Embarrassing: Failing Basic Handling Skills!

**KateZed** · 14th February 2011, 16:04

Hi Ladies!

I have been riding for about 3 months and went to sit my BHS and FAILED!!

I cant believe it but couldnt get my bike around the cones for the weave, and only could do the U turn sweeping the right way. (Plus i'm a little pissed at myself for wasting $70!!)

Maybe a mind set thing?

I ride a GSX and am fairly competent on the road. The guy reckoned that my bike was too big??

Has anyone else experienced this and any tips for getting through it? The feedback I was getting from everyone prior was it would be a piece of piss and that I couldnt fail!

He had a little GN125, has anyone had to sit this test twice and do you reckon it would be easier on his bike?

Thanks heaps!!
Kate

**EJK** · 14th February 2011, 16:06

First of all, sorry to hear bad luck

Second, sure. The 125 would be easier than a near-full-sized GSX250.

Atleast you didn't crash during the test

You know, the FULL THROTTLE of PANIC OF DEATH straight to the wall.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 14th February 2011, 16:06

Unless you're a real midget, the GSX should be fine.

Practice, practice and practice some more! You'll get there.

**Gone Burger** · 14th February 2011, 16:26

Better luck next time miss! You're bike should be just fine, nothing a little practise won't fix I'm sure.

Actually, my instructor should have failed me when I did mine. I think I ran over every cone on the entire course every time as I had never ever been on a bike and he had not shown me how to change gears. So I wasn't giving a hoot about the cones, I needed to get in the right gear without falling off. I had a laugh when he said I passed!!! I wasn't going to argue, that's for sure.

**The Everlasting** · 14th February 2011, 16:29

Sorry to hear you failed,but as previously stated,just practice the things you did on the BHS,and when you think you have got it,go back and try again!

I'm sure you will pass then,also it's important to take your time,and don't rush it.

**Jantar** · 14th February 2011, 16:29

Wait untill the 250 cc limit is removed from learners and watch how many fail the BHS test. There are heaps of bikes that are just physically too big to weave through the cones. In many cases it isn't even possible to try and walk the bike through, but this is what happens when the test is designed for a particular bike. Next time do it on a GN125 and you'll have no trouble.

**kilgh** · 14th February 2011, 16:29

You are definately not the only one to fail the test. The day I did mine there was a list of that week's students and there was a big FAIL through one of the five. Just gonna have to practice where you went wrong until it's automatic and take the test again.

I took three goes at my car licence. Was a very nervous 15yr old. Was too wound up to concentrate properly. Could drive alright but I don't test well. Toughed it out and finally got there. All my friends got there first time, so not good for the ego.

Confidence can be everything.

**steve_t** · 14th February 2011, 16:31

The 125 will probably be easier for you. You have to make sure you don't look at the cones or you're more likely to hit them.
Slow speed manoeuvres are actually generally harder than pootling around - look at how many people drop their bikes in car parks, in their driveways, at petrol stations etc. For the u-turns, make sure you squeeze the tank with your knees. Not sure why it works but it helps.

As Crasher said, practice, practice, practice. Good luck for next time

**JimO** · 14th February 2011, 16:32

when my boys did theirs on a NZ250 suzuki the instructor told them they didnt have to stay close to the cones, they could make the turns wide if you know what i mean, also practice riding slow using the clutch and throttle to balance the bike, go to a empty carpark put some cones or something to mark where the cones will be and practice

**Maha** · 14th February 2011, 16:37

You're riding a bike without a license?

**Hawkeye** · 14th February 2011, 16:41

Originally Posted by Maha

You're riding a bike without a license?

+1.

That's first thing that came into my head. Been riding for 3 months and fails the BHS.

Please tell me the 3 months HASN'T been on the road!

Just re-read the original post and realize YOU HAVE been riding on the road.

Tauranga - not Wellington! Phew!

**rapid van cleef** · 14th February 2011, 16:47

ok firstly, dont people have to pass the BHS before they can go on the road? otherwise whats the point. maybe i've missed somthing.

also, slow speed control(cones and u turns, mini roundabouts in the rain etc) is done with throttle and clutch constant as in reach biting point, get the engine revving harder than you think it should. many people dont rev the engine hard enough for slow manouveres........ and speed controlled by rear brake

just keep practicing but not on open roads until you have a license

everyone in the uk has to do theirs on a 125, lotsa cones etc for a couple of hours. then onto the road for half a day.the day i did mine in the uk a guy got sent home after prooving he was ok in the yard cos he could control a bike, but went round a roundabout the wrong way!

just cos you can stop n start n change gears doesnt make you safe on the road...not by along way

you shouldnt be let onto the roads unless you can proove that you can control a bike with basic skill. it took me longer than most to get to grips with it, but just keep doing it.

**steve_t** · 14th February 2011, 16:53

Originally Posted by rapid van cleef

ok firstly, dont people have to pass the BHS before they can go on the road?

You're supposed to do the BHS test AND scratch-and-win before you hit the road

**phill-k** · 14th February 2011, 17:03

Originally Posted by KateZed

Hi Ladies!

I have been riding for about 3 months and went to sit my BHS and FAILED!!

I cant believe it but couldnt get my bike around the cones for the weave, and only could do the U turn sweeping the right way. (Plus i'm a little pissed at myself for wasting $70!!)

Maybe a mind set thing?

I ride a GSX and am fairly competent on the road. The guy reckoned that my bike was too big??

Has anyone else experienced this and any tips for getting through it? The feedback I was getting from everyone prior was it would be a piece of piss and that I couldnt fail!

He had a little GN125, has anyone had to sit this test twice and do you reckon it would be easier on his bike?

Thanks heaps!!
Kate

Bad luck kate

do it on the GN125 and ignore the posters who go on about being on the road, ya have to do it sometime and I'm sure none of those posters exceed the speed limit etc, just remember when you're out there there is no steel between you and the tar.
Enjoy.

**Maha** · 14th February 2011, 17:13

Originally Posted by phill-k

Bad luck kate

do it on the GN125 and ignore the posters who go on about being on the road, ya have to do it sometime and I'm sure none of those poster exceed the speed limit etc, just remember when you're out there there is no steel between you and the tar.
Enjoy.

Fuck off, she has NO license, what sort of advice is that give?
A certified riding instructor clearly beleives she is not ready for the road.