[cdc] 2b

[BBQute_Bern]

Good tips from chriszzz

 

Parking bay is a good place to play and learn about the bike... usually there isn't any body there but watch out for riders coming in. So far I've not being stop by any instructor for riding there. But just obey the safety.

 

 

XD Learn to ride like this. Sure can pass circuit. =X

[wclau76]

Finally, I was lucky enough to pass my 2b on 21/1 as well! Whilst coming out of nursery area after the tester waved me to start, I almost had a wide turning starting from the right hand side and wobbled. '****' was the first word came to my mind but I was determined to do my best and leave the rest to the one up there. Fig 8 which was my greatest weakness went well though I felt was too near to the kerb when exiting. However, after doing my left-right checks, I entered the crank and was penalized for >6s . I had the impression that it could not be since the crank was short, I managed to kick into gear 2 successfully and rolled out smoothly. At the plank, the light wasn't working and the tester waved at me twice before I duly gave him a nod and proceeded. At the e-brake area, I was penalized 6 points for not attaining the required speed and 2 points for incorrect technique even though I looked at the speedo briefly before commencing the stopping action. However, I had a bad habit of releasing my brake lever after my right leg is down whilst pumping the clutch lever to kick down (please remember to hold on to the brake lever at all times until about to move off).

 

Moving on to the roads, traffic was terrible. Most of us had a harrowing encounter with myself experiencing a van being extremely close behind whilst filtering out. I thought I was done for with failure to give way at pedestrian crossing and was demoralized riding back. Thankfully, it wasn't picked up and I passed.

 

If I'm not wrong, the passing rate for that session was 68.75%, higher than the quoted figures on TP website (however, that figure was for 2013). There were 2 absentees with 33 people passing of the total 48 (counted 15 people being called by testers).

 

I believe the testers do look out for your confidence in riding and ability to handle the machine. A lady told me she went against sequence of course, didn't merge with traffic smoothly but passed! Other than technical skills in handling the bike, guess confidence is the other key factor. All along I had used various bikes and even during several internal evaluations, I persisted with different bikes. However, I had come to the conclusion that not all bikes are the same and it may be wiser to choose that good bike during crucial period (prac 5, 8, TP) to have a better passing chance. Before my test date, I did several revisions on bike 67 which boosted my confidence greatly. It has a good engine (idled at 2k rpm) and I did not have "stuck at neutral" syndrome. I was keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to pick this bike for TP but it was not to be.

 

Unless you are top 10 (being over 40), else you have little chance of choosing your bike. During the warm up lap, I had bike 74 which was bad, even getting stuck at neutral in slalom and prayed hard that I need not choose this bike. When the test commenced, the smaller numbers started and soon I saw bike 68 wheeled by the mechanic into ICU (guess everyone knows it is a good bike but if trainees were to damage it during lessons, that's it). Subsequently, I noticed that bike 67 was being taken (secretly note down its number plate) and was dismayed. When my turn came, I saw bike 41 and was elated (it was a good bike during my lessons)! However, the electric start couldn't work (never mind I kick started it) and even before I could commenced, the bike just died as I kicked into gear?! I quickly informed the instructor whom asked me change bike and I proceeded to do the test.

 

Thus, the wise old adage of "try as many bikes as possible" still holds but do make a note on which are the better ones and if given a chance/choice, use them during the critical lessons. Below are the numbers which I compiled (though the usual disclaimer that some of these may not hold due to good bikes being subsequently damaged by other students in the learning process). BEST and GOOD are the ones which were smooth/I passed lessons with. AVOID are the ones which I felt extremely unstable or machiam engine gonna fall apart kind.

 

No. 40 - BEST

No. 41 - BEST (until it gave up the ghost during my TP test)

No. 46 - BEST

No. 67 - BEST

No. 65 - GOOD

No. 68 - GOOD

 

No. 36 - gearshift difficult

No. 38 - gearshift difficult

No. 43 - koyak

No. 52 - gearshift difficult

No. 58 - gearshift difficult

No. 63 - gearshift difficult

No. 64 - clutch too high

 

No. 37 - AVOID

No. 48 - AVOID

No. 57 - AVOID (used to be under BEST)

No. 61 - AVOID

No. 73 - AVOID

No. 74 - AVOID

 

Stay calm and ride safe everyone! Come Jan 2016, I shall return for my 2A.

[crass2b]

Haha bike 48 was really bad man. I took 48 for my tp test yesterday. Was number 17 and bike 48 was left in front of all the rest at the parking area with no one choosing it. So I did. The moment I reach the starting point I almost fall haha!!!! The crash bar was bend. To the extent that it blocks my shoe from releasing the rear brake. So I use my toe to do the braking solely. Pass with 6 points. Hehe. One improper check of blind spot as I come out from the starting area. Was coming out of a plan and visualizing myself using the toe to brake. One wobble while stopping on the road. One wide turning after figure 8.

 

Thanks a lot for all you guys' input and tips. Off to hunt for a RS2 or RS3 now.

[BBQute_Bern]

Congrats wclau76 & crass2b

 

I got penalized for wide turn too during the 1st traffic junction. When i approaching the junction for the right turn, there was a big lorry in front of me blocking my front view. I followed behind the lorry during the right turn. While completing the turn, I was like OH ****... my front wheel slightly cut into other lane and the TP was watching at the junction. I was like damn, I forgot that heavy vehicle has a wider turn radius.

So lesson learnt, Dont blindly follow the vehicle in front of you especially when your view got block. XD

[jbdoggy]

BBQute_Bern,

 

Well, 46 & 75 are quite lively. A bit of throttle & it zooms! haha. 'Male bikes', as someone in the BBDC thread calls them. Having rode a few 'ah gua bikes' as he calls them, previously, the 1st experience of the male ones is disorientating initially. I had a huge wobble at the start of 1 of my L5 attempts as I didnt expect that strong & sudden pull! haha....

 

As for plank technique, I started with clutch in method then a mth later switched to half clutch & hv been very consistent with it. But regardless of method ive encountered maybe the odd 2-3 which will somehow wobble before crawling speeds are reached. Dunno if there are more of them around. I recall there were 2 old bikes which also wobbled badly when trying to ride while in a queue. Old bike 6- you can make a start with a fully released clutch. Try accelerating with it in 1st gear during ebrake, up to a certain point there will be lots of clutch slip.

Edited January 29, 2015 by jbdoggy

[jbdoggy]

Below are the numbers which I compiled (though the usual disclaimer that some of these may not hold due to good bikes being subsequently damaged by other students in the learning process). BEST and GOOD are the ones which were smooth/I passed lessons with. AVOID are the ones which I felt extremely unstable or machiam engine gonna fall apart kind.

 

No. 40 - BEST

No. 41 - BEST (until it gave up the ghost during my TP test)

No. 46 - BEST

No. 67 - BEST

No. 65 - GOOD

No. 68 - GOOD

 

No. 36 - gearshift difficult

No. 38 - gearshift difficult

No. 43 - koyak

No. 52 - gearshift difficult

No. 58 - gearshift difficult

No. 63 - gearshift difficult

No. 64 - clutch too high

 

No. 37 - AVOID

No. 48 - AVOID

No. 57 - AVOID (used to be under BEST)

No. 61 - AVOID

No. 73 - AVOID

No. 74 - AVOID

 

Congrats on your tp & thanks for sharing your experiences & bike review.

 

I personally havent experienced most of your bike repertoire yet. But have to disagree on 36 & 61 lah haha...Passed L5 with 61. 36 is one of my plank bikes. But agree on 57 - cant do plank & 73 - rear brake pedal too high so that unless you shift your toes to be on the foot peg, you will always be applying some rear brake when you ride. No wonder during F8 practice my lines went a bit awry & sometimes had a wee bit of rear wheel drift ala moto-x as well. Thought it was my form initially, how come so screwed up kinda thing. But when I changed bike things were back to normal. But I will be trying out & taking note of those which you rated good & best in my coming crs.

 

@crass2b- congrats on your tp too.

[BBQute_Bern]

BBQute_Bern,

 

Well, 46 & 75 are quite lively. A bit of throttle & it zooms! haha. 'Male bikes', as someone in the BBDC thread calls them. Having rode a few 'ah gua bikes' as he calls them, previously, the 1st experience of the male ones is disorientating initially. I had a huge wobble at the start of 1 of my L5 attempts as I didnt expect that strong & sudden pull! haha....

 

As for plank technique, I started with clutch in method then a mth later switched to half clutch & hv been very consistent with it. But regardless of method ive encountered maybe the odd 2-3 which will somehow wobble before crawling speeds are reached. Dunno if there are more of them around. I recall there were 2 old bikes which also wobbled badly when trying to ride while in a queue. Old bike 6- you can make a start with a fully released clutch. Try accelerating with it in 1st gear during ebrake, up to a certain point there will be lots of clutch slip.

 

Actually I don't really take note if the bike is lively so XD I don't think I can tell now. Last time I used to take note as my throttle control still very newbie and riding gear 1 and 2 is damn jerky. After keep practicing on smooth moving off, my body got used to it and hands are more precise. During moving off, I do it in the way both my clutch and throttle is a slow simultaneous action then adjust according to how much or fast the bike is moving. After much practice, I've this in my muscle memory so I dont put much focus on it and dunno how to explain it. All I can say is try not to throttle too much when you are on new bike till you know the condition of it. Better throttle and clutch control = better riding.

 

As for plank, I cant comment much about the bike as I rely more on handling skill. My technique is also different from what instructors teach. Bike will start to vibrate when there's not enough fuel feeding into the engine and starts to wobble when speed is too slow. Bike will stall when resistance is higher than the engine output. I found that bike move pretty well with throttle off after moving off. Just only relying on the biting point to move the bike. So I just train my balancing skill. Later I added in another component which is the throttle. Some bikes have weaker engine and vibrate more, so I just adjust accordingly using the throttle. I rely more on throttle control than brake.

For what the instructor teaches, you are using more of the clutch control and rear brake. With constantly keeping up the rpm and using clutch to control the speed by partially engaging to the engine. Using the brakes when too fast. The engine will vibrate a lot lesser but more things to focus on. I find that it's harder for me to control the speed using this technique. It's up to personal preference.

 

But the instructor's technique is better if you wanna stay on the plank for more than 30sec. It depend on lot of balancing and braking.

 

Ohh, last but not least, I also realized the fuel in the bike also might affect you. During my 1st time riding a full tank bike, I having hard time controlling it as the bike is much heavier than what I usually ride. It's best to have a feel of how the full tank bike is like.

 

Another nice vid. XD

Edited January 30, 2015 by BBQute_Bern

[AhXian90]

Woah, busy thread these days haha, Grats to all those whom pass recently Pls be extra careful on the road on ur first couple of days, as P-Plater, dun go do stuff that ur not confident yet, like lane split at a very long jam, i was stuck in the middle of the road engine stall, when suddenly moving traffic, bloody dangerous. Expressway, ride defensive(i would ride near the lane divider marking when following closely behind a veh), til u re used to the flow, esp dist abit from those luxury cars, they usually dun giv us chance(Us p-plater), hell even season rider sometime dun care us, either cut u or block u. Also on expressway overtake or pass those big vehicle asap if at all possible, cos 2b bike is very prone to the crosswind after 1--km/h(and in their blind spot).

 

if u stuck at plank, dun give up, its the one skill that u wil utilize every single ride (lane split) and will be depending on ur planking skill to do it safely.(u will have ur unique technique to plank,im one of those that spam tons of revision on plank and tailgate L plate car lol)

[JrCherish]

wow! more and more people pass from this thread. this thread bcming lively =D

 

but, will it be come as dead as last time? =P

 

Boring.. =X any ride out?

[crass2b]

Hi. I would like to ask is buying insurance instant? Meaning now I buy it online, can I do the transfer ownership immediately?

[JrCherish]

Before you buy insurance. Make sure bike is yours. Make sure the seller won't back up After u buy insurance, No refund Full amount. Online ah. Only using credit card payment Only. Debit, not too sure. If confirm. Just buy and ride your bike. their system update in real time. Iirc.

[darkredmica]

Hi. I would like to ask is buying insurance instant? Meaning now I buy it online, can I do the transfer ownership immediately?

You can buy the insurance first but ask them to activate at a certain date (after you have transfered ownership from LTA).

 

Debit card is possible.

[darkredmica]

wow! more and more people pass from this thread. this thread bcming lively =D

 

but, will it be come as dead as last time? =P

 

Boring.. =X any ride out?

I think during our times more happening though. Haha.

[Stealth123]

took my L6 last week. like mentioned by many post before this - instructor will take the L6 route (different from the test route)

Must say that after the long briefing... and actually going on the road - it's quite a challenge to remember all the detailed steps..

 

For me, the steps on the right turn - if long pocket, short pocket and no pocket was all jumbled up. *lol* Sometimes 1 bike go in, sometimes 2 ..

Think it was no pocket and short pocket is 1 bike, long pocket is 2 bikes... But luckily, this lesson is monkey see, monkey do.. so we just follow the instructor in front.

 

Class ended and was rated YMCA.... because of 2 reasons (i) i crossed over a chevron marking when following the instructor who pulled kerb side to wait for the rest of the group to pass a STOP junction (ii) didn't check blind spot left when i was merging in from a filter lane to a main lane.. (didn't even know i had to check blindspot left - i thought just make sure on the main road, traffic was clear can already.....

 

The other thing to watch out for is also the road joining the circuit - have to watch out for bikes / cars turning right as they head into the nursery... Cannot come out of the filter lane if there is already 2 bikes or a car there...

 

Oh well.. next try tomorrow...

 

What is the experience from the seniors here on road lessons vs circuit lessons? Do you guys think it's easier?

[BBQute_Bern]

hey guys, I got my bike from bike shop and they gave me a faxed/printed copy of msig insurance cover note. Then I was only told that I will get my road tax thru mail. The cover note is not cert. of insurance right? Will I get it through mail or I gotta get it from the insurer? I forgot to ask the bike shop about i @__@. Gotta ask him tmr.

Any Idea? Thanks.

[BBQute_Bern]

took my L6 last week. like mentioned by many post before this - instructor will take the L6 route (different from the test route)

Must say that after the long briefing... and actually going on the road - it's quite a challenge to remember all the detailed steps..

 

For me, the steps on the right turn - if long pocket, short pocket and no pocket was all jumbled up. *lol* Sometimes 1 bike go in, sometimes 2 ..

Think it was no pocket and short pocket is 1 bike, long pocket is 2 bikes... But luckily, this lesson is monkey see, monkey do.. so we just follow the instructor in front.

 

Class ended and was rated YMCA.... because of 2 reasons (i) i crossed over a chevron marking when following the instructor who pulled kerb side to wait for the rest of the group to pass a STOP junction (ii) didn't check blind spot left when i was merging in from a filter lane to a main lane.. (didn't even know i had to check blindspot left - i thought just make sure on the main road, traffic was clear can already.....

 

The other thing to watch out for is also the road joining the circuit - have to watch out for bikes / cars turning right as they head into the nursery... Cannot come out of the filter lane if there is already 2 bikes or a car there...

 

Oh well.. next try tomorrow...

 

What is the experience from the seniors here on road lessons vs circuit lessons? Do you guys think it's easier?

 

Heya stealth,

 

For the the pocket, 1 car = 2 bikes. Short pocket = 2 bikes/1car. Long pocket = 4bikes/2car. Your rear wheel shldn't be be on the pedestrian crossing when stopping in the pocket. If not sure just stop behind the stop line and see there's space for your bike. Some cars will go beyond the pocket, so if there's enough space for your bike, just go in else instructor will !@#!@$..

For no pocket, should be 1 car/bikes(confirm with instructor cos i only 80%sure XD).

Positioning should be something like this:

 

For left blind spot @ filter lane is just in case there's a bike or even car squeeze through. I got confused by checking blind spot recently. I used to check blind spot whenever I turn. But while one of the road revision, I was going out of the school. At the stop line, I stopped nearer to the right as I'm the 1st rider and on my left is the 2nd rider. I checked back left and checked right blind spot. The instructor told me just check back left will do. I was like huh? Logically he's right as there isn't any space to fit in another bike on my right. XD But during TP i still check right blindspot but after I move off but before turning right. It's really confusing at times.

 

During my lesson 6, my instructor focus more on riding skill? XD I even rode into bus lane but still pass. It's not so bad la, just tat I changed lane when I was at the start of the bus lane, as my instructor keep waving n pointing at the dotted bus lane line then I blur blur look at him. Back to circuit I got screwed by him XD. But the other guy failed due to his riding posture and wobbling. Some of them also make mistakes like didn't check blind spot, positioning and delay in turning but still pass. I think as long as you comply with traffic rules, remember your basic(positioning/blindspot) and ride stably should be able to pass. Small mistake here and there should be ok ba but don't keep repeating the same mistake.

 

All the best for your L6.

[Stealth123]

Detailed as always, BBQute_Bern..

What's the sequence of checking at the filter lane? Can help point out if not correct?

 

Before going into filter lane..

I) check left blind spot then turn into filter lane...

 

While approaching give way line at the end of the filter lane..

I) check traffic on main road

II) check blind spot left

III) merge into main road

 

I'm not too sure about the approaching give way line part...

 

On the road courses, if there are vehicles on the main road - but still enough time for us to turn out - do we merge in?

 

 

Heya stealth,

 

For the the pocket, 1 car = 2 bikes. Short pocket = 2 bikes/1car. Long pocket = 4bikes/2car. Your rear wheel shldn't be be on the pedestrian crossing when stopping in the pocket. If not sure just stop behind the stop line and see there's space for your bike. Some cars will go beyond the pocket, so if there's enough space for your bike, just go in else instructor will !@#!@$..

For no pocket, should be 1 car/bikes(confirm with instructor cos i only 80%sure XD).

Positioning should be something like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]318885[/ATTACH]

 

For left blind spot @ filter lane is just in case there's a bike or even car squeeze through. I got confused by checking blind spot recently. I used to check blind spot whenever I turn. But while one of the road revision, I was going out of the school. At the stop line, I stopped nearer to the right as I'm the 1st rider and on my left is the 2nd rider. I checked back left and checked right blind spot. The instructor told me just check back left will do. I was like huh? Logically he's right as there isn't any space to fit in another bike on my right. XD But during TP i still check right blindspot but after I move off but before turning right. It's really confusing at times.

 

During my lesson 6, my instructor focus more on riding skill? XD I even rode into bus lane but still pass. It's not so bad la, just tat I changed lane when I was at the start of the bus lane, as my instructor keep waving n pointing at the dotted bus lane line then I blur blur look at him. Back to circuit I got screwed by him XD. But the other guy failed due to his riding posture and wobbling. Some of them also make mistakes like didn't check blind spot, positioning and delay in turning but still pass. I think as long as you comply with traffic rules, remember your basic(positioning/blindspot) and ride stably should be able to pass. Small mistake here and there should be ok ba but don't keep repeating the same mistake.

 

All the best for your L6.

[BBQute_Bern]

Detailed as always, BBQute_Bern..

What's the sequence of checking at the filter lane? Can help point out if not correct?

 

Before going into filter lane..

I) check left blind spot then turn into filter lane...

 

While approaching give way line at the end of the filter lane..

I) check traffic on main road

II) check blind spot left

III) merge into main road

 

I'm not too sure about the approaching give way line part...

 

On the road courses, if there are vehicles on the main road - but still enough time for us to turn out - do we merge in?

 

Yup... you are there. I'll touch up a little. For zebra crossing just watch out for bicycle as their speed is hardest to judge. Usually won't encounter bicycle @ test route.

While approaching the give way line, I will check if there's any vehicle in the junction yellow box and vehicle doing U-turn, also my lane is not being obstructed. All clear, left blind spot and go. I will try not to take risk unless I am confident. 8 points for causing other vehicle to slow down or take evasive action.

If it's not clear, stop at the give way line. I confirmed with the instructor that checking traffic and check right can be the same action. Just check the traffic and check right the same time so you don't need keep turning your head around. Left blindspot and go if clear.

Hope this will help. =D

Edited February 1, 2015 by BBQute_Bern

[Stealth123]

thank you!!

 

Yup... you are there. I'll touch up a little. For zebra crossing just watch out for bicycle as their speed is hardest to judge. Usually won't encounter bicycle @ test route.

While approaching the give way line, I will check if there's any vehicle in the junction yellow box and vehicle doing U-turn, also my lane is not being obstructed. All clear, left blind spot and go. I will try not to take risk unless I am confident. 8 points for causing other vehicle to slow down or take evasive action.

If it's not clear, stop at the give way line. I confirmed with the instructor that checking traffic and check right can be the same action. Just check the traffic and check right the same time so you don't need keep turning your head around. Left blindspot and go if clear.

Hope this will help. =D

[AhXian90]

 

Before going into filter lane..

I) check left blind spot then turn into filter lane...

 

While approaching give way line at the end of the filter lane..

I) check traffic on main road

II) check blind spot left

III) merge into main road

 

I'm not too sure about the approaching give way line part...

 

On the road courses, if there are vehicles on the main road - but still enough time for us to turn out - do we merge in?

 

ur above steps is correct, and to addon if u had stop before the give way line; it would be check back right and blindspot left before u exit and merge( whenever filter lane involved just remember to do a blindspot check before exiting, and keeping ur bike in the middle, if vehicle cut in ur might get IF) oh ya and if u see 2 bike alrdy stop before at the give way line, u stop before the zebra x-crossing,(meaning u re the 3rd bike) because there will not be enuf space for the 3rd bike(remember 1 car length = 2bike length), if ur wheel touches the zebra, its IF.

 

Just enjoy the ride haha, monkey see monkey do, at the end must understand wad is goin on, took me three time at L6, Hmm just find out more on traffic lights seq(arrow controlled or not), filter lane seq, den the pockets at junction.

 

BBQute_Bern, hey bro for the blindspot at the sch gate, well becos u re turning right immediately; therefore u will default lookin at the right side. and checkback left is becos u re the bike just beside the kerb(on ur right i presume) so no danger/hazard on right side lor, and so the instructor say just check left. I also screwed up that part on my tp day infont of the tp tester lol, but u alrdy pass liao hhaa enjoy ur ride! and ur insurance cert shuld be just a paper(shud be the shop gave u, if not tp check gg), maybe on double sided, but the rest of the policy will be mail to u in booklet.(i think so my was from ntuc, went down to make tt time)

[BBQute_Bern]

ur above steps is correct, and to addon if u had stop before the give way line; it would be check back right and blindspot left before u exit and merge( whenever filter lane involved just remember to do a blindspot check before exiting, and keeping ur bike in the middle, if vehicle cut in ur might get IF) oh ya and if u see 2 bike alrdy stop before at the give way line, u stop before the zebra x-crossing,(meaning u re the 3rd bike) because there will not be enuf space for the 3rd bike(remember 1 car length = 2bike length), if ur wheel touches the zebra, its IF.

 

Just enjoy the ride haha, monkey see monkey do, at the end must understand wad is goin on, took me three time at L6, Hmm just find out more on traffic lights seq(arrow controlled or not), filter lane seq, den the pockets at junction.

 

BBQute_Bern, hey bro for the blindspot at the sch gate, well becos u re turning right immediately; therefore u will default lookin at the right side. and checkback left is becos u re the bike just beside the kerb(on ur right i presume) so no danger/hazard on right side lor, and so the instructor say just check left. I also screwed up that part on my tp day infont of the tp tester lol, but u alrdy pass liao hhaa enjoy ur ride! and ur insurance cert shuld be just a paper(shud be the shop gave u, if not tp check gg), maybe on double sided, but the rest of the policy will be mail to u in booklet.(i think so my was from ntuc, went down to make tt time)

 

Thank you! AhXian

Ohhh... Maybe I know what's going on. At the gate, I will check if left traffic clear 1st, follow by right traffic. Then check back left follow by right blindspot. My head was like left > right > left > right. I think turn too many times LOOL.. Now i realized I look like a clown keep turning my head around XD

Compare to positioning more to the left, I only turn my head twice. Check left traffic clear then follow by right traffic, check back right and blindspot with 1 head action.

[LunarSky]

Good Luck for riders taking TP tmr !

[nsr1980]

Was in Ubi just now, saw a group of express familiarization riders going back CDC, Congratulations to those passed 2B today.

[nsr1980]

cherish and treasure your 2B

[Stealth123]

3rd attempt of L6 tomorrow... *lol*

last lesson, almost passed.. at the end, made 1 mistake had to jam brake at give way line... my L7 took wings and flew off.

 

heh.... fingers crossed for tomorrow...