27 replies to this topic

[scrog]

been looking into doing my bike test (bit late at 40+) but hey why not

now not bothered bout all in one (to dear)

but heared that theres a test that lets you ride a 25kw with a power to wieght of .19kw/1kg i think

now is that right or not

main reason bout this is i've been offered a dr400 (susi dirt bike) with 19kw (what the hp is cant be arsed to work out )

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

so any ideas out there

[matty4113]

been looking into doing my bike test (bit late at 40+) but hey why not

now not bothered bout all in one (to dear)

but heared that theres a test that lets you ride a 25kw with a power to wieght of .19kw/1kg i think

now is that right or not

main reason bout this is i've been offered a dr400 (susi dirt bike) with 19kw (what the hp is cant be arsed to work out )

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

so any ideas out there

Hi mate, you can do your direct access which allows you to ride any bike. You need to be at least 21 years old so your well in that category lol

Or you can do a restricted test which allows you to ride any bike AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IT RESTRICTED TO 33bhp. After 2 years the restriction is lifted and you can ride what you like.

Obviously the restricted course is a bit cheaper than direct access but you would still need to do a cbt first and a theory test. Apparently the tests were due to change but dont know if this is happening now.

I did my direct access in 2005 and believe me its the best thing you will ever do.

[scrog]

been looking into doing my bike test (bit late at 40+) but hey why not

now not bothered bout all in one (to dear)

but heared that theres a test that lets you ride a 25kw with a power to wieght of .19kw/1kg i think

now is that right or not

main reason bout this is i've been offered a dr400 (susi dirt bike) with 19kw (what the hp is cant be arsed to work out )

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

so any ideas out there

Hi mate, you can do your direct access which allows you to ride any bike. You need to be at least 21 years old so your well in that category lol

Or you can do a restricted test which allows you to ride any bike AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IT RESTRICTED TO 33bhp. After 2 years the restriction is lifted and you can ride what you like.

Obviously the restricted course is a bit cheaper than direct access but you would still need to do a cbt first and a theory test. Apparently the tests were due to change but dont know if this is happening now.

I did my direct access in 2005 and believe me its the best thing you will ever do.

do you still have to do the theory test even though i have had a full car for over 20 years

[matty4113]

been looking into doing my bike test (bit late at 40+) but hey why not

now not bothered bout all in one (to dear)

but heared that theres a test that lets you ride a 25kw with a power to wieght of .19kw/1kg i think

now is that right or not

main reason bout this is i've been offered a dr400 (susi dirt bike) with 19kw (what the hp is cant be arsed to work out )

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

so any ideas out there

Hi mate, you can do your direct access which allows you to ride any bike. You need to be at least 21 years old so your well in that category lol

Or you can do a restricted test which allows you to ride any bike AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IT RESTRICTED TO 33bhp. After 2 years the restriction is lifted and you can ride what you like.

Obviously the restricted course is a bit cheaper than direct access but you would still need to do a cbt first and a theory test. Apparently the tests were due to change but dont know if this is happening now.

I did my direct access in 2005 and believe me its the best thing you will ever do.

do you still have to do the theory test even though i have had a full car for over 20 years

not for cbt but if you want to do either the direct access or restricted test you have to do a theory yes.

[scrog]

been looking into doing my bike test (bit late at 40+) but hey why not

now not bothered bout all in one (to dear)

but heared that theres a test that lets you ride a 25kw with a power to wieght of .19kw/1kg i think

now is that right or not

main reason bout this is i've been offered a dr400 (susi dirt bike) with 19kw (what the hp is cant be arsed to work out )

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

so any ideas out there

Hi mate, you can do your direct access which allows you to ride any bike. You need to be at least 21 years old so your well in that category lol

Or you can do a restricted test which allows you to ride any bike AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IT RESTRICTED TO 33bhp. After 2 years the restriction is lifted and you can ride what you like.

Obviously the restricted course is a bit cheaper than direct access but you would still need to do a cbt first and a theory test. Apparently the tests were due to change but dont know if this is happening now.

I did my direct access in 2005 and believe me its the best thing you will ever do.

do you still have to do the theory test even though i have had a full car for over 20 years

not for cbt but if you want to do either the direct access or restricted test you have to do a theory yes.

i best get reading up on it then

[minivanman]

The new test has just come in. You have to do your CBT still, then to get a full licence you have to do the theory test and this new practical test. In a stroke of genius, we've bent over and took it up the botty again from brussels. The main problem is the "swerve test" - you have to do 31 mph (50kph) then swerve round an obstacle. Of course when it rains everybody falls off. But they still claim its safe.

[TJenkos]

I did my A2 in May 08. Many 400cc bikes are over 33bhp, so you'll have to watch out. An average VFR400 NC30 is 60bhp.

If you can afford to do your DA over the A2 then definately go for it. Once you have got used to the power, you slowly want to creep up in CC's!

[Kam]

i best get reading up on it then

25kw is 33hp incase your still wondering, and some insurance compaines might ask for a power graph to confirm this, when I worked in insurance (a few years ago) anyone with a A2 licence had to provide one, I insured one guy a new rider of 19 on a cbr900 restricted to 33hp, can't imagine this was any good for the bike?

Heres a link for a little guide> Click

Don't worry about the theory test, get yourself an interactive dvd from halfords which actually uses all the questions from the test, you need to go through it about 4 times but you'll cover every question - job done!

I personally say go for the full on cbt to direct access, can be done in a few days, I know cost is a factor but rather than be restricted as your circumstances might change after a year?

One of the best things I done

Good luck!

[THE STIG]

The main problem is the "swerve test" - you have to do 31 mph (50kph) then swerve round an obstacle. Of course when it rains everybody falls off. But they still claim its safe.

sweeve test should be carried out on a anti skid surface which maost testing places dont have

is a big thing at the minute testers are calling for it to be removed the people who govern it know its stupid but wont admint it

[Jammy]

I know I'm lazy by not looking it up myself, but what sort of costs are involved in the various tests?

[998dave]

Not sure that 400 would be suitable Scrog.

I had my 250LC when i wanted to take my test at 17, but it's 35.5hp was too much for a learner, so I found a school that would hire me the bike for the day, lesson in the morning, and test in the afternoon, all booked and arranged by them, was very good, and quite reasonable.

Straight onto the 250LC afterwards, and later 350YPVS power.

As for restricting a CBR900, depending how it's done it doesn't damage the bike, but it's pointless as you're carrying round 200kg of bike with 33bhp, (my 250LC was 130kg with 35.5bhp - much faster and more fuel efficient).

Not got a bike now, but plan to get a 600 next, Kawasaki or Yamaha power I think, and my insurance is so cheap now I'm over 25, I can insure an FZR600 for about £120 a year!

[Gaffer]

but 1kw = 3/4hp or the other way round cant remember

Just to clarify and slightly off the topic but it is the other way round

1hp = 0.75kw

And good luck with the test if you do decide to go through with it, I would love to have a 'little' 400 if i could afford it.

[E.L.M.O]

Insurance might be a little more difficult to obtain if you have no bike experience and go straight for a powerful bike? I would do at least a year on a 400cc if not a restricted 33bhp.

[scrog]

Not sure that 400 would be suitable Scrog.

I had my 250LC when i wanted to take my test at 17, but it's 35.5hp was too much for a learner, so I found a school that would hire me the bike for the day, lesson in the morning, and test in the afternoon, all booked and arranged by them, was very good, and quite reasonable.

Straight onto the 250LC afterwards, and later 350YPVS power.

As for restricting a CBR900, depending how it's done it doesn't damage the bike, but it's pointless as you're carrying round 200kg of bike with 33bhp, (my 250LC was 130kg with 35.5bhp - much faster and more fuel efficient).

Not got a bike now, but plan to get a 600 next, Kawasaki or Yamaha power I think, and my insurance is so cheap now I'm over 25, I can insure an FZR600 for about £120 a year!

should be ok its an old bike but in a1 condition so not that powerfull

[attachment=86927:SuzukiDR400S1980.jpg]

Specs for Suzuki 400 single:
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 396.00 ccm (24.16 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder
Stroke: 4
Power: 27.00 HP (19.7 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Compression: 9.3:1
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 65.2 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Fuel control: OHC
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Final drive: Chain
Speed and acceleration
Top speed: 128.0 km/h (79.5 mph)

not that quick either

Edited by scrog, 02 July 2009 - 04:18 PM.

[ANON]

what happened to just riding around the block while the examiner walks the other way??