Modern Vespa

Hi Guys,

In the true spirit of MV, I wanted to do something special for my 1000th post, but couldn't think what. Then, as if by magic, something occurred to me.

I want to thank those of you that gave me the knowledge, benefit of your experience, insight into the process and above all, encouragement.

So, my 1000th post is this - I just passed my UK Module 2 A licence big-bike test, on a Yamaha XJ6.

Result!!

Congratulations

Congratulations!

So no more L plate then?

Congrats, I'll have to start planning my 1000th.

Congrats! Way to go!

Great job! And congratulations!

Nope, L-plates be gone!

Congratulations Dave. What does the new license entitle you to ride?

Congratulations. 8)

Time to start thinking about changing your avatar.

Awesome. You need to change your avatar pic. Get rid of that L plate. Ride safe. 8)

A very big well done!

An excellent achievement.

somerset

Nice one! Did you hire a geared bike to practice in the end?

Cheers! Avatar fixed.

Congrats and safe riding!

Yes mate - hired a Yamaha YBR125 for 2 days and just rode 200 miles in those two days to practice my gear and clutch control, then sat on the 600cc Yamaha XJ6 for the first time on Saturday morning.

I did Mod 1 training plus about an hour of road riding on Saturday, about 2 hours Mod 1 training, plus an hour on the DSA test pad in Uxbridge on Sunday, followed by another 3 hours road riding.

Mod 1 was yesterday morning, followed by another couple of hours road riding practice for Mod 2. Today, we started at 11am, went out for about two and a half hours road riding practice, then I had Mod 2.

Total cost was £730, which included £80 for the two days 125 hire, which was an inclusive price with fuel and insurance included. Also, no deposit required. (But £2000 damage excess if I smashed it up!)

Still, it seems to be the most efficient way of doing it - 4 days in a row, job done.

I have to say though, it's NOT easy and I did struggle with some aspects, but hard work combined with a very experienced instructor (who's also a Met. Police traffic cop) paid off.

If anyone in the west London area is looking for a school, I won't hesitate in recommending these guys. Drop me a PM.

Anything I want now! I did the "big bike" test, aka 'Category A licence'.

Category A unrestricted motorcycles used for tests must:

be a solo motorcycle
be at least 595cc
be at least 40kW engine power

The Yamaha I rode has a 600cc, 57KW engine.

Congratulations Dave

and welcome to the world of "why do you ride a scooter if you've passed your test?"

Well done!!

Haha...good question!

Congratulations again Dave Welcome to the big boys league!

Nice one dave 8)

Russ

Cheers guys!

I wonder if the significance of a Mod1/Mod2 pass is lost on our American friends? I know in the US you have the MSF course - it's mentioned loads on here for a start.

Have any members done both? Can anyone tell me what the differences are please?

You won't get any info concerning the MSF course from me.....I'm too embarrassed for you folks across the pond to know just what we require.

Well done! My license upgrades to unlimited this summer!

Excellent. Same bike as I used - I think they are even better suited to the test than the ubiquitous Honda CB600 which is more unwieldy for slow riding. Your cost was about the same as mine despite taking a slightly different route!

Well done that man. whoever you are.

Bill xxx

Congratulations...and well-done.

I'm impressed at the training (and cost) of what you went through. Not that I want to do the same, but I think we could raise the bar a bit on this side of the pond. My MSF course was roughly $250, and did a good job preparing me and allowed me to bypass the normal testing routine, which is far cheaper, but assumes you understand enough to ride safely.

Oh Bill, it's me! Y'know, me!

xxx

Yeah, I liked the XJ6 a lot. It's a very easy bike to ride. They're very revvy too - lots of fun to be had with the super-smooth inline 4.

Fantastic!

Congratulations on both accomplishments. I don't remember my 1,000th post. It passed like a whiff of air.

That's just a sparkling announcement for your 1000th post.

Way to go...you ....sorry I am a bit emotional.

Congratulations! No more L!

Well done Dave, job done!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Especially nice for you to lose the "L" and be able to explore new machines.

Well Done, Dave! Congrats!

Thanks for the Congrats guys.

Just need to get out of hospital and on the road to recovery, then I can get back riding. I miss it...!

You passed the test on Tuesday and you're in hospital on Thursday?!

Hope you're ok and fully mended soon!