Bad habits that examiners hate?

[Dave20046]

Your instructor will go over everything magnum don't worry. And if there's any questions just ask them

Originally Posted by Nicky S

they hate racing brake cover e.g you only use to fingers on your front brake. apart from that i didnt have any problems

yup coz it's stupid.

[Nicky S]

Originally Posted by Dave20046

Your instructor will go over everything magnum don't worry. And if there's any questions just ask them


yup coz it's stupid.

???

[Dave20046]

You've got less braking power/control.
It's alright for down shifting or corner entry slowing I suppose, but don't understand why you'd want less power on the lever when you need to come to a stop

I thought it was a weekend warrior/ ped boi trait.

[yorkie_chris]

Course it's stupid... that "rule" (not sure whether it's enforced or not TBH) was in place in the time of single led drum brakes and early discs. The discs on my RD need more like 2 hands on the lever than 2 fingers, and you can pull this sort of brake back far enough to trap the other 2 fingers.
OTOH the 125 cagiva I've got will put you over the bars quite easily with 4 fingers. My SV with the busa discs and SRAD calipers will quite easily raise the back wheel with 1 finger on the brake...

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Dave20046

I thought it was a weekend warrior/ ped boi trait.

Says the guy with knackered brakes! Try use 4 fingers on mine and you will spend the next few weeks picking the petrol tank out of your rse when it flips...

[timwilky]

just ride 4 times round the block and watch out for the examiner running between the back alleys to catch you for an emergency stop. tip, don't run him over.

Funny though when he jumps out on some poor sod on an identical bike, and you pass him when they are in a tangled heap on the deck

What, am I out of date?

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Says the guy with knackered brakes! Try use 4 fingers on mine and you will spend the next few weeks picking the petrol tank out of your rse when it flips...

you saying I can have a go on your bike chris??

don't get lost when you have to ride around the block for your emergency stop

Originally Posted by Magnum

Ive done 1.5k on the bike since ive had it, and i will hopefully be doing my restricted test in the next two weeks
I realise that in the time riding the bike, i have probably picked up some bad habits and was wondering what stupid little things you can get failed for in the test?

(i know these questions can be answered when i do my training by the instructor, but it would be good to get a head start and get into the habits the examiner likes)

1. Is it naughty in the test to shift into neutral and put both feet down at lights?
2. What road position do they like you to take at traffic lights, or behind stationary cars?
3. On country bends, or general bendy roads, is it prefered that you take a 'racing' line in the road, or just stick slightly left of center the whole way?

Thanks for any help. Hopefully ill be making a thread next week saying how delighted i am that i was able to rip off the L plates!

Well mate good luck, i remember doing my full test, but there's really nothing to worry about. Just read the signs and be safe.


1) Yes, if you're on a little CG125 just hold the clutch in, not heavy, and you must keep your rear brake on while stationary, like a handbrake in a car.

2) Just normal dominant road position.

3) Stay in the middle of the road, just left of centre as you said. Advanced lessons teach you different skills as to those you are tought by the government. Hence advanced!

You do need to use 4 fingers to brake, although some examiners may not mind, it's better to not take the risk! Again on a test bike, or most normal 125s it won't be a problem. If you were on a Mito or an RS125 then you're going to fail anyway because there's no way you'll get round on the U-Turn

GL you'll manage. Don't go through a no-entry like I did first time.. passed 2nd time with 3 minors though.

Originally Posted by Magnum

They wont fail me for going too slow.

Yes they will, its called failing to make progress, get up to speed smoothly every time you see a speed change, with a little check of your mirrors.
I failed my first test because I slowed down to let him catch up on a busy dual carraigway when I got out but he did'nt. lost him for 3 minutes but I had a lot of cars backed up behind me and got a straight major for it. So remember ride as though he is not there as its his job to keep up with you.