Re-taking full power bike test.

Hey

Just seen here: http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=405

that the new bike test isn't coming in until 27 April.

In Oct 08' I took a DAS course and test after 2 years on my CG125 on L plates, and with a perfect ride, I was robbed right at the end for one major fault which I don't think was justified at all. ANYWAY....

Couldn't afford the re-test so I did an A2 test on my CG and passed 2nd time lucky...nerves dammit. Got a restricted K4 SV650s and its great, but I want to remove the restrictor and be able to ride other bikes over 33BHP (I am insured to ride any bike).

QUESTION:

I want to retake the test on my SV to get the power limit lifted, and it only costs £80, I'm not too bummed if I fail, I can still ride. SO as there's time left, and I've found some test slots next week, what do you all think of me going for a retake?

I think I have a great chance of passing and it would help so much not waiting 2 years.

I'm quite a confident rider and am currently training to do my advanced bike test too.

Matt

[jamesterror]

Have you rode your bike without restrictor?

I thought it was the 31st March it was suppose to be enforced, thats a relief.

I have my test next Monday, (lone wolf will be over the moon if I pass & successful persuade the folks), but the DSA wanted to rearrange it for the 1st April from my cancellation a week + a half ago.

My view would be, if you feel confident to ride without the restrictor, and don't need to wait.

Then go for it if you feel your not at a loss if you fail. Thought about having any lessons with an instructor to see if they can pick you up on anything?

James

Yeah I've ridden it without. No difference in confidence/control. I've also ridden my friends Harley Sportster 1.2 litre-considerably more power and I was absolutely fine with it, it was quite a good ride!

Same, I thought it was end of March, still some time left to try I am thinking..

Good luck, I hope you pass, I felt absolutely robbed when he told me I failed. I really think I deserved to pass 400%.

I'm not looking to get un-restricted cos I want to go crazy or mega-fast, I want it so that I am not tied to restricted bikes for 2 years and can fully take advantage of my insurance to ride any bike.

Won't bother having lessons, no point, can't afford it. I can probably have a few "reminding" pointers from my advanced motorcycling people.

Originally Posted by jamesterror

My view would be, if you feel confident to ride without the restrictor, and don't need to wait.

Why the hell wouldn't anyone feel confident about riding derestricted, it's the same bike with a bit more power available if you decide to use it.

As former GP rider Mick Grant said "the throttle goes both ways", meaning a bike will only go as fast as you want it to.

An SV650 has only got 72bhp at very most, so it's not exactly scary for a newbie, and that 72bhp only shows itself when the throttle is wide open. 90% of the time most riders aren't using half of the available power so I think all this restriction law is all a load of boll0cks.

Originally Posted by matt_rehm_hext

Yeah I've ridden it without. No difference in confidence/control. I've also ridden my friends Harley Sportster 1.2 litre-considerably more power and I was absolutely fine with it,

A 1200 Harley has a pathetically low power output, in stock trim it's 6bhp less than an unrestricted SV650 but if you spend about a grand that can be raised by 7bhp...wow, such great value (can anyone spot a hint of sarcasm here?). For a 1200cc V-twin they aren't even big on torque figures, and unbelieveably low on power output.

IIRC then the a2 license has its restriction of 33bhp lifted after 2 years or at the ge of 21 which ever is greater, automatically so theres no point on wasting £80 just to get it lifted earlier. just wait until then.

also im sure if you check your insurance you'll find that your only allowed to ride a motorcycle that is upto 33bhp and no greater as that is waht your license limits you to. ( insurance companies usually specify that its your bike only and no other due to the fact your on a restricted license)

the other thing aswell is because you did your test before the new testscome in to force i cant see them making you do another test as the new regulations don't apply to you.


i started out in the 33bhp club and im glad i did it allowed me to work up to the limits of the bike slowly and find out where its short falls are before having it de-restricted and making a mess of things and myself. the other way to look at it is that you have 2 bikes for the price of one!

IMHO i wouldn't waste the time or the money just to speed up something thats going to come for free anyway. instead i'd waste it on riding and fuel.

All the best

MJP

if you have the test slot and the money then just go for it.
I take it you have the full power kit to put on when you get to the test station

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by parkinmj

sorry for double post computer Went on a spazz fit please accept my apologies

all the best

MJP

Use the "delete post" option then?

Originally Posted by matt_rehm_hext

I've also ridden my friends Harley Sportster 1.2 litre

I've ridden a Sportster too, and it's the most horrible pile of crap I've ever ridden. Far far slower to respond than the SV.

If you want to do your test on your SV, and have the cash, why not?

Just be aware that riding from home to the test centre (and riding home again should you fail), you will be technically riding without a licence/insurance. This is due to the fact that the restrictions will not be applicable to the SV in order for you to do the test on it, but you're not licenced for that power, since an instructor isn't with you.

Not licenced means not insured. It'd be horribe if you got pulled over, told them where you were going & they clicked. You could kiss your current licence goodbye, let alone your full power one.

Informed decisions & all. Your call on what you do.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by parkinmj

IIRC then the a2 license has its restriction of 33bhp lifted after 2 years or at the ge of 21 which ever is greater, automatically so theres no point on wasting £80 just to get it lifted earlier. just wait until then.

also im sure if you check your insurance you'll find that your only allowed to ride a motorcycle that is upto 33bhp and no greater as that is waht your license limits you to. ( insurance companies usually specify that its your bike only and no other due to the fact your on a restricted license)

the other thing aswell is because you did your test before the new testscome in to force i cant see them making you do another test as the new regulations don't apply to you.


i started out in the 33bhp club and im glad i did it allowed me to work up to the limits of the bike slowly and find out where its short falls are before having it de-restricted and making a mess of things and myself. the other way to look at it is that you have 2 bikes for the price of one!

IMHO i wouldn't waste the time or the money just to speed up something thats going to come for free anyway. instead i'd waste it on riding and fuel.

All the best

MJP

So If I could promise you it will grow back in a couple of years, you would have no problem with me chopping one of your bollox off?

Originally Posted by Baph

Just be aware that riding from home to the test centre (and riding home again should you fail), you will be technically riding without a licence/insurance. This is due to the fact that the restrictions will not be applicable to the SV in order for you to do the test on it, but you're not licenced for that power, since an instructor isn't with you.

He's got a pointy - just swap the ECU's at the test center

Good Luck Matt, Do it! if you're already doing IAM you should be fine as long as you remember what they want for the Accelerated Access test as opposed to the IAM e.g. no straightlining roundabouts. No positioning for view just sit in position 3 or 4. No countersteering

Bet you wish you sat your A2 2 years ago