Info on A1 Mod2 needed.

[Tony Norton]

Hi All,

First of all I must point out that I was 83 when I first sat on a motorbike.

When I was leading up to my CBT I was told by my instructor "Keep up with the traffic." That was all very well whilst within the 30mph limit. Now I have my own 125, an AJS Cadwell, I am a bit concerned about the possibility, when doing A1 Mod2, of being directed on to a dual carriageway with a 70mph limit. Not because I am not capable of riding at that speed, but because the bike isn't capable, its maximum speed is 60mph, and a comfortable riding speed is 50-55mph.

From my many visits to the local (Poole) test station and riding around locally, I reckon that there are most commonly 2 types of learner bikers. The first are the fast food delivery bikes that are perpetually on "L" plates, probably having to re-do their CBT every 2 years, and those who do their CBT on a school bike and then go DAS, again on a school bike, and take their tests on bikes that can do more than "keep up with traffic". When I tried this latter route I managed to drop the school's SV650 twice in half an hour.

It was then I decide that (a) an 800mm seat height was not for me (I have relatively short legs for my 5' 9" height), and (b) I did not want, as a learner, to be in charge of a bike with that much instant power. I researched the market for a bike with a 700mm seat height and settled on the Honda Rebel 500, which I bought. I have done some road work on it, with my instructor, and I love it so much that I decided A2 was as far as I wanted to go. So I did the Mod1 test on it, and failed. This, when brought to the attention of my insurers, resulted in their termination of my temporary cover. Knowing that I needed a lot more road experience I purchased the AJS. So I am now the proud owner of 2 bikes!

Having just got through my A1 Mod1 (at the 3rd attempt) I am now scheduled to do Mod2 in January, but I would like some advice from riders who have done the A1 Mod2, a rarity I guess, and/or ex examiners, on the content of the A1 Mod2. I feel there is case to be made for using different, lower speed limit, roads when testing a rider on a bike that can barely get to 60mph flat out.

Could anybody who fits either of these categories please comment on my remarks. I don't want to fail the test for going too slowly on a bike that isn't capable of going any faster.

Happy biking to all,

Tony Norton

[Easy-X]

First up we can assume that for the most part an unmodified 125 at over 70mph is the ragged edge. My Keeway Superlight could barely manage 65mph. Examiners are not morons or jobsworths, they know what a 125 can do.

Note that you won't fail if you don't sit at the speed limit for every road. You will fail for not making "good progress" (e.g. hesitating at a roundabout) or not being aware of road conditions (noticing obstructions, pedestrians being dicks, etc.)

Mod2 is about being safe and showing confidence not pinning the throttle at every opportunity.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[P.]

[redeem ouzzer]

If you binned an SV650 twice in an hour I don’t think biking is really your thing.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[Tony Norton]

[grr666]

The test isn't any different to DAS mod 2. Ride defensively, making as much progress as you are legally able and within
the capabilities of your bike and the road and traffic conditions. Good observations are key and lots of exaggerated
shoulder checks before moving off. Use your years of road sense and try and make the whole ride 'sparkle'. You've
only got to have a good steady half hour or so riding out there, it will fly by. Keep an eye out for 20mph zones. It's
so easy to get caught out with those, even on a 125. It's likely that since your examiner can't suss out what your
faster riding is like given the limitations of a 125 so he'll make sure he chucks in a few 20 areas instead. Even if braking
isn't necessary and engine braking is sufficient during your ride to slow to a desired speed on approach to a hazard
or junction, you're on your test so shine a brake light anyway. Just so you are communicating that you are slowing to
other road users behind you, It's a good habit to have anyway, might prevent a rear ender one day. Finally don't forget
to check and cancel your indicators every single time you use them, it's such an easy mistake and a crap reason for
failing. Good luck. I admire that you're going for it at your ripe old age but you've acknowledged that maybe a
hairy arsed Fireblade or similar is pushing your luck a bit and you've tailored your expectations to suit. Fair play to you.
Ragging a 125 is loads of fun anyway, without risking your licence.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Easy-X]

Mod2 is Mod2, there's very little difference is how it plays out between bike sizes. (Not so for Mod1 where ppl often fail to get up enough speed on a 125 on the avoidance manoeuvres.)

What's your observation like? Shoulder check before pulling away. Are you visible in the wing mirror of the big lorry you're behind? None of these things vary by bike power. Keep practicing with your bike till you're hand in glove and therefore more confident. Don't worry about "can I go fast enough?"
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Ste]

For A1 the bike needs to be able to do at least 55mph so your bike will be fine.

[UncleFester]

My take on weights ......

Once any bike goes past a certain lean, all you can do is step away from it and 'let it go'. Unless you're built like Dwayne Johnson you're not going to catch it.

So better you have something that doesn't make you struggle to balance on it in the first place, you already have that in the Rebel.

I think taking the next exams / tests ASAP is good as you've got plenty of practice with what's required, all of it is easier on a bigger better bike. Not sure i'd ever go back to a 125 - i like the option of acceleration / speed.
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2017 Z1000SX

[Tony Norton]

Thanks guys, lots of good advice in your replies.

Managed to get a cancellation slot for Dec 8th. Actually I was offered 2, the other one being December 6th, but that is my 85th Birthday and, as my No.2 granddaughter is taking me out to lunch that day, I felt obliged to pass on that one.

Many thanks,
Tony N

[pinkyfloyd]

As said above, having just sent a 69 year old through his A1 test (the bigger bike terrified him and he dropped it a few times shaking his confidence) you should be fine on the A1.

Should you hit a national speed limit area on test you will be expected to make progress, so sitting at 30 when your bike is capable of more would be the fail, getting to 55 would not cause a fail. The examiners are, for the most part, bikers, and know what your bike would be capable of.

If you need any hints, tips or advice, you're welcome to get in touch. Rumour has it I do this for a living and have done for a long time.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[ThunderGuts]

I guess the only other thing is make sure you don't go to easy on the throttle getting up to speed; if you go onto a faster section of road, use the available power and revs to get to the speed you're aiming for fairly swiftly. On a big bike, that would happen naturally and easily. but on a 125 you're going to have to wring it's neck a bit, otherwise I'd be concerned you might be seen as dawdling (unsure if that's a failure possibility or not though!).
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TG.

[Tony Norton]

Hi All,

well, I've done it. Did A1 Mod2 at 14:30 this afty and passed! So it's "L" plates off the Cadwell and on to the Rebel.

The examiner did comment on my doing what he called "the racing line" on right hand turns into a minor road. He said that, although I didn't touch the centre line, next time I should do a a tighter, more square turn.

I have to ride to Poole, from the east of Bournemouth, just under 10 miles, which was OK in the afternoon, but not so much fun when the sun has gone down and the temperature is dropping like a stone. My fingers have only just thawed out. Still it was worth it, to be able to ditch the "L" plates.

Guess it is probably getting near time to close this thread, it's getting near 10 pages.

I will start a new one when I have done my A2 Mod1, on Dec 28th would you believe. I will probably title it "Oldie on a Rebel".

Thanks to everyone for the advice and help.

Cheers
Tony N

[Easy-X]

Nice one!
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[grr666]

Well done Tony!
____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Freddyfruitba...]

Excellent news, well done!
I think you deserve massive kudos for even venturing out on the bike in these temperatures, never mind passing your test!
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KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[to v or not to v]

well done and stay safe
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[UncleFester]

That's great to hear
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2017 Z1000SX

[dave001]

[ThunderGuts]

Nice one, take it easy now though and enjoy the ride!
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TG.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[BRUN]

well done !

so glad you got there in the end