A2 Bike Licence

Ian H · 29 Sep 2018

I just got my replacement driving licence and noticed I have dates expiring in 2048 for AM and A class bikes.

Googled it and found that A covers both A1 and A2 categories.

Does this mean I could pop down to Honda and buy this:

And ride it on the road straight away on my car licence? I passed my test in August 1996.

EddieM · 29 Sep 2018

Not if it has a 79(3) restriction on it.

Ian H · 29 Sep 2018

Balls, yes I do have that on it. Just googled it and it said I can only ride tricycles. Damn, i’m not going down to Honda just yet then.

Mottie · 29 Sep 2018

Not a problem is it? At least you can still go out with your mates.

motorbiking · 30 Sep 2018

Do people actually buy 500cc bikes? I thought you just took your test on them

Ian H · 30 Sep 2018

I’d have one

I’m still wondering if the direct access is worth it or if I should just book in for my test. The direct access is £699 but the 3 tests are a little over £100.

The videos of the Mod1 and Mod2 test make it look very simple.

motorbiking · 30 Sep 2018

Do the course.
1. you'll learn stuff
2. the examiner will see the school you are with and know you aren't a walk in with no training.
3. the difference in cost is nothing compared to the kit you'll be buying and your first years insurance

Mike10 · 30 Sep 2018

I agree that the course would probably be worth doing.
It has been many years since I did mine but I think it was worthwhile.
Not least for the 'local knowledge' of the instructor, eg. mine took us to all the places the tester was likely to take us on the test and pointed out where there were places you could easily mess up by being in the wrong position at a junction, signs you could miss, what the tester will be looking for you to do in certain situations etc.
Plus there is the confidence you get from someone seeing you ride and telling you that you are ready for the test.

Ian H · 2 Oct 2018

Free Direct Access with a new Honda

motorbiking · 3 Oct 2018

I wouldn't buy new for my first big bike.. Plenty of choice out there and you'll save a lot more than 600 quid going used.

I don't want to be mean, but chances are.. your first bike is going to get bounced a couple of times.

PhillCO2 · 3 Oct 2018

Agree with the comment about not buying new, everyone is different but I had two incidents on mine over 4 years, first one someone pulled a U-turn on me, second on I panned it on some diesel going round a roundabout, was annoyed enough without it having been a brand new bike.

From personal experience an FZ6 S2 makes a nice first bike after passing the full A licence. You can pick them up used somewhere in the region of £2-£3.
They are pretty much a workhorse, quite a bit of torque, a bit lazy in the bottom end but goes like the clappers when opened up above about 3000 rpm.
Also handles really well and looks pretty nice with a full luggage set on.

Watch out for corrosion on the exhaust manifold studs and exhaust studs and flanges though as they are a plain steel, the exhaust itself is stainless so usually no problems.

Ian H · 3 Oct 2018

I’ve got a few on my e-bay watch at around £2-4000

Such as:

I’m getting ahead of myself looking this soon but may as well get a feel for the market.

Keithmac · 3 Oct 2018

I did a two day course for my B+E (trailer) entitlement and the majority was driving the test routes which was very helpful.

The Er-6 is a tad on the bland side to ride imho. Honda looks a better bet.

motorbiking · 4 Oct 2018

Pass your test and go and ride a few.. I very much doubt you'll want any of those after..

Have you looked at the Triumph Street triple? 675cc version of the little Daytona. They do feel a bit compact though, but that really helps the ride. Triumphs are often cheaper to insure.

Avoid bikes with after market exhaust - particularly in this category.

ericmark · 15 Oct 2018

I didn't know there were different bike licences? Took test in 1960's I thought I could just buy a bike and ride it? Seem to remember dad took his bike test after me, he had a Honda 50 cc but it could not be propelled by peddles so not classed as moped, and he said after passing test on the 50 cc he could ride any size bike. Think took my test on a 125 cc, but it was a long time ago.

Remember taking driving test 5 times fail then pass on bike, fail then pass in car, pass with class 2 wagon, I know wagon licence now expired as did not take medical, but thought rest still valid?

A2 Bike Licence

EddieM

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