CBT and Experience

[KZG0L1]

Hi all,

I attended a CBT course last weekend. First time ever on a bike and first attempt at riding a geared bike.

After a few dodgy moments I started to make progress (still making a pigs ear of gears, brakes, steering and balance as I went but at least not falling off or dropping the bike).

Got to about 2.30pm and the instructor asked how tired I was. I told him I was knackered and he said that while the choice was mine and he was happy to carry on I could decide to rest up and come back down for a couple of hours through the week to practice my slow riding and complete the road part of the CBT. Fair enough really as I was definitely flagging after nearly four hours on the bike. I'm clearly not a "natural" but that's okay.

My questions are this.

As someone with only a few hours experience, in order to get out on the roads and complete the CBT would you advise that I asked for a moped? Just to complete the CBT with less stress and to build up road time on two wheels.

I just feel that this may be less stress, get me out on the roads quicker and with more confidence than trying to acquire a completely new and foreign skillset (bike clutch control, gear changes, two wheeled speed etc). My intention would then be to complete the CBT and build up road and park time practising on a 125 geared bike to put myself into the position where I am an experienced and confident rider before attempting a direct access course.

Alternatively, should I just "man up" and work with the geared bike while doing the CBT? Will I gain more in the long term from just biting the bullet and pushing through the awkward and twitchy stage.

What's your advice for a total beginner? Better to get the CBT done on a moped quicker and then put the hours in on a geared 125 or should I just push on with the SR500 at the test centre and wait for it all to click into place?

cheers
Chris

[snomag]

Hey Chris,

[Moo.]

Does the same cbt apply to both scooters and gear bikes?

So you can take the test on a moped/scooter, gain some confidence, but still be able to ride a geared bike too?
____________________
A2 Passed 18/6/10

[snomag]

[Paulington]

[neil.]

Stick with gears, especially as you'll have an instructor with you who can help. Once you get the knack for it, it's really easy and slowly ends up becoming second nature - i.e. you don't think about it anymore when you ride. Just give it plenty of time and practice and don't be hard on yourself whilst you're still new to it.
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[metalangel]

[Aiks]

When I did my CBT it was my first time on a bike too.

I was terrified of it!
Dead funny looking back... When instructors lined us up, to pull off first time, and they asked everyone ''Have you ridden before''. Everyone nodded but me... so of course I was the last one to pull off... Nearly ran over poor man standing in front of me, because I wasn't sure how to stop the thing!

It was geared bike I did it on.. and now I'm glad I choose gears... I wouldn't like to learn how to ride it on my own... Its better when you have somone looking over you, even if it takes you few goes, better than one bad go on the road on your own...

Whatever you decide, good luck!

[stinkwheel]

What you'll also find is when you went to sleep the night after the course, your brain was busy teaching itself how to do the tasks you were attempting.

Next time it will seem a lot easier.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[leannef55]

Stick with the gears- it will get easier and become more natural the more you do it. I didn't do the road ride on my first attempt at CBT because I was a bit overwhelmed by it all. I re-took it at a different school with a massive off road training area and went on the road that time but wasn't confident enough to lead (the instructor was shouting too much down the earpiece, and I was with a 17 year old scooter boy!), so I still didn't pass. I went back a couple of weeks later with a different instructor, just me and him. Had half an hour on the area then out on the roads for about 2 hours, and it was brilliant. His instructions were so relaxed and he gave me so much good advice and help. Ive now got a CBR125 and get out when I can when the roads are quiet just to practice more and more.

It *will* come!!!!

[KZG0L1]

Thanks everyone for the advice. You made a lot of sense.

I'm going to stick with the geared bike I started on and work through the nerves and the "shock" of how new everything is.

I have another two hour session this evening and I'm just going to try and relax and enjoy myself. I'll let you know how it went tomorrow morning!

thanks again
Chris

[KZG0L1]

Tremendous!

Another hour in the yard practising slow riding techniques then half an hour on gears and we were out on the road.

Two hours later, back to the office and the instructor was signing me out of CBT. Fantastic. I'm really chuffed.

I definitely caught the bug last night and enjoyed myself so much more than the first session. I'm pleased I stuck with the geared bike, you were all right about just relaxing and taking advantage of the instructor being there to learn properly. By the end of the evening gear changes were the best part of my riding.

I need to watch my positioning in the road and the speed limits but I can't wait to get back out and start putting some hours in the seat.

I'm off to go book my theory test and check out some 125 reviews.

[carlperkins00...]

WayHey!! good on ya mate

[kumashi]

helloo guys...

can you please let me know what is the best place to get my CBT from in London. I have just moved to london and dont know anyone.... thank you all.....