Is post lockdown a good time to do CBT / bike test?
Discussion
Aaron702 said:
FYI waiting times are a problem at the moment. Pre-lockdown test backlog combined with a whole new wave of wannabe bikers means you could be waiting months for MOD1/2. I rang up my local school this morning and was told a 1-2 month wait.
This.My CBT actually ran out during lockdown, so I have to go back to square one.
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Well I've finally got my theory test this coming Friday having had it cancelled three times during lockdown. I did my CBT back in Feb and was planning to have all my tests done by April. Thanks Covid!
Good luck, it's just the hazard perception that can be a bit tricky. 
Thank you for the replies folks.
This is exactly what I don't want to do. The thought of a small engine 50/125cc bike with skinny tyres scares the crap out of me... No power to get yourself out of trouble, and not enough power to stop getting into trouble.
I'm going to contact the local bike schools this week to see what they can offer. I don't own my own protective gear and I don't fancy splashing out £££ to then decide that riding a motorbike isn't for me.
I'll update this thread once I have a CBT booked in
Wish me luck
This is exactly what I don't want to do. The thought of a small engine 50/125cc bike with skinny tyres scares the crap out of me... No power to get yourself out of trouble, and not enough power to stop getting into trouble.
I'm going to contact the local bike schools this week to see what they can offer. I don't own my own protective gear and I don't fancy splashing out £££ to then decide that riding a motorbike isn't for me.
I'll update this thread once I have a CBT booked in
Wish me luck
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Well I've finally got my theory test this coming Friday having had it cancelled three times during lockdown. I did my CBT back in Feb and was planning to have all my tests done by April. Thanks Covid!
I bought a YBR125 in the meantime for practice as really I wanted to master the slow speed stuff which I have now. I've found the 125 is great around town, speeds up to 30 odd no issues keeping up with traffic, etc. What I haven't enjoyed is being out on a NSL A road. I'm 6ft and 14 stone so not a small chap but the combination of the 125s weight and physical size (lack of road presence) as well as the performance makes me feel pretty venerable (also L plates seem to be like a target to some motorists with dodgy overtakes, etc). Monday I was out for a ride and an Ocado van was right up behind me at 60mph with me wringing the neck out of the little bike. Not fun! I'm looking forward to riding my bigger 600 once I get my mod 1/2 out of the way that's for sure! There's a few YouTube vids of some riding 125s on motorways. Total nutters IMO
I bought a YBR125 in the meantime for practice as really I wanted to master the slow speed stuff which I have now. I've found the 125 is great around town, speeds up to 30 odd no issues keeping up with traffic, etc. What I haven't enjoyed is being out on a NSL A road. I'm 6ft and 14 stone so not a small chap but the combination of the 125s weight and physical size (lack of road presence) as well as the performance makes me feel pretty venerable (also L plates seem to be like a target to some motorists with dodgy overtakes, etc). Monday I was out for a ride and an Ocado van was right up behind me at 60mph with me wringing the neck out of the little bike. Not fun! I'm looking forward to riding my bigger 600 once I get my mod 1/2 out of the way that's for sure! There's a few YouTube vids of some riding 125s on motorways. Total nutters IMO
Krikkit said:
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Well I've finally got my theory test this coming Friday having had it cancelled three times during lockdown. I did my CBT back in Feb and was planning to have all my tests done by April. Thanks Covid!
Good luck, it's just the hazard perception that can be a bit tricky. Pig benis said:
Thank you for the replies folks.
This is exactly what I don't want to do. The thought of a small engine 50/125cc bike with skinny tyres scares the crap out of me... No power to get yourself out of trouble, and not enough power to stop getting into trouble.
I'm going to contact the local bike schools this week to see what they can offer. I don't own my own protective gear and I don't fancy splashing out £££ to then decide that riding a motorbike isn't for me.
I'll update this thread once I have a CBT booked in
Wish me luck
I actually pulled off the road in the end and let the traffic go by, it was that unpleasant! At least I should get most of my money back when I sell the 125 and it has given me much more confidence for my tests.This is exactly what I don't want to do. The thought of a small engine 50/125cc bike with skinny tyres scares the crap out of me... No power to get yourself out of trouble, and not enough power to stop getting into trouble.
I'm going to contact the local bike schools this week to see what they can offer. I don't own my own protective gear and I don't fancy splashing out £££ to then decide that riding a motorbike isn't for me.
I'll update this thread once I have a CBT booked in
Wish me luck
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Well I've finally got my theory test this coming Friday having had it cancelled three times during lockdown. I did my CBT back in Feb and was planning to have all my tests done by April. Thanks Covid!
I bought a YBR125 in the meantime for practice as really I wanted to master the slow speed stuff which I have now. I've found the 125 is great around town, speeds up to 30 odd no issues keeping up with traffic, etc. What I haven't enjoyed is being out on a NSL A road. I'm 6ft and 14 stone so not a small chap but the combination of the 125s weight and physical size (lack of road presence) as well as the performance makes me feel pretty venerable (also L plates seem to be like a target to some motorists with dodgy overtakes, etc). Monday I was out for a ride and an Ocado van was right up behind me at 60mph with me wringing the neck out of the little bike. Not fun! I'm looking forward to riding my bigger 600 once I get my mod 1/2 out of the way that's for sure! There's a few YouTube vids of some riding 125s on motorways. Total nutters IMO
I bought a YBR125 in the meantime for practice as really I wanted to master the slow speed stuff which I have now. I've found the 125 is great around town, speeds up to 30 odd no issues keeping up with traffic, etc. What I haven't enjoyed is being out on a NSL A road. I'm 6ft and 14 stone so not a small chap but the combination of the 125s weight and physical size (lack of road presence) as well as the performance makes me feel pretty venerable (also L plates seem to be like a target to some motorists with dodgy overtakes, etc). Monday I was out for a ride and an Ocado van was right up behind me at 60mph with me wringing the neck out of the little bike. Not fun! I'm looking forward to riding my bigger 600 once I get my mod 1/2 out of the way that's for sure! There's a few YouTube vids of some riding 125s on motorways. Total nutters IMO
I quite like my 125 but have the same issues, being able to keep up with traffic without having to thrash it and adopt a tuck on nsl roads would make things easier. I've had it before on b roads where I have been overtaken when going through the gears only to be waiting for them to dawdle through the simplest of bends, the L plate does encourage the wrong behaviour from drivers.
Theory test is booked for September as that was the earliest date, most schools near me don't have mod 1/2 dates until October at the earliest and if a second wave hits then that could be pushed out even further.
I do enjoy getting out for a ride a lot, something with a bit more power to make certain situations more comfortable will make the experience even better. If I can get through the test in the latter part of the year I'll probably hang on to the 125 until spring next year then look for something bigger, at the moment an er6f seems to tick most of the boxes and with the extra power should allow me to do the local IAMs and bikesafe.
Theory test is booked for September as that was the earliest date, most schools near me don't have mod 1/2 dates until October at the earliest and if a second wave hits then that could be pushed out even further.
I do enjoy getting out for a ride a lot, something with a bit more power to make certain situations more comfortable will make the experience even better. If I can get through the test in the latter part of the year I'll probably hang on to the 125 until spring next year then look for something bigger, at the moment an er6f seems to tick most of the boxes and with the extra power should allow me to do the local IAMs and bikesafe.
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
I actually pulled off the road in the end and let the traffic go by, it was that unpleasant! At least I should get most of my money back when I sell the 125 and it has given me much more confidence for my tests.
Very sensible. Did you buy your 125 brand new?I popped into my local BMW bike dealership the other day and was surprised at how affordable even the craziest, fastest bikes are. I came away and haven't stopped thinking about the BMW R nineT scrambler
Best of luck for your bike test, let me know how you get on
PB
Things seem to be moving up here in Scotland now - finally got my Mod 1 booked for 4th August. I spoke to a few schools in Carlisle last week who had no Mod 1s available but could’ve offered me a Mod 2 the same week so guess it varies around the country.
I didn’t go the 125 route so have been keeping a lesson going every fortnight throughout lockdown - has been expensive but worth it I feel.
Can’t wait to get out on my street triple
I didn’t go the 125 route so have been keeping a lesson going every fortnight throughout lockdown - has been expensive but worth it I feel.
Can’t wait to get out on my street triple
Pig benis said:
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
I actually pulled off the road in the end and let the traffic go by, it was that unpleasant! At least I should get most of my money back when I sell the 125 and it has given me much more confidence for my tests.
Very sensible. Did you buy your 125 brand new?I popped into my local BMW bike dealership the other day and was surprised at how affordable even the craziest, fastest bikes are. I came away and haven't stopped thinking about the BMW R nineT scrambler
Best of luck for your bike test, let me know how you get on
PB
I've got this sitting in the garage, spent the last year restoring it (should have done a thread!). It's nearly finished now. Had to replace the engine amongst other things, it's a bit of a Trigger's broom scenario. Is there anything better than a classic 90s sports bike?
I've had a full license for over 2 years and commute 12k a year into London from Surrey on a 750cc.
Is it weird that ever since I saw this online I literally cannot wait to buy one?? Really want this as a second bike.
I don't think I'm doing this right... In conclusion all 125cc's are awful and there must be something wrong with me.
Is it weird that ever since I saw this online I literally cannot wait to buy one?? Really want this as a second bike.
I don't think I'm doing this right... In conclusion all 125cc's are awful and there must be something wrong with me.
arcticGT said:
Well done!
Failed my Mod1 today too slow on hazard avoidance (46 both times) - pissed down all morning
..... back to the waiting game
Thanks. Tbh the hazard avoidance was probably the most difficult bit. I remember briefly glancing down when coming out of the corner seeing the speed and thinking that a handful of throttle was needed. Went through at exactly 50 kph. You'll defo nail it next time Failed my Mod1 today too slow on hazard avoidance (46 both times) - pissed down all morning
..... back to the waiting game
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
arcticGT said:
Well done!
Failed my Mod1 today too slow on hazard avoidance (46 both times) - pissed down all morning
..... back to the waiting game
Thanks. Tbh the hazard avoidance was probably the most difficult bit. I remember briefly glancing down when coming out of the corner seeing the speed and thinking that a handful of throttle was needed. Went through at exactly 50 kph. You'll defo nail it next time Failed my Mod1 today too slow on hazard avoidance (46 both times) - pissed down all morning
..... back to the waiting game
Bumblebee7 said:
There's no penalty for going through it too quickly, the surface at testing center's is very good and grippy. Just keep it pinned from the moment you start exiting the corner and trust that the tyres will do their job.
When I did my mod1 there was the psychological barrier created by the pile of smashed up fairing to the side of the track.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff