The day has come for me to take my Mod 2 bike exam which is the final exam in the UK for me to qualify to have an unrestricted bike licence. Here’s what happened.
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Super bike factory get there stock from webuyanybike others peoples crap mostly , congratulations on passing mod1 & 2 I own a few bikes and have recently , this year downgraded from triumph trophy 1215se to a VOGE 525 which you mentioned , no regrets , as far as dealers are concern there all the same , I can recommend my local one, Appleyards , part of the MotoGB group , they lots of demo bikes , but as you’ve mentioned , you lack experience will and has been an issue , trying a demo out , I noticed you were looking at a triumph scrambler , I’ve known few people who own these , the standard rear shocks are awful and seats no great either .
Andrew (and Claire), well done and welcome to the start of what will hopefully be a life long obsession. Thank goodness I only had to ride around the block and not kill the Examiner in the emergency stop to get my ticket to freedom. 106 bikes and 53 years later I am still really enjoying the ride. If you are really keen on a specific brand, it might be a good idea to join an Owners Club and use there experience to help you. Also, as you progress you will soon realise, one bike is never enough… ride safe and enjoy
advice on the bikes as well would be personally to buy "Private" and take someone with you that knows a bit about Bikes. Chances are if it has been owned privately that it has been better looked after and well maintained whereas the likes of buying from a place such as the superbike factory there is that element of unknown. Also I would try a few different bikes to see what suits your style so such as are you comfortable riding a sportsbike or an adventure? what are you going to be using the bike for? hope this helps mate.
congrats on your bike pass…maybe a suzuki v-strom 650..good starter bike…reliable bullet proof engine.easy to service yourself .cheap insurance.also you could add panniers and go touring.£6300 new
I have been riding for over 40 years with gaps, this time I started on a MT07 wasn't for me I bought 2nd hand and kept it for 6 months, sold it privately and had a small loss. Then bought a new Honda CB500x and enjoyed it, that brought my insurance down, then PX for a new Honda NC750 DCT, very cheap to run and insure. I only kept it 6 months and put a lot of extras on it and lost a lot of money getting my dream bike, a fully loaded Africa Twin. Earlier this year I was looking for a smaller bike and was very tempted by the Voge 300 Rally until I had a test ride, I felt very unsafe and I have ridden a lot of bikes. So I bought a 1 year old Honda CRF 300 Rally with very low miles from Blackpool Honda and I love it. My advice would be to keep your 125 for a year to get your insurance down. Have you considered a PCP?
Congratulations Andrew on passing, really enjoying this series as I've been through the same journey myself a year ago at the age of 51. Keep going it just gets better and better. I went from a KTM Duke 125 to a Honda Africa twin 1100 adventure which was a really big jump, fantastic presence on the road and really comfortable riding position up high, had the same issue with not being able to do test rides because of lack of experience, still learning every time I go out. Not interested in being the quickest just enjoying the fun of riding and being safe.
So glad I don't have to take my test now and passed it back in the late 80s at 17. All I remember was a chap jumping into the middle of road with hand up saying STOP. As I recall I didn't hit him. Passed my test. Job done 😊 35 years later I am still riding and manage a few tours around the UK & Ireland every year. There is nothing like the freedom of the road a bike can bring you. Congrats on passing – You're going to have a lot of fun 👍
Excellent job. (maybe set the camera with sun behind it. ). Blinded and can’t see you. 😮 Choosing a first bike is very difficult. Just keep it suitable for the type of riding and your size and comfort. Give yourself more time to learn what will suit your needs. Don’t rush it.
Congrats on passing your test, I’m from Donny and Passed my mod 1 and 2 at Rotherham a couple of years ago. Got my first bike from two wheel centre in Mansfield, nice bunch of guys and very helpful. Ride safe.
Congratulations on your pass, its not easy and takes perseverance to get your full licence. I know this is the last thing you will want to hear after just finishing your basic training but the best thing I did was to get some advanced motorcycle training. As a taster, consider getting yourself onto the Bike safe course in your local area and then some advanced training with either ROSPA or IAMs it will take your skill level to another level. Ride safe,
Hi Andrew, massive congrats on passing your mod2 opening up the world of big bikes to you. I was 56 when I passed my mod 2 and purchased a new Honda VFR 800 Crossrunner. I knew that I wanted a bit taller bike since I’m 6 ft 2in. I within a short space of time did a Bike Safe course which was a big eye opener. They recommended that I complete either IAM or ROSPA course which was really good.. I kept the VFR for 18 months before buying a BMW GSA. I don’t take it off road but do like that I don’t have to fill up with fuel every day. I was travelling 70 miles each day into the centre of Leeds. Since then been on European trips and go up to Scotland each year and really do enjoy biking. Great that you have the support of Claire and the 2 of you bounce of each other are good to listen to and watch. Keep safe and hopefully catch up at some time.
Hey Andrew, I've been busy so I'm just catching up. Congratulations man, well done to you.
I got the hesitation fault on my test too. I just told him I was waiting for a gap big enough for 2 of us. You know what he said? Don't worry about me I'll catch up! Lmao. A side note, I didn't even have a bike when I took my test. So my biking experience at that time, was only on the instructors bike/test bike. Hadn't ridden a bike since I was 17 at that point. So 20+ years no riding, a couple weeks "lessons" and then Test. This was back in the day of no theory etc. So just one test.
little tip keep a flatten drink can under your seat for when you park on mud and you put the can under the side stand when you park on mud stops it going in the mud
Congratulations Andy on obtaining your full bike licence 🎉 I have followed your bike journey from the beginning as I started at the same time as yourself and I have loved all your videos. I got a bit behind your progress as it took me 3 attempts to pass my Mod 1 due to crippling nerves but I amazed myself by passing my Mod 2, on the first attempt, 2 days ago, so I am now one very happy and excited 59 yr old ready to go big bike shopping. Please keep doing the videos of your biking journey as I really enjoy sharing your experiences
Well done Andy, when you get another bike don't worry about the cc to much, my son went from a 125 to a 1300, my daughter went from a 125 to a 750 and then a 1000 in a matter of 18 months and now rides a 1200.
You already know how it is when you went from a 125 to a 600 with a 0-60 that is equivalent to some sports cars performance. Don't let the fear of a big bike put you off,. My other daughter who doesn't have a bike license rode my sons 125 around a car par for a hour or so then got off that and rode my Goldwing. If you are going to carry your good lady on the back and go touring you need a bike that will carry your gear, your pillion and you without struggling to do so, something that will go up a hill when fully loaded, something that will over take when going up a hill. The last thing you want is a bike that loses power when you hit a hill whilst overtaking or you get hit by head on winds. Triumph tiger, Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha tracer 900, or a sports tourer like cb1300 st1300 , cbf 1000 would do well but try not to go lower than 750 or you might regret it for touring 2 up.
Just have a look at insurances, you might be surprised at how cheap certain big bikes cost. My daughter has 2 bikes she bought a cbf 1000 and sha also has a vfr 1200 she is 30 , she had quotes as stupid as £8000 pounds but shopped around and got a multi bike policy for less than a £1000, the we looked at how much it would cost her to insure a Goldwing, this is what is mental about insurance, she could of insured an 1800 Goldwing for £348.
My daughter bought her bike from Superbike Factory and had a few issues with broken panels and a faulty gear box but fortunately for her the boss of the company that she worked for new one of the bosses of Superbike so things got sorted in the end .
30 Comments
DO NOT BUY FROM SUPERBIKE FACTORY
Super bike factory get there stock from webuyanybike others peoples crap mostly , congratulations on passing mod1 & 2 I own a few bikes and have recently , this year downgraded from triumph trophy 1215se to a VOGE 525 which you mentioned , no regrets , as far as dealers are concern there all the same , I can recommend my local one, Appleyards , part of the MotoGB group , they lots of demo bikes , but as you’ve mentioned , you lack experience will and has been an issue , trying a demo out , I noticed you were looking at a triumph scrambler , I’ve known few people who own these , the standard rear shocks are awful and seats no great either .
Wonderful time to take your bike test haha!
Andrew (and Claire), well done and welcome to the start of what will hopefully be a life long obsession. Thank goodness I only had to ride around the block and not kill the Examiner in the emergency stop to get my ticket to freedom. 106 bikes and 53 years later I am still really enjoying the ride. If you are really keen on a specific brand, it might be a good idea to join an Owners Club and use there experience to help you. Also, as you progress you will soon realise, one bike is never enough… ride safe and enjoy
Great job, that video brings it all back. Well done on the pass. Your next bike has to be a Triumph T100 Bonneville, it would so suite you.
Well done my friend. Made up for you passing your test. Opens up a whole new world of freedom now. Safe riding.
advice on the bikes as well would be personally to buy "Private" and take someone with you that knows a bit about Bikes. Chances are if it has been owned privately that it has been better looked after and well maintained whereas the likes of buying from a place such as the superbike factory there is that element of unknown. Also I would try a few different bikes to see what suits your style so such as are you comfortable riding a sportsbike or an adventure? what are you going to be using the bike for? hope this helps mate.
congrats on your bike pass…maybe a suzuki v-strom 650..good starter bike…reliable bullet proof engine.easy to service yourself .cheap insurance.also you could add panniers and go touring.£6300 new
I have been riding for over 40 years with gaps, this time I started on a MT07 wasn't for me I bought 2nd hand and kept it for 6 months, sold it privately and had a small loss. Then bought a new Honda CB500x and enjoyed it, that brought my insurance down, then PX for a new Honda NC750 DCT, very cheap to run and insure. I only kept it 6 months and put a lot of extras on it and lost a lot of money getting my dream bike, a fully loaded Africa Twin. Earlier this year I was looking for a smaller bike and was very tempted by the Voge 300 Rally until I had a test ride, I felt very unsafe and I have ridden a lot of bikes. So I bought a 1 year old Honda CRF 300 Rally with very low miles from Blackpool Honda and I love it. My advice would be to keep your 125 for a year to get your insurance down. Have you considered a PCP?
Congratulations Andrew on passing, really enjoying this series as I've been through the same journey myself a year ago at the age of 51. Keep going it just gets better and better. I went from a KTM Duke 125 to a Honda Africa twin 1100 adventure which was a really big jump, fantastic presence on the road and really comfortable riding position up high, had the same issue with not being able to do test rides because of lack of experience, still learning every time I go out. Not interested in being the quickest just enjoying the fun of riding and being safe.
So glad I don't have to take my test now and passed it back in the late 80s at 17. All I remember was a chap jumping into the middle of road with hand up saying STOP. As I recall I didn't hit him. Passed my test. Job done 😊 35 years later I am still riding and manage a few tours around the UK & Ireland every year. There is nothing like the freedom of the road a bike can bring you. Congrats on passing – You're going to have a lot of fun 👍
Excellent job.
(maybe set the camera with sun behind it. ). Blinded and can’t see you. 😮
Choosing a first bike is very difficult. Just keep it suitable for the type of riding and your size and comfort. Give yourself more time to learn what will suit your needs. Don’t rush it.
From a biker of fifty five years FRINGKING GOOD effort so so pleased for you good effort that man !
Well done. 🍾
Your videos will come in handy when I get a licemce.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Congrats on passing your test, I’m from Donny and Passed my mod 1 and 2 at Rotherham a couple of years ago. Got my first bike from two wheel centre in Mansfield, nice bunch of guys and very helpful. Ride safe.
Congratulations on your pass, its not easy and takes perseverance to get your full licence. I know this is the last thing you will want to hear after just finishing your basic training but the best thing I did was to get some advanced motorcycle training. As a taster, consider getting yourself onto the Bike safe course in your local area and then some advanced training with either ROSPA or IAMs it will take your skill level to another level. Ride safe,
Congratulations…..
Well done my man. Little shout out for you on this vid
https://youtu.be/H0jntS8DirI?si=xMIU5i7FxCEDYMhQ
Hi Andrew, massive congrats on passing your mod2 opening up the world of big bikes to you. I was 56 when I passed my mod 2 and purchased a new Honda VFR 800 Crossrunner. I knew that I wanted a bit taller bike since I’m 6 ft 2in. I within a short space of time did a Bike Safe course which was a big eye opener. They recommended that I complete either IAM or ROSPA course which was really good.. I kept the VFR for 18 months before buying a BMW GSA. I don’t take it off road but do like that I don’t have to fill up with fuel every day. I was travelling 70 miles each day into the centre of Leeds. Since then been on European trips and go up to Scotland each year and really do enjoy biking. Great that you have the support of Claire and the 2 of you bounce of each other are good to listen to and watch. Keep safe and hopefully catch up at some time.
How much did it cost to get your full licence in total? That's the bit that concerns me!
C
Hey Andrew, I've been busy so I'm just catching up. Congratulations man, well done to you.
I got the hesitation fault on my test too. I just told him I was waiting for a gap big enough for 2 of us. You know what he said? Don't worry about me I'll catch up! Lmao.
A side note, I didn't even have a bike when I took my test. So my biking experience at that time, was only on the instructors bike/test bike. Hadn't ridden a bike since I was 17 at that point. So 20+ years no riding, a couple weeks "lessons" and then Test. This was back in the day of no theory etc. So just one test.
Anyway, Congratulations again
🥳
when you have a pillion ask them to lean back when you break you find it helps on breaking
try negative steering when you going around a right hand bend pull on your left bar that helps to go right
well done on passing your test
little tip keep a flatten drink can under your seat for when you park on mud and you put the can under the side stand when you park on mud stops it going in the mud
Well done fella, I failed my MOD 2 on Friday! Proper gutted but rebooked for the 6th Jan!! Oh and you are never too old, I am 50 in 5 months!!
Great stuff, love it, for your size a 900 or 1000cc would be the job, looking like a gorilla on a tricicle is a no, your a big lad
Congratulations Andy on obtaining your full bike licence 🎉 I have followed your bike journey from the beginning as I started at the same time as yourself and I have loved all your videos.
I got a bit behind your progress as it took me 3 attempts to pass my Mod 1 due to crippling nerves but I amazed myself by passing my Mod 2, on the first attempt, 2 days ago, so I am now one very happy and excited 59 yr old ready to go big bike shopping.
Please keep doing the videos of your biking journey as I really enjoy sharing your experiences
Well done Andy, when you get another bike don't worry about the cc to much, my son went from a 125 to a 1300, my daughter went from a 125 to a 750 and then a 1000 in a matter of 18 months and now rides a 1200.
You already know how it is when you went from a 125 to a 600 with a 0-60 that is equivalent to some sports cars performance.
Don't let the fear of a big bike put you off,. My other daughter who doesn't have a bike license rode my sons 125 around a car par for a hour or so then got off that and rode my Goldwing.
If you are going to carry your good lady on the back and go touring you need a bike that will carry your gear, your pillion and you without struggling to do so, something that will go up a hill when fully loaded, something that will over take when going up a hill.
The last thing you want is a bike that loses power when you hit a hill whilst overtaking or you get hit by head on winds.
Triumph tiger, Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha tracer 900, or a sports tourer like cb1300 st1300 , cbf 1000 would do well but try not to go lower than 750 or you might regret it for touring 2 up.
Just have a look at insurances, you might be surprised at how cheap certain big bikes cost.
My daughter has 2 bikes she bought a cbf 1000 and sha also has a vfr 1200 she is 30 , she had quotes as stupid as £8000 pounds but shopped around and got a multi bike policy for less than a £1000, the we looked at how much it would cost her to insure a Goldwing, this is what is mental about insurance, she could of insured an 1800 Goldwing for £348.
My daughter bought her bike from Superbike Factory and had a few issues with broken panels and a faulty gear box but fortunately for her the boss of the company that she worked for new one of the bosses of Superbike so things got sorted in the end .
Good luck enjoy.