British Superbike News

Cal Crutchlow, the HM Plant Honda rider who is currently second in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, passed his motorcylce test at the beginning of the month.

Crutchlow wanted to pass the test before the second European Driving License Directive comes into effect in October 2008. The new license will introduce new elements to motorcylce testing and training which are to include, new manoeuvres such as, the slalom, figure of eight, hazard avoidance and cornering skills.

With the prospect of facing longer waiting lists for tests and possibly more expensive training, there is expected to be a glut of would-be motorcyclists taking their tests before October 2008.

Crutchlow said,

“I’ve got such a busy schedule with racing and other events, but I knew I had to get my Direct Access course and test done sooner rather than later. I was so worried during the build-up to the actual test - doing the theory test and then doing the CBT on a little CG125 learner machine. I had to wear a fluorescent bib and said ‘you are joking?’ - it was like being a novice racer again, but I did what I was told and wore it. I was pleased to get my CBT at the beginning of the week, I mean, what if I had failed that as a Superbike rider!?

I can see why people love riding on the roads. It’s an exhilarating way to travel, although it’s completely different to riding on the track and you have to be so aware of potential dangers, rather than going as fast as you can and trying to win a race! I also had to get used to the road-style ‘one-down, five-up’ gearbox, and not the other way round which I’m used to with my race-style gearbox, but I only fluffed a few gear changes, thankfully only at low speed !”

Just as well Cal passed his test on the Friday, as he was the first person in the UK to pick up keys to the brand new CB1000R, which was launched on Friday by Honda dealers.