Newbie here!

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Hi guys,

I'm obviously new here so take it easy with me Very Happy

I have only ever rode/owned a TY80 when I was around 10 years old, so experience is minimal. So in terms of bikers knowledge and ability is minimal.

I've owned many rapid cars, but now I'm ready for a change at 34 years of age. Can someone please instruct me the method go get on board from having no experience. I have a full uk license sine 97, but I guess I need to do a theory test still?

So guessing here, but is it: Theory test, CBT, DAS, then buy a bike? Or is there somewhere I can do the theory, CBT & DAS all in one weekend?
What bike is recommended for me? At this stage I'm thinking it will be for weekend use and occasionally the mrs will be on the back one I've gained experience etc.

Opinions and suggestion welcome.

I'm based north west near Skipton/Burnley (lancs/north yorks border)

Thanks
Rob

Benno · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2012 Karma :

You can either do a CBT and ride around on a 125cc bike with L-plates for a while, or do a full DAS course that includes a CBT. Find a local school and ask them for prices. Generally it takes anywhere between 3-7 days of training.

I recommend going straight to the DAS. I wish I'd done it rather than ride around on a CBT, wasting time that could have been spent getting my licence!
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I'm autistic. That means I'm smarter than you.

harscot · Crazy Courier Joined: 19 Apr 2011 Karma :

welcome bud, search Teflon-Mikes links, all the information you will need is there. Thumbs Up

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First bike R reg Suzuki 125 GT twin in 1978:
2nd bike X reg Honda 650 Deauville in 2011:
Wish bike a Triumph Thunderbird: Dream bike Triumph Rocket........

chairmouse · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 Aug 2012 Karma :

hello fellow newbie, dead nice on here, you will get loads of help and friendly advice, and have a bit of a lol as well, welcome fella
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if it aint fun why do it!

Billo63 · Crazy Courier Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Karma :

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Thanks guys.

Who would you recommend in my area for my CBT & DAS ? Preferable a crash course if possible?

Also what bike is ideal, CBR600?

Rob

dungbug · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Karma :

Hi Rob, welcome to BCF. Firstly you should do your CBT, then book and pass your theory test, I did one when I was learning to drive & you have to do it again for a bike. Do the CBT first though so you'll know whether biking is for you or not, no point in taking the theory test if you then do a CBT and don't like riding a bike.
Once you've got through the CBT and passed the theory then you have a couple of options, either buy a 125 and use it to build experience or go in for a DAS course. Both of these options have pro's & con's and personally I don't think there's a generic right answer, basically do whichever you're happy with. Some people want time on a 125 to get some miles under their belt and do some riding throughout the seasons etc....Others don't want to be faffing about on a 125 and will go the DAS route.

I can't recommend any training schools near you (as I don't know any Smile

), but try and find one that'll give you a free assessment after you've done the CBT and passed the theory test, by doing this the instructor will be able to advise how much training you'll need. Failing this you could stick a post up in the 'North' section of the forum as there will be people in there which are local to you.

As for the 'ideal bike', grately depends on what your needs are. Will it be for commuting, playtime at the weekend, spot of green laning?

HTH Thumbs Up

____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

Billo63 · Crazy Courier Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Karma :

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Start at the beginning.
You are pondering bike choices for when you have a full, unrestricted licence. That may only be a week off, if you do a crash-course (Not highly recomeded by me)... but still, its diving in the middle.

I want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do I start?
What is CBT?
What Training do I need before I take the tests?
I'm a car driver, so should be easy, just getting used to different controls, right?
What is 'DAS'?
Intensive DAS Courses' What's the score?
125's, Are they worth it? (TIME ON A TIDDLER IS RARELY WASTED!)

DAS 'Crash-Courses' are a great way to get you to a licence without actually learning to ride. Jumping on a 600 straight after a fast way to learn stuff the hard way.....

Trouble with Intensive DAS courses is they pander to the inpatient, & rushing is a fast way to get hurt on a motorbike.

Start at the beginning, worry about each step in turn, and take your time, do it thoroughly, and lay down a good 'foundation' in preparation for getting onto big-bikes.

Driving a car does not give you much of a heads up, nor does having driven hi-po cars. Comparison to bikes is apples and oranges, Elephants and lions, they are very different animals.

Compulsary Basic Training is just that BASIC training, and every-one has to do it.

I say time on a tiddler is rarely wasted; many disagree, in as much as getting to a big bike if that's your goal, it doesn't do much, BUT many do agree, especially those that have done it, because it really does help lay down a good foundation skill-set of fine machine control, which is something you dont get from tests that concentrate on managing traffic, and merely require you to obay the laws and not fall off.

Up to you what you do, BUT, as a relative beginner; read through advice in links; book a CBT, preferably on a 125 to get that bit 'done' and learn something along the way.

Go get your Theory/Hazard 'sorted', as you need it before practical tests, so is a precursor to even an intensive course really.

Think hard on advice about tiddling, and getting a learner bike to do some real learning on....

Research lessons, and ponder the merit in suggestion that having your own 125, you can space lessons, take stuff in slowly, cover it thoroughly and practice between lessons to your hears content for very little money. AND it doesn't deny you using DAS rules to get full unrestricted licence at the end.

Buy 125, do lessons, then take tests, 125 route, if before January, or DAS route elswise. Or do it in a oner via a crash course, if thats what you really preffer.

After that; licence in your pocket? THEN you might start thinking about post licence bikes!

CBR600F? Not my top choice for a post DAS newbies first bike. But there are a LOT of machines out there, all of which are likely to offer very big grins to a newbie; and who knows. once you know a bit, having gone through the steps, you may have a lot more ideas and inspiration, so don't sweat it just yet....

START AT THE BEGINNING!
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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?'

Billo63 · Crazy Courier Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Karma :

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Thanks everyone.

Ref they"crash" course, it's only to save on time, not skimp on "educating" and "experience" thoroughly. I work odd shift patterns, and have another job as well as a full family life style, so the necessity to make the training as "time limited" as possible is just to make it fit around my life. If doing it slowly is the way forward then I'll just need to make more time some how Surprised

Thanks for all the info, it's all taken on board.

The only reason I mentioned the CBR600 is because insurance is very reasonable, the pinion seat is reasonable sized on a few of the models, the bike isn't too big or heavy and there not an exspensive bike to buy, but then I know litterally nothing about motorbikes, so please enlighten me on my options please.

The reason I didn't mention going with a smaller bike first is not to go through the buying twice routine, and selling one (hassle).

Anyway if any of you guys like your cars too, here some pics of my motor I have litterally just sold, not everyone's cup of tea I know, but with over 400/400 it was good fun:D

Some advert material, car now lives in Manchester;(

https://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/scoobied/ddb4309c.jpg

https://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/scoobied/881db130.jpg

https://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/scoobied/69aad282.jpg

Click on pic to play video

https://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/scoobied/th_a77ccbf8.jpg

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Drake · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2010 Karma :

not too far from you, work in bradford, might have a bike that suits your needs, honda hornet would be a good first bike or something similar
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was: derbi senda, aprilia sx125, nsr250 mc16, cagiva mito, cb600 hornet now: mk1 bandit, KR1S, landrover series 3 light weight 2.5 petrol, 5speed box

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Cheers Mike, much appreciated information.

CBT can be taken in Barnoldswick which is just around the corner from me, I'll do that foremost as well as a well over due visit to specsavers Embarassed

I'll get the taste as you said and then peruse the Theory side of things after, so at this stage I'll put all bike hunting on hold (thanks Drake).

I'll report back when I've done m CBT. I'll try and get a chance next week if there avail to fit me in Mr. Green

Rob

Ps -I was looking at bike engined kit cars too at one point (doh), after owning 8 x Subarus in my list of car owning history.... Seemed like the logical step...

Pps - Mrs Rob Day wants to come with me going forward, she's more up for It than me lol (weekends away with other biking friends inspired her). Oh and she's on little if that helps on the bike hunt side going forward at 4'11" and a tad over 7 stone hen she's not scoffing cake Mr. Green

Ppps -no trouble with holiday forms when your the boss!! Mr. Green

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Hey everyone.

CBT passed today Mr. Green

My experience was great, both instructors were very down to earth and everything went smoothly. I'm not sure of club rules so I won't mention their names, but if they read or post on here, then thanks very much for a valued experience..

Rob Dance!

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

dungbug · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Karma :

Good news Rob. Thumbs Up

____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

banditjohn · Nova Slayer Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

Hi and welcome Thumbs Up

BigJoe78 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 09 Jul 2012 Karma :

congrats on the CBT and welcome aboard.
Don't be too put off by all the DAS "Crash course" naysayers.
DAS works fine for some but not for others, the most important thing is to not get over confident, ride in your own limits and be safe.
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2013 ZX6R 636

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

Theory passed today.

43 & 60

Min requirements 43 & 45, so I only just passed the first part but the last perception part was very simple.for a experienced car driver Wink

dungbug · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Karma :

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :

psychodame · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 29 Jul 2012 Karma :

Good luck for Tuesday mate.
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Motorcycling is not, of itself, inherently dangerous. It is, however, extremely unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence or stupidity.
-Anonymous

GeordieMick · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :

Good Luck today Rob hope it goes well Cool

Mick

Rob_Day · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2012 Karma :