How much will it cost?
Discussion
Ive been thinking about getting a bike licence (and a bike) for years and Ive finally reached the point of saying "sod it, im going to do it".
The big issue however is cost. Obviously this is a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question, but roughly how much will it cost me to get on the road?
Theres the CBT test, lessons, the full licence test, clothing and equipment etc...
Any sort of ballpark figure would be much appreciated to help me start to get a budget together.
The big issue however is cost. Obviously this is a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question, but roughly how much will it cost me to get on the road?
Theres the CBT test, lessons, the full licence test, clothing and equipment etc...
Any sort of ballpark figure would be much appreciated to help me start to get a budget together.
Well I did direct access about a year ago, I actually got the firm that was making me redundant to pay for it as part of 'retraining for a new job' 
but as long as you pass everything 1st time I'd budget £500 for your licence, then the costs of bikes/insurance is obviously down to what you want
but as long as you pass everything 1st time I'd budget £500 for your licence, then the costs of bikes/insurance is obviously down to what you want
TheLemming said: So not much change from 5K then?
Just done this to keep my sanity as a London commuter. Costs on my profile - it doesn't fit to well with Ted's car scheme, but have done my best. Probably more like 7k for me, but I bought a new bike and spent lots on kit and extras. 5K-5.5K sounds about right to me.
Cheers,
Steve
) £500 for direct access, £500 on kit, so £2,500 total Get the bike first. Having a bike in the garage doing nothing because you can't ride it is a great incentive to get off your arse and do the test. That's what I did. After years of saying I must get round to it I went and bought a bike and had it delivered to my garage. I was on the road within a month fully licensed up.
Without wishing to teach you to suck eggs, having instructed for close on 30 years at both learner and advanced level, may a offer a little advice.
1. Don't get the bike until you have passed your test. The number of people who have got their bike put it in the garage and then secumbed to temptation is unbelievable. One guy I know went down to Southampton (80 miles) ended up losing his arm and his leg.
2. Remember the bike can be repaired or replaced, your skin is a lot harder to put right. Don't but the bike and then spend just a few bob on your kit, buy the kit and use what is leftover to buy the bike. The number of times I have seen someone spenf 7K on a bike and then all they have left over is £100 to kit themselves out, it just isn't worth it.
3. Don't try and do too much too soon. The test is simply that a test of your ability on the day, it does not teach you the skills for life. Go at your own pace during the training, and because you pass your test doesn't mean that you are a good rider. All it does is satisfy the examiner that you have met the minimum required standard. The real learning starts after you remove the 'L' plates.
4. ENJOY
1. Don't get the bike until you have passed your test. The number of people who have got their bike put it in the garage and then secumbed to temptation is unbelievable. One guy I know went down to Southampton (80 miles) ended up losing his arm and his leg.
2. Remember the bike can be repaired or replaced, your skin is a lot harder to put right. Don't but the bike and then spend just a few bob on your kit, buy the kit and use what is leftover to buy the bike. The number of times I have seen someone spenf 7K on a bike and then all they have left over is £100 to kit themselves out, it just isn't worth it.
3. Don't try and do too much too soon. The test is simply that a test of your ability on the day, it does not teach you the skills for life. Go at your own pace during the training, and because you pass your test doesn't mean that you are a good rider. All it does is satisfy the examiner that you have met the minimum required standard. The real learning starts after you remove the 'L' plates.
4. ENJOY
Agree completely with T-C.
Took my test in a 125 then bought a £800 traily and "learnt" on that. Down the road on me head once only..
Most gear second hand but quality stuff, from a mate leaving the country so saved there. Cost of lessons/test about £400-£500.
Must say though that 2 years on a 185 traily was a pain so would maybe suggest test on a 500 and buy a ER5 or CB500. You'll be less of a pain to other drivers on the road. Couldn't maintain 70mph on a hill on the dual carriageway on the 185.
Got a Triumph Sprint ST now.
Took my test in a 125 then bought a £800 traily and "learnt" on that. Down the road on me head once only..
Most gear second hand but quality stuff, from a mate leaving the country so saved there. Cost of lessons/test about £400-£500.
Must say though that 2 years on a 185 traily was a pain so would maybe suggest test on a 500 and buy a ER5 or CB500. You'll be less of a pain to other drivers on the road. Couldn't maintain 70mph on a hill on the dual carriageway on the 185.
Got a Triumph Sprint ST now.
Having got decent kit before I started learning I have to say it was a big plus for me (I learnt in December and it rained most of the time!). Perhaps if you need something there reminding you to get on with training it should be good kit (new or second hand) rather than a bike.
Steve.
Steve.
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