Rodders

[mention]Kelbam[/mention] yep, Friday next week

I thought that when I started out. But you just take it one step at a time and don't worry about the complexity. I think there is good sense in each part of the process, so I just put my head into the mode of showing the examiner that I'm up to the required standard. The bits that seem weird, I just rationalised it by setting some sense, then got on with proving it.

Thanks. Nope and nope. I'm doing Direct Access Scheme (DAS) because I'm over 24. You have to do a CBT regardless, and a theory test (+ Hazard Perception). But DAS consists of 2 tests: [list=]MOD2 - can only be done if you pass MOD1, and consists of practical on-road riding. It involves some independent riding where you're given some directions to follow (e.g. follow the signs for A47 Wansford, then A1 Stamford.This test also includes the eyesight test and a few questions about bike maintenance/checks and riding with a pillion Once you pass the 2 modules, you can ride anything unrestricted. Riders under 24 have a different set of tests to do, which I'm not clued up on.

Lovely day here in Peterborough, though a little bit chilly. I was nervous as hell, and have been feeling out of sorts for a few days probably due to the nerves. I wasn't looking forward to the Emergency Stop or Avoidance (swerve) tests. The examiner was awesome, really made me feel at ease and gave me very clear instructions as well as reminding me what was and was NOT being tested, and that I could take my time. After the manual handling exercise I was heaving for breathe - partly because I'm a small and weak individual who can hardly move the bike, but also because of the nerves making me take short, shallow breaths. Examiner explained the zig-zag and figure of 8 exercise, then said "In your own time, whenever you feel ready". So, I sat on the bike for a good few seconds taking deep breaths and relaxing my arms. It worked. Everything went pretty well, but I picked up 2 minors - one on the Emergency Stop because I waited until his arm was fully raised before I braked. My instructor had never told me to start braking as soon as the examiners arm started to go up, and he raised it quite slow. He did explain it to me but, of course, I was thinking more about my practise drills. My other minor was on the swerve test because I was only doing 49kph. I knew I'd gone a touch slow - I was nervous about the swerve itself, so didn't pick up as much speed as usual and rolled off the throttle too soon at the speed gate. I shouldn't have worried because the swerve itself was very comfortable. I also stalled the bike after the U turn, or perhaps it was after the straight line controlled stop, while the examiner was giving me the next set of instructions. I had some bother getting the bike into Neutral so assumed the indicator light had packed up. It hadn't! He never mentioned it, or marked me down for it. I guess I dealt with it fine. MOD2 next week. As long as I get myself up to speed and do my lifesavers I think I've got little to be worried about for that. I really enjoyed it though. We went for a nice ride in the countryside afterwards to get back to the school. My face got a bit cold, but the riding was pleasant. And no incidents.

I ordered a neck scarf thing. But I'm going to consider those cheap disc locks for a future purchase.

Just ride within the law, get zero points, and then no need to worry.

That's what I thought, but then there are a few options out there under £10 and the reviews are positive. But I wonder how often I'll be out without a more serious lock. I mean, given that I intend to have some way of carrying serious security for day trips then I may as well use that all the time. OK, so neck scarf might be the best option.

I'm about to put an order through at Sportsbikeshop, and need something >£6 to be able to use a discount code I have. I don't have a bike yet, or any security equipment for when I do get a bike, and I saw a few disc locks for little money. I wondered if they were a good idea or not for carrying around when nipping into the shops etc? https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/74349 Or, can you suggest something else to spend £6 on? I'm buying waterproof trousers, I've thought about cleaning products, visor wiper, neck warmer etc.

Cheers [mention]Bender[/mention] I am slowing down very early, being over cautious perhaps because I haven't got accustomed to the brakes yet. It's a school bike, but they give me the same one each time. I haven't got a bike yet, is be limited to a 125 of course. I think I'll get over it though. My learning curve has been steep - I think through my faults and then fix them quickly. This set of issues can all be fixed together I think - relax more, be decisive about stopping, focus on the move off clutch control. I'll get it in time for MOD2. MOD1 I just need to be confident with the emergency stop and swerve. And I can retake, no rush or pressure, just the cost.

All good tips, thanks. I think having my right foot on the brake when I get into a slow speed wobble is party of my issue. I need to just commit to stopping in those cases, and leaning to put my left foot down rather than trying to keep balance.

No major drama. I have a habit of stalling when moving off, especially at roundabouts. On this occasion the instructor was trying to keep with me but I stalled. She apologized, which was confusing, until she actually nudged into the back of the bike! So it was obviously very slow. I need to shake that habit. I think I'm dragging the rear brake, and also letting the clutch out too quick. I must have done the same thing about 5 times in a 4 hour session. I'm very conscious of how hard I'm finding the slow moving traffic stuff. The balance between riding and wobbling is weird for me. I'm going to put some of it down to the fact I cycle a lot so the bike feels different, and that I'm not used to having a foot brake. The main thing today was to visit the test centre and practise for MOD 1. I'm fine with that, though I don't like the emergency stop or swerve at speed. I do them fine, but don't feel 100%. Otherwise, I've learned that I need some over trousers and jacket. I didn't get too uncomfortable, but some damp did get in which I'd rather avoid.

Infinity Motorcycles are doing a full winter kit bundle for £300. Doesn't include a helmet, but you'll be hard pressed to get a full set of gear for that price unless you trawl eBay for used bargains - in which case, there's little point in recommending specific products because it'll be down to what's available.

We get green background with white stripe countdowns on the dual-carriageways around us, to tell us when the slip roads (off ramps) are. For those, and motorways, the markers mean 300/200/100 yards. But, for concealed level crossings the distance is not consistent - the first sign is usually placed early enough to be useful and also in a place where it can easily be seen, with the following markers spaced equally.

You, sir, are a legend. Thank you.

I'm going to start sketching out plans, and designing the shed. I could really use some measurements from 'typical' bikes. I'm strongly considering a Suzuki Bandit as a first bike to get used to riding without worrying about it staying immaculate, and still considering a new Street Twin as a special treat for myself just because. I'd be really grateful if anyone would measure up their bike: Longest length - e.g. front of wheel to end of rear light cluster Highest height - e.g. floor to top of screen or top box Widest width - e.g. handlebars inc. mirrors A few different bikes would be good. I want my shed to be versatile just in case I change the bike in future. Muchos Gracias

There are two (at least) in Lincoln on Lindum road. rare sign.jpg https://goo.gl/maps/zEAWm1qUMqs https://goo.gl/maps/nTezw2p8Wgy What's the story about these being here?

Indeed, I've seen things like that. I've been advised that metal isn't a good idea due to the poor ventilation. Actually, I think the material is less relevant than the amount of ventilation. And they are crazy expensive. But I'm definitely using them as inspiration. I quite like a DIY project, this will be one of the biggest yet though and I've not got proven skills that I can put to use so it'll be interesting to say the least.

I'm no further forward with the shed, though my license is getting closer as I've got MOD1 & MOD2 booked for November. I've found these dolly trucks which look like an ideal approach - I just need to attach a front wheel chock and then create some kind of guide rails and mechanism to hold the truck still while I load the bike on. Should make the build less complicated. This wheel chock is what I'm basing my dimensions and design on: https://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/front-stands/warrior-motorcycle-wheel-chock-fits-17-21-wheels-2 This dolly truck would fit the chock comfortably: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cdt5-dolly-truck-platform/ This one solves the 'hold-it-still' problem, and can be adjusted to fit the chock: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-cumb1-universal-mobile-base/ They might be a little bit high which would make loading more tricky and stability reduced. So, I may consider custom building one with my new welding skills.....yet to acquire!

That'll be you, GOG, Bonniebird and me then, Steve.....and possibly Rodders. .... BTW @Rodders , it's normally just a meet in a pub for a few beers.....With the bikes safely tucked up at home....... I'm happy to organise something......or GOG can negotiate a table at the Falcon in huntingdon again..... In which case, regardless of my MOD1/MOD2 outcome, I could be there.

That sounds cool. I've got my MOD1 & MOD2 booked for November, so there's a glimmer of hope that I could attend something like this.

The school I'm with are pretty flexible, but they're defacto approach is to block book the entire course up to MOD1 at least. I just called them and said I wanted to do 1 day for an assessment of my ability and advice on how to proceed. When the instructor tried to book me in for the next sessions I said I could only do weekends unless I made special arrangement to have a day off work - she said "We'll save that for test day then, and do the lessons at the weekend". I was pleased with that. It helps that I, somehow, have taken pretty well to the whole thing so I don't need many lessons. But I take pride in my driving 'craft' and have been a driving instructor in the past so that helps too. Hiring the 125 is a good idea, I reckon. I did that last week. Try some hill starts, and this will highlight the usefulness of the rear brake. Then try slow manoeuvres using the rear brake to help your slow control. For me the hardest bit of it all is that transition at junctions when you might stop, or you might not. It's very easy to lose balance. The tips for me are to bring your speed down to a walking pace, then use rear brake, some throttle and clutch control to creep along. Then I read a tip today which makes great sense - don't look at the floor to put your foot down, keep your eyes up and you will naturally stay a bit more level. If in doubt, a touch more rear brake and put your foot down to stop. Moving off soon gets easy enough that stopping isn't a concern. Good luck with it, and keep us up to date.

On my first DAS training session today. Slowed down for a roundabout, wobbled, foot down but couldn't stopped the bike tipping over. I stayed on my feet though, so maybe doesn't count.

Yo I had my first 4 hour session on a big bike today. I was most concerned about the slow control but the instructor gave me some great tips and time to practise on the training ground first and I was getting much more confident. Out on the road I felt good. I was getting smooth with the controls, and felt safe in traffic, on the dual carriageways at speed, and on twisty country lanes. The tips I got from [mention]Bender[/mention] about using the rear brake for manoeuvring really helped but I still struggled with the transition between making progress and then having to crawl at junctions. Eventually, my struggle revealed itself. At a roundabout with poor visibility, I slowed right down and was just about to ease out the clutch and roll on when a van appeared. I think I tried to put my foot down, but was so slow that I was beginning to wobble, but not slow enough that my foot was enough of a brake. I think I then pulled on the front brake, which made things even more unstable, the bike began to topple to the left and I couldn't hold it so I hopped out of the way and let it go down. It wasn't a big smash, and we all had a little giggle once the instructor realised I was OK. I redeemed myself a little by lifting the bike back up on my own, which for a 9st 6lb weed like me is fairly impressive. I got back on, reset everything including my nerves, and then moved off smoothly again. A little while later I did the same again when practising the emergency stop. I just didn't quite come to a standstill as I was putting my foot down, and the wobble seems to make my right foot ease off the rear brake (probably getting ready to go on the floor if I wobble that way). I'll work on it more next time. There was an interesting moment coming through town. The other student and instructor went through a couple of roundabouts without pause, and I soon found myself a good distance behind. I wasn't worried, but at one point I lost radio contact completely. I had a realisation that I was now on the road alone. It felt good. The instructor had given me enough info that I knew where to find them, so within a few minutes I caught up as they were parked up waiting for me. To top it off, the instructor said I did so well that she booked me in for MOD1 in a few weeks with just one more session to practise. And MOD2 provisionally booked for a few weeks after that, with no insistence on more lessons. They do 4 hour sessions each time, so on a test day there will be practise time before and after. Absolutely stoked!

Keep us posted [mention]SVS[/mention] I'm looking forward to my first ride on a bigger bike. The 125 is fine, but everyone tells me that bigger bikes are more stable and generally better to ride.

That's ace, seems pretty obvious to use the back brake like that. I'll try it on Sunday. I was dropping to 1st at very slow speed but it was the jump from front brake to throttle, whilst finding the buying point, that was making me wobble. I have to get used to the fact that bikes have slipper clutches mostly.