Stuff instructors, decided to apply thePuma Principle

[SamWise72]

After calling several local motorbike schools, I've given up. I wanted to do DAS, but doing 4 or 5 straight days wasn't an option. One school told me "tough shit", another "we can do 2 hour individual lessons of you like, but it'll cost twice as much per hour, and you'll still need 4-5 days worth to be ready for a test".

Now, I'm 40 and an experienced road user, and I reckon if ThePuma can pass in 7 weeks with no instructor, then what I needed was a few (4 or 5) lessons to get used to the bigger bike and the Mod1 maneuvers, and a bit of guidance on what to practise on my 350 miles a week commuting to get my habits right. Since nobody seems willing to entertain that possibility, I think I'll simply take the test under my own steam on my 125 and see where I go from there. Having kept a close eye on my riding today, I need to brush up on right hand lifesavers when pulling away, and then practise the E stop and swerve test. The rest, I reckon will be no problem.

So, assuming I pass before Jan, I get 2 years restricted right? So I can either buy a sub 33bhp machine, or something bigger and restrict? I really want a BMW K75, and it appears a restriction kit does exist. Am I right in thinking that I could do that, spend another few weeks getting used to the size, weight and power of the bike, and then simply redo Mods 1 and 2 on it for accelerated access, removing the restriction in the car park before-hand? Assuming I passed both first time, that would be a lot cheaper than even the intensive course approach.

[C1REX]

Sounds like a good plan.
You can find videos on YT about MOD1 and 2.

The main difference however is waiting time. Schools call few times a day to check if somebody cancelled and they can re-book that for themselves .

If you will book yourself you may need to wait few weeks for a test.
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[SamWise72]

I'm ok with that. Having a few weeks will give me chance to get really confident on the Mod1 maneuvers.

[thepuma]

The way I did it is the cheapest way for sure and with 20 years driving experience in a car, I'm sure that helped greatly for the Mod2.

The only downside is that you're restricted to 33bhp for 2 years, but for what I use the bike for (at present) its fine for me.

You just have to do your research and make sure you know 100% Whats required to pass both tests. Lots of YouTube video watching, lots of forum reading so you know what examiners are looking for etc etc..and for the Mod1 lots of practice in a car park so you're on auto pilot come the test.

There's nothing in any of the tests that's difficult, you just have to show the examiners you can handle a bike, your safe and youre confident.

If you do all that you'll breeze the tests.....the only other thing stopping you is nerves. I was nervous for both tests, luckily on my mod1 they went as soon as I rode into the compound. During the mod2 I was nervous and tense throughout, but
luckily it didn't affect my riding too much.

From my experience, theres nothing that an instructor can teach you that you won't find by looking on relevant instructor videos on YouTube.

When I did my CBT, the instructors there wanted £165 for mod1 training (with test) and £285 for Mod2 training (with test)........thankfully the CBT place I went to was SHITE,so I declined and did it myself, all for £90.50!....that's £360 I've got towards my first big bike rather than in the pocket of the instructors who wouldn't have got me any better outcome.

The only possible problem by doing it before January on your own is test availability and if you fail either one more than once, you'll be cutting it fine to pass by next Jan.

It's definitely doable though, especially if you already have car driving experience and have your own bike to practice on every night.
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[Rogerborg]

Sod them then, their loss. That's disappointing though, the local schools for local people up here seem to be pretty flexible.

[ijmok]

Where are you based?

Ive had individual lessons, and passed (cbt to Mod 2 in 6 weeks)

Think i had about 5 or 6 lessons

Rob

[SamWise72]

Southampton. If I could find a helpful instructor, I wouldn't mind paying for a few lessons for a few weeks, but the one place that would do it were pretty dismissive (of my thoughts on how much instruction I needed, of the experience I was gaining riding 350 miles a week, of the bike I ride, the lot). Wasn't overly encouraging, though I'm sure I come across as arrogant saying I think I can pass quickly, and of course, they want to get paid the max they can.

[ijmok]

Not much help then, im based in Cheltenham as was my instructor.

Look for the slightly smaller schools, they may be more amenable.

They may also have test pre booked

Chap i used was Chris Davis, https://www.ccmotorcycletraining.co.uk/

One man with a garage full of bikes, i know he has a few other instructors who do CBT's etc to keep things running.

Best of luck,

Rob

[P.]

My friend passed in 6 days, 1 day CBT, 3 days of him riding my bike around a car park and on the road with me, 1 day on his mod1 which he passed then got mod2 booked for next day

Passed too.

[SamWise72]

That's my mind made up.

[matto]

I did the same, passed both tests without any instruction following my cbt. The best thing is to just practise slow riding, lots and lots of practise. Also as I was commuting on my 125 everyday, for 7-10 days before my mod2 I rode in 'test mode' except for filtering of course

It's easily doable for someone who understands the road system and can get enough practise on the bike.

[SamWise72]

I'm getting plenty of practise, and when I don't feel like filtering (often!) then I get plenty of very low speed riding. I missed half my lifesavers when moving away today, but apart from that I reckon I was about there for Mod 2. I can't find my counterpart license at present, so between ordering that and booking my test, I've got space to get ready.

[pinkyfloyd]

If you can get to Portsmouth I can give you a few pointers to get you through mod 1. Take you out to the local test center and you can see a few tests taking place then go somewhere quiet and practice.
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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.

[Shinigami]

my instructer has been pretty decent with me, had 1 mod 1 lesson, then i wanted a 2nd for practice (my choice)

After i failed he doesn't want to take my money for another lesson as he knows i'm good enough and should be able to pass so hasn't tried to take more money. Pretty honest approach,
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[SamWise72]

[SamWise72]

[Shinigami]

i think he reckons i'm somewhat better than I am though lol, he mentioned he reckond i'd have been able to go through mod 1 and 2 straight after each other, glad i didnt' as i failed my mod 1!

retaking it next tuesday though. only had a 3 week wait between
____________________
Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[swampy]

[recman]

[pinkyfloyd]

[mark111]

Puma is a freak though , His 2 Month from CBT to License is Fantastic , Hell , i spend more than that Procrastinating