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Firstly, apologies that this is slightly off topic. But I know someone on here will know.
I'm planning to finally go legal on two wheels next year and buy a vintage bike (BSA Bantam D1) after quitting riding about 8 years ago... I never had a license, tax, MOT, insurance etc etc LOL. Except its pretty confusing what I can or can't ride.
Now I wasn't planning on anything over 125cc for a while anyway but would like to move up to a 'proper' vintage bike eventually and build a knarly rat bobber. What's the best way to go about it? And have they changed that 'direct access' thing yet that you can go straight to a big bike?
Again, sorry its not cars but it will get me on a retro two-wheeler
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Your car is not 'epic', this thread is not 'epic'....the OCEAN is epic, the UNIVERSE is epic.... please stop misusing this word!! It would appear Hotrods are the new VWs - aint fashion funny! '69 BUICK LESABRE 350
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ahh I'm in the same boat stopped riding but now i want to go back but its just soo confusing, id be happy on a restricted licence for a few years too if its a cheaper way in.
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'90 Audi B3 Coupe 2.3 Auto [gone] '92 Audi S4 Avant 2.2 AAN Turbo Auto [gone] '93 Audi 80 Avant 1.9TDi [gone] '96 Audi A4 Avant 2.6 Quattro [gone] '97 VW T4 1.9td LWB [gone] '03 Skoda Octavia 1.9TDi [gone] '05 VW T5 Shuttle LWB 1.9TDi '15 VW Caddy Maxi Kombi 1.6TDi
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stinkwheel
Posted a lot
Doctor Of Gonzo Journalism - One of gods own proptypes, never even considered for mass production.
Posts: 2,280
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Right, quick version.................
You both over 21 right?
If so pass test on 125cc of 14.6bhp or whatever it is, ride that for 2 yrs i think and auto qualify for a big bike licence. Thats right, 2 yrs probabtion then go ride what you want.
OR Direct access............ if over 21 pass bike test on something of 35kw (33bhp) or more and you can ride anyhting.
it is simple really, it just sounds complex. Although it IS discriminatory against bike riders. Can you imagine the kerfuffel if car drivers couldnt drive more than a 1 litre for 2 yrs at 17? people would go mental.
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1973 Citroen Dyane 6 1980 Citroen Acadiane 1992 Citroen AX 1990 Citroen BX 1997 Citroen XM 1993 Citroen BX 1997 Citroen Xantia 1977 Citroen Ami 8 1996 Ford Escort 1989 Citroen BX 1997 Suzuki RF900 1988 Yamaha TDR250 1979 Honda CB400. 'I need less vehicles'
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Mr S
Posted a lot
10-4 Good buddy.
Posts: 2,654
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There's lots of confusion.. Basically to do any of the tests you need your CBT, then if you intend to ride a big bike eventually, Direct Access (DAS) is the easiest way to go. I'm pretty sure you can do a 'restricted' test and be limited for a couple of years to a smaller bike, but there's not that much difference in cost.
The test is in 3 parts now too - the Theory test (which everyone has to do), then 'part 1' which is off the legal highway and involves a bunch of maneouvres round cones and the like (similar to the CBT but more dangerous...), and 'part 2' which is the traditional on-road test.
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Suzuki GSXR1000 K2 BMW R1150GS BMW K1200RS Chevy K5 Blazer Chevy Suburban LT Jaguar XKR
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www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069867First of all you need a CBT test - an afternoon in a carpark with some cones - then you can ride a bike up to 125cc on the road for ISTR 3 years and you have 2 choices to continue. (a) Do the test on a 125, then only be able to ride a restricted bike (ISTR 33bhp) for a while (ISTR 2 years). The advantage with this route is you can ride the 125 on the road while you're learning. (b)Do the direct access test on a "big" bike. Then you can ride anything. The disadvantage is you can only ride the big bike as a learner while under supervision. If you're under 21 ISTR you're restricted to 33bhp until your 21st birthday whatever test you do. I did mine back when you could pass on a 125 and ride anything. If it were me I'd ride a 125 on an L plate for a while, maybe with a bit of tuition, before doing a direct access and riding a relatively unexciting bike as my first "big" bike. It's crazy that you can in theory ride off on a 200mph missile with all the roadcraft of 5 days wobbling round on a GS500 in front of an instructor, yet people do it. Still, if all you want is a Bantam then either route will serve you well.
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"Jeremy Clarkson, a man we motor enthusiasts need on our side like Lewis Hamilton's F1 car needs a towing ball and a Sprite Musketeer" My motor
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Mr S
Posted a lot
10-4 Good buddy.
Posts: 2,654
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www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069867First of all you need a CBT test - an afternoon in a carpark with some cones - then you can ride a bike up to 125cc on the road for ISTR 3 years and you have 2 choices to continue. (a) Do the test on a 125, then only be able to ride a restricted bike (ISTR 33bhp) for a while (ISTR 2 years). The advantage with this route is you can ride the 125 on the road while you're learning. (b)Do the direct access test on a "big" bike. Then you can ride anything. The disadvantage is you can only ride the big bike as a learner while under supervision. If you're under 21 ISTR you're restricted to 33bhp until your 21st birthday whatever test you do. I did mine back when you could pass on a 125 and ride anything. If it were me I'd ride a 125 on an L plate for a while, maybe with a bit of tuition, before doing a direct access and riding a relatively unexciting bike as my first "big" bike. It's crazy that you can in theory ride off on a 200mph missile with all the roadcraft of 5 days wobbling round on a GS500 in front of an instructor, yet people do it. Still, if all you want is a Bantam then either route will serve you well. Almost CBT should take the best part of a day as there is a minimum of 2 hours 'on the road' time required If you're under 21 and pass the full test, you're limited for 2 years from the date of passing the test, not until your 21st birthday Think we've covered it all there between us!
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Suzuki GSXR1000 K2 BMW R1150GS BMW K1200RS Chevy K5 Blazer Chevy Suburban LT Jaguar XKR
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I should add - a 33bhp bike need not be unexciting. Look at some of the small supermotos, some of the most awesome fun on two wheels, just not superbike top speeds.
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"Jeremy Clarkson, a man we motor enthusiasts need on our side like Lewis Hamilton's F1 car needs a towing ball and a Sprite Musketeer" My motor
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Almost CBT should take the best part of a day as there is a minimum of 2 hours 'on the road' time required If you're under 21 and pass the full test, you're limited for 2 years from the date of passing the test, not until your 21st birthday Think we've covered it all there between us! Well, it was a while back I did mine
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"Jeremy Clarkson, a man we motor enthusiasts need on our side like Lewis Hamilton's F1 car needs a towing ball and a Sprite Musketeer" My motor
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richy
Posted a lot
Flatheads forever....
Posts: 1,764
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I'm doing it too - and according to the latest MCN if you're self-employed (which I am) and pay tax at the 40 percent rate (which I do) you can claim back 40 percent of the purchase price of a bike - new OR used!
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it is simple really, it just sounds complex. Although it IS discriminatory against bike riders. Can you imagine the kerfuffel if car drivers couldnt drive more than a 1 litre for 2 yrs at 17? people would go mental. That would be brilliant.
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it is simple really, it just sounds complex. Although it IS discriminatory against bike riders. Can you imagine the kerfuffel if car drivers couldnt drive more than a 1 litre for 2 yrs at 17? people would go mental. That would be brilliant. Absolutely! Safer 17 year olds, cheaper insurance for everyone, win-win in my book! I don't think it would have worried me much either when I was that age, beyond the slight annoyance of being denied a 1147cc Herald the car I had when I was 25 - a 903cc Panda - would have been an awesome first car.
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"Jeremy Clarkson, a man we motor enthusiasts need on our side like Lewis Hamilton's F1 car needs a towing ball and a Sprite Musketeer" My motor
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will
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,023
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Think all is covered above but I'll add a bit more maybe useful info. Direct access/ride anything test is expensive but I believe not allot more than restricted and is nice to know that if you wanted you can ride anything. It has been mentioned that it is worth getting some miles in on a 125 which is very true - experience is the best training. Personally I rode for years on L plates re-taking my CBT which I,m sure used to last for 3 years now only 2. I did this 'cos I never had the extortionate amount of money needed for the full test and CBT's were £70 then now more like £120. Once you have confidence you can wangle a deal for the full test, giving it the 'yes I have lots of experience, been riding big bikes on the race track for years' kinda line. This worked for me managed to get 2 days and a test for a nicely reduced sum. Last time I inquired the full test cost £50, so if you are very confident and can get insured for the duration of the test you can afford to fail this 5 or 6 times and still be quids in.
Also 33bhp ain't to bad, matey could wheelie for miles on his 650 single and his replacement gsxr weren't to sad either - restriction didn't stay in for long though ;D badboy
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one of our club bought a 600 in 1998 and had it restricted to 33hp
he was 51 ;D
it still did 100 and 0-60 in 6 secs rather than 140 and sub 4 secs and he kept up on rides no problem so its not a prob there
unsure whether you have to do this 'swerve test' (open can of worms here)
easiest way over 21 is pass on a 500 then away you go - bantam will only do 65 tops but id do the 125 thing as being restricted (and cheaper to buy) and riding a bantam wont be a prob as it wont need messing with - gets you practice
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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I should mention that I've ridden a lot of bikes, for about 6 years, so have no worries about proficiency!
Been reading up and the 33kW thing equates to 44HP... Which, from my research, most 50's bikes are at at about 500cc!!
Can I take a proper test on a 125cc? The 2 year wait won't be an issue
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Your car is not 'epic', this thread is not 'epic'....the OCEAN is epic, the UNIVERSE is epic.... please stop misusing this word!! It would appear Hotrods are the new VWs - aint fashion funny! '69 BUICK LESABRE 350
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haha looks like alot of us are in the same boat then... ive got my CBT this month finally (same sorta thing as johny ... ) ive got loads of expierience riding but never been legit.
Id like to ride a lil cg125 or somthing around while i work on my C200 i still have in the shed and then get my full test done... I'm not worried about the full big bike thing anyway as id be happy on my c200... its gonna be a 125 with a 5 speed clutched box anyway so should go quite well for a 60's comuter bike
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J1MMY
Part of things
Posts: 953
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OK from experience and through the eyes of two close buddies who did their tests a month ago - Book and pass your theory Book an intensive direct access course (if you think you have sufficient skill and experience) Say for example you book in for a Friday - CBT on Friday (A good Training centre will keep an eye on your progress and advise on how much training you may need) Instruction sat and sun Test part one mon am Test part two mon pm Full licence, no restrictions (subject to age). NOT cheap (prices vary from training centre to training centre), but well worth it - cars are a secondary love of mine, 'bikes are about the best fun you can have fully clothed. ;D I'll admit that I did mine some years ago so only did the single part test and hence can't comment on the two part system.
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Your opinion is invalid, I've seen your wife.
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Cheers guys Ive just found a good site and it seems I might as well just take the 'Standard Test' which allows 44hp bikes to begin with (plenty) then more after 2 years. So I'm gonna start looking for 40's/50's hardtails around the 400-600cc range
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Your car is not 'epic', this thread is not 'epic'....the OCEAN is epic, the UNIVERSE is epic.... please stop misusing this word!! It would appear Hotrods are the new VWs - aint fashion funny! '69 BUICK LESABRE 350
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I have my module 2 on thursday, did my module 1 last thursday.
Ignore what people say about the module 1 being dangerous, if they have not done it them selves then it is just heresay. I did it last week in the pouring rain, minimum speed through the traps is 50kph and I went 60kph no problems for both the emergency avoidance and emergency stop.
You will need to do your CBT first, then your theory with hazard perception, then module 1 and module 2.
Direct access is still available but you have to be over 21, both mod 1 and mod 2 must be completed on a bike over 33bhp.
The one thing I would recommend is getting an hour on the pad prior to doing your module 1, give you plenty of time to get used to the manouvers required.
Kind regards,
J
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Last Edit: Nov 9, 2009 17:50:55 GMT by Blown_Imp
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For the standard test (not direct access)...what size bike will I have to take it on?
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Your car is not 'epic', this thread is not 'epic'....the OCEAN is epic, the UNIVERSE is epic.... please stop misusing this word!! It would appear Hotrods are the new VWs - aint fashion funny! '69 BUICK LESABRE 350
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Not too sure, I can ask my instructor on thursday, but I;m sure someone on here will know before then
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