Motorbike licence

[B&B Pig Man]

I have a yearning to get a motorbike.
I'm thinking of a big comfortable cruising bike - Honda Goldwing etc type.

Anyway - I've never been on a bike before, done a quick bit of research and looks like I need to do a theory test, a CBT and then an unlimited A test.

How difficult is for a total novice to go straight to the unlimited category like this?

 

[silverfox]

Mid life crisis Jon?

 

[Lincs Lass]

Mid life crisis time

 

[Bob c]

35 o feck i am past it then

 

[B&B Pig Man]

Mid life crisis Jon?

Mid life crisis time

Must be.

Just fancy it though.

 

[Bob c]

why not,.......good for you
cruse around the uk seeing the countryside delivering calendars

 

[Lincs Lass]

weekend cruiser

 

[Dan7626]

@Ducati899 @Lofty1984

 

[Dr. Alkathene]

You have driven on the road for years I assume? CBT will be easy, theory test shouldn't be a problem you can do mock ones online. Big bike test will be more challenging.

I would either buy a 125 like a Yamaha YBR or similar for under a grand and ride it post CBT to get used to gears, handling, stopping, lifesavers etc then put in for big bike test after having a day with instructor on bigger bike beforehand / few lessons on bigger bike say 1 a week for a month before test. Sell the 125 once you have passed your big bike test.

Or book a week off and do a weeks intensive training post CBT and at the end of the week do your test. Assuming you have never ridden a motorbike before.

Good luck

 

[Ducati899]

I have a yearning to get a motorbike.
I'm thinking of a big comfortable cruising bike - Honda Goldwing etc type.

Anyway - I've never been on a bike before, done a quick bit of research and looks like I need to do a theory test, a CBT and then an unlimited A test.

How difficult is for a total novice to go straight to the unlimited category like this?

piece of pi55,up until nearly 4 years ago id never ridden any 2 wheeled bike in my life then hit 30 and had a early mid life crisis,you'll have to do theory then CBT then what they call a Mod1 test which basically is a advanced CBT then Mod2 test which is the road part,done my test on a 600

 

[Bob c]

this is going to be no help at all
if i had a 100k under the bed

 

[JP1]

I have a yearning to get a motorbike.
I'm thinking of a big comfortable cruising bike - Honda Goldwing etc type.

Anyway - I've never been on a bike before, done a quick bit of research and looks like I need to do a theory test, a CBT and then an unlimited A test.

How difficult is for a total novice to go straight to the unlimited category like this?

As an ex fire fighter (and ex biker) I'd like to convince you to not do it. It's not you so much as how vulnerable you are and especially as you have a young family.

It's not difficult but I would counsel you get a 125 bike for a while first.

IF you want to what I would really recommend is a series of post test pass courses with an advanced rider ideally ex Class 1 police. That's what I did and he really got my observational and defensive riding skills to another level.

Stay safe

 

[2wheels]

i think as ducatti says you have to do your test on a big bike for the big bike licence. best to check as i passed my test in 1967.

 

[Cowcalf]

might as well get a car and wind down the windows as a Gold Wing style of bike, what you need is more of a cafe shop racer, get the adrenaline flowing

 

[Dr. Alkathene]

The standard advice is to get a 98 R1....

 

[Ducati899]

on the subject of bikes,took a bike out a few weeks ago for test ride..bearing in mind i already own the same brand i was a little annoyed that i was only given a hour ride and someone had to come with me on another bike,plus the fact they even asked what bike i was currently riding,my reply of "i'll let you work that out as you sold it to me" was lost on the guy…today went to another brand dealership and they are letting me have their flagship bike for a whole day to do what i want with…my minds already made up

 

[How much]

Get a Bike fair enough there are some beauties new and old if i could ride a bike that I cant I would probably buy a honda CBX 1000 from around 1980 6 cylinder across the frame in my eyes a thing of beauty.

I dont get the harley or chopper thing at all , they look better but still stupid in california sunshine why grown men would buy a harley then attach leather saddle bags as if its horse and tassels to the handlebars let alone wear chaps when riding them is well beyond my logic , but everyone to there own .

 

[solo]

I did my direct access test about 9 years ago and really enjoyed the experience. Bought a 125 after CBT and ran it for about 6 months to get familiar with riding on the road. After the direct acces bought a st1100 Pan European which I still have. Don't ride so often now but it makes a refreshing change from driving in a bubble. You will enjoy doing the course especially if you get on with instructor. Don't underestimate how heavy a Gold Wing is. If it falls over you're going to need a mate to help pick it up again.

 

[JP1]

I did my direct access test about 9 years ago and really enjoyed the experience. Bought a 125 after CBT and ran it for about 6 months to get familiar with riding on the road. After the direct acces bought a st1100 Pan European which I still have. Don't ride so often now but it makes a refreshing change from driving in a bubble. You will enjoy doing the course especially if you get on with instructor. Don't underestimate how heavy a Gold Wing is. If it falls over you're going to need a mate to help pick it up again.

I liked my VFR750 and I was about to suggest a Pan European rather than a Gold Wing

Nobody needs a stereo (or a microwave or whatever) on a bike either

 

[ARW]

Get a 125 for the cbt, ride that around until you get the confidence and used to it then do the big bike test.
As said, when on your bike you drive for everybody else around you, so you want to be comfortable and confident
I think @smcapstick was going to do his