When doing the slalom on the motorcycle keep the bike revs up to about 1000 revs above stalling rate dependant on the motorcycle and try to completely keep the motorcycle under control using only the footbrake (on the right side of the motorcycle remembering that OLD classics some like the tiger moth had the brake and gear pedals reversed), the slalom can be tricky for new or rusty riders like myself listen carefully to the examiner. You most likely will not be able to pick up the motorcycle if you take it beyond the point of the bikes weight and your own ability to physically lift it back up and this is expensive not to mention a danger to yourself and other road users so follow the Examiners instructions carefully. Don't worry you shouldn't fail unless you appear to be dangerous i.e. dropping the bike. You should find your examiner forgiving if you make minor errors. I can perform well on a motorcycle and I still find the training yard hard so don't give up trying.

The figure of 8 is a slow speed turning exercise. So it should have been explained to you by your instructor that at slow speed control you should use the clutch, throttle, and rear brake NEVER USE THE FRONT BRAKE WHEN TURNING OR AT SLOW SPEED it will all end badly. You should try to keep the throttle and clutch balanced you achieve this by keeping the clutch on the biting point and the throttle just above tick over only use the rear brake to set your speed of the bike as and when you need to. You shouldn't keep your foot on the rear brake it will not help, but a lot of new riders think it does help. The secret to the figure of 8 is where you look you should try to focus on where you what the bike to end up. Try not to look down or at the cones otherwise you will lose balance and have to put your foot down.

Hope this helps and good luck on the rest of your training

To me it sounds like an instructor problem, not your problem

I had never ridden a gear bike(and only a 50cc kids bike when I was about 7) before I done my CBT. so it was all new to me

 It was explained to me how to do it (as aready explained) back brake and clutch they weren't even brothered about well over reving it.

 So don't blame your self

if they are that bad at teaching you the CBT , go somewhere else if you do a full bike test

All the best
Paul

Agree with the other comments,  Never front break, if you haver the clutch in the rig place you cant really do too many revs it just makes a noise.  Clutch, foot break and throttle, also lots easier if you get into 2nd Gear.  Also agree about instruction, if you weren't told this then try elsewhere, I did mine last month, all explained perfectly, I struggled a bit then realised but gas was the answer...

Good luck

hi did my cbt on the 4th had never riden a BIKE before had great instruction from steve at realworld, when you are riding slow it is all about engine rpm and clutch control, i have been driving cars vans and trucks for the last twenty years and know if you ride the clutch to much you will do damage i brought this up on the CBT he simply turned round and said if you burn the clutch out we will get a new one simple as that also you will find the higher the rpm the better the balance, so just keep in mind over rev and slip the clutch may seem like you are doing damage but its the correct way good luck mark s.wales 

Using the front brake makes the bike unstable. You'll really notice the difference when you use the rear brake instead. 

Also, try to use the clutch and rear brake to control the speed, avoiding jerky throttle movements. 

Good luck with your CBT,

Jonathan

Hey guys, thanks for your valuable comments.  I re-did my CBT yesterday and had a different instructor, and I must say, she was ten times better at explaining things to me than the last one, and along with your help,  I completed it...Yippee.  Now I'm going on to do my 125 training and then hopefully onto the direct access.  Thank you very much for all your help with my first steps..

Hi FeefeeJovi,

that's brilliant news! Congrats! Keep us posted on your training... how many lessons are you planning on having?

Hey Thanks Cecilia.  I've booked 1 days lessons on 125 and they said they would re-asses me then to see if I would need any more 125 training, if not, I guess it's straight onto the Suzuki GS500 to do my DAS training.  I really can't wait.  What stage are you at?

wow, cool stuff!

I am already a rider, I have a scooter... I'm looking into making the switch to a 125cc bike too sooner or later tho! :)

Sorry I really don't understand why your instructer wasn';t telling you to use your rear brake, I had that battered into me, however saying that I bought my first bike on monday 7/10/10 and fell off on 8/10/10 and that was because I grabbed a handful of front break in an emergency stop and totally lost control, lesson learnt leave front break alone unless you slowed down with back break first