Bike Training 'Schools' to Avoid - Share Your Experiences!

[rideslikean00...]

[NuBiker2014]

[MC]

[NuBiker2014]

[/quote]
I really took from it was feedback the examiner gave me about my riding, which apart from being a bit of a killjoy, was really helpful as it was basically yes you passed but these are areas you can work on.[/quote]

The feedback I got from my examiner was actually more helpful than the DAS instructions! Had a few minors, he spent time and gave me some interesting tips. Finished around 5 mins early as it was pissing that's why he gave constructive and helpful feedback and guidance
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NuBiker2014

[WD Forte]

Got my license well before all this CBT/DAS stuff but used to be
a driving instructor ( car) in London and took an interest in my lads
training when he did his CBT and later, full license test.
His training did seem to have some questionable aspects at times but he passed so
it ended happily.

That schools and instuctors can vary in quality doesn't surprise me.
My own experiences of West London driving schools could fill pages
so would suggest anyone wanting training does a bit of research prior to coughing up the dosh
Dont just believe the hype on web pages!
Google it for reviews, take a look at the place, try and talk to happy/unhappy customers if possible etc.
I visited the place my boy went to, had a look at the bikes, premises and chatted to them beforehand
on their methods and techniques.

It can be 'challenging' being an instructor and we all have off days.
They were happy to admit this and we swapped tales of pupils from hell.
Not everyone take to it like a fish to water and hearing my boy had been bollocked few times
didn't upset me and as I said he passed without retakes.
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bikers smell of wee

[NuBiker2014]

[KaGantua]

[drbaig]

I've been riding bicycles since I was barely walking and I still do regularly. So my bike handling skills are pretty good. Rode my first motorbike at 12 when I could barely touch the ground with both feet. But stopped as the parents had a car that could be driven. Anyway.

I just found the mod 1 a completely pointless exercise and preferred that time to have been spent on the road. But to be honest the training school made it harder than the actual mod 1 test. the cones were closer, less space for the manoeuvres.

The slalom is useless, figure of eight is kind of an okay manoeuvre but then why do the U turn. Slow speed I could do in my sleep. The emergency braking is the only part of the test I agree with. The avoidance is not useful as you tend to grab the brake first in real world panic situations. However one positive is that I have used it to avoid a running kid to grab his ball. So yeah, only bike handling from one box to another and the emergency stop. The rest was a waste. Like I said I found it easy and passed without any minors.

I practised my mod 2 with the training school riding around with an incompetent buffoon who I was sure was going to kill himself either then or on the test or after passing. Surprising as it is he passed with 2 minors. I failed my mod 2 on missing shoulder checks, plus I got lost as I took a wrong exit. As a car driver I had a habit of just checking mirrors and missing shoulder checks which could have been corrected if I had ridden more hours where my instructor wasn't shouting at the other moron trying to kill himself on every ride.

Not every instructor will fit your needs, You need to try and find one that does and explain what you think you want out of the training. I eventually passed the test which was the goal so that is that. But it wasn't a great experience. Nothing against the training school as they are good and friendly people and get a few people through their tests weekly.

But if somebody asked me about them I will give them a clear picture of how they do their training and if that satisfies your criteria of the training you need then good enough. I would say to them that if you have been riding a bike on the road after the CBT for a few months then you are more likely to pass the tests first time as they will prepare you well for the dreaded mod 1 and your road experience from previous driving and specially riding a bike should get your through mod 2 with ease as there isn't much time spent on the road.
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yzf 600r

[Baffler186]

Paying for fuel is a piss-take, but if you were told this beforehand then I suppose you chose to carry on regardless.

Training sounds similar to what I did i.e. lots of breaks, waiting for bikes to become available etc and not spending the advertised amount of time on the road.

but, you passed, you weren't horrendously ripped-off, at least compared to the price I paid in the humble (and usually cheaper) South West.

I would smile, forget, rejoice. In that order.
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[wots]

[P.]

Would advise avoiding Phoenix in Maidstone, proper terrible bunch.

However, Mid Kent Motorcycle Training are top scorers for me

[wr6133]

[mattyfattyboo...]

[quote="MC"]

[SQL]

[NuBiker2014]

[MC]

[Ribenapigeon]

[Bubbs]

Smart Training Swansea

Bit of a mixed bag. One of the instructors is great and patient.. the other is a pain in the arse. They are both ex cops, but one seems to have kept hold of his shitty "I am better than you" attitude.
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.