Ratser

Beside my office is Area 51 Custom Bikes, and some of the choppers and cruisers that come out of there are amazing. Start at approx 30k though I think. There is an excellent AC/DC one Also had a trike in there the other day, and it was about the size of a saloon car You wanted a Marauder as a 125 originally didn't you ?

Yeh no danger of my bike turning a wheel while the white stuff is about.

This is the one I purchased. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/Ratser/Bike/Araisinister.jpg

My helmet has the quick release fastening. Not long after buying I had a problem with it unfastening on it's own. Then I found that just because it was new the release button was a little stiff. Is ok now, but once pressing the button you have to push it up. However today I bought a new Arai GT Viper Sinister which has the double d rings. Will take some getting used to, but it's not something that bothers me much.

I learned that to stop you leaning it too much, stick your left knee right into the tank, and push your right shoulder away while looking to where you want to go. Of course this was what they told me after dropping the bike a few times All in the past now. I can do it without even thinking about it.

Get a jacket that fits ?

I am going on the 6th June for the week with my neighbour. Can't wait. I am going from Liverpool but returning to Heysham. Staying in a tent (a big one). Not sure how much accomodation is, but you should still be able to get the ferries ok. Although for when I wanted to go, I couldn't get it from Heysham. But from what I heard they normally get a lot of cancellations in January so maybe as well checking with Steam Packet Ferry Co.

I'll be there.

Try not to think of the u-turn as a big thing, just as another part of the test that you KNOW you can do. If you start thinking about it too much it may cost you in other places. Likewise though, once you have done your U-turn don't think it's a canter to the finish. Oh and on the final stretch back to the test centre, I found a prayer was quite comforting

I would stick with what I had which was the Varadero. Nice big comfy bike, and runs like a dream. Think my old one is still for sale in the Honda place up here where I got it from and traded back to.

I don't dislike any of the riders, or bikes for that matter. But I would like to see Stoner win it back.

No its illegal to wear sunglasses unless the visor is down or the are CE approved eyewear I don't know how Chips got away with it for so long. Is that why the series was stopped ?

its not the shiny design that keeps you brain where god intended they are not 'special' but the cream of the crop. Did you try the shark on? Helmet fit is a very personal thing and what suits me may be wrong for you....i just remember the foggy rep sharks fitted like a goldfish bowl, on me anyway. the problem with prices is to do with exchange rates and the pound is getting hammered. PS all ARAI helmets are made in Japan not China....hence the lack of quality issues with Arai oh and in 4 years of working for Carnells I never once sent a faulty Arai back ....and i sent lots of other makes back Well I'm not likely to buy a helmet JUSt because it is a nice design. Likewise I am not going to buy a helmet that has a good rating but a crap design. In saying that the new Arai designs are quite smart, they just didn't have had them in when I was in.

I am mate, I am. All booked up. Can't wait.

Booked up now, woo hoo, can't wait.

I just bought an optimate 4.

Hopefully I will be going, and can give you a shout when there or something then.

I just use a polar buff and shape it like a balaclava.

Watched a dvd last night of the 2004 IOM TT, and have to say it looked awesome. I will be booking up tonight. Are you going then Madmally ?

My neighbour is already booked, and I can get booked no problem for when he is going as well, although different ferries. He is going from Liverpool and I can get one from Heysham (which is closer). He also has a campsite booking for a 10 man tent so there is space available for me.

Anyone go to this ? My neighbour has invited me to go with him next year (he goes every year), so just looking at it just now. If anyone has been, whats it like, or what can I expect ? And is anyone else is going next year ?

Just found out my neighbour is heading down, and he did offer to get me whatever I wanted. Just writing up my list now

Was looking at Arai yesterday, but didn't find them anything special. What I did see though was a Shark Samurai in red which look superb. Think that's what I might get.

I knew what you meant, but yes, you are making it worse