bonio

Happy birthday, sir.

Any injury? I hope not. The usual advice to someone who's fallen off is to get back on as soon as you can.

It's always the family that's the tie. We were living in the States when my Dad was dying here in the UK. We came back. I knew the missus wouldn't be able to do it.

I don't like squidgy tyres. Grim feeling.

I have similar thoughts about Oz. It's a body-breaking grim journey, and when you get there it's almost as good as loads of places that are a lot nearer. But I have wondered about biking in Tassie: great roads, no traffic, lots of bends, mountains and the lot. Cracking scenery to boot - it's so unlike most of Oz. In fact it's a lot like Wales - and that includes the weather. And Wales is so much nearer home...

Great pic. Congratulations on the pass

I used to power my GoPro from the bike's USB port. Like that it would run all day long, no worries about the batteries. I had to swap the battery door out for one that allows the USB cable to be inserted, which meant it was no longer waterproof - fine in a shower, but not in a downpour. I wasn't interested in recording stuff the rain, so it worked for me.

And potholes hidden under floodwater. I've only found them in the car so far.

If you get yourself a decent secondhand Japanese bike, you'll get your money back and perhaps even a tad more when you come to sell it on.

Hi Paul. Welcome in. What are your plans? CBT and then ride a 125? Or CBT and then DAS? Geoff

Had some trouble a few years back when I'd left the DRZ idle for a few months over winter. Took a lot of starter motor to get it going again. I find it's ok if I give it a run once a month. But the tank is so small, a quick trip out is at least two refills.

Dabbled into Roadcraft about 2 and half years ago. Not the latest edition. To be honest, It's hasn't got a great plot, and it isn't great as a reference book either. Would rather take on War and Peace. Looked up the lasted changes on the Highway code whenever they last changed - a couple of years ago?

Ooops. Clicked on the button twice.

Same thing in Bristol. Last time I was there I heard one Brissle accent the whole week. Like, where did they all go?

Same here. In the shops too. And in the library you'll sometimes find a small pack socialising by Romantic Fiction.

Can we buy gift vouchers?

Looks grand. Not so long to wait now

Hi

Great to hear you've found your bike. It looks great.

Cable ties Gaffer tape Tyre pump

If you were older, I'd say go for the full A licence straight off, but given that route isn't available to you, then probably CBT and 125. Then upgrade whenever you feel the 125 has run out of charm. As for bike, you won't go wrong with a Honda. The YZF will probably have most beans.

Aww shucks guys. Very kind of you all.

Bar ends. But they're clearly a minority taste.

Sounds awesome I had a GSX600RR that was similarly rude. Whenever I parked up in a town, I was instantly surrounded by a swarm of teenage boys. Had to get rid.

The sound is a big part of being on a bike. My two each have their moments where just the noise is enough to put a big smile on your face. But I remember when I tried out a Zero - this must have been over 10 years ago - I loved being on a bike that was almost silent. The best bit was being out on a country road and reaching a village with its neat little green and its pond and a red telephone box. I liked being able to go through and be part of the peacefulness of the scene. And there wasn't any feeling of having to keep the bike under control so as not to be a nuisance. Made for a really enjoyable ride.