Short Newbie

[KnightRider]

Just signed up to the site so thought that I would introduce myself.

My names Jon, I'm 25 and I live near to London Bridge. Am currently in the throws of fulfilling my ambition of learning to ride and buying a bike and I have my direct access test on the 8th May :help: .

Everyone I know has been telling me that I’m going to kill myself and to avoid bikes at all costs. Having realised that none of them have even been on the back of a bike I have now seen the light! I am also going to be moving down to Maidenhead soon and am using the commute as an excuse to convince my better half to let me get one ;-) .

I am looking to buy a fully faired SV650 S cause it seems like an awesome bike, but one concern that I have is that I will be too short. I'm 5f4 so I know that I am not going to flat foot on any sports type bike but would like my toes to hit terra firma without having to lean off the bike. Are there any shorties here that can confirm that this bike will be okay? I have a fairly long body/arms so reaching the handlebars wont be an issue and am no weakling so moving the bike should be ok.

Anyway, if you see any decent bikes around over the next few weeks then give me a shout. Probably wont buy the bike until I have done my test though. Am looking to spend around £2500.

[the_lone_wolf]

jon, i don;t think you'll have much of a problem, i'm 5,8 or 5,9 i think and pretty much smothered a curvy when i sat on it, flat feet and bent legs - although i suffer from urangutan syndrome (long arms and legs) - off the top of my head my inside leg is 33" (although i could be wildy out with that) - i'm not anticipating any issues with my 650 when i get on it.

[SoulKiss]

Well as I am not a million miles from you, and can opt to go past London Bridge on the way home from work, if you want the chance to climb all over an SV, let me know and I can meet up with you with my bike.

Its a 2006 pointy tho, which is slightly different height-wise etc than the curvy, tho I think you *should* be able to get a pointy for your budget.

Just let me know - PM or here :)

David

Just signed up to the site so thought that I would introduce myself.

My names Jon, I'm 25 and I live near to London Bridge. Am currently in the throws of fulfilling my ambition of learning to ride and buying a bike and I have my direct access test on the 8th May :help: .

Everyone I know has been telling me that I’m going to kill myself and to avoid bikes at all costs. Having realised that none of them have even been on the back of a bike I have now seen the light! I am also going to be moving down to Maidenhead soon and am using the commute as an excuse to convince my better half to let me get one ;-) .

I am looking to buy a fully faired SV650 S cause it seems like an awesome bike, but one concern that I have is that I will be too short. I'm 5f4 so I know that I am not going to flat foot on any sports type bike but would like my toes to hit terra firma without having to lean off the bike. Are there any shorties here that can confirm that this bike will be okay? I have a fairly long body/arms so reaching the handlebars wont be an issue and am no weakling so moving the bike should be ok.

Anyway, if you see any decent bikes around over the next few weeks then give me a shout. Probably wont buy the bike until I have done my test though. Am looking to spend around £2500.

[Kate]

Hi Jon,

Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'm 5'2" short with an inside leg measurment of 26/27". Its more to do with the inside leg measurement than your height btw. The lowest SVs are the curvey ones but the pointies are not much taller. The tallest is the pointy K3, K4 onwards are slightly shorter but there really isn't much in it.

I had the K3 (yes I'm short and I got the tallest) and I lowered my sv - dropped the forks, changed the pre-load on the back, had longer dogbones and a lowered seat.

Tbh, you are that bit taller than me so you probably won't have to do all that, but if you do decide you want it lower than standard then there are plenty of options available to you.

HTH

[tricky]

My brother is 5'4".
He has had a couple of SV's without any problem.

Go to a dealers and have sit on one, although I'm sure you'll be fine.

[krhall]

I'm only 5'8" and my pointy SV650s is comfortable for me.

I'm only down in Greenwich if you really wanted to have a sit on it and my bike would almost be in your budget range. Although having seen SoulKiss's post I don't think you'll need to venture down to Greenwich, as there is little difference in dimensions between my K3 and the K5.

Well at least I don't think there is.

I might also be looking at selling mine in the next few weeks (possibly).

[the_lone_wolf]

according to the first few sites i've seen the curvy seat height is 805mm for all years...

not sure about the K3 but the current SV650 on suzuki-gb.co.uk has a seat height listed as 800mm, so the current pointys are lower shirley?

edit: further research gives the K3 seat height as 810mm - can you tell it's a bit slow in the office today?

[KnightRider]

Wow you guys are obviously as busy as I am! Such quick responses. Cant wait to start riding. Got my CBT on Saturday and the Direct access over the following bank holiday weekend.

Might take one of you up on your offers of a trial seat - but will most likely wait until next week or the week after. Hmm - I might check the carpark where I work for SV's as someone might have one there!

Have also just seen the details about AE07 and must say that I am tempted!

[the_lone_wolf]

Wow you guys are obviously as busy as I am! Such quick responses. Cant wait to start riding. Got my CBT on Saturday and the Direct access over the following bank holiday weekend.
crikey...

i did my CBT last weekend, got my theory this evening, considering doing training/test over the next few weeks and i thought i was doing it quickly:D

have you done your theory yet? you have to retake it (including the silly hazard perception bit) even if you have a full car license:rolleyes:

[hovis]

i have a 650s curvey & im the same hieght & i can get both feet flat on the floor

HTH

[MeridiaNx]

I think you might actually make the bike look normal sized :) after all I believe most Japanese bikes are still built more to the specifications of Japanese test riders. That tends to be one the recurring complaints about sportsbikes that I read in the reviews, though I think it's getting better now.

Saw a photo of myself on the SV the other day and I made it look like a little tonka toy, all Ruben Xaus monkey legs sticking out at all angles :rolleyes:

Sure it'll suit you fine mate, and if not I'm sure there are a number of mods you could do to alleviate the problem which people on here could tell you how to do.

[Mogs]

...convince my better half to let me get one ;-) .

You can reduce her fears by promising to always wear a Hi-Vis Sam Brown and take advanced training.

Good luck with the test

[KnightRider]

Did my theory test last weekend. Was a while since I passed my car test (7yrs) so it was a bit of a shock to the system. The only advice I can give is to buy those test DVDs and practice your hazard perception. The multi choice was easy (35/35) but even with my driving experience the hazard perception was tough and I only scrapped through!

Not sure how I ended up having all my tests and training come together so quickly. I booked my theory test a month ago. I then rang the driving centre two weeks ago to make enquiries, they said that they could do a 5 day intensive course over the bank holiday weekend and that they had a test pre-booked on the 8th. It all seemed like a good idea at the time and I only needed 2 days off work.

Am well keen to get my bike now though as I want to practice loads before having to trek from Maidenhead to London down the M4!

Good luck with your test - hope you get the easy questions like me!

[KnightRider]

What advanced training would you guys recommend. Was definately going to do this http://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/ to get some advice on the London part of my trip but want to do other training. Can you recommend any, relatively cheap, courses?

[ASM-Forever]

IMO it is entirely beneficial to do your training intensively over a few days. Keeps it all fresh in the mind etc. Works out cheaper aswell.

The commute from Maidenhead is easy-peasy, i live close by in Marlow.

Another Maidenhead area member....soon we will have our own section :)

P.S. Any chance of some discount tuna?

[Mogs]

What advanced training would you guys recommend. Was definately going to do this http://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/ to get some advice on the London part of my trip but want to do other training. Can you recommend any, relatively cheap, courses?

I've done Bikesafe and IAM, Bikesafe is good if you are short of time and cash, as its a one off event. IAM "Skill of Life" is better, but it's a bit hit and miss as to how you get on with the local group. The one I'm with now is excellent but the one before was not so good for me. You will get a discount on your insurance when you pass the IAM test. IAM will cost you in the range of £80, I think RoSPA is much the same. Check out the links on the site you posted.

I've read that Direct Access teaches to the test, maybe a little beyond if your lucky, but Advanced will teach you a lot more. It's best to do so relatively sonn after passing your test. I had lots of bad habits that I had to unlearn.

[KnightRider]

Not funny at all. Note the subtle difference in spelling.

:offtopic: It is interesting who associates John West with Tuna and those who associate it with Salmon. From my experience only the chavs think of Salmon, but that is just in my experience!

[gemma1675]

I am 5ft 4 also, I have a K5 pointy and have put a lower seat on it (available from Suzuki) which gives me an extra 20mm - every little helps. I can touch the floor ok with that, but not really well enough to paddle the bike around with any confidence but that just means I get off and push it when I need to maneouver it. Day to day riding is fine.

[MeridiaNx]

Jon, I confess not to know the format of BikeSafe events but I have been on a few IAM rides. It has the feel of a normal, social ride so you are not under pressure all the time and, depending on the group etc, it can be great practice just for getting some miles under your belt. The group I was with were mostly middle-aged but there was a great spread of bikes and skill levels.

At the same time however, there are instructors about who will keep an eye on you and offer some pointers at an appropriate coffee stop or something similar. I think common procedure (please correct me if I'm wrong though everyone!) is to attend a few of these larger group rides, pick up a feel for the techniques required/used in IAM stuff and then you can book smaller sessions with an instructor to practice for a test. From what I know, it's a little more 'volunteer' based than a full driving instructor, so maybe it varies as to whether you pay them/cover petrol costs? Then you put in for a full test with the tester for your area.

Anyway, it's something that can be done at your own pace and is reasonably laid-back/social while at the same time giving you some great tips for how to ride. Then there's always the insurance benefit as well :D

[Sosha]

Cool choice...I'm 5'5 and can almost get my feet flat on a k4... Don't find it a problem...Local garage offered to drop it an inch for me then and there when I took it in for a service but I didn't really see the point but I'd say have a sit/test ride on one. Can't think of a better bike for commuting across london...

(except a moto'd xr650 and I'd need stilts)

[stewie]

Hi Matey, I am somewhat vertically challenged myself but I think everyone is right in what they are saying and if you want further proof have a look at my blog and read the post titled 'where do I begin'
good luck
:D

[the_lone_wolf]

Good luck with your test - hope you get the easy questions like me!
i think they only do easy questions...

100% in the theory - same as the car test some 6 years ago:eek:

58 out of whatever on the hazard perception, enough to pass at least - the DVDs are useful but definately flawed in some aspects...

so just the practical test to go now - wooo - and a bike waiting for me at the local dealer:cool:

[KnightRider]

Well done mate:-P. We are well on the road to getting road worthy! Have you got your bike already or are you looking for one at the moment?

Keep me posted of your progress.

[the_lone_wolf]

ordered the bike last month, before i even took the CBT - was looking nearly new and paying cash, when i was able to get £99 insurance (saving >£400) and 0% finance (worth around £600 if you invest the money you would have spent and pay it from your wages) - so all of a sudden it was cheaper to buy new:confused:

some might say foolish, but considering i've wanted an SV ever since i saw one back when i was learning to drive i know i want one:D

[micky t]

hi there,
im only 5 2", coudnt reach floor on the pointy ones at all, so had a sit on a curvy 02 one,which had been lowered and the seat cut out, i can get the balls of my feet on the floor now!

another option which i had done when i had my nc30 was , now dont all laugh., was to have an extra sole put onto my riding boots, added bout half an inch, but wasnt at all noticable, honest!!

the things we shorties have to do to ride a bike eh?:lol: :lol:

[Kate]

There are boots by Daytona that have a built-up sole. Absolutely excellent, they are what let me ride bikes!

[Kinvig]

wilkommen.

Got a 2001 model you can do the bum test on if you like.


Work Farringdon, live Clapham Common.

Null problemo.


Has anyone said, "Welcome to the madhouse" yet?

[KnightRider]

This is turning out to be quite a group. Am even more enthused about the bike than I was before. Hope I can wangle myself onto the annual ride out to meet some of you all properly.

[StreetHawk]

I'm in Maidenhead.. Thinking of forming the Maidenhead Massive.. So far it's - me , possibly you and er...

:-)

[KnightRider]

I'm in Maidenhead.. Thinking of forming the Maidenhead Massive.. So far it's - me , possibly you and er...

:-)

Why not. Wont be down that way until August and I havent even started looking for somewhere to rent yet. Will be going down there to get a feel for the area on an infrequent basis though.

[SoulKiss]

I'm in Maidenhead.. Thinking of forming the Maidenhead Massive.. So far it's - me , possibly you and er...

:-)

Sorry Nick - think there are too many Massives already.

How about

Maidenhead Mad-dogs?

Anyone else got a suggestion?

David

[stewie]

This is turning out to be quite a group. Am even more enthused about the bike than I was before. Hope I can wangle myself onto the annual ride out to meet some of you all properly.

just think if we formed our own group, when we did a rideout people would be saying 'how far away are they' ? :riding:

[BigglesFliesagain]

I am 5' 8" and have a 29" inside leg and I can get both feet flat on the floor so I don't think you will have any problems. If you do buy an SV you won't regret it. Best of luck with your test.

[StreetHawk]

Maidenhead Mad-Dogs?!

David, you must have been on a night out here lately! ;-)

[SoulKiss]

Maidenhead Mad-Dogs?!

David, you must have been on a night out here lately! ;-)

Actually, my first thought was

Maidenhead Muppets

but didnt see you going for that one :P

Hope you are enjoying that great looking SV you have :)

[StreetHawk]

Haha.. I typed in Maidenhead Muppets but deleted it! :-)

Cheers mate, i'm trying to summon the energy to go and fit my fender extender but I really can't be arsed! It's wet out so may aswell fit it and clean the bike..

[SoulKiss]

It's wet out so may aswell go out and get some wet weather experience on the bike..

Edited for ya Nick :)

[KnightRider]

Well I completed my CBT on Saturday :smt041. It was one hell of an intensive day especially as I have never ridden a motorcycle before! The weather was lovely but the heat was really draining.

I'm going to be starting my direct access on Friday for 5 days with my test on the last day (Tuesday) and am both excited and apprehensive about getting on the big bike!

Have got a load of things that I need to work on for my test:

- Need to use all 4 fingers when braking - I currently leave my index finger on the handlebar (was thinking about taping it to my middle finger to get out of that habit?).

- Need to be a little more committed when doing the emergency stop - started off skidding the rear wheel, then I just started just covering the rear but did not break hard enough with the front.

- Must stop thinking that I am in my car and engine breaking through the gears to stop (cause I cant break with the front and give enough revs to stop the bike from jolting at the same time).

- U turn could be improved - more of a confidence thing than anything.

- need to cancel my indicators after turning, just need to develop the habit.

- need to develop a mild case of turrets syndrome whilst riding and talk myself through what I need to do.

- stop tensing my shoulders.

So there is a lot to do but hopefully I should be able to cover it in the 5 days training. My instructor obviously thinks that I will be up to the challenge as he gave me a complimentary guaranteed pass!

[Alpinestarhero]

All of those little things are what we all suffered from! You'll get it all sorted by the end of day 2, tops. No doubt your instructor will remind you of such things too!

Yes, indies left on is a big no-no, I pressed the button all the time when I was on my test to make sure they where cancelled.

Dont forget your mirrors and shoulder checks!!!!

Remember, once you've been riding for an hour, the front tyre will be up to temp - so when it comes to emergency stop, just grab a fist ful of front brake (though carefully) and the bike will pull to a stop dead quick!

Good luck, and have fun! Oh, remember plenty of water if its going to be warm.

Matt

[ASM-Forever]

I wouldn't worry about failing if i were you, with 5 days training you are almost guaranteed to pass :) . I dont personally know anyone who has done 5, but i know a girl who did a 4 day and passed. At the beginning she was scared of the bike!

Guessing it will be your first time on a big bike so enjoy it.

[the_lone_wolf]

first day on the 500 today - AAAAAAAAAAAAAWESOME fun

admittedly the instructor had seen me do the CBT and threw me in at the deep end; "lets see if you can ride in a straight line to that gate, great, now lets go"

:eek:

he was very complementary about my riding though, which is always a good sign

first stop after 10 mins or so, my face said sheer terror

20 mins later the grin came out and it hasn't left yet:D

oh, and little tip for anyone - if you've spent several hours pootling along at 4k rpm, you're in for a shock when you crack the throttle open at around 9k in second

now, where's the "evil laugh" smiley:D:D:D

[KnightRider]

first day on the 500 today - AAAAAAAAAAAAAWESOME fun

admittedly the instructor had seen me do the CBT and threw me in at the deep end; "lets see if you can ride in a straight line to that gate, great, now lets go"


Well done mate:cheers: . Seems like it all went well. Hoping that I'm going to have a similar experience to you on Friday as it will be my first time on a 500 as well. Have a feeling I might also be thrown in at the deep end as my intructor watched my CBT on Saturday and he thought I did ok!

Am slightly scared of the 500 at the moment but hopefully that will go once I get on it. How did you find the weight and have you managed to do a U-turn on it yet?

Am hoping my 5 day baptism of fire will see me through to a pass on Tuesday. When's your test?

[the_lone_wolf]

Well done mate:cheers: . Seems like it all went well. Hoping that I'm going to have a similar experience to you on Friday as it will be my first time on a 500 as well. Have a feeling I might also be thrown in at the deep end as my intructor watched my CBT on Saturday and he thought I did ok!

Am slightly scared of the 500 at the moment but hopefully that will go once I get on it. How did you find the weight and have you managed to do a U-turn on it yet?

Am hoping my 5 day baptism of fire will see me through to a pass on Tuesday. When's your test?
test centre doesn't have any slots until the one i've booked on the 16th :rolleyes: - i'm hoping someone will cancel next week so i can jump in, instructor reckons 4 afternoons should be enough to get me going through so most of this week and then probably a couple next for the icing on the cake. once you get going on the 500 you'll feel a lot more confident, i know i am, even though today was my second time ever on a bike of any size

i was petrified of the 500 at first, when you sit on it it's obviously bigger, heavier and feels more substantial, but tbh once you get moving that translates into a very planted bike, feels a lot more steady at speed and when you turn into the corners you'll feel the front wheel almost find the line by itself (it almost feels like the bike is trying to turn in more, on the GS500 i had anyway) - don't fight it, the bike knows best;) - it's a doddle to ride:)

also, don't be afraid of the U turn, i did a couple of wobbly attempts on my CBT, today on a quiet bit of road the instructor said "don't bother with observations but just try the turn in the road, i'll be holding the back so there's no way you'll drop it" - after a perfectly executed u-turn he told me he never touched the bike once - git:D - it's not as hard as it would seem at first. just turn the bars all the way when you start to turn and look where you **want** to go, otherwise you'll end up in the hedge (true story from my instructor;))

[the_lone_wolf]

UPDATE:

new test date 10th May, next Thursday:eek:

what a difference a few hours with an excellent instructor can make - feeling much more confident with the bike and the power/weight and all that jazz now - still get nervous for the first 5 minutes on the bike but after that i start smiling and keep going

[Tim in Belgium]

Good luck with the tests guys, and hope you've enjoyed the 500 Jonwest.

[KnightRider]

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while - had a pretty intensive 5 day course and didn’t have any time free!

The 500 felt like a dream after riding the 125. Much easier to use and less volatile.

Unfortunately, I managed to flunk my test yesterday :( . Got two serious faults :help: ! The ride was going really well right up until I put my foot down on the U-turn. This was a major bummer as I have never really struggled with them until now.

Anyhow, it seems I went off without enough speed and got all outta shape - there is a first time for everything! I am fairly sure that I over thought the U-turn, I had a quick chat with myself before making the manoeuvre and I think this put me off. If I had just got on and done it I would probably have been fine.

After knowing that I had failed the test my mind went to sh*t and I managed to leave an indicator on for slightly too long. My instructor couldn’t believe it as I haven’t forgotten an indicator in 3 days!

Overall the examiner said that my riding was good and that it was probably nerves (he is an ex-instructor himself). Well I have to wait 10 clear days before I can retake the test so have booked in for the 29th. Fingers crossed for then!

Good luck with your test Lone Wolf. Hope it goes better than mine did!

Jon

[Nikkih]

I am also doing the DAS this weekend - riding Fri, Mon & Tue. Test Tues afternoon. Got to say I'm not that scared of the idea of getting on a 500 now as i had a little spin round on my new sv650sport on an airfield near us at the weekend and it was lovely to ride and to do a u-turn. I reckon if I can ride and turn the sport without any trouble, the GS500 should be ok.

[Jelster]

I know my riding wasn't brilliant on the 125. We came in at lunch time, and having ridden a 250 many years ago I asked if I could try the 500 in the car park. I went round all the cones, figure of 8, emergency stop fine.

From then on I was on a GS. I found it much easier to ride than the 125. Don't be scared of it, it's actually what you're there for, just relax and enjoy it.

.

[the_lone_wolf]

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while - had a pretty intensive 5 day course and didn’t have any time free!

The 500 felt like a dream after riding the 125. Much easier to use and less volatile.

Unfortunately, I managed to flunk my test yesterday :( . Got two serious faults :help: ! The ride was going really well right up until I put my foot down on the U-turn. This was a major bummer as I have never really struggled with them until now.

Anyhow, it seems I went off without enough speed and got all outta shape - there is a first time for everything! I am fairly sure that I over thought the U-turn, I had a quick chat with myself before making the manoeuvre and I think this put me off. If I had just got on and done it I would probably have been fine.

After knowing that I had failed the test my mind went to sh*t and I managed to leave an indicator on for slightly too long. My instructor couldn’t believe it as I haven’t forgotten an indicator in 3 days!

Overall the examiner said that my riding was good and that it was probably nerves (he is an ex-instructor himself). Well I have to wait 10 clear days before I can retake the test so have booked in for the 29th. Fingers crossed for then!

Good luck with your test Lone Wolf. Hope it goes better than mine did!

Jon
oh man, that's got to suck:(

only thing worrying me now is the weather, every time i've ridden it's been beaming sunshine, the forecast for tomorrow is torrential rain all day

emergency stop anyone?:rolleyes:

[KnightRider]

emergency stop anyone?:rolleyes:

Dont worry too much about the emergancy stop in wet weather. I did one on Monday in the rain and it was fine. Just remember to err on the safe side and use a lot less front brake. You should use 25% of front and 25% of the back brake when it is wet.

Hope all goes well mate. Dont overthink your manouvers and I am sure you will be fine. Remember to look where you want to go on the u-turn.

[the_lone_wolf]

huzzah, i passed:D - i think i was quite lucky though - the rain held off, until i pulled into the test centre:rolleyes: but the emergency stop went ok, as did the turns in the road, tbh i think my control is still in the stage where it's rapidly improving each time i go out

despite all that and oddly enough the most terrifying thing i did today was ride back to the shop after passing:confused::rolleyes:

now i just have to get the bike from the dealers, despite dropping the deposit weeks and weeks ago, it's only gone up on the stand in the workshop this morning so it looks like i may not be able to pick it up on saturday when i wanted to:mad: - delivery next week or heads will roll:D - the forecast is looking less rosy than before on sat anyway

good luck with your test john, sounds like nerves to me, i know i was a wreck after i'd finished:eek:

[Tim in Belgium]

Well done.

[KnightRider]

huzzah, i passed:D - i think i was quite lucky though - the rain held off, until i pulled into the test centre:rolleyes: but the emergency stop went ok, as did the turns in the road, tbh i think my control is still in the stage where it's rapidly improving each time i go out


Well done buddy. Feeling more than a little gutted that I didnt pass, but your probably right about the nerves getting in the way. Glad to hear that the rain held off for you - Taking the test in the wet would be no fun at all.

Think I may steal your avator now you have passed though as I cant be bothered to create my own!!

Take care on the roads now you have passed - the real learning starts now! Are you thinking of going on the ride out at all?

[beniryu]

huzzah, i passed:D - i think i was quite lucky though - the rain held off, until i pulled into the test centre:rolleyes: but the emergency stop went ok, as did the turns in the road, tbh i think my control is still in the stage where it's rapidly improving each time i go out



Grats on the pass. Now the real learning starts ;)

[stewie]

Well done mate :thumleft:

[the_lone_wolf]

thanks all for the replies, i work in the same building as a guy who knows all the local ride outs so i'll be joining them for a few romps now and again, hopefully also over to the mainland in a couple of weeks to go to middle wallop kite festival (i don't fly on land any more, just going to see old friends).

jon, i think perhaps my post was misleading, i meant that i was lucky to pass, i did something silly and totally unlike me, but i did it three times:rolleyes: - it started to rain at the beginning of my test, so i got nicely wet:D - hopefully you can swap that old avatar for my new one soon enough:)

[ASM-Forever]

Firstly well done on passing buddy, get out there and enjoy it.....i would give anything to be riding right now, rain or shine!

If you go on a group rideout with more advanced riders, dont go any faster than you are comfortable with....i have seen a few new riders come a cropper pushing themeslves too hard to keep up with more experienced riders.

[KnightRider]

Had my second test today and passed it!! Cant believe that I managed to do it especially as there was a confusion with my instructor and I ended up turning up and the shop only 30 minutes prior to the test. I then had precisely 15 minutes to get to the DSA centre, get used to a bike that I had never ridden before and remember how to ride as the last time I had ridden was 3 weeks prior when I failed my test.

To be honest I think all of the confusion actually helped me as I wasnt nervous about the test at all as my attention was focused on everything else.

On the way home I had my first seat on an SV and I must say I liked it. The ride position is completely different to the CBF I was riding so that may take a little getting used to.

[the_lone_wolf]

nice one:mrgreen:

[Tim in Belgium]

Well done, and you haven't missed much with the recent weather!