nickjaxe

Had my second practice session at mod1 today on the 650...high speed swerve...emergency stop all fine but cant get consistent clear runs on the slalom...fig of 8 or the U turn. I just dont feel confident to go onto the opposite lock for a fear of falling...something is just stopping me getting on the opposite lock...I need to grasp how the get that front wheel turned faster...should I use my body weight to help me...instructor said thats up to me??? I didn't try it On my very first session with the 650 I stalled it and dropped the bike on a turn at to slow a speed...I am not sure if this is still putting me off...that was around 5 lessons back... Any tips guys...its very frustrating.

Had my second practice session at mod1 today on the 650...high speed swerve...emergency stop all fine but cant get consistent clear runs on the slalom...fig of 8 or the U turn. I just dont feel confident to go onto the opposite lock for a fear of falling and overshoot the next cone...I need to grasp how the get that front wheel turned faster. On my very first session with the 650 I stalled it and dropped the bike on a turn at to slow a speed....didnt get my leg out quick enough...I am not sure if this is still putting me off...that was around 5 lessons back... Any tips guys...its very frustrating.

Nice one Joe...just goes to show...dont give up half way through if you cock something up.

Sorry to hear that...nerves are a pain....

Dave did you manage to pass mod 1 and 2 first go??? Nick.

No not yet...the school do that...they have them already pre booked. Next lesson we are starting on mod 1 training as well as some road work... If I can get that mod 1 out of the way it will be a major boost for me. I did consider getting a 125 and using it for a while...but I didn't want to get set into bad habits that I would have to un-learn. Also the next bike I ride once I get my licence is my Bantam...and hopefully nothing else.

Hi Bobber. I think your so right when you say...I think as an older rider you tend to anticipate hazards earlier... I was looking forward to this weekends lesson...but the forecast for my area was very heavy rain...I know I have to contend with those condition but I can do without it just now...after only 3 hours road training. As usual...the past 2 days up till now anyway have been fine...so annoying our weather forecasts...normally have a lesson around 9am. Fingers crossed for next weekend...will book one sat and sun to catch up...cant take any during the week due work. Nick.

Getting lessons at the moment Direct access...got my CBT but would like a good book to read that covers all I need to know to help pass mod 1 and mod 2.

Hope so...well done on your mod 1 pass...I will be so chuffed if I pass mine first time...and I will feel I am making progress.

Its bad enough at 60....god knows what it must be like at 100mph.

Starting to feel better on the 650 now...had a good 2 hour road riding lesson yesterday...no probs getting upto 60mph this time...I had only felt comfortable upto 50 last week....still feeling un-comfy with the wind buffet ...the instructor was amazed at my progress. So a big thanks for your encouragement guys. Nick.

Meant to ask my instructor last lesson...on the road test...say your on a duel carriageway with a 70mph limit...the road is clear...what speed should I aim for. If we encounter queuing traffic again on a duel carriageway...would the examiner expect you to filter if you could.

Makes a lot sense Deso...thanks. Not had a lesson for over a week...looking forward to the next. Got through my Theory this week I was over the moon about...so onwards and upwards.

Thats very encouraging Bede...hoping to have a lesson this w/e. I am a happy bunny today...passed the theory exam this morning.

I did chat with the school about the smaller bike and was advice that all the test content is the same...so no harder on the 650cc machine... At the moment I have no desirer to ride bigger bikes but you never know.

Unfortunately I already have the bike I want to ride a 175cc BSA Bantam...not really interested in getting a powerful machine....I only like old classics. I would love to take a test on a smaller motorbike but I dont think I can...can I ?????? be interested if I could. So is there any way around this for me????

Yes but its getting used to using the 2 sets of brakes at different times and conditions that takes a bit of getting my head around...front for the main braking...rear for when slow and when stopped. Steve...no only done the CBT to date...in the process of getting the full licence now hence why I am riding a 650 with an instructor.

Did my CBT about 5 weeks ago...doing a direct access now...had 4 hours on a 650...mainly on the pad...I am ok on the pad on the 650 but once out on the road what I have learnt goes south a wee bit. Been driving cars/trucks for 40 years and never any motorbikes so its all new to me...just seems so much to take in and to be able forget that your not driving something on 4 wheels with just one set of brakes to contend with. I am a very very confident driver no matter what I drive from a car to a 40 ton truck...but so nervous on the bike mainly due I think to me not being used to it and the lack of rearward vision...is this common and if so does it pass and how long...I know that will depend on the individual but just a ball park. My age wont help I dont suppose 62. Love to hear your experiences....especially if your an older trainee like me...I am thinking old dog new tricks...

So am I correct in thinking they teach truck drivers do do this but not car drivers...I can understand the large vehicle obscuring the view to following vehicles.

Question guys...been driving cars for 40 years...bikes only during my CBT a few weeks ago. During the road test I kept using the indicators to move over to pass vehicles parked at the side of the road single carrigways...the instructor kept telling me off saying its not correct. Its hard to get out of the habit...love the hear others views on this subject.

One thing I am not good at is sums in my head...I can do them on paper.

Interesting...I wonder...can you take a pen and paper into the test room to work things out???

Thanks guys...all noted.

Many thanks guys...

Thanks guys all noted.