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!
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

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 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.