Glorian

After all this hype, I can't even afford it! gah. Mostly going to buy new motorcycle gear. But with the bike insurance due christmas still trying to pay off the bike and holiday i have no wonga.. *cries* Maybe i'll have some spare dosh for excel in london.

Might be out and about around essex/suffolk Depends if i get my bike back or not will keep posted =)

Well done mate did mine up there a while back. Who took your test? I forget the blokes name but he's a bald bloke with glasses.. He's strict but fair so hope you get him for your mod 2.

One tip. Make sure you're not looking at the ground that will make you wobbly and unstable. Clearly look ahead of where you want to go and the bike should turn easily. Gently apply the rear brake if it feels like it's going to fast and keep the revs at a good range. Might sound silly but i had issue with keeping the revs up as the noise startled me a little hah!

Second hand clothing usually alright a lid you can't tell if it's been dropped. Don't take that risk. Check some local stores out some do like a "New rider package" they give you a whole set of riding kit quite cheaply.

I kind of get where you're coming from, The mod 1 seems so much more like a "test" where as the mod 2 feels like a normal ride out aside from the instructor tellig you where to go! My advice, if you already have a bike, just go on ride outs around town especially the town you'll do your test on, and get at least 2 days with your instructor on the bigger bike, I did 2 full days and i felt very comfortable as we had covered the "tricky" junctions and other known fail spots, when the ride occured it was fine. Remember ride sensibly and look ahead, Better to wait behind a parked car than to squeeze through a small gap, Better to not get through the lights than to race past them as they turn red, Shake the instructors hand to, makes you seem like more of an adult (IMO!) Also wear good looking appropriate gear, Jeans and a hoody? Jog on, leather pants or textiles trousers and a nice jacket with boots and gloves? Top banana.

Doing this is never going to make you perfect. But it's a good start of things to look for that you might not think to check. making a "pattern" to get through the test seems pointless, it's testing your knowledge and you perception, being able to tell when something might become a hazard could save your life one day.

Think it helps knowing what speed / position to take following people. Will look into this have heard about these courses so might come in handy. This is probably a big part of it. I often chastise myself for looking the wrong place. I think i will try make myself go out on some solo ride outs on the back roads near me see if it helps doing some training =)

Now i've been riding almost a year. Passed my mod 1 and mod 2 first try no issues. But when i ride on my own i find i'm really nervous cornering at slow/high speeds. It's getting a bit dangerous now as on my ride home i fixated on a bush and had to stop and stick my hazards on as i couldn't bring myself to turn. I'm not sure if it's inexperience or a little part of my head reminding me i have crashed and blocking me from riding properly. I've tried going out at quiet times and sometimes i am better but most times i really am not riding well/safe. Does anyone else get or have had this sort of feeling? Im debating getting a days training with my instructor to go over cornering again and see if he can shine some light on it.

Maybe next time for me! Lots to do and i still feel jetlagged

I have a pair of frank thomas leather gloves. Pretty good for the £15 they cost me lol.

Sorted! Here are the pics: https://plus.google.com/photos/111201213703179233766/albums/6059346766931405409 No problemo, glad ya like it, looks fab! That was one lucky shot hahaha! Who's the fat guy on the blue bandit?

Got a some footage on my PC will turn it into one long clip. How you want me to send it to you?

Cheeeeese

Will download my footage. though it will be poor quality haha! I'm knackered.. i need more practice i think gonna get out on the country roads! Cheers again for the invite was top banana =)

No problem mate. Leaving tollgate around 12:30 so gimme a buzz before then =D Don't forget waterproofs ! You never know!

Goes to show I haven't been on here nearly as much as I used to - but I can't believe you have a bandit now, Glorian! You were part of the Made Of Cheese moovement, now you've moved up in the world and got a Japanese 600cc?! It's not right! Hahaha And Megawatt - why aren't you joining us?! Oh yes! Only about 2 weeks though! I powered through my tests like a boss =D Getting my bike ready last little bits. Need to adjust rear brake after i f**ked around with its positioning yesterday it's not very strong. Then just test the sat nav and i'm good to go =) Anyone know if John is going? wether or not me and kieran need to meet him.

We're holding you personally responsible for Glorian's attendance! Lol See you tomorrow. Barring an act of god i will be there haha!! Sounds like its gonna be epic with the amount of us going haha =D Got my satnav set up so i can't get lost! and my crappy £30 camera is on charge woo!

Nope I think now everyones arranged their saturday for this =D Also sunday's not good for me, gotta pack for vegas!

Never had to re-take my test. but my overall fee's were around £500 for mod 1 + 2 and theory test plus 1 day training for mod 1 and 2 for mod 2 =)

Not a problem with me =) WIll PM you my number let us know before we head off and we'll come find you =)

Learn on a geared bike. they're easier to ride i find as you can toggle the clutch to manage your speed instead of just on/off on a twist and go. You'll be happier and better money wise just doing the geared bike =)

Congratulations =) Hard parts over. Mod 2 is easier (IMO) especially if you've been riding on a CBT for a while. How many minors?

Ordered one just gonna stick a bit of foam inside. Not using it every day anyway =D

Ok. Meeting KD79 at tollgate at 12:30. So once we fuel up and head off should be down there just before 14:00 =) See you guy's then I'll be on a blue bandit looking confused. and Kieran has a red CB500 i believe.