Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: HELP WITH TEST(weave), test, cones


Question
PAT:  MY WIFE HAS GONE THROUGH SAFETY COURSE AT Uof ILLINOIS
BUT COULDN'T PASS THE WEAVE. SHE IS A GOOD RIDER AS WE PURCHASED A NEW REBEL 250 LAST YEAR, AND SHE HAS LOGGED 750 MILES SO FAR. SHE CAN DO EVERYTHING WELL EXCEPT THE WEAVE.
ILLINOIS USES 12' SPACING WITH 24 INCH OFFSET AND 5 PYLONS.
CAN YOU GIVE ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO GET THIS DONE? SHE HAS THE REBEL AS SHE IS SHORT AND THE REBEL WAS THE ONLY BIKE THAT SEEMED TO HAVE A LOW ENOUGHT SEAR HEIGHT. (I'VE BEEN RIDING 51 yrs HONDA 400 HAWK 1980) BUT I CAN ONLY GET THE REBEL THROUHG THERE ABOUT 1/2 THE TIME   ***HELP PLEASE***
               THANK YOU BOB AND SUE  BOB2506@AOL.COM

Answer
The secret is to not look down at the pylons. Focus your gaze on an imaginary point on the horizon, use peripheral vision to see the cones.

This also requires a rider to be able to lean the bike at very slow speeds and also to turn the handlebars quite a bit. It takes more than a little practice to finally get this.

Knees tight against the tank. Shoulders and elbows loose. A light grip on the bars. Eyes on the horizon.

Pat