Shepherd

Took a ride out to my childhood holiday destinations today. Great Yarmouth, Corton, Hopton and Lowestoft. Nothing much changed, except all looks a bit smaller now. Stopped at Southwold on the way back, for a first time visit. Will call by again, it's a lovely little place. Thought I was doing alright speedwise on the A12, until a few bikes went past me like I was going backwards 240 miles later, and 2 up, the Versys handled it beautifully. Got a numb rear end now though

Do you care about how fuel consumption might have over the lifetime of your motorcycle A little lost in translation, I think. Gave it a go for you.

I'm on my 4th helmet in 2 years because of fitment. I was trying to get one that fitted from the start. I finally realised I had to buy one a little smaller than I thought, and the padding soon softened and is now a good comfortable fit. If you can imagine your Nan with her hands squeezing either side of your face whilst you try to avoid giving her a kiss goodbye because of her scary moustache. That's the sort of pressure you should have. or maybe that's just me

Mine was a self adhesive one stuck to front mudguard. They're more to satisfy the rules than actually doing any good.

When I had my cb125f, it was a twin nut system to adjust? One to pull adjuster back ( tightening chain), then the other locked it in place. No torque wrench needed? You'll need one eventually, but not by next week.

I was thinking more proof of collection/ handover

I'm thinking of handover at work with security cameras inside and out, or at home with cctv outside if they insist on log book address (like I would).

https://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-mtn1000-mt10-2016-b671-europe-1rb67-300e1_model49241/partslist/0100.html Any help?

I've got a couple of days left on the relisted auction, paying in to bank seems sensible. I thought by asking for PayPal deposit, I'd at least have some form of I.D. Maybe I should forget the deposit and hope the buyer shows up when arranged. Why this has to be so bloody stressful is beyond me.

Yep, that was the intention if the same buyer tried it on again. Just frustrating when it wastes my time and costs me ebay listing fee

Stuck it on ebay ... again. This time with a "no courier collections" proviso

Thanks guys, I'll not even bother replying (although part of me wants to string him along). The alarm bells were ringing, but I wondered if I was just being paranoid. So back to square one with selling the Deauville that now has 2 weeks less MOT on it! On a positive note, I've just had a great few days in Spa Francorchamps watching a friend race in the GT series, covering a few miles on the Versys Thanks again Shep

Hi gang, forgive my not searching for this topic, I know it's on here somewhere but I'm travelling back home and can only stop for a few minutes. I've just sold my NT700 on ebay, to a guy with no feedback but 30 followers apparently. His last minute bid won, I asked for paypal deposit in the advert description but I've been messaged with "courier gives you cash whatsthe problem". English is not first language from previous message "please postcode phone number" Am I hearing alarm bells? Will a courier carry cash. Apologies for waffling, brain frazzled from driving on wring side of the road for a few days. Shep

Congratulations. The first ride out on your own is the best, make the most of it. Stay relaxed and keep smiling - no-one will see the local loon grinning from ear to ear under your lid.

I'm in Belgium at the moment and commented only yesterday how impressed I am at lane discipline here. As soon as an overtake ( well undertake really, cos they drive on the wrong side of the road) is done, indicator goes on and move back in to lane 1. This could only be for around 100 yards or so before the next car is overtaken. Speeding doesn't seem to be a problem either. I only wish the road markings were more understandable to Johnny Foreigners like me.

Rode my mk3 Versys 300 miles to Verviers, Belgium today, in readiness for a weekend at Spa Francorchamps watching a friend race in the GT championship. It has definitely made my mind up about getting a seat upgrade - I can barely walk Think I'm regretting selling the Deauville now. Shep

If you haven't ridden a bicycle on the roads, that's your best bet to start with. Everything is then that much slower, but the rules are the same* Most drivers are more scared of upsetting pedal pushing pillocks** than injuring a biker, and will give you a wide berth and room to manoeuvre. Balance and coordination is pretty much the same. Good luck Shep * except red lights of course. And pedestrians crossings... ** personal opinion only

It'll be a great entrance ... but has he considered 'helmet hair' ? Lots of photos at these events, take comb / brush and gel!

I'm the nob - again. Not today, but I forgot to post this when it happened recently. Before an Essex to Derbyshire ride I fitted some 90° valve thingies, as it's so bloody hard getting the pump hose on to them with the disks in the way, I lose more air than I put in. Returned to hotel car park next morning to find completely flat front tyre. The 90° adapter had worked loose, letting all the air out. Pushed the bike around half a mile to garage with an air line, bearing in mind I was on the Deauville which is a beast to move on inflated rubber. What really made it worse was that I had those little gas cylinders in the top box, but because it was just flat and not a puncture, it didn't occur to me to use them Bike is now on ebay

Mastic gun works just as well

You are obviously sore at failing this section and understandably so. The thing is, real life riding can't be replicated - it's a test to show you can control the bike in an avoidance situation. You need this avoidance skill to dodge the bloody potholes when they appear from beneath the car in front! You learn to pass the tests first, the learning to ride comes after. The required speed for this section is 31mph, that's not too fast to be able to keep the bike in 2nd gear and go for it without it becoming uncontrollable on a school machine. Book your test again, suck it up and don't let it get you down. Good luck for next time.

Congratulations, it's a great feeling isn't it? Now you've just got to take it easy... You've learnt to pass a test, but now you've got to learn to ride. Enjoy every moment of it, every ride feels great.

Great video - thank you! (Now I know I'm definitely not doing my own ) Nice bike BTW.

I have the good fortune to be watching the British GT racing at Donington this weekend. I have to say, the area around Derby is absolutley stunning. I live in Essex, which is jam packed at all times, the difference is fantastic. The nearest I get to a nice ride is the area around Finchingfield where @Simon Davey has the pleasure of riding. For all you people that live in the more picturesque areas of the country, don't take it for granted, take a few minutes to stop and appreciate it. You are very fortunate. Even your potholes are joined together with big areas of tarmac - our roads are just continuous spine jarring lumps of bedrock.

I'd be interested in that if you did. Please give it some thought ... and make it idiot friendly!