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Failed my CBT but.......


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************************ WARNING THIS COULD TAKE SOMETIME TO READ... SORRY*************************


Hey everyone :) I'm new to this forum and have just sat my CBT however my instructor decided not to pass me out of the three in my group. I have never ridden a car or motorbike in my life and I did learn sooo much today, I feel it was almost too much to take in. I started off good however the instructor could see me shaking a little bit and almost being afraid of the bike. I was working the gears just fine and after leaning that the bike will go to the place you look I was turning around corners and starting to open the throttle up a little more. I started to get a little better on the steering and could manage the fig 8 and U turn. I was nervous and was sometimes shaking a bit (I'm a shy / worrying person so that wasn't helping) and the fact it was freezing cold outside and the ground had some ice didn't help. We had some lunch and I was starting to re think about going out on the road. The instructor then went out with the other two bikers and left me reading the highway code as I have never been a road user. About 50mins latter he arrived back and then it was my turn *cue the shaking lol* I went on the bike and pulled away in a very confused manner, I then started to ride the bike and got use to the feel and for a split second I loved it but then the instructor said I was out a little wide on a left hand bend ( I thought you moved to the right position to see round the left bend with parked cars but I got told off for that :( ) I got back into what I thought was the centre position but the instructor then said I was very close to the parked cars and told me to lifesaver check and move right a bit. It went down hull from that point as the little confidence I did have ran away lol. I was still JUST managing to get along however I was driving around 20 - 25mph and was getting told to speed up as traffic was starting to gather up behind me, I did try to get up to 30 however I found it WAY to fast and did not feel like I had full control or could stop fast if something happened. I wasn't sure if it was normal or not but I could sometimes feel the back wheel kick out a very small amount as I was going round a long bend ? anyway I arrived back and knew I was going to told the bad news but in a way I was happy..... I know when most people fail they like to shout and scream about it but I was happy with being told I'm not good enough yet, if I did get my CBT they wouldn't be a chance in hell I would get back on a bike because I didn't feel ready and I think that's something other people that have failed or passed need to realise, if you walk away with or even without a CBT ask yourself would you feel happy riding a bike on your own? and they are no point fooling yourself saying yes just because you passed a CBT because its really your own life that will be in danger.


Sorry about the HUGE post but I just wanted to share how my CBT went and let people know that not getting your CBT 1st time is no big deal and most of all if you feel you need to work on a few things before you go on the road then 100% get some training done and become a better rider and not just one that gets by with everyday being a bonus until you have a accident. My instructor said I wont be charged full price again and that I only need to pay for the bike and insurance (£20) for two hours.


Things I feel I need work on:


Lifesavers before changing position and turning

Knowing what position I should be in when going round bends

Understanding how far to be in or out on a roundabout with no markings

The best way to stop in a emergency and what to do with the clutch as I seem to keep it out :(


Any tips on how to build my confidence up as I feel that will solve some of the other problems and will make me feel 1000X better. I also think I need to enjoy it more and stop worrying but driving around in Glasgow with a L plate is like a target for most people lol I have already had a van driver over take me on a roundabout and get all mad at me even when I did nothing wrong... lol my instructor wasn't very happy with him and shot up between me and the van driver to make sure I was good and that the driver wasn't going to hit me (awesome instructor who had my back).


anyways that's how my CBT went :)


Thanks,


Kevin

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Well matie sorry it didn't work out that time but tops to you for keeping upbeat about it! Taking what you can, mulling it over and going back is the best attitude :)


If you're not a road user, then you're obviously at a disadvantage. Three of your main points, I might have a crazy tip for you. Practice as you walk. Sounds stupid I know but stay with me. Break down what you are doing as you walk, and compare it to being on the road. Try and identify hazards and act as you might on a bike. Still with me here? 'cos tis helped me no end with my life savers, and I still do it in carparks etc. So, crossing a side road to your left? Tap your right shoulder with your chin to check the road 5 o clock behind you. Dodging those dogs eggs? 5 o clock Life saver for stealth joggers! Walking round a corner? Pretend your path is your side of the carrigeway and position yourself for the best view ahead. But your gonna move position. Check for 5 o clock joggers! As for usual road position at junctions and round abouts, obviously keep your wheel out of the way of on-coming cars, but afford yourself the best view. Practice all this with your troly in the supermarket, too. Well, it helped me!


As for your emergency stop, you'll pick that up next time - it's just progressive pressure on the front brake and squeeze the clutch right as the bike stops. Your back brake will lock easily with too much pressure because the weight shifts forwards from the rear wheel to the front, increasing front grip but decreasing rear grip. So only use a little rear brake. As the bike gets bigger and more powerful, the engine at neutral throttle really, REALLY does not want to let that rear wheel turn any faster than the engine is making it. The engine actually fights the forward motion of the bike. This engine braking is less noticable on a 125cc, but it's still a braking force. So bear in mind that you want to leave the clutch well alone - let the engine help slow you, and only pop clutch right at the end of your stop, simply to stop the machine stalling.


Hope that crazy tip helps, and you get back into it soon!

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Agreed mostly with above, however different lane positioning is usually for more advance riding, not something a CBT instructor would expect, and he may see it as not being 100% in control if you are all over the lane, which may be why he told you to stay in the centre of the road. Remember you are trying to show HIM you can ride safely. You know you are riding safely but if he doesnt know why you are moving out, he may think you are not.


If you are getting confused about where to position your bike, basically in the centre of the road unless there is ice (obviously avoid this if you can) or hazards such as parked cars. If there is a parked car, do a life saver and pull out enough so that if someone opens their door, you will not take it off, and they will not take you out. That is the distance you should be away from them


With my CBT I was planning on getting a scooter, so when he got a geared bike out I just asked if I could do it on a scooter instead because it is a lot easier without gears, so there is that option for you too.

Remember that you can do your CBT on a scooter and get on a geared bike afterwards, so you can then go to a car park and learn at your own pace with no pressure on a geared bike once you buy/rent one (renting is expensive)


Good luck on your next one, I am glad it hasn't put you off, but if you can ride through the winter, you can ride better through the summer!

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Welcome to the forum


We all learn at a different pace and, if you have never been on a bike or the road before then it sounds like you have made great progress. There are a few training companies that take your money and just churn out CBT certificates - this ISN'T what you want. Motorcyclists are very vulnerable on the road so you need to be safe and the job of the instructor is to only give you your certificate if they are confident you are ready.


Riding a bike well is part technique but it is also physical and a lot of it is in the mind, when you are nervous it is difficult to control the bike well, I'm sure at your next session you will know more what to expect, and you'll be able to relax more. The icy conditions certainly don't help.


Best of luck in getting your CBT certificate - let us know how you get on

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You sound a bit like me on my return to bikes and the only thing that will really make you happy on a bike is when you start to get confident in your steed and that will come the more you ride, so get the CBT done (even if it takes a few goes) then get a bike and ride until you are happy enough to take a test. :)

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Yeah.....not passing first time is no biggie..... 8-)

Just stick with it....and next time will be better.....and Carlos' tip of practicing lifesavers is a good'un. I still do lifesavers when driving the car....and when walking.....just a good habit to get into....could save your life one day..... :wink:

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WOW :shock: what a amazing response :D thank you everyone for taking the time to read my post and replying. I will take everything on board. Tomorrow I have my CBT again and the weather is looking poor (lots of ice and snow) but I'm going to walk in hopefully feeling ready and pass this. I might ask if I can do some laps off road just to make sure I understand everything and get a quick recap. I will be sure to let you all know how I get on.

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Good for you for persevering and hope it goes well with attempt non2. You will see if you read the excellent posts on people's experiences of doing the CBT, Mod 1 and 2 that many of us failed at least once.

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I found that having been commuting on a pushbike for years helped me as I already knew where to be on round abouts etc, and was already doing lifesavers. Maybe get out on a push bike if you can, and copy what you can from the cbt? Just an idea.

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Hello :D I have just done my CBT again today and well things got off to a bad start..... I stalled 5 times and moved about 1m lol but the instructor said this was because of two things 1. The engine was really cold and would take a while to warm up and 2. I was not applying enough revs as I was pulling away. The really annoying part was the battery was completely dead so I had to kick start it all 5 times :( he went back over the parts I wasn't sure about and we worked on them until I was getting good enough for the main roads. He said something to me that helped a lot about my speed (I was scared at going to 30Mph as I didn't feel safe) "keep your head up and look down the road as far as you can and 30Mph wont feel so bad" well I gave it a shot and yep it worked, I was doing 30Mph and loved every second of it. He then went to a 40Mph road and told me to speed up and aim for 40Mph if I feel I could do it, so with my head up and looking far down the road I was doing 40Mph and at this point I screamed and was laughing a bit (like being on a roller-coaster) because of the amount of fun I was having (Just me that has done that then?) anyway I had a amazing time and for once started to enjoy being on a bike. We pulled over a few times and had a chat about my driving then we went to a nice view point and back to base. I really enjoyed myself and yes I did a few things wrong and one or two really bad things that he shouted about but he only done that for my own safety and he didn't do it in a bad or evil way. I have now gotten to know 3 instructors and found all of them super friendly, all of them will make sure you are safe and having a good time. We went back to the office and the instructor then asked me a few things about what I did wrong and what I should have done to avoid doing the same errors again then I got my CBT :D YAY!!! :D


I went to BikeRite in Glasgow so I really recommend them as I don't think you can get better people, very helpful and easy going but also keep you safe. If you even phone for a chat about the CBT they are happy to go though everything and make sure you understand it all. I will be sure to go back again and again until I pass my MOD 1/2.


Thats my good news :D now to get my jacket, gloves, helmet, bottoms and a 125cc bike and get some lessons booked. I don't know if this is a good idea but I don't feel the direct access is the best way for me as I'm so new to everything and have never been on the road before until now, so I was thinking tkae it easy and do a bit at a time. What do you guys think ?



Thanks again to everyone and I hope anyone that is doing the CBT will get a few tips from myself and others.

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Well done, glad you had fun out there, even in the ice.

As for DAS, you may need quite a bit of training because you wont be riding your own bike, but that is the option I would go with if you can do it in the next year. If after a year, because of your age (22) and the rules changing, you will have to jump through hoops and wont be able to do the DAS. And it does take some of us years to pass the tests, but that is usually because we are in no rush to move onto anything bigger.


My advice, as I said is do your DAS as soon as possible, giving you time to retake anything you fail before the end of the year (dont forget to take into account the time between you booking the test, and the time of the test. It can be months between the two depending on the time of year and test centre) Also take into consideration that you need to do your theory test before doing DAS, and I know a lot of people dont pass that first time round.


If you dont pass this year, you will have to do 2 or 3 different tests, as well as waiting two years before being able to get on any bike you want. Its just turning into a mess next year, so get it done asap :thumb:

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Thanks, I forgot to say I have already passed the theory first time before they changed it all (I think it was changing on the 21st of Jan) I know it was a bit of a odd order theory then CBT but once I found out that was going to change I quickly booked my test in. I will have another think about the DAS and my options. Do you think I should get a 125 for now and practice for a few months then do the DAS because I really need a lot of work just on the basic things like pulling away and stop going wide at some turns ?

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so with my head up and looking far down the road I was doing 40Mph and at this point I screamed and was laughing a bit (like being on a roller-coaster) because of the amount of fun I was having.

 

I feel a bit sad after reading that. I honestly can't think of another moment in my life that compared to that exact moment and sensation. Well, maybe one other (fnar), but I've flown gliders, biplanes, gyrocopters, driven speedboats... None compare. :lol:


'nyway. EXCELLENT. Keep that enthusiasm and carry on with your 5 o clock joggers 24-7. Now you need more training to prepare you for the road because trust us, every single one of those damn cage driving bast*rds is out to kill you out of sheer stupidity. You're working to become the ultimate prey animal of the road my friend, you'll need to think faster, dodge quicker and anticipate everything those murderous sods can throw at you.


But great news bro, Look out for "Hein Gericke" stores for kit- they are fabulous, and at the moment have some very agressive offerings if you join their email lists- 20-30% off weekends etc. No I don't work for them, but I have always found them excellent for advice...


In the mean time, here is some porn. You know what? You can ride one of these now. That makes you pretty gods damn damning damn EPIC, amirite? :mrgreen:

http://www.aprilia.com/en-US/Model/7533 ... rview.aspx

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Thanks, I forgot to say I have already passed the theory first time before they changed it all (I think it was changing on the 21st of Jan) I know it was a bit of a odd order theory then CBT but once I found out that was going to change I quickly booked my test in. I will have another think about the DAS and my options. Do you think I should get a 125 for now and practice for a few months then do the DAS because I really need a lot of work just on the basic things like pulling away and stop going wide at some turns ?

 

First off, congrats on the CBT :D


When I did my DAS, I did it as a series of lessons over a couple of months and then did the tests- you aren't forced to do condense it into three or four days. Perhaps something to consider, if you'd rather not get a 125? I had a 125 for several years before going for DAS. Really opens your eyes, :)

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Congrats on the CBT Kevin....... 8-)

Personally I would go the DAS route.......even when you pass it doesn't mean you've got to go out and buy 1000cc fire breathing monster......but the option is there should you want to. You could get a smaller bike to start with......and you don't have the hassle of fitting restrictors.....then move up to bigger bikes when you are ready..... :mrgreen:

Just my personal take on it...... :wink:

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Grats on your CBT, i done far worse but managed to pass haha.


Along with getting a 125, it's what I'm doing. Riding around at weeknds or to and from work to get use to it, on to ride it for around 3 months then book some lessons for my DAS. Although you do it on a 600cc, it's much easier to control and go slow that a poopy 125, plus it wont be like a 600cc supersports, just a bigger version of a cbt 125.


I gotta wait till october to do my tests as I'll be 21 then, But i'll try and do my DAS before the end of the year otherwise i'm screwed haha.


I'd say is get a 125, then pratice till nice summer and do your das around there?


Good luck whatever you do :D

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Hello everyone, sorry its been a few days but I have been a bit busy with work and sorting out 101 things :( I have chosen my path to take and I think DAS with some extra lessons will be my best choice. I will be buying a little 125CC just to get use to starting / stopping, steering, U turns, FIG 8 and to get me to work and back, this should build up my road confidence. I will be keeping the bike for a few years so I will not be getting it just to practice for the DAS, living in a busy city means I will spend more times sitting at lights than I do driving so a 125 will be more than enough to begin with. I was thinking about getting my dad or brother or sister to drive behind me in the car for the 1st few runs just to make sure I'm doing ok then start on my own and like Karimura said start the test latter on in the year. I think this will give me the best chance as I learn from doing and from my mistakes (bad times). The other plus is it will no longer cost me £5 to get to and from work and I will not need to wait 2 and a half hrs to get home when it will only take me 15 - 30mins on a bike.



I have been looking at some kit for my 1st bike:


Helmet:Duchinni D801 (Blue)

Jacket: Tuzo Cyclone Motorcycle Jacket Black/Blue

Bottoms: (Not sure what to look for yet)

Bike: Yamaha YBR 125 Or Honda CG 125 (I was told the bikes are about the same?)

Gloves: (again not sure what to look for)

Shoes / boots (Should I buy a set or will normal boots be ok?)


Please let me know what you think about my shopping list, I haven't bought anything yet but Its hard to hold back lol as you can probably see I want to keep a low budget but be safe. All the driving I would be doing is in city so 30mph would usually be a max.



Again thank you all for the replies and for helping me out, this is the biggest welcome and amount of support I have ever had so a really BIG thank you :D

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Judging from your previous posts I think the route you are taking is probably the best for you - get plenty of experience & boost your confidence :)


The choice of bike sounds wise too (but I would say that :lol: ) If you buy carefully - get the best you can afford - then you should get a good return when you want to sell it. A decent 125 will hold it's value pretty well.


If you feel more confident with someone following you then fine, but you need to make sure you don't spend your time thinking about them being behind you instead of concentrating on what you should be doing!!


Regarding gear, I don't know much about the makes of stuff you mention but a couple of suggestions...


a) try and get jacket & trousers by the same manufacturer then they will zip together, which will give you more protection against the weather and any possible spills.


b) I would advise you to getting some proper bike boots - there is well documented evidence of what can happen if you come off without them!


c) If you can only afford one pair of gloves - i.e not witer & summer ones, buy some middle of the range ones and use a liner in the colder weather.

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I have been looking at some kit for my 1st bike:


Helmet:Duchinni D801 (Blue)

...

 

Make sure you try the helmet on in the shop first. How it fits is more important than make, style, colour and price. You don't have to spend a fortune as long as it fits well.


Check out this site for helmet safety ratings too :wink:


http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/ratings


:cheers:

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The Duchini lid has a sharp rating of 4 stars which is pretty good for a budget helmet. Caberg, Laser and few others have a rating of 5 stars for under £100 so they would be worth a look too. Try before you buy - most good shops can give you advise on whether the fit is good - should be snug but not painful


Would agree with Susie on the rest of the kit - you can get away with safety-boot type footwear but I'm not a fan of laces on bikes - bike boots are better. Its worth trying gloves on because badly fitting ones can get extremely painful after a while, particularly on your right hand.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey, I'm 21 and was able to go for either DA or restricted.


I went for restricted for 2 reasons:


1. It worked out cheaper

2. I have points on my licence and I know with a 1000cc monster i'd lose my licence quicker than the bike.


I have a cb350sg which is 33bhp stock and is completely fine for me. I've had it up to around 105mph... And it accelerates very well.



I think I'll possibly get a gixxer thou eventually... But tbh, I'm happy with the power I have at the moment and don't think I'll upgrade until it conks out on me. In fact, I used to just ride a 125 when I passed my test, until it blew up on me.

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