Netmeister

I've already got my bike I passed my test last tuesday and got the bike thursday

Yep thats the one Mojo, gorgeous lid. Unfortunately though the AGV S4's don't fit my cranium I went to a shop last week to get an idea of what fits and what doesn't, and putting the S4 on felt like putting my head in a vice. I went up a size and it rattled around, so the S4 is a no go. After trying on a few I've come to the conclusion the shoei XR1000's fit the best, so I'm hoping for a Caster TC2, which is this little number. http://www.bikesandscooters.com.au/forum/attachments/motorcycle-product-reviews/3237d1228211076-helmet-show-tell-shoei-xr1000-caster-tc2-blue_350_x86j.jpg

It's absolutely fantastic cheers! I've just got back from a nice run as it's pretty sunny down in the south east today. I've been taking it easy for the first 100 miles or so, but saw the top of 2nd gear today and I cannot believe how fast it shifts, the corners just appear so so fast out there on the twistys. Haven't yet got the bottle to give it some in 1st though, I think about 7k rpm is the highest I've seen. I've still got a long way to go with my handling too, there's me thinking I'm really making some progress, then this moto x/trial bike comes flying past me like I was pootling along. You said earlier that soon I'll be wanting the 1250 beast, well it's going to be a little while before I fully tame this one I think, but very very happy with my first bike. If you haven't already, check out the thread 'The First Bike' in bike chat for pics.

I can't say I saw it. Ah well maybe next time eh?

Where abouts did you guys park? I was parked about 5 bikes up from the entrance to the stall area. We walked the whole length of the front and I couldn't spot you guys, although there were so many I can't say I looked at every single bike Did you make your way up with the main group? We left the 127 diner as the frist people started trickling through. I have to say for my first bike rally it was brilliant and I can't wait for the next one.

Hi Guys, Did you enjoy the day? I had a great time, I could not believe how many bikes turned up, just a constant flow of bikes coming in from 11 till around 2.30 from what I could see. Had a look around for you guys but couldn't find you. It's a shame it wasn't glorious sun in the end, though it wasn't too bad, just a bit cloudy.

Not so much U turns but slow speed control. Ah yes I forgot I can put my plates of meat down now without someone commenting in my ear haha. I just noticed you're from Pompey, thats a fair old distance to come for sunny Southend.

Oh dear, my biggest fear! The nightmares of the U turns are flooding back

Will do! I'll be on my black 08 Bandit......probably quite common See thread 'The First Bike' in bike chat for pics. Any idea what happens at the other end of the ride? It that were the stands and everything are?

Yep I will be going, not sure whether I'm starting in London or from the A127 diner yet though

Anyone doing the run? I believe its from Ace Cafe London to Southend. Details are here

Good stuff Chris, keep at it and you'll become more and more confident and consistent. Heres the thread I was on about before that I had saved. I read it over and over and just took the advice with me to my lessons and test, worked a treat. I'm not sure who it was written by but thanks none the less.

^^^ Would you rather fail and not look daft, or look daft and pass? No brainer to me!

Definately with Pete on the back brake argument. You should definately cover the bake brake and even drag it to be in full control. It just gives you the confidence that if you go too fast you can slow down with just a dab of the rear break. As you know Chris I passed my test yesterday and was too having troubles with the U turns, it was having confidence in the back brake and using it that sorted me out.

Now I'm not a massive fan of sports tourers, but that is one good looking motorcycle! My Pa was looking at one a few years ago for his next bike, I was rooting for it, but he wanted > 1ltr Great buy my friend, enjoy!

Haha, it's a great look! Don't really appreciate the riding though, given the circumstances. Would like to see him on the track!

Totally agree, the black definately looks the best. Black with twin headlights looks amazing IMO. I had a lot of bikes in mind, the SV, ER6, GSX650F, GSR600, but went for the Bandit in the end based on size, looks and price. Also, seems to have done pretty well in all of the reviews I've read. So I'm hoping for a black bike, got my black leathers and looking at a black AGV S4 to replace my naff Lazer

I'm pretty much dead set on a Bandit 650, K7 or K8 naked. I was looking at an SV but just a little to small for me being 6"1. After I bought my leathers yesterday I actually went and looked at one at a dealers. It was an 08, approx 3000 on the clock, black with twin headlight conversion and scorpion exhaust. Had it up for £3500 which is a pretty good price from what I've seen around, so fingers cross it's still there next week if I pass as I could be taking that! I got the jacket for £175, the jeans for £140 and an optional upgrade of a knox back protector for another £10, so £325 all in. That's why I bought my first lot. I did my CBT in jeans and my dads old leather jacket and I was absolutely freezing, especially when it started raining! Thanks for the comments all, really chuffed with the set. If you hadn't guessed they're RST Fusion, new for this year apparently. I suppose I kind of have an excuse for buying them, I plan to do a track day later in the year (if I pass) so need a 360 degree zip

Hi all, Been out today and spent more money on gear and I don't even own a bike yet! Bought a pair of cordura jacket at trousers at the MCN Excel show earlier this year which have been great on my lessons, but now I've gone and bought a 2 piece RST leather set for summer and like I said, I'm not even on a bike yet! Have a gander.... http://www.harpersraceshop.co.uk/usrimage/009%20rst%20fusion%20jacket%20and%20jean%20white%20black.jpg Anyone else can't help themselves when it comes to buying bike gear?

Id depends what you want? Would you rather have an older bike with loads of toys, or a newer bike thats going to feel more tight being newer? Of course everyone is going to say the newer option, because it's not our money. At the end of the day, buy the bike you're happy with, you're the one thats going to be riding it.

I thought it was illegal all the time? Lots of people get away with it during the day, but not so many at night. Depends on the copper I guess. Very nice looking though it has to be said

Another joining Dan Netting - Tramps Only got 47 points though