Airwolf's Bike Test Report!

[airwolf]

As I said I would.........

Bike Cat A test PASSED!!!

Went to Chichester today for a Lesson followed by my test at 3pm. Been Training with a guy in Alton 'Dave' at safe n sure as it was local, but was unable to get a test date until the 18th December, so I checked online and saw there was a test going at Chichester so I booked it.

I called Frisby Training, and a guy named 'Boots' was excellent. He is a task master and made me work hard to get it spot on and after many deep breaths of frustration, it came to test time!

So there I was, nervous... pacing the student room! Went out for a 15 minuite ride before the test which worked wonders for my nerves!

I had a lady examiner who was so nice. She followed me in a car. The roads were wet and slippery and there was the odd rain shower about. Schools were out, busses, cars, Mum's!!!! you name it, it was out there!

It all went very well indeed, and she kept me relaxed, Bless!

Got back..... only one minor fault on the form for un due hesitation! needless to say I might have been riding to the conditions, but I was just pleased to have done well and passed, that is the main thing.

Now my learning really begins, and I'm just not going to be able to plod around on my honda 125 any longer!

My instructor said....... Just get the bike you want and like.. its up to you the rider what you do with the throttle.... and he is right.

so, am i allowed to nodd at you all now as I ride by? What other little biker facts do I need to know, I'll let you guys tell me if there is anything!!!!!!!

So there it is..... Looking for a bike!

All the best!

Mark.

[Paivi]

Yeehaa! Great news! Now the really starts in earnest!

[jezjay]

well done Mark...great news,, happy riding and happy duking!!!

[saxman]

Nice one Mr Airwolf,
It's true what your instructor said about getting the bike you want, I didn't really know what I wanted until I saw my 749 sitting gleaming in the shop, I was a little hesitant about handling a 750 after only riding 500s for 3 days before my test. But I couldn't be happier with my decision to buy it, although it's also true what he said about the throttle, having passed my test just over a year ago I'm now awaiting a court summons for 100+ on a motorway. I lernt the hard way, but it is very easy to get carried away.

Anyway what I'm trying to say is go out and get the bike of your dreams, but for god sake be careful.

[97Bip]

Congrats - still remember passing mine, great feeling of achievement!



Maybe see you and your bike somewhen over the winter - I will be out on the 916 whenever the roads are dry-ish and I have time!

Enjoy choosing your bike - and I agree with your instructor - you are the one in charge, not the bike, so choose what makes you happy (or that you can insure )

Cheers, 97.

[Ghost]

What a greatly worded account of your day, well done, choose wisely and be careful.


Phil

[MarkST]

Congratulations Mark and thanks for the update, dont be in a rush - there are lots more things for you to learn on todays busy roads full of unattentive drivers, so be very careful and alert, and stay safe.
Well done.
Mark.

[Steve GD]

Congratulations, Mark. What a great description! I especially liked the , " Now my learning really begins" comment...it bodes well for the future. Have fun!!

[thedoctor]

*nod*

[Rudolph Hart]

*Nod* +1. Congrats Mark/Airwolf. Enjoy the process of choosing your bike. As others have sagely commented - do take it steady as a new rider at this time of year, plenty of experienced people have had 'offs' recently. Looking forward to seeing some pictures posted of your new Ducati.

[Eviltwin]

get in there son!
remember keep it shiny side up.
and all important
its all fun till someone loses an eye

[Kenoir]

Well done Mark!

I couldn't agree more with the comment from your instructor and other members on here. I only passed my test a year ago and I bought a 1098s. Best decision I could have made. All my 'proper learning' has been on a big twin and whenever I ride other bikes (jap 4's) it just reminds me what a great choice I made. I've done 10,000 miles this year (5,500 on the Ducati, 4,500 on Japs) and I realise, I've still got lots to learn but I know where my limitations are and I ride accordingly. I'm sure you will too. Congratulations mate, well done.

[hhhjesus]

well done that man and great write up.

I agree get whatever bike u set your heart on and can afford.... BUT... please remeber ... you WILL drop it at some point , we ALL have done and we all STILL DO at times even if its just the bloody side stand! so make sure you can afford to repair it even if its just cosmetic.

it may be worth having something just to make those inevitable mistakes on during your learning curve(which will be steep and quick and soon over) before you set your cash out in full on your pride and joy.

[1_POB]

Airwolf,
Nice work! Well Done . I passed just three months ago and I can still honestly say it was the best thing I've done in ages.
I bought a 749 as my first big bike but I've barely covered any miles on it, however that will change at the weekend as I'm fully road legal again! (Got my tax disc on Monday). I also bought a sensible bike for commuting (Kawasaki KLE 500) which has been a good "Lead In Trainer" (This nomenclature may be familiar to you considering your occupation!) to get me through the first few months, which are statistically the most dangerous of course.
I agree with the ethos of buying whatever you want. I have friends that owned Japanese litre IL4s as their first bikes and got on fine- they just took it relatively easy. As I was reminded when looking for sports bikes before passing "the throttle isn't a switch".
As for nodding- I nod at anyone on two wheels when out and about however I wouldn't try this on my commute in London as I think I'd get dizzy! I'm often down in Hampshire at the weekends for a spot of riding so maybe I'll see you streak past on a white 848 in a few months!

All the best,

Ed