I think every car driver should do the CBT. I believe this would give them a "biker's" view of the roads, helping them to understand more and hopefully be a lot safer for all
I think every rider should learn to drive to give them a drivers view of the road too! No? Perhaps we should all have to learn to drive lorries too! It's only fair, right?
I came to biking after 8 years as a car driver... Fully agree with you! and @UncleDeadly I think a day in the cab with a lorry driver wouldn't be a bad idea for new drivers either. Cars sit in the middle of it all. Being someone who goes from a 650 bike to a 44T lorry has given me a good appreciation for other road users needs.
I've been riding bikes about 23 years. I think the "freedom" of riding a bike can be likened to riding a push bike when you were a kid. It's that "I can go anywhere" type feeling and just riding around for the sake of it that I loved on my BMX in the 80s. I get that now by riding motorbikes.
I don't think I'd commute or conduct my daily life on a motorbike, but it sure sounds like fun for the weekends, summers, bank holidays. Certainly where I live the number of bikes and scooters on the road rises exponentially between around Easter and late August/early September, like they've suddenly appeared from nowhere. Probably the better weather, then into the Autumn proper you see fewer of them again.
@DSN262 I did get my bikes and do my training after my divorce, but me getting a bike while I was married did not come up. My ex wife is disabled, so I may have been a bit more risk-averse as her carer.
Can so relate to this. Never been into bikes, never even considered riding a motorbike, until at 53, I found a local school and got the urge to give it a try. Waay out of my comfort zone. Did the CBT and decided to try and take it a little further. Did my theory. Then took almost 2yrs, due to lockdowns, test centre closed for months and a bit of a mental block, getting through Mod 1, but eventually got through Mod 2 on first attempt. Bought my first bike (700cc) in the middle of lockdown (had to do something positive), almost 5 months before I got my licence! Thanks to my fantastic instructor, who never gave up or discouraged me, despite pulling his hair out. There's nothing sane about riding a motorbike, which is why I love it! 😄
Fantastic. Unlucky with the delays. I passed in 2019 with ambitious plans for the next year or so... Lockdowns ruined it for me too 🤣 Let's never do that again!
Just found this, well done matey most of us that have been riding for far too many years to remember forget what it was like in the beginning you have covered the whole thing in one video
What a great summary. I am 60 ( a young 60) and did my CBT, Mod1, 2 journey with my daughter just before COVID. I went through exactly the same emotions as you. New 125, heavy handed, then when we transitioned to 650 - found them so much easier to ride. I now have an MT09 and love it to bits. Hope you are still enjoying the ride.
Can I ask what the whole process was .. is it CBT then mod1/2 did you simply go to the test centre after getting your CBT to do mod 1 or was there training you have to have first
A friend of mine is a biker. According to him - and you may disagree - most bikers tend to upgrade to whatever their licence allows. He doesn't understand why you would go to the trouble of having a full licence and then just spend your life on a 125cc CBT-legal machine that feels underpowered and cheap (his phrasing). I know very litle about bikes but he has some 600cc Suzuki thing that sounds great. If you're riding all the time and have a full A licence, you're at the stage where you're "into biking" and probably want something better, especially if riding it every day. I've been driving cars for 20 years and don't want a little city car that can barely hit 30mph.
Riding demands that you be 100% present in the moment. I think that's half the magic. It clears your mind. Quietens any anxiety and makes you focus on the moment. You can really lose yourself and just be reminded that you are alive. That and razzing the throttle don't half make your balls tingle!!!
It's impossible to accurately describe isn't it! Usually when I'm asked I tell people it's like how you imagine it feels to be a fighter pilot, completely free, not bound by traffic and your helmet is your own personal cockpit. Not long after taking the girlfriend out on mine a few times a short while ago, she told me she completely gets it now and how it really is hard to describe. She said the closest thing she could think of was being a fighter pilot too, not that either of us have ever experienced that 😅
I agree as others will, it’s a lot easier to ride a bigger bike, more response and more control. Congratulations on passing. I myself now own a 2023 Triumph T120, what a lovely machine it is.
I passed my bike test in 1980, it cost £7.25 and all I had to basically do was ride around the block and not fall off, then the Emergency Stop which involved the examiner hiding behind a lamp post and stepping out on me, flat cap and a clip board sticking out from the lamp post was the giveaway. If I had to do all of this CBT and part this and that to ride a bike now I honestly don't think I'd bother.
Congratulations on getting through your test successfully. I did the fast track course up in Newcastle just over three years ago when I retired at 58. I can't stress enough of how nervous I was even though I've been driving since I was 18, and so much so that I had to take Rescue remedy just to calm myself down. But hey once I'd passed I felt like I'd conquered everest. I bought myself a brand new Tenere 700 and honestly I wish I'd done it years ago. Living where I live near Newcastle there are many many great rides no matter which direction I decide to head in. I also have a van like yours but to be honest I've grown more to enjoy the bike rather than driving the van. I'm only really interested in adventure style bikes and for the opportunities both on and off road that these bikes offer. The Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Borders, North York Moors, North East coast, offer loads of single track "b" and "c" class roads which beg to be explored. Roll on spring when days are warmer and longer and the adventure begins again!
Thank you David 😊 I was leaning towards the T7 but realised I need something lighter to go in the van. I actually like my little CB125F, especially the economy and, like you, I want to ride the green lanes and dirt but there's no suitable tyres for this wheel size (and it's the wrong kind of bike for this. And I'm too fat so it can't get me up the steep hills. And....) So I I'll reveal my wheels of choice sometime after March. Let's hope I've got it right 🤞
@@projectmidlifecrisis The T7 is too high for the back of my transit so the weight of the bike isn't the only issue. You'll almost immediately grow out of the 125 and very soon appreciate having more power whatever bike you've chosen. I first looked at the Africa twin and Triumph Tiger but the insurance companies either wouldn't insure me or it was going to cost a small fortune for my first year, but I must admit I've come to love the T7 and will most likely have it forever even if I decide to have a second bike.
@@projectmidlifecrisis I just accept that i'ts 2nd gear doing around 20mph up anything nearing steep so i dont flog it to try get a couple of extra mph :)
@@davidmilburn2818David, please may I suggest you try out other types of bike. I was surprised just how much fun I had on a custom style 250cc, Yamaha Virago 250, that I rented in Spain. I also rented a Yamaha 1700cc MT-01 twin. Looks like a cross between a roadster and custom. Another great bike. I've had several sports and dirt bikes when I was younger. And I had no interest in cruisers until I tried one. After that I've learned to jump on and have a go on all the types I'm lucky enough to try. Supermoto was good too. In fact I've never ridden a bad type of bike. They've all been fun. I want to try a large engine scooter. Just because. They're practical and everyone I've spoken to who has one says they're great. Even if they don't look cool. If I don' try it, I won't know how good it is.
Welcome aboard pal i am same age as you i passed in 1986 year before my car license so it was fairly easy i had a long gap between 1987 once passed car license upto 2006 when i decided to go back to bikes never been without a bike since i currently own a 1250 gs adv a triumph daytona 955i and a z750j i am over in huddersfield. Hope you keep biking
When i took my test,it was twice round the block,second time around an examiner stepped out did my emergency stop,that was it! Had an RD 250 on L plates,passed the test,went straight out and bought a kawasaki z1000 😂
Some people have the time and money to go out of their way to learn skills that are useful. Not everyone needs a first aid course for their job but they still go through the effort to do it to feel safe. Some people don't like fighting but they still take self defence classes. Learning is valuable
Knew you would start enjoying it somewhere along the process, was just eager to see when you would admit it, I used to be scared of bikes as a kid and remember crying when someone was revving their engine near me, started getting a feel for biking when I loved cycling at night with lights on and thought how cool to have this without peddling lol. I do not quite understand why you'd do it all having not being interested but it makes a great story, you might not understand what I've done this year as been up to 1 litre sports bikes in past, but now, decided to downsize to 125cc Honda Monkey, which I used on roads and byways! 💁♂️😅👍
Just watched this. I am turning 50 next week and have always thought about riding a motorbike but have always been a 4 wheel guy (was drummed into me 35 years ago that bikes are not safe) Anyway toying with the idea, wife and kids worried, and this is the best and most informative video I have come across. Thank you.
Can't compare to the excitement of both passing then getting on your own big bike. Passed my mod 2 in 2013 (just over 10 years now) and had an older 1997 ZX9R Ninja waiting for me when I got back. Probably one of the best personal moments of my life. Well done.
Hi, went through the same journey just over 4 years ago in my late 60's. Have now covered over 20k miles on my RE Interceptor and enjoying every minute of it.
Best thing I was ever taught was to recognise "target fixation". One of the biggest causes of crashes on a motorcycle. If you end up in a situation where you panic because you think you cannot make it around a bend because of speed or surface condition or anything at all and you find your self looking at what you think you're going to crash into; immediately recognise what you're doing and move your gaze to where you want to go. In my early riding days this was invaluable. You see so many silly crashes out there caused by "rider error" and most of the time it was "target fixation". Always remember, your motorcycle and your tyres are 99% of the time, more capable than you think they are. Ride safe 👍🏻
A car is a mode of transportation, a bike is so much more. It’s like having your own little spaceship, it’s like owning a pony…you clean it and care for it because you love it. I give my bike a ten minute wipe down every time I get off it, it’s like a ritual…it’s my way of thanking it for the ride. I have a helite vest…would recommend to any rider.
Congratulations, did mine just over three years ago aged 49, was into cars all my days, found myself jealous of a work mate who got his license and bought a bike, cant say i enjoyed the learning process, found the CBT a drag and was ready to go home at lunchtime, for DAS i took one lesson a week over winter 2019/2020, lots of wet lessons, and lessons cancelled due to bad weather, day of my Mod 1 the rain was bouncing, they were talking about cancelling it but decided to go ahead, was so soaked through i didn't care if i failed, blitzed it in 5 minutes and passed. Failed my 1st Mod 2 but passed the second time, with it all behind me and a bit of experience now i can say it's the best thing i've done, love bikes now and cars and driving have pretty much taken a back seat.
Things have changed. Had my first bike at 16 in the 60s. All you needed then was a bike,( no engine size restrictions ) provisional license, insurance, set of L plates. At that stage no National Speed Limit or MOTs. Also no need for a helmet. I had driven agricultural vehicles off road. My main training involved my dad telling me this is the clutch, gear change etc. My training also involved studying the Highway Code. Passed my test first time. Over 200k later I still have all my bits.
@@projectmidlifecrisis True but bikes have come on. ABS, tubeless tyres that grip & are unlikely to go bang on you. Plus speed limits which means no more hurrying between transport cafes. Come to that very few transport cafes these days.
Welcome to the world of motorcycles, I hope you really enjoy them. Great to see someone take themselves out of their comfort zone and learn a new skill. I passed my CBT at 16 years old and my full licence at 17, now 47 and have had bikes all my life, I currently have 3, much to my wife's frustration and I hope to be able to ride bikes for the rest of my days.
Myself and a boyfriend of the time (very early 1990s), bought a Police Motorcycle Riding handbook and self trained ourselves. We both passed first time for full licence despite being told by a training centre that we wouldn't pass without official training. I loved the bigger bikes as they are so much safer in many respects, being a woman of 5' 2" I just had to make sure I could reach the ground!
I also did it well into my crisis years purely from the practical standpoint, to save on the outrageous commute prices, and sort of fell in love in it. It's.... cathartic in a way.
Hi im the same age as you just past my full bike licence 2 months ago now riding a HONDA VFR 800 VTEC and loving every minute of it Your never to old just alot wiser enjoy your self 😊
Well done, i passed mine 30 odd years ago but still remember the joy of passing and going straight out to buy my first big ( to me 535cc virago ) bike. Had lots of fun with my mates riding all over the country but stopped when our child was born. Im looking to get back on 2 wheels again now.😊
Well done. You looked very nervous at the start. Well out your comfort zone as you said. Then the transformation started. Welcome to the world of bikes. Ride safe and enjoy from 42 years of riding bikes myself
Such a good video. I'm 25 I passed my mod 2 last year the journey was crazy my CBT ran out so had to re do that so i could do my mod 1 failed 3 attempts all with 1 major on mod 2 no minors silly mistakes from nerves, money was the major set back and the waiting for new test dates was very stressful but i promise get youreself on a bike and you will really enjoy youreself. I had a honda cb650f and now i have a Yamaha R1 summer time is amazing the biker community is just outstanding my first time broken down and like 6 bikers pulled up helped me fix my bike I was so stressed. Bikes are dangerous just be x10 more aware then when you are in a car is my best advice anyone wanting to do this.
did my cbt at the same place and my plan was to go for a full licence pretty soon after, so took my theory before the cbt (did a lot of practice and pretty much aced it), but in reality i realised when riding a motorbike, even after 42 years driving a car and riding scooters on holidays with a lifetime of cycling that i had a lot to learn to feel totally comfy and safe on the road, so i'm planning on taking my test this spring, but even if i get a full A licence i'm in no hurry to upgrade to a bigger displacement machine, for me it's all about the countryside and pootling about on lanes, but well done on getting the licence, hope i get mine as easy as you seem to have done lol, even though bradford has the worst drivers than i've seen anywhere in the country. GL
You've certainly got to have your wits about you driving in Bradford, and expect the unexpected 🫣 Good luck with your tests and share the good news when you've passed.
Hi Bob, I passed my full test back in 1970 but have only recently started riding again now that I’m retired. it’s the most enjoyable change I’ve made in many years. I hope you are feeling the same way! - stay safe buddy! 🙏
@@philtucker1224 thanks for the kind wishes & yeah, although i'm a bit late to the motorbike scene, am loving it. i do my first DAS day next sat, and hopefully wont take too long to get the full licence and on from there. I recently did a 1500 mile tour of scotland in a week on my 125, including the nc500 & loved every min, in fact once im on the bike don't wanna get off lol, so 200+ mile days are regular now, even though my creaking back takes a bit of a pounding, but i'm off back septemberish hopefully, and if i pass, maybe on a bigger bike, not sure yet. GL
@@Bob-ts2tu I’ve got three of my sons bikes in my garage to ride and not wealthy so I haven’t even bought my own yet. However, the point I want to make is that after nearly three years, I’ve only really just begun to learn what sort of bike I want. I’ll never have a new one anyway so a decent second hand and relatively slow cruiser will suit me perfectly. Ironically my lad has some super Suzukis that I could ride but the only bike I’m comfortable is his “old learner bike” which is a Keeway Superlight. Some people say it looks like a mini Harley but it’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden and it does over 60 on the flat, plenty fast enough for this old man. Stay safe Bob 🙏
At 63 I did my CBT and shorty after my full bike licence test. Like you I fear the hazard test on the PC....and again like you....being an experienced driver I was spotting the hazards to soon.....what a bloody stupid set up the Hazard test is....I past all parts of my bike licence test first go. Also like you I always thought motorcycles where bloody death machines.....no idea where I picked up the bug.....but its got me...... I am 70 now.....3 years into owning a a Triumph Bonneville that I bought brand new....oh how I love its old school looks. Staysafe mate.....there are lots and lots of lunes on our roads today....and we are so vulnerable.....wear bright clothing and make yourself seen. Nick from Cheshire UK.
Congratulations on passing, it will become more and more addictive to riding 2 wheels from now on, 35 years of riding and I still love it. Not quite so much in the rubbish weather these days I will admit.
I'm 21, just started my journery this year. I originally got into bikes from a young age as my Grandad (who is in his 60s) has been a mechanic most of his life. Picked up his first bike at 17. I've made a few mistakes on the road but I take it as a learning experience. I'm still on a CBT, but plan to do my theory and mod1 mod2 for my A2 license next year around March. So far I've loved every minute of riding. Also, if you want tea and food on your ride, just grab a bag. I got a YETI Rambler mug that keeps tea warm for hours, so before I leave my house I always just make myself a quick one.
We're pretty much the same age, I've ridden bikes all my life but it's nice to see new people enjoying it for what it is. You're never too old to learn something new :)
A year on but Congrats, great video, smiling my face off cos i knew you would come around and begin to enjoy it, iv'e been at it 40+ years but still remember passing, now you need to start skiing, you'll get the same sense of freedom and enjoyment.
You've already embraced the ethos of biking with that bit of brekkie on your way home. Lovely footage of those roads by you, that looks like you've got some absolutely cracking roads to ride!!
Hi, I am 69 and on a whim started to learn about 7 months ago. I was so nervous taking the MOD 1 test that I failed 6 times. Very nearly gave up but my instructors persuaded me not to. Then finally took MOD 2 and passed first time, with just two minor faults: both for speeding, in 30 limit and in a 20 limit. I bought a 125 to practice on for my tests, then a Honda 500, but after very few weeks I realised I wanted more power, and I upgraded to Honda 750 Hornet. I am waiting for better weather to get more miles under my belt,t. I just love it. Should have started years ago.
This is pretty much my plan too. Not really that bothered about riding a scud missile just dont want to keep doing cbts. Done 5 so far! Its definitely good to be so relaxed about getting the full license as people are always so fearful of failing. Great stuff excellent vid! Subbed😎👍
Watch for corners that tighten up on ya half way through, beware anyone driving a car in a hat , there either young or old but most of all enjoy. You could be Bradfords Itch boots
I’m 43 and looking at doing my DAS. Wanted to ride bikes all my life and now I’m doing it. Looking at getting the CB500x to start off on I’ve done loads of research and this bike suites my needs. I loved it when you said your enjoying it. Good video
My wife passed her car test in her 40's at the turn of the century. I tried the hazard test on that and I failed most of the time at first. I did my tests in 1980 and back then you had to look ahead on the road and plan. Not just jamb your braxe on at the last moment. One video I remember was a cow standing by the road up ahead. I pressed the button, error. You had to press when it was on the road. Glad you enjoy the riding now. Maybe a winter tour of the Canaries or something for the future.
Congratulations, I know it's been a few months now but I hope you're still enjoying it. Always nice to see someone start at the beginning and work their way up...and then, for you personally to start enjoying it. Happy AND safe journeys. All the best 👍.
Nice, there is nothing better than having a ride "anywhere", even just to the shop. I pick up my new ducati Diavel V4 from Preston in 3 weeks...what a day that will be! Enjoy biking man and welcome to the club.
LoL - Hook, line & sinker - look at the smile that plays across your face just at the thought of going for a ride.. well done you & keep the rubber side down..
This video popped up randomly on my feed. Glad it did, I found it interesting. I did a direct access a decade or so ago, you now have me thinking the campervan might get a bike trailer…. Thanks for a great video.
Whoa! Man! You’re a hero!! And you’re lucky to have such great riding on your doorstep, Fewston and Swinsty? Brilliant. I wish you a lot of joy in your motorcycling. I’m glad I passed my m/c test back in 1963, and could go back to bikes again in retirement, it’s so much fun and I didn’t realise how much I missed it till I picked it up again 5 yrs ago. Don’t stop learning, advanced riding and driving can be a lot of fun too. Might see you on the road! Les
I've made the jump from pillion to biker - but I've not gone down the direct access route as it's so expensive. I've recently passed my MOD2, but I did it on my CB125R - so I now have an A1 licence and will have to do it all again for a full A licence. Glad you're enjoying biking. I absolutely love it.
hi mate, i was the same as you but late 40,s, best thing i ever did. Love going out on my bike and i miss it when the weather changes, i love on other side of the hill from you (Oldham), and the country roads on the doorstep is amazing. happy riding mate.
I did my motorbike test in Newbury in 1974. It involved driving around the square whilst the examiner criss crossed the garden in the square keeping an eye on me. For the emergency stop, he said when you get onto this side of the square next I'll jump out and you should stop in control. It all went fine until the very end when the test was over and he said ok turn the engine off now. Unfortunately I let the clutch out in gear and in the process of stalling, the bike front wheel rode up onto his foot. I thought Jeez, that's f'd it, but he shrugged it off and I passed. Honda 250K2, nice examiner, not really a test though - other than a test of nerves. Days gone by....
Good for you fella, you pushed past your dislike, got an inside view, and realised how much fun bikes can be. All power to you, next stop the Isle of Man TT
I thought you did really well. You will enjoy the freedom of your motorbike. I have been riding bikes for over 60 years and if I can’t get out for a ride I feel deprived. Enjoy your bike well done. Ps If you really want to up your skills do the IAM advanced test. I did mine in 1986..
I'm glad you're enjoying your bike, congratulations on passing the tests. I doubt you're as shocked as I was when I applied for a provisional motorcycle licence and received a full HGV licence!
Congrats, I did my full bike license this year in a Mid life moment. Some great roads right on your doorstep, Im so jealous, I have to travel a bit before any hills, enjoy 🙂
I got it all done when I was 40, after a mis spent youth on bikes and over 20 years where I never rode at all. Started out doing the theory test and scored 97% then because I was doing a full direct access course, I did the whole thing including the CBT on a 600cc Yamaha Fazer. Passed module 1 with 1 minor fault and module 2 a clean sheet. This year I turn 50, since passing I've had a Kawasaki ER6F 650 twin then a Yamaha MT09 850cc triple and this year I just bought a brand new Yamaha MT10 1000cc 4 cylinder. Best thing I ever did.
Congratulations on passing. I got my license back in 2004 at the age of 18 and I must admit that I'm glad I did it back then when it was simpler. I used to have a Honda CBF125 (the precursor to your bike) and took it touring all the way up to Norway.
Well done.A little bit of help,when you are going around a corner have a go at steering the oposite way slowly to get used to it,so steer to the left you will go right then you will find that you can go around corners with your bike better and will lean better this allows you to keep away from the centre of the road with your bike and body,your body will rise too going the oposite your bike lean.your speed can be increased once you get the hang of it.
OH MY SWEET BABY JESUS! I did my CBT here! As you was walking up to it I felt the excitement haha!! Brilliant so far! I haven’t even got past the 3.12 part yet! Haha
Completely understand not wanting to ride in the wet on the first day. I had the garage deliver my bike as I wasn’t willing to ride so far in new kit, new tyres, etc. still haven’t got as many miles down as I thought I would after 18 months of riding. Averaging 100 miles a month.
Well done man! Similar kind of story, i passed last year just before my 50th. I live near to Bradford too, when your out on the road just remember just about everyone is trying to hurt you! 👍
Well done you. 👏👏👏 I also took my cbt at 48 just thought why not. Unfortunately having kids at home at one at primary school didn’t get much time to rider her and wkends didn’t feel I could go out on my own away from family , and found riding on my own boring , hubby has no interest in bikes 😔 so decided to sell her before the winter . Do miss riding though and yes that freedom . So pleased for you many adventures awaits, look forward to watching you progress .
Try to find out if you have a biker cafe near you, go sit in it and drink tea, as groups visit chat to them (honestly the scary looking ones are some of the nicest people you'll meet), they'll almost certainly welcome a new group member, before you know it you'll be getting invites for rides out.
congratulations, i did my cbt in January 2023, purchased a 1997 suzuki gn 125, rode 115 miles on it and the conrod snapped and destroyed the engine, so could not ride till i got another bike, which was difficult as i'm retired and only on state pension, i have just last week purchased a 2014 suzuki van van, and i love the bike, i bought some football markers and set them out on a abandoned carpark, which was massive, i was practicing for 5 minutes when a woman drove in and stopped on top of my cones, i sat there patiently and waited, after several mins there was no sign of her moving, so i asked if she could move somewhere else so that i could continue what i was doing, she exploded effing and blinding told me i don't own the carpark or the roads, i said you are ignorant, she moved the car up and took a picture of my no plate, and as she drove off with her middle finger in the air, she said if i see you on the road ill knock you off, i start my training this saturday, i am 67.
Brilliant!! That's a great idea to practice in a free space with cones. Shame about the ignorant 'lady'. There some sad people in this world and we should feel sorry for them 😃I'm glad you've got some wheels again. Good luck with the rest of your training and come back to let us know how you got on 👍
It is true that learning new things does get harder as you get older. I moved to Hungary when I was 51 and tried to learn Hungarian but failed dismally!
Brilliant to see you convert to the biking life, yes it is dangerous, never take your eye off the road and other road users, they are all out to get you 😅 loose gravel, pot holes, diesel spills, etc, but still worth it, keep posting so we can see how you progress.
I'm 50. Considering getting my licence and your comment about being out of your comfort zone rings true. I've been driving since I was 18 and am a hgv driver. But I'm still struggling to go for my bike licence. Maybe it's the fear of failing. I Also look a complete tool on a 125. Being 6ft and lanky. So want something bigger. Great video thanks.
Hi Steve, don't over think it, just book your CBT, you won't fail it (unless you don't speak English like the guy on my course 😁) After that you have two years to carry on if you decide you want a full bike licence. I got the Honda CB125F to practice/learn on because it's a full size bike, so you won't look like a circus clown on that. Go for it, good luck and let me know how you get on 👍
Hi Steve. i'm 6' tall and 19st and love my cb125f, dont feel out of place at all. i did my cbt last year at 61 and wasnt sure about how much i'd take to motorbiking but now i'm smitten and just love it, touring the dales like i used to do on my bike. One thing i had a preconception about was that i'd be looked down on a little bit by other 'proper' bikers, but not a bit of it, everyone i've met on the road or in cafe's are great and it really doesnt matter what you ride, and i also though i'd look a bit stupid donning the heavy duty armoured clothing on such a small bike, but soon realised it's stupid not to (unless you are happy risking your skin and bones that is). i'd say Give it a go, you wont regret it and if it's not for you at least you will know for sure. GL
Enjoyed the video mate, I'm 29 and going through the same process (drove a car for 10 years, never had a single thought about getting a motorbike licence until 2 months ago) but having a lot of the same trepidations you are haha. Got my theory next week then hopefully I can get my modules 1+2 done without too much trouble 😅
There is a sense of freedom on a bike. I had a 125 but nothing since and I can totally see the attraction of something with decent power. The problem isn’t the bikers, most often, it’s us drivers. The thick complacent ones.
I went through several CBT courses over the years, decided I wanted to get my full license so I took the theory, didn't go straight into the training and test as I was skint at the time. Years later with only a few weeks left on my theory, I decided to go for it. The confidence in passing was quite high so I went to my local motorcycle dealer and put a deposit on my first big bike, Honda CB600 Hornet. Mod 1 I passed easily enough but mod 2 was slightly more nerve-wracking. I failed on my first attempt. 14 day wait to retest, my theory would run out in 16 days so I had to pass my second attempt or it's back to square one. Theory, mod 1 etc Passed my second attempt by the skin of my teeth.
Thanks for this, really useful. I’m 57, and took my test yonks ago, but going through this with my Missus, who’s not ridden before. Oh, and congratulations on getting bitten by the biking bug!
Ive just started doing motorbike lessons (done CBT, theory and had a few lessons on a Yamaha MT-07) and have my tests booked in for end of March. Been thinking about learning for a while and just eventually thought "sod it,...lets do it instead of keep on putting it off".
Well Done Nigel. We did the Mod one test together at Wetherby if you remember me. I got my mod 2 and have been out on mine a few times up to kirkby Lonesdale and other haunts. looking forward to seeing your new bike...
Hi Michael, yes I do remember and I have your number. Thought about ringing you for a ride last month but the weather turned nasty. I'm so pleased you've got out on your bike (I remember you had it waiting for you to pass). Hope to see you when the weather changes a bit..
I'm now 50. When I was 45 my wife bought me the CBT for a birthday (think she was hoping to bump me off!) I'd never ridden a bike before but passed. I waited a year to find the right 125 and rode it for a year but sold it when the CBT ran out. It wasn't for me. I considered there to be too many external dangers which I had no control over, and I had a wife and 6 year old boy to consider (he's 10 now). Sold the bike and after its MOT ran out I spy it has never been on the road again. Shame, but that was my experience. At least I gave it a go...
i dont know you but i am happy for you mate. i have been riding for 40yrs and it has always been the best thing ever(for me). i hope you get the same enjoyment! cheers.
Similar story for me although I always wanted a bike family etc talked me out of it. Finally did it when I was 46 and only regret is that I didn't do it when I was 17! Love it. Well done mate.
@@projectmidlifecrisisgreat video buddy but you should have included the total cost of all the phases as that would have been helpful to newbies. Congratulations and welcome to “the club” 😊😎😁
I think every car driver should do the CBT.
I believe this would give them a "biker's" view of the roads, helping them to understand more and hopefully be a lot safer for all
I think every rider should learn to drive to give them a drivers view of the road too! No? Perhaps we should all have to learn to drive lorries too! It's only fair, right?
thats a very fair comment@@UncleDeadly
I came to biking after 8 years as a car driver... Fully agree with you!
and @UncleDeadly I think a day in the cab with a lorry driver wouldn't be a bad idea for new drivers either. Cars sit in the middle of it all. Being someone who goes from a 650 bike to a 44T lorry has given me a good appreciation for other road users needs.
Why do the delivery drivers ride on my car's arse all the time? 😅
Fantastic idea it really would help car drivers become more aware.
I've been riding bikes about 23 years. I think the "freedom" of riding a bike can be likened to riding a push bike when you were a kid. It's that "I can go anywhere" type feeling and just riding around for the sake of it that I loved on my BMX in the 80s. I get that now by riding motorbikes.
I don't think I'd commute or conduct my daily life on a motorbike, but it sure sounds like fun for the weekends, summers, bank holidays.
Certainly where I live the number of bikes and scooters on the road rises exponentially between around Easter and late August/early September, like they've suddenly appeared from nowhere. Probably the better weather, then into the Autumn proper you see fewer of them again.
Nah a bicycle is freedom...a motorcycle is like riding a bicycle in shackles and chains...get real
I did mine aged 67 and got myself a proper classic bike. It is more of a challenge to ride, but every journey is an adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Did the wife talk you out of it for years
@DSN262 I did get my bikes and do my training after my divorce, but me getting a bike while I was married did not come up. My ex wife is disabled, so I may have been a bit more risk-averse as her carer.
Can so relate to this. Never been into bikes, never even considered riding a motorbike, until at 53, I found a local school and got the urge to give it a try. Waay out of my comfort zone. Did the CBT and decided to try and take it a little further. Did my theory. Then took almost 2yrs, due to lockdowns, test centre closed for months and a bit of a mental block, getting through Mod 1, but eventually got through Mod 2 on first attempt. Bought my first bike (700cc) in the middle of lockdown (had to do something positive), almost 5 months before I got my licence! Thanks to my fantastic instructor, who never gave up or discouraged me, despite pulling his hair out. There's nothing sane about riding a motorbike, which is why I love it! 😄
Fantastic. Unlucky with the delays. I passed in 2019 with ambitious plans for the next year or so... Lockdowns ruined it for me too 🤣 Let's never do that again!
Just found this, well done matey most of us that have been riding for far too many years to remember forget what it was like in the beginning you have covered the whole thing in one video
What a great summary. I am 60 ( a young 60) and did my CBT, Mod1, 2 journey with my daughter just before COVID. I went through exactly the same emotions as you. New 125, heavy handed, then when we transitioned to 650 - found them so much easier to ride. I now have an MT09 and love it to bits. Hope you are still enjoying the ride.
Some people are lucky or unlucky, im unlucky, closest mod 1 center is a 2 hour drive away, government needs to create more for people to access.
Can I ask what the whole process was .. is it CBT then mod1/2 did you simply go to the test centre after getting your CBT to do mod 1 or was there training you have to have first
A friend of mine is a biker. According to him - and you may disagree - most bikers tend to upgrade to whatever their licence allows. He doesn't understand why you would go to the trouble of having a full licence and then just spend your life on a 125cc CBT-legal machine that feels underpowered and cheap (his phrasing). I know very litle about bikes but he has some 600cc Suzuki thing that sounds great.
If you're riding all the time and have a full A licence, you're at the stage where you're "into biking" and probably want something better, especially if riding it every day. I've been driving cars for 20 years and don't want a little city car that can barely hit 30mph.
Well I'm a very experienced biker of many years - 50+ - and I think you've been very brave doing this. So I applaud you, well done 😊
Thank you very much!
Riding demands that you be 100% present in the moment. I think that's half the magic. It clears your mind. Quietens any anxiety and makes you focus on the moment. You can really lose yourself and just be reminded that you are alive. That and razzing the throttle don't half make your balls tingle!!!
What a brilliant vlog 👍 Once you've been bitten by the bug it's a hard feeling to convey to others who have never had an interest in bikes 👍👍
It's impossible to accurately describe isn't it! Usually when I'm asked I tell people it's like how you imagine it feels to be a fighter pilot, completely free, not bound by traffic and your helmet is your own personal cockpit. Not long after taking the girlfriend out on mine a few times a short while ago, she told me she completely gets it now and how it really is hard to describe. She said the closest thing she could think of was being a fighter pilot too, not that either of us have ever experienced that 😅
I agree as others will, it’s a lot easier to ride a bigger bike, more response and more control. Congratulations on passing. I myself now own a 2023 Triumph T120, what a lovely machine it is.
I passed my bike test in 1980, it cost £7.25 and all I had to basically do was ride around the block and not fall off, then the Emergency Stop which involved the examiner hiding behind a lamp post and stepping out on me, flat cap and a clip board sticking out from the lamp post was the giveaway.
If I had to do all of this CBT and part this and that to ride a bike now I honestly don't think I'd bother.
1986 - I think the flat cap was compulsory, my examiner had one
@@Derek_Garnham I reckon it was just one guy..... but he was extremely busy!
Cbt is easy and takes like 6 hours and full licence isnt that hard to be honesy just dont fall off
@@danielkerr4100 My whole test took 15 minutes and I've held a full bike license since 1980.
Same here!
Congratulations on getting through your test successfully. I did the fast track course up in Newcastle just over three years ago when I retired at 58. I can't stress enough of how nervous I was even though I've been driving since I was 18, and so much so that I had to take Rescue remedy just to calm myself down. But hey once I'd passed I felt like I'd conquered everest. I bought myself a brand new Tenere 700 and honestly I wish I'd done it years ago. Living where I live near Newcastle there are many many great rides no matter which direction I decide to head in. I also have a van like yours but to be honest I've grown more to enjoy the bike rather than driving the van. I'm only really interested in adventure style bikes and for the opportunities both on and off road that these bikes offer. The Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Borders, North York Moors, North East coast, offer loads of single track "b" and "c" class roads which beg to be explored. Roll on spring when days are warmer and longer and the adventure begins again!
Thank you David 😊
I was leaning towards the T7 but realised I need something lighter to go in the van. I actually like my little CB125F, especially the economy and, like you, I want to ride the green lanes and dirt but there's no suitable tyres for this wheel size (and it's the wrong kind of bike for this. And I'm too fat so it can't get me up the steep hills. And....) So I I'll reveal my wheels of choice sometime after March. Let's hope I've got it right 🤞
@@projectmidlifecrisis The T7 is too high for the back of my transit so the weight of the bike isn't the only issue. You'll almost immediately grow out of the 125 and very soon appreciate having more power whatever bike you've chosen. I first looked at the Africa twin and Triumph Tiger but the insurance companies either wouldn't insure me or it was going to cost a small fortune for my first year, but I must admit I've come to love the T7 and will most likely have it forever even if I decide to have a second bike.
@@projectmidlifecrisis I just accept that i'ts 2nd gear doing around 20mph up anything nearing steep so i dont flog it to try get a couple of extra mph :)
@@davidmilburn2818 which place was that in toon? I’ve got my CBT, theory is booked and want to do an intensive course asap
@@davidmilburn2818David, please may I suggest you try out other types of bike. I was surprised just how much fun I had on a custom style 250cc, Yamaha Virago 250, that I rented in Spain.
I also rented a Yamaha 1700cc MT-01 twin. Looks like a cross between a roadster and custom. Another great bike.
I've had several sports and dirt bikes when I was younger. And I had no interest in cruisers until I tried one. After that I've learned to jump on and have a go on all the types I'm lucky enough to try.
Supermoto was good too.
In fact I've never ridden a bad type of bike. They've all been fun.
I want to try a large engine scooter. Just because. They're practical and everyone I've spoken to who has one says they're great. Even if they don't look cool.
If I don' try it, I won't know how good it is.
Welcome aboard pal i am same age as you i passed in 1986 year before my car license so it was fairly easy i had a long gap between 1987 once passed car license upto 2006 when i decided to go back to bikes never been without a bike since i currently own a 1250 gs adv a triumph daytona 955i and a z750j i am over in huddersfield. Hope you keep biking
When i took my test,it was twice round the block,second time around an examiner stepped out did my emergency stop,that was it!
Had an RD 250 on L plates,passed the test,went straight out and bought a kawasaki z1000 😂
Your personality just poured out this video, you seem a great guy. Really enjoyed watching your journey. Bravo sir
Thank you so much Duke
Did mine at 43, not interested in bikes much either but loving the riding, touring and adventures.
Welcome to the brotherhood!
It's really nice to see someone who isn't into bikes get a full license and learn the way of safety for all road users. We need more people like this.
Yes, ask random people if they are interested in Motorbikes and if they say no, advise them to get a full License, great plan .
Why would you buy a bike of you're not into them
Some people have the time and money to go out of their way to learn skills that are useful. Not everyone needs a first aid course for their job but they still go through the effort to do it to feel safe. Some people don't like fighting but they still take self defence classes.
Learning is valuable
Knew you would start enjoying it somewhere along the process, was just eager to see when you would admit it, I used to be scared of bikes as a kid and remember crying when someone was revving their engine near me, started getting a feel for biking when I loved cycling at night with lights on and thought how cool to have this without peddling lol. I do not quite understand why you'd do it all having not being interested but it makes a great story, you might not understand what I've done this year as been up to 1 litre sports bikes in past, but now, decided to downsize to 125cc Honda Monkey, which I used on roads and byways! 💁♂️😅👍
Just watched this. I am turning 50 next week and have always thought about riding a motorbike but have always been a 4 wheel guy (was drummed into me 35 years ago that bikes are not safe) Anyway toying with the idea, wife and kids worried, and this is the best and most informative video I have come across. Thank you.
Happy birthday 🎉 Why not treat yourself to a fun day out and do the CBT 😊
Can't compare to the excitement of both passing then getting on your own big bike. Passed my mod 2 in 2013 (just over 10 years now) and had an older 1997 ZX9R Ninja waiting for me when I got back. Probably one of the best personal moments of my life. Well done.
Hi, went through the same journey just over 4 years ago in my late 60's. Have now covered over 20k miles on my RE Interceptor and enjoying every minute of it.
Fabulous
Best thing I was ever taught was to recognise "target fixation". One of the biggest causes of crashes on a motorcycle.
If you end up in a situation where you panic because you think you cannot make it around a bend because of speed or surface condition or anything at all and you find your self looking at what you think you're going to crash into; immediately recognise what you're doing and move your gaze to where you want to go. In my early riding days this was invaluable.
You see so many silly crashes out there caused by "rider error" and most of the time it was "target fixation".
Always remember, your motorcycle and your tyres are 99% of the time, more capable than you think they are.
Ride safe 👍🏻
Absolutely spot on.
Great comment and still learning 👍🏽
The man who invents a device to enable pasty guzzling on a motorbike will have the world at his feet.
Sounds like a job for Wallace and Gromit
A car is a mode of transportation, a bike is so much more. It’s like having your own little spaceship, it’s like owning a pony…you clean it and care for it because you love it. I give my bike a ten minute wipe down every time I get off it, it’s like a ritual…it’s my way of thanking it for the ride. I have a helite vest…would recommend to any rider.
Congratulations, did mine just over three years ago aged 49, was into cars all my days, found myself jealous of a work mate who got his license and bought a bike, cant say i enjoyed the learning process, found the CBT a drag and was ready to go home at lunchtime, for DAS i took one lesson a week over winter 2019/2020, lots of wet lessons, and lessons cancelled due to bad weather, day of my Mod 1 the rain was bouncing, they were talking about cancelling it but decided to go ahead, was so soaked through i didn't care if i failed, blitzed it in 5 minutes and passed. Failed my 1st Mod 2 but passed the second time, with it all behind me and a bit of experience now i can say it's the best thing i've done, love bikes now and cars and driving have pretty much taken a back seat.
You don't need cbt if you have full car licence
@@nickcoppard5335 Yes you do.
Things have changed. Had my first bike at 16 in the 60s. All you needed then was a bike,( no engine size restrictions ) provisional license, insurance, set of L plates. At that stage no National Speed Limit or MOTs. Also no need for a helmet.
I had driven agricultural vehicles off road. My main training involved my dad telling me this is the clutch, gear change etc.
My training also involved studying the Highway Code. Passed my test first time. Over 200k later I still have all my bits.
The test has certainly gotten harder and the roads are crazier. Wouldn't it be great to be able to travel back to the 60's and ride again 😃
@@projectmidlifecrisis True but bikes have come on. ABS, tubeless tyres that grip & are unlikely to go bang on you. Plus speed limits which means no more hurrying between transport cafes. Come to that very few transport cafes these days.
Welcome to the world of motorcycles, I hope you really enjoy them. Great to see someone take themselves out of their comfort zone and learn a new skill. I passed my CBT at 16 years old and my full licence at 17, now 47 and have had bikes all my life, I currently have 3, much to my wife's frustration and I hope to be able to ride bikes for the rest of my days.
Congrats!! I think you'll find being on two wheels honestly is a great way to de-stress in life. It does me wonders!
As an anxiety sufferer I couldn't agree more 👍
Myself and a boyfriend of the time (very early 1990s), bought a Police Motorcycle Riding handbook and self trained ourselves. We both passed first time for full licence despite being told by a training centre that we wouldn't pass without official training. I loved the bigger bikes as they are so much safer in many respects, being a woman of 5' 2" I just had to make sure I could reach the ground!
The test has significantly changed since the 90’s , they have made it more strict
I also did it well into my crisis years purely from the practical standpoint, to save on the outrageous commute prices, and sort of fell in love in it. It's.... cathartic in a way.
Hi im the same age as you just past my full bike licence 2 months ago now riding a HONDA VFR 800 VTEC and loving every minute of it
Your never to old just alot wiser enjoy your self 😊
Well done, i passed mine 30 odd years ago but still remember the joy of passing and going straight out to buy my first big ( to me 535cc virago ) bike.
Had lots of fun with my mates riding all over the country but stopped when our child was born.
Im looking to get back on 2 wheels again now.😊
age 59 and just done CBT today, about to book theory test. Decided to do it all after instructor let me play with a Kawasaki 650. Fun.
Well done. You looked very nervous at the start. Well out your comfort zone as you said. Then the transformation started. Welcome to the world of bikes. Ride safe and enjoy from 42 years of riding bikes myself
Thank you so much!
Such a good video. I'm 25 I passed my mod 2 last year the journey was crazy my CBT ran out so had to re do that so i could do my mod 1 failed 3 attempts all with 1 major on mod 2 no minors silly mistakes from nerves, money was the major set back and the waiting for new test dates was very stressful but i promise get youreself on a bike and you will really enjoy youreself. I had a honda cb650f and now i have a Yamaha R1 summer time is amazing the biker community is just outstanding my first time broken down and like 6 bikers pulled up helped me fix my bike I was so stressed. Bikes are dangerous just be x10 more aware then when you are in a car is my best advice anyone wanting to do this.
did my cbt at the same place and my plan was to go for a full licence pretty soon after, so took my theory before the cbt (did a lot of practice and pretty much aced it), but in reality i realised when riding a motorbike, even after 42 years driving a car and riding scooters on holidays with a lifetime of cycling that i had a lot to learn to feel totally comfy and safe on the road, so i'm planning on taking my test this spring, but even if i get a full A licence i'm in no hurry to upgrade to a bigger displacement machine, for me it's all about the countryside and pootling about on lanes, but well done on getting the licence, hope i get mine as easy as you seem to have done lol, even though bradford has the worst drivers than i've seen anywhere in the country. GL
You've certainly got to have your wits about you driving in Bradford, and expect the unexpected 🫣
Good luck with your tests and share the good news when you've passed.
Hi Bob, I passed my full test back in 1970 but have only recently started riding again now that I’m retired. it’s the most enjoyable change I’ve made in many years. I hope you are feeling the same way! - stay safe buddy! 🙏
@@philtucker1224 thanks for the kind wishes & yeah, although i'm a bit late to the motorbike scene, am loving it. i do my first DAS day next sat, and hopefully wont take too long to get the full licence and on from there. I recently did a 1500 mile tour of scotland in a week on my 125, including the nc500 & loved every min, in fact once im on the bike don't wanna get off lol, so 200+ mile days are regular now, even though my creaking back takes a bit of a pounding, but i'm off back septemberish hopefully, and if i pass, maybe on a bigger bike, not sure yet. GL
@@Bob-ts2tu I’ve got three of my sons bikes in my garage to ride and not wealthy so I haven’t even bought my own yet. However, the point I want to make is that after nearly three years, I’ve only really just begun to learn what sort of bike I want. I’ll never have a new one anyway so a decent second hand and relatively slow cruiser will suit me perfectly. Ironically my lad has some super Suzukis that I could ride but the only bike I’m comfortable is his “old learner bike” which is a Keeway Superlight. Some people say it looks like a mini Harley but it’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden and it does over 60 on the flat, plenty fast enough for this old man. Stay safe Bob 🙏
Fucking fair play for completing the tests but also for documenting it. 👏
I found the training to be enjoyable as you indicated too. Enjoy!
At 63 I did my CBT and shorty after my full bike licence test.
Like you I fear the hazard test on the PC....and again like you....being an experienced driver I was spotting the hazards to soon.....what a bloody stupid set up the Hazard test is....I past all parts of my bike licence test first go.
Also like you I always thought motorcycles where bloody death machines.....no idea where I picked up the bug.....but its got me......
I am 70 now.....3 years into owning a a Triumph Bonneville that I bought brand new....oh how I love its old school looks.
Staysafe mate.....there are lots and lots of lunes on our roads today....and we are so vulnerable.....wear bright clothing and make yourself seen.
Nick from Cheshire UK.
Great to hear your story Nick.
Congratulations on passing, it will become more and more addictive to riding 2 wheels from now on, 35 years of riding and I still love it. Not quite so much in the rubbish weather these days I will admit.
I'm 21, just started my journery this year. I originally got into bikes from a young age as my Grandad (who is in his 60s) has been a mechanic most of his life. Picked up his first bike at 17.
I've made a few mistakes on the road but I take it as a learning experience. I'm still on a CBT, but plan to do my theory and mod1 mod2 for my A2 license next year around March. So far I've loved every minute of riding.
Also, if you want tea and food on your ride, just grab a bag. I got a YETI Rambler mug that keeps tea warm for hours, so before I leave my house I always just make myself a quick one.
It's great to hear your story so far, and thanks for the top tip.
We're pretty much the same age, I've ridden bikes all my life but it's nice to see new people enjoying it for what it is. You're never too old to learn something new :)
Well said!
Well done. It’s a journey but you will get it. I am 66 and still on 2 wheels.
A year on but Congrats, great video, smiling my face off cos i knew you would come around and begin to enjoy it, iv'e been at it 40+ years but still remember passing, now you need to start skiing, you'll get the same sense of freedom and enjoyment.
Thank you. Please don't encourage me though 😉
You've already embraced the ethos of biking with that bit of brekkie on your way home.
Lovely footage of those roads by you, that looks like you've got some absolutely cracking roads to ride!!
Hi, I am 69 and on a whim started to learn about 7 months ago. I was so nervous taking the MOD 1 test that I failed 6 times. Very nearly gave up but my instructors persuaded me not to. Then finally took MOD 2 and passed first time, with just two minor faults: both for speeding, in 30 limit and in a 20 limit. I bought a 125 to practice on for my tests, then a Honda 500, but after very few weeks I realised I wanted more power, and I upgraded to Honda 750 Hornet. I am waiting for better weather to get more miles under my belt,t. I just love it. Should have started years ago.
Fabulous 🙂 We might be late starters but maybe that makes it more of an adventure.
This is pretty much my plan too. Not really that bothered about riding a scud missile just dont want to keep doing cbts. Done 5 so far! Its definitely good to be so relaxed about getting the full license as people are always so fearful of failing. Great stuff excellent vid! Subbed😎👍
Watch for corners that tighten up on ya half way through, beware anyone driving a car in a hat , there either young or old but most of all enjoy. You could be Bradfords Itch boots
Thank you ☺️ I need all the advice I can get.
I was taught to look out for car drivers who 1 wear glasses, 2 flat cap ,3 smoke a pipe , 4 over 50 yrs old ,
I was taught to look out for car drivers who 1 wear glasses, 2 flat cap ,3 smoke a pipe , 4 over 50 yrs old ,
I was taught to look out for car drivers who 1 wear glasses, 2 flat cap ,3 smoke a pipe , 4 over 50 yrs old ,
@johnward182 you should ride a motorcycle as if you're invisible, assume no one can see you. Safest way to ride
I’m 43 and looking at doing my DAS. Wanted to ride bikes all my life and now I’m doing it. Looking at getting the CB500x to start off on I’ve done loads of research and this bike suites my needs. I loved it when you said your enjoying it. Good video
Listening to you I am in the same boat 54 years old mum never wanted me to get on a bike but now I feel like I want to give it a go
My wife passed her car test in her 40's at the turn of the century. I tried the hazard test on that and I failed most of the time at first. I did my tests in 1980 and back then you had to look ahead on the road and plan. Not just jamb your braxe on at the last moment. One video I remember was a cow standing by the road up ahead. I pressed the button, error. You had to press when it was on the road.
Glad you enjoy the riding now. Maybe a winter tour of the Canaries or something for the future.
Congratulations, I know it's been a few months now but I hope you're still enjoying it. Always nice to see someone start at the beginning and work their way up...and then, for you personally to start enjoying it. Happy AND safe journeys. All the best 👍.
love biking nothing will beat it, makes you feel on top of the world
Nice, there is nothing better than having a ride "anywhere", even just to the shop. I pick up my new ducati Diavel V4 from Preston in 3 weeks...what a day that will be! Enjoy biking man and welcome to the club.
Exciting 😀
LoL - Hook, line & sinker - look at the smile that plays across your face just at the thought of going for a ride.. well done you & keep the rubber side down..
Thanks 👍
This video popped up randomly on my feed. Glad it did, I found it interesting. I did a direct access a decade or so ago, you now have me thinking the campervan might get a bike trailer…. Thanks for a great video.
Whoa! Man! You’re a hero!! And you’re lucky to have such great riding on your doorstep, Fewston and Swinsty? Brilliant. I wish you a lot of joy in your motorcycling. I’m glad I passed my m/c test back in 1963, and could go back to bikes again in retirement, it’s so much fun and I didn’t realise how much I missed it till I picked it up again 5 yrs ago. Don’t stop learning, advanced riding and driving can be a lot of fun too. Might see you on the road! Les
Congratulations, surprising how it's easier to ride a bigger bike than a little one isn't it, welcome to the biking life.
I've made the jump from pillion to biker - but I've not gone down the direct access route as it's so expensive. I've recently passed my MOD2, but I did it on my CB125R - so I now have an A1 licence and will have to do it all again for a full A licence. Glad you're enjoying biking. I absolutely love it.
hi mate, i was the same as you but late 40,s, best thing i ever did. Love going out on my bike and i miss it when the weather changes, i love on other side of the hill from you (Oldham), and the country roads on the doorstep is amazing. happy riding mate.
Well done you ,you have discovered the joy of motorcycle
I did my motorbike test in Newbury in 1974. It involved driving around the square whilst the examiner criss crossed the garden in the square keeping an eye on me. For the emergency stop, he said when you get onto this side of the square next I'll jump out and you should stop in control. It all went fine until the very end when the test was over and he said ok turn the engine off now. Unfortunately I let the clutch out in gear and in the process of stalling, the bike front wheel rode up onto his foot. I thought Jeez, that's f'd it, but he shrugged it off and I passed. Honda 250K2, nice examiner, not really a test though - other than a test of nerves. Days gone by....
Good for you fella, you pushed past your dislike, got an inside view, and realised how much fun bikes can be. All power to you, next stop the Isle of Man TT
😅
I thought you did really well. You will enjoy the freedom of your motorbike. I have been riding bikes for over 60 years and if I can’t get out for a ride I feel deprived. Enjoy your bike well done. Ps If you really want to up your skills do the IAM advanced test. I did mine in 1986..
Thanks for the tip. I'll look into it.
Well done I've been putting it off for years,
but you've inspired me to get my finger out 😎
Nice Bike Mate, be carefull and keep your wits about you, you will have loads of fun.
Well done, I took my test at a similar age to you ten years ago now and still riding.
That's awesome!
I'm glad you're enjoying your bike, congratulations on passing the tests. I doubt you're as shocked as I was when I applied for a provisional motorcycle licence and received a full HGV licence!
your having a laugh ?
@ransomedavis2208 Nope, that actually happened. Early '90s.
😅 thats crazy, never heard of such big mistakes before, clearly they do happen though.@@reachandler3655
Congrats, I did my full bike license this year in a Mid life moment. Some great roads right on your doorstep, Im so jealous, I have to travel a bit before any hills, enjoy 🙂
Well done mate. 🎉 so refreshing to see an up front decent honest guy with zero ego issues.
Awesome buddy.
Subscribed 👍🏻
Much appreciated!
@projectmidlifecrisis keep the clips coming mate and stay safe 👍🏻 🏍😊
well done, I'm nearly 60 and about to do my CBT at the end of the month. Like you I plan on taking it further and hopefully get my A1 license
I got it all done when I was 40, after a mis spent youth on bikes and over 20 years where I never rode at all. Started out doing the theory test and scored 97% then because I was doing a full direct access course, I did the whole thing including the CBT on a 600cc Yamaha Fazer. Passed module 1 with 1 minor fault and module 2 a clean sheet. This year I turn 50, since passing I've had a Kawasaki ER6F 650 twin then a Yamaha MT09 850cc triple and this year I just bought a brand new Yamaha MT10 1000cc 4 cylinder. Best thing I ever did.
Congratulations on passing. I got my license back in 2004 at the age of 18 and I must admit that I'm glad I did it back then when it was simpler. I used to have a Honda CBF125 (the precursor to your bike) and took it touring all the way up to Norway.
How simpler
@@DSN262 no hazard perception and when I passed on my 125 at 18 I could then ride any cc motorcycle upto 33hp and then unlimited hp after two years.
Well done.A little bit of help,when you are going around a corner have a go at steering the oposite way slowly to get used to it,so steer to the left you will go right then you will find that you can go around corners with your bike better and will lean better this allows you to keep away from the centre of the road with your bike and body,your body will rise too going the oposite your bike lean.your speed can be increased once you get the hang of it.
OH MY SWEET BABY JESUS! I did my CBT here! As you was walking up to it I felt the excitement haha!! Brilliant so far! I haven’t even got past the 3.12 part yet! Haha
Completely understand not wanting to ride in the wet on the first day. I had the garage deliver my bike as I wasn’t willing to ride so far in new kit, new tyres, etc. still haven’t got as many miles down as I thought I would after 18 months of riding. Averaging 100 miles a month.
Just passed my A licence at 65..66 next month, sold my keeway 125cc and bought a vulcan, now the fun begins.
Awesome 😎 Ride safe my friend ✌️
Well done man! Similar kind of story, i passed last year just before my 50th. I live near to Bradford too, when your out on the road just remember just about everyone is trying to hurt you! 👍
That's the best way to think. Ride safe
Well done you. 👏👏👏 I also took my cbt at 48 just thought why not. Unfortunately having kids at home at one at primary school didn’t get much time to rider her and wkends didn’t feel I could go out on my own away from family , and found riding on my own boring , hubby has no interest in bikes 😔 so decided to sell her before the winter . Do miss riding though and yes that freedom .
So pleased for you many adventures awaits, look forward to watching you progress .
Thanks Maria, Well done to you too🙂. I hope you find the time to ride in the future and maybe find a local group to buddy up with.
Try to find out if you have a biker cafe near you, go sit in it and drink tea, as groups visit chat to them (honestly the scary looking ones are some of the nicest people you'll meet), they'll almost certainly welcome a new group member, before you know it you'll be getting invites for rides out.
about to do all this myself.. loved the rocky style training montage on the 125. well done
Go for it!
congratulations, i did my cbt in January 2023, purchased a 1997 suzuki gn 125, rode 115 miles on it and the conrod snapped and destroyed the engine, so could not ride till i got another bike, which was difficult as i'm retired and only on state pension, i have just last week purchased a 2014 suzuki van van, and i love the bike, i bought some football markers and set them out on a abandoned carpark, which was massive, i was practicing for 5 minutes when a woman drove in and stopped on top of my cones, i sat there patiently and waited, after several mins there was no sign of her moving, so i asked if she could move somewhere else so that i could continue what i was doing, she exploded effing and blinding told me i don't own the carpark or the roads, i said you are ignorant, she moved the car up and took a picture of my no plate, and as she drove off with her middle finger in the air, she said if i see you on the road ill knock you off, i start my training this saturday, i am 67.
Brilliant!! That's a great idea to practice in a free space with cones. Shame about the ignorant 'lady'. There some sad people in this world and we should feel sorry for them 😃I'm glad you've got some wheels again. Good luck with the rest of your training and come back to let us know how you got on 👍
@@projectmidlifecrisis cheers, will do. 👍
@@projectmidlifecrisis Hi thanks for your kind commemts. I passed both mod 1 and mod 2 yesterday.
Congratulations 🎉 🎉🎉
It is true that learning new things does get harder as you get older. I moved to Hungary when I was 51 and tried to learn Hungarian but failed dismally!
I got it all done when I was 50! Loving riding every day... well, whenever the sun's shining!
Not so much sun lately 😭
I took my final part of the motorcycle license on my 60th birthday! I was similar to you, regards ‘should I do it’, but I have grown to love it! 👍👍
Awesome
Brilliant to see you convert to the biking life, yes it is dangerous, never take your eye off the road and other road users, they are all out to get you 😅 loose gravel, pot holes, diesel spills, etc, but still worth it, keep posting so we can see how you progress.
Mate, this was brilliant to watch. Had a smile on my face the whole way through!
Glad you enjoyed it Tom
I'm 50. Considering getting my licence and your comment about being out of your comfort zone rings true.
I've been driving since I was 18 and am a hgv driver. But I'm still struggling to go for my bike licence. Maybe it's the fear of failing.
I Also look a complete tool on a 125. Being 6ft and lanky. So want something bigger.
Great video thanks.
Hi Steve, don't over think it, just book your CBT, you won't fail it (unless you don't speak English like the guy on my course 😁) After that you have two years to carry on if you decide you want a full bike licence.
I got the Honda CB125F to practice/learn on because it's a full size bike, so you won't look like a circus clown on that.
Go for it, good luck and let me know how you get on 👍
Hi Steve. i'm 6' tall and 19st and love my cb125f, dont feel out of place at all. i did my cbt last year at 61 and wasnt sure about how much i'd take to motorbiking but now i'm smitten and just love it, touring the dales like i used to do on my bike. One thing i had a preconception about was that i'd be looked down on a little bit by other 'proper' bikers, but not a bit of it, everyone i've met on the road or in cafe's are great and it really doesnt matter what you ride, and i also though i'd look a bit stupid donning the heavy duty armoured clothing on such a small bike, but soon realised it's stupid not to (unless you are happy risking your skin and bones that is). i'd say Give it a go, you wont regret it and if it's not for you at least you will know for sure. GL
This is how I view it -it’s not failing, it’s rehearsing for a pass
Enjoyed the video mate, I'm 29 and going through the same process (drove a car for 10 years, never had a single thought about getting a motorbike licence until 2 months ago) but having a lot of the same trepidations you are haha. Got my theory next week then hopefully I can get my modules 1+2 done without too much trouble 😅
Best of luck 🤞
Brilliant instructional video, well done fellow Tyke
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant vid! Well done :) Motorcycling's a shared secret that only motorcyclists know, as you know 😁
There is a sense of freedom on a bike. I had a 125 but nothing since and I can totally see the attraction of something with decent power. The problem isn’t the bikers, most often, it’s us drivers. The thick complacent ones.
Well done on passing your test. Welcome to the world of 2 wheels, you will love it.
Thank you! 👍
Congratulations on passing your mod 2. I'm 68 and just passed mine last month (July '23) Haven't got a big bike yet.
I went through several CBT courses over the years, decided I wanted to get my full license so I took the theory, didn't go straight into the training and test as I was skint at the time. Years later with only a few weeks left on my theory, I decided to go for it. The confidence in passing was quite high so I went to my local motorcycle dealer and put a deposit on my first big bike, Honda CB600 Hornet. Mod 1 I passed easily enough but mod 2 was slightly more nerve-wracking. I failed on my first attempt. 14 day wait to retest, my theory would run out in 16 days so I had to pass my second attempt or it's back to square one. Theory, mod 1 etc Passed my second attempt by the skin of my teeth.
Brilliant 😁
Thanks for this, really useful. I’m 57, and took my test yonks ago, but going through this with my Missus, who’s not ridden before. Oh, and congratulations on getting bitten by the biking bug!
Thank you Miguel.
Ive just started doing motorbike lessons (done CBT, theory and had a few lessons on a Yamaha MT-07) and have my tests booked in for end of March. Been thinking about learning for a while and just eventually thought "sod it,...lets do it instead of keep on putting it off".
Best of luck!
Well Done Nigel. We did the Mod one test together at Wetherby if you remember me. I got my mod 2 and have been out on mine a few times up to kirkby Lonesdale and other haunts. looking forward to seeing your new bike...
Hi Michael, yes I do remember and I have your number. Thought about ringing you for a ride last month but the weather turned nasty. I'm so pleased you've got out on your bike (I remember you had it waiting for you to pass). Hope to see you when the weather changes a bit..
@@projectmidlifecrisis I will look forward to that, be nice to have a ride out to somewhere
I'm now 50. When I was 45 my wife bought me the CBT for a birthday (think she was hoping to bump me off!) I'd never ridden a bike before but passed. I waited a year to find the right 125 and rode it for a year but sold it when the CBT ran out. It wasn't for me. I considered there to be too many external dangers which I had no control over, and I had a wife and 6 year old boy to consider (he's 10 now). Sold the bike and after its MOT ran out I spy it has never been on the road again. Shame, but that was my experience. At least I gave it a go...
That's the main thing 😁 Just trying something new is a win, even if you decide it's not for you.
i dont know you but i am happy for you mate. i have been riding for 40yrs and it has always been the best thing ever(for me). i hope you get the same enjoyment! cheers.
Thank you Troy. I'm loving it.
Similar story for me although I always wanted a bike family etc talked me out of it. Finally did it when I was 46 and only regret is that I didn't do it when I was 17! Love it. Well done mate.
Cheers
@@projectmidlifecrisisgreat video buddy but you should have included the total cost of all the phases as that would have been helpful to newbies. Congratulations and welcome to “the club” 😊😎😁
That was nice to watch. I hope you love every minute of biking. I bet you are starting to understand the "freedom" bit by now. 👍