I passed! Now legal! Now it really starts...

[monkeyboy44]

Thanks for all the previous posts... went back to complete the CBT earlier today.

had another instrructor, great guy really built my confidence.

2 full hours on the road with a few small stops, read up on my OSM-PSL and it paid off!

i have to admit from my very, very small amount of riding on the road my head was wrecked after it. the instructor said "now the real part begins", get some miles under my belt and it will become easier. naturally i have to get the gears smoother, noticed i still get a bit jerky on coming down the gears when reaching a junction but i guess it will come.

going out with my brother early on sunday for my first proper ride.

any tips more than welcome...

[MCsanandreas]

well done! glad i did not have CBT or other nonsense to deal with when i first got on the road.

only tip i can give you is to ride,LOTS! try to be relaxed aswell while you ride,oh,wait thats two tips!

[Lutin]

Congratulations! Nice one.

[YEN_POWELL]

Riding on your own will be easier than your CBT, you'll be less worried about what others think. Get out onto some quiet roads where you can ride at your own pace to get used to your bike. Just take it steady and build up your confidence, there's no mad rush, enjoy yourself.

[Lulu]

Riding on your own will be easier than your CBT, you'll be less worried about what others think. Get out onto some quiet roads where you can ride at your own pace to get used to your bike. Just take it steady and build up your confidence, there's no mad rush, enjoy yourself.

Sounds like good advice to me Congratulations and well done on passing

[Raven]

Congratulations. Now get out there and ride

[digitalcaptive]

Well done Dude!!

[Freerangestormer]

Well done that man. All sound advice above, relax more (you can always relax more trust me) if you feel tension in your shoulders or your hands getting a bit cold or numb, stop take a moment and breath, carry some water and drink regularly, it may sound a daft thing in UK weather but it's amazing how dehydrated you get when you are tense. Next time you stop at the lights after soem heavy traffic, lick your lips and you'll see.

[StumpyFingers]

Well done now you can concentrate on riding the bike.
Do Not Forget the LIFESAVER
and you will be fine.

[metropolis2k]

Nice one mate! You will improve really quickly. Every time I go out I notice I'm doing things better and controlling the bike much more effectively. I actually took the baby Vara to the station for the first time today (I get the train up to London for work and usually drive) which was cool but it's a bit of a pain carrying a helmet, my tank bag and my work bag on the tube!

Going out with a more experienced rider really helps. On my first few rides with my mate we'd stop half-way and chat through how it went, things I could improve that he spotted, etc.

As for getting gear changes smoother you will get used to the bike soon enough. I still have the occasional dodgy one and might accidently slip into neutral every now and again (like this morning!) but it comes quickly. The main thing I've found about smooth changes is clutch control.