al_stu

Me and my new baby - 2004 Fazer FZ6

Hi Guys Picked up the new bike today Didnt take long to make my way into pitstop haha Lets not discuss the fact that after I'd commented on the battery being nearly flat (indicators didnt work at first but came to life afte a few revs on the throttle), the seller then switched it off and then had to get a bump, 4 times (everytime I stopped it would cut out again!), but after decent ride for half an hour keeping the revs up a bit, thats stopped (fingers crossed the battery isnt ruined and it starts tomorrow!) What I have noticed though is when I'm riding slowly (sub 12mph) and probably faster but I can't hear it, I think the front wheel squeaks. Not a constant squeak, a squeak per rotation, so it gets faster as I do more mph before the wind drowns it out. I have not got a centre stand (picking up paddock stand in the morning) so I couldnt get a proper look today, but just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas? I was thinking possibly a warped diisc? The front disc is pretty new and the brakes are very sharp and kick on as soon as you hit the lever. As the bikes been underused a bit, I wasn't sure if it just needs a good brake or two to clear any rubbish, but I havent had the need, space, balls, or speed to really get the front brake going hard - I'm not overly inclined to yet either, it took me all day to get back into counter steering I was so nervous Other thought was possible front bearings on the blink. Doesnt seem to be unstable at any point, just a bit annoying. Its MOT is up next month so I'm tempted to put it in for that and ask them too have a look, but I'd rather do it myself if I can (and not get ripped off) Thoughts + tips for what to look for gratefully received!

The thing's i would really like to know which i have not been able to find is: How many hour's does the test consist off? Roughly 5-6 Hours. Its a full day, 2 hours theory, an hour on the carpark, minumum 2 hours on the road. it can vary depending on how many people are doing it and how well you do Is it a pass/fail on the day or is it like driving where you must take lesson's? Youi cannot fail a CBT. When you reach an acceptable standard, you pass. some people take 1 day, some take 2, very few take more, it depends if you have much road sense already (i.e. have you been driving for years in a car? If so, its easier as you understand the basic rule of driving) Will starting on a geared 125cc be too difficult for some-one who want's something and will do almost anything? Not sure what you're getting at? I learnt on a geared 125 for my CBT, then went onto bigger bikes. Either you do a 50cc scooter if you're going that route (I really wouldnt) or you do a 125cc. Once you've had a bit of practice it isnt as hard as you think. If you're not sure, find a local bike school (or one with a good reccomendation) call them, and arrange to go down and have a chat. They can talk you through all your concerns. You can also google 'Get On' its a free scheme to encourage new bikers, and gives you a 1 hour taster session at selected bike schools, it might be worth having a go and seeing how you feel. Do you do your theory pre or after doing your CBT? There is no theory test for the CBT. The formal theory test is for you A2 or A class license (bigger bikes). You can take that whenever you want. I did my Theory before I even booked my CBT and other lessons

I know I should really split this into all three sections, but basically..I can't be bothered haha I'll keep it 'short' as plenty of people have written about their experiences in detail and i dont feel I have a lot to add to the details of the test, more the experience My friend and I have both taken all this together (I've not yet convinced him to join TMBF but I'll get there) Firstly - I took my CBT and DAS through Mike Williams in Bolton. They were AMAZING. All the instructors were great, patient, had a good laugh. I've already sent one friend their way, I travelled 30 minutes each way from home and passed a few other schools to go there because of their reviews and it was well worth it. CBT - yep easy enough (ish) the school were great. Afterwards they said we're happy to give you a CBT but because you're doing DAS, we'd like you to do a couple of hours more tomorrow (at this point I'm waiting to find out this is a rip off scheme and I didnt make a good choice, but no, it was free!) Just did an extra 2 hrs on the road the following day, and they were right, we felt 100 times better. MOD1 - I failed 2 times, mainly because of nerves, and then just fell apart completely even when I wasnt on test because i lost all my confidence, couldnt do a U turn, couldnt do any tight turn.s without panicking The school were great, they hire the test centre pad out, so I could practise at the weekends on the actual pad, and for at least a good 20/30 mins I couldnt get it, going round and round. The instructor didnt lose his tempter, they changed bikes, tried different styles, used visial prompts, started dancing and singing down the radio to get me to look round (I wish I had it on video lol), even took me round as a pillion to demonstrate technique. They were really great and eventually the penny dropped, FYI, elbow in, a straight arm tends to hinder your turning circle! MOD2 - Well after the MOD1 farce, this was a 'breeze'. Bit of a shock as the school don't 'do' test routes out of principle, but this hadnt actually dawned on me previously so I got a few roads on the test that I didnt recognise, but I realised I could drive them great anyway, and to be honest, isnt that what we should really be aiming for - a good rider, not a rider who remembers the route. Also I did take a wrong turn about 3 minutes into the test so that probably didnt help! All in all a great experience, and the school where honest and upfront, down to when my mate tried to book an extra days training they wouldnt let him because they said to him - you're a good rider, you don't need more tuition, and we're not going to take money off you for no reason. I imagine a lot of schools would gladly just drag you around for the day regardless of whether you needed it or not. The School also ofer a masterclass day out ride (which I will be doing in a month or two) and have regular ride outs with the old students - the fact so many people come back to visit and want to go out riding with them says a lot I think. Anyway, apologies for sticking this all in one post. I may get told off by an admin for being lazy Keep it shiny side up

Just been to dismantle our broken dishwasher and see if I can make it less broken. Turned out the plug had come out, put it back, all ok. OMG this is the best day EVER

Thanks guys, picking up the bike tomorrow, so giddy! Right now for the challenge 2013

Wooo passed MOD 2!!!!! Wooo got a call on the way offering me a job! Bugger me I'm buying a lottery ticket!

haha easy for you to say, you're the site handy man

Cheers guys Yeah tbh I had a kit car with a huge exhaust, and fun as it was, after an hour over the hills to Sheffield I was sick of it and my head was banging, so I expect it might get baffles for most days. Fingers crossed for tomorrow, as long as I don't f**k up getting out the car park I'll be fine once I'm 200 yards down the road - silly little things can unnerve you! watch this space

Test is on Friday...gulp If the worst happens I have a back up biker who will be riding it home for me Hopefully that situation doesnt happen. I drive a company car for work - wouldnt ride it illegally as couldnt risk losing my right to drive Cheers for the heads up guys. I'll try it with and without the baffles and see what I reckon, I suppose first priority is pass tomorrow!! As long as I keep the nerves in check I'll be fine. Don't think I've been this nervous since I picked up my A-level results!

Hey Guys So I'm picking up as 2004 fazer on Saturday Currently it has scorpion exhausts with the baffles removed, although the seller does have the baffles and theyre a walk in the park to refit Sooo I havent decided what I'm going to do, I was going to ride it home without them anyway, just to judge if the noise was too much/annoying, which might make my mind up for me anyway My only concern is, are the police actually that fussed? If I did ride without baffles am I likely to find myself on the side of the road getting a talking to? I mean its pretty loud but I've seen and heard louder bikes (especially as I live 200 metres from Ducatti Manchester) What would they do if I was stopped? Producer? Ticket? If I'm generally being sensible and not speeding, will they leave me alone? Alex

Also check the dvla small print about using their own bike they might want to see additional documentation and/or insurance cover

You can't ride it without an instructor He can ride it but his policy will most likely say he has third party cover to ride any other bike AS LONG AS that bike is already insured for personal use by another person, so you would still have to insure the bike. Easiest is probably insure yourself and add him as a second rider, mgiht even bring you insurance down a few quid. Also not sure if he will be insured to carry pillion, guess it depends on the small print and if he has pillion cover on his own bike (or if you have pillion cover, if you add him as a second rider)

1 - they cant fail you but it makes it harder (obviously) 2 - not full throttle, and not on the corner, itself, I come round the bend about 20 probably, bottom of third gear, straight it up in line with the cones, then gun it for that burst of speed for the trap, soon as you hit the trap you can start to back off a bit You can do both tests same day?? I thought you had to leave it a bit. You know if you cancel a test with 3 working days notice then you dont get charged - thats why my school always book MOD1 one week, MOD2 the next, so if you do fail (which I did) you don'ty lose your MOD 2 fee, just a MOD 1 resit charge. Adds a week onto the time it takes but it could save a bundle of cash....

Hmm maybe they thought you were good enough? I don't know, tbh my school hires the actual mod 1 site at the weekends, so I had a good couple of hours on the test centre with all the cones and speed traps set up getting a feel for the speeds and layout of the circuit. If you're not happy and do end booking more lessons then just tell them you want to spend a half day doing MOD1 stuff, if they refuse there will always be a different school willing to train you for half a day!

you'll get charged an admin fee to amend the policy I bet I can see where you're coming from but unless you are very confident, I'd be wary of not having an instructor around being a false economy, doing it with a school and passing quickly may seem more expensive but if you have to have 2 or 3 goes at the tests then you might end uo having paid out 300 odd quid and still not have passed...

you'll get there mate, took me 3 goes I didnt even look at the speedo, I just came round the corner in third and opened it up when I straightened up off the bend Good luck for your next one!

Cheers. I'm sure theres someone else on here from Warrington as well I've got a mate up in Appleton so no doubt I'll be showing up on the A49 or cutting down past lymm dam every other weekend we'll have to have a ride out at some point, are you doing the challenge 100?

Sale near Altrincham. Nothing yet, MOD2 on Friday, hope to pick up an '04 naked fz6 on Saturday

failed my mod 1 again. f**k it. Dropped the bike. f**k it (not mine, schools bike, but still) Was riding the only 600 without engine bars. f**k f**k f**k!! Lol bloody examiner, I can do the MOD1 in practice but I get really nervous when I'm being watched, so took a few seconds to compose myself before the U turn (previously has been my nemesis although thanks to my AMAZING instructor, I cracked it and can now do them on full lock!), examiner asked if there was a problem, said no just settling myself down, and he told me hurry up or get off the pad as they have other tests to do! Cheers mate! Just make me a million times more nervous! Did the u turn, was almost round, just needed to straighten up, panicked for some unknown reason, dropped a shoulder, bike went over and I just couldnt hold it. Fortunately all I got was stubbed toe and a rebook next week. Not that I've stopped beating myself up about it. Instructor took me out for a ride afterwards (NOT a euphamism! ) and after we stopped he went 'by the way, that was one of the MOD2 routes, you'd have passed with 2 minors.' Can u turn on fulll lock if I'm alone,can walk MOD 1 and 2, but show me a man with a clipboard and I'm totally useless. f**k it

Best I can suggest is go and have a chat with them, see what they offer and if you like them. The one I'm at (again wrong end of the country I'm afraid!) you find on a Sunday at 3ish when everyone gets back from lessons, there's often 2 or 3 ex students hanging about having a chat and showing their new bikes/parts/gear to the instructors. The fact they come back for a chat even after they pass, I take as a good sign

MOD 1 failed today Managed to put my foot down turning out the parking space! although he said he'd have probably let that go if I hadnt then done the same on the U Turn. All nerves, didnt even think about it, didnt look round properly, didnt watch my clutch, what a bloody mess. Hope to get in for retest mon/tues next week. Going to go look at a fazer this week. might put a deposit down give me extra encouragement to not freak out next time!!! if anyones interested (and hasnt seen a mod 1 pad) my mate videoed me on Sunday having a practise, the links below. I'd reccomend not copying the 2 u turns I ballsed up on that practise as well! http://db.tt/KwsQjpSp

I work in shipping, previously in international (anything and everything from 125 racing bikes and helicopters through to coat hangers) but had recently moved to a company that was delivering food to 600+ UK pubs, I was the Northern Area Service Manager covering from coventry ish to Dundee. Well still am for a month anyway. To top it all off, been on a date, and she wants to just be friends. Wish I'd made her go dutch now hahahaha Tomorrows a new day, thank f**k.

Just lost my job. DAS next week and was going to buy a bike, but now it could be 12 months before I'm secure enough to put my hand in my pocket. Another summer on 4 wheels. Although as I drive a company car I might be carless too. And the bast*rds made me drive to London to get the news so I set off at 6am this morning f**k IT

no idea, dont know the specs but if you can afford it Honda have just released a CBR250R that would be legal for you.