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Hey all, I know that ultimately this is a 'if you want to' kind of thing, but was wondering what others may think about this? Basically after my bike not starting and needing to charge my battery - I found I couldn't full take off the side panel to get at the battery, one of the bolts is stripped (I think is the correct word)? Couldn't get an allen key/screwdriver in to actually undo it. Luckily I was able to kind of rotate the panel to reveal the battery - but this is not ideal in the long run. So as I was going over it and just looking at the bike, wondered if it'd be a good idea just to go round any and all easily accesible screws/bolts that look crap and/or stripped and replace them with new ones. Along with attempting to clean up parts of the bike (it will be in use in this time though) that look like they could do with it. Just all the rust would be nice to be gone! But wondering if it is a bit too much of a big job (I am not looking to take the bike apart), or a pointless exercise? Also, this tail end part is broken, it doesn't affect it at all, but wondered if anyone knows if that could be replaced easily enough? This is all when I have the money to do it, right now i'm quite low on funds thanks to Christmas, and can't get all the tools just yet. Still need to get something to hold it off the ground to do the chain when it is needed.

Which is why I specifically said it's normally chavs, to avoid tarnishing anyone else. There's good and bad in all groups as you point out with tories and the background they generally come from. Just to add some balance re credit cards. I use 0% purchase card deals to pay for things like insurance etc as I just set a direct debit to take it out as fast as reasonably possible. Barclays do a 0% credit card for 27 months at the moment. If you bought a bike on that and set a direct debit to pay the bike off in the deal time as a minimum, then you can always pay it off faster by making extra payments. At the end of it you'd likely have a good credit rating, and a bike to show for it. Credit cards demand being used with care though, so I'd suggest when the bike is paid for, you lock the card away and avoid using it again. Pretty much what he says about CC. A 0% interest one sounds good, you just have to be so, so damn careful with them and if you have any impulse buying attitude in you, steer clear. I know far too many people who 'don't have the money' and look at CC as a 'free' way to get stuff, while not being able to pay it off. As you say, I realise you're low on the money and need the bike. But debt isn't something you want on top of that, just to have a bike. Hope you're able to sort it though! I was looking at a YBR, nice and small. And can get them for a good price usually too. My Varadero is a hefty thing to do U-turns on, attempted them last night.

That sucks balls. I'd cry forever if mine went. Even though i've hardly got to ride it. I'll just echo others about going any route with the CC. Just, don't. Wait a bit for your head to clear and then think about replacing the bike. With a better way like a very low APR loan. CC's are the devil for people who actually don't have the money to pay it off quickly. That is a rude assumption that you don't have the money to pay it off quickly. But if you could pay off quickly, some finance deals are a lot better, low APR, able to pay off fast with no catch, etc. Good Luck finding another bike!

Mornin' all ! So, finally actually rode my bike. Was a dream. However, I do need to sort a couple of things. The bike has only one mirror, which I can't see anything with. I'm quite broad so I basically cover the mirror. It would be quite nice to see cars behind me, with the current mirror I could see the tip of 3 cars back, if that. I have found on eBay these mirrors which are listed as for the XL124V. HOWEVER - after trying to get it into the ridehide last night (currently not bolted down AND I need to get solid ground under it), it turns out it doesn't flipping fit, mainly because of the mirror! If it was bolted down, I don't know how much stretch it would do to get over the bike. So, I need a new mirror (or mirrors) - preferably that can fold in some way? I found these on amazon, and then I could use some extenders like so to hold them out a bit more to see behind? Does anyone have any experience of these types of mirrors and extenders? I did look at bar end mirrors, but I have to get the bike through a rear gate, and in the hide. So they wouldn't fit I don't think.

I’m actually looking at a bike over other side of Manchester, So Lincoln actually wouldn’t be too bad. I think I’ll change OP to include a wider field! However, the CBR I fear may be a bit too sporty, with too much of A crouch/hunched up ride position for me. I’m very much more a tourer/cruiser person. Good luck with the MOD2 though! Thanks for the thought

I know, I know, those bikes aren't exactly similar. So I am just trying to find a suitable commuter 125cc bike. Reliable. And £1000 or under. I am in the North East, I don't mind travelling! 200 miles-ish takes me to Manchester/Liverpool which I am fine with. So anything within that sort of range. Anyone just passed and looking for a taker for their 125?