Motorcycle DAS

zkellerman

I'm looking at taking the DAS to get my full motorbike license but have no experience at all with a motorbike. The closest I think I've ever gotten to riding one was on one of those coin operated rocker fairground rides as a child.

I'd just like some opinions on how intensive / tough / easy the DAS is and the tests and peoples experiences with it - I'm going with the motorbike route as I'm starting University in September and travel is unfortunately an essential for getting to placements (I'm 22).

I'm a bit nervous thinking about the tests as if I fail them I can't easily afford to retake them, which leads me to my next question - if I did fail the tests what do I do then? I'm assuming I'd go for a few 'refresher' lessons before retaking them or would I need to retake module 1 and 2 training?

I'm booking my CBT today and taking my theory on the 15th August.

(Looking at getting a Burgman 400cc after I pass).

Some general tips and advice would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

somethingcorporate

Call a couple of schools, some may do a guaranteed pass whereby you can get another lesson or two and a second test if you fail the first. It maybe a worthwhile investment. Can you drive a car? Having general (and defensive) roadcraft goes a long way when riding a bike.

zkellerman

Unfortunately I don't drive. I was looking into just getting my drivers license but funds didn't allow. I'll be aiming for my drivers license this time next year. The only place which offers a guaranteed pass charges £1.2k and is 25 miles out. I have to keep it quite local as transport isn't easily available to me, which is a shame as there's one school 9 miles out which seems incredibly professional and friendly (public transport won't take me there either and taxis back and forth will be a bit too expensive).

pacific4130

Easiest way - book your CBT and see how you get on. You may hate it - it's not for everyone. You mention commuting on a bike - just remember that riding in August is nothing like being on a bike mid-winter! I use my bike year round but many of my friends don't (or just ride motocross etc in winter).

Once you have the CBT passed, it could be worth getting a couple of hours in with the instructors. That way you don't have to commit to a full DAS but you can have a taster of what it's like. They'd probably even credit you for those hours off your DAS if you continue.

Where are you commute to/from? If it's just around a city/town then consider doing your CBT and riding a 125 for a while. Very cheap and cheerful way of getting around.

zkellerman

Commuting around the city and also traveling to and from University placements which sometimes will be out of county.

Arfa__

I'm currently going through same motions as yourself, working towards a DAS after coming to motorbikes completely afresh. Did my Theory and CBT last week.

Good you've got theory booked, get it out the way with. Pretty easy, but do revise a bit.

CBT was good, first chance on motorbike. You can go for either an auto (twist'n'go scooter) or manual (traditional Honda 125). The latter is a bit tougher, but gives you better grounding and puts you in good stead for future bikes.

If you want to keep it super easy, you could just stop at CBT and get a 125 scooter. Problem with this approach, is most 125's cost about as much as a basic 500cc bike. The smaller bikes will be slower, and if you can't keep up with traffic (out of town/big roads) people will just try and squeeze past, which won't be fun...

How old are you BTW, you mention your at Uni? Are you away the age limit for DAS is rising from 21 to 24 in January 2013? Also at same time the A2 stepped license will no longer automatically switch to full license after 2 years. You may need to get a move on!

Either way, do your CBT and see how you go. I found it fine. Bit tricky getting used to gears/clutch at first, keep momentum smooth on low speed manoeuvres. But getting there and did pass. I do feel I need a good deal more practice though, which I hope my DAS will sort.

Actually my local school, suggested rather than doing a 4-5 day DAS, that I should book 2 hrs of 1-to-1 tuition (a conversion course they call it), then do 3 days DAS. Reckoned that'd probably be enough for me! They keep saying bigger bikes are much easy to ride than smaller ones - they use CBF500 with ABS brakes and are less twitchy to the 125's. Also any more days on a DAS would just be on a 125 within a group setting, so not as useful as their 1-to-1 tuition on a CBF500.

Trebor16

zkellerman wrote: »

I'm looking at taking the DAS to get my full motorbike license but have no experience at all with a motorbike. The closest I think I've ever gotten to riding one was on one of those coin operated rocker fairground rides as a child.

I'd just like some opinions on how intensive / tough / easy the DAS is and the tests and peoples experiences with it - I'm going with the motorbike route as I'm starting University in September and travel is unfortunately an essential for getting to placements (I'm 22).

I'm a bit nervous thinking about the tests as if I fail them I can't easily afford to retake them, which leads me to my next question - if I did fail the tests what do I do then? I'm assuming I'd go for a few 'refresher' lessons before retaking them or would I need to retake module 1 and 2 training?

I'm booking my CBT today and taking my theory on the 15th August.

(Looking at getting a Burgman 400cc after I pass).

Some general tips and advice would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

if you prepare properly for the tests you will give yourself the best possible chance of passing them, but the one variable that is impossible to account for is the individual nerves of the person taking the test. If you take the module 1 and fail it it may be necessary for another lesson to prepare you for a second go of the test, it depends on what caused you to fail.

But instead of thinking "what if" go out and do the training and try and enjoy the experience. Don't worry about failing the test unless it happens and if it does deal with it at the time.

The key is finding a good school who will teach you properly and they will guide you through any issues you may have.

As for doing direct access, if you are thinking of a Suzuki Burgman as your post test bike, the power output of that bike is 32bhp so you could take your test on a 125 and still buy the Burgman post test.

One final thing, I take it you are aware of the new licensing changes that come into effect on the 19th January 2013?

zkellerman

I'm 22 (almost 23). Aware of the changes, too. Was looking at the Suzuki Burgman as it seems like a safer / cheaper option - I don't want a powerful bike, just one that can keep up on the motorway and have enough storage & is comfortable to ride. Looking on Ebay for one with a long MOT on it and a decent description / pictures. Thanks for your responses everyone, I've booked in my CBT this Friday with my local Suzuki training school (Lincoln Bike Academy if anyone is interested). I think I'll be taking a 6 day DAS just to make sure I'm as ready as possible, as money is incredibly tight and I'm banking on being able to pass first attempt. How do the restricted licenses work? Is it any easier to obtain one? As mentioned, the Burgman is 32/33 BHP and would be acceptable with an A2 license, but would I still be able to ride on the motorway at 60, even 80 MPH on such a license?

Also, without plaguing everyone with questions, what are reasonable and affordable security options for my motorbike when I get it which will reduce insurance costs? (Looking at third party fire & theft).

Trebor16

The difference between A2 and A licences is the size of the bike you take your test on. You take the test on a 125 for A2 and a bike of 47bhp minimum for direct access. If you pass the A2 test the only restriction is the power of the bike for the first two years. You will be able to drive the bike at the maximum speed allowed by law and the only restriction on your speed will be speed limits, traffic conditions and weather conditions.

Trebor16

zkellerman wrote: »

Also, without plaguing everyone with questions, what are reasonable and affordable security options for my motorbike when I get it which will reduce insurance costs? (Looking at third party fire & theft).

A good chain which is sold secure or Thatcham approved is a good starting point. Consider a security marking such as Smartwater pr datatag. If you are able to chain the bike to something solid that will be handy.

It might be worthwhile trying some insurance quotes and see what difference it makes by quoting with and without alarms/immobilisors.