View Full Version : My DAS...the soap opera continues!!
Well, yesterday afternoon was eventful! Went out without the instructor for the first time on the 125...was good fun, junctions etc. seemed a lot easier and I'm getting much more confident with actually controlling the bike. Did notice that people in cars can be totally ignorant tho but that's another story :rolleyes:
BUT!!!!!!....
I managed to drop the bloody thing twice AGAIN!! I'm doing it twice a day everyday so far!! First time was because I stopped in an iffy place went to put my foot down and nothing...the road just dropped away so over I went, I've learnt from that mistake :D The second time I went to pull off and did a major wobble :smt091 I'm so annoyed with myself! At least now tho I cling to the bike so it's more a case of placing it gently on the ground rather than dropping it, fine with a 125 I can pick up again...bit worried about the big bikes tho...
THEN!!!!!....
On the way back to the training centre it all went pear shaped...the roads were wet due to the heavy rain...was approaching a sharp bend, slowed down but not enough...went round the bend a bit wide and then the back end of the bike slid out :( Luckily for me there was a junction on the bend with a crosshatched area for cars to turn right so the road was fairly wide. I somehow managed to stop in the centre of the road and avoided sliding into an oncoming car.
I don't really know what happened, I eased off the throttle but I'm certain I didn't brake, only as I was sliding to a halt to stop hitting the car. It was all very surreal...the bike went over but somehow I didn't...thankfully I didn't get hurt at all, I wasn't going particularly fast...obviously too fast for the corner and conditions but I consider myself lucky and I've learnt a valuable lesson!! A nice man on a gixxer stopped to make sure I was ok so thank you to him :)
I'm just really peeved with myself because I keep dropping the bike...my instructor has told me that perhaps I should do my test on the 125 as the big bikes are about the same height and if I drop the 125 then I'm likely to drop the bigger bike. I'm just really dissappointed with myself because this is something I really want to do...I know I'm a bit mad for buying my SV before I even knew I liked riding or COULD ride but I really want to be able to get out on it...I don't want to ride a 125 forever!! And I don't want a cruiser or anything like that either...even if I could sit flat footed on one lol
My instructor has taught people shorter than me to ride...I'm 5'2" which is small but not that small...he put's it down to my strength...or lack of!! How am I ever going to get anywhere if I can't stay vertical :confused:
Sorry about the essay btw!!
practise makes perfect
:thumbsup:
how did you do on your CBT?
what 125 is it?
ASM-Forever
24-06-07, 05:54 PM
Maybe taking your test on a 125 isn't a bad idea. You could still ride your SV on a restricted license 33BHP and by all accounts its still decent enough.
That said although a larger bike is heavier at standstill and low speed manoevures, when you are moving at a reasonable speed its very planted. However if you are dropping the 125 and have issues with strength...then it will only get worse as a larger bike is heavier.
I am quite surprised your instructor kept you on the road if you keep dropping it...there was a girl on the course when i learned who was similar and the instructor decided it wasnt safe for her/the public for her to continue. In the end she trained on a CG125 and did her test on it...which she did pass 2nd time :). She bought a Monster so god knows how she got on with it in the end!
If you do your test on the 125 you'll only be restricted to 33bhp for 2 years, then any BHP after that. And believe me it's enough power to start with. The SV is probly one of the best if not the best bike restricted so i wouldn't worry if you go the 125 test route.
To be honest i think it's crazy that people can go from doing DAS onto any bike they want. You can do you DAS in a week and then jump on a 1000cc supersports bike it's nuts, i know not eveyone will be unsafe but it's still asking for trouble!! I know a bloke whos done hardly any riding miles and just brought a gsxr600, he's not that bad but he just doesn't know the basics, and sometimes gets into trouble because of this. I know one day he'll have an accident if only he had a more sensible bike, or should i say brain he might be able to learn how to ride properly!!! I think its more the type of person he is though, not everones a d1ckhead!!
Keep going im sure you'll get there one way or another. Theres nothing like passing your test so when you do no matter what test it is you'll be over the moon...
I'm riding a CG125 at the moment and it's a little on the tall side for me...I can get my feet down more on the SV as it's lowered so maybe that will help...I won't be too dissappointed if I have to do the test on the 125...it's just that if I can't manage to keep the little bike up then surely there's no hope for the bigger one even if I can get my bike restricted??!!
My CBT was the first day or two of the DAS course...dropped the bike twice on both days :(
Maybe I should get a mini or a midimoto lol...at least I will be able to reach the ground a bit better!! :D
I did my test on a CG125 a cracking little work horse. It felt more like a cruiser to me though, it was lower than my SV!!! You'll be ok on the SV, when it comes to going out for your first ride perhaps go with someone just incase you get into trouble. And once you've done your test you won't have to worry about manouvers or people watching your everymove, it makes a big difference not having someone criticsing every little mistake!!! You can just tell yourself off :smt091!!!
it sounds to me, that the CG is too big(tall) for you, your instructor should relise this.
is there not another 125 you can use?
I feel extremely sorry for the CG...poor thing lol
I did feel much better yesterday out without the instructor...much more confident...learnt that I can pick the CG up on my own and got the hang of the centre stand thing too :D
Had a few ear to ear grin moments!!
Maybe I should have bought a CBR125 rather than the SV...what's the seat height like :D
If I drop the rear suspension down to the softest setting how will that affect the SV? I guess it might sit a tiny bit lower with me on it but how will the handling be affected...it's on the second softest setting just now iirc
it sounds to me, that the CG is too big(tall) for you, your instructor should relise this.
is there not another 125 you can use?
I think you're right...they have a few old bikes with kick starts...don't know what they are but visually they all look about the same height...maybe they've got one with shot suspension that will sit down low when I get on?? :roll:
I'm a bit annoyed really because I will have parted with quite a wad of cash and I'm worried that I wont be ready for my test at this rate...even if I am ready in terms of riding correctly dropping the bike will still be an issue...
dirtydog
24-06-07, 06:34 PM
You fell over again? Oh well *shrugs shoulders* it's hardly the end of the world is it? 1st one you say went to put your foot down and the road wasn't there? Not much to do with strength i reckon 2nd one dropped it on a bend again i cant see how strength would have stopped that from happening?
So you can get your feet down better on the SV then you will most likely be more confident on it, out of curiosity how has it been lowered?
dirtydog
24-06-07, 06:36 PM
I think you're right...they have a few old bikes with kick starts...don't know what they are but visually they all look about the same height...maybe they've got one with shot suspension that will sit down low when I get on?? :roll:
I'm a bit annoyed really because I will have parted with quite a wad of cash and I'm worried that I wont be ready for my test at this rate...even if I am ready in terms of riding correctly dropping the bike will still be an issue...
Could possibly be an SR125 they've got a pretty low seat height (i think)
You fell over again? Oh well *shrugs shoulders* it's hardly the end of the world is it? 1st one you say went to put your foot down and the road wasn't there? Not much to do with strength i reckon 2nd one dropped it on a bend again i cant see how strength would have stopped that from happening?
So you can get your feet down better on the SV then you will most likely be more confident on it, out of curiosity how has it been lowered?
Neither can I see how strength always comes into play...leg length seems to be the issue to me in general...
I've got a modified seat...it's a lot lower than the original seat.
I don't know if the suspension has been altered...how can I check to see if it's standard or not?
can you reach the floor with both feet on the 125 ?
it sounds as if you cant, or can only just?
tell your instructor this. although he should relise.
dirtydog
24-06-07, 06:43 PM
Neither can I see how strength always comes into play...leg length seems to be the issue to me in general...
I've got a modified seat...it's a lot lower than the original seat.
I don't know if the suspension has been altered...how can I check to see if it's standard or not?
Normally if it's been lowered a lot it wil have longer dogbones on the rear suspension and the tops of the forks will sit above the top yoke
so if it's just the lower seat you've got it is possible to lower it some more without messing the handling up
the only way of telling would be to measure the dog bones or park next to another sv
21QUEST
24-06-07, 06:44 PM
I think it's just a confidence thing. After that it's more to do with knowing how to compensate for your height ie trying to make sure the bike does not get into a position where strength plays a huge part. People drop bikes all the time(even after passing their test) so you are not alone.
I'm only a short bugger and pretty sure some bikes will be a bit more of a challenge for me. Saying that, with a bit of practice etc, there will be no bike that (I'd say) I couldn't get the hang of. Being able to flat foot is not necessary at all ;)
Stick with it if you really want to do the unrestricted test but of course it may turn out your best option might be to do it on a 125. Good luck with it all.
it sounds to me, that the CG is too big(tall) for you, your instructor should relise this.
is there not another 125 you can use?
What....like have a monkey bike in case someone needs one?
Ben
can you reach the floor with both feet on the 125 ?
it sounds as if you cant, or can only just?
tell your instructor this. although he should relise.
I can just get the balls of my feet down...I've been told by a lot of bikers that as you get more confident with bikes getting your feet as flat as possible becomes less of an issue. It's just hard to gain confidence when you keep dropping a bike as you can't reach the floor :(
Alpinestarhero
24-06-07, 06:46 PM
Maybe taking your test on a 125 isn't a bad idea. You could still ride your SV on a restricted license 33BHP and by all accounts its still decent enough.
I agree here; i did my test on the 125 (because i was underage, but i could have wated another year had i wanted to do my das) because if i had gone down the bigger bike route (and waited a year) i dont think I would have passed so easy. Stick with the 125, get a restricted SV and take it easy. I'm learning ALOT on my restricted SV and its helpful that there is not as much power there - its one less thing to worry about, specialy when its wet! Its still loadsa fun though, i love blasting outta hairpin turns and braking hard for the next!
Matt
I can just get the balls of my feet down...I've been told by a lot of bikers that as you get more confident with bikes getting your feet as flat as possible becomes less of an issue. It's just hard to gain confidence when you keep dropping a bike as you can't reach the floor :(
IMO you need a lower bike to learn on.
if you could reach the floor properly, this would give you alot more confidance.
you are probaly now worring about falling off evertime you stop.
Maybe it's best to learn how to keep this bike upright, so perhaps having it abit high isn't a bad thing. So when you do get on your SV you should be able to cope!!!
the_lone_wolf
24-06-07, 06:59 PM
I'm a bit annoyed really because I will have parted with quite a wad of cash and I'm worried that I wont be ready for my test at this rate...even if I am ready in terms of riding correctly dropping the bike will still be an issue...
they should be able to cancel your test for now if it's not within the final week beforehand (i think, i went the other way of booking where someone had cancelled) and then rebook when you feel confident to go ahead
if you soften the preload on the SV it'll just mean that the suspension sits closer to the fully compressed end of the range when you just sit on the bike, probably not a great thing as ig you hit a big bump you could bottom out
without wanting to be presumptuous it sounds almost as if you're getting into a routine of expecting to drop the thing, which can't be a good thing for your confidence, you say you're worried about picking up a "big" bike but tbh i've seen videos of some really quite small ladies picking up big bikes:
http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html
as for tarmac surfing, the CG125 i used during my CBT felt like it was running on solid rubber tyres, given some mitigating factor, Diesel or a manhole cover, road marking, especially in the wet, i would not be surprised to see the back end let go, the big bike i used (GS500) had much more modern rubber on it and was much more stable
keep at it, if it were a push bike nobody would care, you'd curse your silliness, pick it up, and get on with it, same with a M/C, just a bit tougher to put those jangly things you used to get in cereal packets in the spokes...
:thumbsup:
Normally if it's been lowered a lot it wil have longer dogbones on the rear suspension and the tops of the forks will sit above the top yoke
so if it's just the lower seat you've got it is possible to lower it some more without messing the handling up
the only way of telling would be to measure the dog bones or park next to another sv
I take it dogbones are linkage arms or something? How long should they be as standard?
IMO you need a lower bike to learn on.
if you could reach the floor properly, this would give you alot more confidance.
you are probaly now worring about falling off evertime you stop.
I agree...totally!
dirtydog
24-06-07, 07:05 PM
I take it dogbones are linkage arms or something? How long should they be as standard?
Yeah i guess thay could be called the linkage arms
not sure on what standard length is sorry
I agree...totally!
right........... tell the instructor you are not happy on the bike, & you dont feel cofidant as its too tall for you.
for your intrest & saftey
Yeah i guess thay could be called the linkage arms
not sure on what standard length is sorry
No probs, I'll do a bit of research. Ta for your advice tho...I appreciate it :D
right........... tell the instructor you are not happy on the bike, & you dont feel cofidant as its too tall for you.
for your intrest & saftey
I will...I'm doing a 7 day course as being a complete newb I thought it would be best so it's costing £695 and I want my moneys worth. My next day of training is Tues...will be trying out the bigger bikes (Honda Super Fours) and the instructor has a lowered seat for me to try so I may get on ok...fingers crossed!!
jamessunhill
24-06-07, 07:35 PM
Good Luck:thumbsup:
Make sure you keep us updated with how you go on.
Good Luck:thumbsup:
Make sure you keep us updated with how you go on.
Thank you :D I will!
Wideboy
24-06-07, 08:12 PM
sorry to here about your off at least your not hurt happens to all they say your not a real biker till you've come off :thumbsup:
you'll get it eventually, whens your test?
sorry to here about your off at least your not hurt happens to all they say your not a real biker till you've come off :thumbsup:
you'll get it eventually, whens your test?
Hello you :D test's on July the 5th...scary!!
Wideboy
24-06-07, 08:28 PM
im sure you'll do it i keep all my toes and fingers crossed:smt091
bye the way you asked ages ago in another thread i bet it take ages for you to log in well i finaly answer you its my msn name i coppy and paste there my secrets out:smt022
Err most of what'd I'd have said has been said. But it's a thread with a CG mentioned so I've just got to stick my oar in, even if it is meaningless dribble that at best duplicates previous posts - apologies in advance.
IMHO the CG isn't a particularly tall bike but them I'm 6'1" so my view on that is a bit warped. I would then suggest (as has already been suggested) a Yamaha SR125 if possible. If that's still troubling you then a cruiser style 125 (Honda Rebel I think is one) might suit you for learning on. I say learning on as I think you'd struggle to do a turn in the road on one.
As for picking bikes up. The CG isn't very heavy, if you're struggling with that it's either because you haven't got the technique sorted yet (which sounds as if it might have been the problem and that you've improved on this score). However bigger bikes like the SV are much heavier. I think the CG is something like 115kg dry, the SV is ~165kg dry. That extra 50kg is a lot. So I hope with practise you get the hang of not dropping it.
In terms of tyres - I've had some real tat on my CG including a rear branded "Golden Boy". I can't swear as to what it was like in the wet (I did ride in the wet just didn't have a problem with it) but I got the pegs down in the dry with that. The best tyre I've found for the CG is Pirelli MT65 but as this isn't your bike I don't think you can really influence the rubber.
I'm not really sure what else to say. The one tiny piece of advice I'll try to offer (and I'm not sure if this helps with any of the situations you're struggling with) is one to try and make coming to a halt a bit more comfortable...
When you're coming up to a stop just as you're applying the last bit of brakes to come to a stop steer a little to the right. The counter steering effect of this if you're upright is that the bike should lean\fall to the left.
The benefit of this is that you then know which way the bike is going to 'fall' and be prepared for it. You ideally want to flick it so that you catch it on your left foot because if you're stoping your right should be on or covering the brake pedal.
Echo: Keep trying, don't give up, keep updating us, good luck.
CGs & SVs FTW
im sure you'll do it i keep all my toes and fingers crossed:smt091
bye the way you asked ages ago in another thread i bet it take ages for you to log in well i finaly answer you its my msn name i coppy and paste there my secrets out:smt022
Now I know...all the mystery has now gone from our relationship lol :D
As for picking bikes up. The CG isn't very heavy, if you're struggling with that it's either because you haven't got the technique sorted yet (which sounds as if it might have been the problem and that you've improved on this score). However bigger bikes like the SV are much heavier. I think the CG is something like 115kg dry, the SV is ~165kg dry. That extra 50kg is a lot. So I hope with practise you get the hang of not dropping it.
50kg is more than I weigh so I can appreciate the difference it will make over and above the CG...my SV's virtually empty atm so I'm curious to see the difference a full tank makes to the weight/balance.
Thanks for the advice...will try the counter steering tip out :)
No need to apologise...I appreciate the advice it all helps!
Shellywoozle
24-06-07, 09:16 PM
Ahh I am currently away sailing and have not been on the site for a long time, but this post reminds me of me.
I had no confidence at all after dropping my SV, I eventually worked out that a lower seat and a pair of Daytona Ladystar boots gave me the ability to touch the floor better and ride alot better.
I found it was all in my head, once you drop it you think you're gonna do it again.
Think positive you'll do good !
my SV's virtually empty atm so I'm curious to see the difference a full tank makes to the weight/balance.
Thanks for the advice...will try the counter steering tip out :)
No need to apologise...I appreciate the advice it all helps!
FYI "Dry" also refers to engine oil and coolant, not just petrol. They only add about 5kg though.
Good luck with the stopping tip (it's a counter steering tip, though the counter steering tip is related but generally used when moving :-) )
Fingers crossed for you.
Ahh I am currently away sailing and have not been on the site for a long time, but this post reminds me of me.
I had no confidence at all after dropping my SV, I eventually worked out that a lower seat and a pair of Daytona Ladystar boots gave me the ability to touch the floor better and ride alot better.
I found it was all in my head, once you drop it you think you're gonna do it again.
Think positive you'll do good !
Will try! Find that posting on here helps me feel a lot more positive...everybody is so helpful :cool:
ASM-Forever
24-06-07, 09:48 PM
Whilst all the advice seems to be pretty solid thus far...i just thought i would add 2 more points:
1: It may have just been my training school, but i had to sign a contract stating i would pay for any damage incurred over £50-100 on the bikes i used for the training....is this the case for you as if bikes keep hitting tarmac there may be a hefty bill at the end of the training!
2: Most training schools worth their salt, offer a 'guaranteed pass scheme'. After an assesment, they estimate how many days training you will need and if after that you do not pass..then the tuition itself is free. You just pay equipment/bike hire. If you have this it may take the pressure off and you can relax and enjoy it.
At the end of the day if you keep dropping it or think you might drop it, then its understandable you might be on edge. Does the training school have somewhere off road(that is a decent size...not some tiny car park) where you can spend some time really getting to grips with the bike, getting your confidence up with all the basic manoevures. As soon as you have ironed that out, then you can deal with road riding. I say this from experience of having seen a girl in a similar situation to yourself. She was really drilled off road, where the pressure was off and when she was ready to move onto the road she really had improved massively. I know this as my instructor took her for her test with me in tow :)
Keep at it and i am sure it will come together...dont become fixated on the test date, just learn as fast as you feel comfortable and enjoy it!
Cloggsy
24-06-07, 09:51 PM
Keep smiling... You'll get there in the end ;)
Cheers people :)
Even though I've dropped the bike I've managed not to damage it (thank god!!) it's more a case of putting it down gently somehow...usually because it ends up on my boot :D
Off road, I've been practising on a 700m approx go-kart track which I find helps a lot. We still have a fair bit of track time to go so things may well improve!
fizzwheel
24-06-07, 10:11 PM
Its confidence. Liz can only get the balls of her feet down on her SV and its never stopped her.
Stop looking at the floor 1ft in front of your front wheel and start looking down the road, look where you want the bike to go and it'll follow.
Get out on the road and out of that carpark, get used to the weight of the bike on the move before you tackle the low speed stuff.
Oh IMHO do your test on the 500, but dont do it until your ready. It really is much easier to ride than the smaller bikes are.
Could possibly be an SR125 they've got a pretty low seat height (i think)
I don't want to ride a 125 forever!! And I don't want a cruiser or anything like that either...even if I could sit flat footed on one lol
If you just want a low 125 to learn on I recommend the SR125 as well. I'm 5'4" with a 28" inside leg and had one when I was learning. Ugly semi cruiser thing though.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/issues/DSCF0067.jpg
Grinch's curvy was the lowest SV I ever sat on. Even lower than my lowered pointy, which I can only get the balls of my feet down on.
Good luck with your test.
Possibly deviating a little from the most helpful line but if you have 'track time' off the road then perhaps try doing some slow speed work. Straight line as slow as you can go as well as slow manouvering.
They like to see slow speed control demonstrated in your test so it won't do you any harm there.
With increased control at slow speeds you won't need to stop so often, as you'll keep the bike moving. If you're not stopping and are in comfortably in control at low speeds then that's gotta be good - right?
Amanda M
25-06-07, 07:55 AM
LouLou, confidence will come in time so don't worry!
I don't think I've ever been able to get both feet on the floor on any bike I've had, even the 125 I learned on :smt100 I'm about 5'3" (probably less TBH) and I've dropped bikes quite a few times by missing the floor, but you get to learn where it is in time or it gets expensive ;) I just got some of the Daytona Ladystar boots because my new Zed is a bit on the tall side for me and all I can say is if you haven't got some already get some because it makes a hell of a difference!
Good luck with the bigger bike and your test!!!
Cheers
Amanda
I haven't read the whole thread (apologies) but is it only me that's slightly concerned about LouLou's instructor?? I know there's a few instructors on the org, so feel free to comment guys.
I think that not warning a learner of their approach speed to an unknown (I'm assuming) bend in the wet/damp after they have a known history of dropping the bike (no disrespect LouLou) is downright dangerous!! The instructor should of known the road they were riding on, and altered tuition to suit the conditions IMO. For a learner to say they took a corner too fast for the conditions is frankly unbelievable!!
The instructor should of also picked a spot to stop whereby a learner can put BOTH feet down IMO, so the drop that happened due to lack of road would not of happened. Yes, on test you pick where you stop to be safe, but you only do that when you're up to test standard!!
LouLou, if you take your test on a 125, I assume you know that your licence will be restricted (IIRC). Good luck with it, but I don't know how long I'd continue under tuition of that instructor personally.
I haven't read the whole thread (apologies) but is it only me that's slightly concerned about LouLou's instructor?? I know there's a few instructors on the org, so feel free to comment guys.
I think that not warning a learner of their approach speed to an unknown (I'm assuming) bend in the wet/damp after they have a known history of dropping the bike (no disrespect LouLou) is downright dangerous!! The instructor should of known the road they were riding on, and altered tuition to suit the conditions IMO. For a learner to say they took a corner too fast for the conditions is frankly unbelievable!!
The instructor should of also picked a spot to stop whereby a learner can put BOTH feet down IMO, so the drop that happened due to lack of road would not of happened. Yes, on test you pick where you stop to be safe, but you only do that when you're up to test standard!!
LouLou, if you take your test on a 125, I assume you know that your licence will be restricted (IIRC). Good luck with it, but I don't know how long I'd continue under tuition of that instructor personally.
I was out without the instructor so there wasn't much he could do to prevent any of Saturday's incidents...dropping it when I stopped in an iffy spot was entirely my fault so I'll be picking my spot more carefully next time :)
I'm just getting fed up with dropping the bike!! :nomore: It's really frustrating as I'm now wondering how I'm going to get through all this...tbh I don't even want to go to training tomorrow...
i have said it b4 & i will say it again, you need a lower bike to learn on, this IMO will also give you more confidance, as you will know you can reach the floor properly so stopping will not be so much of a problem
i think your instructor should have picked up on this bynow
go tomorrow & tell him the bike is too big(tall)for you.
I'm just getting fed up with dropping the bike!! :nomore: It's really frustrating as I'm now wondering how I'm going to get through all this...tbh I don't even want to go to training tomorrow...
From a fellow learner, Just think about the rewards after training. You will get through it, it just takes time. I've been riding for two and a half years, and i am only just getting ready for my test (which is one day after yours btw) and i almost had a fall whilst out with my instructor the other day, just like yours on the corner. you just gotta put up with the training and remember you got a big shiny bike just waiting for you at the finish line.
LouLou has covered this but I'd like to comment in response to Baphs about the corner thing. I thought the dropping of the bike was typically at low speeds or stationary. So whilst taking a learner into a corner too hot would be bad form (which they didn't as she was riding solo) I'm not sure what the history of dropping it would have to do with things.
I'll resist from playing devils advocate on the stopping point.
Not wanting to jinx myself further but I've been ok so far at junctions...got the hang of clutch control, just dropping the bike randomly at a virtual standstill!
I'd be interested to hear what an observer would have to say after watching me but my instructor seems the practical approach rather than giving verbal feedback...plus I get the feeling he's rather fed up with me :)
Wideboy
25-06-07, 05:14 PM
Not wanting to jinx myself further but I've been ok so far at junctions...got the hang of clutch control, just dropping the bike randomly at a virtual standstill!
I'd be interested to hear what an observer would have to say after watching me but my instructor seems the practical approach rather than giving verbal feedback...plus I get the feeling he's rather fed up with me :)
verbal feedback lol, all i could hear when i did some thing like take the wrong turn was what the f*** are you doing not this way you t***, alot of things where shouted back but sadly its one way radio :smt022
Amanda M
26-06-07, 07:21 AM
verbal feedback lol, all i could hear when i did some thing like take the wrong turn was what the f*** are you doing not this way you t***, alot of things where shouted back but sadly its one way radio :smt022
Yeah, I remember that too :smt046 Those headset things are rubbish ;)
ASM-Forever
26-06-07, 12:23 PM
Yeah, I remember that too :smt046 Those headset things are rubbish ;)
My training centre had some nice, light, pocket-sized ones that went out of range after what seemed like a really small distance. Hence the game of slowing down..just making the lights and then escaping off into the sunset :)
The one i was given at the test centre however was a heavy, brick of a thing....a bloke who took his test before me described it as the Batman utility belt...:smt046
fizzwheel
26-06-07, 01:16 PM
Not wanting to jinx myself further but I've been ok so far at junctions...got the hang of clutch control, just dropping the bike randomly at a virtual standstill!
I'd be interested to hear what an observer would have to say after watching me but my instructor seems the practical approach rather than giving verbal feedback...plus I get the feeling he's rather fed up with me :)
Then go and find another instructor and get a 2nd opinion on your riding.
Aw.. don't despair LouLou! You're going through exactly what I went through during my das... It got to the point where I was wondering if I was suited to biking because I'd keep dropping it and found I was terrified most of the time... :lol:
Each day was an honest struggle. I wanted to give up but then the thought of giving up was unacceptable so I kept at it.
Fight through it and it'll be worth it in the end, I promise you that. :thumbsup:
In the case of going too hot into a corner, I'm not sure they actually picked it up in time... Not necessarily a huge offense as they can't see everything or control your bike for you in the event of a mistake.
Something similar happened to me on the twisties section. I went flying at a right hand bend (single track country road) and as the corner's nearly on top of me I'm thinking 'OOOOOOH SHEEEEEEEEEET!!! Tooo fast!!' :lol:
Then I've got my instructor in my ear telling me I'm too fast, slow it down, too late, I'm in the bend. He thought I was going to bin it. :lol:
Don't know how I did it, but I leaned it over and got round. I guess instinct took over a bit.
No matter what mistakes you make you can get through it if you keep your head. :D Instructors will get fed up with us, (mine did) but he's being paid to see you through your test. ;) Keep at it... It's SO worth it!!! :)
In the case of going too hot into a corner, I'm not sure they actually picked it up in time... Not necessarily a huge offense as they can't see everything or control your bike for you in the event of a mistake.
Something similar happened to me on the twisties section. I went flying at a right hand bend (single track country road) and as the corner's nearly on top of me I'm thinking 'OOOOOOH SHEEEEEEEEEET!!! Tooo fast!!' :lol:
Then I've got my instructor in my ear telling me I'm too fast, slow it down, too late, I'm in the bend. He thought I was going to bin it. :lol:
That's something like the situation I thought LouLou was describing (I missed the "out without instructor" part).
On my DAS, the instructor would warn me of nasty-ish bends way way WAY before we got to them, so there was no chance of me going in too hot. He'd warn of hidden hazards around the corner, if it tightens and the ideal speed (legal speed) to take the corner at, commenting on line as we went through the corner.
That man can certainly talk!
At the end of the day, an instructor (teaching ANYTHING) should instill confidence in their students, and be able to get them to relax. If you don't have those two things, it's going to be hard to learn, not impossible, but hard.
If you get the feeling that your instructor has had enough of you, change instructors, give someone more deserving your money. The things you're being taught will hopefully help you avoid ending your life prematurely (ie, not getting into sticky situations after test), and his/her teachings will stay with you for a long time.
Still, good luck with it, no matter what you decide to do :) Keep us posted.
If you get the feeling that your instructor has had enough of you, change instructors, give someone more deserving your money. The things you're being taught will hopefully help you avoid ending your life prematurely (ie, not getting into sticky situations after test), and his/her teachings will stay with you for a long time.
When you pass that test though, NONE of it matters anymore. :lol:
Edit: Fair point though Baph, though I think it would take forever to teach us all the sticky situations. In general they teach you to ride and what you need to avoid sticky situations - and to pass the test. I learned not to go into corners too hot. Hasn't stopped it happening on occasion though.
When you pass that test though, NONE of it matters anymore. :lol:
Pedantic:
Surely you don't mean that clutch control, general observation (use of mirrors etc), indicators, speed limits (careful now!), balance etc etc doesn't matter once you've passed your test.
Granted though that after the test you start to learn how to ride, before the test you're just learning how to pass the test. :rolleyes:
and his/her teachings will stay with you for a long time.
I totally agree about that.
IMO it's well worth having an instructor that you get on with. I'm still in touch with my instructor.
Pedantic:
Surely you don't mean that clutch control, general observation (use of mirrors etc), indicators, speed limits (careful now!), balance etc etc doesn't matter once you've passed your test.
Granted though that after the test you start to learn how to ride, before the test you're just learning how to pass the test. :rolleyes:
What?... Have they not taught her any of that? Did they just point at the bike and say 'get on with it.'?
:p
I'm still in touch with my instructor.
I see my instructor around a fair bit, and will always wave/nod as I pass (I think it's funny that most learners daren't do anything in return) and I'll have a chat whenever I bump into him in the dealership.
He never can remember my name though. :lol:
the_lone_wolf
26-06-07, 02:51 PM
and just remember...
This organisation does not tolerate failure...
http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/pics/blofeld-cat.JPG
micky t
26-06-07, 04:20 PM
dont give up, i passed my test bout 4 years ago now, i hated every single day of the training, even though it was something i always wanted to do, my prob was firstly, the bike was 2 bike for me,( a bandit) and i could only tip toe on the ground, and also i kept dropping it on the u turns. each day i was usually in tears at some point.
when it was test day, i said to my hubby, if i dont pass first time, there is no way i am taking this again!!!
i decided on the restricted way, and took my test on a 125, so much easier, and thoses 2 years flew by.
Oh and thoses u turns, dead easy now:-D :-D
JUST KEEP ON TURNING UP FOR YOUR TRAINING:grouphug:
Thanks for your words of inspiration everybody...I'm gonna post today's update as a new thread because things are looking up! :D
Thanks for your words of inspiration everybody...I'm gonna post today's update as a new thread because things are looking up! :D
Careful, you'll be giving Hovis a run for his money with all the new thread starts. :rolleyes:
Careful, you'll be giving Hovis a run for his money with all the new thread starts. :rolleyes:
Oh I think I'd have to be going some to manage that ;)
Wideboy
26-06-07, 08:46 PM
post counter padding me thinks:cool:
post counter padding me thinks:cool:
Oi! We both joined about the same time and your post count's nearly double mine!! :rolleyes:
Wideboy
27-06-07, 08:31 PM
i r more clever me type gooder than you yar:smt039
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