For people thinking of starting rider training in the spring, here are some top tips I put together as a trainer. They’re all based on the things that real live trainees do or don’t do that often cost them a test fail.
Don’t expect everything to come together at once – give yourself time, don’t get disappointed or put yourself under pressure by saying “everyone else can do it, why can’t I?”
Don’t be afraid of the DAS bike – the big bike is easier to ride in many ways than a 125 – it’s more stable, handles bumps better and the switchgear, brakes and gears are just generally a bit nicer.
The DAS bike does weigh more than a 125, so will topple if you stop off balance – try to come to a halt with the wheels in line and the bike upright, and don’t be afraid to use either foot on the floor – the safety position (right foot up on the brake) has its uses but sometimes right foot down is better (steep camber, puddle of diesel) and on a windy day both feel might be better.
Get into the habit of “squeezing then easing” rather than grabbing then letting go of the front brake. They are powerful but very progressive if you squeeze them. If you ease them off, the front suspension won’t suddenly rebound and catch you off-balance.
Get into the habit of covering the rear brake and using it for downhill bends, slow turns and smooth stops – as you get down to walking pace, ease the front off and to come to a smooth, level stop, apply a little rear brake.
If you are stopping in a curve (perhaps at a junction with a main road) turn the bike early then get the wheels inline for your final halt – that way the bike will be upright when you stop. If you try to come to a halt whilst still turning, it will be leaning slightly and will fall into the turn when you do stop.
Brake early rather than late – it’s much easier to speed up than slow down if you misjudge it. When slowing for junctions and roundabouts, aim to get all your front brake work finished 10m or so before the line – that way you’ll find you won’t be concentrating on just stopping, but will have more time to look at the junction and work out where to go next, and to make your observations in good time.
Get used to slipping the clutch – you won’t break it. If necessary get the cable adjusted so it’s an easy reach to the lever.
The DAS bikes may “only” have 50hp, but they’ll accelerate faster than most cars and respond very suddenly indeed to the throttle. When you pull away from a junction, it’s a good idea to keep the clutch slipping all the way round till you are pointed where you want to go next – that way a mistake with the throttle will only make the engine spin, it won’t send you shooting into the hedge or an oncoming car.
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"Force has no place where there is need of skill" Herodotus 450BC :burnout:
