Motorcycles
-
@BenBWH I was riding for years before I took the course and had no idea how poor my low speed skills really were, you'll be glad you did all the practicing! When I was young I never cared about the safety or legality but looking into the U.K. liscense process as you've been updating us, it's far more rigarous than ours and makes way more sense.
-
-
@louisbosco You start with a CBT - a day's training - after which you can ride a bike or scooter up to 125cc. Then you have a theory test, including hazard perception. Next is Mod 1 which is the off road training Ben's talking about, then Mod 2 which is on road. After that, assuming you're old enough, you can ride anything.
It's a convoluted and expensive system that puts a lot of people off riding, or means they do it later in life (like I did) when they can afford to spend a few grand on a hobby.
-
@NickD That’s wild. Here in the US I was able to get licensed and buy a 900cc machine with 0 on road experience.
That said I did the MSF course which seems pretty similar to the Mod 1, which bypasses the state road test. But that doesn’t really prepare you for the road. I had my bike delivered to my house because I didn’t feel prepared to ride it home from the shop.
-
@GoodtimeJohnny ah man I’ve spoken to so many USA guys who said they don’t really have to pass much to get a bike and get out there! That is crazy to me!
We tend to go overboard with stuff here tbh so it doesn’t surprise me the uk do it our way -
@louisbosco hey man! The last part of the test is a 40 ish minute ride with an assessor. They give instruction thru the headset and provided you do alright that’s it! Am hoping mine comes up soon as I’d really like to get this out to bed soon!
-
@BenBWH How do I apply to be an Assessor? Getting paid to ride a bike
-
@Denimhead-0 haha! 3 years clean license and anyone can apply to be an instructor. I think a couple years experience and you can apply to be an assessor! Sounds great doesn’t it!
-
I spotted these parked at an overlook on the coast today. So I pulled over to talk to the riders.
1959 BSA and a 1964 Bonne.
-
@SFMCfranky Love the old Bonnie. My first bike was a ‘68 Bonneville and taught me a lot about adjustments and roadside mechanics.
-
Missing my 2010 T100, very fun bike. Sold it to a college kid who was planning to bring it back to China at the end of his semester. Hoping one day too find a 1977 Jubilee.
-
Took a little ride through the wine country this afternoon. What a glorious autumn, NorCal day.
-
Another sunny autumn day, another ride. I’ll say this though: I’ve got competition flat track shocks on this bike and usually I think they’re kinda stiff. But after spending yesterday in the saddle of the 916, the Bonneville feels as comfortable as a worn in BarcaLounger.
-
@SFMCfranky I took my Bonneville out today as well. A bit colder here in Kentucky today, but just as beautiful.
-
Great day for it, finally bit the bullet and bought a new lid too. Unfortunately the CF version sold out by the time I reached the pub.
Regardless, gotta love Black Friday sales
-
@BenBWH did you get a date for your final test yet?
Given Iron Heart's roots, I wonder what percentage of wearers and forum members actually ride bikes...
(I started with a Suzuki TS100 back in the 1980's and now have a Triumph Tiger.) -
@mcb nah not as yet, still waiting on the call!
-
