Anton17

Being as though this thread was revived, I may as well update that I bought the cover Cobbz posted at the NEC bike show last weekend, so I'm sorted. Works like a charm and quite compact.

They are fantastic little things and I'd be honestly prepared to pay out the price of a brand new visor for these inserts. Fortunately they are only £17. For dixie and Cobbz debating about it, I can't recommend them enough. I nearly sold one to my boss, once. Whenever I was slowing down or coming up to junctions (even more so now it's cold) the visor just fills full of mist, but with the pinlock in I can leave it down in every situation with perfect vision. Absolutely cracking and handy as hell, protects you more on these cold days. Another selling point is you can get the different tints like Dan said which means you can get a dark tint while still being best friends with the police officers. As soon as it gets dark you can just whip out the pinlock and you have a clear visor, or swap it with a clear pinlock again and have a clear-mist-free visor.

I know, I should be more... non-idiotic... Actually I just read the instructions again and it said that raised bit was supposed to be against the visor and I had mine the other way around, so when that raised lip is touching the visor I am getting zero mist. Whatever works.

Well I bought the Pinlock to stop having to lift up my visor and when I first fitted it in it was flawless. Lately it's been misting up between the visor and the pinlock itself, obviously because it's not fitting close enough to the visor. I've tried re-fitting it but it still ends up happening and it's not something I can fix by just lifting up the visor (since it's in between, I need to take out the insert, which is a bit of a pain at the roadside and impossible while riding). It's starting to obscure my view now and I'm not sure if it's just because the temperature is getting so cold. Anyone had the same problem or know a way around it? (Homemade remedies, can't afford any fancy spit-shines ). I know I just need to get it to fit tighter but not sure how. Edit: I think I just figured it out. Took the insert out and realised there was some kind of a discoloured yellow sticky cover on it which must have been causing some of it, and then realised I had if fitted inside-out. Works amazingly now. Feel free to delete this thread mods.

I'll be going on this day but won't be riding - check the NEC thread for details if you really want to stroke my arm.

Yep, going on the 29th - Sunday - somehow managed to afford it. However won't be taking the bike and getting dropped off instead since it saves the £7 parking. You will know if you see me there. I have quite large curly hair and facial hair; if I come past you you'll get that feeling like when someone overtakes you and it takes you by surprise: "What the f*** was that?!".

Yep, we took the old spark plug out and it was pretty black, I wouldn't be surprised if it was just that which was causing the problem. And sorry, I meant the coolant temperature. I was cautious of this new oil from the get go but I trusted the technician and he gave the all okay. Then after it causing problems and him still being adamant about it not being the oil, and giving me quotes for replacing the carb and gear faults... I'm a bit pissed off he was so stubborn it wasn't the oil, then after a quick job and draining and replacing it, no problems... I thought he was an alright guy, too.

Think we've got it. Drained the oil tonight with the old tube 'n' suck technique and replaced the spark plug and now she's raring for it. I like this fully synth oil, I don't think I'll go back to using anything else now. Going to get some transmission oil tomorrow and all's good.

Yep, well I took it to a tech today and he seemed to think it was not the new oil but the carb . He didn't take a look but said it could be that and that it needed draining and cleaning etc. He then moved on to say it could even be a problem with the gears. I don't think it was wise to completely rule out the oil and treat it as a coincidence like he did and jump to conclusions. Anyway, I've went and grabbed some full synthetic oil and a new spark plug from the Honda garage (different tech) and they agreed that draining the oil and replacing it would be my best bet. Will get on that later tonight and update.

Cheers, I thought it might have something to do with that, that's why I tried to run the bike in a bit with the new mix but didn't anticipate it causing this. I'll probably just get it all drained like you said. Sorry, it's a Honda NSR 125, used 2-stroke Motul oil designed for scooters. I think I could just use with draining and replacing oil, replacing spark and topping up transmission oil for luck. Will update tomorrow.

Right, a few days ago I went to top up my oil and realised the bloke from my garage gave me scooter oil. It was green, and being unfamiliar with different oils I went back to him to check if it was okay to use it - he said it was fine so no worries. When I topped it up I started it up and let the engine tick over for a little bit to let the new oil work through and the revs started to mount up a tiny bit without the choke on. The oil temperature gauge worked itself up to half way and it's never been that hot before. But no worries, all fine. Last night coming back from work I started the bike up then got called in for a few minutes so I turned it back off. When I went back to it, after revving it a few times in neutral to warm it up, I realised I'd left the choke on but turned it off before I went off, i.e. had only revved it in neutral with choke on (could it have been this that caused it?). As I was going home it started spluttering in third gear only from 7000-10000 revs, a little like riding a horse or a kangaroo, coming and going quite badly. I thought maybe it would be the fuel since that's the kind of description people have given with low fuel but I've never let it get that low (fuel level seemed fine). Just sounding and feeling like the engine was about to stall then coming back and repeating in short gasps. Today it did the same thing but in every gear above first, so not just third. I've done about 700 miles since the last service so was wondering if it could just be in need of a new spark plug? The only thing that's changed in the past few days is the fuel and the oil so I'm thinking it's probably this new oil, but not sure. Would it be a good idea to drain the oil and top it up with what I was using before? Was just wondering if anyone knew what was going on. Still new to the technical aspects so I'm no bike doctor just yet. Going to take it down the garage tomorrow for his verdict but was wondering if anyone could help out until then?

Today the winds were bad. On the way to work this morning I felt myself swaying from side to side because of it. Not a nice feeling at all.

I will probably go with the Oxford one posted first in a smaller size to be honest since I know I could rely on it, trouble is trying to fit it in a backpack. I will probably wait until the NEC show since there's bound to be an Oxford stand of some sort so would be better to handle with own hands before purchase. Cheers for all the replies, will make sure I'll be getting one soon. Nice one geezers .

First of all, this isn't a power-ranger post to keep my bike looking all shiny for the few sunny days we get... Pretty much every day this week my bike has been caught out in some pretty bad rain and wind and apart from getting wet my main concern is for the mechanics and electrics getting some unnecessary ware on from being left out in such poor conditions for so long. Does anyone know where to get a waterproof throw-over cover for it just to protect it from the weather outside? Also, how would you keep the thing on it? I get to look out and check on the bike at breaks at work but there's nothing to stop a cover from just flying off - are there any you can buy that prevent this or any home-made-remedies? I'm hoping to go to the Carole Nash show at the NEC sometime at the end of the month so would I be better off waiting to see if they have anything there? Lastly, what kind of things to I need to be taking extra special attention to from it being rained and winded on for hours at a time in the week? Is there any thing that could build up to long term problems? What should I keep my eye out for? Cheers

Definitely, I purposely went out in the rain on several occasions to get some experience. It barely changes but you have to just take it easier and be aware of every road surface that could trip you up.

That's pretty much my philosophy.

Just a curious question. I've just gotten back from work tonight and both my leathers and I are absolutely soaked through, not to mention the bike. It really is pissing it down out there and there's nothing I can do about leaving it outside for work. I will get on the bike whatever the weather to get to work and it does get pretty hard when biking home at 12 at night in the pouring rain but it's got to be done. I haven't noticed any problems apart from being aware of white lines, road markings, manhole covers and big puddles just so a silly mistake doesn't happen (touch wood) but it's mostly just wet and cold. The wind has been picking up lately and have felt myself swaying from it in places - not a nice feeling. So have you been out in the rain (maybe in it at night?) lately or are you waiting for clearer skies?

Good luck!

Looking at taking tests and lessons within the next couple of months, so first things first, the theory test. I've been using this site: http://www.all4bikers.com/theory/theory_reg.php I've done it a fair few times, so much so I'm used to the questions and the options provided so I don't want to get lulled into a false sense of security if the actual test's questions differ majorly in variety. Does anyone have any other recommended sites to try myself on? Also, for anyone who has taken their test recently, what kind of a wait would I be looking at for booking it? It probably depends on the centre, but how long did it take for you to get it - 1, 2 weeks? Thanks.

Those 2 statements I have quoted are contradictory. And with respect, you are missing the point. The training is not JUST to get you through the test, so if you skip the training... You will never replace what you learn on training with an experienced instructor... no matter how much experience you get by riding on the road, it is the instruction element that you will miss out on. And that makes you different to someone that has paid to do a 3 day DAS lesson... since they will have received that instruction [Controversy] For what it's worth, in my view both should be compulsory. A specified number of hours of skilled instruction mixed in with a specified number of hours on the road filling in a log book. As things stand at present, it is far too easy to get on the road (CBT) and too easy to get a full licence (DAS). And as for the current setup where after 2 years restriction (A2) you can jump on a 1000cc bike with NO experience on a bike bigger than 125cc, utter madness! [/Controversy] You know I agree with you both, how ever ironic it may be. I know what I have to do to be a good rider and some of I cannot simply force by going out on the roads, but I am not likely to just get the test done to say I have a license, more that I am on my way to being a full biker. There are some people who will blow my mind with being on a 125 then straight up to a 600/1000 with no restrictions, and for those people I do worry about. I am planning on getting a restricted 600 simply to help with the gear changing, setting off from a stand still and overtaking - plus the more bike experience since I am sure it is a big jump in actual quality of the bike. I find my 125 sticks in places and I think it's due to it being restricted, and for all it doesn't affect my ride, it is annoying at times - hill starts especially! I don't want to jump on massive bike and go head first into oncoming traffic, but I want to expand my riding world sooner than I expected, and no doubt I will be taking lessons for my Mod 2. (Cheers for the Hinckley tip again ) Thanks again for all replies.

I am not ignorant to the posts and I do appreciate it. The biggest thing I was worried about was being naive and jumping in only to get flattened by instructors telling me all the things I did wrong. I do believe in riding safely, and above generally being a good rider, and I think most of it comes with time and experience. I kind of feel that riding on L plates and a CBT gets you into a sort of limited mind frame, but I try not to let that affect the way I ride. I mean as in 'I'm not a full rider yet, I don't have to ride like a real rider' kind of thing. I think people do do that and when I first got out on the road I felt like the odd one out and everyone was thinking 'What a muppet!'. I've been going out a lot on town and country roads and my confidence and riding ability has shot up a lot, I feel. I went riding at night a lot and have gone out several times in busy traffic on purpose. Night riding gets you used to the roads in general with a little less pressure, and busy times get you used to other drivers and how to react. I've seen the print out of the Mod 1 diagram and seen the videos so I have a good understanding of what to look for. I plan on getting to a quiet private road on an industrial estate to practice low speed figure of 8 and slalom and U-turns. The swerve I will only really know when I get there and I'm fine with emergancy stops. I have to do a lot of manual handling to fit it in the garage so I know how to handle the bike without an engine. I will probably practice for a while until I get my theory done, go and do a Mod 1 without lessons to see how I do. If I pass, great, if not I'll evaluate what went wrong and either try again or get lessons for that. I'll give Hinckley a call and ask for an assessment ride, maybe ask the instructor to do a mock Mod 2 test to see what I may do wrong and what I need to work on, and then general training. Having fun on a big bike is only part of it and there's no point in trying to do it if you're going to come flying off, but I have a good head on my shoulders so I'm not constantly overtaking, sprinting up the roads and dangerously performing junctions, but I am learning each time I go out. I think I wanted to take Mod 2 just to see where I was at since I feel pretty good. I understand safety first but when you start out the learning and progress comes so fast you get caught up and think 'What can I learn next?' and that's where I am at. Thanks to all replies and I'll let you know what happens.

Sorry, the reason I posted was to ask if lessons were worth the wait and how I'd fair in taking a test without the lessons, not if I'm a safe rider (which may or may not be a part of it). If I was unsure on the roads and not confident I wouldn't be skipping ahead of myself and thinking about the test - I'd think about spending longer on the roads and lessons. What I'm saying is I feel very sure of the roads, I like being out on them, I still have a couple of months before realistically taking a test and all the more time to become a better rider. Having said that I am going to give that place in Hinckley a call since it's down a straight road from me and see what they say - I think I am going to go ahead and take Mod 1 without lessons since I'm not on the road and it's just maneuvers (the worst that could happen is I lose £15) and then see how I fair on Mod 2 lessons.

I don't doubt that, but I was trying to say... oh, nevermind.

Bear in mind that lessons have at least 2 purposes. 1. To enable you to pass the test. 2. To enable you to ride safely. You can probably blag 1 with a bit of luck and some self-taught self-paced practice sessions. Do you want to risk your life on 2 though? OK that's a bit melodramatic to be fair, but it's a tough life on a bike and the training is designed to equip you to cope with it safely. Personally I would not be happy without some professional training. As I understood it the CBT was put in place to enable you to ride safely... I thought a test was to confirm that you are at a capable standard to be able to ride safely and well enough that you do not require L plates to warn other road users that you are new. I've been on the road for over a month now like I said and I would have thought if I were really that bad/unsafe of a rider I (or someone else) would have noticed it by now. I have never been in a car and only know the rules of the road by the bike and I think that has helped me since I know if I do something wrong there's a fair chance it won't just be a scrape so you need to do as much as humanly possible to ensure nothing goes wrong. I don't think I'm a perfect rider yet but I think in the next couple of months I'll be well enough to pass my test and then carry on from there, was just wondering whether that was a good idea or not.

Well I've been on the road just over a month and so far I am absolutely loving being on a bike. Haven't had any issues (touch wood) apart from pulling out a bit too soon on blind junctions, and I think with a month or two more on the road there won't be anything wrong with the way I'm riding. I failed my CBT the first time after never having been on a bike or the roads before due to tiredness (slept 3 hours before test) and instructor didn't think it would be good for me to go on the road. Came back a few days later and passed. Since then I've been out and about. Was a little daunting at first and caused a few hiccups but I feel a lot more natural with the bike and the roads so it's doing me a lot of good. I feel I'm progressing each time I'm out on it. I intended to wait about 6 months for more experience and then go and take my Mod 1 and 2, but without tempting fate I feel good to roll with it and take my test before Christmas. Just went to my local bike school and he quoted me £470-£570 for lessons and then the test fees on top of that, and said they won't put you straight into for a test until you've done some lessons. I think that's fair enough, but for £130 a pop per lesson I don't feel like I'll get enough out of it to really justify the money. I am thinking that even if I went and booked through DSA direct and go straight in for my Mods, fail, and have to do them again, I'd end up learning more about anything I did wrong and it would still work out a lot cheaper. What are your opinions? My money is very tight lately but I could afford to pay for the tests in the next couple of months so that's why I'm thinking of diving straight in. Do I need more experience and/or should I pay the extra 400 notes for a few lessons? I'm pretty sure I still want to dive in and go for it but I just wanted some opinions. Did you take lessons? Or did you just go for the test? If so, how did you do?