It's 45mins, and in a CBT, if you get things wrong they tell you what you're doing wrong, how to correct it, give confidence, teach you.
In the test he is silent, and anything you do wrong you get a little mark on your paper. No 2nd chances.
Hah my mate failed about 3 months ago for that, but not in a cool way. Tried a hill-start at some lights without knocking it down to first and was still in second, pulled off, bogged it down, realised his mistake, slight panic, down to first, loads of gas/revs, out with the clutch in a hurry and popped a wheelie.
Demonstrated lack of control I believe, which he couldn't really argue with.
For what it's worth, when I took the MSF course the two biggest points they emphasized (they really hammered the guys when they forgot) were to NOT cover the brake (cover the clutch instead) and keep your head and eyes up and staring seemingly off into the distance. They said if you did those things, you'd be fine on the test—but this was the California Highway Patrol.
Confession: Today, on the quiet, I too did my bike test, the A2 category. Managed to pass with only 4 minors which pleased me to no end! So now, i'm having some celebratory tea and cake, and looking at the bike I want next. A restricted BMW F650 (probably the ST "funduro")
Woop woop!
(if anyone else had to serve 2 years on a 33bhp machine, what bike did you choose?)
I had a ZZR250. But it wasn't restricted, so I got the whole 36hp (or something like that - a smidgen over 33 ). Awesome bike, and I'm really sad I sold it. One day I'll get round to biking again.
Personally I'm not one for restricing bikes. Crack the throttle open on a fast sweeping bend on your 33bhp bike and you go flying round even faster. Crack the throttle after you've unrestricted it to 85-100bhp, and bam. Say hello tree!
I mean though, you get used to only having 33bhp. When you crack the throttle open the first time after de-restriction, you will almost certainly crash.
That's why I didn't restrict my RS, I learnt to respect the power/grip relationship before I got used to a timid engine that didn't have enough power to spin the rear wheel.
Idk the statistics, and obviously it's complete rubbish in the eyes of anyone official, but I think if you learn on a monster from the start, you will have more respect in terms of how much gas you give your bike from the start.
That is very true, and I do know someone who has bought that bike and likes it very much! However the problem is that I'm 6ft 3, and it's just too small for me, as are most superbikes. My idea of a great ride is one which is a few hundred miles so a touring bike would suit me down to the ground!
I'm basically wanting to spend very little because I just can't afford something fancy (I have those dreams over the GTR1400), so I was looking at the F650. It's only 48bhp so restricting it wouldn't hurt it too much. And it has a nice big fairing to keep me snug.
I did look at the Honda Transalp, however, the extra 20kg and extra cost in buying one, and insurance just doesn't square up to the BMW.
At one point I was going to jump for the ZZR600 until I considered the true size of that beast, and the insurance cost. Cheap bike to initially buy though!
It's truly mind blowing when you've had such a diabolicle choice of 125's to use, and then you pass, and you're faced with this SEA of yumminess!
weee stupid australian laws state u have to be on ur 250cc licence for 1 year that means ANY 250cc even a RGV NSR RS250 im looking into geting a ZX6R in a few months then come on unrestricted test
I'm 6'3" also, and what I will say is that you'll be surprised what you can find comfortable once you get over the initial "wow the bars are low, wow the pegs are high" thoughts. My SV650s, for instance, is not a "big bike", and a lot of taller people have concerns about how they will fit it when they're looking, but it's ample, and perfectly comfortable for riding all day long. Plenty of people of our height (and taller) will tour Europe on a supersports bike with no problem.
That's not to say a DL650 (also worth considering for you by the way, the 650 engine is still great when restricted) wouldn't be more comfortable, of course. A few times I've considered swapping for a DL, or even a Versys!
Same here, 6ft 3in, and that was the main reason I got shot of my CBR600, it was just too small and uncomfortable, and one of the reasons I got the Falco, because its very tall and roomy.
Last time I went to Europe with mates, the ones on even the "comfy" sports bikes (older ZX6R) were complaining after a few hours, whilst I was pretty comfy the whole way.
that means ANY 250cc even a RGV NSR RS250