125 Motorcycle

For clients aged 17-20 yrs we can provide all the specialised training available on the circuit before going out onto public roads.

It's the same course content as our long established Direct Access course. So CBT, use of the race track, Module 1 practice on track every day plus all the on road practice for the module 2 part of the motorcycle test is included.

Don't forget, this is not about wobbling around on a pub car park or school playground, where you manage to use only two gears and get up to 14mph before being declared "fit to ride" on the public roads. There are lots of "schools" out there that offer this and the results can be frightening for many clients.

We offer you the chance to prove you can handle the bike confidently, at all road legal speeds up to 70mph. You'll also be given a session on cornering techniques on the race track where we will introduce you to: counter steering, pivot steering, ideal reference points, suspension setup and emergency braking in the bends. With no traffic around, you can build your confidence and technique at speeds before moving onto the roads safely!

You can choose between the new Honda CBR 125r or the Yamaha YBF125 rather than some of the old, slow 125 machines some schools offer. You need to know that the machine you are on will reach the minimum speed required for the new "swerve test".

With our facilities you can practice the "swerve test" for the module 1 bike test, on the race track repeatedly, until you feel confident.

The hazard avoidance test is delivered on track at speeds of up to 60mph for all clients. You can practice accelerating up to speed in 2nd or 3rd gear to decide which will give you the best drive depending on which bike you are on. You can then try this test, on track at speeds of 30mph, 35mph, 40mph, 45mph until you find your personal limit (we topped out at 65mph) It's easy when you know how to counter steer and by the end of day your first day you'll know what we mean!

Further training on inclines is included in the off road element, which is ideal preperation as not all roads are flat! Once you (and we) are confident you've got it, we'll transfer these skills on to the road.

All of our students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the extensive facilities on offer at Mallory Park.

This enables all clients to experience:

1. Correct use of brakes to perform emergency stops at up to 65 mph. (this will be twice the speed of the one on test)
2. Counter-steering to enable students to safely negotiate bends and corners at road legal speeds.
3. Use of the racing circuit to get up to the speeds needed for dual carriageway/motorway riding.
4. Higher speeds also enable our clients to experience road and weather conditions and the feeling of vulnerability BEFORE they go out on the open road.
5. Hill starts, U Turns (both uphill and downhill) braking on bends and realistic left and right turns.
6. Module 1 "hazard avoidance" practice every day.
7. Proper use of gears to obtain realistic rates of acceleration.

The extra experience and machine control that this allows ensures that our clients are fully prepared before going anywhere near a public road. This makes the whole learning experience more enjoyable for both client and instructor. It also means that maximum progress is possible as all the basics have been covered in far greater depth.

We find from experience and customer feedback, that to many people feel "rushed" out onto open roads before they are properly prepared. This approach generally leads to more problems further down the line. The additional training and preparation, using the whole paddock and racing circuit, ensures that our clients are both prepared and confident. This generally leads to them making rapid, safe progress towards passing their test.

Each day starts at 9.30am with a full briefing outlining areas to be covered on each particular day.

Classroom sessions are designed to prompt open and honest discussion of previous days' experiences, accomplishments and difficulties. We encourage clients to plan ahead and anticipate areas of their bike control or road awareness that may need further attention. Counter steering techniques are reinforced at this stage.

A short practice session (30-60mins) involving slow control is often required at the start of the day for all clients. All clients must wear full protective clothing and be in radio contact during slow speed practice.

On road riding forms the majority of the day. As confidence builds, dual carriageways and overtaking techniques will be introduced. Clients are reminded to ride for themselves and not to feel as if they are to be influenced in any way by other road users. You will have the opportunity to follow and lead throughout the day.

Key areas to be addressed prior to test are;

Module 1 practice on track each day

U-turns / slow control / balance

Forward planning / Appropriate speed

Left and right turns inc O,S,M,P,S,L routine

Roundabouts / Traffic lights

Emergency stops / controlled braking

Safe following distance (2second rule) road positioning, rear observations

Cornering speed / Use of gears

Maintenance checks / Riding with a pillion