Absolutely gutted.... failed my test on my U turn. :-<

[deviant]

a few comments:

- I failed my test for putting a foot down on the U turn - on a very narrow road. I think the road used on the test I passed was at least half as wide again.

- They can choose whatever road they like so long as the bike will physically turn on it. That's why they get you to push it through a U turn first. If you can do that, the official position is that you should be able to ride it round. Obv this means that if doing the test on a 125 you may be asked to do it on a narrower road than if you were on a sports bike. Depends how cruel the examiner is feeling.

- Get the rear brake on, hard. Then use higher revs and a slipping clutch to overcome the braking force.

- If you accelerate out of it, the bike will stand up and all will be well. Remember this. If you get half way and don't think you are going to make it, look back up the road, tip it in further, come off the brake and wind the throttle open. It will get round.

- Practice practice practice. After I failed, I went out and practiced until I could reliably ride round in circles on the lock stops. This may be difficult for you as it's not your bike - I did my test on my own 125 so I could do it for hours if I wanted.

- Believe. If you think you aren't going to make it, your subconscious will take control of your right foot and you'll have failed. Keep going and the worst that might happen is you will hit the kerb (this is an appropriate time to put your foot down, because you've failed anyway!)

[SpaceMonkey]

Gutted for you mate

But if the rest of test was spot on don't be too disheartened.

I'm guessing your from near Wimbledon way with the username SW20?

[Andy_SW20]

Thank you everybody.

Ive actually rented a CB125 for all of next week, so going to practice practice practice as much as my petrol budget (and the bike's clutch) can afford!

As for the name SW20.. its actually because when i joined, I had a MR2 turbo (which are known as SW20s), but I do know and live reasonably close to Wimbledon... just the other side of Mitcham Common!

As soon as I get the 125 to practice on on Monday, I will try all these different ways and see what one works for me. Really great hints, thank you so much, everybody.

Andy

[SpaceMonkey]

As for the name SW20.. its actually because when i joined, I had a MR2 turbo (which are known as SW20s), but I do know and live reasonably close to Wimbledon... just the other side of Mitcham Common!

Andy

Ahhhhh.... I work just off Mitcham Common.

Good luck with the practising & retest mate.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a ZXR once you've passed.