Post CBT

[TGHUN71]

Hi, all.
Havent posted for a while (family commitments).

Managed eventually to get my CBT booked and went there on Sat.
Was a bit nevrvous (jeez i'm 37 n nervous), instructer soon camled nerves by being a soud guy.
Passed the CBT and was told that I could book my test through them.

Once I find my Theorytest Practice DVD I can get into that big time then get that booked.

I am going to try and get a couple of hours on a 500 this weekend, but I am wonderingif it is wise to buy a cheap 125 run about on it practicing all things , whilst doing lessons on a 500 or should I not bother.
Any advice would be great.

[jonnywombat]

Kinda depends on how long you think it's gonna take to do your direct access...

IF you are gonna cane it, and get it done asap, then spend the money on extra lessons if you need them...

If you think your still be plugging away at it in 12 months then buy a 125...

Good morning TGHUN71,

A fellow mid-life-crisis-er, welcome! I'm 37 and did my CBT 2 years back and haven't looked back since. You've been on here for a while so you know how great and supportive the biking community is to new riders - cheers all!

Being completely new to the bike scene I took the 125 route but it is such a different experience - you're forever being hounded by cars wanting to overtake and that L-plate acts like a target. Saying that, it worked for me as you can still scare yourself entering a bend too fast, and you get some of the basics under your belt.

After two unfortunate test fails (one a leg-down on the u-turn) I took the test on that 125 which allowed me restricted access to larger bikes for 2 years, then it's unrestricted. There is some difference upto 80mph but then the power does drop-off, but for me that's safer. I just needed experience on the larger sized bike and this was a quick, easy & cheaper option. My only access to a 500+ bike otherwise was with an instructer and that can get expensive.

You will want to get unrestricted within a year but that's up to you. If you can afford the time off work I'd go all-out on getting the direct-access test passed on the larger bike and bypass the 125 step altogether, and if you can get it done before October you'll be saving yourself some cash and hassle with the new rules.

I hope this helps. Good luck mate!

[climberowl]

Hi

I had exactly the same experience as you... passed CBT then got conflicting advice about the usefulness of a 125. After much deliberation, I bought one. A lovely Honda Varadero which looks and feels "big" and which, L plates aside, I have no image-issues with (shallow as I am). It's the best thing I could've done. I get to go out when I want, as fast, slow and far as I want. I've practiced loads and loads all the simple things - like starting and pulling away, moving in slow traffic, hill starts (and stalls!) etc etc. I'd say unless you're a "natural", get one. Get to know how to handle the bike, then move on to how to ride a bike for a test with the DAS. Either way, have fun.

[dungeekin]

Hi TGHUN71

As another 37-year-old recently back to biking, I have done the same as the others above - CBT and then a 125 to build some experience up before the test.

My personal plan is to do the restricted access and step up to a 250 - that's because I don't feel I need the outright power of a bigger bike for commuting, but whether you go restricted or direct is your own personal choice.

The most important thing - just get out there and enjoy it, whatever you're on!

Neil

[grotbag]

Greetings and welcome to the forum TGHUN71


I'm riding a 125 on 'L' plates too!


Have a look around the place, most questions have already been asked and answered in these forums New Bikers - The Biker Forum
New rider information - The Biker Forum if you can't find something, just ask!

[Singh600RR]

Hello TGHUN71 - I'm yet another (nearly) 37 person to throw advice at you.

Have a go on the bigger 500 first - if you feel comfortable on it then go the DAS route and don't bother with the 125. You should get used to a 500 quite quickly (couple of hours). Controlling a bigger bike at slow speed is trickier.

If you don't feel comfortable then stick with the 125. I did Honda 125 CBR for 1 year (bought it for 1400 - sold it for 1250) and it taught me alot. Also how do you anticipate using your bike - daily commute? dual carridgeway sprint? motorway? If it's city commute then stick with a 125.

[TGHUN71]

Thanks to al who replied and said hi.

Mind is total mince at the moment, but have posted again under header Should have don it sooner.

Time rift here i think ,feels like months have gone by without being on a bike, even tho it was only sat there and 2 weeks past i did cbt.

maybe its just me but looks like the bug has bitten, the missing limb syndrome seems to be the bike missing.

Oh well , think i am loosing it now

[grotbag]

Yep ............ the bike bugs gotch ay!