no i'm not looking for guys in leather... I'm just setting myself on the road to my dream. Always been a car person and that will NEVER change. Got my show car sorted and my zed is gonna be fixed soon so thats all good.

I'm doing my direct access as i really want an R6. Not for any other reason than i want one lol

I've booked my theory test so hopefully that should be all fine but my question is how have people gone about their bike tests ?

I mean i dont want to go rushing out and buying stuff i dont need to buy until i've passed (touch wood) so will i get by until i'm all passed etc with just buying a new lid ? What would people recommend ? I'm not into silly biking, just something different and i'd rather do it now at 28 than wish later on in life i'd done it sooner !

Get a bit confused with theory tests, CBT, direct access, practical test etc

I would recommend a minimum of gloves, helmet and jacket. If you get serious about it then get the best quality kit you can afford in the whole outfit, at some point your life may depend on it.

 

I have an Arai lid, Furygan 1 piece leathers, spidi gloves, Alpinestars boots and Forcefield back protector.

 

Cant help with all the tests you do now, it was a lot easier 20 odd years ago.

cheers fella, yeah once its all in the bag and the bike is sorted i'll be like an essex girl in lakeside shopping for all my matching gear ! I've got my old trackday lid from the car but its a good few years old now and whilst i'd have no worries wearing it in the car there aint no way i'd trust it to protect my noggin on a bike !

Welcome to two wheels! I do a bit of riding, no car can compare to the rush you get on a bike. TBH the new R6 is beautiful bike but may be a bit much for a first time rider. If your determined to get one, pick one up second hand because you will drop it at least once! As Suffolk says, buy the best kit you can afford, it lasts a long time and if something goes wrong you will be glad you did. As far as the tests go, I wouldn't worry. If you go to a good place for your CBT they will make sure you pass the test.

Me on a CBR at Estoril.

 

 

That's five years ago now. Bet those leathers wouldn't fit any more.

 

 

 

 

 

Also me on a Buell Ulysseys 1200cc, somewhere in Wales.

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't got any information - just showing off.

 

What year R6 do you want?

Yes I must agree that to ride a bike is great.

I have been riding now for 32 years and in that time have never been without a bike for more than a year. I have got a Suzuki 650 Bandit K6 now and its a great bike. I really want a GSX1400. but cant afford one right now my 650 isnt as fast as the R6 or any of the sports mid sized bikes but it goes well enough for an old B'strd like me. Please dont get me wrong I am sure you aint an idiot but like what has already been said. the R6 is a bit of an handful to start with. you must consider it this way. One mistake just a little momentary lapse of concentration and you could easily be hurt quite badly. They are an awsome machine. Just be very careful. Good luck and welcome to freedom.

 

A mate once asked me whats the difference between a biker and a motorcyclist?

I answered "when a motorcyclist gets off he's bike, he becomes a pedestrain" :cool:

i like the bandit but after hearing it can be a bit light on the front end its kinda put me off a bit. wont be looking for a new bike for my first and as i work nights (with a 2 hour lunch break) there isnt much to do at 3/4am so i'm just gonna use the time to get out while its quiet and gain experience on the bike.

The police are so hot round here i wont be behaving like a fool and the reason its taken me so long to get around to it is that earlier in life i knew deep down i was a bit too speed happy and couldnt be trusted. Getting caught at 103mph (3am straight A road no one else about but thats no excuse) really did calm me down and standing in court facing a ban brought it home that it could have been so much worse. I was so grateful that the magistrates could see past the details and just landed me with 6 points i made sure that my speed was kept to trackdays! Now those points are off, i'm that little bit older and lessons have been learnt i decided that i'm ready to get myself on a bike knowing that i have the control not to be a silly boy.

I've always liked the R6 and even though the new one is stunning i think i'll be looking at an older one, at least for the time being.

I just cant wait to be able to jump on the bike and head out on my own!

Im looking to get a fireblade later this year again.

Had one 5-6 years ago and am now missing em.

 

Was looking to go for a V-Twin like a ducati 998 or sp-2 but due to budget may just get an old blade for a couple of £K.

Im sure it'll scare the crap out of me again :)

 

Still got a set of decent leathers if I fit em and a Dainese lid (after 5 years are they still safe)? Like the others have said - buy the best you can afford mate - its your skin. Like many people, ive seen what sliding down the road at 25-30mph in a pair of jeans does to your legs - not nice.

THe helmet is the MOST important thing, mine saved my life!!!!!!, i got 16 breaks throughout my body plus all sorts of internal damage and was still conciouse,

 

Id HIGHLY recoment Arai helmets, and as i said price is no match for brains!!!

I have the K6 ABS version of the 650 Bandit and I can honestly say that the front is far from too light. Maybe because its got the fairing? But It certainly isnt like the 600 was. I have trouble getting the front wheel to lift (on the odd occasion that I try :) ).

i'd say good choice in bike mate . that is what i got when i passed my bike test . brand new straight out of the dealers door . i sold it a few years back now and don't have a bike at present . but am looking into investing in a r1 soon . one thing i would say is get a decent lid . arai is the best make i trust . cost me £450.00 5 years ago . but the best investment you will make in owning a bike . and be very very carful at first . mate next door bought a zxr 900 brand new and wrote it off due to a total tosser in a car . now he has lost a leg and scars all over . not trying to put you off . just trying to say be very careful mate . good luck with your test mate . :duffer:

Ive had fireblade x2 rsv mille gsxr 750 zx6r 250lc and a few others my advice is buy the best you can afford ive been down the road with the leathers and helmet to prove and thay saved a lot in damage to me [ cheap is no good when your life depends on it ]

Im looking to get a fireblade later this year again.

Had one 5-6 years ago and am now missing em.

 

Was looking to go for a V-Twin like a ducati 998 or sp-2 but due to budget may just get an old blade for a couple of £K.

Im sure it'll scare the crap out of me again :)

 

Still got a set of decent leathers if I fit em and a Dainese lid (after 5 years are they still safe)? Like the others have said - buy the best you can afford mate - its your skin. Like many people, ive seen what sliding down the road at 25-30mph in a pair of jeans does to your legs - not nice.

 

 

 

Arai say a lid has a useable life of 5-7 years and after that you should replace it - even if it's just sat on a shelf the air causes the polystyrene to harden and lessens the protective qualities.

 

Mind you, they would say that!

I'd add boots with hard toes and decent ankle protection to the list of minimum must haves. You can't really go wrong with an Arai/Shoei/AGV lid as long as it fits properly - stick to the full face, non-front-opening type - and replace it after 4 years even if it's still in pristine condition. Helmets have a shelf life.

as everyone has said bud. the best kit you can afford. boots, leathers,jacket with good back and elbow protection .arai lids are the best quality lid in my opinion. as for the R6, well my fav bike to be honest along with the sp2 which i also have but like for different reasons as a totally different riding experience. ive had r1"s, gsxr"S but always prefer the r6 for throwing it around grin factor. it has more than enough power really. as for a first bike , well im not sure although a bike will only do what you want it to do but if you dont trust yourself to NOT use its power until you have some experience then it will catch you out and scare the shite outta you. dont know about new tests as i done mine years ago but do they not put a horsepower limit on new riders or is that under a certain age...... anyway, GOOD LUCK BUD and happy biking..

thanks for the input guys its been really helpful and constructive. I know i can borrow gear from the trainers when i do my CBT and DAS but i do really want my own stuff and i know i'm serious enough about this to do it properly. Got a few grand to get me going so there wont be any skimping on the gear.

yamr6 - the horsepower limit is for the "usual test" and applies for 2 years but the Direct Access allows you to bypass the 2 year period so long as you are over 21. I just dont want to be limited to power having to travel from rayleigh to bas on the A127 and the thought of doing it on a 50cc fills me with fear lol

I think at the point i'm at now i know that i can trust myself not to abuse the power of the R6 but i'll have to get on one first and see how i feel on it !