About to fail my DAS...

[Duckyboos]

I'd be grateful for some advice from you guys...

I started my 5-day DAS on Sunday with my CBT, which took me 2 days to pass. I was nervous and wobbly and found it hard initially to get to grip with the controls. I've just finished my third full day of training, and it's not goin too well. I'm still pootlin' around on a 125cc and it doesn't look like I'll be progressing to the 500cc in time for my test which is already booked for Thursday (the instructor booked it when I booked the course). So at the moment, I'm goin to be taking it on a 125cc (if I'm allowed to) and if by some miracle I pass, I'll end up with a restricted license. Which ain’t such a bad thing, but it’s not what I’d hoped (or paid) for.

To make it worse, I've got raging tendonitis in my right wrist, something I haven't had a problem with for years. It's entirely down to the biking, pushin an steerin the damn thing, an using the brake lever and havin to keep the throttle pulled. I've been riding round in absolute agony for the last two days and I don't know if it's going to hold out til Thursday... I still can't turn the ignition key in the car, or hold a pen, an this email's taking me ages!.

And – to cheer me up a little (there were tears… all mine) my instructor took me to have a look round a bike showroom, to get an idea of what I might like. Various people have recommended either the SV650, the bandit, or the Honda VFR400 as good ‘first bike’. ALL of these looked like absolute monsters, compared to the Yamaha SR125 and Honda CG125 which I’ve been learning on. I dropped the SR125 down my shin on the first day. Whilst I’m no lightweight (I’m 5’7” and about 10 stone) I hadn’t expected it to be so heavy and bulky and when I took it off the stand I lost grip of it. I can’t imagine being able to sit on and control one of these massive things. Somebody rode up to the bike shop on an NSR125 (which I originally wanted) and it looked much more like the sort of size I should be looking at. But everybody tells me I’ll get bored of it in no time. At first, I’ll only be taking it down the road to work and back. Eventually, I’d like to use it on motorways and leave the car at home a bit more often. Are there any common-name sports/road bikes out there which are a little smaller or lighter? How many women actually progress to the large bikes?

I’ve had a read through the beginners pages and I’ve picked up quite a bit of information already but I’m still feelin a bit sketchy about it all. I’m also wondering whether, in insurance terms, a Class A (33bhp) licence still a ‘full’ licence? Or is this still considered to be a ‘provisional’ licence? I’m looking at about 400 bucks to insure a bandit, SV650 or a VFR400 for TPFT (is this a good idea? The insurance dude talked me out of getting fully comp… it’d be another £200+ and my damage excess would be about 250 bucks anyhow…)

I’m sorry this is a bit long-winded, but I’d be so so grateful for any advice whatsoever.

Ducky x

[murphyD]

Well I think you'd do better taking your test on the 125 & sticking with that for as long as it takes for you to build the oh so very important confidence.
I haven't even booked my test yet as I don't feel ready!
Been riding my 125 for 6mths & I won't rush myself.

Wish you lots of Luck.
____________________
May your helmets glisten in the sun !!!!

[rip77]

good luck

[Duckyboos]

Yeah, I figure. In hindsight, I should have taken the CBT separately, not out of my 5-day 'allowance'. But I had no idea of how difficult it would be. I've been chompin at the bit for the last two years, waiting for the right time to do this, and I think I've gotten a wee bit over-excited.

On a lighter note, I didn't tell my instructor about my wrist until I had to stop to take a break (I had some tubi-grip on it but it was hidden under my jacket) an he laughed like crazy... all along he'd though I'd been making 'wanker' signs at everybody, when I'd just been giving it a wiggle now an then to stop it aching

[Zimbo]

It's just about practice and confidence, it will all fall into place in time, just a matter of when!
Don't be afraid of the size and weight of the bigger bike, they're actually easier to ride than the 125s I find, as you'll find out. The extra power makes them smoother and less hard work.

About the hand problems: two possibilities, one you're too tense and just need to relax more, learn to steer with your knees rather than forcing the bars back and forth, weight transfer can do most of the work for you! second possibility - simply that the brake lever is in the wrong position for you, and moving it higher or (more likely) lower will transform the whole experience!

As for insurance, I'd personally get an older bike and insure it TPFT for the first year.

[Duckyboos]

[sagalout]

They are much easier to ride. I'm having to ride a 125 at the moment and I'm shocked by how wobbly they are compared to say a 600. I took my old mans Virago out yesterday for a quick ride and thats so stable at low speeds its untrue. You can easily just sit on it and let it roll along at walking speed and its rock solid stable.

You also just get used to the weight - yes a 125 feels heavy compared to a push bike, but you soon get used it and the same applies to a bigger bike, and that extra weight helps to steady the bike once its moving.

Try not to be disheartened - if it takes a few more days to get your confidence then thats what it takes. I think though once you get on the 500 you'll find your riding feels much smoother and your confidence will grow.

[purple_peril_67]

I was in a similar situation to you a couple of weeks ago and thought I'd never be ready for my test on a 500, as I was having a few problems with the 125's and didn't feel I was progressing fast enough. However, I'd booked 2 125 lessons on this one day..the morning one wasn't briliant but the afternoon one went so well that based on this they put me on a 500 just round the yard, and I took to it instantly. People had been saying I'd find it easier, but I hadn't believed them up to then. I passed my DAS (first time, last Friday) just over a week later, after the usual number of lessons required. I'm a 5ft4 female with not wonderful upper body strength and I'm now riding around on a 600 Keep at it, you might be surprised.

[Lawnie]

[lumphammer]

[Duckyboos]

I had a much better day today; a different instructor again this time (I think they rotate them deliberately... some have better ways of teaching certain things than others); I went from Leeds to Bradford, then to Horsforth, and back again.

Took it relatively easy, but felt more like I was keeping up with proper speeds anyhow. Tried quite a few roundabouts and the theory seems to be clicking into place. I had to go over u-turns again at the end of the day and my turning circles are getting smaller, and my road positioning it better too.

I'm still tending to take left turns a little wide, but that's partly b'cause of the wrist thing; I'm gripping the throttle too hard, b'cause it's quite hard to get just a light grip on it, and when I'm stering left I'm tending to bring the revs on and go a little too fast. I'm remedying that with a little extra back brake and hopefully I won't steer into any oncoming traffic on my test. I've also got to make my obs a bit more obvious.

It would have been a 10/10 day if I han't dropped the sodding bike towards the end of the lesson. When we got back to Leeds he suggested another half hour on the pad and he walked off with the cones. I took it off the centre stand (which I'm still strugglin with a bit) and I didn't lean it into myself enough and I had to guide it to the floor b'cause it was too heavy. It didn't bang or clatter or anything, and I went round the other side to drag it up again. The instructor was pretty good humoured about it, he was more concerned about me than the bike! I thought I was gonna be making him an offer for a slightly damaged Honda CG!

The wrist is still a nightmare but it's only got to honour me 'til tomorrow, then I'll give it some peace. I tried sitting more upright, so that I was restin on them less and pretty much only streering, and it feels like that might make a difference if I remember to do it tomorrow.

Thanks for the heads-up guys, apologies for the waffle - it's probably the most important thing that's going on for me at the moment, and I could yabber on about it 24/7 if you let me!

Right. Bring on the pre-test test. It's just a practice run, I'm not in the least worried about it now, and if I fail, at least I'll know why.

TTFN

[Makaveli_Rydah]

I've very recentley passed my DAS ( 2 weeks ago ) and was in the same kind of situation as you - the best advice i can give is enjoy yourself . If your not enjoying it , your not learning it .

Take it easy and don't be afraid to tell the instructor you want to practice the things your not so good at .

I have to agree with the others and say that you'll find the 500 a lot better than the 125 - even U Turns are so much easier on a bigger bike , not to mention the extra braking power and ease of the controls themselves.

Best of luck anyway mate

Enjoy it !
____________________
Bike History:- Vision / Phantom 100 / Aerox 100 / Runner VX125 / Honda VFR400 NC24 / Kwak ZX9R B3 / Honda CBR600 F / ZZR400 & K2 GSXR 750 / Suzuki VZ800

[BanditBitch]

Sounds like your getting to grips with it now. Can't wait for tomorrows installment. Let us know how it all goes.

[mikeoldcars]

good luck with the training and test, i passed my das in april and due to financial constraints have had to look for a very cheap bike, i picked up a 250 superdream for £300 and it has been well cared for, thing is its not the fastest bike out there but ive found it great for getting my confidence up on, if your looking for a first bike then consider a honda 250cc if the bigger bikes seem a bit imposing

[sunbear]

I have been using a CB500 for my training and cant recommend one enough. It is small, light and very easy to control. You would be fine on one of these
____________________
Bikes had : BMW F650, suzuki tr50, gt125, SV400, GSXR600 SRAD. Honda CBR900RRP, CBR600FX, CBR1000F, VT600, Transalp 600, mtx125, nsr125r, CB500T, Yamaha fy50, tzr125, tdr125, XV535, Diversion 600, Fazer 600, TDM850 MK1 & MK2, Majesty 400, XV 1100. Cagiva mito evolution, Aprilia rs125, Piaggio x9 125. DNA 125 . Suzuki Bandit 600, GZ125 Marauder, RF600 , RF900RS2, Kawasaki ZZR400, ZX6R Ninja, ZZR600 . Ducati 750 Sport . Triumph Tiger 955i. CURRENT : 2004 Kawasaki Z750 and LOVIN IT !

[Duckyboos]

Oh well... not this time

Got four faults, three of 'em serious...

1. I didn't give way to a bus that was indicating to pull out in front of me - although I wish I had now b'cause some little chav threw an (open) bottle of water at me out of the top deck window;
2. I put my foot down on my u-turn, even though I'd been over them again and again with the instructor;
3. I stalled on a hill start - and I'd already left the kerb, so I had to pull it back in and try again.

I got a minor for steering (still a few wobbles).

I'm disappointed but not too much so, I didn't think it was going to happen for me today, and whilst I tried my best I still thought of it as more of a 'mock' test. The examiner was a true gentleman and gave me a talkin-to afterwards, said I shouldn't lose confidence.

I'm gonna have a word wimme diary and book a few more lessons in, just to go over the manoeuvres again mantra-stylee. I gotta give the wrist a rest now tho, I've got full-on single-man's cramp and I want it clear for when I start again.

I'm rather glad I sought your reassurance... the non-bikers around me couldn't really offer constructive advice, and I certainly couldn't run to mumsie for the usual motherly encouragement (she doesn't know about this... best way if you ask me) and after soundin' off on Tuesday and readin your thoughts I went into today's test with a much clearer head. Thanks heaps y'all.

I'm lyin' low for a bit, but I comin back again. Bring on the real test.

Ducky x

[murphyD]

Awe Ducky, sorry you didn't pass this time but 10 out of 10 for guts.

You just took the bull by the horns ,good for you.

I'll be watching this space for your comeback.

Best of Luck

MurphyD

xx
____________________
May your helmets glisten in the sun !!!!

[Crash125]

After reading what you said, i think you are pushing yourself too hard. It took me ages to get a hang of driving the bike never mind in a straight line, my first day on my CBT i hit the tyer wall fell of and landed the footpeg into my calf muscle! Believe me that hurt.

As for getting it on and off the center stand its not part of the test so who cares, plus in my mind thats why they make paddock stands so you dont have to bother with the center stand. Take it from another female learner of same hieght only a stone heavier, the 500 are bloody heavy to get off the center stand (and am a nurse so am well used to moving heavy people!) The instructers where always nice enough to do it for me, did feel like a bit of woos though when the other students could do it.

Oh the one tip i can give you in the push round exercise lean the tank on you hip its one advantage of being a female biker! That way most of the weight of the bike is on your hip, it works for me.

Take your time with getting your licence, some people pick it up right away some dont, i am close to breaking the £2000 (you are reading right) mark at trying to get my licence, I dont understand the phrase "time to give up". Sorry you failed your tes this time but hey look on the bright side you aint never gonna beat my record am at attempt No7

keep going and good luck
____________________
*SV650s* 7th time lucky, finaly passed me DAS

[gazza695]

What i dont understand is some of these training centres who put people in for their test when they are obviously not ready, their just cashing in if you ask me and its not fair on the learner, they lose confidence and lose money.

Sorry to hear you failed duckyboos, keep at it you will get there in the end.

[APNess]

I'd be tempted to buy a Cg125 or similar if I were you to get out and practise on - whatever you pay for it you'll probably get back anyway (I sold mine at a loss to get rid then found out at least 2 others were interested afterwards - oh well!)

I used to take the bike down to an idustrial estate in Pudsey (leeds) on an evening, and practise U Turns, stops, slow riding etc etc. You'll only put a foot down on a U turn when a) you're going too slow b) you're not looking where you WANT to go (cause if you look where you are going at the time you'll steer in that direction!!!) If you look where you want to go your hands - and the bike - will follow. Or at least that's the theory - I tried it with my 220+ kg Thunderace and nearly dropped the damn thing :S

When it comes down to it, 33hp will be enough for you anyway being as you're small and light (I'm 6'4 18 stone, needed something a bit more substantial so the 125hp 'ace fits the bill as my 'first bike' - same power/weight ratio as most other people on a 600!!!).

Concentrate on passing the test on whatever makes you feel comfortable, even if it's 'only' a 125, and go from there.

Good luck - I failed first time (U Turn) and was crap second time (but passed!) - you'll get there eventually!

[Duckyboos]

Yes, I did push my luck a little with this. The gaffer of the riding school was a little concerned that I was booking this all in one 5-day run, but short of refusing to let me book, there wasn't much else he could do. I honestly didn't believe it would be anywhere near as testing as it was. They gave me far more time than my 5-hour quota and were exceptionally patient and positive. They sent the more competent lads out on their CBT rideout and had someone else stay with me one-to-one. My riding and manoeuvres on the day before (and the day of) my test was more than good enough. I was getting everything right and I felt quite confident. I think my failure was down to a mixture of nerves and inexperience, but at least I can conquer both in time.

That stand thing was a bit of a nightmare. I was okay getting it on the stand, but getting it off again was treacherous. I can’t seem to stop it from trying to wheel away whilst I’m snatching for the front brake.

I trained and tested on a CG125 and the instructors have all said it’d be a good idea to pick one up and ride it around whilst I’m preparing for my next test. I’m a bit wary of the potential costs of it all to be honest. I’m rinsin’ my entire savings on this, and I can’t really go above about £2k (insurance included). I could throw half o’that budget at a nearly-new CG, but I’d really want to get my pennies back on the bike after a year or so, just in case I wanted to move up to a bigger bike later. I certainly won’t be able to save enough to start again during the time that it takes me to get bored of the CG. If there was something more middle-of-the-road that I could go for, a little kinder on my credibility, something that I’m less likely to get bored of, yet still light-ish and learner-friendly… like the CBR125? What are they like to ride and resell? And the Suzuki EN125?

Waffle, waffle, questions, questions…

[satellite]

[APNess]

Don't buy a new CG - get one from mid 90s. Virtually maintenance free (well, most won't have bothered to do silly things like put oil in them etc, but the bikes seem to run regardless). Should be able to get one for up to £500 with full tax/test - I flogged one last month for £375 with a years tax/test, 100% reliable, everything worked, and I think I could have got more for it, but needed the space. I'm sure others who passed their test are in the same boat.

Treat it like what it is - a pushbike with a motor attached, virtually, light easy to ride, economical (guy who bought mine complained of it being slow - the muppet - it's not a bloody sports bike!) and build up experience/confidence.

Worked for me, and I'm completely ham fisted, was convinced I couldn't ride a bike (too big/clumsy) and I just got back from another couple of hundred mile ride today, fresh as a daisy!

*Cough*

(ooooh, me back, me wrists, my ass feels like a lump of rock etc...)



You'll get there. When you get a bike find some quiet industrial estates and practise slow speed riding, learn the bike till you're bored, then get out on the roads proper on your own, and once you get over the nerves you'll be fine

[kawakid]

[jharris]