My thoughts so far...

Off-topic
21

eh? not saying dont get a low powered bike, we’re saying a 125 is so underpowered its hard to learn good bike control, and too little power presents dangers itself on the road. not to mention the brakes and tyres etc that come with them aren’t exactly great either. learning to ride isn’t about what feels safe. riding a bike is totally at odds with what your brain has in mind for you safety wise.

seriously, grab a normal 125 like this for a couple of weeks and try getting out of town. its a bit hairy, esp at night. buying one and then wanting something bigger in a month or so when you’re used to it isn’t going to do your wallet any favours

(not to mention i looked like a monkey f**king a football!)

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22

“(not to mention i looked like a monkey f**king a football!)”

23

Eh? I purpoesly never quoted any one so not to cause confusion, giving my own view

I agree with GP that you do CBT, then ride your 125 till you feel you’ve mastered it (prefereably confirmed by someone who knows what they’re on about) then take the test that suits.

Moving up to me should be a gradual thing like it used to be, 250 for a bit or a 400 tops to learn the next power, weight, manouvreability lesson.Going back to a 125 is pointless when you have the pass certificate already, but no need to go too big too quick.

On the other hand, I went out on my sons first scooter ride on the road (since CBT) yesterday took the 125 and it had plenty of power. I had to keep rolling off We live out of town and even on it’s own it does 70 and is plenty quick enough IMO for the experience of a learner. They don’t need better brakes or suspenders cos you’re supposed to learn roadcraft and ride at the speed limts while they learn aren’t they? If you find you do then it’s time to do the test and move up

As for the Monkey issue, thats why I don’t have a pocket sports bike

24

couldnt help it!

25

AND MOST ANNOYINGLY CANT DO A WHEELIE!!!

shudders with fear of impending doom

Sometimes I think that the DAS was imposed after extensive lobbying by BUPA and Funeral Directors…

26

With the utmost respect given that you seem from your posts to be a very nice person…

Give it a few years before tiring of ‘thrashing’ the R6. You aren’t even close to using that bike so what would you get from an R1??

27

honestly, that statement was meant as a joke… I’m trying to figure out the stoppie first!

Trust me, if I was attempting wheelies or stoppies or anything else along those lines, I’d be under mentioned under the heading “Biker gone down…”

28

yeah, you’re right - I doubt if I’ll ever be bored of my R6 and I’m fully aware that I’m not using anywhere near the bike’s potential, I just want an R1. It’s not so much about the performance, I just like them.

I’m trying to be sensible and am aiming to keep this bike for 2 years. Hopefully, I’ll have 2 years NCB by then and the 9 points on my licence will have expired

29

Hire one for a weekend from www.raceways.net (you’re old enough ) and then see if you really want one or just like the look of 'em.

No…You can’t ride mine so fook off

Ok, maybe.

30

I started out with a FJ1200, all 110bhp at the rear wheel. It was a gentle beast that would snap your head off over 7000rpm! I kept it for over a year and then sold it to buy a VFR750 which I have at present. The VFR is slower, but is so much more fun in terms of handling. I am enjoying riding even more with a smaller, slower bike. Still don’t regret having the FJ, it is a really superb bike and is a brilliant long distance bike, but I needed something for a shorter commute that could be used for touring as well.

31

you know you have to surrender your keys to me at some point

Great idea about hiring one

32

hey Ash, didnt know you felt like that!

AS you know I passed my test last year and ride a big bike, and SheWoolf keeps wiping my ass with her R6, but the end of the day I got the 1000 cos im a big guy and didnt feel stable on the 600 I had let alone when riding a 125.

I simply ride for myself, if I feel people are taking risks or I cant be bothered maintaining the pace I drop back, as you saw on the Sunday ride.

End of the day I keep up with the pace, but if I feel like its taking too much concentration and getting risky I chill out, I rather arrive last than not at all.

All I can suggest mate is to get out more, and you will progressively get faster, take corners slow, and learn to take them faster, rather than take them too fast and bodge up.

On Sunday, I believe on the way down to Wycombe when I was leading it was a fair pace, and I wasnt pushing anyone too hard, correct me if im wrong, I know when Bud took over the pace stepped up and there was some risky riding, but then Bud has a many years riding experience on and off road on a variety of bikes.

If you want mate I can organise some more runs, using Shewoolfs advice from now on im using my rider to rider radios and having a lead rider and a tail gunner who knows the routes, also using corner man marking.

That way noone is forced to keep up with the leader.

But at the end of the day, ride for yourself, you aint got nothing to prove.

So you coming to the stunt show in Northampton on Sunday?

33

Ncely put buddie! the idea bout lead man and fall back is a brilliant idea. I think sum1 mentioned it on Sunday too! I didnt know u’d only been riding for a year!!! Doest seem it!

I’ll be well up for the rideouts! Just let me know wen and where and I’ll try my best to be there…

On Sunday I think I’m Stafford sumwhere… but if plans change I’ll let u know… plus at the moment my wrist hurts, (no dirty remarks pls) sprained it on sunday after hitting a bump in the road…

34

bump in the road? or youporn.com?

Cool, gonna think up some places, I was saying to J its not always about riding around London, cos you dont really get the experience you need, as by the time you start getting into it, youve reached your destination.

I think also a good idea is to take it in turns to lead, without anyone thinking they have to pretend they are Rossi.

We still all had a good time on Sunday tho, more runs like that and you will be a pro, im gonna organise something for next week Sunday, we are paintballing in the afternoon, but i think we can squeeze in a quick one before then.

35

well said Goose.

As a new rider myself, (9 months now :w00t I know how easy it is to get tempted into going too fast!! I know I take the p*ss sometimes but it takes bigger balls to slow down to a pace you’re comfortable with than to put yourself and others at risk by riding outside your comfort zone.