CBT done .... when does the fun start?

[Nick 50]

So finally got my CBT done and dusted yesterday.

Firstly I had never ever been on a bike before so was a bit unsure of what to expect. I naively I didn't think it would be as hard as it turned out to be. In fact it seemed like one of the hardest things I have ever done.

It rained solidly all the way through the day and was pretty windy due to the training place being next to the coast. So I was getting buffeted about on a SR125 (didn't like the bike at all).

It was getting frustrating doing something well and then doing the same manoeuvre again and completely messing it up the next time. Thankfully my instructor was very patient and understanding even when I nearly took him out when it seemed like the throttle stuck open

Anyway 6.5 hour later he gave me a certificate saying I had passed. Instead of feeling elated, I felt drained and pretty frustrated.

I had a perception that the CBT would be "fun" but for me it wasn't at all.

Was it just me or have others felt like this??

[janner_10]

I kinda understand how you feel, although I found mine quite good fun. But what I remember feeling most after the day is the sheer amount I have got to learn.

I am doing das course but spread out instead of over a week or so and not having a 125 to practise on, I really have to concentrate to soak it all up.
____________________
Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[felicity]

CBT is a lot to take in if you've never ridden before, it's not surprising that you might not have found the time to enjoy it (especially if it was raining all day). After you've got some experience of proper riding, and got the hang of controlling the bike without thinking too much, you'll find it's a lot more fun.

[MattJ]

There's a lot to take in on your CBT and it's mentally as well as physically draining. I was the same as you, never been on a bike before and I had an SR125 on my CBT. I didn't like it either.

I quite enjoyed my CBT as just discovered how much I love bikes but it was a sunny day, with only a slight breeze.

If it was raining all day and windy too, I don't think I would have enjoyed it either. I don't enjoy wind and rain now so I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed it if I was still learning the controls of the bike.

You'll probably find it a lot better the next time you get on a bike with more confidence and it'll probably be much nicer if it isn't raining. To complete the CBT in 1 day in horrible conditions with no previous experience is a good achievement, so don't feel frustrated. The manoeuvres will become easier with practice, it's a simple as that.

Are you getting a 125 or are you going straight for the test?

[Rogerborg]

I had that too. If you haven't been on a bike before (or recently) then it can be a slog. It actually took me a year of pushbiking afterwards before I felt confident enough to get a motorcycle, but it's been the best thing I've ever done I mean other than the wife and kids and such.

Deep breath, it'll all click very quickly once you have your own bike.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[5H_4UN]

Was bit annoyed with my CBT.

Took it on a 125 and was just me and another 'learner' who was a woman (eek), 40+, on a moped and couldn't grasp the basics.

The instructor focused all on her (fair point) but meant we were stuck in the courtyard for hours and only managed 45 minutes on the road.

I 'passed' but felt a bit deflated not getting the time on the road.

Ah well.
____________________
CBT: 24/06/11 - Theory: 01/07/11 - MOD1: 22/07/11 - MOD2: 18/08/11 <p>
98' Honda CG125 & 93' Honda CB400SF (needs ALOT of work)

[felicity]

[5H_4UN]

[trikeschick]

I did have previous experience but I too found the CBT challenging. The grin factor will happen one you relax and accept it's not easy, but it's not difficult either. Just some elements are harder for some people ( mine was Mod 1 speed tests but fourth time lucky!)
____________________
"Light travels faster than the speed of sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak"

[kingy293]

It rained all day on mine too, and was put in the deep end as my parents booked it as a surprise!

Year and a half later, I've passed my Mod2 and it's one of the best things I've achieved.

Stick at it, the fun begins when it's over.
____________________
- What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger -

[Howling Terror]

A means to an end.

Mine was wet and blowy.
I arrived at the deserted carpark..Went through some blurb for half an hour....He opened the topbox and set out some wafer thin miniature cones. I spent another half n hour chasing them.
Asked him for a go of his GPZ. Cool.

Did the road bit and he signed my certificate under the shelter of a disused petrol station.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[whitedevil]

I did my CBT on a 500 after a 12 year break from riding, That was a fun day I can tell you.
Now you have your CBT are you getting a 125 or just going to do DAS?
____________________
GPZ500 sold ~ CBR600FS-2 sold ~ ZX6R sold ~ Street Triple R

[Nick 50]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Had an 2 hour lesson yesterday on a (YBR125) which didn't exactly go well. By the end I was glad it was over as I hobbled of the bike as my right arse cheek had went completely numb about 1 hour into the lesson.

There was perhaps a tiny improvement on my skills from last week but I was yo-yo'ing from doing everything perfect to making horrendous mistakes later on down the road. The instructor jokingly commented I rode like I had forgotten everything from last week, which in truth I pretty much had.

Probably the most useful part of the 2 hours was at the end. I spoke to a bloke who was waiting for his lesson and got a lot from it.

So to answer your question whitedevil, my best plan (and what i'm going to do) is get a 125 (which is going to have to be January now) and use that for a good while to get lots of practice in.

Hopefully by the time Easter break comes I should be far more confident and I will attempt DAS over a week instead of doing a lesson every weekend.

[Howling Terror]

You get it cracked through the winter and you could be the better rider for it.
Might not appeal to you but having a 125 that will handle some mud is something i'd recommend.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Frog]

[lihp]

[Maverick Rigger]

CBT is a hell of a lot to take in in one day but...

Have you got your own bike yet?

I was physically and mentally done in when I did mine. Just wait till you do your Mod 1 and Mod 2, you'll think the CBT is a walk in the park.
____________________
The motorcycle presents you a challenge to master the machine, a challenge to adventure. You ride through the wind, linked to the road by a vehicle that responds to your commands as no other does. Unlike an automoblie, there is no metal cage around you, Like and airplane, a pre-ride inspection and regular maintenance are essential to your safety. Your reward freedom.

[bikertomm]

My CBT was fun as fuck..


Probably would have shit myself if it was raining though.

Unlucky; hopefully your next ride will be a whole lot better.


____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!