Hey guys, so finally getting round to doing my Mod 1 and 2 after doing my CBT for the second time. Anyway, I figured I'd be able to just book a Mod 1 lesson, do the test, move on and do the same for the Mod 2 but apparently I have to do something called conversion on Wednesday.. what is this? I've had a little search on Google but haven't come across anything.
Going for full bike licence but..
- Thread starter Wepohn
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Its basically just transferring what you have learned doing the CBT on a 125cc bike to a 595cc or higher, just to get the feel for it and to make sure you can actually transfer your skills to a more powerful bike.
It eliminates people going out and getting a big bike they can't handle and gives you some experience on it.
Dont worry its very short and just makes sure you can actually go forward, turn and brake. After doing it you can go straight to your Mod 1 lessons.
It eliminates people going out and getting a big bike they can't handle and gives you some experience on it.
Dont worry its very short and just makes sure you can actually go forward, turn and brake. After doing it you can go straight to your Mod 1 lessons.
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Hmm, I never did one when I took tests this summer. It's obviously just something your particular school does.
You get a little extra time on someone else's motorbike, it's not a bad thing imo. It probably a chance for the instructors to assess how they can tailor the training to your needs.
You get a little extra time on someone else's motorbike, it's not a bad thing imo. It probably a chance for the instructors to assess how they can tailor the training to your needs.
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Caporegime
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Chance for them to charge you more, more like!
Soldato
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I've seen these on some courses, it's probably just having a couple of hours riding doing slow speed stuff on the big bike before they let you loose on the road, after riding a 125 a big bike is a little different to ride, you need to be a lot smoother, on a 125 you can nail the throttle open to the stop in any gear and have no issues, on a big bike with 5x the power it's a bit different 
brakes, power, weight and so on all take a little while to get used to.
brakes, power, weight and so on all take a little while to get used to.It's mainly the weight difference,from a small bike I went straight from a 125 I rode for about 2 to 3 years to a 600cc,the main difference was the weight of the machine,actual speeds/slow riding were roughly the same tbh,the 600 felt smoother,where as the 125 2 stroke liked to be ridden faster
Soldato
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Yeah I imagine the weight is a shock at first, going from a 120kg wet 125 to a 210kg dry bandit or similar. They're probably had a few bikes dropped/crashed due to overenthusiastic learners
Biggest thing I found going from a 125 to riding an ER6 was the throttle was so much more responsive and finding that point on the throttle to keep a constant speed was pretty hard.
Only other thing was letting the glutch out at about 10mph rather than as soon as you have moved away on the 125.
Only other thing was letting the glutch out at about 10mph rather than as soon as you have moved away on the 125.
Well I had my conversion today... Pretty much seemed like a mod 1 and 2 lesson combined? Was a lot of fun. Didn't find adapting to a 600 all that tricky but I've got to make sure I do my lifesaver checks more often when I pull off again. Got another lesson on Sunday and my test on Tuesday.
Same, I did my test in 2008.
Such a shame, I really think the UK government is trying to stop younger people from taking their bike tests, full stop.
I'm looking at doing my full test in March / April and similarly I don't want to do a 4 or 5 day course as I've been riding everyday for 15months and done over 7,500miles in that time so I'm pretty comfortable.
Going to do my theory I think before Christmas to get that out of the way then speak to the guys I did my CBT with. Hopefulyl I shouldn't need more than a couple of half day sessions but you never know.
Going to do my theory I think before Christmas to get that out of the way then speak to the guys I did my CBT with. Hopefulyl I shouldn't need more than a couple of half day sessions but you never know.
Or they're trying to train bikers properly. I did my test in June, and from looking at the older tests I believe the average standard of people who pass now has to be higher than even 2 years ago.
If only they did the same with the car test.
Imo the mod1 allows you to demonstrate proper control the bike in a safe environment and the mod 2 allows you show you are safe to interact with other road users.
The only thing that is bad is the age restrictions and having to retake tests to upgrade.
It's mental (but I do understand why) the hoops you have to jump through now. Back when I was 17 you just took your test and then bought whatever you liked. I went from a Yamaha SR125 (I bought just to do the test) to a Yamaha RD350LC.
To be honest, I'm amazed that I'm not dead.
To be honest, I'm amazed that I'm not dead.
Soldato
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Yeah, people say that it's the same for the car licence, but how many 20 year olods can afford to buy (or insure) a £100,000 ferrari? Whereas you can get a bike that'll do 0-60 in 3 seconds and go onto nearly 200mph for a couple of grand. I can see why they made the changes. As an old git, it doesn't affect me
I will say though, that letting a 17 year old out on the road on a bike capable of 70mph with no more than a days riding experience, isn't enough. They have no road skills/awareness etc, at least with cars you're not let loose until you pass the test. For people who already hold another licence it's ok as they have the road sense and know what to expect, but I don't think the CBT on it's own is enough training for youngsters.
I will say though, that letting a 17 year old out on the road on a bike capable of 70mph with no more than a days riding experience, isn't enough. They have no road skills/awareness etc, at least with cars you're not let loose until you pass the test. For people who already hold another licence it's ok as they have the road sense and know what to expect, but I don't think the CBT on it's own is enough training for youngsters.
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