Full licence faster?

[The Pastor]

[quote=mynameis;1122574]

There's nothing worse than not being able to ride a less than 40 hp 250cc properly and jumping to a 100 plus hp 600cc machine. You won't enjoy it, so I have been told.

Depends if you're a woman then yes you are correct.


Me however LOVED EVERY MINNUTE OF MY 1000CC as my first real road bike.

Re the cource, I did one (court order) and they are actually pretty helpful with hazard identification. I didnt think i'd learn anything and didnt at the time but looking back its commen sence kinda stuff but as a kid you don't care know or think about that sort of stuff. You notice it when you teach people to drive.

[delusionz]

There's nothing worse than not being able to ride a less than 40 hp 250cc properly and jumping to a 100 plus hp 600cc machine. You won't enjoy it, so I have been told.

I don't think power is an issue at all, No one said you have to wring the throttle, and power you get used to. It's more the size & weight of the bike in comparison to the riders height, weight & body strength. If its maneuverable for the rider, it's a good match I think.

[janno]

It's more the size & weight of the bike in comparison to the riders height, weight & body strength. If its maneuverable for the rider, it's a good match I think.

Spot on there, sunshine.

Size and weight of the bike/rider ratio is the key for me, and I'm not physically strong.

Hated my SV650 because it was top heavy for my size and strength.

Loved my mate's much heavier VFR800 because the weight was down low and balanced.

Though of course, a forgiving throttle is a blessing when you are still building up the skills.

[slopster]

I don't think power is an issue at all, No one said you have to wring the throttle, and power you get used to. It's more the size & weight of the bike in comparison to the riders height, weight & body strength. If its maneuverable for the rider, it's a good match I think.

Problem is that a new 1000cc sportbike is physically as small and manouverable as a 250. Just as easy to ride too until you give it too much wrist

[mynameis]

Depends if you're a woman then yes you are correct.


Me however LOVED EVERY MINNUTE OF MY 1000CC as my first real road bike.

Re the cource, I did one (court order) and they are actually pretty helpful with hazard identification. I didnt think i'd learn anything and didnt at the time but looking back its commen sence kinda stuff but as a kid you don't care know or think about that sort of stuff. You notice it when you teach people to drive.

Well I know a few women who'd creme your ass any day, and if you read properly "Renegade" isn't a kid, from what he's mentioned he's over 25. It also depends on how much brains you have, some people need to be told about almost everything and others will learn very quickly.

So it all depends where you'd put yourself. And we're not talking about "other" courses, we're talking about what's taught in the two approved course, which is jack shit!

Problem is that a new 1000cc sportbike is physically as small and manouverable as a 250. Just as easy to ride too until you give it too much wrist

Spot on mate !

[Renegade]

id like to add that so far im not a huge fan of the high revving stuff, i rode a gsxrr250(i think that was what is was) with a 17,000 rpm and it just pissed me off, id prefer the low down grunty type i think, but not really a cruiser as i love corners!!

suggestions??

[Sanx]

If you can put up with the rather agricultural engines, then maybe a Buell? If not, for a first big bike, try an SV650, SV1000 or VTR1000.

[Brett]

Defensive Driving course...what a crock of crap. However, I will say that some of the kids that were there with us NEEDED to hear what was said as they were clueless (and still thought drink driving was cool - man I wanted to bash some little shits by the end of the classes).

Dont forget, that as bikers we learn things quicker than the average Joe - things like:

1 - Assess the road surface as you are moving along in order to pick up surface changes, camber of road, slick spots etc.

2 - MOST IMPORTANT - look ahead when riding / driving. Watching the vehicles arse in front is a recipe for disaster.

3 - Things happen quicker when you are moving fast (well duh)

4 - AND THE KING RULE OF ALL - CAGE DRIVERS ON THE WHOLE ARE USELESS AT LETTING OTHER ROAD USERS KNOW THEIR INTENTIONS, ARE INATTENTIVE AND LIKE HORSES WITH BLINDERS ON - THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING, OR SO THEY THINK.

Luckily for me, I had mr N4CR himself to keep me company...and it was rather amusing at times.

[Brett]

id like to add that so far im not a huge fan of the high revving stuff, i rode a gsxrr250(i think that was what is was) with a 17,000 rpm and it just pissed me off, id prefer the low down grunty type i think, but not really a cruiser as i love corners!!

suggestions??

17000rpm? My little ZXR was only getting moving aroun then...bring on 19,500rpm baby.

[Matt_TG]

This topic has died out a bit but nevermind, here goes anyway, I'll throw in my thoughts.

I recently sat a Defensive Driving Course, mainly to get down the restricted period to 3 months, but I felt after 22 years of driving I may learn something. You may as well be dead if you don't want to learn anything.

I sat in a room of 16 year olds for 8 hours then did the one hour practical part. It wasn't overly drawn out I thought.

I DID learn something about my driving style (which I reckon helps me know when I am likely to get pissed off with other drivers and do something stupid, so I recognise it and are aware of it) , and believe that I added to my skills in being more alert of what's around me when driving/riding.

It's NOT just all about learning to slow down. Most of the reasons not to do the course come from those who know it all and haven't done the course.

Ultimately they assist in teaching car drivers to be more aware of what's around them too (like bikes), which is a good thing.

In my opinion it should be compulsory that new drivers sit the course. My 16 year old will be as part of his licencing, as will my other kids.