Doing my CBT. Any tips?
- Thread starter Barney626
- Start date
jamesgw200
Tory of the Month
CallorFold
Platinum Member
Weird timing - I've just completed my CBT on Sunday. Got a little Honda CBF125 that I'm sharing with the Mrs. It's good fun but even after just a few days it doesn't feel particularly quick. 0-30 isn't too bad, it'll nip away from traffic lights but being 6ft2 and the weight that goes with it anything north of 40 takes a while. It's good for learning the ropes on though and I fully intend to complete the full licence when funds allow - having driven a 125 for a few months+ by that point, it should be relatively straight forward I would think.
Jimmy
Good cop
Nice one James, nothing like a bit of motivation/kick up the backside
Well I've booked in a pre-CBT lesson for a couple of weeks time. I have never ridden a motorbike before, apart from a little twist and go motocross thing when I was about 12, so I am a total novice. The school near me does an hour session and then I'll do the CBT. I was tempted by the DAS, but I'm going to start off with a 125 and see whether the bug bites.... I have a feeling it will!
I learnt on an old ER5 and went straight to a R6, dont be too worried about big bikes they're only as fast as you ride it... *cough* 160mph
Plenty of decent mid-weight bikes for A2...
Plenty of decent mid-weight bikes for A2...
CallorFold
Platinum Member
Just passed me theory test
Nice! I've got mine booked in for Early August (still feels like forever away but there's no rush). I wont be taking DAS until probably October and likely wont be chopping in the 125 until early next year. Shortlist so far is the DUKE 690 (purely due to it's weight - need to see how GF gets on with the 200kg-ish bikes before making a decision) and the SV650 - both very different bikes but both seem ideal for a first "big-bike".
Jimmy
Good cop
Just passed me theory test
Excellent Barney, well done! When's the test booked for?
I'm chomping at the bit to get on two wheels! Got that lesson on 8th July.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a 125 to start on? I like the look of naked bikes - the Duke and the Yamaha MT really stand out for me. Also, anyone heard much about the Benelli BN?? I believe it's brand new, there's not much about it online at the moment.
jamesgw200
Tory of the Month
Jimmy
Good cop
Just passed MOD 1 with 4 hour training the day before
Now doing Mod 2 in two days... not feeling so confident, still taking a lot of focus to just operate the bike and straining my ability to pay attention to road signs...
Congrats on the Mod 1 pass Barney, nice one!
So on reflection, do you feel that going for the DAS is a tougher route than getting a 125 and learning on that for a year or two?
You will learn nothing passing your CBT. You will only pick up bad habits. The CBT is only the basics. I would take DAS and even then it takes a few years to master riding. I been riding for over 10 years done many track days and I'm still learning. I would be spending money on tuition before pondering on what bike to buy.
Barney626
Winner - POTM December 2017
Although it would be easier to just get a 125 and do the A class license later because you'd be able to control the bike without thinking about it, Locke is right. Biking takes a lot more focus and skill than driving and the instruction is way more important than car driving lessons Imo.
I had a ride out with my instructor yesterday in Nottingham and I was doing SUPER dumb stuff like not spotting a give way junction right after some traffic lights. It doesn't help that the road systems are pretty terrible to begin with but I think missing road signs is where I'd fail if anywhere.
Easy to say just take it slow but then no one else is taking it slow. Makes it very difficult to change lane, with the L plates on you become a target. Had people undertaking constantly so I couldn't move back over safely...
I'd agree with locke, you tend to plateau after a few years and just get lazy. Riding is a never ending learning curve, anticipating the road, changing body position, foot position, weight transfer, braking, getting on the throttle, road conditions, weather, tank slappers etc.
I'd say its akin to surfing or boarding, there are days when everything is just right and you can carve up the road like rossi, then there's other days when your unfit, stiff, aching, tired and making a hash of it.... Never get that in a car.
I'd say its akin to surfing or boarding, there are days when everything is just right and you can carve up the road like rossi, then there's other days when your unfit, stiff, aching, tired and making a hash of it.... Never get that in a car.
Totally agree when everything clicks it's the best feeling ever. Other days I've went 3 miles down the road and came back, just not been at one with the bike.
Driving a car, any car is relatively easy. Every bike is different, you need to find one that fits your needs and riding style/ability. Biggest mistake I made was trying to keep up with my more experienced mates on faster bikes, this is when you know it's a lot harder than you thought. As said as much tuition as possible, as many miles as possible under your belt count for a lot. I see guys on £20k sportsbiks with 2 inch chicken strips, they can go very fast in a straight line but panic when the roads turns twisty. Learning to read the road and preparing yourself for what's up ahead is priceless. Road position, vanishing point etc all these help you become a more faster and safer rider. I cringe when I see scooter riders with their L plates on hogging the left side of the road because that is what the CBT has taught you.
I had one of these as my first bike, fast enough to keep you entertained but slow enough to keep you out of trouble. Went onto a GSXR 600 after that which was like a rocket. Litre bikes are a different story......
