some advice for my DAS please

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi people,

As I previously mentioned in the intro section, i am not new to biking, but new to UK.

I am planning to take my theory, CBT and DAS soon. Just applied for my provisional licence. Since I have a existing licence i can ride a bike in the UK. I was thinking of buying a reasonably priced bike, which might as well aid my travel to and from the testing centre, theory test, etc.

What are your thoughts / recommendations on these:
1. I am thinking about a bike like Yamaha XJ600 N / Diversion, or similar naked bike with a bit of power but nothing too fancy. I prefer to sit upright on the bike, thats the reason for the naked bike. At the moment i would like to get a bike in reasonably good condition without major repairs but regular small stuff like oil, brakes are ok. Price range preferably in 1k - 1.4k range, but wouldnt mind a little higher for a really good condition bike. Any shops you recently bought or would recommend in the cardiff  / surrounding areas. I am in pontypridd.

2. Is the official DSA theory test preparation book a necessity to prepare or similar software / book on amazon ok?

3. Any recommended driving instructor in and around cardiff or pontypridd region? Just trying my luck, are there people teaching both bike and car, as I need to take a car licence as well. Anyway a rough estimate of the cost of CBT and training for DAS would be nice :-)

4. Any recommendations on helmet, protective clothing? Is it cheaper to buy together with the motorbike from the dealer?

5. Once I get a bike would love to join a group or person in and around pontypridd or cardiff for rides over weekends to nice places in wales :-)

6. How about mechanics, do you normally take back to the dealer for regular maintenance or repair?

Sorry for the lengthy post, as I need some info before I blindly spend money on a lemon and also I dont know of anyone riding a bike in my friends circle as most all of them drive a car.

Thanks in advance for all the inputs.

Pal

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi
I cant help you with all of your questions but I can help with training I have just done my cbt an theory!
I didnt buy any theory books or cds I used this practise website ... You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login and just read the highway code which you can read on line!
My cbt cost £125 but this is in Bristol DAS training here is around £150 per day! I am due to do mine in a couple of months!

Sorry I cant help more and Good luck!! 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Can you ride a bike already? Otherwise you're going to have to get something that's a 125cc. Which is about 14bhp I think??
You'll need to do your CBT which lasts 2 years, during that 2 years you can do your DAS as long as you're over 21. You said you have an existing license? Do you mean a car license? If so and it has Cat A on it then you wont need to apply for a provisional, you can just do your CBT.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

i think he means he has a foreign bike licence biscuits. Would he still have to put l plates on whilst doing CBT/DAS? Interesting question The only advice i can give is to stay away from that bike school on the broadway in ponty. motorcycle training wales i thinks its called. i was in a group of three bikers doing cbt, two of the bikes had no mot and the moped i had had a huge hole in the footwell!

[UK Bike Forum Member]

hi there,,,complicated questions,,,give me a pm,,and i`ll try and solve your dilema,,,,,

i run a training school

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[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi HW Girl,

Thanks for the link, i tried a couple of others as well by searching before but not this one.

CBT costs you mentioned includes bike rental, insurance, etc? how about the DAS 150/day, similar as well?

Hi Biscuits,

I guess i should have repeated what i mentioned in the intro section, i have a valid foreign licence, but unfortunately not a one from a list of designated countries as mentioned here You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hi Airwolf,

quoting verbatim from You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login :
'If you obtain a provisional licence during this period, you are not subject to provisional licence conditions eg displaying 'L' plates or being supervised by a qualified driver or being precluded from motorways.'

Thanks for the caution regarding the state of affairs with the mentioned school.

Hi Stuart,

I am sending you a pm. Thank you.

Thanks all, your inputs are much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Pal

[UK Bike Forum Member]

yeah, knew that part about being on road but didnt know about when you are doing the test itself. Other road users would need to know you are under instruction? or just wearing the vizzy vest cover you

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Your welcome! The prices I told you were inclusive of bikes, insurance, petrol etc! They also have a few caravans on site which I think are free to use to stop over night if need be! This is their website, the ladies in the office are very helpful and will be able to help with all your questions if you give them a ring!

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[UK Bike Forum Member]

yeah, knew that part about being on road but didnt know about when you are doing the test itself. Other road users would need to know you are under instruction? or just wearing the vizzy vest cover you

I am not sure about that, an instructor should be able to find out!!! hope so.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Your welcome! The prices I told you were inclusive of bikes, insurance, petrol etc! They also have a few caravans on site which I think are free to use to stop over night if need be! This is their website, the ladies in the office are very helpful and will be able to help with all your questions if you give them a ring!

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Thank you. I will check out the link.

Have you bought your ride? if yes any details on shops / helmets / gears?
Sorry about the many questions? just being a little careful before i spend all my hard saved money!! had a bad experience buying my car last time.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

best thing for gear is to get to a bike show, try it on and hopefully bag a bargain, by a helmet that fits not on name alone, i bought akito as my first kit, them upgraded it as money allowed, also ebay is good for leathers and such just be careful on sizes

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi yes I have got my bike sorted! I ride an NSR125 untill I pass my test I got it from Ebay, Then I will ride a CBR600 which I have also got and also came from Ebay!same with most of my kit too! I love Ebay ....can you tell lol ;-)

[UK Bike Forum Member]

hi there,,,complicated questions,,,give me a pm,,and i`ll try and solve your dilema,,,,,

i run a training school

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

can you put it up for all to read please Stuart 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi yes I have got my bike sorted! I ride an NSR125 untill I pass my test I got it from Ebay, Then I will ride a CBR600 which I have also got and also came from Ebay!same with most of my kit too! I love Ebay ....can you tell lol ;-)

Thank you. wow, from ebay... without inspecting the bike? lucky :-)

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Hi people,

Another question: I was told by one of the instructors i contacted that i wouldn't be able to ride with a foreign licence and would have to only ride a 125cc bike with L plates until i do my DAS.

But this is what i found online, check out the residents section:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Any advice? has anyone else been riding on a foreign licence?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Pal