My bike has no centre stand - problem for the test??

jimster · Spanner Monkey Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Karma :

I've had my CG125 a week, and I'm going to do the theory test ASAP (already done it for cars) and then book a practical test ASAP. Reason I need to be so quick is that I finish studying at the beginning of July and am going travelling for at least two/three months. So that gives me about 50 days to do both theory and practical! My CBT runs out in about 15 months as well.

Now, I did my full car test last year so I know what they look for in that and I'm going to try and get a day of lessons before doing the test, but probably only one as I don't have the time!

I've seen the incredibly useful post by Slavo (eg https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=27360&highlight=test)

Only slight concern - my bike doesn't have a centre stand! (apparently the Honda CG125W didn't have one) - is that a problem for the test? I know how to put a bike on a centre stand, but if I can't prove it, will I fail? Eek!

Also, I think my speedo is under-reporting my speed, as I am always being overtaken by cars when I'm doing 30-35 indicated, although there may just be a lot of speeders in Oxford! How do I get it checked out easily?

Minky_monkey · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Aug 2004 Karma :

I wouldn't have thought the centrestand should be an issue.

Do you they actually expect you to demonstrate that on a full test? If they do, surely they would let you do it on another bike.

As for the speedo, have you got a mate with another car or bike. Get them to follow you. It's not foolproof, but it will give you an idea as to whether the speedo is out.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

you can't fail on the spot checks anyway (nor on the pillion questions as you have already done a theory test) , I remember my intructor telling me.

The worst that will happen on a tell me how , and show me how is you get 2 minors on your test , which you are allowed 15, since you are only going to do 2 checks during the entire test , you can't get 5 minors in this subject area alone ,

though if you get 13 minors and the two for the spot checks you'll fail

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

I never put my sr125 on its centre stand and wasn't asked to either. It won't be a problem. Thumbs Up

Plenty of people do their tests on bikes without a centre stand Smile

Re: the speedo - you could always buy a cheap bicycle speedo that works by reading the road and NOT the magnet round the wheel trick. That would help to see if it is out.

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Believe lack of a centre stand shouldn't be a problem.
As for speedo if you're having lessons beforehand check with the instructor if they have calibrated speedos on their bikes (some places use ex-police kit that'll have them as standard). Then during the lesson they can let you know how fast you actually do go.

I think you'll find being overtaken at 30 by a car is a sign the car driver is impatient and doesn't want to be held up by a poxy small bike with L plates Rolling Eyes

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jimster · Spanner Monkey Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Karma :

nc30 chick · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

You will not fail for not using a centre stand, i took my test last year and my bike did not have one, the instructor never mentioned it.