Failed my L plate motorcycle course today

[ConR]

So, called the HART in St. Ives. Despite what happened (which I understand how after cooling off...it's in everyone's best interest to keep things safe), they were very helpful and polite. I asked them if I could switch to the auto course instead, and they said that's no problem.

They are going to call me to setup a one on one session for an hour on the scooter, see how I go with it, and then place me back in the class, straight to the second day of training...so I won't have to do the first day again.

I also asked him about going from an auto to a manual. If you do your tests on an auto (P1), you have to wait 12 months before you can switch it to a standard license, meaning you can drive a manual. Since I'm over 25 and fully licensed on a car, I don't have to do the P2 portion.

Fine by me. I'd rather build up some confidence on a scooter first before heading off to a bike. You can get some pretty powerful scooters too. Honda makes a 600cc one (Silver Wing) that apparently goes like stink.

[brad]

Aren't there some "motorcycle shaped" bikes with either twist & go or selectable gears but no clutch lever?

I'd be less worried about power & more concerned about weight & balance (low speed handling, centre of gravity, seat height, etc).

[Rybky]

Sounds like a good plan!

Note that the scooter you get still needs to be on the LAMS list : http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...ist_100929.pdf

Adam

[thestu]

You can get some pretty powerful scooters too. Honda makes a 600cc one (Silver Wing) that apparently goes like stink.

If you wanna go fast get a gillera runner...180cc two stroke pull any v8 at the lights

Silver wing = crap.

my .40c

[ConR]

If you wanna go fast get a gillera runner...180cc two stroke pull any v8 at the lights

Silver wing = crap.

my .40c

wow, that's actually a cool looking scooter!

was also looking at the Aprilia Scarabeo...looks pretty sweet...but I don't know if I'm wog enough for it

[jamesatfish]

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!

Good advice here - I went with a ZZR250 as my first bike and between two L platers riding it was dropped a number of times - usually either bending one of the handlebar levers or scratching / cracking the faring. A naked bike would certainly have survived better cosmetically - though mechanically the bike didn't skip a beat.

You'll also find that a naked bike is much easier to pass the Ps test on than a fared sports-style bike. I failed the first attempt at my Ps test miserably on the ZZR250 - second time around I hired a little 125cc postie bike from the riding school for the test and found it immensely easier. If you're an experienced rider then the test is passable on pretty much anything but for a beginner you'll want to make things as easy as you can.

I've got a new employee on her Ls who bought a very nice 650cc naked bike (can't remember what make / model off the top of my head) that is Ls / Ps compliant as it comes from the factory but can be derestricted through a warranty approved process once she gets her full licence. I don't remember this being an option when I got my licence but it'd be a good thing to look into, as you'll very quickly outgrow a learner-legal bike and it can be an expensive exercise to have to trade your bike after only a few years of ownership.

[thestu]

wow, that's actually a cool looking scooter!

was also looking at the Aprilia Scarabeo...looks pretty sweet...but I don't know if I'm wog enough for it

My work is an Aprilia dealer if you want a good deal give us a call...03 9870 1256

Stu

[REXman]

No offence but lots of people do, including myself. I got my licence 2 years ago having never ridden a bike before.

Adam

Yeah same. I only had ever ridden push bikes myself. Rocked up and did not lose a single point on the bike test - only one of of 14.

Some other hero on the day was leaning way hard and trying to pop monos and stuff but on the last test where you weave the tennis balls, babaow, failed. I'm slow and steady but fundamentals from push bike are strong.

Even still the roads are a **** with Sydney traffic so I haven't got a bike now, got a Full licence now too R1?? Lol not with the R...

[REXman]

Ps get a gladius that is learner legal then just do the tune and presto it's a full 650. They go great, comfy to ride and sound horn (V-Twin)..