Hoody

The outer shell may be scratched, but as long as it is intact should be OK. The polystyrene inner didn't have any weight inside it so shouldn't have deformed/compressed - It needs the head inside to compress it in a collision. All that said, if it was me I would get a new lid.

The pins are adjustable. Remove the pinlock, clean the visor and dry. Use a duster and lightly wipe over the Pinlock. Re assemble and adjust the pins to form airtight seal.

Can't agree with you there Scotty, I have had a Sheltex HG jacket (Daylite) for 6 years, used for work in all conditions through all seasons and have never reproofed it. It has never leaked/let water in.

HG stuff is excellent, waterproof breathable, not badly priced. I have several sets and none have ever let me down. I wear Alt-Berg boots. Best kit I have. 100% waterproof, comfy as slippers, good to walk round in (walking boot soles) Weise Oslo gloves - superb, waterproof, light, warm, loads of feel.

Light thin layers are best bet. In winter I wear EDZ long sleeve shirt or technical material shirt (we get issued - similar material), with an EDZ windstopper. That with a goretex bike jacket (with liner in it) and warm enough on most days for a full shift. If it gets colder I wear an extra thin technical material top. Thin layers trap heat in. Try Millets or Blacks (any outdoor sports places) or ski shops - often cheaper than bike shop stuff. Don't wear fleeces or jumpers too thick and restrict movement. Worth investing in good gloves too - I have just bought a pair of Weisse which are superb, warm, waterproof, comfy, plenty of feel and light weight. As for socks, look at ski socks or decent walking socks. I tested several pairs for RiDE last year and found Alpinestars (with silver thread in them) the best.

Use a cargo net to keep rucksack on pillion seat or rack. Covenience of having rucksack without danger of straining back carrying it or worse case scenario breaking back in a spill. We wear body armour back protectors then put a rucksack on?!!?! Back injuries are usually from twists and placing a solid lump on your back will magnify or cause this in a crash.

Just taken delivery of an MD80 - £49 off ebay incl free P&P - Wow! - How small??!!

If you think the tyre needs replacing then it will need replacing. Between that and fork seals make them the priority, not handle bars. Budget £80-120 for fork seals dependant on machine, £100-140 for front tyre, same again for rear tyre and for 'bars - depends what machine, renthals for example, including fitting - about £80 - 120. Enjoy!

They came out earlier this year. Seem a bit gimmicky tbh. If the bladder that you inflate leaks then the helmet would be rendered useless. I imagine they would be quite heavy too You may be better off trying other brands with different size cheek pads in (Arai, Shoei) at main dealers to get the correct fit.

I would recommend hard luggage if you can stretch to it. Panniers and top box. Also a tank bag, but not so massive it stops you seeing the clocks. If you can't stretch to hard stuff then use soft luggage. It will NOT be waterproof - pack any kit in plastic bags before packing! Pack light. Whatever you take reduce by half then again! Think about what you pack, seriously, if you are away for 7 days, then 7 of everything is a lot to carry. Pants, socks - yes, pack for every day, t shirts, wear at night then following day. Trousers - one pair of jeans or similar should do it - you will not need a dinner suit! Pack one pair of light shoes each. Sat-Nav is a bonus, if not make sure you have good maps and directions for specific hotels etc. 250-300 mile absolute max per day. Under 200 if you have the time. I recommend southern Germany, Austrian Tyrol or French Alps. Stop over midway and make one place a base wherever you decide to stop. Use Autobahns or Autoroutes to make up time, but stay off them if you can. I have masses of experience in touring Europe, if you need specifics give me a PM. As for the bike, if you are happy with it and your other half is OK then it will do the job. If not there is a lot of choice out there, but most bikes will do it come-what-may!

Honda build quality is better. Booth sound motors. Bandit - less to damage if you drop it. Honda better protection. Honda 'sportier' in looks and position. Honda, well it's not a Suzuki!

Agreed. Take it steady, get some tuition, make sure they take you to a test centre to practice and you will be OK

It's an improvement on any Shitzuki though

Tank bag - hmmm did not think of that! However I want to keep all my expensive gadgets on me while I am off walking around So the general feeling is if I get a bumbag I will be considered a proper poo stuffer - what if it was a repsol one to match the bike?..... I have this (well I have two a larger one too!) http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/daypack2.jpg http://www.sounddistribution.co.uk/prod ... umber=1920 clips onto an unobtrusive ring that clips onto fuel filler ring

Use what the manufacturers manual says. In the bike only use bike specific oil particularly. Car oils have different compositions and will cause clutch slip if used in a bike. Bike oils are generally more expensive so don't use in the car. Follow manufacturers manual for the car recommended oil.

My missus had never ridden before, fluffed first attempt, went back a week later and passed. It isn't easy to start with (and remember you NEVER stop learning anyway!)

Rosie. I believe the word you are looking for is........................ http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/cock3.jpg

Hoped I'd explained the reasons for on the previous page, hence I don't agree such is a waste of do$h, quite the contary. Evidently, neither do Draggin nor its consumer base. But, of course, it's a personal matter depending on individual perception and tolerance of risk....and what you can sensibly afford. Actually, I have found it's the 'born agains' that are the predominant fashion conscious group, heck at that age they can afford it! PS. Never thought for a moment my 'where can I get a Kelvar T-shirt from?' would generate so much comment....shows a very vibrant and healthy forum. Glad to be here. Upshot is............................the gear is designed for skate boarders etc. Buy and enjoy!

What is the point of a kevlar T shirt? If you come off it is only a shirt and will ride up = Gravel Rash It has no armour which is important in a tumble where there is street furniture around etc. Clearly just a waste of money for those with nothing better to spend it on, or too young to see sense beyond fashion

'kin 'ell - how far do you commute?!!

Good luck Yammy- any training is beneficial. Have you considered RoSPA or IAM?

Cudda had another 6 there had I known?!! - Hey Ho!

Wish you'd plan in advance. Could have met up with you, in Europe 19-28 June on tour - Ya buggers!

I can never find it....

I like these. Water, spray, sponge to clean then visor wiper to clear.http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/wee_willy_in_hand_best_z4tc.jpg