NumbumCoPilot Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I have just joined your forum so thought a quick hello was in order..I have my test on the 29th of June and some may say it daft bought i bought my bike a month ago.. I am the proud owner of a 2002 RT1150 and i cant wait to ride her out across the Uk... I have always liked bikes, old classics but being 6ft 6 my hopes were shattered when i sat on the Bonny that i wanted, a friend then said have you thought about an RT? Well i hadnt but it didnt take long to see why it was recommended..mines a cracker..jet black with 34k miles on it which i thought was a good amount for its age.. Like i said im not yet passed, but ill let you know how i get on! If anyone has any tips or advice im all ears... stay safe NumBum. Link to comment
Hedgry Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Well...your avitar might give a clue to one potential issue Sorry I couldn't resist. I got my first RT last summer and the seat became a real sore spot for me so to speak. OH- And welcome aboard! Probably the most civilized forum I've ever come across Link to comment
Boffin Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi and welcome to the board Whereabouts in the UK are you? (more detail in your profile would be nice) There are a few of us Brits here, though most of the members are rebel colonists. You now need to post pictures of the bike Oh, and good luck on your test. Andy Link to comment
ltljohn Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome to the board, lots of great people and advice here. Best of luck with your test!!!! Link to comment
Indy Dave Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Good luck on your test and Welcome! Be sure to post a picture of your baby! Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted June 5, 2011 Author Share Posted June 5, 2011 Cheers Chaps.. The name comes from a charity ride i did last year from lands end to John Ogroats...3 wheels, 5 days, 1 arm...we raised £43.000 for Help for Heroes, and the bug was firmly planted.... Link to comment
Foot Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Great Cause to ride for, Welcome to the Board! Alan Link to comment
ESokoloff Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 If anyone has any tips or advice im all ears... First off welcome Is this your first motorized two wheeler? If so you may be better off learning on a smaller/lighter bike. Some items to watch out for on this bike are the linked brakes & dry clutch. With the linked brakes you can not apply just the rear so be very careful applying them at low speed. If too much brake is applied with the front tire turned the stopping of the front could send you to the ground. On a dry clutch you must not feather the clutch least you burn it up. Its ether in or out. Again welcome & ask away on any questions you have.........well except which oil to use but you'll figure that out soon enough Link to comment
Bullett Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 Welcome to the board! Looking forward to seeing your post that you aced the test. Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted June 9, 2011 Author Share Posted June 9, 2011 Hello Eric Thanks for the tip... Im 6ft 6 and built like a barn door so little bikes are not comfy plusi dont feel safe when riding them..I just fit on the Honda 500 im learning on... I have a few friends who have Rt and they are constantly telling me what to look out for...fornow i need to learn how to get the battery on charge..some have said you can use the accessory sockets others recommend tricle charger...I dont fancy removing the left tupperware,,any hints please send em on.. Ill kepe you all posted on how i get on...the sun is up and i want to ride my bike! Link to comment
The Beav Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 Hello Eric ..some have said you can use the accessory sockets others recommend tricle charger.. I use the trickle charger plugged into the accessory socket. No fuss, no tools required. Of course, the best way to keep the battery charged is to ride it every day! That's harder to do when you become a motorcycle polygamist. Link to comment
Boffin Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 On the 1150 the accessory socket is wired direct to the battery so they work just fine for battery charging. As for the tupperware - it looks challenging but is really not a problem once you get over the heart-stopping thumping of the mirror to remove it. (you place one hand behind the mirror - ie front of bike - and hit the mirror frame forwards with the flat of your hand). Enjoy your bike - Andy Link to comment
beemerman2k Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 NumBum, judging by your avatar, that's a beautiful bike you have there. I expect you'll enjoy countless miles of riding on that bike. My only words of advice are: - read books on motorcycle safety, and watch YouTube videos for motorcycle safety in your country - hang out with riders whose skills and habits you respect - hang out here I look forward to reading your future ride reports! Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 I have had teh joy or fear of removing the mirror, BMW design function first then aesthetics second..although they are close in my opinion.. I have bought a Bike it charger, one you can wire up and leave the wires connected for future charging, I thought this made the most sense.. I cant wait to get out, serioulsy the test procedure in the UK is a four stage process, CBT (teach you how to handle and control the bike) Theory, which is 50 random multiple choice questions with only 7 mistaek allowed, followed by a hazard awareness video test...then your Mod 1. Mod 1 is low manouvers and the high sped swerve test without falling off....this sounds alot worse than it is..I have my second mock on Sunday, So looking forward to that one.. Then your Mod 2, where you ride out for 45-60minutes under observation and instruction... I feel im ready, I make the odd mistake main one is going to slow, my instructor tells me to ride to the limit, if its a 30 then do 30, 40 60 etc...i average about 5mph below so i need to pick that up a touch.. I met a great bunch on my charity ride, some Rospa riders and some old and new timers..we completed it on a Trike but i was hooked..i needed my own and thankfully the wife bought my CBT so thats one battle won.. Ill keep you all posted on how i get on.. Yours Numbummer! Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Well I failed the MOD 1! Gutted... I failed on not enough Left shoulder checks!! the speed slow manouver and high speed swerve tests were all fine, brilliant he said... I had 6 minor faults and all 6 were not looking enough.... Its hard to see a danger when your a piece of tarmac the size of a football filed which is fenced in, and its just you... anyway Live and Learn...re book and go again... Im still gutted though... Link to comment
Boffin Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Well I failed the MOD 1! Gutted... I failed on not enough Left shoulder checks!! the speed slow manouver and high speed swerve tests were all fine, brilliant he said... I had 6 minor faults and all 6 were not looking enough.... Its hard to see a danger when your a piece of tarmac the size of a football filed which is fenced in, and its just you... anyway Live and Learn...re book and go again... Im still gutted though... Sorry to hear that - but those shoulder checks will save your life, they are important. Andy Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Andy i know they are important, im a tit...I have re booked for next available slot, which is the 19th July! the summer will be long gone by the time i pass... its all a learning game so no stress just angry with myself... Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted July 21, 2011 Author Share Posted July 21, 2011 Sorry for the late update, I passed my MOD 1 with no minors on the second attamept. THANK GOD! I now have two years to pass my MOD 2, I took my MOD 2 on Tuesday and failed. I was f##king gutted because i thought it was good ride. My examinor was a guy called Phil Dixon based in St Helens. I had 6 minors two of which were Steering, with the mark through the S, which means fail. I asked why did i fail and he said i caused a car driver to move while attempting to get onto the east lancs. (60mph Dual carriageway) This was bollocks, I built my speed up on the slip a focus indicated moved over and i took my position on the road. I built up my speed to 60 and waited instruction to move. I failed for Steering, this was the reason I failed....STEERING! He also marked me down for positioning, being too far left on a righthand bend on a country lane...he said i should have been in the middle of the road, not out on the left where the gravel is.. I said thats bullshit you get taught to ride out on the left so you can get a clear view on the exit apex of the bend. He said i could have slipped on gravel, or somthing may have come out of the bush! Later I was told a few people have appealed against him as an examinor and some won some lost. My problem is I failed due to his opinion of doing something right and wrong..There was no black or white for the fail, just my word against his. My test cost £135.00 this is for the test and the hire of my bike of my instructor. I am really pissed off, to be failed for such stupid reasons is crazy, and it makes me feel they have quotas to fill for each day. Its not bitter I just dont know what i failed on, so how can i improve on it? Im not sure wether to try for a test centre in a different area, as thats two fails on both first time attempts with each test.. MOD 1 failed on observations, re sat and no minors! MOD 2 failed on his opinion of wrong position on a slip road when a car had moved over and on country lane bends.. Had i of not spent so much already on tests i would consider calling it a day... any advice please as this is taking the piss... Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted October 15, 2011 Author Share Posted October 15, 2011 Hello all.. I passed my MOD 2 yesterday!! im now fully legal and ready to take her out for a little ride! The test was interesting, my examiner was following me in a car, all was well until the last two left hand turns before the test centre, over teh radio he said your a little far right on your left handers arent you? I could answer back so i shrugged my shoulders thinking shit youve failed... on the last left he said bit better but your still too far right for me.. I thought thats it your deffo failing now.. he asked me if i wanted my instructor to come into the debrief room so i thought yeah why not....ive failed anyhow.. he asked me to sit down and then said well youve passed however! your too far right on left handers your position needs work... I thought he was joking i said but ive passed? he said yeah why dont you want to? I said yeah but you picke me up over the interncom? he said im not a robot mate...it was an obseervation... I couldnt believe it..I passed but with a bollocking... Relieved over the moon and glad its done.. Serioulsy doubted my ability and whether it was worth it but im so glad i stuck at it and its now out the way.. If you see me on the road give me a nod, stay safe and take it easy. Link to comment
Kathy R Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 Congratulations, Karl! Thanks for sharing your story as you work to gain your motorcycle class license. I can still remember all of the instruction I received way back then. I wish you many happy and safe years of riding. Link to comment
Quinn Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 I'd have asked him what line I should have taken and why. Were you coming out of it too wide, or setting up too wide before you started? ----- Link to comment
LBump Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 Congrats to you and keep riding! Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 Congrats...... NOW you can start having fun. Hopefully a good Fall with plenty of riding days still left ! Good thing you have an RT.. they're fine in bad weather Link to comment
terryofperry Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 I was questioning why you were too far right on a lefthander until I saw ya'll ride on the weird side of the road. Congratulations and enjoy. Terry Link to comment
Sweendog Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Congratulations! -Now take your examiner's advice and go do some low-speed practicing. Seriously, I had a friend learning on a new Honda Shadow that had the same issue you're describing (except over here, it's right-hand turns). It was terrifying to watch him take slow right handers. Watch some instructional videos on Youtube and/or take a riding class to learn how to look where you turn, and get out there into a nice empty parking lot and practice for a few weekends! And again, CONGRATS, woo-hoo! Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 thanks fellas.. Im a little nervy taking her out as ive only ridden one once before and that was around a test track at low speed (my instrcutors) I thought it felt amazingly well balanced for sucha big bike.. Ive read a few reports on the brakes, and to be carefull as they are "the bollocks" as some have said.. Is it somthing you get used to? even notice, seeing as though ive only rode a CB500? or should i look out for anything in particular? Sweendog, I will be doing a few low manouvers on the carpark local to me just to get a better experience with the feel of her at low speed.. First off i need a battery, can anyone recommend whats best? Link to comment
RockBottom Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I'm partial to old classics as well. I keep telling my wife she should consider that a compliment. Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 Hi Quinn I tried to explain my positioning and he said Karl this is not a discussion, this is me telling you! I thought fair enough, keep quiet and let him have his say, and take on board the advice... unknown to him my last test I was marked down for being too far on the left! I think its all down to the guy on the day... Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Ive read a few reports on the brakes, and to be carefull as they are "the bollocks" as some have said.. Is it somthing you get used to? even notice, seeing as though ive only rode a CB500? or should i look out for anything in particular? You'll get used to it if you ride enough. Just be VERY careful braking with your front wheel turned out of center. You have a 90% chance of laying her down if you stop a little too sudden that way..... unless you have long and very strong legs. Anticipate and brake when going straight. That's especially a risk when you are turning off the road and maybe have to wait for oncoming traffic. Brake in time and keep the wheel straight :-) Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Thanks Francois... I guess I will soon get used to it, I just need time on the bike.. Link to comment
NumbumCoPilot Posted November 14, 2011 Author Share Posted November 14, 2011 Took her out for a ride on Saturday, My mate is a ROSPA instructor so he took me for a ride out to Lynnes Cafe in Whitchurch, the brakes will take some getting used to, also the gear change! the bike is heavy to manouvre but once shes running that disapears and shes very very well balanced.. The brakes scared me at first they are so sensitive, and they stop! all in all please with my ride, i didnt come off or put her down, I guess thats the main rule of thumb! All in all very happy with her! Link to comment
NCStephen Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Took her out for a ride on Saturday, My mate is a ROSPA instructor so he took me for a ride out to Lynnes Cafe in Whitchurch, the brakes will take some getting used to, also the gear change. the bike is heavy to manouvre but once shes running that disapears and shes very very well balanced.. The brakes scared me at first they are so sensitive, and they stop! all in all please with my ride, i didnt come off or put her down, I guess thats the main rule of thumb! All in all very happy with her! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good stuff. NCS Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.