Riding in Action » Riders Guide

Taking the new bike test!

RiA — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:06:02 +0000

Fed up with “L” plates? want to carry a passenger? want a bigger bike? If the answer is yes to any of these questions then it time to think about taking the practical test. So what’s involved? How old do I have to be to ride a big bike? Is the new test as difficult as people say? Do I have to do a theory test? The answer to all these questions and more can be found by following the link.

Like car drivers all riders who wish to take the practical test will have to take the theory test specific to motorcycles.

Your age will dictate which bike test you can take.

16 moped only
17 to 21 A2 restricted license.
21 and older A2 restricted or full Motorcycle license

The new motorcycle test is broken down into two parts or modules.
Module 1 is an off road riding exercise lasting around 10 minutes
Module 2 is an on road ride followed by the examiner to demonstrate your abilities to ride on the public roads safely.

Module 1 is what all the fuss has been about and whether we like it or not its here to stay. So is it as difficult or as dangerous as has been reported? Of course not. Do you seriously think the government would introduce a procedure that has the risk of litigation?

The difficulty has arisen over the training schools lack of available space to practice the required moves. Training areas are typically car parks or school playgrounds. Prior to the introduction of module 1, training schools only used their training area for CBT’s and an introduction to the larger bikes before to going on the road.

It is interesting to note that the minimum size approved by the DSA for a CBT site is 80ft by 30ft ie about the size of a tennis court. Now with module 1 we need enough space to get up to 32 mph to do the braking exercise and accident avoidance maneuvre. It is not surprising therefore, there have been crashes! Most schools do not have the space to practice at full speed.
Yes they can hire the DSA sites (when the DSA are not using them) but for only 15 minute slots, barely enough time for a single student to have one try, let alone repeated practice.

We at RiA have a huge size with more than enough space to practice all the maneuvres over and over again until the student is fully confident in what has to be done. Take a look at the video below to see the avoidance maneuver at full speed and ask yourself does this look dangerous? You can also see part of our site, giving you an idea of how much room we have.

Improving your riding.

RiA — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:02:35 +0000

Not long ago I was in my local bike shop looking at what I couldn’t afford (as you do) when I got chatting to a few lads who were hanging around waiting for their mate to return from his bike test. I guess it was obvious I was an instructor from the dayglo jacket and white helmet! We chattered about this and that for while and the conversion came round to advanced riding. You know the type of questions; What do you teach, Do I get cheap insurance etc. I thought nothing more and left them to it. A few minutes later one of the guys sidled up to me and in almost hushed tones asked if I could help him with cornering. He was really unsure as to how to negotiate any bends at anywhere near reasonable speed. Of course I was able to help him and we booked a day and put him on the right road with a smile on his face.

The point is just how many guys and girls are out there who because of peer pressure are just too afraid to admit they cannot do something. I have to say it is mostly the guys (bloody testosterone). The basics are easy but getting good at something requires practice and someone to honestly tell you if and where you are going wrong.

Group Riding

RiA — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:57:57 +0000

How many of you guys are members of a bike club or go out with half a dozen mates at the weekend? Does the group manage to keep together or is the front rider always having to stop and let the tail end catch up? Why not try this;

Have a designated lead rider and a “tail end charley” (usually the best riders). Nobody over takes the leader and no one gets behind Charlie. When the leader approaches a junction he points to the side of the road where the second rider has to wait and direct those behind. They do this until Charlie arrives and then they can move off. By doing this the lead never has to stop and the group keeps going. If there is a problem in the middle of the group, tail-end Charlie will pick it up and wait with the rider. Eventually the lead will run out of “markers” and realise there is a problem behind. They can then retrace their route and locate the problem.

Remember the back of a group is always faster, so quick riders should stay towards the rear of the group and have their fun whilst those less accomplished can ride near the front where the leader can set a reasonable pace.

Simple when you know how.