Basic skills recommendation in Christchurch?

[JudaBaker]

Would definitely recommend mainland and the full hour test. Went through them earlier in the year..

Good instructor, took me through all the steps of the test which I probably would have failed with only 15 minutes being quite uncomfortable on the gn250 they provided for the first 20 or so mins. Plus he offered good advice on safety gear and further training, extra time and money well spent. Go for the hour long session it is well worth your money and you are guaranteed to pass (assuming you aren't completely useless).

[Gibbo89]

Would definitely recommend mainland and the full hour test. Went through them earlier in the year..

Good instructor, took me through all the steps of the test which I probably would have failed with only 15 minutes being quite uncomfortable on the gn250 they provided for the first 20 or so mins. Plus he offered good advice on safety gear and further training, extra time and money well spent. Go for the hour long session it is well worth your money and you are guaranteed to pass (assuming you aren't completely useless).

cheers, yeah i changed to the hour long one. nah, not too useless. stalled my zeal once so far, thought i was in 1st when taking off. guess not though... you'd recommend using their gn compared to my bike?

[JudaBaker]

you'd recommend using their gn compared to my bike?

I don't think you have a choice but to use the gn, not sure.. But turning up on a bike without a licence wouldn't be a very good start anyway.

Parking up around the corner would be a good idea.

[Gibbo89]

I don't think you have a choice but to use the gn, not sure.. But turning up on a bike without a licence wouldn't be a very good start anyway.

Parking up around the corner would be a good idea.

yeah, i see what you mean.

i meant more that i could get someone to drive my bike down for me, and i could do my lesson on that. but if the general consensus is that their bikes are the best for the 1 hour lesson and test then il just drive a car down and hop on one of their bikes.

[Gibbo89]

I don't think you have a choice but to use the gn, not sure.. But turning up on a bike without a licence wouldn't be a very good start anyway.

Parking up around the corner would be a good idea.

ahh, maybe i misread ur reply. yeah possibly i can only use the gn, not supply my own bike.

[Gibbo89]

I don't think you have a choice but to use the gn, not sure.. But turning up on a bike without a licence wouldn't be a very good start anyway.

Parking up around the corner would be a good idea.

ahh, maybe i misread ur reply. yeah possibly i can only use the gn, not supply my own bike.

[JudaBaker]

It doesn't matter what bike you are on you just have to be able to do really basic manoeuvres and not be a danger to yourself and others. Halfway through the training you will be comfortable with the bike and by the time the test starts there will be no worries at all.

There's nothing to worry about at all they want you to pass you just gotta listen and there will be no problems, it's really really easy just pay attention to the advice you get and evrything will be all good.

[JMemonic]

For future reference Dan one of the trainers from Mainland left a while ago and has set up on his own, he took my wife through her basic and additional training, we both felt he gave he good skills which started her off well.

http://www.motorcycletraining.co.nz/

[Gibbo89]

For future reference Dan one of the trainers from Mainland left a while ago and has set up on his own, he took my wife through her basic and additional training, we both felt he gave he good skills which started her off well.

http://www.motorcycletraining.co.nz/

ahh cool, maybe i could try him for my restricted or other courses. i only was given 3 contact that do learners tests in chch, but wasnt given his number.

[cromagnon]

For future reference Dan one of the trainers from Mainland left a while ago and has set up on his own, he took my wife through her basic and additional training, we both felt he gave he good skills which started her off well.

http://www.motorcycletraining.co.nz/

Yea I went through mainland with Dan and he was good. I have no idea what the other instructors are like. I would recommend going through Dan.

[Gibbo89]

went in and sat my basic handling this morning (didn't realise it was in a warehouse). found the whole test VERY basic, did the lesson too and got a few good tips from my instructor. now i have to sit down and learn the theory stuff all over again... cant wait.

[orsem]

Well done!
I found mainland great, quite daunting riding in such a small warehouse. I actually felt sorry for the instructor when he asked how much experience I had with motorbikes............I had never ridden a two wheel motorbike and had only limited experience on a quad chasing cows on the farm(which counts for nothing when it comes to two wheels). I signed up for the absolute beginner package, which was a couple of hours training, then the test and I have another 3 hours training to do next month.
(I was quietly pleased balance from years of riding horses, and track/road cycling actually paid off for once)
I suprised myself and passed the test, then the theory, and have my learners. Now looking forward to the day my bike arrives, so I can get a bit of practice in before my next training session.

[Gibbo89]

Well done!
I found mainland great, quite daunting riding in such a small warehouse. I actually felt sorry for the instructor when he asked how much experience I had with motorbikes............I had never ridden a two wheel motorbike and had only limited experience on a quad chasing cows on the farm(which counts for nothing when it comes to two wheels). I signed up for the absolute beginner package, which was a couple of hours training, then the test and I have another 3 hours training to do next month.
(I was quietly pleased balance from years of riding horses, and track/road cycling actually paid off for once)
I suprised myself and passed the test, then the theory, and have my learners. Now looking forward to the day my bike arrives, so I can get a bit of practice in before my next training session.

ahh cool, sounds like your learning is coming along well. i take it that the 2010 intruder is the bike your awaiting, whens your bike due? u must be pretty excited about it?!

[orsem]

Very excited about the Intruder, it is supposed to arrive in a shipment tomorrow, and should be ready for me by the end of the month

[Redmoggy]

I got bogged down with other things. Thanks every one for your recommendations and thoughts.
We got a little 50cc scooter for the missus to try. Help her concentrate on balance,corners,braking etc before she has to worry about clutches and gears. To date she is doing great and i hope to be looking at proper training in the new year.

All the best

Rod