Uk Mod 1 Test Advice

Motospiker

Motospiker

Wannabie Member
Hi all,

Going in for my full test very shortly but just wanting some riding advice from anyone who might have a good tip/technique for the issues I'm having.
My general riding is fine, no issues there so the Mod2 I am fairly confident on.
But my slow maneuvers need some work. I've been going round in circles in car parks doing figure 8's and U turns, but they're just inconsistent! I struggle to do a decent figure 8 twice in a row.
Technique I was tought on my CBT was to keep the revs up and use my back brake to slow down if I feel the bike getting away from me at any point. All works fine when it works, but when it doesn't I end up chopping at the throttle and it all goes downhill from there as you can imagine.
Does anyone have any tips on getting this right every time?

Thanks all in advance for your help :)
 
Motospiker said:
Hi all,

Going in for my full test very shortly but just wanting some riding advice from anyone who might have a good tip/technique for the issues I'm having.
My general riding is fine, no issues there so the Mod2 I am fairly confident on.
But my slow maneuvers need some work. I've been going round in circles in car parks doing figure 8's and U turns, but they're just inconsistent! I struggle to do a decent figure 8 twice in a row.
Technique I was tought on my CBT was to keep the revs up and use my back brake to slow down if I feel the bike getting away from me at any point. All works fine when it works, but when it doesn't I end up chopping at the throttle and it all goes downhill from there as you can imagine.
Does anyone have any tips on getting this right every time?

Thanks all in advance for your help :)
Click to expand...


How I did it...
Keep the revs highish but use the clutch to maintain speed IE feather it a lot. Practice it in a straight line as slow as you can, just cover the breaks just incase.

When doing the figure of eight always LOOK where you want to go, not down or at someone else or at the controls LOOK where you want to go.
 
thunderous71 said:
Keep the revs highish but use the clutch to maintain speed IE feather it a lot. Practice it in a straight line as slow as you can, just cover the breaks just incase.

When doing the figure of eight always LOOK where you want to go, not down or at someone else or at the controls LOOK where you want to go.
Click to expand...

+1 This. I struggled with figure 8s too. I noticed when I do it right, it's because I'm looking up and where I want to go. Also I ride a V-Twin so feathering the clutch is a must at low speed.
 
Eyes! All about going where you look. Turn your head where you're going, and geep positive drive. Control with back brake if needs be.
 
I'm seeing a pattern in the advice here :-)
Not sure how long its been since any of you rode anything smaller, but do you remember it being harder to pull off slow maneuvers on a 125?
Mate of mine keeps telling me its alot easier doing them on a bigger bike, I'm hoping this is the case as I've never even sat on anything bigger than my 125 yet.
 
Thunderous has excellent advice, if only add to relax as stressing doesn't help at all.

It's a little easier on a 125 but not by much.
 
Watch some RoadcraftNottingham. From the sounds of your post, are you planning to just go for your test without any proper training?

If so, I would seriously reconsider and get some good lessons in, both for your Mod 1 and Mod 2, and practice under the eye of someone experienced so they can see where the problem is.
 
O8ride said:
Watch some RoadcraftNottingham. From the sounds of your post, are you planning to just go for your test without any proper training?

If so, I would seriously reconsider and get some good lessons in, both for your Mod 1 and Mod 2, and practice under the eye of someone experienced so they can see where the problem is.
Click to expand...
No, I'm going to go for a full course so I know I'll get plenty of time to practice at the time, just getting a head start where I can.
 
I personally found it easier on a bigger bike, but it will depend on the bike. My current bike has a high centre of gravity, so it's a bit harder than the GS500 I learned on, but if you can keep positive throttle and focus, it should become easy on any bike.
 
It will come together with practice, but as everyone said it's about constant throttle, busy clutch to control speed, no front brake, and drag the back brake for stability - it's a technique that works on everything from the little 125 I practiced on, to my SV, to my new R6 via harleys and the barge that is a Hayabusa.

EDIT: Oh, and look exaggerate your head movements, for the figure eights look practically behind you, and for the swerve, just quickly move your head, your body follows.
 
As has already been said, look where you want to go and commit to going there, if there is the slightest doubt in your mind that you might go somewhere else, you'll go there, so commit and practise. I was rubbish on most of my practises and come to the test i was fine as the test center cones were further apart than at my training centre!
 
Here's the update! PASSED with 1 minor.
Had to push it back several months due to work commitments, but took it this morning after a day on a 600 and pretty much nailed it!
Thanks for all the advice peeps! It did help.
Now on to Mod2 in a couple of weeks! Should be a doddle.
 
Excellent news. And on the Mod 2, don't worry about the bloke on the bike behind, just enjoy the ride, and that thing in your ear is just a sat nav.
 
Thanks Lurch.
Mod2 is this Friday afternoon! Wish me luck!
I might actually be in the mood to vlog some once I have this out of the way!
 
Good luck motospiker and be safe on the roads bro. I'm currently doing my lessons on a 500 and going through same situation as you.
 
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