Joe85

My lad passed his CBT last week, and naturally, we took advantage of a break in the rain to go for a ride around the Kent countryside to get his confidence up ahead of him going it alone (he’s 17). As we made our way back along a national speed limit single lane carriageway, some utter w**ker in a Focus decided he couldn’t abide a learner going 5-10mph under the speed limit on a 125 with L plates, so sat right up his arse trying to intimidate him. I slowed to to allow the boy to close up, and let this gimp pass, and, as he did, I let him know what i thought of his driving by waving with the back of my hand. Taking offence, he decided to break check me, then try and swerve into me as I dodged around his drivers side (narrowly missing him). I was absolutely raging at this point (still am), so I told the lad to pull up in the lay-by and wait whilst I deal with this twat. Followed him for literally about 3 mins until the helmet pulls up outside his house and refuses to leave his car. Finally gets out and doesn’t have the sack to admit what he’d tried, denying it and blaming my lad ‘for going too slow’’. As it turns out the lad followed me, so I left it at that and we rode off. However I just cannot let it slide at the moment. The driving was a disgrace, and cannot go unpunished. It was that bad that, had I filmed it, I’d have submitted it to the old bill. Fuming.

It’s busy, but not uncomfortably so. Enough to see for everyone to have a good time.

It sits unused, but looking wonderfully cleaned and serviced (thanks to me) in the work basement. he’s paid up for parking too. Twat.

Thought this was interesting

BMW's are covered in Torx screws, so generally just carry a set Wera Torx drivers and maybe a selection of spanners for tightening the chain if going on a long trip.

Standard mirrors it is then. I’ve ordered the required reservoir holder but it’ll be a few weeks yet, so preening bodybuilder/bullhorns look it is for a while yet. Dropped it off for a PPF application. Too much carbon to leave it unprotected.

Right, i need the opinion of the great and the good of TMBF: Standard mirrors or bar-end mirrors?

It was smaller than I thought it would be.

I’m asking to be nicked, ain’t i?

Tail tidy installed, servo removed. I haven't decided if im going to install titanium headers yet. My S1000R was obnoxiously loud, don't think i fancy that again.

Bar end mirrors have to go, though, so another £200 in the bin.

That is utterly ridiculous. I reckon you could fill a landfill site with disposed of stock license plate holders.

Took delivery and gave it a quick spin. This thing is mental.

Why bike manufacturers insist on sculpting beautiful bikes and then piss on everyone's chips by fitting fugly stock mirrors.

Undid all my modifications to GS, ready for collection on Friday.

Pleased to discover that my M1000R insurance is 25% cheaper than the 1300GS. The refund from the insurer more than covers the new policy. Take delivery on Friday. Wohoo.

I'm glad you and the bike are otherwise ok. Worst feeling ever.

Why was it on its side?

That’s all I’ve got at the minute. Haven’t picked it up yet.

I brought an M1000R.

Im giving up the GS. I want the M1000XR instead. It's going back to the dealer. The whole abandoned bike thing has triggered a midlife bike crisis.

I think you can avoid the MSVA if you can get a letter of conformance from KTM. Doubt they’ll do it though.

For the MSVA you need to take the bike to a test centre for inspection to ensure conformance with UK roads/law. You have to fill a form out online stating your preferred test centre. After a few weeks they’ll email you took a date/time. Once completed you send that, along with proof of import fees and duty paid, and proof of ownership, proof of address etc to the DVLA, who will then issue you a V5C and Reg for a small fee.

Took it for a ride to pick up the lad. Snapped a cheeky pic. Also removed the nav cradle and installed the quadlock, which was a bit of a faff.

821 for me, please.