Bike License

russell664 · 5 Oct 2015 at 08:58

Hi Guys,

So I have been driving for almost two years now and really, really have that itch to get on a bike. I'm 20 years old, so cannot do anything like direct access etc...

I think the 24 restriction is a joke personally, especially if you already have a full license for X amount of time. I know the reason for it but still //RANT

So my question is; what step/stages would I need to do?

I'm aware I would need to do CBT first, but am not really clued up on the rest. Would you be able to fire me some suggestions please?

My goal for now is by mid next year be riding say a Kawasaki 250r, so for the second question, which bikes would you guys recommend? I would be using it to and from work, a bit of motorway bits, and A roads.

russell664 · 5 Oct 2015 at 11:56

Thanks for all of the advice guys, especially IC3.

My Dad has an Older Yamaha Genesis 750, which I really like and want to buy off him as he will be selling it soon. But as it is a 750 (Racing engine also!) I wouldn't be able to ride it at all.

Would I be able to get a restriction fitted to one of those to make it run at the A2 specification?

I will get a picture of it later to show you all, needs a bit of work, but otherwise is a great runner.

russell664 · 17 Oct 2015 at 21:50

Sorry for the lac of update on this from my side.

I have been out today at CMC motorcycles (Chesterfield, are any of you guys local?) and clarified a few points, while also finding the bike I want!

I am aiming to do my CBT in December, with my tests following on from there over around an 8 week period. Now, while I'm excited I really have no idea what would be the best way to revise and approach this, any suggestions?

In regards to the bike, I sat on a Yamaha MT-07, and wow. I love it! The riding position is spot on, and while it is 689cc (an odd number) it can be restricted to A2 standards. I plan on buying new, so will get plenty of experience before I'm 24, which is a good thing of course.

A couple of piccies for the colour I like:

I would like to buy some new gear, tried on a few jackets and helmets and found a couple which I really like. I have a strange fit, either my chest is really tight, and my arms are loose. Or it is the other way round entirely...

Anyway, got a picture of how the top half fits:

I'm really excited to get started on this, I have rode a KT-250 trails bike (which we still have!) On our fields, which was awesome (irrevent I know).

All in all, what do you guys think?

russell664 · 17 Oct 2015 at 23:25

What kind of insurance would I be looking at you think? I will have 1 years no claims on my car at the time.

I asked a CMC and they said around £600 ish

russell664 · 17 Oct 2015 at 23:26

wazza300 said:
Why not a used machine?

Cmc are good I've been to the Cannock store,fit of the jacket looks alright what size was it? You'll probably get the same jacket much cheaper online

The jacket as a small.

russell664 · 18 Oct 2015 at 00:54

Clov!s said:
You can't use your car NCB on your bike.

Oh... I didn't know that. Still didn't answer my initial question.

wazza300 said:
What did the medium feel like?

The medium felt loose on my arms, and not as tight in my chest. The small felt better for arm movement, and my chest is tighter, but not too tight so it was uncomfortable kind of thing.

russell664 · 18 Oct 2015 at 17:29

TallPaul_S said:
Do some quotes - for a 600cc naked as a new rider, in a decent area at your age I'd guess £600-700.

As for the jacket, is it textile or leather? Can't tell by the picture. you want it tight enough so that the armour fits into place, arm size isn't really important, length is though, but shoulder fit is most important. A textile jacket is normally a little looser than leather, leathers should feel liket they're holding you in at first (like a second skin) as they stretch a little to fit you.

Just done a quote, cane up at around £2,000 ish :eek:

I can only assume if I called them I would be able to lower that. I will be moving to Hastings direct for my car insurance next month, I know they do bike insurance, so would I be correct in thinking if I already have a policy with then, I might be able to gain some sort of discount.

The jacket I was warring was textile. When I eventually ride, I will be commuting to work, so I would need to wear something which will be comfortable with a shirt/tie and trousers underneath. I don't think leathers would be good for that unless I'm wrong? My understanding is that they are much tighter and like a 'second skin'.

Edit: out of question, I know someone who might be selling a 650 bandit, with lower miliage. What are the thoughts about one of these? Reliable?

I have looked around and it appears that one of those can be restricted to an A2 license standard too.

russell664 · 18 Oct 2015 at 19:03

I have a garage, unsure if I out it on the quotation. However, I will have some steel doors fitted, and both a Oxford lock brace (screwed into the ground) and an oxford chain and lock, then the bike will be secure!

I was hoping that the insurance would be less than 1k.

russell664 · 18 Oct 2015 at 19:51

wazza300 said:
did you get quotes from mcedwards?and bennetts?

Nope not yet. I will get some later on in the week though!

Going to brush up for the theory test, because I don't think that will be problematic, as it is mainly common sense

russell664 · 21 Oct 2015 at 16:37

Spoken to a bike instructor, it will be £895 all in.

Providing I can put £350 aside this month, I will be able to start midway through November!

russell664 · 21 Oct 2015 at 18:37

It includes the CBT, Theory, along with about 3-4 days out ish I think for the MOD1 and MOD2 tests.

I need to find some time, to speak with the instructor over a cup of coffee to clarify further, the problem is money...

I have picked a bad time as my Insurance + MOT for my car is around the corner!

russell664 · 21 Oct 2015 at 20:53

Clov!s said:
Don't do your theory as part of your DAS, if you fail then you will have to reschedule it and change your mod 1+2, do your theory now before even starting your DAS course.

It's only £25, book it separate.

To be fair, that makes perfect sense, what would be the best materials for me to study from? I could book it now, and then make myself study. Is there any digital hazard perception I can install on my PC?

russell664 · 21 Oct 2015 at 22:00

Okay, the next date is on the 16th do you think I would have sufficient time to study on this?

My only worry is the hazard perception, is there a rule of thumb for that? I scraped my car one by clicking too much.

russell664 · 21 Oct 2015 at 22:42

tom_e said:
That's plenty of time, it's mostly common sense to be honest.
I didn't even practise the hazard perception part.

It certainly is, being that I drive already I have a lot of the road knowledge anyway, it is mainly the bike specifics more than anything else.

I know I'm thinking ahead, but Mod 12 and 2, are they as hard as the car test kind of thing? From what I have seen, mod one is like cones + moving the bike around. Whereas mod 2 is more like the car test, unless i'm wrong?

What kind of things do they look out for and class as minors (Driver faults)? because unlike in a car, the examiner isn't right next to you.

EDIT: Test booked for the 16th November @10am for the theory.

russell664 · 22 Oct 2015 at 00:30

Thanks fellas, makes perfect sense. Sounds easier compared to the car test, will probably end up doing my tests in the Doncaster/Rotherham area.

I assume I can undertake my theory before I even touch the CBT? I have booked the test, but see no mention of the CBT but want to ask if you guys have any ideas? Apologies for the endless questions!

russell664 · 22 Oct 2015 at 11:47

Clov!s said:
You don't need to do your CBT to do your theory

Great stuff!

Roll on the 16th!

russell664 · 28 Oct 2015 at 12:24

I have done the questions and they are easier.

The hazard perception is a bit harder, but I will try your tactic Stootylad.

russell664 · 17 Nov 2015 at 12:57

I passed the Theory, 48 on the questions and 62 on the Hazard Perception. Well chuffed.

Now onto the practical.

russell664 · 17 Nov 2015 at 19:15

I Can't wait for the fun bits.

Thanks guys, once I'm riding on my own bike I will be at the meet ups for sure!

So... In regards to the practical. Is it better to buy all my gear beforehand, or after? my understanding is get it before, while it will take longer to get the cash for the lessons it makes sense right?

russell664 · 19 Nov 2015 at 22:38

tom_e said:
Yes, this definitely.

I bought all my own kit before my CBT because it's rare anywhere has hire kit that'll fit me and considering how much I was sweating after an hour of riding round a carpark I was very glad it was only my sweat!

I'm the same, I struggle to find things which fit me well.

I have some boots, and just got a Furgon Jacket, which fits me much better than the restof the gear. I'm going to pop by CMC this weekend and get some trousers and gloves most likely.

My lid should be here soon too. Settled on a Shark s700s.

Is there any particular gloves you would recommend?