Regarding the Basic Handling Test

[jerm]

(I did use search, went through about 10 pages of results and couldnt find specifics)

I'm looking into getting a bike in the near future (have always had an interest in them, just havn't been able to save up much money, which I'm finally doing) and I have 0 experience riding a bike (have ridden pushbikes).

What I'm wondering is whether it's smarter to go ahead and buy a 250 bike, learn on my section (roughly 1/2 an acre with half of that paving, other half grassed) or going for the test and doing a training day with one of the people mentioned here on KB.

I just want to get going with the whole I want a bike idea so logically the first step is the license right? Or buy a bike, then go for license.

[blairh]

I'd say what you're suggesting is a great idea. If you have somewhere safe to practise off the road, get your confidence up first - that way you can use your own bike for the basic handling test.

Having said that, I did the basic handling test here in Dunedin after not riding a bike in around 5 yearsand didn't find it too difficult!

I'd say buy a bike, ride around your section for a week or so until you feel like you can control it ok.. then go do the handling test, get your learners and get out on the road!

You'll never look back - I LOVE my bike (have only had license and bike for 2 1/2 months)

[Stirts]

(I did use search, went through about 10 pages of results and couldnt find specifics)

I'm looking into getting a bike in the near future (have always had an interest in them, just havn't been able to save up much money, which I'm finally doing) and I have 0 experience riding a bike (have ridden pushbikes).

What I'm wondering is whether it's smarter to go ahead and buy a 250 bike, learn on my section (roughly 1/2 an acre with half of that paving, other half grassed) or going for the test and doing a training day with one of the people mentioned here on KB.

I just want to get going with the whole I want a bike idea so logically the first step is the license right? Or buy a bike, then go for license.

Hmmmmmmmm there isn't really a right or wrong way to do it.....it's more like a smarter way to do it.

I had pretty much zero riding experience on motomocycles, best thing I ever did was a riding course right after my BHT (which by the way is farken easy)......got my confidence up, and learned some GOOD RIDING HABITS from the get go!

[Slyer]

Personally I didn't have money for a bike or knew which I wanted when I decided I wanted a bike so I did the training learning how to ride and the test in the same 2-3 hours.
Was another 2 months before I got my bike but I was glad my learner license period had already ticked down 1/3 of the way. :)

[jerm]

Personally I didn't have money for a bike or knew which I wanted when I decided I wanted a bike so I did the training learning how to ride and the test in the same 2-3 hours.
Was another 2 months before I got my bike but I was glad my learner license period had already ticked down 1/3 of the way. :)

so having no experience on a bike wasnt an issue with the BHT providing you had the training beforehand?

I'm thinking of going with this way, because as you said it drops some time off the learner period and I'm not sure yet how much I want to spend on a bike + gear so I'm not too sure when I'll get a bike.

Offtopic a little, where would be the best place to scout for a bike, trademe?

[Sparrowhawk]

The trap a mate of mine fell into.

Because he hadn't ridden before, he bought a bike then did his BHT. I have an issue any time you buy a vehicle without riding (or driving) it. Now that he can ride, he's discovered the bike isn't exactly what he wanted, but now can't afford to sell it & buy a new one.

I'd suggest talking to Leigh Rusty (021 NEW RIDER). He does the BHT in Otahuhu on a Sunday arvo, so not far away from where you are. For me, he gave me about 3 hours of training (I'd never ridden before), then took me though the BHT.

Then sit your 6L theory (bloody easy), and then go bike shopping, with a license. Even better if you've got a mate with a learner legal bike they'd be happy to let you have a practise on when you've got your 6L.

[Slyer]

Basically what all these kawasaki owners are saying is buy a kawasaki! :lol:
Yeah, I'd get your learners and then look for the bike that you want.

[jerm]

The trap a mate of mine fell into.

Because he hadn't ridden before, he bought a bike then did his BHT. I have an issue any time you buy a vehicle without riding (or driving) it. Now that he can ride, he's discovered the bike isn't exactly what he wanted, but now can't afford to sell it & buy a new one.

I'd suggest talking to Leigh Rusty (021 NEW RIDER). He does the BHT in Otahuhu on a Sunday arvo, so not far away from where you are. For me, he gave me about 3 hours of training (I'd never ridden before), then took me though the BHT.

Then sit your 6L theory (bloody easy), and then go bike shopping, with a license. Even better if you've got a mate with a learner legal bike they'd be happy to let you have a practise on when you've got your 6L.

Yeah I figured I'd want to know how to ride a bike and kind of test ride one if I was to buy one. I have a mate who's into bikes so he's helping me on the whole what not to touch side.

I'll give Leigh a call sometime this week then, really close and sounds like it's exactly what I'm after :D

thanks

[CookMySock]

I reckon spend all your money on the bike and forget the training.

The BHS test is really simple. THe only tricky bit is the slow slalom, so you need lots of slow-speed balance stuff. All the rest he will explain for you. Just make sure you know where all the controls are and make sure you brake front and back simultaneously.

Save your money for bike and gear, and get some training later on.

Steve

[Slyer]

Don't listen to him. ^^
The test is not easy if you have not practiced.

[ferriswheel]

I had next to no experence on a bbike and it took me 15 mins to learn how to ride the bike and do the test

[Quailboy]

I guess it comes down to how quickly you can pick things up as to how much/if any practice is needed.

I basically bought a bike, next day bought a helmet, next day did BHS after a couple of rides up & down my driveway (30m long).

Yes, slalom is hardest- make sure you look up (they watch to check your not looking down at the front tyre).

I couldn't have done the BHS (in particular the slalom) on my sprot bike. Instead he gave me an 1745 Suzuki 125cc 2smoker.

[Slyer]

It was probably a 4 stroke GN125

[CRF119]

For the test which i did on my sport bike even after i was told it was a bad idea i passed. Every body else used the bikes that you have to rent and it was so much easier for them! Basicly a small 125 road bike that made doing the cone weave look easy.

My advice is not to use a sport bike unless you have alot of experiance on 2 wheels and very good balance.

[breakaway]

Don't listen to him. ^^
The test is not easy if you have not practiced.


My advice is not to use a sport bike unless you have alot of experiance on 2 wheels and very good balance.

Erm, I did mine on my 1998 RG150 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/picture.php?albumid=383&pictureid=3256) and completely nailed it.

And, I did have prior training with a KB Mentor. The test is not difficult, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

However I suppose difficulty is relative.

[Slyer]

Better to be guaranteed to succeed!
I failed it and put it off for another 1.5 years..

[robo555]

I had zero experience on a bike, did the 45min training + BHT and it was easy. It was done on their automatic Honda bike which didn't require me to change gears. The cones was the hardest, but it's pretty easy once you try it a few times. I got my licence the same afternoon. After that basically get a bike and learn how to change gears.

I recommend taking the BHT on their automatic bikes if they have one, no point making it harder for yourself.

[Slyer]

What! That's cheating!
Doing it on an automatic one pretty much removes all the difficulty.

[CookMySock]

Doing it on an automatic one pretty much removes all the difficulty.I do not think so. That cone weave is quite tricky unless you are on a tiny scooter.

Steve

[Slyer]

The cone weave was piece of piss!
The hardest part is working the gears when doing the braking and stop in the box and things.
Mastering the takeoff takes a bit too.

The lady I was paired with did it on an automatic scooter and she was useless, did I mention she crashed it into a wall and ended up being taken away by an ambulance?

[CookMySock]

Well I guess some things are easy for some, and other things easier for others. I did the cone weave on their GN250 with flat tyres, and it was nasty. I doubt I would have got my 650 through the course LOL.

I can't believe you failed it though! LOL. Sorry, but that is really funny. :first:

Steve

[BiK3RChiK]

I'm glad I did a few practice sessions at my local park before going to do my BHS test. and I'm also glad I didn't take my sport bike on the course but used their loan GN125! The hardest part of the test for me was the cone weave.. everything else was fairly easy and that was in the pouring rain too!

[Slyer]

Failed for not looking through the corner.

And yeah, the cone weave was real easy on the GN125, I just did some more tonight and it was harder on the sport bike.

[CookMySock]

Failed for not looking through the corner.Ah thats a bit tough on you I think. Geez its only a test to make sure you can balance on something with two wheels, and you know where the brakes are. Looking through a corner?? this isn't the full road test.. Oh well.

Steve

[Slyer]

Yeah I was pretty pissed at the time too.
I wasn't even given a second chance to do it, you can only do it once.

I did stall a few times but not enough times. :innocent:

[Blossom]

The lady I was paired with did it on an automatic scooter and she was useless, did I mention she crashed it into a wall and ended up being taken away by an ambulance?

sheesh... I hope she took the hint.:doctor:


If you can do your bhs with someone who has loan bikes for you to use then it does mean you dont need a bike first and most of them will do some training with you first. I think it would have been much harder to do the bhs on my vl250. The loaner 2 stroke was much easier and smaller.
I must of sat/pillioned on 20 or so bikes before I chose my bike and by then I knew what style I liked, what I wanted, and how much bang I could get for my buck.
Having an experienced someone else who you trust, test ride bikes for you and check the mechanic side of things makes good sense also. An experienced biker is going to know to check for things that maybe you don't.
I am sure there are a few guys about here somewhere that could help you out checking bikes out if needed.
Being a nana I am going to say take your time. Your first bike is going to be with you for quite some time. Not all 250's are created equal.

Nana lecture over.. Good luck.

[Slyer]

I doubt it was a two stroke!
Ring a ding ding ding?

[Blossom]

I doubt it was a two stroke!
Ring a ding ding ding?

I think it was and old kawa 125 with kick start and all. and it was pretty crappy. But did the job just fine. It belonged to the guy who does ridesafe.

[joshy28]

Bump

Can anyone tell me where i can take the BHT close to home - Meadowbank. I have my own bike freshly bought horayyy!!

Looking for a good and reasonable priced place to go, but will contact 021 new rider in the meantime

[editrix]

Hi. I'm new.

I bought (and love) and practiced a bit on my little Kowasaki 250, then went to do the basic cert test. It was utterly, utterly horrible and disastrous.

The would not let me use my own bike. I had to use their scooter. They would not let me wear gloves. They did not teach me anything. The man yelled at me, bullied me, had me in tears, and then told my partner that if she attempted to communicate with me from the roadside in any way he'd fail me on the test. He also told me that only scooters are any good, and that Harleys etc I could shove up my ###.

They didn't ask for any ID, so I could have had my partner take the test for me!

And when I said I wasn't learning anything and would go somewhere else, the guy actually moved the cones closer until I could manage to do the slalom successfully.

My advice: if you possibly can, look around and choose a cert place where they treat you decently instead of telling you off and bullying you. This has nearly put me off riding a bike for life.

[Ocean1]

They would not let me wear gloves.

Bazzar.

Here, you're amongst the largest collection of riders in the country, if they build a bad reputation here they won't be around long.

The organisation was?

[Little Miss Trouble]

Bump

Can anyone tell me where i can take the BHT close to home - Meadowbank. I have my own bike freshly bought horayyy!!

Looking for a good and reasonable priced place to go, but will contact 021 new rider in the meantime

Try Riderskillz or PM Qkchk

[editrix]

Here, you're amongst the largest collection of riders in the country, if they build a bad reputation here they won't be around long.

The organisation was?

Greg McQuillan at StayUpright in Ashurst. I totally do NOT recommend them. Sadly, they're the only cert place around so I didn't have much choice, but honestly I'd advise Palmerston North people to go to Wellington or wherever, especially if they're not scooter-riders.

Freedom Suzuki in Palmy, on the other hand, is awesome. They've bent over backwards to help me find gear and bike bits. I've been really impressed with them.

[Slyer]

Thats really stink!
They shouldn't have forced you to use the scooter and even if they made you they should have trained you for free.

[Blossom]

Greg McQuillan at StayUpright in Ashurst. I totally do NOT recommend them. Sadly, they're the only cert place around so I didn't have much choice, but honestly I'd advise Palmerston North people to go to Wellington or wherever, especially if they're not scooter-riders.



Sorry to hear of your experience. It makes you wonder why they go into that career if they are so bad at it. Hope you are feeling a little more positive about riding after lurking around here though.

[Howsie]

Bump

Can anyone tell me where i can take the BHT close to home - Meadowbank. I have my own bike freshly bought horayyy!!

Looking for a good and reasonable priced place to go, but will contact 021 new rider in the meantime

I did mt BHS test at the Auckland Motorcycle club http://www.amcc.org.nz/. I used their little 100cc 5 speed and it was awesome. I have had minimal experience on a bike (ie rode a 50cc cruiser a few times and the odd quad bike) and passed no problems. The guy was very helpful and knew what he was doing. Highly recommended! :niceone:

[editrix]

Sorry to hear of your experience. It makes you wonder why they go into that career if they are so bad at it. Hope you are feeling a little more positive about riding after lurking around here though.

Thanks! I am feeling more positive and determined. Now, if it would just stop raining raining raining raining....

I think they went into it for the money. They use someone else's carpark (so we kept having to stop so that trucks could enter and exit). They use their own scooters. They charge $60 to yell at you and then make sure you pass. In the time we were there we saw probably 10 people go through, so they're probably pulling in around two thousand dollars each weekend.

Definitely the WORST instructor I've ever had though. The only things he told me were: if you don't ALWAYS stop with both feet on the ground you'll break your legs, and almost EVERY bike nowadays has a centre stand. Both seem to be wrong.

He didn't actually TEACH me anything. Except to heartily dislike him. :bash:

[joshy28]

I did mt BHS test at the Auckland Motorcycle club http://www.amcc.org.nz/. I used their little 100cc 5 speed and it was awesome. I have had minimal experience on a bike (ie rode a 50cc cruiser a few times and the odd quad bike) and passed no problems. The guy was very helpful and knew what he was doing. Highly recommended! :niceone:

Awesome, that place is way closer...thanks

[Tricia1000]

Who did you go to?
Tricia1000
Hi. I'm new.

I bought (and love) and practiced a bit on my little Kowasaki 250, then went to do the basic cert test. It was utterly, utterly horrible and disastrous.

The would not let me use my own bike. I had to use their scooter. They would not let me wear gloves. They did not teach me anything. The man yelled at me, bullied me, had me in tears, and then told my partner that if she attempted to communicate with me from the roadside in any way he'd fail me on the test. He also told me that only scooters are any good, and that Harleys etc I could shove up my ###.

They didn't ask for any ID, so I could have had my partner take the test for me!

And when I said I wasn't learning anything and would go somewhere else, the guy actually moved the cones closer until I could manage to do the slalom successfully.

My advice: if you possibly can, look around and choose a cert place where they treat you decently instead of telling you off and bullying you. This has nearly put me off riding a bike for life.

[klingon]

Hi. I'm new.

I bought (and love) and practiced a bit on my little Kowasaki 250, then went to do the basic cert test. It was utterly, utterly horrible and disastrous.

The would not let me use my own bike. I had to use their scooter. They would not let me wear gloves. They did not teach me anything. The man yelled at me, bullied me, had me in tears, and then told my partner that if she attempted to communicate with me from the roadside in any way he'd fail me on the test. He also told me that only scooters are any good, and that Harleys etc I could shove up my ###.

They didn't ask for any ID, so I could have had my partner take the test for me!

And when I said I wasn't learning anything and would go somewhere else, the guy actually moved the cones closer until I could manage to do the slalom successfully.

My advice: if you possibly can, look around and choose a cert place where they treat you decently instead of telling you off and bullying you. This has nearly put me off riding a bike for life.

OMG that's terrible! That's the absolute opposite of the experience I had with Lee Rusty here in Auckland. He had the patience of a saint with me, no matter how many times I knocked over the little cones on the slalom!

I really think your experience warrants a complaint... I'm not sure who to though. Send a PM to QkChk. She is a 'proper' instructor and she will tell you what you can do.

That guy really sounds like a disaster and shouldn't be allowwed to treat newbie bikers like that! :mad:

[Tricia1000]

if you are serious about complaining, and to be honest there is a guy in Auckland who operates in a similar manner, complain to Jim Furneaux, Head of the motorcycle division at NZTA (used to be LTNZ) his email is: jim.furneaux@nzta.govt.nz

Tricia1000
OMG that's terrible! That's the absolute opposite of the experience I had with Lee Rusty here in Auckland. He had the patience of a saint with me, no matter how many times I knocked over the little cones on the slalom!

I really think your experience warrants a complaint... I'm not sure who to though. Send a PM to QkChk. She is a 'proper' instructor and she will tell you what you can do.

That guy really sounds like a disaster and shouldn't be allowwed to treat newbie bikers like that! :mad:

[editrix]

Thanks, Tricia. I did email landtransport to ask them whom I should contact with a complaint, but I'll try contacting Jim directly.

A couple of questions for those of you familiar with the basic skills test:

1. The NZTA site says you're supposed to approach the curves at 20 kph, then signal and do the right/left turns. Is that 20 kph enforced? (Where I did it, you came directly out of the cones to the curve, so at no point were you going more than maybe 10 kph at most.)

2. For the cone swerve, were the cones in a straight line, or staggered? I'd expected them to look like this:

X.............X..............X...............X.... ...........X...............X

But instead they were like this:

X.......... .......X.. ...............X.............. .......

.........X......... ........X..... ............X...... ......

Thanks![

[Tricia1000]

I am a basic handling skills provider, in Auckland, and you should approach the curve from a straight piece of ground. On the straight stretches of the course you should try to attain 20 kph, then before you enter the cones you should throttle off a bit, and indicate and enter the cones, then when you exit them you should try to attain 20 kph on the straight part of the course again.So basically the cones should make the course look oval in shape.
as to the cone weave,the cones should not be in a straight line, but offset by 0.5 metre from the centre.

Tricia
www.rcsom.co.nz

Thanks, Tricia. I did email landtransport to ask them whom I should contact with a complaint, but I'll try contacting Jim directly.

A couple of questions for those of you familiar with the basic skills test:

1. The NZTA site says you're supposed to approach the curves at 20 kph, then signal and do the right/left turns. Is that 20 kph enforced? (Where I did it, you came directly out of the cones to the curve, so at no point were you going more than maybe 10 kph at most.)

2. For the cone swerve, were the cones in a straight line, or staggered? I'd expected them to look like this:

X.............X..............X...............X.... ...........X...............X

But instead they were like this:

X.......... .......X.. ...............X.............. .......

.........X......... ........X..... ............X...... ......

Thanks![

[editrix]

Thanks again, Tricia. I really appreciate being able to pick your brain like this!

Where I took the test, the carpark was maybe at most 200 square metres, so going 20 kpm wasn't an option anywhere except on the diagonal, and certainly not entering or exiting the left/right turn part.

I'd never tried practicing the weave on offset cones, so I had real trouble with that one. My partner admitted she didn't think she could do it on her own motorbike (a Dukati) because the wheel base is too long -- is that cone weave pattern specially designed for scooters?

And please tell me I'll never have to do it again! That cone weave was very nearly my downfall.

[Slyer]

Cone weaves are a good one, low speed maneuvering practice helps stop you from dropping your bike!

[Owl]

Greg McQuillan at StayUpright in Ashurst. I totally do NOT recommend them. Sadly, they're the only cert place around so I didn't have much choice, but honestly I'd advise Palmerston North people to go to Wellington or wherever, especially if they're not scooter-riders.

Thanks for the "Head's up"! My Mrs was wanting to go there for rider training once she gets her bike. In fact I encouraged it, but I'll look for other options now. She already has her class 6L thank god!

As for being in tears because of a bully trainer, I think you need to HTFU.:yes: Hell, one of my old skydiving instructor's used to yell and threaten students with a hockey stick if they kept cocking up! Students used to look like this :eek5: before the end of training!

[editrix]

Yes, I know cone weaves are good practice. I will do them. Really! I will! :niceone: (Wellington boots make good substitutes, and happily my workplace has an enormous carpark that is empty on weekends and makes a terrific place to practice.)

But I'm pretty darned sure that this testing guy didn't have them 3.5 metres apart, since there were six cones, and the 18 metre "slow ride" took up the entire length of the carpark.

I'm going to sit the written exam today. Wish me luck! :first:

[editrix]

As for being in tears because of a bully trainer, I think you need to HTFU.

<shrug> I had to sign a waiver that said the instructor would treat us in a polite, respectful manner, and that we must do the same. I wondered at the time WTF that was about, but after about two minutes it wasn't hard to figure out.

Him: So, how much experience have you had riding?

Me: Well, I've ridden up and down the road a few times, and --

Him: I CAN'T TEACH YOU IF YOU WON'T TELL ME WHAT YOU'VE DONE! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, RIDE UP AND DOWN THE ROAD A FEW TIMES?

Me: Um, it means I've ridden up and down the road a few times....

Him: Now, push the scooter forward to get it off the centre stand.

Me: (tries twice and fails) Centre stand? I've never seen one. (gets off scooter and bends down to see how it works)

Him: GET BACK ON THE SCOOTER! I DIDN'T TELL YOU YOU COULD GET OFF IT! DO AS YOU'RE TOLD!

Me: I just wanted to see what--

Him: DO WHAT I TELL YOU TO DO!

This went on for an hour.

Maybe I do need to HTFU, but I also see this as a case of a person in a position of authority abusing his position, since he was also administering a legal test after this so-called training session, and he could -- as he threatened to -- fail me if he chose to even if I carried out all the manoeuvres correctly.

I've been taught to drive cars, boats, planes, etc, and have never run across such a poor instructor in all my life.

[Owl]

Maybe I do need to HTFU, but I also see this as a case of a person in a position of authority abusing his position, since he was also administering a legal test after this so-called training session, and he could -- as he threatened to -- fail me if he chose to even if I carried out all the manoeuvres correctly.

I've been taught to drive cars, boats, planes, etc, and have never run across such a poor instructor in all my life.

Fair enough! It certainly sound like he needs a new career!:yes:

[Slyer]

Maybe he was having a bad day?

[editrix]

Maybe he was having a bad day?

I'm sure not going to go back for another trial to find out! :laugh: Once with him was quite enough.

[prettybillie]

What I'm wondering is whether it's smarter to go ahead and buy a 250 bike, learn on my section (roughly 1/2 an acre with half of that paving, other half grassed) or going for the test and doing a training day with one of the people mentioned here on KB.

Do both the riding around your yard and a training day!

[editrix]

I found it quite awkward going from practising at home on my 250 Kawasaki to doing the test on a scooter, because the brakes etc were in different places. I'd suggest checking to see what kind of bike you'll be doing the test on. If it's similar to the one you're wanting to buy, by all means get it and practice at home. If you'll be buying a motorbike and testing on a scooter, you might want to do the test cold so that you don't keep stomping on a nonexistent brake or putting in the nonexistent clutch during the test.

I passed the written test today and am now the proud owner of an L plate. Tomorrow (if the dang Manawatu winds stop blowing at 8 zillion kph) I get to ride up and down my road for the first time -- legally :cool:

And I'm so glad I found this forum. Y'all are great!

[quickbuck]

Good stuff,
Now, the next big lesson you have is to master the Winds of the MANAWATU....
Yep, they don't let up, and if they get to you there won't be a good days riding this side of Christmas.... Oh wait....
I mean, you won't get out much.

It is a confidence thing, and understanding how your bike turns and handles that allow you to attach the winds.
I know it is very spooky when it just seams to push you to the other side of the road, and that knocks your confidence.... But keep asking questions and reading on here, and you will pick up some great tips.

Remember the only stupid question was the one that wasn't asked.

[editrix]

Thanks. I WILL learn to ride, and yes in the #%#$ Manawatu winds, too! Perhaps not while it's hosing down rain, though....danged Xmas weather!

I really love my little Kawasaki. I can't wait until I can commute to work on it. :woohoo:

[Tricia1000]

As long as you don't let your licence lapse, then you won't need to do it again. Basically though it just comes down to technique, and it is a very useful manoeuvre to master.
You can pick my brains any time. I don't mind. Education is good, and negative learning experiences that you have had, make learning difficult.
My BHS course, takes 2hours and 15 minutes, and I make sure that my students are encouraged as much as possible.

Congratulations on your L plate by the way.
tricia
www.rcsom.co.nz
Thanks again, Tricia. I really appreciate being able to pick your brain like this!

Where I took the test, the carpark was maybe at most 200 square metres, so going 20 kpm wasn't an option anywhere except on the diagonal, and certainly not entering or exiting the left/right turn part.

I'd never tried practicing the weave on offset cones, so I had real trouble with that one. My partner admitted she didn't think she could do it on her own motorbike (a Dukati) because the wheel base is too long -- is that cone weave pattern specially designed for scooters?

And please tell me I'll never have to do it again! That cone weave was very nearly my downfall.

[editrix]

Tricia, since you've kindly (and foolishly :innocent:) given me carte blanche to pick your brains -- could you tell me what kind of real-life road situations the cone weave, slow ride, etc are meant to mimic?

And could you give me technique tips for what you do if you're blatting down the road at the hoon-speed of 70 kph and you suddenly see a pothole or bit of wood on the road? How do you swerve around an object at the last moment while going fast (well, fast to me) without going into the ditch?

With an L plate, I can't go above 70, but all the roads around me have a speed limit of 100. Other than my L plate, is there anything I can do to let car drivers know that I am NOT going to go faster just to make them happy, so they'll have to pass me? Should I ride way over on the left hand side?

Finally, why does every single person in the North Island decide to take their car/tractor/bike/ute/lorry out for a drive on the afternoon that I decide to practice my bike skills on a quiet country road? :angry: Cripes, I've never seen so much traffic on that road in my life!

[BiK3RChiK]

Hi. I'm new.

I bought (and love) and practiced a bit on my little Kowasaki 250, then went to do the basic cert test. It was utterly, utterly horrible and disastrous.

The would not let me use my own bike. I had to use their scooter. They would not let me wear gloves. They did not teach me anything. The man yelled at me, bullied me, had me in tears, and then told my partner that if she attempted to communicate with me from the roadside in any way he'd fail me on the test. He also told me that only scooters are any good, and that Harleys etc I could shove up my ###.

They didn't ask for any ID, so I could have had my partner take the test for me!

And when I said I wasn't learning anything and would go somewhere else, the guy actually moved the cones closer until I could manage to do the slalom successfully.

My advice: if you possibly can, look around and choose a cert place where they treat you decently instead of telling you off and bullying you. This has nearly put me off riding a bike for life.

Flamin' heck! I wouldn't stand for this kind of shit!! Report the tosser. He deserves to lose his instructing licence, IMO:2guns: Don't ever take that kind of abuse sitting down!

[Owl]

Don't ever take that kind of abuse sitting down!

Easy tiger! I don't think he had a choice, as he'd get abused for getting off the bike without permission.:rofl:

[editrix]

Easy tiger! I don't think he had a choice, as he'd get abused for getting off the bike without permission.:rofl:

:laugh: Good one!

[klingon]

These are all very good questions, editrix. I suggest two things to help you to continue to learn:
1) Stick around here, read lots of posts and ask lots of questions (as you've been doing)
2) Go on the next RRRS course. That stands for "Ride right, ride safe." It's a bunch of experienced riders who take you for a whole day of training in exactly the techniques you have asked about - and it only costs $50 for the day. Fantastic value! The Stranger will be along shortly to tell you when the next one is being held.


Tricia, since you've kindly (and foolishly :innocent:) given me carte blanche to pick your brains -- could you tell me what kind of real-life road situations the cone weave, slow ride, etc are meant to mimic?

Actually you will find you use the slow-speed stuff all the time when you are in traffic, when you're parking or when you're weaving amongst pedestrians leaving a concert because you parked right outside the gate :devil2:

Slow speed riding is a very useful skill, and one people seem reluctant to practise for themselves. Everyone wants to ride fast! So by testing this skill, they are making sure you have complete control of your bike.


And could you give me technique tips for what you do if you're blatting down the road at the hoon-speed of 70 kph and you suddenly see a pothole or bit of wood on the road? How do you swerve around an object at the last moment while going fast (well, fast to me) without going into the ditch?

The technique is called counter-steering. I won't explain it here because there are some good threads about it already. Look it up on here, or even google it to see advice and diagrams. It is an excellent technique to practise and one they teach on the RRRS course.


With an L plate, I can't go above 70, but all the roads around me have a speed limit of 100. Other than my L plate, is there anything I can do to let car drivers know that I am NOT going to go faster just to make them happy, so they'll have to pass me? Should I ride way over on the left hand side?

Do not ride way over the left hand side. Maintain your place on the road, and do it with confidence! And as soon as you feel comfortable to do so, ignore the 70kph rule. You will be much safer going the same speed as the rest of the traffic.


Finally, why does every single person in the North Island decide to take their car/tractor/bike/ute/lorry out for a drive on the afternoon that I decide to practice my bike skills on a quiet country road? :angry: Cripes, I've never seen so much traffic on that road in my life!

Yay for summer holidays! Is there a large car park anywhere near you where you can practise? University campuses are excellent for this (Unitec is great) or the parking lots for large office blocks when everyone is on holiday (there are some good ones around the Albany area).

Good luck! :)

[klingon]

Ooops sorry, just noticed your location. :confused: That means that neither my suggested off-road riding areas or the RRRS course is relevant to you. I will leave them there though, in case they are useful for some newbie Aucklanders.

I'm sure someone local can advise you where to practise, and if you have a local mentor who will be able to give you some counter-steering tips.

Crikey I'm not normally that Auckland-centric. I must be slipping. :pinch:

[Tricia1000]

Tricia, since you've kindly (and foolishly :innocent:) given me carte blanche to pick your brains -- could you tell me what kind of real-life road situations the cone weave, slow ride, etc are meant to mimic?

(The slow ride mimics riding in slow traffic, to avoid you having to keep stopping and putting your foot down, after a while this becomes tiring. Also being able to judge your arrival at an intersection or roundabout, so that the gap is there at the same time, makes for smoother riding. When I used to commute to auckland city on my bike, I could ride the entire way, through about 16 sets of lights, motorway, 50 k zones, and not put my foot down once!)

And could you give me technique tips for what you do if you're blatting down the road at the hoon-speed of 70 kph and you suddenly see a pothole or bit of wood on the road?

(You should have seen it from way back, if you were using good scanning techniques.How do you swerve around an object at the last moment while going fast (well, fast to me) without going into the ditch? As said before you should have seen it from way back, however if you haven't don't look at it, cos the bike goes exactly where you look, or you can countersteer your way around it with a quick push pull on the handlebar. This is something that you should have practised first though. An excellent technique to have in your repertoire.)

With an L plate, I can't go above 70, but all the roads around me have a speed limit of 100. Other than my L plate, is there anything I can do to let car drivers know that I am NOT going to go faster just to make them happy, so they'll have to pass me? Should I ride way over on the left hand side?


(Riding over on the left side, is defenitely not the best place to be, cos they will squeeze by you, and then you don't have any safety bubble room left.Maintain a command positiion on the road, so that you have room in front, behind, to the left and to the right
When you do your restricted test you will be expected to ride on a piece of road at 100k.)

Finally, why does every single person in the North Island decide to take their car/tractor/bike/ute/lorry out for a drive on the afternoon that I decide to practice my bike skills on a quiet country road? :angry: Cripes, I've never seen so much traffic on that road in my life!

(Always the way.)