Failed my L plate motorcycle course today

[ConR]

So what exactly happened for them to sideline you so early? Normally it has to be something that they deem extremely dangerous.

The course involves a lot of work on the bikes without the engine even running to start with, mounting/dismounting, balance, etc.

Where did you do the course?

And for the record getting the L's license does not involve a test, you just have to safely complete the 2 day training course which teaches you the fundamentals of riding and controlling a road bike safely. Once you get that you can then sit the theory test and get your L's license. So you should not need to do a course prior to a course, which is what the L's course is.

Adam

I did it at the HART in St. Ives. The instructor was very friendly. I just couldn't get the grasp of clutch, throttle, release clutch and brake....at least I couldn't get the concept in the 5 minutes that he gave me to learn it. Based on that, the instructor felt that I could not proceed with the rest of the course. I was fine up to that point. Didn't drop the bike, did the "push" part fine....although I was stuck being pushed by a girl that weighed 40kgs and didn't push me at all.

But hey, like I said, I'm very interested in taking some practice courses before taking the L's course. Anyone know where I can do this?

[Rybky]

I did mine at St Ives too, I am surprised they treated you like that.

I don't think there are any specific pre-pre-learner courses, you can get private 1:1 courses though. St Ives will probably be the only place you can do one without a license as they have their own private road, other places would use public roads.

Do you know anyone with a bike who could give you some tips?

Adam

[ConR]

Thanks for the info Rybky. Yeah, I have an ex-coworker friend that rides. Lives out on a huge farm in Kenthurst too, so might be able to get some practice on his property.

The instructor mentioned in his pre-course speech that he would take things slow and let everybody get a chance to learn things. Then again, maybe he was getting fed up with the two girls in the course, who dropped their bikes a combined 7 times before we even started them up. Then there was the time the one girl got spooked with the throttle, cranked it, let go of the clutch, and took off all the way down the track. Needless to say, that was the end of her course.

I don't know..he gave me two chances to get it, I didn't it...he told me to sit on the side for the rest, and to do some more practice. How am I supposed to practice though? It's not like a car, where I can jump in with a supervisor and drive until I've got it right. Maybe it was my non-aussie accent that threw him off....and that I was some random backpacker touring Oz...I'm from Canada originally, but have been living here for 7 years, and I'm a citizen. Oddly enough though, it wouldn't be the first time I've been mistreated because of how I speak...sad to say, but true.

I"m not a klutz, but it will take me some time to get the concept of riding a manual bike, I know it.

[Rybky]

OK, sounds like you were unlucky and due to a bad bunch the instructor had lost patience.

Definitely a good idea to ask your friend for some help, at the very least get the feel of gear changes and the controls in general, then you will sail through the pre-learners and can then get practice on your own.

Do you have a bike of your own yet? Do you know what you will get?

Adam

[ConR]

No, I don't have a bike yet. Was holding off on buying one until I passed the course

I've been looking at getting a Ninja 250....reading says it's a good bike to learn on.

[Rybky]

No, I don't have a bike yet. Was holding off on buying one until I passed the course

I've been looking at getting a Ninja 250....reading says it's a good bike to learn on.

The Ninja is quite popular, just be careful about getting a faired bike though, if you drop it (and you probably will!) the fairing will take the brunt and they are expensive to repair, especially on Kawasaki's (generally parts are more expensive).

Also don't restrict yourself to a 250, on a learner license you can get up to a 660cc providing it is on the RTA's LAMS list (see their website). There are some good 500cc bikes, a larger engine tends to be more forgiving. I started out on a Kawasaki KLE500 and was so glad I did.

Adam

[ConR]

Cheers. Thanks again for the info mate!

[goodfella]

I did my lic course at Clive (under M4 fly-over) and we had cool instructors. I hadnt ridden in years (1st time was unlicensed but managed to live thru it) so the course was mostly a refresher for legality sake.

WRT 1st bike, as per Adam's post, I'd stay away from fairing bikes to start with... it will fall and plastics will break! I went with a Honda Spada, 250cc "naked" so no fairing to break. These are reliable and virtual unbreakable machines, I bought and sold mine for 3500 within the 1 yr so the overall ownership cost is quite low!

[Buller_Scott]

BTW, wrote this post about 30 minutes after getting home, so I've had some time to cool down a bit.

nah man, you need to keep the fire alive! like a klingon or some ****!

nah but for serious, what motivated you to get your bike license?

[Rybky]

Ahh yes, the trusty old Spada! The CB250 is a good first bike too.

I would highly recommend getting on to Netrider (Netrider Forums - Powered by vBulletin), lot of great advice and friendly people there. Some even run weekly learner sessions where experienced riders turn up and help out the learners. You can also find bikes for sale that will most likely have a history on the forums and will generally have been cared for well.

Adam