hate_camel

I thought I was the only person who did this, I feel much better about myself now haha

...just kick it harder

Hi I've done my module 1 with my SR125 and there was no mention that it wasn't capable of getting me my A2 license. Maybe I should double check my certificate when I get home... I think your examiner should have done his research, I've not heard of anyone being told this before and he must have been in a bad mood to pull you up on it. An A1 license is pretty crap, it limits you to a 125 forever I think. The bike is quite slow but it should be capable. Anyway, you passed the test and reached the speeds needed for that so surely the bike is suitable?! Makes me wonder why anyone actually goes through the maze that the dsa have created for getting your full license, its so confusing!

unfortunately I think the DVLA advice is correct. After passing your theory you have 2 years to do both elements of the practical test, otherwise you have to start again and re-take the theory and module 1 (when does her CBT expire?). It is a bit stupid, but don't get me started on the new test...Its a crap situation to be in for your friend as I know how relieved I was to pass my module 1, hope it doesn't put her off going for it again though!

maybe thats a stupid topic to start on a bike forum, but I hate driving cars! No just getting stuck in traffic, but the actual process of driving those big metal boxes around town feels like trying to manoeuvre a very big thing down a very small passage (insert smutty remark here lol). In contrast when I'm on my bike I feel safe, i have a great field of vision, I'm able to anticipate other road users, can nip through the gaps that cars get stuck in and i love every single mile. When I jump back in the car I'm nervous and to be honest feel completely useless behind the wheel! Its probably a case of inexperience, I passed my test years ago but haven't driven regularly since, but then again, I loved the bike from day one. Anyone else the same? In fact it would be interesting to know how many people use their bike as their only form of transport...

Really? I thought that you would just get a category A license when you pass, I didn't know there would be any need to send off for a new photocard etc. You have to do your theory first, then module 1 then module 2. Until you've done all that you're still a learner rider, so nothing changes until you've completed module 2, then you can tear up your L plates! Theory test certificate lasts 2 years I think, then module 1 lasts 2 years or until your theory expires.

also, in the module 1 off road part, they are looking for 50kph through the speed trap on the 2 high speed manouvers, the emergency stop and hazard avoidance.

The sequence is as follows Theory test and hazard perception Module 1 - The off road manouvers test, riding around cones Module 2 - Minimum 30mins on road ride with examiner following you If you do your test on your 125 you will be restricted to riding a bike under 33bhp for 2 years. The restriction is lifted automatically at which point you can ride anything you like. Trying to keep it simple but if you want any more info just ask, i'm currently awaiting my module 2 test in September.

in that case I would just ring up some local schools and have a chat, find out what they reckon the minimum amount of time to practice on their bike is. I wouldn't imagine it would take you long to get used to their 125, but for the module 1 test it would be handy for you to have a chance to practice the course. I struggled to get up to speed on my test but if I'd had a few practice goes I think it would have been easier. As a guess I'd say half a day tuition for module 1 and another half day for module 2, just because you can practice as much as you want on your own bike in between and you really just want someone to point out any bad habits you might have picked up. Although saying that, I won't be doing any lessons before my module 2 simply because I can't afford to lol.

Hi Steve, as you're under 21 you'll have to take your test on a 125 and get a restricted license for 2 years. Are you hoping to get a bigger bike and restrict it after your test or just get a 125? Both times I went to the test centre for my module 1 test I was the only person who wasn't with a training school, so it seems like most people do direct access these days, or at least have a couple of lessons and borrow the schools bike for the test. I suppose you can either do that or maybe buy yourself a 125 which you could legally ride on your CBT, practice by yourself and then do the test. It all depends what makes the most sense financially to you, and what bike you eventually want to have. I haven't had any lessons, I just remembered everything I was told on my CBT, passed module 1 second time and have got my module 2 in September. The theory test is pretty easy, you can buy books and things to practice the questions, or do what I did and peruse the bittorent searches for a copy of the DVD Oh and I just remembered that a woman I spoke to at the DSA said motorcycle test prices are going up in October, might be worth remembering!

Saw a bloke in Paris doing this, thought it was brilliant, although if the dog had goggles on and some sort of scarf/bandana it would have completed the look haha

glad to hear you're okay matey, did anyone give you a hand with the bike aftwerwards? At least you can enjoy pimping your ride now

Excellent diagnosis you were spot on, ordering a new bulb now, thanks for your help guys!

cheers guys, I'll have a look tomorrow and see what I can find.

cheers mate, its definitely a good feeling, been saving a few ales for just such an occasion...

Hi, I've noticed on my SR125 that there is a problem with my headlight. Sidelight setting is fine, then I move the switch to dipped headlight and it doesn't get any brighter, but full beam works fine. Any ideas? A friend suggested charging my battery, which is fine I'll just have to buy a charger first. Is it likely to be anything other than a battery in need of a charge? I've had no other signs of flat battery, its starts easily and runs fine. Many thanks, Chris.

screw pulitzer prize winning, I'd get my face in the shot, what a facebook profile picture that would be!

passed! no minors! 50kph for swerve and 54kph for emergency stop. Had to have a second go to get the speed on the swerve and cut it about as fine as you possibly can but did it and thats the main thing, I'm so pleased to get it out of the way! Gonna book module 2 tomorrow as their website is down for the moment. Thanks for all the messages guys. If there is anyone thinking of taking the test then just go for it, it really is pretty simple, my only trouble was getting up to speed but the bike did me proud today. The maneuvers themselves are easy and if you can't do them you shouldn't be on the road frankly. I'm so glad to be one step closer to losing my L plates!

too right! Akito jacket - £40 Akito pants - £10 (reduced from £60 Busters) HJC helmet - £30 (reduced from £120 Busters) Targa gloves - chucked in with bike when bought from pro bike newbury Cat workboots - £30 (winfields, haslingden) I had a look in Aldi last time they had stuff in but thought it was a bit pricey lol

Hi Derek I don't reckon speed will be as much of a problem for you. I did it on an SR125 which is great for all the slow speed stuff but doesn't have much poke really. I've never ridden a sports style bike but I would imagine that as long as you are confident with you U turns and figure of 8 stuff that you will be fine. Chris

just booked another test for Thursday, unbelievably that is the only spot they have before 8th September, what a joke! I will have to spend the weekend getting used to the sound of my poor bike screaming out in pain as I rev the arse off it. I had a new idea to get me up to speed though, aim for the examiner, that's all the motivation I need to give it full throttle!

They have a speed trap which you ride through (just before the swerve) and the examiner has a hand held digital read-out of the speed. I did get a second attempt at each of those high speed manouvers, so my first attempts were even slower. I found the corner was sharper than I expected and quite difficult to build up the momentum I needed to reach the speed. To be honest I don't even remember doing the swerve, I was so busy concentrating on my speedo. I think I would have done it on a third attempt, but you don't get one of those! Like you say, I know what to expect next time so it wasn't a complete waste of time.

Yeah that's what I thought but the test has been brought in line with the rest of the EU so its all in foreign, its enough to make me vote BNP! (just kidding)

Yeah I'm doing A2, I thought that passing on my current bike would be a cheap way of doing it and I'm happy to have a restricted license for 2 years, it will keep me safe I reckon. Don't want to pay for Direct Access if I can help it, the whole point of getting a 125 was to learn about biking, have fun and get through my test but they seem to have made it more difficult to do that by yourself. Thanks anyway guys

Oh well, I failed because I was 4KPH too slow for the hazard avoidance, and 1KPH too slow on the emergency stop. Apart from that I only had one minor for observations. Its such a frustrating way to fail a test, all because I struggled to get my 125 up to speed in time. I'll give it another go, I reckon my bike can do it, but its such a small space that you really have to wind it up and on a damp patch of tarmac I wasn't getting the best out of it. It would be easy on a 500 but I don't want to have to pay for DAS. I can see the benefit of the new off road part of the test, and the slow speed maneuvers are definitely beneficial, but the euro speed targets have pissed me right off. There was another bloke on a 125 before me and he failed for the same reason, and when I was chatting to some instructors, I told them I failed afterward and they all went, 'speed?' so its obviously a common problem. So I'm off to find a bend similar to the one on the test and will try and get round it as fast as I can, preferably with some kids or elderly people on the other side so I can practice my swerve too!