timmy164

You must complete a CBT before you gone down either route. So my advice would be, complete the full day's CBT, then come back to the forum and let us know how you got on, and any relevant experiences you had during the session. You will be able to see for yourself weather you need more time on a 125 or if you can move on. Good luck

Nope! But that's my point, There is scope for some people to do a CBT over two days. However, at the end of the day people have to be 'let off the leash' and go out into the big bad world on there own. As I said in my previous post, just because someone performs well one the day doesn't mean they are going to behave perfectly the day after their CBT. It is a difficult judgement call on how we (as a society) should nurture our new drivers and riders. The CBT is just a starting point on a long journey (he said going all Buddhist like )

The trouble with CBT is it's trying to be 'one size fits all' I'm speaking from experience as I deliver CBT training nearly every weekend, and have been for the last 30 months. It worries me that making it officially longer (and ultimately more expensive) will put people off, which of course will improve accident statistics! Over the last couple of years I've seen all sorts through our doors at the training school, 16 to 75 year olds, ex off road riders, to complete 'never even sat on a bike before' types. People with full car license and others who got the provisional the day before. I would say our school has roughly (very roughly) an 90% pass rate, but in this figure I would include those who we sent home on the first day and asked them to come back a few days later as they just didn't quite 'cut it' over a single day. In affect these people were having a two day CBT. I'm going to sound old now, but in my day (no we didn't have wooden wheels ) you just stuck an 'L' plate on outside the bike shop and rode your bike home! Obviously the CBT being introduced has greatly improved the later set of circumstances. I also appreciate that today's roads are at best, busier. However at the end of the day, there is a point when you've just got to let people out on the road to fend for themselves. Here is a good example, A typical young spunky 16 year old lad came to our center, he paid his full amount and had an almost perfect day, great bike control, did as he was told on the road ride, listened without texting any mates during the 'talking elements' of the course and left with his CBT. My only concern was that he'd bought a crap to big second hand helmet off a mate. Which I warned him about. A few weeks later I was driving my car to work, conditions were bad, is was dark, raining and cold. I had a scooter behind me (driving right up my ar*e) with a broken single headlight only working on side lights. The driver was wearing track suit bottoms and a hoodie and no gloves!!!! plus yes you've guessed it, that crappy old and too big helmet! It was that young lad who only weeks before had passed his CBT in almost perfect style. If I'd put my brakes on there is no way he could have stopped in time. From my perspective, I would offer a two day CBT after an intensive interview, to those who we (as trainers) think require it. however I wouldn't make it compulsory. Of course being a bit cocky and assuming you'll be OK on a one day CBT could end up costing you more if you fail, and have to re-sit. Just my 2p worth

Hi Craig, Until 3 years ago I wasn't really a 'faithful to one brand' kind of guy, but I did stick to Japanese bikes. I got my first F800R without even going for a test drive! But I have to say it did feel a better quality bike that I swapped it for (Kawasaki) Recently I've tried out my mates MT09 and MT09 Tracer's, and I have to say these have a good quality feel to them. The F800 is at the cheap(er) end of the BMW range, and this was my remit considering my wife's new business venture. Had I just decided to swap the GS in for something different, I would have gone for the 1000R street fighter. The R Nine T is also a love of mine, but remember this has the older oil cooled engine in. The newer LC 1200cc engine is a stunner. I think BMW are on a real good run of super models, with every one coming out being well received, and catering to a very wide choice of 'styles'. To sum up, the F800R is an excellent bike within the BMW range, but it is a 'baby' compared to the others. I'm very happy with reliability and durability. Yes if I had a big wallet then maybe something more exotic would be nice, but it'll probably be another BMW

OK, So I had a year off on the magnificent R1200GS, which included a massive trip to France and Spain last summer. But this year I decided (because of the wife's new career venture) to down size back to a F800R. I've gone for the new 2015 model. So changes, New front end headlight, forks and brakes. Engine, has a little more power, 90BHP and the gearing has changed slightly. All the above has made an excellent bike even better. This really is a 'dark horse' of a bike, great handling and great brakes inspire confidence. As the previous model, economy is still great. Less 'vibes' through the handle bars too. (this must be down to the gearing?) Do I miss the sophistication of the R1200GS LC, hell yes! But at only two thirds of the price, and still giving me great fun I'm happy to say I don't have misgivings on the down size.

top marks for the two piece Richa waterproofs. Went to Spain via France in some pretty wet conditions, they were perfect, no complaints. Cheap too

the route! Junction 21!!! not 19. Only 20 odd miles, but twisty and bumpy fun all the way. A quick hour (including a coke in the pub)

I just thought, 'the sun is out, and it's warm, I've finished work, so what the hell!' I'm lucky enough to live ten minutes from some very nice roads and countryside. So I nipped out before my tea. roughly looking in the direction of Halifax (oop north to you Southern gents )

Cheers, I forgot to mention the weight saving! It is truly amazing the difference, approximately 5+ kilo's for original and 1.4k for carbon. Of course I'd be a nob if I said it improved performance by being a third of the weight Like I said, just for looks and sound.

Just nipped from Manchester to Devils Bridge via the Forest of Bowland, very tight bumpy roads, great fun

I've now added a new carbon exhaust to my bike (it's only done 900 miles!) It's purely for vanity reasons, it looks better, in my opinion, and sounds better. Exhaust is from MTC exhausts near Ormskirk in Lancashire, VERY friendly and great service, superb people to deal with.

Funnily enough I've just dug my passport out of the loft and noticed it ran out in February! I wonder if I'll need that? Again strictly speaking I should?

I've managed to organise a little holiday for myself and my bike! Basically it's through England into Wales, hop on the ferry at Hollyhead and across to Dublin. then a quick nip north to Belfast and staying with mates. So strictly speaking four countries! My question is this, Do I count as in Europe when driving in The 'Republic' of Ireland? You know from insurance and other legal motoring point of view? I'm probably only going to spend an hour in southern Ireland going and an hour on my return, but it is still (I think) Europe. Cheers

I got my daughter a Box helmet, at £45, she only visits my pillion now and again so didn't want to spend hundreds of pounds. However I did want good protection! According to the SHARP. Gov web page it scores four stars for safety. So yes a bit cheep, but still good on safety. We've had it a year and she's still happy with it. No complaints. Funnily enough the bike school where I do weekend work also uses Box helmets as 'loaner' helmets for CBT learners. They have stood the test of time. Considering they have different heads in them every day (urgh!) they still have a snug fit.

I'll second the vote for Richa, excellent gear for the price. Not the best, but a good compromise on quality over cost.

This is the second F800 I've owned, they are a much underrated machine. The secret is the weight distribution, the fuel tank is under the seat making it 'feel' very agile and light. Economy is supreme too. Not a perfect all round machine, I think maybe the MT09 Tracer is better for roughly the same price? But it is lovely, and it makes me feel a bit of a rebel again, (maybe with a rebel with a flat cap and a pipe! )

Gone back to an F800r after the HUGE GS! I felt too sensible on the GS (if that makes sense?) Picked up Friday, then had to work all day Saturday, go to a christening all day Sunday Suffice to say I've only managed a couple of 'undred miles so far.

Thanks for the input guys. As I mentioned "taking money out of the equation" Silverstone seems to be OK. It's just that watching Rossi this season and knowing how close he's coming to becoming an all time num1 legend, made me think I should go and watch him race at least once. So camping is good and viewing is OK? Which Grandstands would you recommend?

Thanks for that. actually that 2nd hand exhaust on ebay is what sparked my interest in GPR exhausts in the first place ta

Has any of you guys had dealings with GPR exhausts and the UK distributor near Nottingham? I'm thinking of getting a slip on pipe from them and the company pedigree looks impressive? Price is fair, not too expensive. cheers

For the first time in many years I've been quite captivated by MotoGP. My daughter and I have watched the first three races and thoroughly enjoyed them. It got me thinking... is going to the British GP still as good as it used to be? (the last time I went was a looong time ago (think old two strokes and your close) I except that cost will not be cheap, but that aside, is it a good event? I would like tips on good viewing points, and camping sites? I'm thinking of a Saturday night only and Sunday race ticket. Is it still a good idea to camp on the Sunday, so you can avoid the after race traffic? My idea is too travel on the bike. Thanks in advance Tim

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=56013 I should have had a proper look before starting my topic So has anybody yet got one of these???

Just asking if any of you guys have bought/own or had an actual 'feel' (ooer!) of the new Shark Skwal helmet? I'm a bit of a Shark Helmet fan, they produce very comfy and consistently safe helmets (SHARP regularly scores them 4/5 stars) Also they tend not to be too mega expensive. This Skwal (shite name!) seems very interesting, with LED lights and other extras, it appears to be a great safety feature. However am I going to look like a sad twot who used to watch Battlestar Gallactica or Night Rider (Actually, I DID used to watch those programmes, but nobody needs to know that, so can we keep that between us please )

I've been to 'Tony archer' in Huddersfield and had a 'gel' inserted in my seat! trouble is I think its an injury, and as such just keeping off the bike (in all this nice weather) is probably the best way to get it to heal? I'll give feedback on my grand tour (only 2 and bit weeks to go now)

yes I'm having it 'checked out' Very good point sir. looks like an episode of embarrassing bodies now I think I do have a minor injury of sorts, the 'new' seat is better, but I'm still in trouble after about 45-60 mins riding.