i think the comment about practising in big car park was for Nikki ... not you hun lulu ya nutta hahahahahaha   well anyhow hugs lulu chick.... we all have our opinions and anyhow emz calls me intellectually challenged so i wouldnt worry pmsl hahahaha     < runs and hides with some banana skins to throw out as necessary... xxx   sounds like you are bein hard on yaself nikki ~ ya doin a grande job chick and some good advice above from everyone   i was told to use clutch on biting point adn revs to keep it going at walking pace bt very stable... on my lessons  and back break if needs be... anyhow i just do what i have to now....                                                                                                                                                                                 

Thanks everyone, all the advice is really helpful however to practice in an 'empty' car park seems I have to get up at 5am to pop down to Morrisons before all the mad shoppers get down there lol   If only I lived somewhere like America with all that space instead of this crowded island!!!  I'm gonna ask my instructor if for my next lesson we can do a two hour lesson on slow control and on getting a bike with a long wheel base like mine round those pesky mini roundabouts!  Time to buy a YBR guys?? 

Cheers! xx
                                                                                                                                                                             

  Lulu I'm sorry if you thought I was "having a go" at you   My comments were directed a Nikki and any other "newbies" who might be reading the thread   Opinions expressed in forums are just that, "opinions"   They are rarely "personal" and when so directed are often "tongue in cheek"   Nikki, I think your plan to ask for a "specific" slow riding session is a great idea   One that will pay long term dividends   Is there an industrial estate nearby where you might find room to practice after your "official" session   All practice is valuable when you are starting out on a biking life   When it comes time to take your tests you will be glad you put the effort in   All the best with all your future biking Nikki   And sorry again to Lulu   I'm sure that Nikki appreciates all input but especially from fellow lady riders                                                                                                                                                                                   

I'm really grateful for all of the advice that I have had on this forum, people have been so friendly and helpful.  So I practiced slow control figure of eights today and it seems it's about the correct amount of clutch/throttle control and enough throttle to get you through the turn without dropping the bike but not letting it run away with you if that makes any sense?  I didnt use the rear brake at all today and was happy with that but will continue to adjust my technique through experience and professional guidance from my instructor.  Looking where you want to go has been an invaluable piece of advice for me.  If I look at the kerb because I am worried about hitting it, I almost hit it!  And Emzed is right, it's great to have so many lady bikers on here and recive their 'sister' wisdom.  Keep it coming, and thanks guys :-)

Oh, and Emzed, the only industrial estate near me which would be a possibilty for practising is now full of potholes post-icy weather!                                                                                                                                                                               

To this day i still use the rear break on my bike to do slow maneuvering it helps keep the bike up right and makes it so much easier to control at slow speeds ...It does take a little practice to get into the habit but once you have mastered it the mist rises  All the best ...                                                                                                                                                                                  

I have more DAS training tomorrow - lots of slow control practice but I nearly burned the clutch out last time !!                                                                                                                                                                              

Good luck tomorrow gbc2010                                                                                                                                                                              

Have fun doing it.
                                                                                                                                                                             

  Good for you gbc, I am saying nothing more...in case I get grumpy again....sorry folks.....                                                                                                                                                                             

I can't believe you could be grumpy Lulu.                                                                                                                                                                              

    Oh I am a right b***h at times.... don't mean it tho' Ragnar....its just my gob runs away with me ..... xxxxxxxx                                                                                                                                                                             

I thought that was something to do with being a certain sex.   Why do I regret saying that already?                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                             

  Hey Ragnar both the sexes are as bad as each other hon, men are grumpy and women are moody ok?......ok???? Grrrrrr!!! hahahaha  xx   on another note, hope gbc did ok today ....                                                                                                                                                                             

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat Rags   see Lulu.......... it's all their fault........... ... remind me again which rallies you are going to Rags??????????!!!!!! and what colour your tent is..........                                                                                                                                                                             

yeah hope you had fun buring out them clutches gbc  and hope you feel you have mastered it a bit more.... xx

Yep Suzi Ill join ya hunt him down hahaha   Some women may let their gobs run away with them but some men NEED to open theirs in the first place or we don't know what the heck youse want!!!   Oh god have I started another row?   xxx                                                                                                                                                                             

Don't tell them you are in the green tent Ragnar   ....whoops                                                                                                                                                                              

Cheers David xx