Cheers!
The good news is I passed :D.
2 Minors which I am happy with.
Regarding my experience
-Passed my CBT in August 2020
-Got a bike in September 2021 (Honda CG125), and I did 2600 miles between then and now, with most of those happening this year ; The bike was not used from December to March.
-Did 3 days of DAS in June 2022, 2 days of training, 3rd day was the Mod 1.
-I did the Mod 1 in June and failed due to a sidestand issue : I couldn't figure out why the bike was cutting out, as my CG until then never had one (the previous chap who was a known instructor locally, claimed I'd never need one for practising ironcially!)
-Passed the Mod 1 in July
-Bought the XSR in July, and I practicised locally with it on quite industrial estates on private roads ; luckily, my friend owns the complex even if it is small. That did help as the weight of the XSR is heavier than the 125. Cutting out an XSR mid corner when pulling away is very different to the CG!
-Passed the Mod 2 in August.
In some ways, the CBT experience enhanced my skills with roadcraft, and how to use footpegs correctly (one can of worms) ; But I'm aware many CBT schools err on the side of caution here. I actually became a bit too used to a smaller bike, finding many gaps in traffic! I may miss that thanks to the footpeg trick (balls of of the feet on the footpegs when not braking or changing gear).
However, in other ways, getting 1 year's of experience probably added a layer of doubt, regarding
-When I should do lifesavers with the OSMPSL routine
i.e if I'm in the left lane/moving, and going left, there are conflicting report about if they are needed during the OS bit (which I understand). I did them anyway. Same logic for turning right where there is a central reservation. Again, it seems folks are split about if they are needed for mini-roundabouts (there were none for me today).
-When is too close too close? I know when I can leave when it is safe, but is that safe to a tester on the day? It turned out it was.
-If there are parked cars on the left at traffic lights, but there is a half car's width that a bike can go through, but a car can't do I take it? That was a minor fault for me today (I didn't). I'd have taken it without the examiner there, but I didn't know how they would take it.
Maybe I watched a few too many YouTube videos or maybe it's just something that can't fully be covered in two days.
That said, I did drop off my CG myself 85 miles away from home last week with its new owner!
There is one thing however. The Mod 2 test goes by quickly! It doesn't feel like it's 40-50 mins long.
With the above, it took time to sink in that I have a Full A licence!