Recommendations for everything needed to start biking.

A good mate of mine has always wanted to get his big bike licence and is looking at doing it before the new test comes in. He has asked me a few questions and for some general advice which I have given him.

I was just wondering what the org would've recommended?

I said:

1. Book theory test.
2. Get helmet and gloves as a minimum for DAS.
3. Book DAS.
4. Buy decent boots and waterproofs.
5. Pass test.
6. By Silver Pointy SV - job done.

Just about though maybe theory after CBT so he/she has more time to do the practical test?

does he ride now? albeit on a smaller bike?

i always fancied a big bike but never had the time nor money to take a test. came into a few bob so i took the plunge and went for it. i had no kit, nothing. booked up DAS, took my CBT wearing a barbour jacket and DM's!! borrowed helmet from the mob teaching me, borrowed gloves too. my thinking was "what if i dont like it...i've shelled out hundreds on a lid, gloves, boots etc...". day 1 of DAS on the ER5 i realised this was what i wanted to do and enjoyed it and as luck would have it the Beaulieu Bike Show was on and my instructor took me down there on our lunch break. i bought a helmet, textile jacket, gloves. thats what i'd suggest you say to your man to get as minimum.

not sure about a silver pointy tho...i'd say get a curvy as its what i got and they look great, but they're all getting a bit old now. dare i say get a newer pointy?! aargh!!

Lock & chain
disk lock
chain lube
bike cover

A good riding school and emphasize good gear... he doesn't want to be uncomfortable.

Tools?

[Mr Speirs]

Originally Posted by krhall

A good mate of mine has always wanted to get his big bike licence and is looking at doing it before the new test comes in. He has asked me a few questions and for some general advice which I have given him.

I was just wondering what the org would've recommended?

I said:

1. Book theory test.
2. Get helmet and gloves as a minimum for DAS.
3. Book DAS.
4. Buy decent boots and waterproofs.
5. Pass test.
6. By Blue Curvy - job done.

This is the exact same steps I took I think. Not a bad way to start.

I agree with keithd. When I started biking I was using a borrowed helmet from a relative that had seen some better days and a waterproof walking coat. After my cbt I went to j & s and bought a gortex jacket, a helmet and some gloves. The rest of my gear I shopped around for and by the time my test was due I was fully kitted out. So I would say as long as you have a helmet for obvious reasons, a coat for warmth and some gloves so you can still feel those fingers then the rest your friend can get in his own time. By the time he has passed he will have it all

Some good suggestions, but if it was me I would not advise them just to get the basic helmet/gloves etc. It might be false economy in the medium term.

Even if you go for the lower end of the market for helmet etc your still probably looking at 400 quid (say 100 on helmet, 80 on jacket, 80 on trousers, 80 on boots and 50 on winter gloves. I would advise taking them to a few shops even if its just HG or similar and to try various stuff on. Get to know what fits better etc and even if they end up spending a few hundred quid more they will be happier using it and probably want to keep them in decent nick.

Also I would suggest that they give the SV a miss and go for a superduke and join the 'happiest people on earth' society ; )

[timwilky]

I would have thought the first step would be to do a CBT. The school would lend him helmet/gloves etc. If after that he decides bikes are not for him, he has only lost the cost of the CBT.

Then do theory -> DAS.