James in Brum

I had Mod 2 this morning having passed Mod 1 last week. This was at the Garrets Green Test center in Birmingham.

I arrive only just in time for my test (a couple of minutes to spare) because our (myself, instructor and other DAS participant) relaxing chat in the McDonalds around the corner got away from us. Great no time for nerves. The examiner was the same as had done my Mod 1 assessment and I remembered him as being pleasant.

Show me tell me questions we started on the walk around to the bike; Asked how to know about chain health. Show me how to change from low beam to high beam headlight. Ask how would you instruct a Pillion passenger who has not ridden with you before.

Out of test center soon find ourselves in a place with opportunity for me to pull away from behind a parked car, expected mix of junctions and road situations including some housing estate some main through urban area roadways and some more country lane type stuff.

I had a complete brain fart when asked to follow signs to Coleshill, I missed one sign and did the opposite to the next sign (it said left I indicated right). This was no problem, examiner chose to correct me in enough time to re position for the junction and head in the correct direction. No faults for such crapness

Then some national speed limit bits and finally heading back towards the test center.

Prior to test my instructor had warned me about being too casual with my slow control creeping forwards in anticipation of vehicle in front beginning to pull away meaning I was getting to close to car in front at traffic junction. I over corrected for this today and had two minor faults for hesitation because as opposed to responding to vehicle starting to move I continued with my stop, shoulder check and pull away twice. The examiner said on other days with no-one behind him he would have not faulted it.

Super happy. I have insured my ZZR600 and taxed it and I will take it out after the kids go to bed.

Thank you [mention]Mississippi Bullfrog[/mention]

Thanks for the heads up [mention]Mississippi Bullfrog[/mention]

Would I apply ACF to all metalwork? Except brakes

Thanks [mention]Snod Blatter[/mention] appreciate it

I have not adequately looked after my Chinese 125. Through ignorance rather than apathy. I changed the oil really quite often but have done nothing about other things. The 'head race' bearing went after only 5600 miles.

Flip side of this. I have a 1990 zzr600 (yay) in good condition. I have bought the Haynes manual for it and plan to follow the servicing advice in it. Are there good things I can do not mentioned in the manual? Does it matter who made the filters that I might replace etc? Are there good brands and bad?

I spent 15 months and 5500 miles on my 125 and I am doing my DAS now. I don’t regret my time on a 125. I still enjoy it. I stayed away from DAS because I couldn’t afford to do more than I was doing.

If I had my time again I would have bought a Japanese 125 in stead of a Chinese just because of the loss of value.

Thanks for replies. I had day one DAS today. Being able to maintain and up speed whilst facing a breeze or whilst uphill is certainly a bonus. The difference was not as intimidating as I thought it would be.

I will have to SORN her when she arrives.

thanks [mention]dynax[/mention] I would not have thought about that.

Hello people.

I was looking for words of wisdom. I don't know what I don't know so thought I would ask you clever souls to let me know all I need to know. I hope to pass my DAS over the next couple of weeks. I have just bought a ZZR600, 1990 with 16000 miles on the clock and it looks beautiful. Should arrive tomorrow. I am starting to feel a bit intimidated by the difference. I have ridden 6000 miles on my 125 and am nervous about the step up (but also seriously excited).

So hit me, any advice you want to give.