Direct Access Probs

[Duff]Chef · 2 Jan 2011 at 16:31

Hi All,

Well, not new to biking, but new to road riding and hitting a few problems.

Basically, the missus, my parents, her parents, the dog etc, dont want me to do my test. To the point of the grief I get is insane. I have ridden dirt bikes for years (parents are farmers) but making the step onto the open roads seems to be causing issues.

They have absolutely no problems with me in fast cars, but when it comes to bikes I get grief.

Basically, this all started with my theory test, gf opened the letter confirming the booking and went ape ****. It spiralled from there. Anyway, I did the test, passed fine, now need to to book my CBT and direct access. Although, this was 5 months ago, havent yet to do it due to the problems it causes.

So the question is, risk it all and do it anyway, or just bow down the bs and cave in???

Oh, and fyi, I live with the missus, so cant hide anything (she should be on CSI)..

[Duff]Chef · 2 Jan 2011 at 18:52

nope, not a born again biker, unfortunately / fortunately, only 26.

This is the thing, I seriously want it, freedom etc, plus since a kid I have wanted to ride bikes on the road. I am thinking hte gf might just have to deal with it, although not sure if she will.

I suppose the big problem, is part of me doesnt want to upset everyone.

C

[Duff]Chef · 4 Jan 2011 at 21:10

Sorry for the late reply.

Scort and others, thanks for the advice, after some reading up, I took her this evening to our local Honda dealer, showed her some gear etc. She seemed more confident (not enough that she wants to do it).

So after a long discussion, making her see I dont spend my Friday nights in pub with mates etc and it is something I have wanted to do for years, she is finally on my side (all be it, belated).

So, tomorrow, I will be booking my DAS. Going to go for mid - late feb, hopefully to get out of the bad weather (more snow today). Then it is just onto what bike to buy (my car purchases to go buy, this will be lots of reading up, followed by lots of test rides).

Thank you for the help, and also understanding what really is a sticky situation.. (women eh??)

[Duff]Chef · 4 Jan 2011 at 23:16

Iv been advised on the test rides by my local Honda dealer, I cant get on any sports bike, only something like a hornet until 12 months.

As for what bike I am looking at, not too sure tbh. All of my friends have sports - 600's etc. Contemplated something like that (GSXR600 prob), especially as I don't plan on doing much commuting on it (A3 diesel for that plus needed for work) so may only do the odd day (40miles each way), the rest of the time will be social, etc summer use. I would also like to do some advanced courses over the summer to hone skills etc. Try and keep away from being a statistic.

I also like the look of things like the Z750, Street Triple, KTM 690Duke. So tbh, not a clue.........ha.

I doubt she will want to go pillian, I don't think she is too keen tbh, but bowing in the fact I have always wanted it. Plus doubt she could deal with me banging on about it.

[Duff]Chef · 5 Jan 2011 at 13:42

I wasnt planning on new, someone else might as well lose a load first. Was thinking somewhere around 2007 tbh.

@apatia77 - yes they were worried about me hurting myself.

I have sat on quite a few in the pillioned (is this a word???) on a few as well. The reason I am unsure between a sports and a street / naked, is that I dont know if I want the hunched riding position of a sports in comparison to the free position of the naked. I also like the big GS bikes, but feel this might not be the best route on a first bike.

I have read plenty of arguments for and against each type as a "first bike". but, I dont plan on rushing into buying, so will be taking a good look around first.