orval

Good luck! Double espresso time

Thanks! Time to start thinking about which (restricted) bike to get next

I guess this is where the instructor was coming from on my CBT. The problem is I've never had an instructor since, so I never learnt to do anything else! I'm trying to "unlearn" so much back-brake use. It's quite hard when you're in the habit.

Middle of the lane it was. And I passed! Phew

BTW I passed! I did indicate, but only when I'd done my obs and it was clear.

I've got my Mod 2 later today. Can anyone else confirm that you are not supposed to signal when pulling out on the angled or hill starts? Thanks

Dumb question alert! Got my Mod 2 tomorrow on my 125 and being a skinflint have not had any formal training. On a straight road, I've always ridden down the middle of the lane. But I've just read in the DSA Guide to Riding that you should "normally keep well to the left". Then it goes on to say you shouldn't "ride too close to the kerb or to the centre of the road". I've just been out on the bike and I tried to keep further to the left, but it just felt weird! Any suggestions?

So rear-only is okay for the slow stuff. Looks like I need to start using the front more. Thanks for the replies.

I have no idea! That's what I was told. As a novice on CBT how was I to know I should question it? Never come anywhere near having an accident. Been riding for 1 a year, done about 2000 miles. Bear in mind though, that the rear (drum) brakes on an 11 year old Yamaha SR125 Custom, are like pushing your foot into a sponge.

Yep, that's verbatim. It looks like this: I'm reading that as: 1) You shouldn't brake harshly, except in an emergency. 2) You shouldn't use either the front or rear brake alone. And applying even more pedantry, (2) becomes: 2a) You shouldn't use the front brake alone. 2b) You shouldn't use the rear brake alone. So, 2b or not 2b?

Hi, I'm reading the "Learning to Ride" DSA book. In the section about Module 2 -> Controls -> Brakes (page 92) the "faults to avoid" says: "You shouldn't brake harshly, except in an emergency. Use either the front or rear brake alone." I very often use the rear brake alone, which is what I was taught on by CBT. What's the deal?

I think you're right. I have a feeling that when I looked up from the speedo, his arm was already raised! I have to say, that although the fail was probably the correct decision, the examiner didn't deal with the situation well. As soon as it happened I felt that I was being kicked out as fast as possible. All this stuff in the blurb about getting feedback is just nonsense. I was off the site within two minutes of the e-stop!

Yeah. I'll have to do that. It never really occured to me to practise it. I went out and practised all the other things. Just assumed the e-stop would be fine. Didn't help that I was focusing on the speedo when going through the trap, so I might have missed him raising his arm.

BTW it looks like a hi-viz vest is a requirement for the big bike test. I didn't need on today. Failed the bloody thing! Didn't stop fast enough on the emergency stop. Got to wait til the 10th for another slot.

Thanks for replies. I haven't Googled the questions yet. I'm gonna wait until I've got mod 1! Is the hi-vis vest compulsory for mod 2 though?