2 years! Basically give or take you can do 10 cbt's for the same as a DAS and that'll get you 20 years of 125 riding.

Think my figures stack up....Obviously some people will spend more on DAS and some less but you get the idea.

So basically what I'm saying is that if a 125 does you and you have no interest in biking then I can see why you wouldn't bother.

[Bomberman]

[bikertomm]

It's relatively inexpensive for 2 years of being able to ride around.

People are now lazy. If they can pay out to help their laziness / ability to avoid taking a test they will.


____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[fozzym]

[kawakid]

Tbh it seem silly to me, I absolutely hated being on L plates, it was embarrassing I was 31 or 32 years old! I looked like a prick.

L plates are for 16/17 year olds imho.

Riding around with a big Looser sign is not cool.
____________________
I've a twin and a 4.

[Themightyimp]

[Rogerborg]

[darthbuttchin]

I'm not entirely sure what happened there. But I think at some point whilst reading the last one, I lost my anal virginity. I don't know how, or why, all I know is I feel unclean....
____________________
CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
Call me Tomsk - I am the Flying Womble after all.

[Kal]

£500 or £600 in one go is a lot to get together. £70 - £90 is doable.

Personally I did my CBT twice.
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[darthbuttchin]

£500-£600 is DAS prices.

DAS is not the same as the test.

Necessary for the test is - Theory, Mod 1 and Mod 2.

All of that is doable on your own for not a great deal more than the CBT (£110 from the place in the City of Chelmsord).

DAS is also not the be all and end all of motorcycle tests.

I await for Tef (see Roger? I mentioned him again, maybe he'll show up now Candyman style) to come and explain.
____________________
CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
Call me Tomsk - I am the Flying Womble after all.

[Ayrton]

I think some people dont see the need if they are happy on a 125. Seems kind of stupid as for the cost of a CBT you can get your full license.

[Themightyimp]

Do any of us dare to copy and paste a typical Tef reply?lol

[Kal]

[Bomberman]

[the_quick]

I kind of understand point "can't bebothered with mods" as it is more difficult to pass than CBT.
Maybe there should be a test for 125s, bit simpler than for bigger bikes, just an idea.

For mr it is still unreal that after day of training on bike they will let you go on roads, just like that - no test for knowledge of highway code.
____________________
Bandit GSF600 '00

[Kal]