old dog - new tricks

[Stu]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

My dad and brother taught my to ride in a field along the road from my dads house.

I learnt about pulling away, low speed control, figure of 8, changing gear etc etc, that way when I came to do my CBT I could ride and I could do the basics which meant I had more time IMHO to concentrate on the road itself and what the traffic was doing around me. Rather than trying to learn to ride and do all the other stuff as well.

I spent alot of time on a pushbike when I was a kid and I already had my driving license to when I did my CBT.

I'd be inclined to try him riding round a field as Rictus says and then get him to do his CBT...

He might surprise you... I surprised my mum and dad they thought I wouldnt gell with it and that I'd end up in a big heap on the road very quickly and I didnt...

i would hazard a guess you were a teenager, I would recommend professional tuition - get the best CBT instructor you can geta recommendation of. Sorry I don't know any London ones.

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Well if you want him put off the idea I'll volunteer my pillion seat

CBT - most people seem to think this is a one-day thing.

As I paid for a DAS package that included as much CBT as I wanted, as I had never been on a bike before (ok I went pillion ONCE when I was 1, at the instructors advice I did it over 2 days, I spent the whole 1st day in 1st gear, and never did the road bit until day 2.

So, my advice, either put him on a DAS with unlimited CBT and say to the school that he wants to do 2 days CBT at least, the advantage of DAS would be that he would then have 4 days of instructor training afterwards instead of being dumped in at the deepend like the CBT then on the road option would do.

Good idea, but with the new test who knows how they do it now?

Does he even want DAS or would he be happy on a 125?

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Stu

i would hazard a guess you were a teenager, I would recommend professional tuition - get the best CBT instructor you can geta recommendation of. Sorry I don't know any London ones.

Good idea, but with the new test who knows how they do it now?

Does he even want DAS or would he be happy on a 125?

Forget the big bike thing - if he does a DAS course he can choose to just do the 125 restricted licence and then ride the 125 without L-plates and with the ability to take pillions.

Having had a good heart-to-heart with an even older dog about it last night .... looks like he's going for the 'try not falling off on a bit of disused tarmac and see if you like it' approach - thanks Mark!