HomerPlata

Nice looking bike, I wish I had Repsol fairings on mine

Sorry I can't offer any solution, but I did used to have a GS500F which had similar electrical issues (especially in the wet), so I can sympathise. It's a shame, because I loved that bike otherwise, I just couldn't trust it to start in the cold/wet without getting some expensive work done to it

100% this. I've only ever had modest-to-neglible pay rises whilst in the job (not including promotions), whereas I've always moved to new places for a decent bump in salary. It's a shame that loyalty is not rewarded these days, but that's the reality of it. Take advantage of the situation if you can

Nob of the day for me is the stripy little yellow bast*rd that got into my helmet on the way to work this morning Luckily I was stopped at lights, so my little spaz-out didn't cause a crash, but I just learned a valuable lesson about when and where to open the visor for a bit of fresh air

Not exactly what you're asking for, since it's not eligible for Prime, but this is a nice cheap riveter/breaker: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CJDD0EE Full disclosure: I didn't use it to break the chain, only to rivet the new one. I used this to break the chain: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01I4POX4Q Their combined price is about the same as the single tool listed previously, plus you also get an angle grinder for use elsewhere...

Well done sir!

Congrats! Get the CBR, you know it makes sense

Thanks for the advice guys. All done and dusted now, with a shiny new gold chain. I did check those rubber thingies inside the wheel, they're all in good shape, tar

Thank you sir

I had a fair amount of difficulty in attempting to remove the front sprocket over the weekend (ended up stripping the thread or whatever from the inside of what-must-have-been-a-cheap 14mm socket in doing so). I'm just on here to double-check - I am supposed to be turning it left-loosey aren't I?

I assumed he meant continuing round to the 3rd exit, and 'going left' just meant turning off at the 2nd, but yeah, always a useful diagram to have when you're arguing with dickheads about which lane they should be in at a roundabout

Just bought meself one of those mesh/armour thingies. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Cycling-Protector-Motocross-Protective/dp/B018QXEU76 Last rode a couple of days ago and was sweating absolute buckets in my insulated jacket I'm still sticking with the regular pants for now, just with the liner taken out.

Done

Fair point, never thought of that. I just thought it might have been a bravado thing, like choosing the hottest curry off the menu to impress a bird

Nah, not another one of those wanky internet challenges, just a way of opening the topic "who the hell gets anywhere near maximum temperature on these things?" I can only use 40% max before it gets too uncomfortable. How high do you guys go?

Thanks mate, it was more to do with the way I strolled in like Billy big-bollocks come to save the day, only to be mangled by a tiny little creature

Me, yesterday. There was a little Jack Russell in the road on the way home from work, both lanes stopped and a decent tailback building up. I filtered through, and felt obliged to stop. Looked like he'd been hit by a car, but was still able to walk n that. I pull over, get off the bike, and can see that a few people there already have a plan of bundling him into some fella's car and taking him to the nearest vets. Only problem - he's very scared and bitey. "Not to worry folks, I am here! Look at my big leather gloves, I will be fine!", I thought to myself as I attempted to pick up the little fella. Well he absolutely savaged me Bit right through my gloves. I involuntarily called him a little C-word and dropped him. It took a woman to come over, chuck a coat over him and calmly place him in the car. Rightfully I looked a proper dickhead Never stopping for dogs again!

Wait, you've never ridden anything bigger than a 125 and you've got a MOD 1 test on Monday?

Nice one, I think I'm tempted to invest

I did, I clicked my finger on my petrol tank a couple of times. The test is flawed.

I got 90%+ in the hazard perception test, then got swiped by a car after 3 months riding. It's not an exact science

Be interested to hear if this is any good - and whether or not it would fit comfortably under the seat on a CBR 600. Nice one.

Plastic bags on your feet?

I've got one on mine, but it was on there when I bought it so I can't describe the difference. Sounds nice though, and it's not so loud that the neighbours hate me (at least not blatantly to my face). Wish I could be more helpful.

I echo the majority of opinions on here, go for the A2 definitely (provided that you enjoy the CBT). You will definitely get bored of a 125 very quickly.