Hi Guys
I have to do my Bike test in the next few months,I am looking for Anyone that would be willing to come and do some ride outs with me,Show me where I am going wrong,Give me some pointers ect,I have done the 12 hrs riding course so have got the basics I just need to hone my skills.
I like in Steg im Tösstal so close to Zurich and Winterthur.I would be greatul of any help

Cheers

Gary

I had this posted in the pub but maybe it is better posted here ?

Gary,

I don't know what the tests are like in Switzeland but if they are anything like the UK, you'll have 2 parts. One part in a training yard where slow speed outmaneuvers (figure of 8, slalom, riding at walking pace, u-turn between 2 white lines, emergency stop, etc.) and a road test.

I passed my #1 test on the 3rd go. Here in the UK - if you put your foot down on any of the slow speed elements it's a fail but you carry on for experience.

The key things I learned that helped me pass the #1 test,

- On the emergency stop, use the front brake only, with 2 fingers. Don't use the full 4 fingers. Just rest your rear foot on the foot brake but don't press it. During an emergency stop, when you use the front brake your body will naturally tilt forward and your foot will press the rear brake, enough to get some braking action but won't be enough to lock up the rear wheel, skid and possibly fail the test. (I learnt the hard way )

- Doing a u turn, you need enough momentum going forward before you turn the bars. I finally cracked it by setting off (doing the shoulder checks), counting 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi and turning the bars on 4 Mississippi. Don't look at the bars, nor at the ground, look into the distance, where you want to be.

- Practice slow speed control. Fixed throttle, slip clutch and use the rear brake to control speed. Do not use the throttle, clutch to control speed.

- on figures of 8, a slight shift of body weigh to the outside of the turn and help counter that feeling that the bike will fall in.

- above all, do a shoulder check (they call them lifesavers here) every time there's a change of speed, direction or you are setting off.

In terms of the road test test - here it was riding safely, doing shoulder checks and daft as it sounds "making progress". I was told that meant getting up to almost the limit quickly and safely.

I took my road test in a totally unknown town - due to wanting it passed quickly. I managed to drive round the roads there in a car, the weekend before just to get some familiarity. I passed easily enough.

From the riding school I was at, more folk failed the #1 test than failed the road test.

In terms of practice - I'd say practice the hell out of the slow speed maneuvers - there's more opportunity to fail than on a road test.

HIH

Dibs