I done the direct access test back in 2006, cost about £600 all in for CBT and tests etc.

bought a yamaha thundercat yzf600r for about £1200 and bought textile jacket and trousers, lid gloves and boots.

insurance was £230 iirc for my first big bike with no no claims

used it every day for 6 month 35 miles each way, would do about 150 miles to £18 of petrol back then, and that wasnt really pootling around lol

tyres i paid something £250 for a pair of avon storms, chain and sprokets were about £150 and a new heavy duty clutch was something like £28, fork seals were £6

was a fucking chore riding it int he wet tho, i hated that part. being cold and wet was not good!

it did all end quite abruptly and the wife wont let me get another lol





looked like this after a woman turned right into a a no right turn junction - sore balls prevailed for a few weeks after!!





thats the only down side, if the shit goes down, your easliy fucked!