Pie man

It amazes me why anyone would want to drive around Londinium Only been to the big city a couple of times, Once walked into one of those green wooden cabins, where cabbies go for breakfast - best bacon butty I have ever had.

I had engine bars on the last two bikes, I'm still looking of some for the KTM, and I will purchase some crash bungs for the MT at some point (still saving up) If there is a drop or slide, at least I've done my best to create damage limitation. Six years ago I was involved in a head on collision and nothing could have saved the bike. Still it could have been worse.

Woah there. Ssshh You'll have insulate Britain joining in with that analogy

My winter regime consists of ACF50 then - Ride - Rinse - Dry Otherwise as above linked advice.

Hope it isn't too bad and you start to feel better soon.

I find that people who say such things about a bike like the Deauville calling it a Dullville have probably never ridden one and just join the band wagon. When I bought my First GS all my friends nearly disowned me (old mans bike and boring), now they nearly all ride them. To call something bland and characterless without riding one is their faux pas opinion and we all know opinions are like ar*eholes.

I use E10 in both the MT & KTM. I read somewhere that KTM don't recommend the higher octane fuel (because it will probably come to a sudden halt and fall to pieces)

I have covered 5K on the Pirelli Scorpions but the front just wants to tuck, its also started to developed a flat spot in the middle of the tyre, the rear is fine. I think I have lost confidence with them because I lost the front 3 times in Scotland due to diesel on the roads. I had Metzelers on the BW and they were great. I think I will go back to Metzelers when these are done.

I tried that once ..........I cut in and started filling up my scooter, I only wanted 2L, and some Tw*t at the other side of the pump started having a go at me. Cheeky fecker Nah I would sit in the queue to be honest.

err out of interest which tyres did you go for. I have the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II and I no likey.

I'm not sure either. I thought the GAP does what it says and would pay roughly the £455.50 difference and you pay the excess and assuming you are covered, your insurance pays the rest, you then buy the bike , no.

It looks comfy though

I can see the headline now....TMBF member becomes first pigs in blankets millionaire after increase in demand soars due to shortage of sausage.

I always zip my gear together - I thought everyone did this - or maybe it is a shape thing

I've had the KTM over 12 months now and not had the nerve to even try the horn to see what it sounds like.

I have D30 armour on the shoulder/shins and elbows but not on the back for some reason. Might take a look at that as an option.

Yeah I'm thinking of having a ride over to Leeds on Wednesday, hopefully try one or two on for comfort. I will take the Rucksack to see how that sits. I've never owned a strap on back protector, Two of my best Jackets don't have any or very little back protection.

They don't do their demonstrating at night - they know they will get tw*tted by the dullard driving with no lights on. All I could see in the video was fine upstanding gentlemen of the community preventing some delirious morons from being run over 'Officer'

I bought the Oxford Laminate kit a couple of years ago - total sh*te at keeping the rain out. Both Jacket & Trousers were returned twice. Now I just use them in Summer because they do have good vents, and keeps you dry in the odd light shower.

I got fuel for the bike last week from our local Tesco - I also have a van that runs on LPG. I caused a bit of a stir when I went to Morrisons to fill up with LPG. The queue for the petrol was being managed by staff who had created a nice orderly queue around the carpark. I sat there for a while and then thought why am I queuing (only two petrol pumps in operation) I pulled out of the queue and drove straight to the LPG pump and started filling up. I noted several cars had also left the queue to follow me. One guy even pulled up behind me and shouted well spotted mate. I never responded and carried on sheepishly, the look on his face when the discharge of gas escapes when detaching the pump from the van was priceless.

Many many years ago my instructor said to me 'loose the examiner as soon as you are out of the test station ' not the best advice but it worked for me. Which back in the day was from a local DVLA office carpark, he gave me the first couple of directions, turn right out of the carpark in to a side street then right again etc, I was off, left him waiting to pull out, by that time I was up to speed in a national, I had to pull over somewhere safe and wait for him

If you can push the boat out and buy anything with a Gore-Tex Laminate, you wont go far wrong, costly mind....

I have to plan my route around P*ss stops nowadays.

Sorry to hear. I'm sure after you have talked it through with your instructor, you will be ready for the next one. They say many fail just after leaving the test centre due to being nervous. Keep trying, You'll get there .

I'm looking for back protection. The back inserts in my Jackets aren't that good and one of my jackets which I regularly wear when commuting has none at all. I also wear a rucksack, looking for something that will protect my back but will also be comfortable under the rucksack - Any suggestions appreciated