Advice needed - 125cc bikes

I did CBT one weekend, then borrowed the instructor's 125 to practice on for a day the next weekend, (token 20quid for the day) then started my DAS that next Monday after my day on 125. The extra day on the 125 was great, helped me to practise the basics learnt on the CBT, but I'm glad I didn't have to buy one, only needed a day on it, and just went straight to do my DAS, and passed.

Originally Posted by Stu

Don't you talk to each other in the real world?
I recommend straight to DAS. Saves you 'learning' the differences between very different bikes.

Nah, we try not to! That's why we're happy!

I think CBT first then i'll book my DAS once i'm happy and do it over a few consecutive days. How much in advance do you need to book? Should I book my CBT soonish if i'm aiming to do it April? Or wait until nearer the time?

Originally Posted by Hockeynut

I did CBT one weekend, then borrowed the instructores 125 to practice on for a day the next weekend, (token ?20 for the day) then started my DAS that next Monday after my day on 125. The extra day on the 125 was great, but I'm glad I didn't have to buy one, and just went straight to do my DAS!

Yeah that sounds like a good option. Ta!

Originally Posted by missrubberduckofdeath

Nah, we try not to! That's why we're happy!

I think CBT first then i'll book my DAS once i'm happy and do it over a few consecutive days. How much in advance do you need to book? Should I book my CBT soonish if i'm aiming to do it April? Or wait until nearer the time?

If you want a specific day then book now!

The good training schools fill up quickly, especially when the sun comes out.

I vote DAS,

With a CBT you get one day and then let out on your own to learn the rest. (that will include bad habits!)
DAS you get far more training, then once you have passed you can get what you want, that can be a 125 if you want.
You learn by doing the miles, why not do them with more than 1 days training under your belt (lets face it half of that is sitting talking about gloves etc)
You just need to have the control and sense to not buy an R1 just because you can lol.
(also remember the test is only going to get harder, so why not get it done asap?)

Look around at the different training centres, the one I went with gave you as much training as you needed, if you failed your test extra hours and the bike hire didn't cost any extra, you just had to pay for the extra test fee. Even if you keep failing they just keep training you.

I wouldn't bother with the 125.. I had one for 3 weeks! Should have got the big bike straight away.

My training centre spread the DAS out into 8 2-hour lessons which you can do as quickly or slowly as you like so you could do 2 lessons a week and then it's a steady learning curve until you take the test.. Worked for me and you can pay as you go...

another vote for DAS.............

boy in work just passed CBT and got one of those chinese imports,(utter pile of poo) although its just got written of....which is nice.

if you want a 125 i would go for a yamaha DT 125

Originally Posted by HooliganDan

Presonally I would go and get a cheap little 125cc bike (honda CG125, Yam SR125, Suzi GN or GS125 are all great) and practice. I rode my 125 for a year before doing my test and it made such a difference. I hated the idea of going from never riding a bike to a 500cc and then a test all in one week. Even if you keep the little bike for 6 months I would do it.

+1

a couple of months on a 125cc is a great help, then you can do your DAS later on in the summer. Youcan pick that type of bike up for peanuts and sell on again easily afterwards. And def go for a cheapo 125 with no fairing as you'll probably drop it at least once at slow speed!

That said, if you do your CBT first then you can decide for sure which way to go

Originally Posted by STRAMASHER

I see Hursqrvana have a new 125cc supermoto 2-stroke out.

Yeah baby!

[embee]

I'm afraid I pre-date all this DAS/CBT stuff but it strikes me that one of the most important aspects is to quickly get confident in "handling" the bike. By handling I don't mean scraping footpegs and doing stoppies, I mean simply being able to operate the controls and manoeuvre it, including holding it up when you stop, without any fear of the bulk of the machine.

If you are at all intimidated by the bike it will prevent you mastering the techniques of riding, and then being able to concentrate on the road-skills rather than just keeping it under control.

I would have thought spending time on a 125 would be an admirable route, there's really no glory in trying to run before you can walk.

Personally I would never recommend a faired SVS as a first bike for example, I don't think they are the easiest things to master. Other naked "sit-up-and-beg" bikes are so much easier to ride for a novice, and it follows that the lighter the better. It's important for your own confidence to make it as easy for yourself as you can.

Hopefully if you take to it, you won't want to stick with a 125 for long, but it's got to be a good starting point, surely? Just my 2p.