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5,218 Posts
First of all, I would like to remind you that the changes being made to the bike tests are not finalised. We still don't know EXACTLY what the implications are going to be, and how it will affect us.
However, I think I have the answer as to why this is happening.
Currently, something like 11,000 people pass their restricted license test per year, yet only something like 3,000 of those then go on to get a bigger bike!
What the DSA are trying to do, is persuade people to get bigger bikes, sooner!
And this is why.
This holds true, even on here, as I see a fair few of you discussing this, and this is what happens a lot (not saying you guys in particular..):
-You have your 125.
-You pass your test.
-You get your restricted license...
-You don't see the point of spending lots of money on a bigger bike which is more expensive to run, and only gives you a relatively small increase in power / speed, and often could be deemed a downgrade in everything but the power.
-You KEEP the 125, because you have it, you are happy on it, and you are comfortable.
- 2 years soon pass by, you are still on a 125, and now you think right. I can now better justify a bigger bike.
- You go out and buy a 600 supersport.
- You are going from 15bhp ,to 115bhp overnight.
- You seriously hurt yourself.
True story.
EVEN WORSE, you are at 21, and you pass the DAS with 0 experience. And go and buy yourself a full power Busa.
Again, true story. (Ace Cafe last summer).
What the DSA appear to be trying to do, is get you to gradually get used to more and more power.
125 -> 33 (250 or 400) -> 50bhp (400 or 500 restricted) -> full power.
This way you are getting used to the extra power, extra weight, and different characteristics that come with a bigger bike.
However, I think I have the answer as to why this is happening.
Currently, something like 11,000 people pass their restricted license test per year, yet only something like 3,000 of those then go on to get a bigger bike!
What the DSA are trying to do, is persuade people to get bigger bikes, sooner!
And this is why.
This holds true, even on here, as I see a fair few of you discussing this, and this is what happens a lot (not saying you guys in particular..):
-You have your 125.
-You pass your test.
-You get your restricted license...
-You don't see the point of spending lots of money on a bigger bike which is more expensive to run, and only gives you a relatively small increase in power / speed, and often could be deemed a downgrade in everything but the power.
-You KEEP the 125, because you have it, you are happy on it, and you are comfortable.
- 2 years soon pass by, you are still on a 125, and now you think right. I can now better justify a bigger bike.
- You go out and buy a 600 supersport.
- You are going from 15bhp ,to 115bhp overnight.
- You seriously hurt yourself.
True story.
EVEN WORSE, you are at 21, and you pass the DAS with 0 experience. And go and buy yourself a full power Busa.
Again, true story. (Ace Cafe last summer).
What the DSA appear to be trying to do, is get you to gradually get used to more and more power.
125 -> 33 (250 or 400) -> 50bhp (400 or 500 restricted) -> full power.
This way you are getting used to the extra power, extra weight, and different characteristics that come with a bigger bike.