Reiver

You are right about being tense. When I did my CBT I did not get a "pass" the first time. The following week I got through it no bother because I learned to relax. Previously my shoulders and arms were very tense and the instructor could see that. Once he got me to concentrate on relaxing it all became so much easier and I started enjoying the ride much more.

I had a phobia of spiders for years but I have always loved tarantulas. They are very cute and furry, a bit like a nice pet rat or hamster. They are nothing like those huge long leggedy hairy greasy grey beasties that live in the dark, murky, webby corners of me garden shed. Those lads really are scary... though I respect them hugely, but tarantulas seem like nice sweet pets to me.

This may be a totally daft question but I was thinking of getting a cover but was wondering, if it had been raining overnight, where do you store your wet cover when you are out on the bike? I don't want to hang it up in the garage as I don't want to cause dampness in there. What do you guys with covers do with them? Cheers

I wouldn't use a high powered jet wash. I just use the garden hosepipe with one of those adjustable heads you can set to a gentle spray. And I buy multi-packs of Kent brand microfibre cloths for cleaning.

I didn't watch it all either but if what you say is correct then I think that is just a daft gimmick. What is wrong with normal mirrors? bah! Some folks just love technology for the sake of it... sorry for being a misery.. I just hate pointless gadgetry... I really wish I'd been born in the 1930s instead of 1970s. [endofmistergrumpymode]

I remember reading a lot of discussions on the internet about a common problem that YBR's have with battery charging. Might be worth searching the net as it is quite a common problem I believe. I haven't had any trouble with my YBR though.. not yet anyway! Changing to a higher capacity battery is fine. The starter will only draw what current it needs. I'd be interested to know what the trouble was once you get it sorted. Could be just an old battery. I had to replace my car battery last year as it was 8 years old and the car was struggling to start. New battery solved it. EDIT: at least yours has a kick start.. wish mine did in case of battery failure

For chaining your bike at home, I would recommend getting an Almax. They also do a 19mm. Very expensive chains but I would say a couple of hundred quid is worth spending to keep the bike secure. Here is the 19mm... I only have the 16mm though: http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/Almax-Immobiliser-Series-IV/Almax-Immobiliser-Series-IV--Uber--Squire-SS65CS-Lock__p-70-129.aspx

I keep mine in the garage but have a ground anchor inside the garage with an Almax Series 3 chain (16mm). When out, I carry an Oxford 11mm chain but I do not really like the Oxford chains. However it was a trade off between lightness and security. Didn't want to carry a 16mm chain in my box when out. I only have a YBR 125 but I got the Almax with the intention of using it when I do my DAS and get a better bike. EDIT: Insurance was no different. Got a quote for no chain and a quote with the Almax. With the chain, the policy was one pound, yes a whole quid cheaper per year! So I tell the insurance people I do not have a chain therefore hopefully pre-empting any come backs about security if I had said I always use a chain (if for example I got the bike stolen whilst t was temporarily outside or away from home without the big Almax)... if that makes any sense!

Tango, forgive the daft question from me a new lad but do they state on the bottle if they contain those additives? I have not had to change my oil yet but if I use oil that is specifically advertised as being for bikes, will it not contain additives? man it can get so confusing! Cheers I think one of the main culprits is that Magnatec oil.....but I think others have had problems with some different oils too. Oil designed specifically for use in bikes should not have any additives in that would affect the clutch as most bikes use a wet clutch. The only question then really, is whether to use fully synthetic or semi synthetic. ..... ] Thanks man.. Oh dear synthetic? fully synthetic? Yet more confusion... I think my man at the bike shop said to use semi synthetic... Anyway, I am off to research this now, sorry for being a pain asking stuff but I do appreciate the help

Tango, forgive the daft question from me a new lad but do they state on the bottle if they contain those additives? I have not had to change my oil yet but if I use oil that is specifically advertised as being for bikes, will it not contain additives? man it can get so confusing! Cheers

No longer available.

I don't think the new proposals are too bad. Especially the requirement of a theory test. I drive a car so I know about road signs, rules etc but when I did my CBT in October there were two young lads doing theirs on scooters and neither had driven cars or had much road knowledge. They did not answer many of the highway code questions the instructor asked and I was curious as to how they would manage when we did the road part of the CBT. Perhaps this was the fault of the instructor not being thorough enough, I don't know... but I do think a theory test before being allowed on the road would be a good idea.

Elvis book? Which book is that? Elvis is awesome! No sniggering from me! It's called, "Elvis. The legend lives on" http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/music-books/elvis-presley---the-legend-lives-on/9781786702289?CAWELAID=720011340002451097&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=18221917361&CATCI=pla-98622388361&catargetid=720011340002258989&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnIPDBRC7t5zJs4uQu5UBEiQA7u5Ne9DyMnGUZ5A_F6eJDQe6y8LMHnqdrtrDRc-wj81Ta50aAg4B8P8HAQ I am going to get that. I grew up in a house with parents who were Elvis mad and it rubbed off on me. Love him. Looks like a great book. Thank you

Elvis book? Which book is that? Elvis is awesome! No sniggering from me!

Twelve pairs of socks (again!), a woolly jumper (thanks aunt Lil... still knitting at 89 years old, though purple really doesn't suit me...), and some chocolate. I am allergic to chocolate but I guess it is the thought that counts as they say. As for useful stuff, I got a new pressure gauge and a new bike security chain so not too bad really

I live near Bedlington, Northumberland. Just joined the forum today.

Well I have been a member on here for only a few hours and I already feel it is a good warm friendly place. Glad I found you guys

I am very new to biking and I recently joined the first forum that came up in Google results. I was looking for somewhere to ask advice and chat about bikes, but that forum was not quite what I expected and I really didn't like it, which is why I joined this one as it seems a lot friendlier. I only joined today but I have been browsing it for a bit and it is more my scene than the other forum and I have had a nice welcome from several members.