Two finger shifting and braking- DAS Mod 1 & 2

[Bumblebee7]

Hello,
I'm booked in for my Mod 1 & 2 in early October and keen to hear thoughts on using two fingers or the whole hand for pulling in the clutch/front brake?

I've been riding a geared 125 for about 10 months now and naturally found myself drawn to this method. Clutch is fully in and brakes at full tension long before they hit my ring finger/pinkie. Had a bit of a read online and it seems I'm certainly not the only one that does this and many even fit shorty shifters for this.

Does anyone have an opinion or better still specific knowledge on whether I am able to use this method without being penalised in my practical exam?

I didn't think anything of it until I went in for an assessment of my riding in preparation for my DAS training and I was pulled up on it as a 'bad habit' I'd gotten into.

Thanks!

[Bumblebee7]

Pothole said:

Alternatively, if you've found this simple concept taxing and burdensome enough to ask some randoms on the internet who will happily give you opinions based on bugger all, please stop trying to learn to ride a bike and go far, far away.

Thank you for the very useful feedback. I thought I'd try and ask a motoring forum a question relating to motoring instead of relying solely on the opinion of one instructor. If I had listened to the advice of my driving instructor 10 years ago I would be using the colour of people's skin as a deciding factor in whether or not they have right of way when on the road.

Thanks everyone for the genuinely useful replies. It seems most have been told to use all four for the test but have reverted to whatever feels most comfortable once they have passed. I shall do the same

[Bumblebee7]

For anyone interested just thought I would mention that in anticipation of doing the DAS I converted back to four fingers on both clutch and brake. Although I could get full power on the brake with two fingers, I noticed I could apply that force far more quickly with all four. This proved invaluable for the emergency stop exercise. Although I was subsequently told by another instructor that the examiner wouldn't really care if I was only two finger clutching. I will probably return to two finger clutching now, but will most likely continue using all four on the brake as I've seen how much more effective it is.

And on that note I'm pleased to report that my gamble of doing Mod1 and 2 on the same day paid off and I passed my full motorbike test today first time!

[Bumblebee7]

WarnieV6GT said:

What a feeling! have you got your bike yet?

I've currently got my Honda CB125F that I've been using since I did my CBT. Now I'm looking at an SV650, but also weirdly attracted to some adventure bikes... I will use it 99% for commuting. My wife is very much against bikes so I can't see myself getting much use out of it on weekends but I will be doing 40+ miles a day for commuting and business mileage whilst at work.