Remy

Am thinking of booking a first track day (with tuition), the closest to me is Donington then Oulton. Those of you who have ridden them, which would be more suitable for a total novice, or would either be okay?

Aww really sorry, you WILL get that test - good luck for the next time

I bought these as I am quite a short@rse, at 5'3". They are a very stylish boot, totally waterproof (Goretex lining) - I've waded through water and been completely dry - and they have stacked soles. They look perfectly normal as the stacking is cleverly incorporated within the soles. When I first tried them I thought I would have problems changing gear due to the extra thickness, but made myself persevere and now they are absolutely fine. The only drawback is the price, they are around £300 new, but you can often get amazing bargains on eBay if you look - I recently saw a pristine pair of size 5s go for £95!

This is my first bike after passing my test and even though it's restricted I have to say I couldn't have chosen a better bike for me. I LOVE the sound of the v-twin, it has loads of power and plenty more in reserve which I haven't experienced yet! It handles beautifully, is easy for a novice but my hubby and a friend who have been biking for years both say it's great to ride. I chose it because I liked the look of it, it felt comfortable to sit on (if a little high) - the seat height is suitable for shorter riders but I'm only 5'3" so had to have it lowered even further. It puts me in a fairly upright position (although not as upright as the YBR) and so far has been comfortable, even though the seat isn't the best padded! I can't fault it at all, the only problem I've had with it has been it's battery life but apparently there have been some problems with regulator rectifiers in some models and mine has had a recall of this item so hopefully once this is replaced it will be fine. Another huge plus is it's mpg - so far, the average I've achieved has been about 75mpg, so I should be able to get well over 200 miles to the tank.

Best of luck for tomorrow, hoping to see a big grin post soon!!

I try not to pass judgement on anyone or how they ride, all I will say is that I always leave a good distance between myself and the vehicle in front for self preservation! If someone moves into the gap I drop back again, I only move close if I am about to overtake. I try to be prepared for drivers to act in an unpredictable manner anywhere, not just roundabouts!

Fantastic, huge congrats

Huge well done, doesn't it feel great to get those L-plates off - I took a screwdriver along with me just in case - thankfully I didn't tempt fate!

Mine seems to be crap?? When I first got the Gladius it's battery died after it had been sitting for not very long, so I got it exchanged under warranty. However this new one doesn't seem much better! I've been on fairly long rides at any one time but the battery appears not to be able to cope with anything . One time I accidentally parked it with it's parking light on, for a couple of hours - the battery was completely flat. Then I went to a garage to fuel up, and tried to adjust the clock with the ignition on which must have taken all of one minute. When I went to start it, it just about turned over The last time I used it was last week going to a bike meet, and today I was going to the same meet and the battery had died! Is this normal??? My YBR was stood for six months unused over winter, and when I got it out in March it started first time!

I hope to be going!

They do have quite a following, if you like that kind of thing ..

Really sorry, but try and put it out of your mind and concentrate on the next one - you WILL pass!

Are you sure it isn't too loose for you? If the strap was already firm enough the helmet shouldn't move that much. Good luck for Friday

Well I always used maps and said I'd never get a satnav, but I tend to go all over the place on my bike and into some quite remote areas and another problem is I need glasses to read a map now LOL!! I was impressed by this one after seeing it used by a biker I rode out with, and it can also be used in the car. I'll give it a review here once I've used it a few times!

Heine Gericke sell ladies' boots that start from size 36

I've decided to go for the 660 - cheaper and newer than the 550, and from Amazon.

I've been impressed by some of the motorbike specific satnavs I've seen, especially the Garmin Zumo 550 which you can use in a car. What have you got and where would you recommend I buy from - I've seen some 'cheap sites' on the net but they don't get good reviews so will steer clear of them.

I don't think you need to worry about wobbling, so long as you don't put a foot down. As for the speed of the figures of eight/slalom, I would have thought that so long as you are in full control it shouldn't matter - but these manouevres are in the slow part at the start of the test so not 100% sure! It might just depend on the examiner - I wouldn't have thought they could fail you but at the worst may be a minor? Best of luck for tomorrow

At least it's pointed out your weaknesses, which you'll be able to practise. I don't think forgetting a lifesaver is always a major - depends on the circumstances. There were occasions when I was going along a single carriageway which divided into two lanes at a roundabout, and turning right - as I wasn't technically moving lanes I just forgot to give them, and got three minors. But I think if it was in a situation where it would be dangerous not to, such as coming off a busy roundabout, that would be a major. If you mis-hear the examiner's instructions, so long as you ride properly and safely - that shouldn't be a fail. My examiner was very softly spoken and I didn't hear his instructions for coming off a roundabout and went the wrong way - he just re-directed me back the way he wanted to go. I'm sure your next session will be a lot better, and good luck!

Well done!!

Woohoo!!!! So pleased for you, well done . You will have that grin on your face for a while

It's a lovely place, one of my local haunts, I've been up and down those roads many times (sometimes walking with the dog! ). Glad you made it Sue , I can imagine it might be a bit hairy if your brakes aren't much good . Lovely pics and glad the sun stayed out for you

Oh noo, that's really bad luck , sounds as if your riding is pretty good if that was the only problem - lots of luck for next time!

Really well done, isn't it a great feeling

Fingers crossed for you tomorrow ...