CBT done...how long to feel comfortable on the bigger bikes.

[Stu]

not all the time bob depends on how much of a rush I'm in

[fullscreenaging]

Pmsl

[scotthamilton75]

Did my CBT about 5 weeks ago...doing a direct access now...had 4 hours on a 650...mainly on the pad...I am ok on the pad on the 650 but once out on the road what I have learnt goes south a wee bit.

Been driving cars/trucks for 40 years and never any motorbikes so its all new to me...just seems so much to take in and to be able forget that your not driving something on 4 wheels with just one set of brakes to contend with.

I am a very very confident driver no matter what I drive from a car to a 40 ton truck...but so nervous on the bike mainly due I think to me not being used to it and the lack of rearward vision...is this common and if so does it pass and how long...I know that will depend on the individual but just a ball park.

My age wont help I dont suppose 62.

Love to hear your experiences....especially if your an older trainee like me...I am thinking old dog new tricks...

I had 3 hours on a 125 after my CBT and then progressed onto an NC750S as part of my direct access. It felt strange but better for a couple of hours. In my opinion the bigger bikes are so much easier to ride and control than 125's. I guess it's just a matter of reaching your own comfort level and progressing from there. I've had to remind myself a few times that riding a bike is different to driving a car. I had motocrosser and a sports 125 when I was 16 to 18 and never ridden again until I turned 40 a few months ago. (Yes it's the midlife crisis thing ) something must have stuck as I passed my Mod1 this morning. [WHITE SMILING FACE][WHITE SMILING FACE][WHITE SMILING FACE]

Hang in there and take things at your own pace. It will happen.

[nickjaxe]

Hope so...well done on your mod 1 pass...I will be so chuffed if I pass mine first time...and I will feel I am making progress.

[Bobber Dave]

Well done on taking the plunge into the biking world, (you're never to old) I passed my test a couple of months ago aged 59. While I was doing my training there were 3 other riders of simillar age on the course, and we all passed.

You will need to get used to riding at 70, as part of the mod 2 will be on a NSL road, but the majority of the test will be on 30/40 limit roads. First thing I did after my test, as I was riding alone, was to wind my bike upto 95 on the way home. I quickly throttled down as I was getting buffeted, and I realised I could die. Still it was exhcilarating.

Unlike you though, I did my CBT last year and bought a 125, which I rode around for a year, before doing the DAS. This definately helped.

I think as an older rider you tend to anticipate hazzards earlier, but your reactions are slower, so it's a matter of riding to your limitations. And once you pass your test, it is only the begining, nothing can beat experience, the more you ride the more confidence you will gain.

And as for rearward vision

http://www.kapowgifts.com/store/24350.jpg

.

[nickjaxe]

Hi Bobber.

I think your so right when you say...I think as an older rider you tend to anticipate hazards earlier...

I was looking forward to this weekends lesson...but the forecast for my area was very heavy rain...I know I have to contend with those condition but I can do without it just now...after only 3 hours road training.

As usual...the past 2 days up till now anyway have been fine...so annoying our weather forecasts...normally have a lesson around 9am.

Fingers crossed for next weekend...will book one sat and sun to catch up...cant take any during the week due work.

Nick.

[Bobber Dave]

Have you booked your tests ?

[nickjaxe]

No not yet...the school do that...they have them already pre booked.

Next lesson we are starting on mod 1 training as well as some road work...

If I can get that mod 1 out of the way it will be a major boost for me.

I did consider getting a 125 and using it for a while...but I didn't want to get set into bad habits that I would have to un-learn.

Also the next bike I ride once I get my licence is my Bantam...and hopefully nothing else.

[nickjaxe]

Dave did you manage to pass mod 1 and 2 first go???

Nick.

[john67]

I passed in July and straightaway moved from a YBR125 to a Yamaha XJ6 600. I've got a lot of driving experience (age 66) passed the car test in '68 but motorbikes are very different. The school bikes are a nightmare . Your own bike would be much better but they do take a bit of getting used to. I can hack the high speed side , I'm confident on the road but it's the slow speed stuff which gets me particularly in busy or slow situations. I've spent the last couple of months getting used to the bigger bike. I've done about 1200 miles in that time and I'm getting better. I feel generally much more capable now but I'm also conscious that I've still got a lot of learning to do. They say a couple of years to get the idea and at the moment I think that's probably not too far off the mark.

Good Luck

John67

[nickjaxe]

Thanks John...