bonio

Try one of these https://www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/workshop/big_black_bike_rear_paddock_stand/ or if you're feeling posh one of these https://www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/workshop/oxford_premium_rear_paddock_stand/ (look around for the best price, though) And you can fit bobbins if you want: see here Personally, I don't think I'd wouldn't bother, though. The paddock stands include hooks for bobbins and rests that you can use directly on the swing arm. Which is what I do on the DRZ and the VanVan.

Best one I ever heard of was Randy Sarah

I've heard of him, mate. I've even read his book. It was ok. Don't have the book any more, mind.

Another thing that comes into play is experience. The first time I insured my 1200, the premium was around £1000 for a year. When I came to renew, it down to a quarter of that. The difference was that I could could say I had experience riding a 1200cc bike. If you want to save money, get a Bandit or a Fazer 600 for now and buy your beemer next year. Or you could explain the problem to the dealer and see if they're able to arrange some discount with BMW insurance But BMW aren't used to dealing with hard-up customers, so don't hold your breath.

Great choice.

Did the original training with the Cambs group; had a great observer, a young lad riding a Pan. I wasn't a fast learner (in either sense), but he was very patient For this last retest, I did a couple of observed rides with folk the Suffolk group, and then the test was up your way by a bloke from Long Stratton. I'd say go for it. Worst that can happen is that you don't get on with it, in which case you just move on.

Are you sure it's fuel? K&R air filters are meant to be soaked in light oil, and this can smell a bit like fuel. This surprised me a bit when I first found one on a bike. But possibly it is fuel, and then you might have found your problem. Definitely shouldn't cut out; like you said, it's dangerous.

Is that a euphemism? I mean, I did clean my bike's exhaust a lot during lockdown. But also... Didn't know you smoked!

I'd forgotten you'd done that mate. I learned loads too. I had to retake the RoSPA thingy last year. Still lots to learn.

Nice one mate. Looks completely awesome. Join the ex-Beemer club

Me too. But I also took the odd day's holiday and did some cycling. https://i.imgur.com/317wlKh.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

just look at that terrain still think you should get an xr 250, XT I do as well......but the problem with all these stations is the distance from where I live. Today was an hour on the Autovia/Motorway to get there......that's a hard slog on a small trailie. DRZ for you then. Even the 400 can provide the luxury of an hour on a motorway and leave you biologically intact.

Been stung like that too. If only I'd had a TMBF buff...

[mention]Magpie84[/mention] oh nooooes! Done that. So easy to drop a new bike..

... reminds me of the time I was hooning down the A14 on the GS, looked to my right and saw I was been soundly overtaken ... by a Reliant Robin.

This is one reason I got the idea of ditching the GS: on an average overtake, it was all too easy to hit three figures without realising it. It felt like it was doing a comfy 70 or so, but the speedo told a different tale. So I've gone from 125bhp to 94bhp; overtakes are no less easy, but kinder on the licence.

Skiing for sure. He swam from Brighton to Worthing, and you can't do that if you're on a bike.

Ok, So I'm going to jump in and assume you're riding on the road and in all weathers - rain and cold and all? You're going to need * Jacket * Trousers * Boots * Gloves * Helmet First jacket and trousers: if you're planning on riding in the rain or the cold then don't buy leather, nor denim, buy textiles. Cordura is good, anything that's designed for motorbike use should be tough enough to protect you if you come off. Gloves: most gloves out there are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, but if you want to manage with just one pair, those will have to do. Again, for riding in the rain, you're better off avoiding leather. Get proper motorcycling gloves, don't go for motorcross or off-road ones, as they won't have the knuckle and finger protection you need. All these - jacket, trousers, and gloves - you can pick up second hand on ebay. Boots: Motorcycling boots will protect your ankles in the event of a crash. Best to have boots that come to half way between your ankle and knee. You might need to go try these on in shop before you decide, as uncomfortable boots become a pain on a long ride. Any helmet sold in a bike store or a bike dealers will be good enough to protect your head, even if it's under £50. But a helmet that doesn't fit right won't protect your head even if it's over £500. A proper fit is tight, but not too tight to hurt. Best to get to a store and ask the person there to help you. Buy the helmet new, don't buy second hand. Hope this helps.

The bike folds up into the box when not in use. But more serious, a very nice bike (gotta say that, it's a tiger)

[mention]brandersnatch[/mention] I was down your way on Friday night in Ramsholt, just the other side of the Deben.

Hi and welcome! Which part of Suffolk you in?

Ta matey. I've not used them for years but I might try them out. What's your excess with them?

There are two basic routes; you choose which of them you want to follow: 1. DAS. You do a CBT with a training school and then follow on with lessons riding a 600cc or 650cc bike on L plates with an instructor. You take your theory test (best done before you start) and your two practical modules, and on passing get a full licence that allows you ride any bike. This route allows you to go from zero to full licence in as little as a week if you're available to be in lessons all day 5 or 6 consecutive days. With this approach, you only ever ride a bike with an instructor until you pass the test. For insurance reasons, it will be a bike provided by the training school. 2. You do a CBT with a training school, and then ride your own 125 on L plates for up to 2 years. At some point you start taking lessons on a 600cc or 650cc bike on L plates with an instructor. But since you've got some experience under your belt the hope is that you can get away with 5 or perhaps 10 hours of lessons before you're ready for the practical tests, and so it can work out cheaper, if slower. As with the DAS, you have to have passed your motorcycle theory test before the practical. You can ride your own 125 on L plates before you pass the test, but you can only ride the bigger bike with an instructor, and the training school will provide it. In practice you can mix the two approaches as suits you. For example, you can go down the DAS route but take do just one day a week if you prefer. Best thing to do is to find a training school and speak to them about what they offer.

Got an online quote of £150 from Bikesure but with an excess of £600 - a bit steep. I'll give them a call and see if they can better it.

Thanks, boring grumpy guy. I think you're right.