Is this a good motorbike for a first bike?

Motorbike Question? DAS? First Bike?

• I am turning 21 in the new year and would like to take my DAS test in the UK, to be legal to ride any motorcycle regardless of engine size etc etc. I was wondering what requirements are needed to sit the DAS other than being 21. I have a full uk drivers license for a car. How much does the course cost, how long does it take etc. Also what would be a good first bike. I was looking at the Yamaha yzr-r6 i'm looking to spend around 3-4 K Cheers in advance.

• Answer:

  There are two websites you need to refer to: 1) DVLA website because it's authority on all things to do with driving 2) Begin motorcycling website because it's a great overview of everything new riders need to know. In a nutshell, in answer to your questions: 1) Yes, you only need to be over 21 to do the DAS (and holding a provisional licence, valid CBT which you can do on the first day of the DAS etc). See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022661 2) Costs vary depending on the number of days it takes to complete. 3-4 days is standard depending on experience and costs around £400-500 plus test fees of about another £100. Check for local centres near you (see the begin motorcycling website for centres). NB: It's best not to book your Mod 2 test until you pass Mod 1 - you can't take Mod 2 until you've passed Mod 1, but if you fail Mod 1 you're not allowed to take another Mod 1 test for 2 weeks! They won't refund the money for Mod 2 if you try to cancel it - a massive con if you ask me! So pass Mod 1 and then book Mod 2. Take your motorbike theory test ASAP cos it's a hassle and good to get it out of the way. 3) An R6 is not an ideal first bike. It's more track-focussed than the other Japanese sports bikes and is not a good learning tool. A CBR600RR is a much better all round bike and has the same sports bike looks. But before you set your heart on a bike, check out the insurance because they aren't generous to 21 year old new riders who want to buy a crotch rocket! Naked bikes (e.g. Triumph Street Triple, Yamaha Fazer, Honda Hornet, Kawasaki ER6N, Suzuki Bandit) make better first big bikes and will be slightly cheaper to insure. You may also want to consider the Kawasaki ER6F (faired) which looks good and is a bit cheaper than other bikes.