Any Bikers Here? Just booked my direct access course...

[Moomin_Man]

Basically, just booked my Direct Access course.
Just fancied doing it really, don't intend to rush out and buy a bike straight away.
Only ever driven Cars, Karts and 250cc-500cc geared quads. Never been on a bike in my life!
Any bikers here with wise words for me? No idea what to expect in lessons or the test :shock:
Presume i'll have to do my theory again even though i have one for my drivers license.

Either way, looking forward to it!

 

[jra3d]

Chicken is, let me know how you go fella and costing as im trying to do mine soon!

 

[manofhow]

i am gonna do mine soon as well, been meaning to do for ages, just never had money or time, but booked my theory as i have money now

 

[Moomin_Man]

Chicken is, let me know how you go fella and costing as im trying to do mine soon!

Costing me £700 all in for the lessons, CBT, bike hire, clothing hire and tests. No extra costs unless i fail and have to rebook tests and hire bike again. Hopefully pass first time :|
Passed driving test first time with 3 minors after 9 lessons, so hopefully a repeat of that will be awesome!

Just reading up on the whole thing as much as i can and it really doesn't seem too bad!
Only concern is my bad habits picked up while driving when it comes to the practical :shock:

 

[Chicken]

Chicken is, let me know how you go fella and costing as im trying to do mine soon!

Costing me £700 all in for the lessons, CBT, bike hire, clothing hire and tests. No extra costs unless i fail and have to rebook tests and hire bike again. Hopefully pass first time :|
Passed driving test first time with 3 minors after 9 lessons, so hopefully a repeat of that will be awesome!

Just reading up on the whole thing as much as i can and it really doesn't seem too bad!
Only concern is my bad habits picked up while driving when it comes to the practical :shock:

Advice for lessons/test: listen to what your told. Sounds obvious but it's true.
What i got taught on my lessons was to show progress aka when changing to a faster speed limit don't take forever accelerating. Before the test or during lessons ask your instructor if there's any pet hates the examiner doesn't like or if they like to see any certain way you ride.

As for gear you may not be in a rush to get a bike so your best bet is get one or two items a month and build it up. Buying mid to high priced gear seems silly when theres cheaper but it pays off as they will last longer and also be better in all weathers. Best bet is to way to the newer gear comes Oi an buy the older version in sales. Boots wise buy boots that have ankle cover, currently learning from experience on that.

When it comes to buying a bike don't buy one just because it looks quick, its got gsx-r, ninja, fireblade etc on the side and that can go 200mph. Choose a bike that's comfortable to sit on and that you will be able to ride for at least 50 miles without needing to stop because you have cramp. I know people that have done this and then brought a practical bike loosing out on money.

Most importantly don't buy leathers to match your bike and end up looking like a f****** power ranger. Can't stand that.

I learnt to ride before I could drive and if it came down to it I would sell the twingo any day off the week if it meant not loosing my bike. Riding a bike is the most awesome feeling of freedom ever and I couldn't recommend it more *cough* james *cough*

 

[Moomin_Man]

Advice for lessons/test: listen to what your told. Sounds obvious but it's true.
What i got taught on my lessons was to show progress aka when changing to a faster speed limit don't take forever accelerating. Before the test or during lessons ask your instructor if there's any pet hates the examiner doesn't like or if they like to see any certain way you ride...[Furthur Information Hidden]

Thanks for all the advice mate!
I seen how expensive clothing/gear was! Is it worth buying 2nd hand or best to buy new?
Iv'e had my eye on a couple of suzuki bandits locally. Im clueless when it comes to bikes, im not interested in speed, 400cc+ would be nice. I like the style of the suzuki bandits and some older yamahas. Probably buy new to save me any hassle though. Finanace would help and it means no break down worries. Do bikes keep their value better than cars?
I just want a bike i can get out the garage on a sunny sunday and pop over to the lake district with

 

[Chicken]

Grrrr want to go lake district on mine but not quite a pop over more of a long haul. 2nd hand gear will vary on quality. Someone I went college with bought 2nd hand off the bay of e, use it a month or two and then sell it and would get there money back or turn a profit quite often. I brought frank Thomas jacket and trousers new 3 years ago and are still in good condition and great in all weathers. I highly recommend a helmet from new though as although looking ok the internals could be damaged which can end badly in a crash although I hope no one crashes. Bandits are a good bike and parts shouldn't be to hard to come by if needed as they are fairly popular. Both my bikes and scooter were brought new and they seemed to keep there value although they have always been low mileage (current bike 2 years old 3.3k on the clock)
Before anyone starts my scooter was 125cc and 4 stroke not a hair dryer with a chav rider.