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I did the CBT and
Direct Access Course at 65
Now
Biking is a
Lifestyle Thing |
Last
Updated 14th December 2023
It is hard to explain the exhilaration, the anticipation and the
excitement I feel when I get on my Suzuki GSX-1250FA sports motorcycle.
From the moment I press the starter button and that 1255cc engine fires
into life, I experience such a rush and whether I am touring and
enjoying the freedom of the open road and the beautiful countryside or
opening up the throttle in sports mode on the twisty roads, the
interaction with the motorcycle is just awesome.
This is a diary of sorts (started August 2014) on my learning to ride a motor cycle with Saltire Motorcycles in Edinburgh, Scotland and achieving a full licence.
It includes my ongoing experiences with my motorbikes, my photography as
well as my choice of clothing, accessories and my biking aspirations.
Photography is an excellent
hobby and although there are many disappointments there are also many
highs when the images come through.
I am still enjoying my
Fujifilm X100s
compact camera and although it is not small enough to fit the average
pocket and it has a fixed lens, the manual handling and the image
quality are fantastic. Sure there are limitations with the
 35mm 'field
of view' but for landscapes and street photography, even general
photography, it serves me very well. I maintain that the handling of a
camera is very important to my enjoyment of photography and in that
respect the X100s delivers a great buzz and
it is more than just
a mere tool.
It's the same kind of enjoyment that I get from cleaning a vinyl record, placing it on my record deck, gently placing the stylus on the first
track and relaxing to some smooth music with a glass of wine - it is a
lifestyle thing.
As much as I enjoyed my
photography, it was not
enough, I have been retired for nigh on 10 years and I was in a rut, I
required a new goal. I missed the adrenalin rush, the challenge of
pushing myself to the limits
and above all else a renewed
sense of danger that had
been so much part of my
earlier lifestyle.
It was getting late in the
day and I had to do
something about it - so I
set up a project, not a
photographic one but one
that would really test my
nerve and my resolve. Yep, I
would become a biker and not
a laid back Harley type but
a sports biker. I wanted a sports/tourer rather than a cruiser, a bike that I could lean
hard into the corners and yet was comfortable on longer journeys. Therein lay the
real challenge because I did not have a motorcycle licence
but
I started the project in May 2014 and by the 1st August 2014, I had
completed it and was riding my own motorbike.
I had a car licence and
 mine by default also included a provisional
motorcycle licence so I purchased the
Highway Code/Traffic Signs Booklets and
Theory Test/Hazard Perception DVDs
for
the
Motorcycle Theory Test.
I studied for a few weeks using the DVDs on a computer and then sat the
theory test at the
government test centre in Edinburgh. Basically it
 was a computer driven
multiple choice exam and the hazard perception part included videos of
travelling on the road and clicking a mouse when I recognised a
potential hazard (e.g. like a horse on the roadway).
After I passed the theory test, I had to complete a compulsory
CBT
which included road training on a 125cc motorcycle with L plates using
an approved local training centre. Note: If you simply want to
ride up to a 125cc size motorcycle with L plates with a motorcycle
provisional licence, you only require to
sit your CBT which lasts for 2 years before you have to sit another one
- the motorcycle theory test is not required.
With any new challenge you require incentive, a driving force that
ensures you cannot renege on it, so I purchased a Suzuki 1250cc FA
motorcycle, some motorcycle protective clothing and enrolled at the
local training centre in Edinburgh for a
Direct Access Scheme Riding Course spread
over 3 months. All of this including the Highway Code/Traffic Signs
Booklets and the Theory
Test/Hazard Perception DVDs were
supplied by
Saltire Motorcyles in Edinburgh who
also supplied the compulsory CBT training. Saltire
initially sold me a second hand 125cc motorcycle to practice on whilst my
Suzuki 1250FA was
on order and I handed the 125cc back at the end of all the courses
(undamaged) for the same money that I paid for it. They also gave me
a great discount on my motorcycle clothing.
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Saltire
Motorcycles - Edinburgh - Scotland
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The Satire Motorcycles Training
The CBT is basically a cut down version of the Module 1 and 2 DAS course
and I found it relatively simple to ride a 125cc motorcycle. The bike is
lightweight, easy to control and the training is geared to making sure
that you are safe on the road and that you can control the bike. It is
up to the instructor to decide if you are capable and there is no formal
examination test.
The Module 1 and 2 DAS training experience with Saltire Motorcycles was a real blast and
the 650cc bike they provided was very powerful and delivered a very nice rumbling noise
which was very
pleasing to the ears. I managed to drop it once during the off-road
Module 1 training and fell on my side but I eventually got the hang of
it.
Once you get going on the public roads, the training
comes into it's own and brings great enjoyment, especially on those
country roads and sweeping bends. Everyone has weaknesses which have to
be ironed out and mine were the figure of eight and the U turn in Module
1 and roundabout road positioning in Module 2.
I have driven a car for nearly 50 years BUT riding a motorcycle
is a whole new ball game and riding in today's city traffic requires a
whole new set of balls which fortunately, I possess. The whole
challenge was mentally and physically demanding and I often reached home
totally shattered from the training experience. I was fortunate, I lost
weight, became physically and mentally fitter and I
passed all the government examinations first time - the Theory/Hazard Perception
Test, the CBT (only one where the training instructor decides), 650cc Module 1 Off-Road Test and the 650cc Module 2
Practical Test on the road, albeit with a few faults in Module 2.
Saltire Dealer Support
I regard dealer support as paramount and I believe in supporting the
dealer. It is great to get all the service at the one place and I like
the atmosphere and the ability to relax when visiting the premises and
enjoy a cup of coffee whilst perusing the merchandise. I purchased
everything from Saltire Motorcycles - training, bike, Oxford Boss
padlock, Shoei helmet, Kriega R35
backpack and GIVI XS307 tank bag, Rev' It, Furygan
and Bull-it clothes and if they did not have my size in stock, they
ordered it in for me to try on. I found the pricing excellent and more
than a match for the internet on-line alternatives.
The
Suzuki 1250FA Sports/Tourer Motorcycle
From the start I decided that I would purchase a white painted Suzuki 1250FA motorcycle
(see images below) so that
I would be easily seen on the road, it delivers optimum
torque at 3,700rpm,
a 0-60mph of around 3 seconds and is ideal for relatively
quiet cruising at 70mph. The 1250FA has
a four in line cylinder engine
so you are not going to get that rumble like the Saltire Suzuki Gladius
training bikes which sport a 650cc V twin cylinder engine and the 1250FA
does not
snarl when you open up the throttle. However, it has serious
power and the acceleration is just phenomenal for such a large bike.
Fortunately, I am limited to a running in period for the engine so for
the first 600 miles I will be keeping the revs down to below 4,500rpm
and gaining more handling experience. Apparently a new bike with brand
new tyres (or new replacement tyres on an old bike) requires
careful riding up to 100 miles until the tyres shed their smooth coating
and bed it, so I will be careful on the corners. Now that the tyres have
travelled over 100 miles I am finding that the sports handling is exceptional and 2.5
hours straight touring is the average before I have to remove my
backside from the seat and take a rest which is not a bad thing in any
case. More on the bike in my
Suzuki GSX-1250FA Review.
I
decided to make a video of a road trip on my Suzuki GSX-1250FA in late
2014. I don't own a Go-Pro Hero 3+ or a Drift Ghost S video camera so I used
my
Sony Alpha A57
SLT Camera with a Sony 18-55mm f3.5/f5.6 MK I zoom lens set to 18mm
(27mm field of view) and the lens to manual. I used focus
peaking to set up the focus area, strapped the camera to my chest and
set off, looking a right dork. I kept to the speed limits so do not
expect any crazy high speed accelerations.
However the video is reasonable for a first attempt and I think it
provides a decent overview of the bike and the capability of the camera
and lens. There is a contents page at the beginning of the video -
please view the video in full screen and set the quality to 1080p HD for
maximum resolution -
Images of my new bike using the Fujifilm X100s camera -
Lifestyle
I am very fortunate that I have worked hard all my life and now in
retirement, I have enough money to indulge in my passions.
There is no doubt that riding a motorbike can develop into a full blown
lifestyle which commences with the style of protective clothes you wear,
the type of motorcycle you ride and the company you keep when you are
out on your bike. There is no doubt that it can become addictive and you
find that the motorcycle is more fun than the car - you just feel more
alive as you interact with a motorcycle on the road.
The motorcycle is the perfect excuse to get away from it all especially
as I will not take the responsibility of carrying a pillion
passenger. I am not a member of Facebook or Twitter and my mobile phone
is very basic so there are no emails or smart phone distractions. Nope,
it is all about the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle and I find
myself visiting biker cafes and dealerships for coffee whilst
perusing the motorbikes and the merchandise. Discussions with other
bikers centre around the latest motorbikes and the latest motorbike
races but conversations relative to politics, religion and political
correctness are avoided at all costs.
Knockhill Race Circuit is a must
during the race season and you head along to soak up the atmosphere with
other bikers.
It's not every day that you head down the road on a touring trip,
perhaps to the Lake District or Yorkshire or up north into the Scottish
Highlands or even further afield but when you do plan that trip and take
to the road, it is a great feeling. Touring is relaxing as you cruise
along and take in the countryside and the views from the saddle. The
roads are usually unfamiliar so there is not the same desire to open up
the throttle and lay it down on the bends. You can pre-plan your hotel
stops or just add some excitement to the trip by taking your chances at
a bed and breakfast stop over and if all else fails in the countryside
there are plenty B+Bs near the main motorways. I dislike luggage racks
and boxes on my Suzuki GSX-1250FA motorcycle and prefer instead to use a
backpack with clothing and soft stuff and a smaller bag for my shoes and
harder gear secured to my pillion seat with quick release clips.
Local trips nearer to home offer just as much freedom of the road and
terrific fun when you open up the throttle (a bit) on those
twisty country roads. One of my
favourite 'lunch' trips is
travelling from
Edinburgh on the A702 city bypass then the
A701 to
Moffat for a meal at one of the
many cafes. The road back to Edinburgh would be via the A708, up and
over the hills to
St Mary's Loch where you could
visit the
Glen Cafe Bistro (an alternative
lunch spot) which is frequented by hoards of bikers before swinging left on the B709 to
Innerleithen and then the A72 to
Peebles and the A703 back to the A701
at Leadburn for Edinburgh.
At
the start of each year you bring your diary up to date with all the
venues for
British Superbikes, World Superbikes,
MotoGP
and of course the
Isle of Man TT.
Motorcycling does not consume my entire lifestyle but like many bikers
from different backgrounds it is now a large part of it. So much so that
on a fine weather day, I will be firing up my Suzuki GSX-1250FA and
leaving the car in the garage.
Clothing and armour protection are all important (check out my link to
my clothing above) as is the style in relation to the motorcycle you
ride. I have been lucky in that I did spend a great deal of time on the
Internet and at my local dealership before I purchased my gear. In the
end, I still added more clothing and accessories (check out my link
to my accessories above) and built up my collection as required. I
also put together an article on the subject of
Motorcycle Protective Clothing.
_____________________________________________
2015
Early in 2015, I got it into my head that I required a 2nd motorcycle
for travelling around the city, so I tried out a
Yamaha MT-07 which I thought would
make the ideal 'urban' bike. In the end, I purchased a
Yamaha XV950R ABS
'Bobber'
but it ended up gathering dust in the garage.
Truth be known, riding the Yamaha XV950R did not really agree with my
lower back and I could only commit to short trips on the bike. I much
preferred to ride my
Suzuki GSX-1250FA sports/tourer and the adrenalin rush of riding the Suzuki around the country bends proved
too addictive, so I sold the Yamaha in 2016.
_____________________________________________
2016
Now that summer
(2016) has finally arrived, I am out and about a lot on my
Suzuki GSX-1250FA Motorcycle which is 'freaking awesome' on the country roads. A daily dose of adrenalin is just the ticket and I follow in the steps of one of my heroes',
T. E. Lawrence
(Lawrence of Arabia) on his
Brough Superior SS Motorcycle. Incidentally Lawrence was killed on his bike, avoiding 2 kids and their bicycles.
Nearly 2 years on and the handling seems to get better and better and
when I started riding the bike I had strong upper body strength but I
found that my leg hamstrings had contracted over the years and thanks to
my 68 year old worn vertebrae my lower back muscles left a lot to be
desired. However, these weaknesses never proved a problem when riding
the Suzuki because of it's upright (half sports) riding position
and the 805mm low seat BUT I did take out a few sports bikes for
test rides and only then did I realise that I should address those
weaknesses.
I decided to commit to
body building exercises each
morning to strengthen my lower back and upper leg muscles as well as
stretching the leg hamstrings. I also undertook a regime of push ups to
strengthen my wrists and
triceps muscles.
My Suzuki GSX-1250FA is a very hard motorcycle to replace thanks to it's
massive 108Nm torque, it's comfortable upright riding position and for
all it's 257Kg in weight, I am still able to lay it down on the corners
and when I drop down the gears, the acceleration is phenomenal.
_____________________________________________
2017
The
year is nearly over but it has not been the greatest of years. My mother
passed away in December 2016 and my motivation was somewhat curtailed as
a result of the grieving process. I still have to sort out her
belongings and I keep putting it aside until another date. I should have
been out on my Suzuki most fine days but instead I stayed at home or
walked Brad my dog. Thankfully my mates, family, especially my
grandchildren, helped filled the void.
However, the year was not all lost as I managed to test ride an
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100
Factory
which
was a terrific motorcycle but not without some flaws. On
the 5th of May, I got my hands on a
2017 BMW S1000RR Sport
motorcycle for a test ride and it was awesome but when I rode it for a prolonged period, especially in a
stop/start urban environment, the
base of my neck developed an unbearable pain.
I decided a while ago, that I would never sell my Suzuki GSX-1250FA as
it was the last 'Bandit' with a fairing and devoid of electronic aids,
albeit ABS which I feel is necessary in today's urban traffic,
especially during a heavy downpour on the dual carriageway. In any case,
the motorcycle is awesome as a sports/tourer and it does the job very
nicely.
I intend to get a second motorcycle that is a more 'full on' sports
model but as yet, I remain undecided. I am looking forward to setting up
the 2018 calendar for MotoGP, World Superbikes, British Superbikes and
of course the Isle of Man TT. In Scotland we have the Carole Nash
Scottish Motorcycle Show in March which is well worth a visit to sit on
some of the new bikes.
I am not keen on winter riding, so the Suzuki is laid up in the garage
with its battery charger ticking over whilst I wish away the months
until late March 2018 and in the meantime, strengthen my neck muscles
for those test rides next year - the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is definitely on
my list.
_____________________________________________
2018
Well, 2018 got off to a very bad start on
Valentine's Day, when my best pal, Brad my collie dog, passed away in my
arms, he was twelve and a half years old and his old heart finally gave
out. I miss him greatly and for the time being, I will not be getting
another dog.
Today, the 1st of April, the
weather in Edinburgh, Scotland remains bitterly cold and the Carole Nash Scottish Motorcycle Show
has been put back from
March until the 7th and 8th of April. If the cold weather continues, it
may be put back until next year?
Despite my extensive neck exercises over the winter period, I have
finally recognised my limitations because my neck muscles cannot make up
for my worn neck vertebrae. Lifting my head up from the tank of a 'full
on' sports bike to see ahead, is great at the time but agony in my neck
for several days afterwards.
As I reach my 70s, old age is a bummer and it is a constant fight to
stay fit but the odd bit of pain is worth it, as long as I can still
ride and tour on my Suzuki GSX-1250FA motorbike. Recognition of my
limitations made me realise that perhaps for around town and that quick
blast on the country roads, I required a lighter motorcycle with upright
bars and yet one with a 'sporty' feel to it? Once, I decided it had to
be lightweight, then I figured it must weigh in at less than 195kg
when fully fuelled and be a joy to move about in the garage whilst great
for handling in lane splitting stationary traffic and on those tight
corners.
In March, I visited my local Triumph Dealer (Two Wheels) and test rode a
2018 Triumph Street Triple RS which
was awesome. Although my short review points out a few 'non-issue'
wrinkles, the main one was numb bum but I think that particular 'deal
breaker' can be resolved - I will know later in April, when I test ride
the bike again.
19th April
After test riding the 'Streets' sibling, the new
2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS, I
ordered a black one and I expect delivery sometime in early May. Its not
under the 195kg wet weight that I wanted but its still a great deal
lighter than my Suzuki.
21st July
I am enjoying my new Triumph Speed Triple RS although the experience (at
first) was not without some heartache. You can read the continuing story
in my
Triumph Speed Triple RS Review.
I have kept my Suzuki GSX-1250FA Sports/Tourer and I am using it for
those longer trips and still enjoying it.
_____________________________________________
2019
It was a swift year, I think the years pass more quickly as you get
older? I lost my old horse 'Lady' in June and she is a great miss; no
more nose nudges in my back for treats. The great thing about a
motorbike is that once out on the road, all those other thoughts,
especially the sad ones, drift away. At the end of 2019 in December, I
picked up a serious case of the flu, sore throat, a hacking cough, very
difficult to breathe and sweating in bed. I did the usual, sucked throat
lozenges like sweets, poured chest cough mixtures down my throat,
straight out of the bottle, drank cupfuls of Lemsip Extra and popped
Paracetamol Extra
pills. Vick was always smeared thickly on my chest and after 7 days in
bed, I recovered. Was it Covid - I never bothered to find out and I
refused a vaccine in 2020 for the over 70s.
_____________________________________________
2020
I still have my two motorcycles, my 2014 Suzuki GSX-1250FA and my 2018
Triumph Speed Triple RS. Both deliver a great deal of pleasure. This
COVID-19 virus is a bit of a bummer with lockdown still in force in
Scotland (as off 16th May 2020) but I get out on my bikes with a small
backpack to pick up some food. Fortunately, I have to make several trips
a week to outlying country areas and to village shops as the
supermarkets in the city are more crowded - it pays to play safe. I
alternate my bikes to keep them in trim and when back in the garage they
are plugged into my Optimate 4 Battery Chargers.
_____________________________________________
2021
I have enjoyed riding both my motorbikes during 2021 and there are still
a couple of months to go. However, the colder
weather is not that far away and I don't ride my bikes during the winter
period. One of the reasons my bikes look like new - they have never been
exposed to salt on the roads. Covid in Scotland is still around and once
again, cases are on the increase. It remains to been seen if we face
another lockdown but in any case, I will be wishing winter away so that
I can get back on my bikes, sometime in March 2022. I remain
unvaccinated and I have huge stocks of Vick, throat lozenges, Lemsip
Extra, Paracetamol Extra and various chest cough mixtures stacked up in
the medicine cupboard; just in case I have a repeat of December 2019.
I have been researching 'classic' styled motorbikes and visiting a few
showrooms.
_____________________________________________
2022
I am looking forward to a better year and one where Covid-19 finally
subsides. Come March, my motorcycles will be uncovered and all going
well, I will hit the road, once again. The winter period is a real
bummer and it lasts so long in Scotland. I am thinking of adding a
'classic' motorcycle, like a Royal Enfield Continental to my collection.
I plan to test ride one this year but like last year, it will probably
come to nothing because once I get back on my Triumph Speed Triple RS or
my Suzuki GSX-1250FA, I soon forget about other bikes and just enjoy the
rides.
Well, I never did get to
test ride the Royal Enfield Interceptor. I kept putting it off because
once I was back on my motorbikes, the hankering for another motorcycle
to add to my collection, kind of wore off. All in all it was a great
year and I thoroughly enjoyed riding my bikes and fortunately without
any mishaps.
18th December - Both my motorbikes are in the garage, covered and on
trickle battery charge. Hopefully, the winter will soon pass and then
back on the road in spring. Now that the 2023 BSA Goldstar has arrived,
the Royal Enfield Interceptor has some serious 'classic' competition. I
am planning a test ride of the BSA Goldstar in early 2023, provided
Scottish Dealers have been appointed.
_____________________________________________
2023
April was a good month and I was once again out and about on my
motorcycles. Over the winter months (as usual) I was researching the new
2023 bikes and hankering for an addition to my collection. Its funny,
but as soon as I was out on about on my Triumph Speed Triple RS and my
Suzuki GSX-1250FA motorcycle the hankering wore off, well almost. I want
something a bit lighter and recently, I tried out a Honda Forza 350
scooter but the upright seating position did my lower back in. Still it
was a lot of fun riding around the city and it cruised easily at 70mph
on the dual carriageway. Today's thoughts rest on a 2023 Triumph Street
Triple RS and a 2023 Aprilia RS660, with both bikes weighing in at
around the 188Kg mark.
December - Well, its been a
grand year and my sports bikes are back in the garage and on their
trickle chargers. I test rode a number of adventure style motorcycles
during the year as I had decided that I required a motorcycle for those
B road and trails over the hills of Scotland, especially the Lothian and
Borders.
I have put down a deposit for a new
Honda NX500 Adventure Crossover Motorcycle
to use all the year round. I am expecting the delivery in April 2024. I
am keeping my two sports bikes.
If you have enjoyed this article - please donate to my Charity of Choice
- The
Sick Kids
Richard Lawrence
Scotland
United Kingdom
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