Mold

It's not your ego, it's age and wisdom. I rode from age 18, had a long break because of other commitments and started riding again about 10 years ago, by then I was in my mid 40's. My last two bikes were a Honda CB900 and a Yamaha XT 600Z, both of which I thrashed. When I started riding again, I bought a Yamaha YZF600 and I was pretty shocked at the speed and the (heavy) weight, which I never gave a second thought to when I was young. I'm assuming you thought you would just jump on and it would be like 'the good old times' (like I did). If there's an open space like a big empty carpark near where you live, go practice on there for a couple of hours as it's probably just your nerves until you get used to riding again. If you really feel you need training, go for that as it's better to be safe than sorry. I took the easy way out and sold the YZF and bought a Kawasaki J300, it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned and it's more than fast enough for the roads, so if the worst comes to the worst and you still don't feel comfortable, trade it in for a smaller lighter bike. No matter what you ride, you need to look forward to getting on your bike and not fearing it.

You don't need boots to ride your bike, trainers are fine, plenty of people wear trainers, especially commuters and casual riders. I wouldn't wear any footwear that's making you uncomfortable, it's not good for your health and it might take your concentration off the road. I'm not saying safety gear isn't important - it absolutely is, but you're not going to be riding much faster than a pedal bike and look at what they wear! Your most important items should be helmet, jacket and gloves. If you still can't reach the floor with both feet on your Vespa, see if you can get someone to cut an inch or so of foam from the underside of the seat, if they do it properly, it shouldn't show and shouldn't be uncomfortable. BTW, I'm 5'9" and I had to get a lowering kit for my last bike as I too didn't like leaning the bike at a stop.

I only recently found out that new cars don't have a spare wheel! The 'people' who made that decision are the type of people who phone AA to replace the wheel and would have difficulty identifying a spanner, unless they looked in the mirror.

Welcome, that's a nice bike and it looks very comfortable.

That doesn't look good or safe, I could have stitched that better after a few beers! Personally I'd send it back, if you don't, it will be in your head every time you wear it.

Personally I think you shouldn't take any notice of what other people think, although we both know why they're thinking that. This is a massive time in your kids life and he'll enjoy your rides as much if not more than you, it's one of those core memories that he'll never forget. I'd much rather take my kid on the back than give them a bike of their own, at least until they're a minimum of 14yo and wearing full gear for off road riding.

DVLA says you can drive: motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW You can also ride motorbikes in categories A1 and A2. Category A1 You can drive light motorbikes with: an engine size up to 125cc a power output of up to 11kW a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW/kg This category also includes motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW. Category A2 You can drive motorbikes with a: power output up to 35kW power to weight ratio not more than 0.2kW/kg The motorbike must also not be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.

You can drive: motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW You can also drive motorbikes in categories A1 and A2.

Good morning Steve. When I bought my first bike at 18yo in 1990 the only other person I knew who had ever had a bike used to always talk about his "LC350" (which he had sold). I would still really like to have a go on one of those but it would be impactable for me to to buy. I do miss my last bike which was a Yamaha YZF 600 but my fast days are over and I just enjoy pootling along on my Kawasaki J300 anyway, welcome to the forum.

I'd be more concerned with the condition of the bike and it's service history, you don't need garage service history receipts (but they would be better) but if the seller can show receipts for everything they've bought, oil, filters etc. that should show the bike has been looked after and obviously use your common sense and experience from what the bike looks like right now as a high milage bike that's been looked after is better than a low milage bike that's been abused since new.

I bought a Kawasaki J300 a year ago and it's turned out to be one of the best bikes I've owned in my long list of motorbikes and 30+ years of riding. I've carried passengers on it and the weight wasn't noticeable as far as speed went so it'll be no problem for a "heavy guy". I can't remember the MPG but mine is higher than what I read and the insurance is very cheap. There's a ton of storage space under the seat and should fit your helmet with room to spare. It's not a small bike for a 299cc so it should be just the right size for you (it has the same basic engine as the Kymco Downtown 300 but I think Kawasaki did some mods on it). Oil and filter change are a doddle and should take no more than 20 minutes. I never thought I'd even buy a maxi scooter but it turns out that they don't get enough credit and for everyday use you can't go wrong with one.

Thanks for your reply, that was my first idea but I was wondering if there was a way to get 12v from the front of the bike without removing the seat etc. I was wondering if I could split a positive wire from the lights as they're always on or would that blow a fuse when I press the horn and it draws more power from the lighting.

Hello everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice. I have purchased a new horn and relay. The one I bought is very similar to a 'sound bomb' and to get it to work properly i.e. loud but legal, the relay needs a 12v power source to the battery. I have a Kawasaki J300 and I've taken the front fairing and the seat and storage bin off before for servicing but I didn't notice an easy way that I could thread a wire through so is there an easier way to get the 12V I need? Thanks

It's probably the brake pads, I'm sure you know that by now though. I had new tyres fitted at M&S Newcastle and my rear wheel does the same. It was squeaking from the day I got the tyres changed but since you mentioned it, I never noticed it squeaking today! Maybe I'm used to it or it's gone, I'll have to make a mental note for next time I'm out on it.

I seriously doubt the insurance would even check your mirrors, if anything they might just glance that mirrors were actually on the bike. If the mirrors are not working for you, your best bet would be to get ones that do. I've had mirrors like those on your bike and I used blind spot mirrors that stuck on the corner of the mirrors you already have, I've used them on every bike I've had since I first tried them. They're no substitute but they do give you a better idea of what's behind you. I use them at a slight angle that gives me a wide view. They're only about £2.50 and can be bought on ebay with free delivery. It might be worth trying them before you buy new mirrors.

I have one, it was cheap enough, I think I paid around £17 - £20 for it. It has several nozzles for different spray types but I've never changed the standard one, it also has a small bottle that you can fill with washing up liquid so it sprays soapy water. It came with two batteries. I have a water barrel and I run it from there but a bucket would do, just weigh down the end of the water pipe so it doesn't float. The jet stream is adequate but it's not powerful. As for are they worth it, well £20 isn't a great deal, and for me it's a lot more convenient than using a hose and I have the added bonus of the batteries match some of my power tools!

Hello, Does anyone know where I can get an alarm and immobiliser fitted near Sunderland? I have fitted the basic alarm but to fit the immobiliser requires me to remove panels at the back end of the bike and I have no idea how to, I can see a couple of screws but I can't get to them, I have no idea how they reached them when putting the bike together in the factory, I'm guessing they have specialised tools. Thanks in advance.

I bought a Kawasaki j300 with 4 previous owners and low 6000 ish miles, it has a full service history and is in excellent condition, however the battery does need charging a lot, I bought a new battery but it didn't make any difference. I looked through the receipts after I'd bought the battery and noticed a previous owner also bought one, it does charge ok because I checked and I've fitted a quick charge cable but if I leave it just for a couple of days, the battery is nearly drained. I've switched the alarm off and there's nothing else I can think of that could be draining the power. I don't think it helps that it isn't possible to turn the lights off when I'm riding (I do ride with lights on but in this case I don't have a choice). Also is it ok to leave my battery on charge as the charger switches itself off when the battery is full. Any ideas? Thanks

Hello, can someone tell me, if I'm selling a motorbike, do I list the bike as having 5 owners from new (this includes me as the present owner) or 4 owners (not including me)? Also, what about service history? The book is stamped up until I bought it and I've done my own servicing since then and they've all been well under the 3000 recommended miles. I have every receipt so can I list the bike as having a full service history? Thanks.

Hello fellow bikers, would anyone know where I can get my alarm and immobiliser fitted properly and do you know how much it would cost? I bought an 'NCS C2 Simple Motorcycle Alarm and Immobiliser with Remote Start'. I have fitted the basic wires so the alarm will sound if the motorcycle is disturbed but I haven't fitted the immobiliser and I don't want the 'remote start' connected. It's fitted to a Kawasaki J300 and I don't want to start splicing wires when I don't know what I'm doing. Thanks.

Thanks for your reply Simon, I might try those that you mentioned. I wanted the angle valves because it's a bit of a carry on getting to the valve on the back wheel.

Hello, has anyone got any experience with these angle valves and are they any good? I did try the screw on type but they leaked, these look ok and I'll have to get them fitted when I get new tyres, I know they're not expensive but are they worth getting? Thanks

WOW, I had no idea it cost so much. I knew it was a right polava getting a licence these days but I didn't think it was that bad or that expensive. I'm 52yo and I never even had a motorcycle lesson, I just went in for my test at 17 and passed, I was riding my CB900 the next day. I had one car lesson and the instructor put me in for my test and I passed. They're two of the few things I didn't F.up in my youth. I've had two minor accidents since I got on the road, one on the bike and one in my car and neither involved another vehicle. I don't believe all these new rules improve road safety, if anyone does, send me the statistics. I feel sorry for the kids of the future when it comes to motor vehicles and the cost of just getting on the road.

Hello everyone, does anyone know where or if I can buy HARD panniers and fitting kit for a Kawasaki J300? I've looked but can't find any, at the moment I'm using canvas panniers but that's because I can't find a PVC or metal alternative, thanks.

Hi Josh, my first and only brand new out of the showroom bike was a 1990 Suzuki GS125 and that's the bike that set me on my love for motorbikes. If bikes had feelings I feel sorry for that bike, the poor thing never had a service in all the time I had it and I used to ride it to the max every day. I don't know why it is never listed as one of those bikes that are unkillable, seriously if I needed a bike for reliability and motorway speed wasn't necessary, this would be the bike I'd pick, it's lightweight, nimble and the MPG is ridiculous. I live on the outskirts of the countryside and those short length sharp turn country roads would give me a 'buzz' (my last bike was a YZF600) and I still can't get that 'buzz' back and I've never had it with any other bike either. I suspect it was because it was my first motorbike and I wasn't used to the 'speed' LOL.