 |
21 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 61
|
|
|
getting a2 licence - good school/instructor needed
Hi
I'm looking at doing my A2 licence and would love to have recommendations of great motorbike schools in London/recommended instructors.
Not up for being rushed through 3 days and taking practical test at the end. Be great to have a taster day too. Would love to pass with confidence and then get into advance riding as i'm doing a big trip next year from UK to Mongolia (via Iran) and then Russia and the Road of Bones.
If anyone has good experiences can they let me know. So many schools to choose from.
|
22 Jul 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Why A2 and not the full A? I'm guessing it must be an age thing as there's no real reason to only do an A2 otherwise, you'd still need to hire a bike and I've not found any difference in price between a 400cc and a 600cc.
Now the killer. I live in West London and in all my ringing round I've not found any schools that will let you do lessons by the hour as you would if you were learning to drive. They're all fixated on selling package deals of 3 or more days at huge cost (£750 for a 3 day course including tests). I'm sure someone somewhere does lessons by the hour if they don't then maybe it's a market they're missing.
I think the problem is that increasingly biking is a hobby for middle aged men who come to it after the kids are gone and the divorce granted and who have tje cash to splash and the "need" to get on a big bike as soon as they can and who are used to the idea of a week's training course equipping them to do what they need to do.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
22 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 141
|
|
|
You could try and find one of the few not-for-profit riding schools manned by volunteers. Almost by definition they can only give lessons by the hour or two because they're all volunteer instructors giving their time outside of their normal work/life/family commitments.
I learned using one of them (not in London, I hasten to add) and they were brilliant. Best teaching environment I've ever been in, it was almost a shame when I passed my test as I had no need to keep attending. One day I might train to become a instructor and volunteer there myself.
As i said such places are like gold dust, but surely there must be at least one in London? They're usually set up by like-minded bike enthusiasts who want to spread the love, but who have no wish to do so as a business, and are usually based at technical colleges or the like.
__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...
|
22 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 61
|
|
|
thanks for the info - which not for profit school did you use? I google not for profit riding school's and find some in hinckley and gloucester but the cost there and back wouldnt make sense.
|
22 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 61
|
|
|
Thanks you so much for the message and information. Yep Im finding the same thing. I was really hoping for personal recommendations because most motorbike schools had the same spiel and it's great to hear when someone has found a good tutor. For me I really hate package days that rush you through learning and then allows you to take to the roads and wipe out with a stupid mistake. I was looking at a2 licence because i was looking at taking a 400cc to mongolia and love off roading (ajp 125cc and ktm 125cc) so it would do me fine.
|
23 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 141
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by hootchy_cootchy
thanks for the info - which not for profit school did you use? I google not for profit riding school's and find some in hinckley and gloucester but the cost there and back wouldnt make sense.
|
I used the one in Hinckley, which was brilliant, but yes its too far for you. But I just assumed there'd be one at least in London. Amazing if there isn't. I didn't realise they were that rare. Sorry if I misled you. Good luck in finding somewhere suitable.
Meanwhile I really feel you should forget about a2 and just go for the full on A or whatever its called now. It can't cost much more, is not gonna be harder, and means you'll be licensed for any bike, any time
__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...
|
23 Jul 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Never having heard of a not for profit motorcycle school I googled and turned up one in Barnett and one in Harrow. Sadly they too seem to have gone down the package deal route, it seems that's the standard way to learn in these "biking as a hobby" days.
I'll keep looking and post if I find anything different.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
Linear Mode
