Best route into biking at 21?

weewyum

weewyum

weewyum

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Winchester
Hey guys,

I always had my heart set on going through direct access once I hit 21 after Uni but having narrowly missed that with the new laws I'm not sure what my best options are?

My brain is telling me to take my CBT and stick with a used 125 for a year or so, see if I enjoy it and then go for A2 until I'm 24. Would I find 125 too slow after driving a semi decent car for a while? I'm not sure I would mind it.

The other option would be to spend quite a bit more money and go for the A2 straight away? Not sure if I can afford this route yet however but it would mean being able to obtain the unrestricted license at 23, not 24.

Basically I'm having a hard time deciding which of the two options would save me money in the long/ more sensible!
 
Well getting your A2 will open up more bike options to you and as you say means you can get unrestricted at 23.

Cheapest and most boring route would be to stay on a CBT until you're 24 (you'd have to renew) and run a cheap 125 until then (most of them generate fuel and repair themselves).

I don't think a 125 will feel particularly slow even coming from a decent car as bikes do feel faster, particularly when you're a new rider, but you will want to upgrade.

See how you go with a 125 and upgrade to an A2 if you enjoy it or if you want something a bit quicker. That's what I'd do.
 
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Personally, I found the 125cc forced me to plan manoeuvres and really focus on observation, as I didn't have the power to get out of situations. Taking that mentality to bigger bikes meant that I was habitually far more observant than my peers who had gone straight in on a 4-600cc or more and could already outride them on the 125 most of the time.
 
It's half a dozen of one and (6/2)*2 of the other.

I had and have an Octy MkI VRS when I did my CBT. the 125 felt annoyingly slow, though I had already got my mind (and money) on the DAS. Maybe it depends on your car experience, or expectations, or mindset, or if you had too much fibre for breakfast.

Also as easy as doing the CBT is, it'd annoy me having to renew it. You say you drive already, so at least you have road awareness etc. (I think it's ridiculous that you can go from riding a mountain bike or eating a nice pie to being let on the road with a murder weapon in 5-6 hours of not-enough training).
 
Appreciate the replies! Think I'm going to save up a little longer and go straight for the A2. Can seem to pick up a decent bike that fits the criteria for the same price as I was going to spend on a 125.

Most places seem to offer 4, 5 or 6 day courses. Assume I should go for the 6 day seeing as I have no experience?
 
I went into biking at 20 last july. Went for CBT and bought a CBR 125 with the initial plan of having a 125 for 4 years then going for full license. It didn't last, and passed my A2 in february :p Now I have an SV650S

I'd get a 125 for a few months, gain experience, make mistakes ( i dropped mine on a roundabout, much prefer to drop the 125 than my SV) and when you start to get bored go for the full A2.
 
Haven't you got to be re tested with mod 1 and 2 in two years after getting the A2? I was looking at a ducati 748 but it's 3hp over the limit so.o can't get it restricted :( so it's going to be a 400 for a couple of years instead
 
weewyum said:
Appreciate the replies! Think I'm going to save up a little longer and go straight for the A2. Can seem to pick up a decent bike that fits the criteria for the same price as I was going to spend on a 125.

Most places seem to offer 4, 5 or 6 day courses. Assume I should go for the 6 day seeing as I have no experience?
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Probably best to do 6 days. Only problem with those courses is a lot of the time it's a bit risky (unless they have some sort of pass guarantee) as they book mod 1 and 2 for you, but if you fail mod 1 you don't get the money back for mod 2. Just make sure you look into their re-test fees etc. before going on a fast course.
 
My place said they can re-book the mod 2 if they have 3 days notice, so I split my course into 2 weeks instead of 1 for the peace of mind. I didn't need it though :p
 
Yeah must places have the mod 2 a week after mod 1 so you can cancel 2 if you fail 1.
 
beasty6 said:
Haven't you got to be re tested with mod 1 and 2 in two years after getting the A2?
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Yup :( no more automatic progression.

Have booked theory for next Wednesday, found a SV650 for sale nearby for a very good price and contacted what seems to be the best local training center.

Going to pop out and buy helmet etc tomorrow!
 
im in the same boat and currently saving for the a2 das, probably end up going for the latest 300 ninja, looks nice and i wouldn't have to bother restricting it :)
 
Just thought I'd update this thread by letting you know I passed my Mod 2 today first go!!!!!!! Such a great feeling!

Did a 4 day DAS course and loved every bit of it. Now to find a bike!
 
congratulations!!!

just take your time picking the right bike,plenty for sale out there and be carefull on it
 
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