Taking the plunge
Discussion
Been a pillion too long have decided to go for the Direct Access Test I'm 34 and 35 in 3 weeks time (this is my birthday present to myself).
Have the CBT in a couple of weeks time, then an evaluation on a 500, and then test for full.
I have practiced the theory test bit, but have read that there is also a hazard awareness video test. Has anyone here done it and whats it like? I've driven for 17 years including some IAM training so I can't see it being too much of a problem except if I spot too many hazards. Some experiences/views would be appreciated.
Also I know its been asked a 100 times before but recommendations for first bike considering:
a) I don't want to kill myself but have driven kit cars, track cars and sports cars. Obviously bikes are different and so I'm looking for "sporty" rather than "road legal race"
b) I've noticed a big insurance hike from 500 to 600cc. Thinking a 500cc sporty bike if one exists.
c) Should I buy from dealer nearly new or private? I'm afraid of buying a lemon (or thrown down road example) due to not knowing how certain bikes should ride.
So folks, your recommendations and experiences would be much appreciated.
Have the CBT in a couple of weeks time, then an evaluation on a 500, and then test for full.
I have practiced the theory test bit, but have read that there is also a hazard awareness video test. Has anyone here done it and whats it like? I've driven for 17 years including some IAM training so I can't see it being too much of a problem except if I spot too many hazards. Some experiences/views would be appreciated.
Also I know its been asked a 100 times before but recommendations for first bike considering:
a) I don't want to kill myself but have driven kit cars, track cars and sports cars. Obviously bikes are different and so I'm looking for "sporty" rather than "road legal race"
b) I've noticed a big insurance hike from 500 to 600cc. Thinking a 500cc sporty bike if one exists.
c) Should I buy from dealer nearly new or private? I'm afraid of buying a lemon (or thrown down road example) due to not knowing how certain bikes should ride.
So folks, your recommendations and experiences would be much appreciated.
It's impossible to say given that we don't know your general confidence with new things like this and we don't know if you're going to be any good at it (bikes are completely different from cars). Generally speaking when you start most stuff will feel brilliant anyway so I wouldn't worry about it too much apart from steering away from extremes such as full race bikes and full dress cruisers. There is a magazine our every now and again called What Bike which lists all new bikes. This will give you a clear idea of what is about and what sort of thing you like the look of.
Also I know its been asked a 100 times before but recommendations for first bike considering:
a) I don't want to kill myself but have driven kit cars, track cars and sports cars. Obviously bikes are different and so I'm looking for "sporty" rather than "road legal race"
If you've got a mate who can check a 2nd hand bike over for you you'll save a shed of cash as most of the 'laydeez' that seem to ride bikes these days put about 5 miles on them a year. Given that most bikes are capable of doing 100k without a problem then most of the stuff you are looking for on a 1-2 year old bike are evidence of a crash (it's normally pretty obvious) and general neglect. Do take someone along to be on the safe side though.
c) Should I buy from dealer nearly new or private? I'm afraid of buying a lemon (or thrown down road example) due to not knowing how certain bikes should ride.
There are deals to be had on last years bikes registered this year but while you do save on new price there are generally quite a few of these about and they do affect resale price so you will still be hit by depreciation. As an example I bought a 2000 blade in 2001 for 6800 when the list was about 9500. 2 years later it with 13k miles on it's worth less than 4k. However this does show you that you can get a 2 year old latest shape blade for less than 4k which is a bargain in anyone's book but possibly not quite a beginner's bike.
Anyway, good luck
Mark
Doing my CBT Friday and I'm 48, so don't worry about the age bit!
Mock Theory tests and Hazard Awareness Tests can be found on the web.
I've been considering for a first bike, after advice both on here and from the Safebiker instructor, BMW 650 GS or CS, Honda Transalp and maybe even a Triumph Tiger, but I'm not looking for a sports bike - more of an enduro or fundero type.
Good luck mate - see you in A & E (only kidding).
Mock Theory tests and Hazard Awareness Tests can be found on the web.
I've been considering for a first bike, after advice both on here and from the Safebiker instructor, BMW 650 GS or CS, Honda Transalp and maybe even a Triumph Tiger, but I'm not looking for a sports bike - more of an enduro or fundero type.
Good luck mate - see you in A & E (only kidding).
Mate, it makes no difference what you ride as far as the danger thing goes, after all, it's how fast/dangerously YOU ride it that will make the difference.
RIP Fast Ronnie Smith who despite being able to lap the TT at over 120mph average, recently died tragically on his scooter
Go figure.
RIP Fast Ronnie Smith who despite being able to lap the TT at over 120mph average, recently died tragically on his scooter
Go figure.
I have practiced the theory test bit, but have read that there is also a hazard awareness video test. Has anyone here done it and whats it like? I've driven for 17 years including some IAM training so I can't see it being too much of a problem except if I spot too many hazards. Some experiences/views would be appreciated.
I did my theory test a few weeks ago and passed my practical last tuesday.
The video consists of 15 clips between 30 seconds and a minute long, each having one hazard which you need to notice (one video has two hazards), the sooner you notice it the higher your score. These are fine, I was worried about clicking it too often but passed quite highly even though I clicked about 6 times per video. Click for things such as cars parked awkwardly, cyclists, cars coming upto adjacent junctions.
The rest of the theory is the same as the car one except for a few things specific to biking which you will find in the highway code.
Good luck, you should be fine. The practical isn't as hard as the car one, so long as you can show that you control the bike then you have nothing to worry about.
Thanks Dick, thats what I was worried about and so hopefully should be fine.
Stig whilst I agree you are taking a risk on any bike I would have thought some were more inherently dangerous than others. I've heard that certain bikes were more forgiving than others if you make a mistake, eg I believe one is called "the widowmaker" due to this phenonomum and have been told to stay clear of ducati due to them being twitchy. Obviously no bike is safe when driven like a pr@t but I have no intention of going there. Even with that caution I know accidents can happen to anyone as you have mentioned the tragic news of Ronnie Smith. Thanks for the advice, I'm definately going into this with my eyes open but good advice is always apreciated.
>> Edited by smeagol on Thursday 15th May 00:58
Stig whilst I agree you are taking a risk on any bike I would have thought some were more inherently dangerous than others. I've heard that certain bikes were more forgiving than others if you make a mistake, eg I believe one is called "the widowmaker" due to this phenonomum and have been told to stay clear of ducati due to them being twitchy. Obviously no bike is safe when driven like a pr@t but I have no intention of going there. Even with that caution I know accidents can happen to anyone as you have mentioned the tragic news of Ronnie Smith. Thanks for the advice, I'm definately going into this with my eyes open but good advice is always apreciated.
>> Edited by smeagol on Thursday 15th May 00:58
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