Jimmi_929RR

(1) Huh? (2) If i've mis-read your question then i apologise, but i've answered it as i've interpreted. Incidently by "going straight on" i meant pulling onto the island, don't know why i put it like that so i apologise if it was misleading. (3) You asked for people's opinions; now it appears as if i was wrong to give mine? Why didn't you just title your post "question for a bike test examiner" if that's what you wanted? I don't know if you've taken my post as a personal dig (it was actually aimed at the instructor) but seriously, i find your attitude poor. You've come on a bike forum and asked for people's opinions on something an instructor should be telling you, not random members of the public. And when i (who passed my test 10 years ago (without failing and blaming my instructors incidently)) give my opinion/interpretation as requested, i get the sort of arrogant & dismissive response you posted above. How rude!

Assuming you're not mixing up rear observations with lifesavers then: (1) Let's hope you haven't got an enthusiastic cyclist, bike or even a car trying to under or overtake you as you turn. You do lifesavers to "save your life" by checking the blind spot next to you, not because you should for your test. (2) Going straight on then no, but do a lifesaver before exiting left or even moving over into the left lane on one of these big roundabouts. (3) Regardless of it's size, it's a roundabout & follows the same rules as others. Therefore you should indicate. Just my opinion/interpretation though

I haven't got any as they're not the sort of thing i'd wear - not enough shin & calf protection for me personally.

I agree - those are Singapore or Philipines budget rubbish i think. Any of those 3 would be a good choice. I've had Michelin and Bridgestone recently and it's hard to tell that much difference between the two. The Michelins feel like they have a bit more grip but that's not to say the Bridgestones aren't grippy. They're also both adequate in the wet, but of course you don't want to be riding anywhere near as hard in the wet as in the dry so i haven't pushed them to the limit in the rain to be sure. So basically, I reckon it'll sort out the ride with a set of either

What brand tyres have you got on there & how old/worn are they? They shouldn't be skidding/sliding on a CBR125 even in the wet unless (a) they're a really shit budget make (b) they're well worn out © you've over-inflated them or (d) you're riding WAY too hard.

^ Agree with both. A wider rear tyre is going to slow the steering down dramatically making the bike difficult to turn. Why did you want a wider tyre?

don't worry mate, it's half the fun of working on your own bike! Hope it's sorted now

Congrats on passing!

I don't know about anyone else but i just walk around in mine (although i only tend to stop at bike meets etc so everyone dressed the same anyway). Plus the armour in my leathers makes me look quite muscley so i can try and impress the chicks (although i suppose it would impress the men more at Brighton )

Sorry, no i meant they were like that when i checked them and i turned them out to the correct amount (like you've done). I always get them mixed up but i think turning out richens (more fuel) on a 4-stroke. PS i've just had a horrible thought. You talking about the screws aren't you (as opposed to the actual jet? )

Me personally, i'd always have the full shin height boots over the ankle ones, just for the extra leg/ankle protection. A lot of boots (i'm thinking Sidi's specifically) offer great protection and are actually pretty comfortable to walk around in; just pull your jeans over the top and they pass as shoes (sort of). Of course, some people prefer the ankle type ones. It all depends on what you feel most comfortable in, how much protection you want and how practical you need them to be etc (as with all gear TBH).

Shouldn't do - i know what you mean about them feeling "loose" but they shouldn't move on their own once set. I had 2 of the 4 screwed all the way in on my ZX6R and an American guy i know had all 4 of his screwed in (plus they have the caps over their's to stop you easily changing them) - i wonder how many bikes out there aren't running correctly just from the factory...

Looks a good selection of gear! Just a note on those gloves though - i've got some of those and the leather's very thin. I've also got these http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcy ... /561/51200 which although more expensive (£80) are much thicker and will give more protection, although you can get brands like Alpinestars etc for that sort of money.

I'm assuming the matt black is the least visible which is why people are advising against it. Can't think of any other reason why it would be different If people like the idea and are happy with it then go for it. i won't be buying one though. I've coped admirably for the past 11 years without inflatable cheeks in my helmets; i don't see why i should need to start now. It's just fixing something that isn't broken to me

Probably some crap stuck in the carb from when it was stood for ages. Some carb cleaner blasted in the top of the carb might sort it, but it may need an overhaul and proper clean up (of the carb). Failed head gasket is usually shown by 'mayonaise' in the inside of the oil cap (it is on cars anyway, i assume a bike is the same).