Aww dammit!

stevew_zzr · Post by **stevew_zzr** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:31 am

Went to do the advanced rider training course (which isn't that advanced) in South Australia today to get my R-Date license.

I didn't pass! Hell I didn't even get close !!!

To all those who are about to do the test (and if you ride a sportsbike, aka a ZX-2R or a ZZR250 or even GPX/GPZ etc) then DO NOT attempt the test with *your* bike. At the start of the day, get ya bum on one of the shit-tastic bikes they have on offer (the CB250 gives ya nuts a nice tingle cause it's a total buzz-box) and get used to it over the day, and then do the test on that bike.

chameleon · Post by **chameleon** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:44 am

what aspects of riding did they test? And what did ya fail.

stevew_zzr · Post by **stevew_zzr** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:12 pm

Basically all low-speed (5km/h or less) manouvres. Problem is they are all done in a set square size, or set radius - which the ZZR couldn't turn around in!

So I failed to do the figure of eight, the s-curve and the weave (i nearly managed the weave, effed it at the last moment).

You could probably pass the test if you are really really good (you could never *ace* the test though, it's simple not possible), but it is really not easy on a bike that weighs about 40-50kgs more than what they 'prescribe' and has a much larger turning circle.

Only real complaint I have that they should have said at the start of the day that there's no way i'd be able to pass the test on the bike and i should get on the p.o.s. bikes and get used to them and do the test on them.

stevew_zzr · Post by **stevew_zzr** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:16 pm

Admittedly, i did make a few mistakes, i was riding pretty crap.

With the points system they have, you can't make any mistakes really - because there are certain tests that you will simply not be able to do properly, so you have to be prepared to lose points in those tests, and if you make any *other* mistakes then you're stuffed.

aardvark · Post by **aardvark** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:48 pm

Bugger mate. At least you'll know better for next time.

Barrabob · Post by **Barrabob** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:57 pm

Sounds like you need practice the figure eight is all about throttle control back brake and keeping your head up, if you look at the ground thats where you will end up.

Do they do it in a shopping center carpark if your nice to the instructor he might let you practice and even give you some tips.

varden · Post by **varden** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:02 pm

sports bikes are pretty crap at low speed stuff

Barrabob · Post by **Barrabob** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:04 pm

Dunno a zzr250 would have to be easier than a harley road king.

I did my Qride on a hornet 400 with one lesson which wasnt too bad after being off bikes for 15 or so years.

have to drag a bit of brake while keeping the throttle on a little and dont look at the cones keep your head up and level so you have balance.

stevew_zzr · Post by **stevew_zzr** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:48 pm

Yeah i'm not saying that i don't know how to pass the test - simple fact of the matter is i made a few mistakes when i couldn't afford to make any

All i'm saying is this is a warning to others who are going for their license! It'll be a waste of money if you try and do it on your bike (if it's unsuitable), so hop on one of their bikes, get used to it during the morning, then pass the test flying colours!

chameleon · Post by **chameleon** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:05 pm

Just out of curiosity... Aside from being able to negotiate your way through a packed carpark or to slink easily up to the front at a set of traffic lights, what practical value do these slow speed skills have?

aardvark · Post by **aardvark** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:15 pm

chameleon wrote:what practical value do these slow speed skills have?

You would be suprised how much slow speed skill translates into high speed skill. You can learn a lot about throttle control from doing tight u-turns.

Barrabob · Post by **Barrabob** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:24 pm

Actually the way the instructer taught me it also taught you too have a good look before you change direction like aproach cone keep contant throtle apply brake swivel head at 90degree angle and look at where you want to go not the cone keep head up and the bike just goes around.

Then trundle along at walking pace to next cone and repeat process forget how far they where aprart but not very far.

stevie zzr i get where your coming from use there bike not yours because it has a better tuning circle...or if ya can borrow a mates trials bike it would be even better.

stevew_zzr · Post by **stevew_zzr** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:56 pm

Jase -> What's throttle control ??? Never heard of it!

I think the point of the low speed skills is that you learn at least a little bit about balancing with the bike, and also the operation of all the controls on the bike and how to use them together.

Having said that, it might not help you much when doing power-slides out of corners - which i may or may not have proceeded to do on some dirt roads after the test ...

Lainie · Post by **Lainie** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:11 pm

http://www.ridetek.com.au/defensive.htm

Is that the kinda thing ya had to do Steve?

kellz · Post by **kellz** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:56 pm

ohwell
u can always do it again

i effed teh uturn up in my p's test but i still passed, got to love nsw