Afternoon all.
I am currently riding a Honda CBF125 after doing my CBT, and have only really been doing so for the past 2 months.
However, I already have bike envy and have already started looking at what to get next.
I just wanted to get some advice on how to approach doing the full licence test, from people that have been there and done it themselves.
Im 35, and as I mentioned, new to biking. Based upon the fact I am only really using the bike for commuting, is a 500 or 650 big enough and what do I need to do to get on one? Basically, what is the difference between the tests, and the difference between riding a 125 and a 500/650 or more?
I did 3 months on a 125 and then did my DAS before going to a 675cc bike.
I’m on a litre bike (BMW S1000R) now, 12 months after doing my DAS.
There is a big difference between a 125 and a 600cc bike.
The clutch control you need on a big bike is pretty much non existent on a 125- the clutch might as well be a switch on them.
It isn’t hard, but it does help to get the right instruction.
Obviously a bigger bike is heavier but faster.
You could probably commute on a 125 and be perfectly happy.
As to the tests, because you are the age you are you can go straight to an ‘A’ license that has no power restrictions.
You do two tests- Mod 1 and Mod 2.
Mod 1 is off road (not on dirt tracks though, you do it on a tarmac quadrangle)
You have to do some slow control stuff- Figure 8, emergency stop, swerve test and such.
You can’t put your foot down during the slow control stuff until you come to a stop, otherwise it is an instant fail.
Mod 2 is an observed ride on the road.
Mod 1 is harder than Mod 2 but it is possible to pass both first time.
I did and I’m not particularly talented.
I think it comes down to how you manage stress.
The two guys I did my Mod 1 and Mod 2 with both failed despite being ‘better’ riders than me during the practice sessions.
Some people crumble under the pressure, some people manage to do well under it.
I can recommend MCT in West London if you are looking for a school to do your DAS though.
Thanks hogtrumpet.
I did the CBT at the Cardrome in Romford/Hornchurch and was thinking of doing the test there as they have their own private roads to use, which I found useful on the CBT.
I have gone out and got some half decent clothing etc, just to be as safe as possible while commuting, but I have to admit to feeling a little “overdressed” on a 125!
Suppose it depends what your needs are. Some 125s have better MPG and are sometimes better in heavy traffic (smaller / lighter / manouvability)
Problem is, for longer journeys a bigger bike will be more comfy, offer more protection from the elements, give you that safety net for getting away from the tailgater behind you, or for overtaking traffic in front - also, the feeling of getting upto speed in reasonable time is pretty fun
Regarding the test - I also found mod2 easier. I failed mod1 first time as i clipped a cone on the swerve thingie
Nich,
I dont really stress, so think I would be calm on the test however I am not so sure that I wouldnt make a mistake.
The only real time that I feel like I need more power is while riding along the A12. When the wind picks up, it can be a bit wobbly on the 125, and also it would feel safer if I could pull away from trouble…
The benefit of the 125 is defo the MPG, which is so so good!
There are always trade offs, no matter that you do.
But most bikes can do most things with a bit of adjustment.
I commuted into London today on an adventure-tourer.
It was good to be able to see everything, being up so high (and if I stood on the pegs I could see over the cars in front) but clearly not able to filter as much as I would on a smaller bike.
On litre bikes you find that you have the clutch in the whole time, because in first gear you can be going too fast for the traffic flow.
I had a couple of really scary moments on the A40 flyover when I was on my 125.
A bigger, heavier bike will be a lot more stable in winds but you can help yourself by keeping your upper body loose and grip the tank with your knees.
In high winds the last thing you want to do is tighten up- you get turned into a sail and will blow around with the wind.
Its the short sharp blasts of wind that catch me out…again yesterday on the A12! But agreed, squeezing the knees onto the tank does make you feel a bit better…
Funnily enough I was filtering beind two coppers on their bikes yesterday and ended up having a good chat with them while stopped at a petrol station. We got onto the subject of 125’s on a big busy stretch of road such as the A12, and they said I would feel safer on a bigger bike, and be able to utilise the extra power by getting away from tailgaters and other trouble. They also suggested the Bike Safe course, which I was considering anyway.
Bike Safe is worth doing.
I did mine just after doing DAS.
In hindsight I probably should have waited a few months until I was a bit more confident to make the most of it.
I’m doing it again this year.
Yeah I think I would probably do just that.
A couple more months on the 125, do my full test in the late summer autumn, then move up to a 500/650.
Get used to that for a bit and then do Bike Safe.
I say go for your DAS. I found a big bike far easier to ride. More forgiving on rough clutch/throttle control, the bigger tyres felt more stable, better brakes and the confidence you can just give the throttle a quick twist to get you out of trouble. The extra tuition makes you better rider and provides more confidence too. However I skipped the 125cc bike, and just went straight for DAS and first bike was a Fazer 600.
I did my CBT & DAS with 1StopInstruction over near Fairlop. They come highly recommended too.
Cheers Arfa, I have been told by a few people now that the clutch control is more forgiving. Also would be nice having bigger tyres for a more comfy ride.
I commuted in Central everyday for a couple of years on a CBF125 and it served me well, by the time I chose to do my DAS all I needed was one day practise and one more day to do my MOD1 and MOD2 in a row which was cheaper.
Now have an SV650S which is more fun to ride and probably easier as it is more stable definitely better on larger roads wind plays less of a factor. Careful with the extra power on wet slippery days if you are commuting year round on a 600.
To be honest for commuting in Central London the 125 was better given the lightweight and MPG, but sounds like you want a big bike so why not just get some experience under your belt first.
I did my CBT in November, it was the first time I had got on a bike. I hired a 125 for a week then had a break for about six weeks because of work. Three days on a 600 doing my DAS and failed Mod 1 by clipping the cone on the swerve test. I hired a 125 for another week then hit Mod 1 and 2 on a 600 again a passed both easily.
I think I clipped the cone on my first Mod 1 because of the difference in bike weight and manouverability and maybe a little confidence. After the second week on the 125 I found things a lot better and easier on the 600 the second time around.
I bought a Yamaha MT07 as a first bike and kind of glad I skipped the whole 125 thing - they are a lot more fun on the open road and getting out of London. I wouldn’t say I was a great rider, I still have a lot to learn but it is much easier with more power then a 125 can offer.
Go for a DAS, it means you don’t get into bad habits on the 125 before you pass your test. You can always keep riding your 125 after you pass your test after all. However, once you ride a bigger bike, you probably won’t want to go back. If you only commute within the M25 and don’t plan on going outside it, a 125 is probably fine, but having a bigger bike opens up new horizons, and they’re usually more comfortable to ride.
Thanks all, some good honest feedback there!
There are pros and cons for both, with the main pros of the 125 being the lightweight and MPG. It is a bit of a squeeze getting my CBF out of my front drive, as my gate opening is very tight, so a bigger bike is going to be a real challenge (was thinking that this morning).
However, due to having a 3 year old daughter and another on the way, I feel like I need some driving excitement after having to move away from the sports cars and into a family wagon!
