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Hi all, So I have a problem with the clutch lever on my bike suddenly being very loose and always engaged, I discovered it this morning when attempting to set of to work, pulled the clutch in shifted into 1st and attempt to release the clutch and found myself going no where to the point where I completely let go of the clutch and could shift up or down at free will without having to do anything to the lever. I thought that despite it being very random and out the blue that maybe I'd knocked it somehow the night before and not noticed, after fiddling about with the clutch tightening nut and adjuster for a while and trying to tighten the clutch lever and get the required amount of free play as well as tightening the nut/screw that holds the clutch lever in place it finally engaged and disengaged properly and worked as it should, took it for a spin around the block and decided to take it to work.. had no issue, slow moving control, going from a complete stand still to getting going wasn't an issue. Then when I came out from work today I had the same issue.. I had previously pulled the clutch in before starting it just to make sure it hadn't come loose again.. and then when I shifted into first suddenly it was loose and didn't want to disengage.. so I did the same.. messed around with the tightening nut and adjuster and the nut/bolt that holds it in place.. after riding in circles around the car park I finally got a setting that felt it would get me home, and it did.. with a little slow getting going from a complete stand still (empty roads / no traffic made it easier). The only sign of this issue occurring was last night when I attempted to set off from work and the bike seemed to rev high but not get very far and also engine breaking wasn't working for the first couple of minutes.. down-shifted and the engine didn't slow down.. like it wasn't happening.. although sorted itself out a couple of corners latter. Anyone got any suggestions at how a clutch lever can randomly come loose and stick having had nothing done to it (to my knowledge), I could understand if I'd knocked it or it was loose last night and not realised but the fact that after getting it to work and getting all the way to work without any issues (bar a false neutral once) that it had the same problem again? I should mention the bike is under warranty and will be getting the bike to the dealership first thing monday, so any solutions that may help with me being able to get to and from work properly tomorrow without as little trouble as possible is helpful. I should also add that when the issue first occurred this morning (letting the clutch out and being able to shift up and down, stuck in engaged) that the clutch pushrod was stuck in engaged, although after adjusting the locking nut and bolt it worked properly again. Once home I've attempted to move the clutch cable around and free it up a little just to ensure it's not getting pinched or pulled when the steering is being turned or jumbled up with any other wires. Any help?

A kick start or bump start should only be needed when the correct start up procedure for your bike doesn't start the machine for whatever reason. Does the bike have no electric start? Also how did you get the bike started up until now?

I'm not sure if you're after just the jacket and trousers or everything, but as said above with the trachtech boots others have decided against them and after trying them on myself I'll be going down a similar route, the shape of the boot just isn't for me (as well as looking a little bit skinny on the toe section with them on). Before investing in the gear I've got so far I didn't really want to mix brands more all the same make, but after wearing what I've got so far I think comfort and safety over looks.

Maybe this is of use, can't find anything with the name "rst black series" on J&S Trousers http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RST-Black-Ser ... 23381c1547 Jacket http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RST-Black-Ser ... 2a395e9662 Forgive me if you already know about the above, only local shop that sells bike clothes to me is J&S so can't help with info about an actual shop.

And then I have to relate it to my local bikers, males doing nothing but either posing on their bikes outside a shop or speeding up and down the road.. think I need to re-locate

Transmission slipping was another, darn my inaccurate list I find it somewhat scary that one minute the bike is attempting to throw you off and then next carries on like nothing happened. Glad the OP's ok

Quick google search says it could be one of the following; - Engine seizure (and yes posts on BCF tell a similar story and it kept running) - Wheel baring - Breaks - Chain - Engine related bolts (not sure what exactly, < not the best answer) "> < 50 seconds in.

After buying half the gear and using it today for the first time the thing that hits me the most is how after I've got the jacket and boots I need to get myself out an do my A2 and get something a bit more sporty, feels like i'm wearing gear prepared for some serious use and my 125 rarely gets over 40mph Gears all still bedding in but makes a world of difference over the previous kit, people finding it hard to believe that the trousers cost £100 (as an example) and I'm just like, if you where on two wheels you'd understand, while I've got the money I'd say that getting this as a long term investment is defiantly worth the money, glad I made this post and went with what I've got so far over my original cheap option of getting gear from a dealer seller via ebay (cheap brands) Also had my first experience of a pinlock, little annoying that the pinlock is only on the main part of the visor as opposed to the whole thing (works perfectly fine, can't have it all) but I was riding along and decided to open the visor felt the wind and cold and was like "aw hell naw" and closed it.. was nice to have a helmet made it easier to ride Anyone got any experience of the AGV bluetooth headset, seems like it's £129 for one small user panel and a couple of headphones, would it be better going with another more budget friendly option? (not getting one any time soon, just inquiring).

Thinking about it I had problems with the RST fit as well (vary between 11-12) so tried a 48 and the shape didn't feel all to good so hopefully the alpinestar's fit a little better when the time comes. Look like a bit of an odd ball for now, half expensive gear half cheap frank thomas but it all do the job until next month.

By visual i'm torn towards the S-MX 5 just because they're also cheaper although I'll compare the two in store, thanks for the advice.

I'm pondering over the jacket there's the "RST Blade Jacket for £129" and the "RST Rider Waterproof Jacket for "£99", any major difference.. only one I can see from spec and images are that the Blade looks like it has more padding and protection and also has a "level 2 back protector".. I tried the blade jacket on and was happy with it's overall comfort and protection, back protector not going all the way down the back is something I'll have to go back and check out again before buying. Also pondering over the boots as when I tried the "RST Trachtech" them on they looked skinny on the front and didn't really have an instant "I like this".. tempted to try the "Alpinestar S-MX 5" cost a little bit more but take my fancy a little bit more (visually, would have to try them on). But they can wait until next payday as I only really needed the trousers for now, gloves are just to get one more item of the to buy check-list. The only other item I would like to replace as soon as is my helmet, I tried the AGV K3 on and it felt a little weird could of been that "brand new helmet" feeling but I didn't even get to the point of trying to do the chinstrap up etc. just wanted to get a basic size reference, although the large was slightly (I don't want to say painful, but..) pressuring my cheeks and ears like not 100% comfortable and the extra large (my current frank thomas helmet size.. I realise different brands have different sizes) just felt it had more room but maybe I needed a inbetween, anyway.. I watched Revzilla's review on the HJC IS-17 and video comments said that it let to much wind noise in and wasn't all that great, then watched the AGV K3 SV and it's not only the sun visor that's changed from the regular K3, turns out it had a shape and complete overhaul, fitting into my original £150 budget I think the K3 SV makes for a smarter choice depending on comfort when I get round to trying it on, anyone own the K3 SV or have feedback on it?

Do aim to get my car license out the way after I've done my A2 and have a reliable bigger bike to use just to help bring down costs in the future. Jesus, I've come close with a few wobbles in high winds but thankfully have avoided an off thus far. Not sure what it's like inside a car but I just keep my visor open and it soon wakes me up, never liked having my visor closed (unless snow, wind or rain) just feels to cosy and easy to get distracted.

Don't think I'd cope with having to stare at the bike and not being able to use it, although I'd defiantly pick the car (if insurance wasn't so sky high for first time drivers, and I had one) on some of the colder and more icy road days, heating and music.. I wish.

Don't forget to factor in the damage that is on the rear of the clocks, exposed wiring not sure if that has anything to do with it.. check the mentioned suggestions however I'd get the rear cover replaced for piece of mind as soon as possible, as long as all the other features on the panel and both clocks work then the whole thing shouldn't need replacing.. sounds to me like a loose wire. I had something similar with my gear position indicator (different bike) and was flickering, sorted itself out.. As long as you can ride it fine without any problems inbetween gears then it should be ok until you find the cause of the fault, you'll know when you let the clutch out and it stalls anyhow. Hopefully a simple fix.

I've been riding all through the winter to commute to work (could be because i'm on a 125, or my 125 can cope a little better with the abuse.. or I just hate the buses) and the weather recently has been a lot better in comparison to last month, nice to see other bikers out on my way to work the other day when there was actually some sun shine (still cold as hell). Unless i'm commuting to work or going out for a reason then I haven't really (thus far) entertained the idea of going out just to ride.. probably just because of the poor weather, roll on the summer.

I personally would advice considering.. Boots; Alpinestar S-MX6; http://www.getgeared.co.uk/alpinestars_ ... mx_6_black Alpinestar Faster Shoes; http://www.getgeared.co.uk/alpinestars- ... ory=315965 (Not sure if the faster shoes are waterproof, seem to be more urban street summer wear, also I don't own either of the above so cannot comment on their usability, just mainly basing of design do shop around, also tried the lower boot on street version or similar a while ago and felt very comfortable). Gloves; Look like a good choice (styling wise), worth trying them on (as with everything) to see size and comfort and protection. Helmet; Could talk about helmets all day long, not all brands fit everyone head shape, each brand has their own sizes and features/designs.. try the helmet on and see if it's comfortable and fits snug.. leave shopping for the sun visor and graphics after you've found a decently priced helmet with good protection. Jacket; Depends on you're taste, again down the comfort in person and how protected you feel with it on.. looks like more of a coat, touring style jacket with what I can only presume much protection (looks designed for winter). Trousers; Again taste, as all of above points. So, all in all.. i'd say shop around and take a look at different styled things.. I have a personal preference for brands that sell "sporty" type gear and all of it not just jackets etc, I also buy a brand with the same names.. only this time I'm going against that and buying a AGV helmet with all others being RST. You'll get haggled in J&S like I always do with the same old "are you ok sir?".. "can I help you?".. but the staff at least in my local store are there when you do need their advice, knowing what you want to shop for in advance is a safe option. I would recommended against just regular shoes just because you may soon find that attempting to work the shifter in regular shoes might not be so comfortable, they'll get endlessly dirty and also you'll probably end up with a injured foot in the event of an off, I'd at least recommended some protection over none. You can bring the costs down defiantly, but IMO by knowing what you want to shop for both in style and features, buying online may also be cheaper than in store when you shop around and know your sizes for that exact product.

Don't think (even when I do get a full set of gear / the helmet) i'd look quite as good with my small 125 and L plates Roll on the summer so I can dent my wallet further and get my A2 out the way.

From what I could get from what he was saying it was a short two week break from work while he was over there so probably did well to get two episodes out of that short amount of time. I cant say that after investing £1,300 (price may be wrong or of a little) I would feel safe leaving it in (I presume) a rented garage or building in the middle of no where, gets back to the bike and finds nothing but an empty room. I saw his book in a shop just before christmas and was very tempted, must get round to picking it up.

Went out for a quick trip to J&S to try them on and get all my sizes. Purchased the trousers that I desperately needed (broken sip letting water in on current pair), and also ticket another one of the list by getting the (a little more expensive) blade waterproof gloves (ft. my ironing board); http://s12.postimg.org/qekknn3f1/IMG_2364.jpg Had to carry the trousers in the bag so yet to test them, but after putting them on over a pair of jeans they're very snug takes some convincing to get over (probably because they're new) but feel very tight (not to tight) and comfortable, multi locking.. first a zip.. then velcro and then another strap that loops through on the waist to secure all in all a steal (from what I can tell all for £100 (£99.99, same difference). Used the gloves on the way home with an under glove (as usual) felt comfortable although a little tricky to use (could just be because they're new) however I'm yet to wear them in and get used to them so it's hard to give feedback on them, probably going to ride without the under glove and test the warmness and general comfort, protection on the knuckles look well constructed and has protection on the wrist and palm, tops of fingers etc, all in all (despite I paid a little more because of J&S) a very nice looking glove. Time will tell of they're ability to keep me comfortable in the cold and wet but I'd say that it doesn't feel like wasted money in comparison to my frank thomas gear. I will add.. the jacket's back protector felt a little different as it doesn't go all the way to the bottom and move covers the middle to upper part, although felt very good on the shoulders and elbows, secure and firm.. yet to decide if I like the look of the boots and their usability as (with my jeans/frank thomas trousers on) they where a little hard to zip up, surprisingly the boots look nicer IMO in white/black than in all black (although can imagine would be a nightmare to clean all the time).

Watched the second and final episode yesterday, and indeed sounded like he wanted to return to the bike to the UK.. although didn't say if he planned to do it as a TV series. Personally I don't think he'd ride the entire way as in episode 1 we saw him wait several hours for the train when many other say it would have been faster to ride it.. questionable why he didn't. Either way was a enjoyable watch, just to short sadly.

The whole one shot use of helmets is the reason I went cheap for my first set, although the poor visor opening mechanism and overall design (wind noise) flaws mean I'd rather invest more this time around and just be more careful with the helmet as a whole, indeed head shape plays a factor and not all fit all people so defiantly going to try on before I buy (as in any case). Sportbikeshop sell the Rossi K3 for £119 and J&S website states £174 so defiantly some saving to be done there. I only currently ride a 125cc and not a sports bike.. the full set of "race style" textiles might look a little silly for now but if they last years then I'd say it's a worthwhile investment (sure as hell makes a change from the 3< months I've had my current set). I'd really love to reach 60mph on my 125 however don't drive in any 60 zones and also seem to have invested in a chinese brand that has the top speed of an old persons electric scooter (not complaining, love it.. just not the fastest), and overall I share you expierence I've commuted through the worst of the winter and often pull up to work wondering how I've made it with frozen hands. Jeans and or work trousers, a hoodie as well as a thin under-glove is my current deterrent to attempting to freeze to death, trying either the jacket and the trousers will soon tell me if they feel like an upgrade, although from the reviews it sounds like a solid investment. Thankyou all for your input and advice.

I found their ebay store and started comparing prices between them and my local J&S, only major difference I can see between the two is J&S don't stock the RST Sport Waterproof glove. Sadly their not closer to me otherwise I'd happily empty my account on their range. Thankyou both

Hi all, Just some general advice really on people who have owned RST gear and what they think of using it as a daily commuter in all weather. Currently use a full set of frank thomas textiles / boots, gloves helmet etc and all are starting to show a bit of wear and tear, so thought it was a good idea to spend a bit more money over a longer period (as opposed to buying all in one go) and get an "upgrade" as opposed to more cheap gear. Any advice mainly the following; - RST Blade Jacket / Trousers - RST Trachtech Evo Boots - RST Blade Gloves (Waterproof) All the above is waterproof and has a removable thermal lining that is meant to be suitable for the winter commute, any other advantages? &. Also if anyone has any advice on the AGV K3/K4 (regular or SV) or know of a similar helmet for around £150. Thanks in advance

I've only ever owned my current set witch is "Frank thomas" sort of an J&S exclusive sell cheap and get rid of all stock.. don't tell them what you're there for and just window shop at the price tags of things you like the look off, I walked in and told them I wanted to get fully fitted head to toe for a full set guy said £250 originally.. soon shot up while he walked around picking things up leaving me to pick up the price tag. In honesty I'm never going to advise against safety but I personally would never buy the best of the best while not riding a high powered machine, the basics suit me, also note that repeatedly dropping your helmet can damage it (I just hope I don't crash since I've done this) and it will need replacing.. so bare that in mind when forking the money out for one. Arai HJC Alpinestar Dainese AGV Shark RST Again never owned any of the above brands but top names from what I can tell. Check-list to look for; Helmet - Get the correct fitted size and tie up on your head comfortably, now close the visor fully locked and attempt to open with your left hand (if it cannot be done with one hand or two fingers easily then don't buy it). Do you want one with an internal sun visor or replaceable dark tinted visor? Jacket - Remove inner layers and find your way to the "padding" and check that it isn't held together in compartments by velcro (like my frank Thomas one is), make sure you get something that feels like it protects you rather than you holding it together. Elbow, shoulder and back protection.. make sure the back protection covers a large area including lower back. Trousers - Decent knee protection, good quality zip and lock, join able zip to a matching jacket?.. Also try to find one that has a raised area at the rear of the trouser to protect your lower back with some padding. Gloves - Decent knuckle protection, wrist and palm protection.. with a good multi lock mechanism (often Velcro).. also ensuring it covers a decent amount of the wrist (protects against wind and rain) Boots - Comfortable to walk in and not to heavy for street use (might be worth getting a street shoe and full race boot, I liked the alpinestar shoes for £100 felt nice in J&S). Toe sliders, heel protection and rear protection with well made construction and decent material.

Can I just recover form the fact you'd spent £1000 on your first set of gear for a moment. Right.. composed.. Firstly I'd say that if you're really willing to spend that much then I'd buy multiple sets of gear rather than go all out on one set, once a jacket and trousers is soaking wet then are you really going to want to put damp gear on (yes i'm aware they'll be waterproof, still not pleasant). I'd say get everything head to toe.. helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves without fail.. anything less than protective gear won't cut it for safety. I've window shopped online and found I could get a full set of gear for less than £200.. when I got mine from J&S it cost me £340-360 (bad memory) for a full set of FT textiles, boots, helmet and gloves (shop prices are always dear). What you get is up to you but make sure it's waterproof at the very least and has comfortable padding (don't be afraid to try it on in the shop and test how solid the armour is). Trying on in shop > internet (always).