To DAS or not to DAS, that is the question.
Discussion
Evening all,
So decide to get alittle 125 to commute on last weekend and think I've caught the biking bug. Ended up getting a Varadero 125 and really like the bike.
Managed to rack up nearly 400 miles and only been at work (5 miles away) 3 days! I've been a car driver for 20 years so my highway code knowledge, hazard perception etc is fairly good but am I rushing by considering going onto DAS already?
Would I be better getting in straight away or gaining maybe 6 months/year experience and the years NCB for a bike aswell?
I found on the CBT that I was abit wobbly on slow speed manoveurs and on the road I was positioning alittle too close to the line (Natural position if I was driving a car). Apart from that, I felt confident enough and so far, in the 400 miles, apart from the usual things (couple cars pulled out on me, car changing lanes when I'm along side) I haven't felt at risk at all or I was pushing my luck, I've just loved every mile of it.
I've already been looking at Roadcraft Nottingham who offer a pay as you learn option which appeals more than one big chunk of cash on an intense course... Any reason the intense option be better?
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated!
Already looking at big boy bikes and I keep getting drawn to the Varadero 1000... Should be expected really!
So decide to get alittle 125 to commute on last weekend and think I've caught the biking bug. Ended up getting a Varadero 125 and really like the bike.
Managed to rack up nearly 400 miles and only been at work (5 miles away) 3 days! I've been a car driver for 20 years so my highway code knowledge, hazard perception etc is fairly good but am I rushing by considering going onto DAS already?
Would I be better getting in straight away or gaining maybe 6 months/year experience and the years NCB for a bike aswell?
I found on the CBT that I was abit wobbly on slow speed manoveurs and on the road I was positioning alittle too close to the line (Natural position if I was driving a car). Apart from that, I felt confident enough and so far, in the 400 miles, apart from the usual things (couple cars pulled out on me, car changing lanes when I'm along side) I haven't felt at risk at all or I was pushing my luck, I've just loved every mile of it.
I've already been looking at Roadcraft Nottingham who offer a pay as you learn option which appeals more than one big chunk of cash on an intense course... Any reason the intense option be better?
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated!
Already looking at big boy bikes and I keep getting drawn to the Varadero 1000... Should be expected really!
TheThing said:
Get your DAS done. You won't regret it. Intense course is better because you will get your license quicker!
So you're the little devil on my right shoulder 
That's what my heart says to do, too hell with it and get something I really want ASAP and get a tour around Northern Scotland booked...
Head says though, hang on, you're inexperienced and making daft mistakes is going to be slightly more forgiving on a 125.
Also worried about taking a test! I know... I'd be gutted if I failed and would knock my confidence back so that little extra experience is appealing to maximise my chances.
Well there seems to be abit of agreement here that I've not seen on PH for years!
Think I'll give Roadcraft a ring tomorrow, get some idea of timeframes and the easiest/fastest options. Least I'll already have all the gear!
Expect a thread in the future asking for advice on a big boy toy.
Think I'll give Roadcraft a ring tomorrow, get some idea of timeframes and the easiest/fastest options. Least I'll already have all the gear!
Expect a thread in the future asking for advice on a big boy toy.
I did the same but after 15 years driving. I did my CBT and DAS altogether over 6 days having never ridden a bike before. I fortunately passed the test first time and the got on my then GSX-R600 and took my time for a while before exploring what it is capable of.
Big bikes feel far more secure to ride, better brakes, tires, cornering and you’ve got enough power to get out of trouble. You also don’t get mugged on faster roads on a bigger bike.
Go for it!
Big bikes feel far more secure to ride, better brakes, tires, cornering and you’ve got enough power to get out of trouble. You also don’t get mugged on faster roads on a bigger bike.
Go for it!
Edited by Scobblelotcher on Monday 19th April 19:18
Chrishum said:
I’ve got my CBT booked for next month.
If I hate riding a motorbike I’ll never look at one again.
If I enjoy it I’ll be doing my DAS. I’m not in a position to store a bike I buy but that will be the kick I need to find a new home with a garage.
My advice would be not to judge all bikes by how a ropey 125 that's been abused by a riding school rides!If I hate riding a motorbike I’ll never look at one again.
If I enjoy it I’ll be doing my DAS. I’m not in a position to store a bike I buy but that will be the kick I need to find a new home with a garage.
Think of it like a wheezy old Corsa at a driving school.
Edited by Krikkit on Monday 19th April 07:47
Iminquarantine said:
The question appears to be, “should I obtain a licence, or should I have a learners permit indefinitely?”
No it isn't.'Would I be better getting in straight away or gaining maybe 6 months/year experience and the years NCB for a bike aswell?'
FWIW i'd also go with 'Do it now'. There isn't a downside to doing training earlier if you can afford it.
This really is a no brainer. The fact you're enjoying your 125 makes it the easiest question to answer. JFDI !!!!
Drawweight said:
If you’re confident on your 125 then I’d say go for it.
Just because you’ve got a pass certificate in your pocket there’s no reason you have to go out and buy a bigger bike.
I’m surprised I was able to type that without bursting out laughing
Just because you’ve got a pass certificate in your pocket there’s no reason you have to go out and buy a bigger bike.
I’m surprised I was able to type that without bursting out laughing
CoreyDog said:
Well there seems to be abit of agreement here that I've not seen on PH for years!
Think I'll give Roadcraft a ring tomorrow, get some idea of timeframes and the easiest/fastest options. Least I'll already have all the gear!
Expect a thread in the future asking for advice on a big boy toy.
I don't think anyone will want to take up the cudgel and advocate against doing DAS, it's a no brainer. There's a guide in the stickies that was cobbled together by a noob from the input of the very experienced members of this forum, updated subsequently and has info on the various questions that new riders will need answered. You may find it helpful. Think I'll give Roadcraft a ring tomorrow, get some idea of timeframes and the easiest/fastest options. Least I'll already have all the gear!
Expect a thread in the future asking for advice on a big boy toy.
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