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I passed as well. Sucked at the box, but everything else went very smooth. Fun, fun.

acritzer wrote:My biggest problem, slow tight cone weaving...seems like the bike I was on was real jumpy when first applying gas, might be a throttle control issue. . .

So, Grasshopper, do you know, now why the bike was "jumpy" when applying the gas? How did you make it smoother?



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I did notice, however, that I had one other problem: starting from a stop. I can find the friction zone fine, but I'm guessing I don't have the whole "roll on the throttle as you ease out the clutch" part down. I would stall now and again while trying to start out smoothly. What I wound up doing is using the friction zone to start pulling and then roll on the throttle a bit and release the clutch as I rolled on. But it still didn't feel smooth.

Lion_Lady wrote:

acritzer wrote:My biggest problem, slow tight cone weaving...seems like the bike I was on was real jumpy when first applying gas, might be a throttle control issue. . .

So, Grasshopper, do you know, now why the bike was "jumpy" when applying the gas? How did you make it smoother?



P

Well, considering it was my first time on a bike it could have been a number of things. First, I don't know that the idle was set very high, so the friction zone was almost nothing. Second, since I was thinking so much about the lines and turns I wasn't able to control the throttle and clutch as much as was needed. So, in the end I was making too many speed corrections and not enough turn corrections. The balance between the two gave me a tough time.

Actually, I was looking for "I needed to use the friction zone - ride the clutch - especially when starting out (in first gear)."

It is a delicate balance, eeeeasing out the clutch lever, and applying throttle at the same time. Each bike model is a bit different in how 'thirsty' it is starting out.

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Lion_Lady wrote:Actually, I was looking for "I needed to use the friction zone - ride the clutch - especially when starting out (in first gear)."

It is a delicate balance, eeeeasing out the clutch lever, and applying throttle at the same time. Each bike model is a bit different in how 'thirsty' it is starting out.

P

Wow, you're tests are tough. I thought my answer was pretty acceptable. I'm only kidding, I've read a bunch of your beginner advice threads....they're very helpful. Especially when I went to buy a helmet. Keep them coming.