Up Coming Test

[sainttm]

Hi ya all,

First time poster here, so sorry if im asking dumm questions or ones thats been asked before (Ive tired searching for them but nothing come back with the answers I was after).

A quick word about me (god how bored are you already??) I am 24 years old so I could do the direct access but desided with the restricted as the bike will be restricted for a time but also cheaper lol. Also I only really want it as a commuter and then after getting some experience (and hopefully no claims) get something with abit more umphhh. Although Im toying with the idea of getting a 650cc ish and then restrict it for two years so you still get the grunt it just flattens the top speed abit (as I understand it) and then just derestrict it after the two years.

I have been a car driver for 6 years, passed when I was 18. So Im sure ive picked up some bad habbits ie one hand on the wheel when turning courners blar blar blar.

I have finally booked my restricted course for a couple weeks time (20th-22nd) and im taking the test on the 22nd Nov. I have had one previous lesson and will be having another this Sat on the roads. Then I'll two and abit days to get the hang of the bike/high way code/turns and what not.

I know that everyone has different learning speeds and some have a easier time on tests but my question is this; what is the likely hood of me being able to pass the test after 2x2hour lessons and 2 days 9-13:00 then a mourning lessons and pratice? I doubt the instructors would put me for it if i couldnt do it (I trust them) but it just that since getting off the phone earlier I realised that its going to happen now.

I did resonably well on Saturday (for a first time on a geared bike). I passed my CPV and theory last april/may so they run out next year. Just in case your wondering I ended up taking my CBT on a scooter as I couldnt get the hang of the bike (too over confident and then it knocked my confidence).

Im going to try out the 500 on Saturday just for a compason between the two. Apartenly I looked huge on the little 125 going around the yard (but its big enough to learn with lol).

So all I need to do then is pass the test and then get a bike lol so simple in writting lol just started to brick myself oh!

Oh a side note; has anyone here read the latest MCN? They have a peace about making it so that you can only do a restricted licence no matter your age for the first year. Abit of a rore deal seeing as when someone whos 17 can pass a car test and get any sized car and go boy racing around town and kill someone (if not him/herself). I dont see the goverment stopping kids from getting into any car. Seems abit harsh.

Cheers
Shaen

[instigator]

Hmmmm, as you said, if your instructors think that you can do it, then I'm sure you can. You are fitting it in very tightly, not a huge amount of lessons before the test if you know what I mean. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how quickly you can adapt to a big bike, as to me, theres a world of difference between the 125's and 500's

I'm doing roughly the same, taking 8 x 2hr lessons and one before my test on the 16th. This is spread out over 3.5 weeks, so its basically 2 lessons a week, so I can take a break and read up on motorcycle craft should I want to. Also, got a restricted 500 myself, sitting in the garage, gathering dust and rust on the downpipes

Whatever I think, just remain confident and positive and you should be all set for the test. Just take it easy, thats all.

[mchaggis]

650s which would be recommended, Honda TransAlp (watch out for rotten exhausts though), Suzuki SV650, BMW F650 (if you're rich), or perhaps a Kawasaki KLR 650 (Don't know anybody with one though, maybe YamsR6 or Smotobob could give you an idea about Supermotos.)

The 650 class seems to be mainly for tall people.
____________________
I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[sainttm]

Thanks for the feedback you guys,

Im sure its just like you say instigator

[instigator]

[sainttm]

Thanks for the link, nice site. Is it yours?

[instigator]

Not my site, no, but a very good site about the sv range if I've ever seen one!

Well, the one with the fairing has a more race-like sitting position I believe, and the upright is a LITTLE more sit up and beg i.e. not as much weight on the wrists.

The sv650's are very good bikes, they are regularly reviewed in bike magazines(I could probably fish you out a test of naked 600's) and are highly recommendable. Very popular so parts aren't an issue, theres plenty of mods about, as I said, theres a large forum on that site, Group 10 Insurance.

The naked version WILL, I reckon, slow you down a bit more than if you had the faired version. Wind blast will make going over 80 quite difficult, so an aftermarket screen may be what you want if that really bothers you. It doesn't me, but might for others, it's all about personal preference.

Quitre possibly, the faired version will have better fuel economy, I've never loooked at it that way, but again, its mainly down to the way you ride. If you love accelerating very harshly and hitting 80+ all the time, mpg is going to suffer. But, I'd imagine it'd always stay above the 30's, but that is very much an estimate.

The seat height is about 790-800mm, so its not TOO high. Plenty of smaller riders take the sv650 as a bike as its not ridiculously high and is a very good bike to start out on, if you do a DAS, or are ready to upgrade. Infact, once I'm finished with my er5, I may consider one !!

Join up on the forum I suggested, if you're really into the sv range, then they'll point you in the correct direction.

Good luck with it, any more questions, go ahead and ask, theres plenty of us about. Be known, I've never ridden an sv650, but have heard from many owners and reviews so this is what my advice is based on Just letting you know...

[sainttm]

Hi ya all again.

Well its only a week now untill the test. Ive so far had 3x2hour lessons and having a 4 hour lesson this Wednesday and then have a intense weekend this weekend 9-1 sat/sun and then 8:30-11:40 11:40 being the time of the test. I was told at my last lesson that I have nothing to worry about and that after the weekend of practicing the moves (mainly the dreaded U turns). I can do the controlled stop without a problem, tend to do it first time then we just continue riding.) I have some trouble with the U turn and general smoothness of the ride (which I am told there will be worked on till death this weekend).

I know how to ride (thats what ive been told anyway) and I understand how to do the U turn its just doing it is a pain. I havent walked the bike around yet just tried it riding. Ild imagine the walking bit is easy so thats why I havent. I read all about the principle behind it and its all good sound sence and I get the fact its a case of; getting the biting point, keeps the revs constant(although with the clutch slightly in the revs wont matter) and then use the rear brake as the clutch to control the speed.

The only thing is Ive not been told what to do from start to finish of the test, as in what checks do you do to the bike? (if any) Is there many other people who take the test with me or is it just me to a tester? do you need to check your gear with the tester?

When I did the car test (which was about 6 years ago now) You start by meeting the instructor in the test centre,
They then ask you to read a licence plate about 20 metres,
Then you ask to get in the car and make the adjustments (mirrors/ seat position) you need to (even though you drove there so you adjusted them already, you do it as its expected),
Then you check the mirrors, check the cars in netural and then start the engine when told and then its all mirrors singal monoveour then till you get back its all whats youve planned for.

Any help would be cool again, oh and im so wanting the sv650 (restricted of course).

Shane

[instigator]

Good to hear from you again m8, and glad to see you've piced a nice bike too

I've got my test tomorrow morning.... Please don't be blustery, please don't be blustery......

[mchaggis]

[sainttm]

Best of Luck Instigator,

Although most people dont believe in luck. Ill make sure I dont wear any boxers that I had a bad day in as I always believe its those damm unlucky underwear (just a side note: bad day as in work not any ancidents in the boxers lol).

Very superstitious, I know. Does anyone else feel that way especailly when it comes to big days like tests or big presentations at work or meetings and so on?

Just thought its probably abit late now to wish you luck so how did you do? Got any hints?

Shane

[Full Bananas]

[sainttm]

Hi ya all,

Well I had a long session out on the road today and also got out on of my big problems the dreaded crash.

I was coming up to a set of traffic lights at a brigde and slowed down for it and it was green then it just changed to amber as I approached it and I went for the front brake and next second Im on the full and the bikes on top of my leg.

It hasnt done any serious damage to me or the bike (smashed the panel and indicator) just a bump on my leg from the swelling and a little limp. I got straight back on the bike ans was fine, however Im not sure if its due to the fall or not but my overall riding got worse today than it has been since starting. I kept slipping the clutch and nearly wheeling the bike at every other junction.

Has anyone got any advice on why or how to stop doing the screw ups at the juntions?! I did it fine at the beginning through the city centre in peak traffic but on the junctions of main roads I got to pot.

Oh instigator how did you do on your test yesterday?

Shane

Cheers
Shane

[instigator]

Shane, I passed, and If I can, I'm sure you can as well. Only 4 minors, would have preferred less but hey ho, you can't win them all !!!

As for the clutch trouble at junctions, thats a strange one that if you havent had problems with it before. It could be down to a number of things:

- The bike. Does it feel normal to you? Do you feel comfortable on it? If you don't then this will affect your riding. There are times when you just don't feel 'at one' with a bike and your riding is affected. I'd make a big assumption in saying this happens to us all now and then.

- Knowledge. Have you gone through the correct training for approaching a junction, that being Obersvations, slow down if you have to. When slowing down, when you hear the engine slow down and try and run away from you, go down a gear to get some engine braking. When you don't feel the bike braking, do so again. Usually 1st gear on 125's are quite useless, so when you go into first(usually once you're about to stop or going extremely slowly), don't let the clutch out unless you're about to move off. Don't do this in other gears, as the examiner may feel that you are not in proper control of the bike, which you have to be.

- Practise. Have you had enough of it? If there are particular aspects of your riding which you feel need improving, then practise makes perfect. It doesn't have to be on the road, in fact, preferably not, or on very, very quiet roads, just find somewhere where you can practise the observations and correct control of the bike(use of gears) as I'd presume that is where your problem lies.

When getting on a bike, remember, try and relieve yourself of any stress or any real anger that you have built up, if you can't then I'd suggest you don't ride. Whereas riding does help you evade the horrible feeling of being stressed out, riding when you're angry can affect you in all sorts of ways. An accident, road rage, silly manouvres, not thinking straight, not taking basic observations, anything. Doing this can get you into an accident.

When you're going towards a junction and the lights change, take note of the situation. If you're close to the lights when they're turning red, theres vehicles relatively close behind you and its not ideal weather, then don't stop. Obviously don't go through a red light, but don't jam on the anchors just because it suddenly moves to orange. That can cause an accident, a fairly major one (you being shunted by a driver not paying attention) Be gentle with the brakes, especially at this time of the year. Remember, progressively apply the brakes, don't jam them on fully. Oh, and when doing so(if you're coming to a stop) whip the clutch in at the last moment, not just as you start to brake. The engine braking will help you stop and help maintain your control over the bike.

If its none of that lot, would it perhaps be nerves? The fact that you're riding along under the supervision of an instructor may make you nervous, ehll, I think it makes everyone nervous when they're learning. Best to just forget about him/her and just pretend that you're riding along normally, and theres just this voice in your head giving you directions

Go at the pace that makes you feel comfortable. Don't give a shit about mr. mondeo driver behind you who's late for his coffee break at work. Ride for yourself, not anyone else. It's their problem, not yours.

[sainttm]

Congrates .....(I just realised I dont know your reall name) Instigator. Still 4 minors thats nothing. What were they for if you dont mind me asking?

I think youve pretty much nailed it on the head with abit of all of them.

-The Bike. I had to change bikes as the one I started on was the one that was dropped (with me under it and dragging along-ouch lol) The suzuki is I think a better bike and in alot of ways a easier ride but there is a slight problem with the manual choke. Its either to so (1st started up) and keeps stalling and then when its warmed up its revin the hell out of the bike and adjusting it doesnt seem to do much difference. On the plus side U turns are a lot easier now (just junctions ..... well at least I know what Ill be doing saturday lol)

-Knowledge. Ive had good training so I wont say anything about the people as their great its me either panikinging or just not thinking enough (or over thinking in most cases). I get slightly flustered and then it just gos to pot. As I can and have been driving a car I feel that riding a bike should be as easy if not more and get wound up over the little mistakes and then they compound and just cause me to do stupid stuff and get angry with myself.

-Practise. I have had about 10 hours ish in total on a bike. 3 different bikes, two being the same make just slightly different and then the suzuki which Ill be staying with now.

Something that is winding me up is the stupid fact that in a car I feel at home and relaxed and its oppersite with a bike. It feels alien to me, very strange but still good.

I admit that the traffic lights I should have gone and that it was stupid trying to stop when I had commited myself to going ahead (although I didnt notice the diesel/oil patch on the road). I guess it effected me more than I thought as it might have been a reason for the junctions???? possible?! Although riding through the city I was fine but then I didnt get past 2nd or 3rd gear.

I will try holding the clutch in when coming to junctions in 1st to coast to a smoother stop (is that allowed then? I thought coasting would be bad). I just tend to go to pot though and cant put my finger on why. Its not being on a road as I drive on busier roads in the car but then Im not standing out on a junction?! Operating the bike Im fine at as I do it in the yard and can even in the city (Lincoln is more like a town though lol). Nurves....its possible, the fact that their is someone behind all the time and giving instructions (judging aswell I guess).

There is the instructors aswell, I have two instructors and each one has a very different way at training you. I started of with Tony around the yard, great guy, funny but will answer your questions. Also been out twice since on the road, he doesnt say much just gives instructions and where to go and lets your do you own thing. Ocasionally he might say something about the riding. Puts you at ease and claims you done whilst keeping it professional. Then theres the owner (Chris) of the school, hes like the flip side. Always telling you what you should be doing talking your ear off with instructions and comments (in a good way), it did take a while to get the hang of that. I have him this weekend (sat and sun, 9-1)
Im sure he'll try to weind me up about smashing one of his bikes up lol. I know that he will be good, I only had a 2 hour on the roads with him before but I improved no end after it. He makes you think and tells you what you should be doing (so your thinking but not over thinking .... am I going over the top??)

Anyway I have to go,

Shane

[sychosis]

Insurance group 10, thats the same as my rs125, also the SV reminds me of the PSG600 from Vice city
____________________
Bikes owned: Aprilia RS 125 GP1 2003 (Now sold), Suzuki GSX-r600 1997 (streetfightered), https://www.bikepics.com/members/sychosis/
psy?cho?sis (si-ko-sis),n. pl. psy?cho?ses (-sez) ,A severe mental disorder, with or without organic damage, characterized by derangement of personality and loss of contact with reality and causing deterioration of normal social functioning.

[instigator]

[sychosis]

Oh my bad I think I must have been reading the wrong bennetts quote

I know the insurance on a fzr600 is only £20 quid more
____________________
Bikes owned: Aprilia RS 125 GP1 2003 (Now sold), Suzuki GSX-r600 1997 (streetfightered), https://www.bikepics.com/members/sychosis/
psy?cho?sis (si-ko-sis),n. pl. psy?cho?ses (-sez) ,A severe mental disorder, with or without organic damage, characterized by derangement of personality and loss of contact with reality and causing deterioration of normal social functioning.

[instigator]

[sainttm]

Hi all again,

How much of a pain am I?! lol (dont answer that lol)

I just thought of a few things im unsure on and would like some help with if its OK with you guys;

*The test centre in Lincoln has is located near a slip road to a dual carragiage way then traffic lights. I went there the other day and made a right mess of coming out onto the main road from the slip road. Is there any easy way to approach the slip roads when most drivers in Lincoln dont let you out.

*Do you do a controlled stop (emergency stop) on every test or is it like a car where you do one in three? (thats not really a problem)

*Do you do a U turn on every test aswell?

*If the conditions are bad, as in ice, snow, rain (typical English weather) are you still expected to do 60mph (on a restricted test)?

*If you was going slow and you take your time speeding up if it was bad weather will that be marked against you?

I am only reason I asking these dumb questions is that its meant to be a cold/rainy/frosty/snowy weekend and my test is Monday mourning.

Sorry to be a pain, Im just starting to get some serious nurves now. Im sure after tomorrows session with my instructor I'll be much better and have more confidence. Its possible the reason Ive started to doubt myself abit is because of the fall the other day, it was a stupid mistake that shouldnt have happened and im thinking it will happen again on the test. Having said that if thats what I think then chances are that what will happen (postive thinking and all that)

Cheers
Shane

[Full Bananas]

Are you talking about going onto the dual carriageway or coming off it? Sorry I didn't understand that part.

You will definitely have to do an emergency stop and a u-turn (unfortunately).

If the weather is bad then travel at a safe speed for the conditions. If you judge that it's not safe to be doing sixty then don't! By all means take your time when accelerating but don't go too slow. You're likely to get minor faults for failing to make sufficient progress.

Good luck anyway.
____________________
"Work is the curse of the drinking class."

[sainttm]

The slip road goes onto the two lane traffic light junction.
______________+ _ _ _ +
| | | |
| |*| | |
| | | | |
|______ | | | |
| | | | | |
| DSA | | | | |
|______| ___| SR | | |
Road | | |
______________ | | |
______________ | | |
| | |
______________ | | |

+ = traffic lights
SR = Slip Road
* = is that the place to stop if the traffic wont let you out.

The instructor has told me that they will make you go left out of the junction here and then straight over, so a right turn is unlikely.

[instigator]

[sainttm]

Hi ya all,

Well I bet your dying to know how I got on today ......(or maybe not but im going to tell you anyway)...... well it was abit of a rocky start. I was having what the instructor called 'moments of sheer stupidly' and threatened to take me back to the yard this mourning just before the test. So I took it on the chin and kept practicing and finally pleased the instructor enough to let me go for the test.

Oh I forgot to mention before all this, this mourning I hadn’t slept much last night with nerves and hadn’t eaten much (couldn’t eat as I thought it would come back up). So I finally get to the test centre and was busting for a pee so had to go (yeah you don’t need to know this but its funny) anyway I had about 4 layers of clothing on to pull down before I could go and its no fun when your busting lol.

Well I meet the tester and he was a big stern looking chap and looked like the type that would fail you for looking at him funny. So I signed the work and went out got asked a question about the checking oil and was about to show him how to check but then he said "I just wanted you to TELL me not SHOW me" god did my heart ever sink, already had a telling off and hadn’t even sat on the bike (I thought is was a case of tell me show me so I tried to)

So we set off and about after 5 mins got pulled over (I thought to be told that I was doing so crap and to call it a day) he then come up to me and asked me to do the U turn so I did that (to my shock perfectly and it was a shock as I was wobbling all over the show just sitting on the bike) and then he asked me to pull into the side and then asked me to dot he emergency stop and I was to go to the end of the road go right and do another 2 rights after that to come down the same road and then when he puts his hand up to stop (if it wasn’t safe to then he would walk back onto the path) so I did and kept hitting the neutral gear changing from 1st to 2nd (god did I ever get worked up over that)

So I finally did the stop and that was fine again, so we continued for another 30 mins or so and then got back to the centre and was asked ‘what will having a pillion do to the control of the bike?’. So I answered it would effect the acceleration and braking of the bike so to use the clutch more and to make sure that there was more of a gap from the vehicle in front.

He then he turns around and said ..............(got to build up the suspense)................'im pleased to tell you that you have passed'. I could not believe it. Seriously I was expecting to be told that I was a crap rider and to go away. I actually said 'you’re joking 'and then he said 'no but if you want you can do the test again' to which I replied 'NO BLOODY WAY!'

When I got back to the yard after the test the instructor told me that if Ken (the tester) had passed you then you know you was good enough as he is the toughest instructor at the centre and does not hesitate failing anybody that he thinks would be a liability on the road (I kind of guessed that) but if I passed with the toughest instructor then that must mean that I did really well.

So there you go, now I have the fun bit of getting a bike now.

Cheers
Shane

[Full Bananas]

Congratulations! Sounds like you did really well, and overcame the dreaded nerves.
____________________
"Work is the curse of the drinking class."