Soldato
- Joined
- 11 Oct 2005
- Posts
- 5,718
- Location
- Derbyshire
Some people may find this interesting if they are thinking of getting into biking soon.
I am 37 and have been driving cars for 20 years now and have for the last 3 – 4 years fancied a motorbike but never done much about it.
Anyhow last summer I decided to do my CBT, £100 to see if I like being on a motorbike. Anyhow I loved it and wanted more. Unfortunately I have been very busy with work I have not managed to do much about it for quite some time.
I decided that (perhaps my mid life crisis) time has come and I should do something about it so I have.
A month ago I passed my theory and hazard perception test and then booked my DAS lessons.
I rang round a few places to get prices all around the £400 - £600 mark including test. BUT everyone I spoke with did tuition with 2 students to 1 instructor. I didn’t like that as if one of us is struggling with one particular problem but the other isn’t then one of us are waiting around for the other.
I eventually found a Police trained instructor who was local, was a lovely easy going guy and did 1 2 1. So booked the lessons.
Monday 9th March.
1st go on a bike since a year ago and this wasn’t a 125 this was a Kawasaki 500cc ER-5. To me at least the thing looked massive.
Anyhow 2 hours later and we have done loads of stuff and I really enjoyed it. Even the so called dreaded U-Turns. Even went on the dual carriageway and it was a very windy day and I got up to 60mph and was holding on for dear life as my coat felt like a parachute.
Wednesday 11th March.
Another 2 hour stint., This time doing more clutch control and slow riding. Lots of junctions and roundabouts etc. My U-Turns had now turned to pants. They were useless I was putting my foot down. Kangarooing. You name it I did it wrong on U-turns.
Thursday 12th March
Another 2 hour lesson. This time doing everything, bike on stand, U-turns which were 50/50 good and bad. I was a lot happier now with clutch control and rear brake control. But part of me was starting to panic. I didn’t sleep much at all Thursday evening. Worrying….
Friday 13th March (Today)
Met instructor first thing at 8am and did an hour lesson. My U-Turns were ok. Things were better today.
Then it was of to the test centre. My exam was today at 9.37am on Friday the 13th. Luckily I am not superstitious.
Met the Examiner. Nice chap, Huge bike which looked like a police bike. Some great big BMW thing.
Anyhow, eventually we went out to the bikes. I had to answer a few questions and then it was off for the ride which was to last 35-45 minutes.
My U turn was perfect. I was smiling like a mad man inside my helmet. Emergency stop was also fine.
I had one problem coming off a roundabout onto a dual carriageway into the left lane where a van was on my right and would not budge from 40 mph and I certainly was not going to undertake him.
I then stalled at the next roundabout. My heart sank. I shouted no no no inside my helmet but I sorted it out and was off quick enough.
Eventually back at the test centre the Examiner asked me to go back inside and he would be with me in a few minutes.
I went inside and spoke with my instructor and then the examiner came in and asked me a few questions which I answered fine.
He then told me I had passed, with just 4 minors.
I am 37 and a big bloke but I welled up for some reason immediately.
I was ecstatic. Chuffed is an understatement. .
Driving back to take the instructors bike back was very strange as now I had no radio in my ear. I felt slightly alone.
I realise learning starts when I get my 1st bike and start riding on my own.
But at least I have got over this hurdle. Now I can look for a bike.
One happy chap here!
Sorry this is long winded. Just thought some of you may find it enjoyable to read.
Mine was the blue one.
I am 37 and have been driving cars for 20 years now and have for the last 3 – 4 years fancied a motorbike but never done much about it.
Anyhow last summer I decided to do my CBT, £100 to see if I like being on a motorbike. Anyhow I loved it and wanted more. Unfortunately I have been very busy with work I have not managed to do much about it for quite some time.
I decided that (perhaps my mid life crisis) time has come and I should do something about it so I have.
A month ago I passed my theory and hazard perception test and then booked my DAS lessons.
I rang round a few places to get prices all around the £400 - £600 mark including test. BUT everyone I spoke with did tuition with 2 students to 1 instructor. I didn’t like that as if one of us is struggling with one particular problem but the other isn’t then one of us are waiting around for the other.
I eventually found a Police trained instructor who was local, was a lovely easy going guy and did 1 2 1. So booked the lessons.
Monday 9th March.
1st go on a bike since a year ago and this wasn’t a 125 this was a Kawasaki 500cc ER-5. To me at least the thing looked massive.
Anyhow 2 hours later and we have done loads of stuff and I really enjoyed it. Even the so called dreaded U-Turns. Even went on the dual carriageway and it was a very windy day and I got up to 60mph and was holding on for dear life as my coat felt like a parachute.
Wednesday 11th March.
Another 2 hour stint., This time doing more clutch control and slow riding. Lots of junctions and roundabouts etc. My U-Turns had now turned to pants. They were useless I was putting my foot down. Kangarooing. You name it I did it wrong on U-turns.
Thursday 12th March
Another 2 hour lesson. This time doing everything, bike on stand, U-turns which were 50/50 good and bad. I was a lot happier now with clutch control and rear brake control. But part of me was starting to panic. I didn’t sleep much at all Thursday evening. Worrying….
Friday 13th March (Today)
Met instructor first thing at 8am and did an hour lesson. My U-Turns were ok. Things were better today.
Then it was of to the test centre. My exam was today at 9.37am on Friday the 13th. Luckily I am not superstitious.
Met the Examiner. Nice chap, Huge bike which looked like a police bike. Some great big BMW thing.
Anyhow, eventually we went out to the bikes. I had to answer a few questions and then it was off for the ride which was to last 35-45 minutes.
My U turn was perfect. I was smiling like a mad man inside my helmet. Emergency stop was also fine.
I had one problem coming off a roundabout onto a dual carriageway into the left lane where a van was on my right and would not budge from 40 mph and I certainly was not going to undertake him.
I then stalled at the next roundabout. My heart sank. I shouted no no no inside my helmet but I sorted it out and was off quick enough.
Eventually back at the test centre the Examiner asked me to go back inside and he would be with me in a few minutes.
I went inside and spoke with my instructor and then the examiner came in and asked me a few questions which I answered fine.
He then told me I had passed, with just 4 minors.
I am 37 and a big bloke but I welled up for some reason immediately.
I was ecstatic. Chuffed is an understatement. .
Driving back to take the instructors bike back was very strange as now I had no radio in my ear. I felt slightly alone.
I realise learning starts when I get my 1st bike and start riding on my own.
But at least I have got over this hurdle. Now I can look for a bike.
One happy chap here!
Sorry this is long winded. Just thought some of you may find it enjoyable to read.
Mine was the blue one.
Last edited:
Sounds like a hell of a week..
I dont think the smile wiped off my face for around two days 