Changes to the MOD1 Motorcycle Test...

The government is working with the motorcycle industry to review the delivery and content of the current motorcycle test. This work (along with DSAs ongoing monitoring and review process of all tests) has identified a number of minor changes that can be quickly introduced before the main review is finished.

Here's an outline of the minor changes that the DSA intends to introduce to the MOD1 test with effect from
16 May 2011.

Change to the Sequence of the Manoeuvres
This has been done so that all the slow speed elements will be carried out before the higher speed exercises. This will allow candidates to demonstrate the necessary competence in motorcycle control before moving onto the more demanding manoeuvres.

• Manual handling
• Slow control steering (slalom and figure of eight)
• Slow ride: this will be observed as the candidate rides to the next exercise
• U-turn
• Circuit bend and controlled stop carried out between 30km/h and 50km/h (about 20mph to 30mph) followed by a controlled stop in the area marked by the four blue cones; speed not  measured
• Cornering and emergency stop; speed measured
• Cornering, avoidance exercise and controlled stop; speed measured

Controlled Stop
This provides an opportunity for candidates to ride the circuit bend of the motorcycle manoeuvring area before coming to a controlled stop. There will not be a minimum speed requirement to this manoeuvre which will allow the candidates the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the layout before moving on to the emergency stop.

Emergency Stop Manoeuvre
This is to take place before the avoidance exercise. If candidates fail the emergency stop they will not be permitted to carry out the avoidance exercise. This should significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident for poorly prepared candidates.

Choosing the Preferred Riding LineRe-positioned cones on the exit of both left and right hand bends allow the rider to choose their preferred riding line.

The Slow Ride
This will now be conducted whilst the candidate rides between the figure of eight and the U-turn manoeuvres. The examiner will observe rather than walk beside the candidate. This will make for a smoother transition from one manoeuvre to another whilst compensating for the extra time required for the candidate to benefit from the additional ride around the circuit bend.

Altering requirements for the Controlled Stop following the Avoidance Exercise
The requirements for the controlled stop following the avoidance exercise will be altered. The first pair of blue cones that currently form the stopping box will be removed for this exercise. The examiner will ask the candidate to stop near the remaining two blue cones. This will allow the candidate a greater length to stop in and also allows flexibility in where they stop. Candidates will still be required to stop under control.

Flexibility of Speed Assessment
For the high speed manoeuvres, DSA intends to introduce a degree of flexibility into the assessment of the speed requirement. There will be a five per cent tolerance of the speed required. (2km/h below 50km/h). Providing the candidate commits no faults, other than not reaching the speed within this tolerance, the examiner should record this as a riding fault rather than a serious fault. (A riding fault will contribute to the result of the test. A serious fault would result in failure)

Rider Faults
The maximum number of rider faults a successful candidate is allowed will remain at five; the number of attempts allowed for the higher speed exercises will also remain unchanged.

To summarise, these changes are designed to address those aspects of the MOD1 test that the motorcycle industry felt needed to be changed.

The key message is that the exercises will remain the same; it is mainly the order in which they are delivered that will change.

This will give candidates more time to settle down and familiarise themselves with the updated layout. This will also give them the opportunity to build up their speed gradually, reducing the risk of candidates riding too fast.

Join our "Aeroplane Dash" Ride Out...

Sunday 27th March
Low fliers bring your goggles, we're off to RAF Cosford. Ride out for bikes up to 250cc only - Learner legals especially welcome.


Meet us here at Streetbike (make sure your fueled up !), have some brekkie and we're off at 11:00.

Nice easy run to Cosford should get there by 11:45. Admission to RAF Cosford is free.

Drag Jason out of there by 2:30 and we should be back here by 15:15 just in time for a cuppa and a lump of cake.

Give Jase a call on 0121 506 6800 and let him know your coming...


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Alex Rides the awesome new 2011 Suzuki GSXR750

Key in - Ignition on - Clutch In - Hit The Starter...
You’re then greeted with the familiar GSXR growl as it fires in to life. Swing your leg over and it’s like putting on an old pair of slippers. Everything feels familiar, and right. The switches in the right places, mirrors set up, and an array of useful info on the digital display. But yet it all feels new !

I was amazed how light the bike feels, from lifting it up off the stand to riding away for the first time. Out on the open road the handling feels sharp. You can pick any line and it will stick to it. If you want to change the line, no problem…even at speed it’s effortless and confidence inspiring. You could ride over a 5 pence and tell if was heads or tails !

The motor revs freely, and even at “running in revs” you can tell there’s more than enough grunt on tap. Particularly when combined with the 8KG weight saving over the previous model. The gearbox is silky smooth once you’ve got accustomed to the angle of the lever, which can be adjusted if required. The ratio’s are close and really give that sensation that you’re on a top class sports bike. The brakes are absolutely first class, once they’re bedded in they’ll be simply ferocious!

While riding back I knew the guy’s would ask me what I thought. What I was thinking will be a bold statement to make. But it’s true…The GSXR750L1 is undoubtedly the Best Bike I’ve ever ridden !

Alex Hogg : Streetbike Motorcycle Business Manager.


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Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré - Win an adventure...

FREE - Nick Sanders DVD and book with every test ride*!

FREE - Adventure in Wales with the Ténéré Experience worth £250 for every Super Ténéré purchase*!

PLUS - All test riders have a chance to win an unforgettable 8 day Adventure in Morocco with Nick Sanders riding an XT1200Z*!
 
The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré is in itself an unforgettable ride and can take you anywhere you want to go. If your greatest desire is to travel around Europe or you are just as satisfied riding the Peak District on any given Sunday, the Super Ténéré will relish every opportunity you give it.

So if you take a test ride between now and June here at Streetbike, you will find out what makes this bike a great adventure in its own right - but not only that, you will receive Nick Sanders’ Anatomy of an Adventure book and DVD, a chance to win a trip with the man himself and if you go on to buy the bike, we will give you a day’s Adventure in Wales.

Just give the guys a call on 0121 506 6800...

Terms & Conditions
*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. The chosen Yamaha dealer will have final veto on all demonstration rides. Entry to the grand prize competition is by completion of the road test evaluation form which is available at participating authorised Yamaha dealers. One Nick Sanders gift pack per customer, irrespective of number of individual test rides taken. Evaluation form must be received by YMUK via the Yamaha dealer to activate despatch of pack direct to the customer. Any purchase of new XT1200Z during the promotion period will receive a voucher for a free day at Yamaha Ténéré Experience, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6PS. Insurance stipulates riders aged 25 years or over. Promotion ends June 30th 2011. Please allow 28 days for gift pack delivery.


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Ride Out Report...

YAWN - not used to these early starts but we were all here and open at 07:00. ready for our new plate riders and everyone else who wanted to join the ride out.

First in and keen was new rider of just two weeks Jason a graduate of our training school...

There he is mug and map in hand just after 7:45 and he'd munched a bacon buttie before I took this !

Shortly after that the first of our new plate riders Miroslaw turned up to collect his new pride and joy.

There he is with Salesman Alan and this is will be his 40th Bike since he started riding... 

So a quick flurry of handovers, map distribution, checks and brekkies, everyone was finally ready for the off.

Alex stopped the traffic on Mucklow Hill so we could all get out in one group.

Jason led the way on the brand new awesome Suzuki GSXR600 and Charlie looked after the rear...

Next stop Craven Arms !

Ahhh - nice brew, that was a good run...






 

Back at Streetbike - more coffee.

We had a great time and so did our riders thanks to all of them for turning up and joining us.

We'll do more later in the year - watch this space.....