Well I wish you luck. I havn't ever had to do a test for MC as I got my license by being "grandfathered". I simply requested it when the requirement first came into law. Prior to that all you needed was a valid drivers license. I had never owned a motorcycle but for some reason when the license was issued I asked about the motorcycle endorsement and they stamped it for me. Later I did get around to owning a few bikes. I expect I might not be able to do the figure eights without some practicing either.
I was down for the advanced rider course in late June but have had to cancel. I really wish that had not been so because now it won't be until next year that I get a chance to take it again
GarryS ---- "We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience."
putput, are you sure you need to do a figure 8 for your test? You may want to look into it. During the course, we did u-turns....lots of u-turns. zig zags through cones, and "stopping on a dime" so to speak. Slow turns and slow (walking pace) riding, and riding big circles gradually making them smaller circles.
The road test may or may not have a u-turn depending on the examiner. I spent so much time practising u-turns...stressing about it....and then on road test day, I didn't have to do a u-turn. But, it's definitely something they may test.
Make sure you are competent with hill starts. That is almost always on the road test. While the test is mostly city driving, the testing station in Burnaby also takes you on the freeway.
figure 8 is in the book .I better get it down .I tried shifting my "O Ring" over to counter balance the tight lean and sharp turn?Seems to help get through the tight turn but I am afraid I may just lay it down being stuck off centre and going so slow.book says stay straight in the seat?what ever works i guess.I just realy hate the manuver on a big bike .
I took group lessons in the fall and then some private lessons. We never did figure eights. It was mentioned that some large cruiser bikes just simply could not make that maneuver and so it wasn't covered. When I took my test in February I wasn't asked to do it.
Another thing that is really important when you finally do go for your road test is not to forget to turn off your signals. Apparently the examiners are real sticklers for making sure the signals are turned off.
Another thing the examiners really look for is head turning. They want to SEE your head turning. Someone I know failed their test because the examiner couldn't see their head turning. On some helmets it's hard to tell if the head is moving, so if you have a plain black helmet, a piece of masking tape down the centre of the back of the helmet will give the examiner a visual cue that your head is moving.
It's not like the old days when the examiner stood in the parking lot with a clipboard while you went around the block.
A fellow where I work has a class 6. He got it years ago by taking a bike from a dealer for a "test drive". He never got it out of first gear. Did his whole test in first gear. Examiner never left the parking lot.
Scary thought if this co-worker ever decided to actually get a bike
If you're not currently taking lessons, I would seriously consider it. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is to think they can teach themselves how to ride properly.
Even though I took lessons when I started, I have developed enough bad habits I refused to teach a friend to ride when I was asked. I would rather not be the one to blame for passing on my bad judgement to someone else and have it be a tragic mistake.
As it is, that friend is an amazing rider now considering the fact that she's only been riding since Oct, and since Feb without restrictions. Keep up the good work Blues...
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"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
That was the scene today for the 1st Annual Gastown Motorcycle Show and Shine. Wet.
I think the rain kept a lot of people away. It was easy to walk along and see all the bikes. Even with my big umbrella. I dragged my brother along....actually he came willingly....he used to ride, and I think he is halfway interested in riding again.
It was unfortunate for the owners of the bikes that they had to be displayed in the pouring rain. But, such is life in Vancouver in June.
Later I did get around to owning a few bikes. I expect I might not be able to do the figure eights without some practicing either. 
