Colin the Bear

I'd go for them. Oil won't protect against stone chips. A chip in the chrome of the fork leg can write it off.

I have trouble with any kind of in ear noise protection. When riding hilly areas and ascending and descending at speed I get ear ache due to the pressure not equalising when swallowing. I did read that most of the damage to the hearing is transmitted through the jaw bone and skull directly into the ear. So blocking the ear hole does little to protect. Any comment from the audiologists on this would be appreciated.

Matching luggage would be a couple of bin bags and a cargo net. I'd use new bin bags though. I'm not that tight

£80 for gloves Easy come , easy go

There's a gadget for everything these days. What happened to the good old toothbrush , rag and paraffin system. Borrow the other half's marigolds if you don't want dirty nails.

You can get coloured leathers? Oh yes come to think of it I've seen them. I thought there was a pyjama party somewhere. The best leathers are scuffed.

VFR will run forever if looked after. 35K is just when the engine starts to loosen up and perform at its best. I don't understand this fixation with newer is better.

I have about six pairs of gloves, at the last count, for my different moods and conditions. Buy quality and look after them and they'll last for years. I've come off loads of times and never had a problem with knuckle damage. Abrasion resistance and a secure fit are my priorities, after comfort and feel. Don't be swayed by labels. Some famous companies charge a lot for rubbish and some independants charge little for quality. Kangaroo skin is said to give best abrasion resistance. Check all the stitching before you buy. Give them a good pull about. Long ones keep out more draughts and short ones let in a welcome cooling breeze. Oil or wax will keep skin gloves weather proof.

Vive la differencehttp://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z28/Colin_the_bear/smilies1.gif

You throw it about like a sports bike and got 20k out of a tyre. What sort of sports bike a mini moto. The 650 drag star is very tame and under powered and if pushed will ground out at the least hint of a bend. It'll get stuck in traffic two up. The 535 Virago is a better bet than the 650 drag star imho. I had a test ride on the 1100 dragstar when they first came out. Took it back after 20 mins. Slightly scuffed I'll stick with the Virago. The 1100 is a very capable machine. Only draw back is the name

Well I for one am two

Get both, why chose

Have had both. The seat belt type is more convenient but being a normal lazy type person I tended to neglect the adjustment and consequently the helmet is not fitted properly. With the double d ring the adjustment is part of putting it on and can't be neglected. The inbuilt wear and tear on the strap automatically points out when the time comes to change the helmet. My current helmet is a Vemar with d ring fastener and cost £60. Safety gear is just that. If it don't fit , it may be worse than not wearing it. You don't need to spend a fortune to get top notch gear. Some unfortunately are self conscious and need the reassurance of expense or Brand or paint job. Would you buy good looking tyres or pay more for your brakes on the basis of colour? Keep it simple and change it regularly.

Wednesday 14th Jan 2009 Suzuki bikes and accessories exhibition and a ........Live band FREE ENTRY http://www.rockofthenorth.f2s.com/Squires%20Live.htm

Changing from the original colour scheme will reduce the resale value.

Only if you want a serious answer

Can't use 'em. Pardon

Be a shame to lose your licence so soon after putting all that money and effort into getting it. You're restricted for two years right? The insurance companies take a dim view of driving/riding uninsured, and have long memories. Also your bike may be impounded and crushed. Then a ban and a fine. I take it that you are a young person having to go the restricted route as DAS was not available to you. Get the bike restricted. Moving from 11bhp to 33bhp is quite a jump. Take your time. Learn your roadcraft. With a bit of luck and good judgment you'll be doing this for a very long time.

Uh oh sorry. Thought you were after a swap. 8)