New here ...

[johnte]

Evening everyone..

First post

After waiting 30 years to do this (I'm 53 now) I finally got round to doing my CBT a couple of weeks ago, also got theory booked for 12th June.
I bought myself a £500 Varadero + £75 insurance + £17 road tax = cheap transport

I'm tempted to go for the intensive 3 or 4 day course and take my test, or would it be better to get a bit of road miles on the 125 first ?

I'm not desperately interested in flying round everywhere flat out, but I do live on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, and do like just touring round..

Thanks

[Graham B]

Hi and welcome.
I had a Varadero and loved it.
Recommend intensive DAS then a larger bike.
Know what you mean about the speed thing, living in the Cotswolds I love the country lanes.
Varadero was fab but the 600cc now just gives the extra bit to overtake if needed.
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Honda CBF 125, Honda Varadero 125, Honda Hornet 600cc

[johnte]

Thanks for the welcome..

I know you're probably right about the bigger bike. But to be honest it's such a long time since I've done any type of exam, the whole thing scares me a bit

[Wednesday Biker]

Do the DAS.
Because you don't need to pass as you don't mind pottering on the 125 it will take away some of the stress and make it easier.
I kept my 125 for a year even after passing.There is no hurry to get rid.
Now I have a bike that can go quick but I only ride it that way now and again.Varadero's are pretty good really and can get you about at a reasonable pace.

[Tinkz]

[The Shaggy D.A.]

[Ste]

[chickenstrip]

[johnte]

[Andy_Pagin]

[mase101]

Do the DAS mate. I live near Leyburn in the moors and to be fair you need more power than a 125... Plenty of dodgy junctions/tractors/old people on holiday etc. etc. The extra power is beneficial in so many ways.

I had a 125 field bike when I was around 14 for about 6 months, and a ped for a year when I was 16, but other than that I just went straight to my DAS at 27, got that out the way and got a 600.

Fantastic place to have a bike, some of the roads/views are out of this world! Good luck
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

[Rogerborg]

[johnte]

[Rogerborg]

That is pretty darn boss right there.
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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

[Taught2BCauti...]

As long as your front sprocket isn't welded on, and you don't mind losing a bit of top speed, try fitting a 13 tooth front sprocket (JTF327-13) for dealing with hills more efectively.

After de-restricting mine, I also use a 15 tooth front sprocket (JTF327-15) for longer journeys to keep the revs down.
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[Casper]

[Blobber]

Like you I've waited sometime before getting on a bike (I'm 59), I had my CBT last year and bought a YBR125, which has helped with my confidence. It's strange how when you get older your confidence seems to go, and also like you I've got my theory/hazard test next week 9th. Hopefully when I pass, I am going to my local training school and sign up for the DAS course. But I would say that riding around on the 125 has helped with the basics, so if your happy with your 125, ride around on it for a few months, then go for the DAS.
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Just bobbing along

[Clanger]

[Polarbear]

Welcome. <- note: thumbs up!
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Bubbs]