Anyone got a motorbike licence?
I'm considering learning how to ride one (don't ask why). I have access to one I could use. Never rode before, the easier option to start with of a mo-ped doesn't appeal. That's just a waste considering it roughly goes the same speed as a bicycle.
I'm a heavy cycler now and futuristically intrigued by a transformstion. I have a full driver's licence at least.
I hear it takes 22 months to get a motorbike licence which includes the obvious practical test (I think or I may have read that completely wrong)
Question is, for anyone that has experience, because I want to at least consider the part of my brain that is realistic and sensible.
How long does it take to learn to ride? Once you know the basics is it just a piece of piss? Or is it persistently dangerous in all circumstances and from your experience something you regret doing?
I think the bike I have potential access to is a cruiser. I'm not in the UK, where I am has more freedom for monover on clearer roads.
I'd be confident with it. I just don't wana underestimate anything and then look like a complete c*nt for many possible reasons afterwards.
Cheers.
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Comments
I did a Direct Access course when I had mine in my 40s.
Had never ever ridden a bike. New rules are a bit different but it shouldn't need more than 14 days actual riding under professional tuition.
Advice is to go to a riding school and expect to pay over £500 for full course but price depends on whether you get 1:1 training or 1:4 training with an instructor.
My initial CBT done on a moped and full licence test on a Honda 500. After passed on 2nd attempt got a Triumph ST Sprint 995cc and amazed to find a powerful bike easier to ride than the smaller ones.
Riding school will assess you at the outset and tell you how much trading they think you will need.
Just go for it. You'll become a better car driver and discover how boring a car drive is.
Even now I am always looking to improve my riding and understand what can keep me shiny side up whilst still enjoying the ride.
Me and Mrs TT are booked into undertake a police run bikesafe scheme this summer.
I am sure that you will love it but never get complacent. Try riding your bike briefly with no skid lid and you will be more aware of how vulnerable you are with no steel cage to protect you.
Have fun.
The thing I found was that whatever bike I had I wanted something with poor power.
The point about being a better car driver is also bang on. I do have a motorbike which is usually gathering dust for most of the year, however I can't resist giving it a good thrashing in the lanes of Brentwood in the summer months.
Go for it.
Sorry to put put a bit of a downer on things, however having said that riding a motorbike is fun and gives you great sense of freedom.
I did an unrelated training course for work back in 2009, and was chatting to a chap on it who advised me not get in to biking anymore due to the number of cocks on the road.
Since then though, I've met my missus whose parents both have Harley's and are part of a Harley owners' group - and they seem to absolutely love it, albeit her mother is very much in to it for the social side and has only recently got in to actually riding herself. (Before she did her full bike license, she did the CBT (despite not requiring too, as she held a full driving license prior to 2001) just to gain some confidence)
I also did the London - Brighton a few years ago, on my mates Honda Shadow - as well as a few other runs (i.e Southend) and just thought it was absolutely quality.
As you already know how to use a clutch, gears etc it shouldn't be too hard. Take your CBT and see what you think. It might not be for you.
If you're happy then book a 3/4 day DAS course with mod1 at the end. Don't book mod2 then as it could be wasted money.
You shouldn't need more than 5 or 6 days' training and although expensive, it is less than the cumulative cost of car lessons and test.
When budgeting also take gear into account. Get the best you can afford.
As pointed out above, you have to really watch out for what others are doing on the road, there are a lot of complete idiots behind the wheel of a car.
If you can ride a push-bike, the basics of riding a motorcyle will come very quickly, then it's just a matter of getting as much road time under your belt as possible to improve your skills.
Two things to remember:
bigger bikes have, with some exceptions, better brakes and good brakes can be a lifesaver;
there are old riders and there are bold riders, but you don't get an old, bold rider - there's enough fun to be had riding a bike without being an idiot and putting yourself in danger.
You need to be alert when riding a motorbike, therefore if you're tired and have a choice, please get in the car.
A mistake on the motorbike at speed more often than not requires Hospital treatment as a minimum. That's if you're lucky.
Always think to yourself If I was driving the car in front what are the several things I might do here... Reading the situation could save your life.
And finally always remember, MSLM Mirror, Signal, Lifesaver, Manoeuvre.
It's great when it's nice and horrid when it isn't.
Fully recommend it.
But I'd just like to share how much I enjoyed these two quotes. ...and...
After bit of research I should be able to get the required training in 3 days early July then take a test.
Have to admit the possibility of shopping for a cruiser is a very exciting thought!
Sorry couldnt help myself. A bit like Roland. Tut, tut.