BOLTS and POWDER

Johanna · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Jul 2018 Karma :

My girlfriend did her CBT recently and had a great time (bike shopping now).

But the instructor had what I thought were some unusual ideas, especially regarding the pre-ride and weekly bike checklist anagrams. My GF came back telling me B in BOLTS stands for bolts/ battery. Some of the other letters were a bit off too. B is brakes, surely?! Are there old/ new versions of these checklists? Nobody is going to check all their bolts are tight every week, are they? And battery?

He also said it's pointless to test the U-turn in the CBT and Mod2. I disagree. It's true that you can put your foot down if you want in real life, but being able to do a U-turn demonstrates a level of general slow speed control. If you hill start and have to turn sharply right you're going to want those skills.

Anyway it's no big deal. The main thing is that she can start riding and improving. We'll go over maintenance with her as we go. Until this CBT I had totally forgotten about POWDER and BOLTS. I just... check things I think need checking. Maybe not the best.

Riejufixing · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jun 2018 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

I'd usually notice anything that needed attention when cleaning the bike, which was done quite regularly.
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

Easy-X · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Mar 2019 Karma :

I'd say the most important thing with a U-turn is driving home mirrors/shoulder-check. You know, that stuff that might save your life. Slow manoeuvring speed is just a bonus.
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, ~~Honda Rebel,~~ ~~Yamaha DT175,~~ ~~Suzuki SV650 (loan)~~ ~~Fazer 600,~~ ~~Keeway Superlight 125,~~ ~~50cc turd scooter~~

Johanna · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Jul 2018 Karma :

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

I suppose for someone new to biking it might help but TBH I never bother with specific checks before I ride off.

As said above, a weekly check when cleaning the bike is ample. You wouldn't do all that with a car, why with a modern bike.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Johanna · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Jul 2018 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Kawasaki Jimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Oct 2015 Karma :

Ah, the 'captain of a rocket ship' routine to impress the neighbours. Please stand back for your own safety while I conduct pre-flight checks.

Not really, I just ride off and if it felt funny or warning lights showed I'd turn back.

I suppose I do give it a once over while it's warming up.