So, it appears my nerves got the best of me today and I bombed my skills test. I'm rather bummed seeing as it was all on the slow ride. U-Turn, Slalom no problem -- And those were my worry sections=).

I can't say I have any excuses, but I think my lesson learned is that I'm not retaking it on my instructors 83 Ninja 400 again, but will take it on my new 2012 Ninja 650. I'm finding the new bike much easier to control. Perhaps its because I'm a pretty heavy guy (300 pounds) and the bike is a fair bit bigger up front and that helps me balance?

Anyways, I'm just curious if anybody around here happens to be on Vancouver island near the Duncan area? Every so often I see on the forums people offering to just go riding and give some tips here and there to us new riders. I could certainly use the practice as my instructor is busy with classes for the next two weeks. Could also save me a few bucks if I can get away with buying you a coffee vs paying hourly

Hi, sorry to hear about the failure.
If you're already familiar with the test, I suggest that you take your bike to a parking lot and keep practicing the turns, slow speed riding, stops, etc. You already know all that is needed to pass. There's no need for an instructor anymore.

Take the MSF course, the basic training in that course has saved me from trouble many many times

Originally Posted by srogaski

Take the MSF course, the basic training in that course has saved me from trouble many many times

We don't have MSF courses in Canada, each province has different regulations required to obtain a motorcycle permit.

Here in Quebec it cost me about 1100$ to get it, which is pretty much the going rate.

Registration is between 1100$ and 600$ each year depending on if you have a supersport or not.

Not sure if this is any good or not, but I did a quick google search and found them... Lauzon Driving School ; Motorcycle Courses Class 6A | École de conduite | Cours de conduite | Permis de conduite | Montréal | Laval

I'm actually in Vancouver, so unfortunately not quite close enough to go out riding with you on a whim, but if you're ever over in Vancouver and need someone to ride with, if you can give me a couple days notice I'm sure I could work something out.

nerves will definitely do it, I took a course through Action Motorcycle School here in Langley and they were terrific, and the MSA test is included in the course - they don't guarantee you'll pass, but they are certified to test you, and for me it was a lot less unnerving to take the test with an instructor I was familiar with rather than go to the ICBC testing center and wonder if I'd get someone having a bad day

keep at it, and hopefully you can find someone closer to ride with for practice. You should try the island riders forums, can't remember the link but it's for vancouver island riders

good luck!