Mississippi Bullfrog

Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

The point about tailgating is well made. I'm not suggesting the OP was but when km driving the car it's amazing how many bikes sit right on your tail waiting for a gap to overtake. I've done it myself. But I do find overtaking is quicker and safer from further back and it doesn't wind motorists up.

Everyone has their own way of doing things. I don't cross solid lines because doing so only gives motorists a reason to resent bikers. Those who move over to let you past won't do it again if they think you're taking the Mick. I generally look for a reasonable gap ahead or plenty of space on the road if something comes the other way. If you find yourself in the oath of oncoming traffic with nowhere to go then it's entirely your problem. Just because other riders sometimes ride like nobs doesn't mean you have to. Make your own decisions and when filtering err on the side of caution. You only need to get it wrong once. If people make space always acknowledge them. It's amazing how many bikers don't.

Most bikes will out accelerate most cars 0-60, but from a rolling start at 30 the scales aren't always tipped the same way.

Cool. I feel a strange desire to head north....

There are a breed of drivers who will mess with bikes deliberately. The fact that someone driving a quick car was driving so slowly suggests they were just trying to force you into that situation. You live ( hopefully) and learn. My usual tactic in such situations is to back off, then at the next lights sit BEHIND them and give them a clap. That really seems to the best way to let them know what you think of them.

So far, so good. Having got the voltage back up it took a full charge and has since worked fine. I have laid down the law not to leave them discharged in future.

I thought you said it was in Manchester?

They're pretty much a pile 'em sell 'em cheap operation. So it's pot luck what you get. If you can inspect the bike and it's a good price and don't need any aftersales support then no worries, but I wouldn't buy unseen from them. I looked at bikes in their Macclesfield store and wasn't impressed with what I saw.

There must be someone on here who can check it out for you. My hesitation would be that any problems and you've got a long way to go to get it sorted. I always try to buy local if I can.

The horse rider who allowed their horse to crap on a bend and then went off leaving a hazard on the road surface. If horse riders expect other road users to slow down to show them some respect they need to return the favour and clear up hazards they create on the public highway. You hit a pile of horse crap at night on a bend and it gets interesting.

From what I have seen of people who have come off whilst not wearing protective gear the most common injuries are hands and legs.

Tiger - "Yeeees, meals on wheels." Reminds me of the story of the two nuns sent to the jungle. Sister Mary immediately started a rigorous keep fit regime, running five miles every morning and building up her cardio vascular system. Sister Anna just kept scoffing donuts and enjoying the occasional cigarette. The day before they were due to be sent out the Mother Superior spoke to them both to wish them well. She asked Sister Mary why she had undertaken such a hard regime of physical exercise. "It's in case we meet a tiger." Sister Mary replied. "You can't think you'll actually outrun a tiger?" said Mother Superior. "Oh no Mother, " replied Sister Mary, "I just need to outrun Sister Anna."

Could you use a small lift instead? I find it easier than a rear paddock stand. Got mine off Amazon for about £40 and I'm very pleased with it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=supermoto&safe=strict&client=ms-android-huawei-rev1&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT2Z-H1o3jAhW5UxUIHSGVCrQQ_AUoAXoECA0QAQ&biw=424&bih=743#imgrc=9wlttZwx98rwRM its the sexiest type of bike Ah - you mean what we used to call a scrambler back in the day.

I have no idea what that means either! I shall refrain from worrying about it though. I have got this far in life without needing to know.

What's a SM?

I generally wave mine around in tune to some 70s rock riff. Keeps motorists alert cause there's a crazy biker in front.

Foreign lorry?? It's really really common for foreign drivers to use the left lane on roundabouts regardless if which exit they need. No idea why ( maybe lost, maybe confused, maybe different rules in their countries) but it's something we all need to be aware of and watch for. To be honest I didn't notice his plate, he was sideways across the exit. But that's a good tip to bear in mind.

The Fiesta van driver who pulled out in front of me near J&S in Delamere this afternoon. I had a hunch he was going to do it as the Merc driver in front of him pulled across without checking and I thought to myself - that van is going to do the same. Good job I did as I'd already hit the anchors before he realised I was there. From the look on his face I think he might have needed to go home for a change of trousers.

HGV on the A38 approached a multi lane roundabout in the extreme left hand lane then decided he wanted to turn right half way round the junction. Ended up blocking the entire roundabout.

You know what, you hit an oncoming vehicle in that scenario and the maths is the least of your problems. You're still dead.

If it is a weak battery then higher compression when warm will draw enough amps to make the spark weak. So it could be as simple as that.

My commute is mainly narrow rural roads. You've got blind bends, bad road surfaces with broken edges, and nearly always mud and gravel. Dangerous for bikes but four wheels don't suffer the same. I just slow down if they get on my tail. Let them past when possible and don't let anyone else dictate your speed.

I've had this happen when our neighbour was having a new kitchen fitted. The guys parked their van outside our house and there were screws and bits all over the road.