Need words of wisdom asap!

[mcmurray]

Hi guys.
My R-E test was originally booked for late july, but my instructor just phoned and said he found me a slot for tomorrow (friday the 4th july).

I have had 4 lessons so far, including 1 lesson of o-turns. I have not done emergency stops yet, but I will be covering them 1 hour before the test. I have done a search here on how to perform o-turns and emerg stops, and have found some good information, but if you have any advice on how to pick these techniques up quickly (especially stopping) I'm all ears

I plan on using front brake only for the emerg stops from a speed of just over 50kph. My o-turns last lesson were getting ok by the end, when I felt like I needed to put my foot down a bit of extra throttle sorted out that problem.

General riding will not be a problem as I feel very comfortable cruising the streets. I'm not sure where the test will be held, and I will be riding an 80's model GN250. If you have any words of wisdom please share!

ps: if I fail, will I have to pay for another test or am I covered?

[Yuggert]

Emergency stops are a piece of piss, don't get too stressed about them dude, you should be able to nail them with a few tries. Don't think about the distance you have to stop in, focus on being smooth and progressive on the brakes and you'll easily stop in the required distance. I would recommend using the back brake too however - braking initially with the back brake will load up the forks allowing you to then brake effectively and powerfully with the front brake - just remember to ease up on the back brake at this point or you could lock it. If this happens it's not a big deal, the back will slide a little and instinctively you should release the brake.

As soon as you've got the E brake sussed, get onto practising O turns. For an R-E test you'll get very little sympathy if you put your foot down so you need to have them 100% sussed.

Good luck mate, don't panic, keep it together, and you'll be fine.

EDIT: A quick way that I found to pick up the O turns was to find a big empty carpark, start off doing massive circles, then gradually make them smaller and smaller. The lack of a kerb to stress about or target fixate on makes all the difference to learning quickly - within about 10 mins you should be able to do circles at full lock

[frazcat]

chill out about E-stops not a major deal just use 80% front, 20% back just be confident when you do them and don't freak out!

with o-turns its a bit of a different story, practice kinda makes perfect! just be confident and you'll be fine!

[mcmurray]

encouraging words guys!
Keep 'em coming

I think confidence would be the most important thing, and I'm not stressing now so I'm feeling good about this.

[Yuggert]

You're right there dude. If you know you can do an O turn perfectly anytime, everytime, and same with the emergency stops, than you've got absolutely nothing to worry about.

[Dirty Sandchairs]

goodluck with it mate

what centre are you doing the test, some of us may be able to tell you about some tricky spots (ie school zones if applicable)

for the emerg, you could even sit a little under 50.

but it isn't hard at all.

[Jedi]

You'll either pass or you won't.

[browca04]

E stops aren't to difficult, but I can imagine how you're getting nervous about them. Rest your foot on your rear break and quickly but smoothly squeeze the front on.
Nice and hard, but not straight away you should be aiming to go 30% front then squeeze harder. also make sure you clutch in when you do the E-stop...

As for O turns, you just gotta get practice.
Learn the bike, find your balance, worry about clutch control.


You'll be fine.

[mcmurray]

I don't know where I'll be taking the test. I'll try and get some more o-turn practice in before the test. How many o-turns do they usually get you to do?

[Bunyack]

Originally Posted by Yuggert

I would recommend using the back brake too however - braking initially with the back brake will load up the forks allowing you to then brake effectively and powerfully with the front brake - just remember to ease up on the back brake at this point or you could lock it. If this happens it's not a big deal, the back will slide a little and instinctively you should release the brake.

yeah. I'd say %70:%30 front:rear, but ease up on the rear brake as you come to a stop. the closer you come to a stop, the more the chance of loosing traction on the rear. You should get a second chance (maybe even 3rd) by your instructer but if you keep sliding the rear, you'll fail.

[Yuggert]

For the emergency stop there's a little trick you can do - approach at 60kmph or so, then as you near the designated point coast so the bike is decelerating already, then hit the brakes at your assigned point when you should be doing about 50kmph. This way the bike is more settled when you start to brake.

Obviously don't use this technique if the guy tells you he is going to signal when he wants you to stop.

[frazcat]

while your in your test remember this, its not like your never going to get your motorcycle licence! so don't stress to much!

[Grantlington]

headcheck! make sure you move your whole head so he can see you.

[Dirty Sandchairs]

and cancel indicators

[blacksti]

Don't forget to put it back into 1st gear before trying to take off after your e-stop.

Forgot just about every time doing lessons. Thankfully remembered for the test.

[~JC~]

MILO..and good luck.
Try not to make it too big inside your head....if you are ready to ride safely you will pass.

[Desmogod]

Here's some words of wisdom, stop reading this thread and go and relax.
You know what to do, you've done your lessons, so go and chill out.
Too much of this stuff in your head will fuck you up.

[Trepidious]

Originally Posted by Desmogod

Here's some words of wisdom, stop reading this thread and go and relax.
You know what to do, you've done your lessons, so go and chill out.
Too much of this stuff in your head will fuck you up.

Exactly. If your instructor has called you up at short notice and offered you the spot then obviously s/he reckons you're ready. Just relax and have fun tomorrow

[2wheels]

any turns including tight ones just need very slight postive throttle and look too where you want to go, look at the kurb and thats where you'll go. so turn your head alittle past where your bikes going and your find you'll naturally follow (if you know what i mean ), with the bike your on i think it will be very hard to lock the front wheel, so don't panic and grab, just increase the pressure at the lever...quickish! the best method, get out and practise, practise, practise, theres no better way. Good Luck and let us know how you on.

[mcmurray]

thanks guys
I'll let you know tomorrow arvo!