Joining the dark side!

gropingmantis · 16 Apr 2012 at 20:36

Finally decided to make the leap from cars to bikes...well big bikes, having been a cyclist for years, I mean it cant be that much different surely

I am 22 so going to do DAS before the new regulations put a stop to that. All helped a long by a loan from work (they need more people to ride/cycle due to total lack of parking spaces) which is paying for me to get kitted out and licensed.

Booked my CBT for Saturday and Theory for the following Thursday. Not my first CBT but barely rode my dads old moped before learning to drive ages ago, I am guessing that it hasnt changed much?.

VERY EXCITED!

Not sure what to get as a first bike though. What do people recommend?

gropingmantis · 16 Apr 2012 at 20:59

stuman said:
a LOAN, comes out of pay every month, no interest. still a VERY sweet deal!

Exactly that. Yes its a sweet deal but not free money, certainly the kickstarter I needed to make the leap.

stuman said:
i've made myself a shortlist but that is half the fun, a week of test rides!!

i'm looking at triumph street triple, KTM duke 690 (2012) or the Ducati monster 696+.

all of which are euro bikes, for some reason none of the map ones take my fancy, all look very plastic-y. *shrug*

Haven't looked at any euro bikes yet, will have a look now!

gropingmantis · 16 Apr 2012 at 21:29

stuman said:
remember to also have a snoop around for maintenance prices, as euro bikes seem to be a touch more expensive than most to service and repair.

also age wise you may have to limit yourself to a 600cc naked bike, as for some reason as soon as you strap fairings to a bike insurance premiums double. well, for me they did :S

Yes I have been noticing that. I am guessing bike premiums drop as fast as car ones? I dont mind having a lower powered naked bike for a few years to get some no-claims/experience before getting something a little sportier.

gropingmantis · 17 Apr 2012 at 20:19

FunkyCowie said:
With a title like that I thought you were getting a scooter

Ha no, never again. Riding around on my dads old NC50 barely hitting 25mph has ruined scooters for me, never ever again. Besides there is only one way to have a scooter in my eyes. Black vespa with brown leather seat, jeans, smart brown shoes, white shirt unbuttoned slightly too far, aviators and a massive open faced helmet, shouting "ciao bella" at every every attractive lady that walks past. THAT is how you do scooters properly

gropingmantis · 17 Apr 2012 at 20:25

desires said:
If you don't like your boss get a big Harley, take up just as much room as a car

Haha sadly that wouldnt make any difference as it will get parked in a bike shed rather than a parking space. Tempting to book a parking space and put the bike in it though

gropingmantis · 21 Apr 2012 at 18:11

CBT done! First time on a geared bike and it is much more complicated than I was expecting but didn't take too long to get the hang of it.

BIKES ARE SO MUCH FUN! Even though I was only doing 30mph it was great!

Just theory on Thursday now then try to find a place on a DAS course.

gropingmantis · 21 Apr 2012 at 19:54

Thanks!

Yes it is starting to look that way...apart from the rain. Only got caught in a very brief shower on the road section but it was not the most pleasant part for sure. Good waterproofs are a must it would seem.

gropingmantis · 28 Apr 2012 at 08:43

Theory Test done now! Got 48 and 62 out of 50 and 75 respectively.

Trying to find a DAS course with spaces now. I really want to book onto a full week course rather than, as most motor schools around here seem to do, paying on an hour by hour basis whenever they are free (like driving lessons).

gropingmantis · 6 May 2012 at 19:44

Finally got a space on a course starting on the 19th and Module 1 is booked for the 28th then if I pass Module 2 the week after so fingers crossed.

gropingmantis · 19 May 2012 at 21:08

First day on the DAS course today. Just did module1 stuff and road riding on the 125s but the instructor let us have a blast on the CBF500 that we will be using and my god it is so much nicer to ride than the 125s. Much more stable and feels planted to the ground, doing the swerve is much more comfortable, and it goes better, no need to wreck the engine trying to get up to speed for the speed traps.

Can't wait for next weekend now. 2 full days on the 500 and my Module1 on the Monday.

gropingmantis · 28 Jul 2012 at 08:57

Yay finally passed my Mod2 on Thursday. It was my first time for Mod2 and three minors. Did take me three goes to get my Mod1 though :S, first time I put my foot down on the U-turn and the second time I just tapped the cone on the avoidance aaaarrrggghhh.

But thats all behind me now as I have been spending every day since riding all day on my bike. Going to give her a good clean and check over today before I head to Cornwall for the entire of August. Thats going to be lots of fun!

gropingmantis · 28 Jul 2012 at 10:25

Brackish said:
Congrats on passing!

Now make sure you get an after market end can so you get the popping on the over-run. Roll on....roll off...pop po p op op...

Oh dont worry its already got aftermarket cans. It's very noisy. V-twin too so it sounds AMAZING

Photos later once shes all cleaned up.

gropingmantis · 28 Jul 2012 at 17:29

Heres a small taster taken with my rubbish phone camera.

Better photos will be in the main thread soon, promise.