Gray

Hi, I have replaced the filthy apple juice coloured brake fluid in my rear reservoir. Pumped it out through both nipples and the rear brake feels very good now (not tried it on road yet though) Moved to the front brake which I have had a problem with recently. The lever pulls in quite a way before the brakes would bite. Pads are ok though bought new front and back sets to fit later this week. I've bled both calipers and the fluid is coming out clear along with having topped up the reservoir above the minimum line during the process. However what I've noticed is that when I open the nipple and slowly squeeze the front brake lever the fluid is pumped out but a few seconds later, with the lever still held in, the fluid starts moving back in as though its being sucked back to the reservoir. I've listened to the front reservoir whilst pulling and releasing the front brake lever and there seems to be a slight squelchy noise coming from it though there are no fluid leaks anywhere on the front braking system. Every so often tiny little air bubbles come upwards in the reservoir through the little moving part at the bottom. Any ideas what this could be? Is it worth getting a rebuild kit for the front reservoir? thanks Graham

Thanks for the link, just ordered one. Cheapest alternative I could find was £49.99 so looks to be a good deal if it is comfortable.

Which cap is recommended? I've spent the last few hours looking around the net but can't find anything specific for my bike

So I wanted to check my spark plug, pulled off the black spark plug cap and as I did the lead from the top of the spark plug cap connecting to the HT coil came off. Looking inside it there is the blue corrosion from the copper so obviously been rotting away for some time. My question is what do I replace? The whole HT coil with the lead or just get a new cap and strip back the HT lead and insert it? If I can replace just the cap will one of these do? http://www.msa-direct.co.uk/ngk-spark-plug-caps-resistor-covers.html I've got a Haynes manual but only tells me how to replace the coil as a whole unit. Thanks Graham

Well done. The Mod2 was less stressful for me. I noticed the examiner was out of sight most of the time even when I tried to look for him! On the few occasions I saw him in the mirrors he was looking around or behind him etc so its not as though you are being watched intensely like the on the Mod1.

After recently passing my Mod1 and Mod2 I can advise to relax and concentrate on each manoeuvre rather than worrying what is happening next. Don't forget the shoulder checks before you do move off. It will be over before you know it, just remain calm and smile! Good luck

I'm thinking of adding something like these with their own on/off switch so they are only on at night. I'm assuming from a legal view they will be roadworthy? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-LED-Mirror-Mount-LED-Daytime-Running-Fog-Lights-Fits-Honda-CBF1000-CBF125-/390685794473 Omitted in my original post that it wasn't the headlight! I've read about the Xenon bulbs and the problems they can create.

Thanks for the reply, On my bag I have an additional 2 straps as well as the d-rings you mentioned. I'm not convinced that I want any chance of this falling into my wheel so am going to send it back and try a Givi top box instead

80 miles? I'm assuming that's the closest test centre to your home? That's insane. Are you riding there or meeting the instructor/bike closer? 160 mile trip to take a test crikey.

Observations. When the traffic starts moving ahead or the other lights change to red get the bike in gear ready. That way when its time to move off you're not jumping from one leg to the other

Picked this up from the post office yesterday but unsure of how to attach to my bike. I have removed the passenger seat and folder the big velcro strap under (the one that has to have minimum 15cm) and reattached the seat but on either side of that velcro strap are 2 other straps. Are they supposed to go around the seat too? The instructions are not very clear...at least not for me and I can't find any other info related to fitting it on a CBF 125. Would a top box be better? Givi E300N2 maybe.

I had a similar issue and the only solution for me was to bite the bullet and buy a lower torqued kit. Recall it was around £70 from Halfords in one of their sales. Not sure of any other workarounds to obtain the recommended torque

I've been to the store a few times. Last bought some waterproofs which I tried on. The XL jacket had to be swapped for the XXL for it to fit comfortably over my body armour and jacket. Its similar to Argos where you give the order then they pick it from the stores for you to check. They have some clothing and helmets in the front of the store to look at but the main stock has to be fetched. I will always use this store as I am very happy with the service/prices etc and its also a nice ride out for me to the store.

I am thinking of having a play with my CBF 125 with changing the lighting from AC to DC and replacing some of the bulbs for LED's. Anyone done the same on their bike? I have seen some vids on youtube and quite like the effect though am concerned that they could be a bit too bright. Don't want to be dazzling other road users! I am more than competent with the wiring and electrical side etc but wondered if I would need to inform the insurance company if it is classed as a modification? thanks Graham

That is ideal Just ordered now, thanks. Good investment as I can use it on my future bikes too.

Looking for a bag with ties or bungee etc to go on the passenger seat of my CBF 125. Want to carry waterproofs with me and a few other bits. Any recommendations for something that is reasonably priced? thanks Graham

Had my Mod2 this morning at Atherton and I passed with 6 minors the ERN 650cc Can't believe it. It all feels surreal. Since passing my CBT last October with never having sat on a motorbike before to be where I am now with a full unrestricted license is just weird. Felt really good on the ride home from the riding school on my CBF 125. When I got home I put the L-plates in the bin. Not in a rush yet though to buy a bigger bike. I quite enjoy my 125 for now so will continue saving as have my eye on a new Ninja 300 SE. Thanks to all on these forums as I have spent a lot of time reading previous threads regarding advice and experiences etc and it has helped me no end.

Well after last Wednesday's unexpected rear wheel skid which caused me to fail I had the test again this morning. Last week I was relaxed and tension free but this morning as soon as I sat on the bike to ride through the gates the nerves kicked in big time. Told to start the bike and I pressed the horn. Whoops. So I then press the indicator cancel button. Still not starting. Checked the key was in and turned. Yep. Then realised that I using my left side of the brain and not the right. Started the bike correctly and in I went. After that I lost confidence in myself. What a bad start. Thought I had one minor already but I didn't get marked for that fortunately. Manual handling was easy. Slalom and figure 8 was performed with no minors but I was getting tense now and starting to sweat. On one occasion on the figure 8 I almost put my foot down , not due to losing control but tension that was spreading throughout my body, and I could feel my confidence dropping quickly. But I rolled on the throttle and kept control and continued. Slow speed was ok too. For the first few seconds I was a little too quick so slowly increased the pressure on the rear brake until I was safely in the blue cone box. U-Turn. Well I though this would be easy as I have performed all these manoeuvres countless times when practicing. However I somehow managed to almost stop half way into the turn just holding the bike as though it was on its centre stand. After a second I turned my head fully round, released some of the pressure on the rear brake and pulled the bike about a foot to the right of the white line. I convinced myself I had run over the white line on the u-turn yet hadn't even skimmed it. At this point I thought thats it. Failure. Onto the speed section. The first part was ok riding through the speed sensor around 25mph. Emergency stop was ok at 51kmh. Fortunately I didn't go too heavy with the rear brake this time. Had to take the hazard avoidance again as the first attempt was only 45kmh, the second was at 51kmh. The examiner opened the gates and beckoned me through to the parking section. When I sat in the office the examiner put down his clipboard and I scanned across it noting the x at the bottom corner. Thats a fail I thought. Thought I'd misheard the examiner when he said I had passed! Passed with 3 minors. The x was for something licence related and not a fail for a particular section. Just shows how I can be convinced I've failed only to be told I did well and it was a pass. Got Mod2 booked now for next week. Hopefully this will be less stressful. Its just a ride around the local area but with a different instructor! The bike I am using is a Kawasaki ER6 650. Has really nice controls in my opinion and is a really comfortable bike for me. thanks Graham

I had my first attempt at Mod1 yesterday and failed. Had no minors at all and was all perfect until I got to the emergency stop section whereby I whizzed through the speed sensor at 59kmh and then locked the back wheel causing a small skid. Was gutted when the examiner came over and told me we couldn't proceed with the rest of the test. Got it booked again next Monday so hopefully should pass 2nd attempt. This time I will take a quick glance of the speedo as passing through the sensor then not so heavy with the rear brakes.

Thanks for the replies. I am taking Mod1 soon for unrestricted licence so will save my money for the tyres and exchange my CBF 125 for something bigger when I pass. Was going to leave the tests for now and just enjoy riding around getting my experience up but seeing as its heading towards the nice summer weather I will get them out of the way and get a better bike.

Anybody got a recommendation for tyres to replace the Contigo set on my CBF 125? Heard that Bridgestone are a good replacement but slightly wider. Are these ok to fit to my bike and if so any recommendations for a good garage in the Wigan area? thanks