Vicstress

Really? That's interesting........I find slow control much easier with the back brake/clutch....I can be a bit heavy on my front brake

You'll be fine its just getting some time on the bike... - its also usefull to 'dab' your back brake a little to slow when needed during the slow clutch controlled turns and keep your rev's 'busy' it all helps to steady the bike. You'll sort it next time for sure.. Yep - figured that out on my own during the 2 hour ride!!! Much easier and means I can keep my throttle control sorted....wasn't actually explained to me!

Cheers mate. Heard from the guy who runs the training company last night and he was really supportive - just said that the guy from DSA didn't help. anyways, hopefully I'll pass my theory next week and finish CBT next Sunday.....itching to get a bike now!

hopefully not on my arse at a junction as I did yesterday If it wasn't such a buzz when you get it right then I wouldn't be doing it, but I'm hooked! and obviously a real biker now I've fallen off Probs won't be till the weekend after now which is a shame and means I have theory next week before passing CBT!

Good tip thanks! I don't blame the instructor but it did stress me out a bit.....and you're right I couldn't feel my fingers (or my non existent nuts!) I think I've got it though - just need to be more confident with my clutch control....my slow riding is good, it's just turning - going to borrow housemates push bike tomorrow and do a few hours practice. The examiner said he was going to find out where I am doing my Mod 1 and make sure he's my examiner

Just reading through others experiences and although I fell off and stalled at a few junctions it seems others have done just as bad and passed! Oh well, guess he couldn't pass me if he was being examined aswell.......I'll nail it at the weekend....

Well yesterday was fun! From the off there was extra pressure as my instructor was being examined by a DSA examiner himself so was obviously nervous - which didn't help me! Other person on the course had been riding for years and just needed to do the tests. Figure of 8's and U turns were ok off road and once I was on the road I had fun....when it clicks it feels amazing. I did manage to drop the bike AND fall off got back on and was annoyed at myself but carried on. Think alot of it was down to the pressure of the instructor being a bit stressed, the DSA examiner being there and the fact I was freezing - didn't put thermals on but we ended up doing 45 mins of the ride in the dark which was good experience. Afterwards i did get alot of encouragement and was told that not a lot of women go straight onto a 500 so I did well....although I think they were just being nice. So, apparently i just need some help on the slow control and then I'm there.....was fine once I was off and going. Hopefully get it nailed this weekend - if they have me back Just feel like a complete blooming Doris!

Yes but unlike a car.. at low speed you will be encouraged to, and need to, ' ride the clutch's biting point longer' when you need low speed control Yep, was learning how to do that around corners. What's funny is that riding the clutch is allowed with bikes - so I'm a bit of a master at it!

well done mate!

Yes, you'll have a bit of wobbling until you've had practice with your throttle and clutch control The DVD'S are perfect for practicing the theory with too Take your time and enjoy It helps so much if you drive a car though - atleast you understand the concept of clutch control!

that's a bummer. Can't you find a training school that block book tests? Mine will book it all in for me, I just turn up and go.....might be less stress for you mate.

I'm not saying that I wasn't wobbling still a bit but more or less cracked it! I'm waiting for the DVD's to come through from another forum member then can get swotting!

this may be obvious but to the uninitiated it isn't! When you go on ebay and look at boots, are they unisex? Only ask as a size 7 men's shoe is generally a different size/fit to a women's size 7.....do girls tend to do for a smaller size than their normal trainers etc? Stupid question alert!

I rode in trainers today as my hiking boots (which I figured would give me better protection) were like trying to change gear with a pair of hooves!! I was a bit worried about having trainers on as i kept putting my feet down for the first 10 mins or so (which I'm told is normal) so i'd defo get some boots if you can - if you don't like it, stick em on ebay.....

Hope it goes well..... You'll probably love it Went really well - I was worried about a 500 until I'd been on it for 20 mins!!

Thanks....

that's so good to know - very excited about tomorrow's session. Will report back - I may not like it!

Oooo thanks Remy that's interesting so I CAN do my CBT on a 500?

Think that's what the DVD's are useful for!

Awesome, cheers - have Pm'd

That would be good then when (if) I pass I can also pass them on!

Looks like I'm going to be going to Poole to pick up a jacket and I remember that there are a few good bike/equipment shops in the area. Can anyone give me names of the shops? I remember there's one in Ringwood/Verwood that I went to a few times with my ex, but unfortunately can't remember where it is!! Any suggestions gratefully received - may as well go window shopping while I'm down there!

I've just done the DSA mock test and got 41 out of 50 so fail! I like to think that it's due to my lack of knowledge with bikes and not the fact that I shouldn't be driving a car on the roads! Anyone got any recommendations for theory videos? Also, is it just the multiple question test or is there more to it? thanks

thanks - I thought there might be some sense in what he said! I have to do my theory yet so hopefully once that's passed then I can crack on with Mod 1 and Mod 2 - he reckons I'll have it all cracked by Christmas....we shall see

That's what I thought......I think I must have got it confused......! Thanks