View Full Version : Motorcyle Licence
How do I go about getting a motorcycle licence now? I had a '50' (90cc bore) when I was 16, and a 250 crosser (which was nicked :mad: ). Now I like the look of a nice R1 of Fireblade for the summer (I know I'm going to die :rolleyes: )
Anyway, what do I need now? do I need to do another CBT, and what bike can I get and put on 'L's for my test?
I'm 22 by the way, if that makes any difference.
Cheers
Luke
gaz.thomas
06-02-2003, 07:46
I think your CBT is valid for three years so if yours is within three years you're fine.
If you haven't done one already you'll need to do a motorcycle theory test - this is aswell as the one you had to do for your car licence.
As for learner bikes it's pretty simple - anything under 125cc goes.
You are able to ride a more powerful bike if you are under instruction by an approved instructor.
You're going to have to do the 'direct access' test if you want to ride a 'grown up' bike - this basically consists of a regular bike test taken on a machine of (i think) greater than 45bhp - You could take the standard (cheaper) test on a 125 entitling you to ride any machine below 33bhp. Note that the bike may be restricted to drop the power to the legal level but you'll need to get it done professionally (certificate and all that)
The 33bhp restriction is lifted after two years without the need to take another test and I reckon is a good idea - it does people good to get used to being on a bike for a couple of years and might save you wrapping it round a lampost a week after you bought your new blade.
I'd do the restricted test and get a stroker if I were you - summat like an RGV250 will get you up to 60 in about three and a half seconds and top out around 140.
Good Luck
Gaz
-x-
An RGV? stop trying to ruin his fun :p Quick if you keep it rattling between a tiny powerband perhaps! and the 2 stroke rebuilds :eek:
Blades are such good vfm at the moment, especially since only a good rider on a track will seperate it from the R1. Id go for a blade :) still the hooligans choice :D If insurance is a factor then go for a zx6r or cbr6. Infinately reliable and still blisteringly quick.
You also wont need to do a theory test if you have a full car license. Unless they have changed it recently.
Cough up £400 do a 1 week intensive course with a test a the end on a 500cc bike .. dont forget to do your theory test and a CBT ... and whoo hooo an unrestricted licence.
Then you can be a knob like me and struggle driving a heavy 955i back home from work through the snow with only a few months experience. :eek:
doitdoitdoitdoitdoit :D :D :D :D
Originally posted by Chimp
You also wont need to do a theory test if you have a full car license. Unless they have changed it recently.
They have changed it ... you now need the bike theory test even with a full car licence.
If your 22 then there is absolutely no point in doing the restricted test.... you'll get totally fed up with a crappy two stroker after 6 months yes RGV included (unless your a two stroke junkie)
Go for the direct access test then you can have anything you like although I will put money on you not being able to insure, or even get a quote for an R1 or a Fireblade having a licence for 5 minutes. (I have trouble insuring my R1 now and I've had a full licence for 9 years and owned the R1 for 3 years and they still don't like me:mad: )
Get something like either a Fazer 600 or a CBR600 should be plenty fast enough for a while anyway, then upgrade to Fireblade after a couple of years building up a NCB:D:D:D:D
Not sure that you have to do your theory test if you have a full car licence already. Could be wrong on this though :rolleyes:
Don't get a bigger bike and have it restricted. Although this sounds good in theory its not too good in practice as it will kill the handling and may have a bad effect on the engine after two years. (The restrictor kits are very crude).
Good luck, you'll never get a better buzz:D:D:D:D:D:D
gaz.thomas
06-02-2003, 08:45
I'm pretty sure you have to do a theory test now even if you have a car licence. As for the rgv - it'll count toward 'relevant experience' for insurance when you get your fireblade.
I'm all for the big bikes but tend to err on the side of caution when recommending something to someone else (esp. if I don't know them) but if you feel comfortable on one then go for it (and bend over when you have to go to Lloyds of London to get insured) :eek:
Seriously though I'd try something a bit smaller for a few weeks before hitting the 900 - CBR400 maybe?
Gaz
-x-
I have a gpz600r -85 and had a 00-929rr blade that i sold last summer. I would say go for the blade, very easy to get into and a awsome bike!
As for the license, never had a motorcykle license :) Just a twist of your wrist and they“re gone :)
my first one was an ikkul 400. Wicked fun but not much torque, corner speed however, was a blast, short wheelbase made for some interesting times :D
Im in the black. :) I think this bike has passed a few hands on this board now, i sold it to someone on here, and went to someone else i think.. fond memories. :D
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid50/pae682ee9e937e55b46796ef7940db593/fcad3c39.jpg
Definately need theory test.
Did my test in March last year ..... and I needed the theory test.
NOOOO...must....resist.......thinking..........abo ut..getting....a.bike....
[In steps "brilliant Industries" with La La La - I'm not listening to you hear plugs]
La Laa La La Laa....
... i'll just say to the insurance company that the voices in my computer told me to get a CBR 900 :D ... that should do the trick!!
..seriously though, I've had off-road bikes since I was 11, got a 250 when I was 13, and loved it... however, had a ride on the back of my mates Fazer 600 (or650), and that was wicked (although I'm not a good passenger ;) )
I definitely wouldn't get a 250 to start with, I can see where your coming from, but if it can't out-perform every car on the road, then it aint worth me having (not saying that I actually have to out perform any car on the road though... and if I was saying that, I ought not to be thinking about buying a bike)... if that makes sense.
My personal choice at the moment (if I could insure it) would have to be the CBR900 Blade, cos even though it's been out for about 10-12 years, it's still not that far behind the newer R1 etc.
....must resist the temptation... I was so close to just taking my bike test when I still had my CBT, but kept saying 'NO... I will just kill myself!''.... lets see if I can fend the urge of this summer :D
Cheers for the help
Luke
mambastu
06-02-2003, 09:51
Yeeeeeeeeesss (Jeremy Paxman stylie)
Have you had an insurance quote for a big bore bike yet ?
The best quote I could get for a 600 when I started riding 3 years ago was £1000 and I was 29 and lived in a low risk area.
Most insurance companies won't insure new riders on bikes over 600cc, try getting a quote on Bennetts website.
At 32, with 3 years no-claims and having held my licence for 7 years I'm now starting to get reasonable quotes for larger bikes i.e sub £700 for a ZX12r
..:eek: :eek:
..is that fully comp? or just plain third party?
...and limited milage?
i think i must be blessed or something, the last one i was on was a zx6r 1998, with 11 points (all motorcycle accrued) and no no claims. This was 2/3 years ago and at that time i had only held a full license for a further 2 years. And it cost me around £400-500 Has insurance gone mental lately? Still, times change. Cant fall off a car :D
... I may have to have a word with my dad, and get included on his Motor Traders policy... which states.. ''for any vehicle, so long as you are qualified to drive that vehicle''
..which is nice (bet that doesn't count a plane!!;) )
Try and insure an R1 then:rolleyes:
I tried 15 insurance companies last year...
10 flatly refuse to even give me a quote just because it is an R1:eek:
Had one quote from a company who will remain nameless (Bloody Norwich Union) oops :p
£2500 Fully comp considering that the bike is worth £4000 and I've owned that bike for 3 years since new and I've been riding for nearly 10 years constantly they can Fook off:mad:
Bike is garaged, datatagged, alarmed and is bolted to the floor plus my brother has a large baseball bat:D
Still paying £400 TPFT and I'm an 'old git' at 30:D:D:D:D
mambastu, mmmmmmm ZX12R I'm getting one of these next fed up with the R1s lack of comfort:( Nice lid, I've got the blue one with the iridium visor:D:D:D:D
He he he ... yes getting insurance for that 1st bike is soooooo much fun.
Insurance Co. > What size engine sir
Me> 955
Insurance Co.> Do you hold a full unrestricted Licence
Me> Yes
Insurance Co.> And how long have you held it
ME> About 5 minutes
Insurance Co. > ha ha ha ha
Click
:rolleyes: :( :D :D
bond_200
06-02-2003, 16:04
Did an intensive DAS course myself last November. Couldnt get sensible quotes on anything over a 400 so I decided to get a VFR400 (like the red/white/blue one in Chimps pic). Wicked little bike, cornering is so much fun and is still quick enough to scare me seeing as this is the first bike I have ever ridden. Will get a GSX600 after about 2 years of riding my vfr as insurance may be a bit cheaper!
I pay 530TPFT for 400 with, was getting quotes of 800 and upwards on 600s. I'm glad I got the vfr cos it is the perfect bike to learn how to ride well on - but as u have experience then maybe 600s are better for ya :confused: Good luck whatever ya do though mate.
mambastu
06-02-2003, 16:26
Originally posted by GrahamB
mambastu, mmmmmmm ZX12R I'm getting one of these next fed up with the R1s lack of comfort:( Nice lid, I've got the blue one with the iridium visor:D:D:D:D
Sat on a ZX12r at the NEC last year and it felt really comfortable for a sportsbike, just like a bigger version of my 6r.
Not sure about the extra weight though, its 40kgs heavier than the 6r :(
I do like the thought of 178hp and this years models are available in a proper lime green at last :D
Luke, when I first insured my 6r it was about £960 (fully comp) in the first year, £950 (FC) in the second year but dropped to £450 (FC) with two years no-claims.
I've got a friend that bought a brand new GSXR1000R and it cost him £1000 for TPFT with a years no-claims and he couldn't find many companies that would cover him.
People seem to have the misconception that bikes are really cheap to own and run but the insurance is a killer and the service intervals are short and services are expensive. Good fun though :D
The VFR is an awsome bike ...... I want one ........... Was at a track day at Pembry last summer, The vfr400's were easily keeping up with the R1s, purley because they were easier to throw around the corners ...... onthe straights they were pissed over, but Pembry is a twisty circuit, so the VFR held its own easily.
That and they are a 3rd of the price of an R1 to buy and insure ... its gonna be my second bike, purely for trackdays :D :D :D
... I'm thinking that a bike is better than a car for a number of reasons:
1) faster (for the money)
2) can slice through traffic
3) does about 30 to the gallon (even when pushed)
4) has only a rear facing number plate :D
down sides
1) don't drift (well, they do, but you wouldn't really want to be on the limit around a corner and then hit come sh*t on the road)
2) don't corner like a car
3) don't stop like a car (under 'normal' conditions anyway)
4) looks like they are expensive to insure
5) no protection
6) people pull out on you (all the time- well, used to happen to me anyway)
7) you get a little 'neglected' and bullied by other road users (unless you've got balls of steal)
... anything else, apart from the 0-60 time being spot on.
Luke
I read somewhere
Q. "why do you ride a bike"
A. "For those that ride, no explanation is necessary .... for those that dont ride, no explanation is possible"
Crap .... but true ....... You need a bike ...... simple.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Oh, but they arent any quicker, true you cut through traffic .... but you spend 15 minutes either end of the journey talking to other bikers about your ride and putting on / taking off 15 layers of protective clothing, boots, leathers, gloves, zips, velcro, helmets, neck scarves.
There are only 10 reason to get a bike ...... fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun and fun
mambastu
06-02-2003, 19:05
Originally posted by Luke
... I'm thinking that a bike is better than a car for a number of reasons:
1) faster (for the money)
2) can slice through traffic
3) does about 30 to the gallon (even when pushed)
4) has only a rear facing number plate :D
down sides
1) don't drift (well, they do, but you wouldn't really want to be on the limit around a corner and then hit come sh*t on the road)
2) don't corner like a car
3) don't stop like a car (under 'normal' conditions anyway)
4) looks like they are expensive to insure
5) no protection
6) people pull out on you (all the time- well, used to happen to me anyway)
7) you get a little 'neglected' and bullied by other road users (unless you've got balls of steal)
... anything else, apart from the 0-60 time being spot on.
Luke
1) faster (for the money) - There isn't a lot that will touch a bike fullstop and for the money theres nothing that even comes close. Anyone that says their cars are faster than 'a bike' haven't actually been on one, when they do get on a bike they tend to change their minds and buy one.
2) can slice through traffic - Oh Yes, nowt more satisfying than overtaking all the cars in a 5 mile traffic jam :)
3) does about 30 to the gallon (even when pushed) - Toured Scotland on my ZX6r in 2001, 2200 miles in 7 days, 55 + average MPG, high speeds were experienced frequently, thats having your cake and eating it :D
4) has only a rear facing number plate :D - YAY, SPECS cameras only take a frontal aspect picture :)
down sides
1) don't drift (well, they do, but you wouldn't really want to be on the limit around a corner and then hit come sh*t on the road) - Major bum flex event :eek:
2) don't corner like a car - Not on tight twisties but open twisties you'd be surprised
3) don't stop like a car (under 'normal' conditions anyway) - In the dry their stopping distances can be better....big brakes....no weight
4) looks like they are expensive to insure - :(
5) no protection - Brollys are in-effective
6) people pull out on you (all the time- well, used to happen to me anyway) - Yep....even when wearing lime green leathers on a lime green bike with dipped lights in daylight :rolleyes:
7) you get a little 'neglected' and bullied by other road users (unless you've got balls of steal) - Two different types of car drivers out there.....those that move out of your way instantly.....those that have to be undertaken :rolleyes:
Extras
1) The boots a bit small
2) No spare tyre
3) No place to put LED washer jets :cool:
Originally posted by Johnny
The VFR is an awsome bike ...... I want one ........... Was at a track day at Pembry last summer, The vfr400's were easily keeping up with the R1s, purley because they were easier to throw around the corners ...... onthe straights they were pissed over, but Pembry is a twisty circuit, so the VFR held its own easily.
That and they are a 3rd of the price of an R1 to buy and insure ... its gonna be my second bike, purely for trackdays :D :D :D
The vfr400 is a good bike indeed.
I own a vfr750.
The previous owner of my bike now owns a rvf400 and they have much better handling then the vfr's.
His mate owns a rvf750 and they are both crazy they participate in illigal street races very often and the guy with the rvf750 has allready been in the hospital twice:eek: :eek:
Its pretty funny seeing r1's getting beaten by a 400cc bike:D
Originally posted by Luke
How do I go about getting a motorcycle licence now? I had a '50' (90cc bore) when I was 16, and a 250 crosser (which was nicked :mad: ). Now I like the look of a nice R1 of Fireblade for the summer (I know I'm going to die :rolleyes: )
Anyway, what do I need now? do I need to do another CBT, and what bike can I get and put on 'L's for my test?
I'm 22 by the way, if that makes any difference.
Cheers
Luke
i've got a blade and the insurance is sky high alarms etc but first time rider u would be lucky to get under 1500. despite the blade being a near perfect bike, take a look at a gixer 1000- true performance. a gixer would chew up and spit out any r1. ps i am the only man i know who can average 140 mph to work. go to halfords and buy the ghost rider dvd it will tempt u to a gixer.
Originally posted by braz
i've got a blade and the insurance is sky high alarms etc but first time rider u would be lucky to get under 1500. despite the blade being a near perfect bike, take a look at a gixer 1000- true performance. a gixer would chew up and spit out any r1. ps i am the only man i know who can average 140 mph to work. go to halfords and buy the ghost rider dvd it will tempt u to a gixer.
1) There is no such thing as the perfect bike, they are all good at something, depends on what you want it to do for you.
They said the original Blade was perfect when the handling was skittish, comfort was non existant and you can't carry fook all.
2) You would have to be a biking God to tell the difference between an R1, GSXR, Fireblade etc (If you pick one of these just because you like the colour then that would be as good a reason to choose one as any)
3) If you can average 140 to work then you are very dead very soon:eek: :eek: :eek:
4) GSXRs are always ridden by nutters :D:D:D:D
5) If your a new rider then I would be surprised if you will get a quote at all for any of the above.
I rode my gpz600r for 2 years before i bought my 929rr and the blade is much easier to ride, turn.... But it“s better to learn on one of those smaller(slower) bikes!
if you choose a newer 600cc bike you have almost the same 0-60mph times! I“ts after 60 and 120mph you really feel the differnce in cc.
Whatever you chose? its funfunfun
bond_200
07-02-2003, 15:06
Alot of bikers that ride vfr400s have actually gone back to them after having bigger bikes as they are far more fun and can be thrown into corners. But most seem to keep them as trackday tools and use R1s,GSXRs, blades etc on the road. On most tracks, ZXR400s are the fastest 400 to buy but they are more unreliable than VFRs and are still not as good as vfrs on the twisties. U should try a zxr or vfr - u might like it ;)
As I say, looks like I will have to have a chat to my dad about being included on his motor trader policy... looks like it will cost around £500 extra on that (to drive anything :D )
... better watch this space then :D whahahahaha
mmmmmwhahahahaa
Thanks for the comments guys, the force is now strong with me :rolleyes:
Luke
(turning to the Darkside)
Tim\s13Auto
07-02-2003, 21:40
Please if your gonna get a bike licence go for something sensible first , 3 years ago me and and my mate who id known since school decided to take our tests i got a nc30 (vfr400) and he got a zx6r 2 cut a long story short within 3 months he ran wide on a corner lost it and went head first into a lampost broke his neck and killed him :( and yes he was going to fast, now this dos'ent apply to everyone and maybe he was unlucky but taking a bike test dont teach u how to ride, experiance does and having a bike thats abit forgiving teaches u a lot in the real world.
Sorry to hear that :( I have had acouple of friends that crashed but got away with broken arms/legs and some bruising.
You dont know where the limit is before you have crossed it!
Thats one reason why i sold my bike, I was really thinking that if i had it one more year i most certainly would have crashed...
Have had a few close encounters!
Originally posted by Steken
Sorry to hear that :( I have had acouple of friends that crashed but got away with broken arms/legs and some bruising.
You dont know where the limit is before you have crossed it!
Thats one reason why i sold my bike, I was really thinking that if i had it one more year i most certainly would have crashed...
Have had a few close encounters!
every now and again i think every body gets that feeling, i have been hit 3 times but its not until u see a mate nearly killed that it all hits home. my main reason for riding is that i am addicted to speed and the bike is the only way until i can trade my sx for an r34.
message to graheme b watch ghost rider on dvd, course u can tell the differance between the 1000 club has your R1 sat in the living room all this time like the rest of them. never been beaten off the lights by one yet- its the heavy clutch no good for take off.
Originally posted by braz
the bike is the only way until i can trade my sx for an r34.
It wont make a difference mate.
Even as a passenger in an R34, you dont get that same feeling of speed as you do on a bike.
You'll get the R34 ... a month later and you'll be oggling at that 916 Duke in the shop window :rolleyes:
Craig David
12-02-2003, 14:35
Blade in HU insurance group 17 (the highest!)
R1 is 16 which will still bne thousands for a 22 year old whose just passed their test.
Try a Hornet 600 or Fazer 600. Or CBR600 if you want to go quick. They're good for the best part of 160 and are less likly to sling you in a ditch.
If you have excellent natural ballance you might be OK on a Blade / R1 but you'll learn more about riding on a 600.
TC
Bit late on this thread but:
As for the Theory test, you are all right, If you took your car licence when the Theory Test was around, you don't need to take it again. If you thought you'd got away with that tedious formality all those years ago, you'll have to do it this time.
Luke,
If you can get free insurance, get a CBR600 or any forgiving 600.
If you can't, get a 400. I bought Chimps, and it was fantastic! Plenty quick enough for all but the high speed stuff.
These guys are right with the experience thing without the out and out power. Boring but so true.
....Plus the insurance companies laughed at me when I asked about a Fireblade with 1 yr no claims.
bond_200
12-02-2003, 16:48
Originally posted by Will
Bit late on this thread but:
As for the Theory test, you are all right, If you took your car licence when the Theory Test was around, you don't need to take it again.
You do. There is a motorcycle theory test now. I had to do mine in November 2002 and I did one for my car license in 1998. Its not as if its hard anyway - just costs 15 squid.
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