Recommendations for everything needed to start biking.

Originally Posted by RichT

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

+1 always try before you buy

[Stu]

I borrowed all my gear from the riding school - that way you get some experience of what you like/what features are important to you.
So it was
1)CBT
2)Das
3)Theory

As in you start your DAS training to learn what you need to do on your theory test. & get the schools computer discs for the theory.

Oh I tell a lie, I had moped gear - the schools gear was better so I used that

Said mate has now joined this here forum and has his eye on an SV as a first bike. Don't worry I have pointed out that he should steer clear of those curvey beasts - pointy all the way.

SLLOYD - no hiding introduce yourself.

[dyzio]

I'd say, learn on-line instead of the book (I preferred it), you can register here, it used to be a few quid for 30days and get a hazard perception dvd, you'll sale it later.
As far as kit goes, don't be tight fisted, I bought a cheep F. Thomas kit, and had to replace the boots pretty quickly, I'm getting some new jacket and trousers this weekend.

[Viney]

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 Silver Pointy SV - job done.

Does he hold a car licence? If not, then a copy of the highway code to start with

Originally Posted by dyziowg

I'd say, learn on-line instead of the book (I preferred it), you can register here, it used to be a few quid for 30days and get a hazard perception dvd, you'll sale it later.
As far as kit goes, don't be tight fisted, I bought a cheep F. Thomas kit, and had to replace the boots pretty quickly, I'm getting some new jacket and trousers this weekend.

Nowt worng with FT gear. My jacket is 2 years old and still watertight. Buying the right gear is more essential. If you are going to ride all year round, then get good boots, preferably Goretex of some kind, a good jacket that the waterproof lining is in the jacket and not the detachable lining (A lot are not like this) and leather trousers with waterproof over trousers. The winter AND summer gloves.

Ah Mr Hall. Thank you for the introduction to this forum.

Yes, you have been steering me down the pointy options - and a few searches on the web suggest the SV650s a good starter bike.

Hello to you all and thank you for all the advice that I see here today. Alot to take on board, but all for the best.

Well this is the order of ceromony so far:-

1. Booked Theory (currently looking through my old tatty highway code, to brush up)
2. Booked DAS
2a. Looking at Helmets - as worst case can get extra practice on a 125
3. CBT will be first port of call - so the Instructor informs me, with 5 days of intense riding.
4. Final day / Practical test in the afternoon - and I'm bricking it !!!

Although, I'm unsure as to what to expect in the form of questions about the bike itself on the day of test - and so do I need to brush up on my end cans & belly pans

Advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks, Lloyd.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by slloyd

Although, I'm unsure as to what to expect in the form of questions about the bike itself on the day of test

Dont worry to much about it, your instructor will go through all that with you.

It'll be stuff like daily checks, how to check the oil, what would tell a pillion, can you show me where the horn is.

Its all basic stuff, you'll be fine with it.

I done..

1. Theory
2. CBT
3. Lessons

During lessons I bought Helmet and gloves, then jacket couple of lessons before test..

4. Test
6. Bought bike

I have a spare lid and gloves for you Lloydie, so you cvan take your time and get nice stuff, when you have a better idea what you need.

Agree with above don't get the cheapest of the cheap waterproof and boots wise.

Cheap water proofs aren't waterproof and that'll just spoil your day! I have Frank Thomas ones now though and they are great.

Cheap waterproof boots too are not waterproof, I am on my third pair of boots as I took the last pairs back when they leaked. Each time I added money to it and upgraded. Now have a cracking pair of Puma goretex boots and I have toastie dry feet.

Oh one more thing, put the link to your car in the Idle Banter section, you may get a bite or two on here as well.

Kev. Thanks for the offer mate, I'll give you call at the weekend and try and pop over to pick them up if your around.

Have been looking at bike clothing equipment and there is soooooo much to choose from at varying costs which if not careful will leave a big dent in the pocket.

there's a good article in RIDE magazine this month about clothing, and the different types of armour and material, so some light reading me thinks.

I had to laugh when the writer of the article said that he was gob-smacked at the amount of tags that were on his new jacket - 9 in total. 9 !!!