Doing my CBT, then get a 125 or DAS?

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Thanks again, certainly given me something to think about. Out of interest, for those that did the DAS route straight away, how long did it take from start to gaining your licence? Did you have previous road experience? I know the learning process is subjective, but would be interested to hear peoples' experiences.

The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning to commute to and from uni when I start at the end of September. I've only now had the funds for CBT and DAS, otherwise I would have started back in June, but I'm guessing it'll be quieter this time of year as the summer is nearly over.
I'm in no hurry to pass, just want to be a competent and safe rider. Have my eye on a nice SV650 for my first bike :D.

JC

[UK Bike Forum Member]

i did the dsa last june had no bike experience never sat on a bike but drive a car so know road systems
i passed my cbt
then 3 days later started on a 125 for 3 days
then on a 500 for the next 2 days
down for the mod 1 which i failed the swerve bit
so back on a 500 for another day
back down for the test again next day
this time passed
2 more days on 500
then down for the mod 2 passed first time
then on to a sportster 883
all done in 3 weeks
at a lovley cost of over £1000
i glad i did the full test as son in law did cbt then waited just before the 2 years ran out he decided to do the rest of test but
failed mod 2 then had to do another cbt but still havent done mod 2 just keeps putting it off saying no time but  you can always find time for your bike

hope this helps

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Thanks again, certainly given me something to think about. Out of interest, for those that did the DAS route straight away, how long did it take from start to gaining your licence? Did you have previous road experience? I know the learning process is subjective, but would be interested to hear peoples' experiences.

The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning to commute to and from uni when I start at the end of September. I've only now had the funds for CBT and DAS, otherwise I would have started back in June, but I'm guessing it'll be quieter this time of year as the summer is nearly over.
I'm in no hurry to pass, just want to be a competent and safe rider. Have my eye on a nice SV650 for my first bike :D.

JC

the avarage time taken would be 1 day CBT , 1 hr convert 500cc  1 day traing for mod 1 which also includes 3hr road experience 500cc 2hrs for mod 1 practise before the test , then 2 days for mod 2 test ( this does depend on the rider but that is about what it takes , the main time for assesing how long is on the cbt itself as that gives a good idea of skill level shown,

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Thanks for all the replies, got my CBT tommorow with Motorcycle Training Wales, wish me luck :)
Also bought all my gear already, may be jumping the gun a bit but have a helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers and boots already  , though decided not to wear them for the CBT, as would probably look a bit too eager 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

tbh id take your stuff with you, they will likely borrow you some stuff anyway which others have used.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Thanks for all the replies, got my CBT tommorow with Motorcycle Training Wales, wish me luck :)
Also bought all my gear already, may be jumping the gun a bit but have a helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers and boots already  , though decided not to wear them for the CBT, as would probably look a bit too eager 

Take them with you.

1. It shows the instructor you are aren't just another ped-boi in a tracksuit.
2. You don't have someone elses sweaty helmet or have to break open the sweat seal on a pair of gloves where the lining has set solid.
3. If you've bought crap stuff the instructor will tell you and use it for demonstration.

So wear it, you'll be doing a two hour road ride at 30-60mph, what would you consider wearing on your own bike?

[UK Bike Forum Member]

 

I took my own kit for my CBT, and I'm glad I did. I didn't have to wear a helmet that's had got knows how many sweaty heads inside it, or had god knows how many bumps and scrapes.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Duly noted, thanks,got my gear packed up for tommorow, may as well use it if I have it :D 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

good luck for 2moro. 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Good luck for tomorrow 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Just an update, I passed my CBT today  . Was nervous as hell during the yard work, as I've never ridden before and it showed. Made loads of errors initially, kept stalling as I got used to the clutch. Few problems with gear changes, kept popping into neutral when changing from 1st to second, and occasionally the neutral light wouldn't come on, so I did try to pull away in neutral a few times.

All thanks go to John at MTW in Pontypridd  , he was patient and talked me through all my problems, and even though he was a bit nervous letting me out on the road, I'm thankful he did as most of my troubles disappeared (apart from forgetting a few lefthand lifesavers and stalling at a junction and trying to pull off in 2nd  )

Thanks to the three others taking their CBT with me today for being patient and waiting for me to catch up.

At the recommendation of John, decided to put the DAS on hold and get some more experience on a 125 

JC

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Well Done on passing 

Get riding on a 125 for a few months and you'll be ready for the DAS.  I was appalling on my CBT, yard work was dreadful but once on the road it all came together and i've now done 600 miles in 4 weeks on my 125 and no longer have control issues 99% of the time, just a few dropped clutches to keep me on my toes!

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Well Done on passing 

Get riding on a 125 for a few months and you'll be ready for the DAS.  I was appalling on my CBT, yard work was dreadful but once on the road it all came together and i've now done 600 miles in 4 weeks on my 125 and no longer have control issues 99% of the time, just a few dropped clutches to keep me on my toes!

better than me then

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi mate,

I am similar to Shazza, I never ever sat on a bike nevermind rode one until I did my CBT. Here is my 2 cents:

Passed CBT in April
Passed Theory in May
Passed Mod 1 in August
Passed Mod 2 in September

I went on holiday and was in Jury service for 6 weeks so couldn't book my test (so annoying!). Anyway, I am sure you'll be fine which ever route you decide, but what sold it for me was this:

I (personally) found it easier to ride a bigger bike. I also found it more secure when doing 50mph+.
The EXAMINER on my mod 1 test told me that people on 125 bikes sometimes struggle to hit the 50km/h minimum speed.
It will cost you £200ish to restrict your bike (if you buy a bigger one) and again to unrestrict.
No L Plates.
No 2 year restriction.

I have, however, been driving for 7 years which counted for ALOT!

Bearing all this in mind, I dont yet have a bike 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Thought I'd give you guys and gals a follow up, I've just taken delivery of a Yamaha YBR 125 Custom in Red. 10 plate, just under 600 miles on the clock,  and it's safe to say I think I'm in love . She truly is a thing of beauty. Slight downside is that she was delivered without Lplates, even after the guy said he'd fit them, but no big deal, will pop to halfords in the morning and pick up a few things anyway.

Now to get a few miles under my belt, and hopefully join some fellow 125ers on a rideout or two 

Safe riding, all the best.

JC