Short Newbie

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by nick_1871

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

Originally Posted by jonwestuk

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' ?

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.

Maidenhead Mad-Dogs?!

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

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by nick_1871

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

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]

Originally Posted by nick_1871

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 . 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!

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

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.