Another newcomer.

[mirmay]

Hi all and a happy new year!
I'm Martin from Shrewsbury and have just defected from the dark side of 4 wheel motoring. Started driving Wartburgs in 1980 and, after a succession of Wartburgs and Ladas, have finally got rid of my remaining Lada in favour of an ETZ125 (1988).
I have a question. Not holding a full bike licence, I am working up to my bike test some time this year. So, got module 1 ( the off-road manouvering and handling excercises) booked for Jan 25th. It's only £15.50, so not overly bothered about not passing this time as it will be a useful learning experience for the next time on how they want you to do things. I think I've got most disciplines up to scratch, but the one thing I'm worried about is starting the bike during the test. The bike doesn't have a side-stand, just the centre-stand. Now, does anyone know if I am allowed to start the bike whilst I am standing, holding the bike stationary with the front brake (off the stand) and then mounting once started or am I expected to kick-start once mounted and sitting astride the bike. The only snag with trying to kickstart whilst astride bike is that I can't always give it enough welly to start it and I skin my ankle on the various bits protruding - as if designed to do just that!!
Any advice appreciated.

[Baggy_Al]

Welcome to the forum, I have no idea about the test these days(mine took 15 minutes in1989) but could I suggest a pair of boots for the ankles

Al.

[djsbriscoe]

I think the answer is "start your bike in the normal way". I can't see there being any rules against starting the bike when your standing next to it. What do you have to do on the test? Is it riding round cones in figures of eight and stuff like that? I did my test on an ETZ125 in the 1990's and I don't remember their being a problem. I remember it being fairly relaxed as they really want you to pass the test so they arent going to make life TOO difficult for you.

David.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

bmw bikes before electric start were all started off the bike

mz with the Rotax motor is easier to start off the bike
thank GOD its electric start its a bear to start even warmed up

pair of boot is always a good idea when riding the motorcycle
and may be required at test time
if trail riding test may be required and always a good idea
do ask before going to the test so they do not turn you away..
dave

[Trogolodyte]

In the Uk, only legal erquirement is a helmet, if you want, you can take the test naked and only public obsenity law would stop you. but a good pair of sturdy boots will help, personally I wear ex-german para boots that you can get from an army surplus place, at anything from £10 for well used ones to £50 for almost new, I always used a good leather balm on new ones, renapur is what I use & I have never had a pair leak (appart from water splashing over the top of the boot) they have a foam insulated rubber sole and a hard leather re-enforced toe cap that is a real usfull part (yes its not like a steel toecap but it helps)
a good pair of bike gloves and a good leather jacket are all VERY good idea, How much to spend on riding gear is always going to be a question and the answer is how much is your skin worth.

[mirmay]

Thanks for the input guys. Boots is a definite must have.

[mirmay]

In the absence of anything definitive I elected to go for sitting astride and kick-starting in situ. Must have been ok because I passed !! Despite the old thing refusing to start to go from the car park to the test area.
All was well, the examiner's boss used to have a TS250 so we were ok! Much reminiscing and banter afterwards. Happy me. Now for part 2 - the road test................

[Old Dog]

Well done that man!!

Congratulations, there are one or two of us out on the west coast if you fancy giving the tiddle a good thrash