15-07-12, 08:48 PM
Personally I tend to use engine braking mostly and go down gears as necessary, using brakes as little as possible. I also use 6th in 30 / 40 zones in town to keep revs down (the joys of 5.30am start at work). If you're on a test, use your brakes slightly more, even if only lightly (so your examiner can see the brake light).
The key point is anticipating - if you're coming up to a situation, set your speed so that if possible you can keep rolling (or at least, minimise any waiting) - if you can see up ahead that lights are on green, account for the fact they might be back on red by the time you get to them (so that you don't rush up and brake heavily at the last seconds). Likewise at junctions (and indeed, roundabouts): if there's sufficient visibility, look for traffic as early as possible, set your speed / gear and try to roll through. Anticipate also the road after that point - if your coming on to a 30 / 40, then gentle acceleration will be sufficient, if its NSL then use a gear that'll give you enough pull to match traffic speed.
I would suggest sequential changing for the test - block changing (going down multiple gears) is fine but your road speed / rpm will need to be spot on, otherwise the bike may well lurch and wallow when you release the clutch.
Other points for the test: get your lifesavers in (at the right moment, and the correct direction).
Your examiner (for the test) is "any other road user" and needs to be "told" what you're doing (as regards signalling / braking etc). He's looking for SAFE riding skills, not perfect riding.
At junctions / crossroads controlled by traffic lights: a green light doesn't mean "go", it means "go if it's safe" - therefore always look right / left / right when "your" light goes green; there may be traffic from another side which has tried to "beat" the lights (going through on amber or red instead of stopping) or indeed, emergency vehicles coming through a red light.
The key point is anticipating - if you're coming up to a situation, set your speed so that if possible you can keep rolling (or at least, minimise any waiting) - if you can see up ahead that lights are on green, account for the fact they might be back on red by the time you get to them (so that you don't rush up and brake heavily at the last seconds). Likewise at junctions (and indeed, roundabouts): if there's sufficient visibility, look for traffic as early as possible, set your speed / gear and try to roll through. Anticipate also the road after that point - if your coming on to a 30 / 40, then gentle acceleration will be sufficient, if its NSL then use a gear that'll give you enough pull to match traffic speed.
I would suggest sequential changing for the test - block changing (going down multiple gears) is fine but your road speed / rpm will need to be spot on, otherwise the bike may well lurch and wallow when you release the clutch.
Other points for the test: get your lifesavers in (at the right moment, and the correct direction).
Your examiner (for the test) is "any other road user" and needs to be "told" what you're doing (as regards signalling / braking etc). He's looking for SAFE riding skills, not perfect riding.
At junctions / crossroads controlled by traffic lights: a green light doesn't mean "go", it means "go if it's safe" - therefore always look right / left / right when "your" light goes green; there may be traffic from another side which has tried to "beat" the lights (going through on amber or red instead of stopping) or indeed, emergency vehicles coming through a red light.