Discussion
For years I was thinking about doing the bike test and coming up with all sorts of sound reasons for not doing it.
However following on from various advice from you lot, on previous threads, I've just completed the CBT, booked the direct access and had my lesson on a 500 cc bike, booked the theory and practical tests.
All that I can say to anyone who like me was nervous of going for it - just do it!
It's the best thing that you can do with your boots on - well almost!
However following on from various advice from you lot, on previous threads, I've just completed the CBT, booked the direct access and had my lesson on a 500 cc bike, booked the theory and practical tests.
All that I can say to anyone who like me was nervous of going for it - just do it!
It's the best thing that you can do with your boots on - well almost!
Congrats davel,
Did my CBT yesturday asked about Direct Access and I've got ride evaluation thing on Saturday, so that will be my first time on a 500cc (brown trousers time)
It is excellent fun, although my arms ached after it! Using muscles never used before
The instructors I had were excellent. They sussed I was an "old fart" and explained stuff in terms of cars and key differences. Plus lots and lots of positive encouragement. Whole day well worth it.
Did my CBT yesturday asked about Direct Access and I've got ride evaluation thing on Saturday, so that will be my first time on a 500cc (brown trousers time)
It is excellent fun, although my arms ached after it! Using muscles never used before
The instructors I had were excellent. They sussed I was an "old fart" and explained stuff in terms of cars and key differences. Plus lots and lots of positive encouragement. Whole day well worth it.
To be honest you'll probably find the 500 easier to ride than the 125, it'll just feel more stable. I'll also bet you finish the first ride on the 500 with the biggest grin you've had on your face in years 
Anyway, shouldn't you guys be posting this in general gassing? preaching to the converted here.
Anyway, shouldn't you guys be posting this in general gassing? preaching to the converted here.
I've just done cbt & 2 solid days riding 125's around most of Surrey. All I can say is despite being completely inept to begin with, I'm now getting the hang of it & enjoying (almost)every minute. That said I can hardly sign my own name or type as my hands have turned to Jelly.
I've got sunday on a 500 and most of monday also on a 500 then my test so hoping for the best..
Any of you experienced riders...500, harder or easier to ride&manouver than the little 125's ?
I've got sunday on a 500 and most of monday also on a 500 then my test so hoping for the best..
Any of you experienced riders...500, harder or easier to ride&manouver than the little 125's ?
Agree too!
500 much more forgiving and better to ride than 125.
After all, if the revs go too high, you don't have to let the clutch out do you? - so you stay in control.
You can hurt yourself just as much on either bike so get out there and enjoy.
Did my CBT last week, passed Theory today so now fixing up my test too! Yesterday did first lesson on my new s/h 650 - it was great!
Good luck mate.
500 much more forgiving and better to ride than 125.
After all, if the revs go too high, you don't have to let the clutch out do you? - so you stay in control.
You can hurt yourself just as much on either bike so get out there and enjoy.
Did my CBT last week, passed Theory today so now fixing up my test too! Yesterday did first lesson on my new s/h 650 - it was great!
Good luck mate.
well done mate , enjoy never getting stuck in traffic again Craig,
Practise those u-turns mate and be patient because you'll suddenly arrive at a point where they'll just click and they're a lot easier to do.
Here's another tip I was given although didn't get a chance to use. The examiner will send you off round the block to get you to do your controlled stop at some point. If you've not been asked to do the u-turn before then, then stop in a quiet spot and get a couple in before riding back round. It should be easy enough to do, because the spot for the stop will need to be in a quiet area anyway. I was all geared up to do this and he made me do the u-turn then push the bike round instead.
Hope this helps. After only 6 months on the bike, I can tell you you'll be amazed how much you improve post your test, so stick with it. If you fancy going out for a ride once you're a bit more into it, drop me a line through profile.
Cheers,
Steve
>> Edited by Steve_T on Saturday 31st May 22:02
Practise those u-turns mate and be patient because you'll suddenly arrive at a point where they'll just click and they're a lot easier to do.
Here's another tip I was given although didn't get a chance to use. The examiner will send you off round the block to get you to do your controlled stop at some point. If you've not been asked to do the u-turn before then, then stop in a quiet spot and get a couple in before riding back round. It should be easy enough to do, because the spot for the stop will need to be in a quiet area anyway. I was all geared up to do this and he made me do the u-turn then push the bike round instead.
Hope this helps. After only 6 months on the bike, I can tell you you'll be amazed how much you improve post your test, so stick with it. If you fancy going out for a ride once you're a bit more into it, drop me a line through profile.
Cheers,
Steve
>> Edited by Steve_T on Saturday 31st May 22:02
Congrats on passing your test, you will be amazed on how much better you get within a couple of rides, and you will get better and better every ride on the bike for months.
I passed my test just over a month ago, and have done almost 1000 miles since then. I love me bike.
Don't get a brand new expensive bike first, as you WILL drop it!!
Loads of people said that "Everybody drops their firrst bike" to me and I thought yeah right I won't drop my bike, and then on Friday when moveing the bike around the garage , it leant over the wrong side and I couldn't hold it up
;( Lots of damage to my lower fairing , so loads of polishing over the weekend and it looks ok now, a BIG lesson learnt
I passed my test just over a month ago, and have done almost 1000 miles since then. I love me bike.
Don't get a brand new expensive bike first, as you WILL drop it!!
Loads of people said that "Everybody drops their firrst bike" to me and I thought yeah right I won't drop my bike, and then on Friday when moveing the bike around the garage , it leant over the wrong side and I couldn't hold it up
;( Lots of damage to my lower fairing , so loads of polishing over the weekend and it looks ok now, a BIG lesson learnt
Don't get a brand new expensive bike first, as you WILL drop it!!
Does'nt seem to matter with me. I picked up my brand new Triumph Sprint ST in British Racing Green beautiful it was. Did the 100 miles to get the revs up to 5000 during the running in process took it home turned into the drive and dropped the bastard.
I've been riding now for 20 years and it was about my 15th or 16th bike
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