Mega Noob

[Mattsby]

Hi everyone, bit of background on me, I've never touched a bike or scooter but always thought about it! I'm relocating to Staffordshire from Lancashire for work at the end of the month and it just so happens there's quite a few motorbike dealerships and training centres near my new house! You can see where this is going...

I'm after a bit of advice really, I turned 24 in September so does this mean I can do my CBT, theory test and then DAS and that's it, I can ride any bike? Obviously I'd be an idiot getting something massive for a first bike.

Which brings me onto my next question, what bike? Would it be a good idea to get say a 600 and restrict it for a while til I feel confident? That way I don't have to buy a small bike, get bored of it and end up buying another within a year. Any other suggestions?

Also can I do my theory test before the CBT? Would be easier doing that over winter while the weathers crap and then CBT and lessons in early spring.

Anyway thanks in advance for any advice.

[Rogerborg]

[Orennayar]

Hi and welcome.
I was a bit in the same situation as you so I had more or less the same questions
If you're 24 then yes you can go to DAS straight away and ride any motorbike.
About restricting a 600 bike my understanding is that it's not really useful. If you're going to practice, you might as well do it on a machine that you're going to be using after. Also I doubt a few extra horsepower will make it necessarily more dangerous.
I did spend 6 month on a 125 though before going to DAS as I've never ridden a motorcycle before, imho it was useful but I know many people here recommend going straight to DAS so I guess it's more a matter of confidence and personal preference. It's not a big loss to buy a second hand 125 for training though as you should be able to sell it for almost as much as you bought it (unless you crash it ).
I don't know if you can pass the theory before CBT but to be honest CBT isn't a big deal even in winter, just bring really warm cloth and you'll be okay.
hope that helped
although rogerborg just said the same thing but clearer
____________________
DAS passed: 21/07/14
2011 YBR125(sold)
2009 XJ6N

[matto]

Get your test done first then have a look around for a bike you like, see if you can test ride a few first. You might really get on with what ever the training school uses.

And a small point: If you had just passed your driving test you wouldn't be asking about restricting the power of a car you'd just bought would you? You'd just drive to your ability knowing you have performance in reserve for when you ability and confidence improves, a bike isn't different.

[Wednesday Biker]

I had a z750 with a restrictor and it only revved to 6k
When the restrictor came off it was still as noob friendly at lower revs.
Unless you let the revs climb to where it gives you a bit of a kick its not going to run off with you.I can whack the throttle open fast and it doesn't wheelie or anything daft like that.
So restricting wont really make it easier to ride if you have any self control.
I guess some big torquey or more sporty bikes might need a bit more finesse but i've only ever owned this bike and a couple of 250's.
But no don't bother restricting a bike

[Mattsby]

Thanks for the input guys. definitely makes sense what Matto says abut a restricting a car, great way of putting it across. Also it never really dawned on me that the test and lessons would be on a 600 so if I can pass a test on it I should be able to ride the thing lol

[MC]

I'd say see how you get on with your CBT. For some of us a bit of time on a 125 was a good thing, the only problem's that bit of time normally only needs to be a few months, so buying/insuring etc. can be expensive.

With regards to your theory test that would be a reason for doing it now, if you wanted to do your DAS straight after your CBT. Only thing you have to watch out for is that if your theory test expires (it lasts 2 years), before you've completed your Mod 2, you'll lose your Mod 1 pass.

Over winter some schools do have good offers on, myself and a pal booked in the winter and did our DAS in March, with a 2for1 offer.

I was similarly concerned about getting a 600 after my test, but TBH anything up to around 100bhp shouldn't give you any problems. People buy more powerful bikes to start with and survive.
____________________
Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[Chris81]

Hey bud,

I've just finished all of mine.

You can do the theory anytime, I found it beneficial to get it done ASAP as there are lots of slots available. Also the CBT is an easy one to get out of the way ASAP. Once they're done. You keep them for 2 years, simples.

I was bricking it over the Mod 1, right until I got on the bigger bike and I found everything so much easier, so to my mind you should get straight up to the 600 as soon as you can. You'll find it more satisfying and easier.

Always remember the throttle works at all stages, you don't have to gun it, a 600 is not going to be overwhelming for you if you respect it.

Get it done now though. As mentioned above it will be quiet now with Winter coming and the roads aren't too bad yet.

I can't reccomend it enough, beggining to end I would have had the lot done, from theory to Mod 2, in under 2 weeks. My Mod 2 was delayed sadly.

You'll have a blast!

[Mattsby]

[Wonko The Sane]