Shepherd

Resurrecting this thread to save starting a new one. I have some SBS gift vouchers to use, as I wanted an Abba superbike stand. I've since found out they don't sell them So ... do I stick with my original plan, and get it elsewhere, or is a paddock stand sufficient? I want to do my own basic maintenance, but nothing like valve checks etc. (I was once described on here as suffering from 'mechanic panic' and it's very apt). My Versys has the bobbins fitted front and rear, but are paddock stands stable enough for wheel removal and caliper removals? The Abba stand would need the extra plate under it due to the bikes height, but looks easier to use and less likely to drop the bike on me. Thanks for your input.

Most bike schools will do a short introductory course for not a lot of money. Go down to one near you and have a chat, they won't bite - they want you business Welcome to the forum, and the world of bikes.

Yep, first world problems ...

@Simon Davey I have a code on my vouchers, so I can use them online? Although for boots, you'd want to try on for size. Harlow shop is not too far for me, I'll have to go browsing

Me again, maybe. For the very first time, I could actually let family know what to buy me for Christmas this year. "Sportsbikeshop vouchers" says I to anyone who'd listen. Went on their site today to buy the Abba bike stand that they don't sell

Wouldn't it be great if the bike shop had a wind tunnel type chamber you could stick your head in to, and try the different lids

As your other post mentions nobody seemed bothered with the South East, I feel duly obliged to represent the arse end of our glorious Country. It might even mean I get across that bloody awful river crossing at Dartford on a bike instead of queuing up on 4 wheels for a change. Number 22 would be nice, please and thank you.

Currently on a coach en route to the Christmas markets in Germany with Wife, Daughter and Daughters fella. It has been agreed that he and I needn't traipse around stalls full of the same old tat ( her words ), so we are going to take refuge in the bars. I haven't had a drink session for years, so it could get messy very quickly

I had quite a bit of success with Plastex. After watching a couple of YouTube videos, I ended up piling the powder over the repair areas and dripping the activator liquid on to it. Sets well in not too long a time.

I was lucky enough to get some free kingspan sheets to insulate my wooden storage unit, and it makes a massive difference. If you can get some, or similar it's well worth it. Mine is only 2" longer than my bike once it is in it's front wheel chock thing, so I purchased a spare top box mount and fitted it to the wall. It's ideal to store the top box out of the way, and I can keep gloves and helmet locked up in it too. I also had to put in a concrete base beforehand, so incorporated a nice heavy duty ground anchor at the same time. This is at the rear wheel. With a nice lumpy chain through that and a wire security cable laid under the wheel chock before bolting it down to the concrete, it's as secure as I can get it. (Plus a wireless cctv camera). All for my 6 year old Versys

I have a couple of windcheater type jackets in the same fabric, cheapies from Aliexpress. Absolutely brilliant for standing out on a dark night.

I'm also of the opinion that you should lose the 'L' on your hi-viz. Other drivers will see you as an easy target to bully. The ones on your bike blend in with all the other deliveroo / pizza riders who ride like they own the road. I never drop in to 1st unless I'm actually stopped. 2nd gear is very forgiving, even when pulling away from being almost stopped if the lights go green etc. I never used to like hearing the engine rev high, but it's where they work best. You can 'slip' the clutch (slowly - no wheelies!) to avoid stalling. You can slow down further than you think without gear changes, then pull the clutch and drop down to 2nd or 3rd to slow more. Keep doing what you're doing - get out on the bike and get some miles in, it's all riding experience and you'll learn quicker the more you do. Most of all, enjoy it!

As @Simon Davey says, hold your ground when idiots are behind revving up etc. Middle of the lane, you've as much right as them to be there. If you can manage to filter past them at the lights if they do get past you, so much the better - it can be a pleasant pastime

Stick the can in a jug of hot water for a few minutes before use, it'll give a better spray. Cover everything with it except brake discs, tyres, grips and seat. It won't hurt electrics, switches etc. It will 'creep' into small areas, especially when warm - a little can go a long way. Wipe off excess from body panels etc and don't panic when you see it smoke off your exhaust headers and things.

My thoughts with the Deauville. I left the keys hanging out of the top box lock for 3 days, and the beast was still there on my return

Well, without changing the ecu, I couldn't bypass the HISS system on my auction deauville - however much research I did. Luckily for me, it was a different problem in the end

It can be daunting when you first start. The sound of the engine seems like it's going way faster than you are. It's not going to help you at the moment, but turning is easier/ more stable with a little bit more speed. Remember how hard your pushbike was to ride slowly around a corner? Have a read through some of the cbt threads on here, it can take a few days to get to the point where you are allowed out on your own. It's only then that you start to learn and get experience and roadcraft. The cbt instructors are getting paid each time - they dont care if it takes a few days. Stick with it. In the meantime, get out on a pushbike as much as possible to remind yourself just how much you lean in to a corner. Good luck.

Yep, it already had risers fitted. I tried higher risers, but it meant new longer cables, which I tried to fit and failed miserably. I'll persevere and try again before Christmas - it's sorned until then so I can sort multi bike insurance out.

Yep, it seems more are changing to payment by app, which now include bikes when it used to be free to park. I hate that there are so many apps I have to have just in one small town.

Ended up with my MK3 Versys purely because of it's height, and reach to the bars. My Deauville has a much more forgiving seat, but I feel too scrunched up. If I could find / afford a smaller engined bike with the same height as the V, it'd be ideal for my 4 mile commute.

I wish I was confident enough to help. I try to do my own, but wouldn't feel right doing someone else's. YouTube is the best tool I use. Failing that ... https://www.hythehillmotorcycles.co.uk/mot-service Great guys, not over expensive and very fair, give them a call and have a chat. But, give it a try yourself first, you'll get to know your bike better.

From the 'Bike bays'app

Mine wouldn't fit between the heated grip and switch housing.