Using my own bike for the test

[Rit]

Now my theory is out the way to keep the costs down I was thinking of using my KH125 for the test. I'm not bothered about the restriction.

Only thing is as its a old bike it has no front brake switch so the only time the examiner would see my brake light would be when I use the rear brake which as you know usually comes on after the front.

My thoughts are that he may think I am not braking in time. Your thoughts please guys/ladies

I also heard a nasty rumour that you have a better chance of passing if you turn up with a instructor and one of their bikes as instructors and examiners are a bit "pally" I aint accusing, just saying. Thoughts again please

Ta.

[JonT]

I would highly recommend getting a 2 hour slot with an instructor and using one of their bikes.

The first hour will see you having a bit of practise with the instructor just to perfect things, and the second hour will be on your test using his bike.

This is essentially what I did, it doesn't take long to get used to another bike. I did all my training on a 2 stroke RG125, and then sat on a CG125 for the first time 2 hours before my test. Things went just fine.

ohh and good luck!

[MarJay]

You'll fail instantly if you turn up on an unroadworthy bike.

Its in the test rules.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[stinkwheel]

The bike is legal with one switch if it was made before 1986.

I personally think that running about on a 'classic' bike would get you respect from the examiner.

They are not stupid and will know about the limitations of the machine you are on. They will be well used to following old 2-strokes about for tests, a lot of riding schools used to use H100s before the minimum speed limits came into force.

I did my test on an old Russian bike with no battery. At one point in the test I stalled and had to use hand signals (no battery=no lights). He asked me about it at the end of the test, when I explained, no problem.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ISLAND GIRL]

Did and passed my test early this year on my own bike, long as its all roadworthy they wont mind. You have the advantage if you do it on your own bike IMO as you are used to it and how it runs, turns etc.
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Live on the Isle of Wight and ride a CBR600F

[bish777]

[Rit]

Ta for your inputs. I think I'm going to have a crack at it in April if I can get in. Book it end of March before it goes up

It's completly roadworthy, MOT'd just 3 weeks ago. The guy at the shop enjoyed a blast from the past. Yep Stinkwheel its a '84

Only thing is I will need a new battery as it is struggling on low revs with indicators, lights and brake light at the same time. Will the examiner expect you to use your lights?

One last thing, if anyone reading this has taken their practical test Burton PM me please

[stinkwheel]

I asked your question tonight of my mate who is fairly high up in the testing hierarchy (he asesses other examiners as well as doing tests himself). He would think it is cool that someone was doing their test on/ riding a bike like that and would have no problem with it at all.

Far as he is concerned, it is how safely you ride the bike you are on. If you are confident and safe, he is more likely to let a minor fault slip through the net. If someone does a technically perfect ride but doesn't look safe, he will find something to fail you on. If you look like you know what you are doing but make a momentary lapse, he will pretend he didn't see it.

Obviously, you will be more confident on the bike you are riding all the time, so use it.

As for the 'not braking early enough' thing, how much sooner do you reckon you would have to brake on that bike as compared to say an NSR125 with twin, floating discs?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Rit]

Yep, you are right. Braking would be the same on a test. My only worry is that the examiner would see the NSR's brake light before mine. Having said that it's reassuring what you all said in that he would take the "classic" era into consideration

[stinkwheel]

[Rit]

Ahh, wrong end of the stick! Yes I see that point too

[mr.z]

Hi,

Did my test at sinfin, didn't know burton had a test center :/

have you got your cbt now? i'll be happy to follow you on a rideout* and let you know what they will expect to see on the test (not that long ago i did mine )

p.s. i found the chain adjusters to the cg if you want em


*When that weather is ok, not raining or snowing e.t.c.
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Davo]

I used my own bike for my D.A.S. test & passed. Was quite interesting as I'd never ridden the bike before.

[stinkwheel]

They probably disappear to one side and have a conversation like "Yeah, he's over-cocky, could do with knocking down a peg or two." or "He's a good rider but looses it a bit under pressure, take it easy and he'll be no problem."

In other words, could be a bit of a mixed blessing.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[mr.z]

Allthough they'd deny it up and down, if your instructor is a bit of a dick, or has otherwise upset the examiner at some point this will defenately not help, to the point where you could ride perfectly and still end up failed.. (allthough its not very common, instructors like that will move test centers most of the time)

Somebody turning up on their own will (generally) have a little more leeway, things they would expect from a student whos turned up with school they might let go, this is true with cars (because ive been told this by 2 different examiners) so i'd imagine its true with bikes too..
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Rit]

I pulled the route off the web site and I have been round it a couple of times today. Nasty hill T junction I will definitely be using my bike but maybe book 1 hour incase I have a bad habit that I aint aware of.

Z mate, I did my CBT ages ago. The theory I did at Sutton Coldfield two days ago as Burton only do the practical.

Ran the CG today for the 1st time (started 2nd kick) but only for 30 secs as no exhaust because I'm missing the flange so if you could have a look around when you have a minute please and ta for the adjusters

[mr.z]

Thats great! (as if there was any doubt )

If its about i know where it'll be... (the flange)

It might be worth booking a couple of hours, if your useing your own bike that should make it a bit cheeper too.. theres a good chance you'll just pass anyway, main thing is the extra observations and doing them in order and on time..

Defenately take some time practiceing Uturns and emergency stops beacuse they WILL ask you to do both (i skided on the stop and nearly buggered up the uturn )
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[thx1138]

Yeah use your instructors bike. I rode to the test centre on my 24 bhp KMX, took the test on the instructors bike, and the examiner commented as I left "You can now LEGALLY ride your Kawasaki".

[king kong]

I took and passed my test on my Varadero, if you like me, use your own bike everyday, you will get used to it. So why take test on a bike that yr not familiar with.
Also my examiner followed me in a car, which I thought was strange!

Good Luck

[Rit]

Yeah I heard that KK. Perhaps they are in cars more often in the winter

If I can sort out my indicator/brake light problem (dont flash while the brake light is on) with a new battery, I will definatly be using it. As I dont care about the restriction it's going to take a hell of alot of fails to match the price of a course. Thanks for the G Luck.

[Rit]

Well, Today was "the" day

After putting on a new battery it was pretty fine for a 6v system. The examiner diddnt completely go gaga over it but none the less I could tell there was sommat there

Anyways, I passed with 2 observation marks

BIG ta to all the guys and girls who posted test related stuff up that obviously did the trick.

Also, Thanks to Mr Z who followed me around Saturday afternoon. Cheers mate

Sooooooooo, If you think your examiner would like a trip down memory lane, buy my bike, it may help lol


https://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mojorit/KawasakiKH125004.jpg

[Vin]

Just thought I'd say.. well done.

[Mark_petty]

Congratulations, nice one mate
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[Rides: Suzuki GSF600sx]
[CBT: Passed] [Theory: Passed] [DAS: Passed]

[king kong]

Well done and a nice big slap on the back.

[kawakid]

Well done, I did my test like you by myself on my own bike and passed first time.

When I did my car test years ago, I had this ex irish police guy and his first time pass rate was like nearly 100%. I often thought somet was up, especially when i'd finished my test and he comes up and says well done. (i'd not told him, the examiner hadn't told him). Hmm
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I've a twin and a 4.