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Incidentally, I got myself a Garmin Zumo for navigating and used the "Adventurous" routing option. It was great. Kept me on quiet twisty roads all the way.
Quite. Having to hold all that in your head, and process it all consciously (because you don’t yet have the experience to do it by instinct) is thoroughly knackering.
Agreed - I was out for a few hours a couple of weeks back and was knackered when I got home. And a few lapses in concentration, such as trying to perform a hill start in neutral!
Once you have a CBT you could always hire a 125 for a weekend and get some miles in for practice. A mate of mine did that. I went out with him, was quite interesting going out for a ride with someone on a 125 🙂
I had my second MOD1 lesson yesterday, 1.5hours of emergency stops and swerving, went fine, the swerve is easier than I thought it would be, the other pupil managed to grab a bit too much front brake on the emergency stop and drop the bike, but it's all learning, and he picked himself up and got it right the next time.
The challenge I'm finding for MOD2 is getting used to being followed/given instructions, as I've been riding on CBTs for 6 years, so I can ride a bike already, I just find myself second guessing what I need to do/overthinking things and ballsing simple things up, which'll get sorted with practice and stopping trying to ride the bike and just riding the bike.
Even I like the look of that Ducati Monster 821.
I would however kill myself dead within a week of owning one.
I admire you lot who ride bikes.
Vortexracing, that is pure pornography
Wait till it's finished 😉
BTW it's taken 4yrs to get to that stage so far 🙁
Picked my new machine up today. It's extremely tidy for a 21 year old bike!
Very sorted build by a true enthusiast.
I have the printouts from the dyno session after he had it set up with the new air filters and exhaust.
How satisfying must this day at the office been?
Before
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After
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That first run looks a right mess, but that lower one looks a very nice curve.
Did you find anywhere/anyone to Insure it bedmaker?
Now that's a proper flat spot bedmaker , a brammer!
First ride of the year yesterday. Good to get some bike time in. Slightly tarnished by a puncture in the rear tyre. Fortunately it happened when I got back, bloody stone(!) between the treads.
A couple more weeks in, and I'm feeling way more comfortable. It's like the opposite of a vicious cycle:
1 - I feel more confident with the extra experience.
2 - I relax more.
3 - A relaxed posture on the bike makes control and cornering more natural.
4 - GOTO 1.
The warmer weather helps too - I can take some of the thermals off and not freeze to death.
How is everyone else getting on?
My duke 390 has been on commuter duty this week I think that's the first February riding where I've not needed an oversuit.
Off to the folks next week where my Dad's 400/4 will be getting some spanner time.
I had my MOD 1 cancelled by the DVSA as they cleaned the pad to remove moss, except that it didn't work and now the pad is a horrible greasy mess. Rebooked for tomorrow, so hopefully it'll go ahead.
MOD 2 practice is going fine, as I've been riding on L-plates for many years, so it's a case or ironing out my bad habits and ensuring I don't balls anything up...
I was out most of last weekend, racked up a fair few miles. And like you 16stonepig, the more I ride, the more confident I feel and the more relaxed I am. Still learning the ropes, but absolutely loving it.
Good luck in your MOD 1 sobriety.
Sounds daft, but after doing thousands of miles commuting it was only when I pitched up to a track day did I really feel confident on a bike. You're in an environment where there are no cars and you can find the limit of what is and isn't possible on a bike (or your limits anyway). I'm certainly no hero but my riding improved no end.
If you're going to head down this route a) don't use brands as your first one and b) don't enter the intermediate group. Head to somewhere like Snetterton, get in the slow group and enjoy riding your bike to your limits. It doesn't matter what you're on either, there was a bloke on a 1200 bandit with crash bars and an ER6-N in the first one I did. I was on a newish Fireblade and was passed MANY times by blokes on 250's and the like so it's not about what you ride but how you ride it!
Been commuting on the 390 all through the winter so far. It's not quite so confidence inspiring when there's a frost in the morning. Still plodding along fine though. One thing I have found though - that ACF50 stuff that's supposed to protect everything isn't doing that good a job. I'm rinsing the bike every week, and washed & re-applied the ACF50 twice since November, but the crud is getting EVERYWHERE and it doesn't come off that easily. Got to the point where my rear brake was binding due to the crap building up inside. Strip and clean and it's okay again but the bike needs a lot more attention than I was giving it.
Off to test a 790 Duke in a couple of weeks so may well be px-ing the 390 if it's as good as the reviews say...
Had to let my lovely 1982 GSX400F go this week. 😩
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7884/47187603242_b5176e8d5c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7884/47187603242_b5176e8d5c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2eTNNsf ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/79912681@N06/ ]kayak23[/url], on Flickr
Basically, while doing up the 400, . I accidentally bought a year 2k Gsx750, my van is starting to give in and I can feel a need for cash coming on so something has to give.
Sad to see it go. Loved riding it but to be fair, I could never get it to run 100% and now I'm self employed I just don't have the time to be on the spanners so much.
Oh well. Suppose I'll have to make do with just one motorcycle...
#thestruggleisreal
Its totally addictive. Writing off my Monster 821 with a tank slapper (thank god no injuries) has led to an MV Agusta Brutale 800RR and a Triumph Tiger XCX both been purchased!
Mrs BS has declared she wants a bike again and wants my '08 Street Triple, so has authorised a test ride on a new 765 Street Triple RS for me at the weekend, happy days!
Got out for a few hours yesterday afternoon, and it was probably the first time i’d Ridden my bike in fully-dry conditions with the temperature above 10 degrees! After the front wheel slid out and the rear spun up On the slimy roads last week, it was blummin lovely to have a consistently grippy bike to ride!
Shame it’s looking a bit grim for the next week or so! I was just getting used to dry and warm😀
Flying Ox, give us some feedback on the 790 please, I’ll probably take one out soon (as well as a street triple R and a few others) I do quite like my older Kawasaki, but keep looking at stuff with abs and warranties and I think it’s only a matter of time...
Got out on mine after its winter layup on Friday (just local)
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7884/47170595852_be565a546b_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7884/47170595852_be565a546b_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2eSiCKo ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr
and a cracking ride around the Trough of Bowland on Saturday, if a bit cold
Looking forward to a nice summer
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7838/46317702005_faa9b745f0_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7838/46317702005_faa9b745f0_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2dyWk84 ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7901/33356166228_e95b0c7a51_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7901/33356166228_e95b0c7a51_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SPz57h ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr
My run to Doncaster last weekend with a bunch of other idiots on 2-strokes
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Got out on mine after its winter layup on Friday (just local)
I like that helmet
MOD 1 passed with 0 faults, which was a surprise to me as I was shitting myself and convinced I'd ballsed up a couple of things.
Time to get MOD 2 booked...
Quality work! Well done!
I like that helmet
Its a Bell moto 3
And i thought mod 1 was more nerve wrecking than mod 2
Loving this thread!
I passed my test 15 years ago however didn’t ever get around to to buying a bigger(work colleaque got killed on a Ducati 996 shortly afterwards)
Quite fancy getting a bike again now...
Returning to biking after a few years off and my KTM 950 SMR is a hoot to ride even on a commute.
@sobriety Well done!
I got out for a few hours today, the roads were dry and with the impending forecast (rain) it might be my last chance for a while.
A bit nippy, but wrapped up well and had a lovely few hours of riding. Still get tailgaters though, which makes me very uneasy - I hate having a big slab of a car inches from my arse - if I stop, can they? Probably not. But I make my feelings known when stopped at traffic lights 😉
Just a quick mention as the STW motorbikers seem to be on this thread. A mate of mine has ( long story) a bunch of aircooled yamaha RD based racing bikes to sell. One is converted for road use
Anyone interested or who knows of the best places to sell them PM me please
tjagain YH PM
Sooo, the continuing story of my journey into mid-life crisisness...
Theory test passed and onto CBT. Been trying to do this alongside my wife but she really struggled on the CBT and never made it out onto the road. I, however, did get my CBT.
Mrs. Furious eventually passed her CBT on a moped as hew couldn't get to grips with the clutch, throttle, brake sufficiently well. We have a bit of land at home so purchased a 3rd hand Honda CB125F for her to practice on before resuming lessons.
Meanwhile, I'm happily razzing round on a 650 Suzuki Gladius for my lessons and getting on famously. Yesterday was my MOD1.
Test was at 8:30am and my instructor asked me to meet him at 7 as he had a prior test to attend at 8. We'd ride up to the test center together. At 7:07 on the morning of the test I was woken by my phone with my instructor asking "Where teh f@#k I was!". S#!t, f@#k, bo!!locks! I was going to be touch and go getting to the test center for 8:30. He told me to do what I could and that he hoped to see me there.
If only I had something I could cut through snarled up, rush hour traffic...minutes later, I'm filtering through a traffic jam on the aforementioned 125!
Got to the test center with 10 minutes to spare. The look on my instructors face was a picture as I came through the gate - he knew nothing of the little yellow Honda.
Sat in the waiting room trying to calm down and was eventually called through. Got on the Gladius and realised how different it was to the CB. Test went by in a blur. The parking test wasn't my best effort but I guess that just nerves. Slalom, I felt was good. Figure of 8 was slower than I'd like, but I have good balance and felt comfortable. Walking pace section went fine, no wobbles. On the UTurn, I did my check-check, pulled away, did the safety and then immediately looked into the turn rather than back to straight ahead before looking where I was about to go. Would that be a fault? Did he see that? The U-Turn itself was nice and neat but I'm sure I've failed already.
Controlled stop felt fine and then on to my nemesis - the emergency stop and the hazard avoidance. Both were no trouble with regards to the maneuvers but in practice I regularly cracked the speed trap at 46KPH (pretty consistently, it has to be said).
On the day of the test, I came round the top bend and as I straightened up, gave it the beans. Examiner holds up his hand and I shut of the throttle and squeeze the front brake, apply some rear and pull the clutch in. No real drama, but I felt I could have pulled up a bit smarter. The examiner walked up to me and said that was 60KPH and that I don't need to be going THAT quickly. Then it was the hazard avoidance. Went round the top, wound it up and went through the cones.
Out of the gates when indicated, park the bike, helmet off. Test over. My instructor said straight away he hoped the safety on my U-Turn was going to be enough. I knew it...
After what seemed like an eternity I was called through to the examiners office where it was difficult to detect if it was a positive outcome or not. My instructor just looked at the floor, convinced it was the small error that was going to be my downfall...
But I didn't. I passed! Two minors - too fast on the emergency stop and not quite quick enough on the hazard avoidance (49KPH!). Phew, relieved is an understatement.
MOD2 is already booked and up next...onwards!
Awesome work guys 🙂
All we need now is some decent weather again 🙂
I've had a few bikes...164 to be precise but since mountain bikes have become my main hobby I haven't wanted a bike, it's been a couple of months since I sold my last one but this popped up for a similar price to my mtb !, couldn't resist and if I don't use it I can always look at it !
Cracking work, Furious!
since mountain bikes have become my main hobby I haven’t wanted a bike, it’s been a couple of months since I sold my last one
What a tortuous wait. 😉
What is that Triumph up there with the weird exhausts? I can decide if I like it, or I really like it.
Street Scrambler I believe.
https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classic/bonneville-street-scrambler
Non-mid-life crisis appeal please...
Teen2 has completed his CBT and needs something with a number plate to get to work, my car and a bicycle are not options I'm afraid (don't ask, but there are serious logisics issues). Could anyone advise on a suitable machine CBR125 or other suitable 125. Price up to £2K. He's 6 foot and 85 kilos, so something reasonably large. I'm considering direct access, rather tham CBT, and would be a named rider on his policy. I've always wanted a "classic" VFR.
BTW insurance for a YZF is £1250 for him, £1000 for the CBR and £700 for a PCX 125 scooter! Insurance for me is £200. Go figure.
I'd suggest a 125 scooter, not a piaggio but a Honda, yam or kymco. Sensible choice in that you get some weather protection, can stuff gar under the seat. I commute on a 250 scooter now and probably wouldn't go back to a proper bike for town. Try sh125, kymco super 8
I’ve had a few bikes…164 to be precise but since mountain bikes have become my main hobby I haven’t wanted a bike, it’s been a couple of months since I sold my last one but this popped up for a similar price to my mtb !, couldn’t resist and if I don’t use it I can always look at it !
2003 RSV-R, nice!
I am biased of course owning a gen 2 tuono factory.
@TiRed
The Yamaha MT-125 are nice bikes and size wise are bigger so would suit someone 6 foot. £2K *should* get you something quite nice, have a look on AutoTrader.
I’m considering direct access, rather tham CBT, and would be a named rider on his policy.
You still have to do a CBT even via the DAS.
What is that Triumph up there with the weird exhausts? I can decide if I like it, or I really like it.
Street Scrambler I believe.
you sir are spot on, 🙂
I have a Vance and Hines de catted pipe to pop on it when I can get round to it. 🙂
What is that Triumph up there with the weird exhausts? I can decide if I like it, or I really like it.
I really like it. Want.
Was at the Scottish bike show today. Not the greatest turnout from manufacturers but enough stuff to look at. New Triumph Speed Twin was really nice 👌. Sorely tempted.