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).

Some bikes naturally vibrate worse than others. Might be worth checking the rubber dampers where the engine mounts to the frame just incase they're perished. If not, then you can try some pegs with thicker rubber on and some of those thick foam grips but i think the missus will have to suffer.

Another vote for steering head bearings. Had the same problem on my Bandit and it was this- especially noticeable if you take your hands totally off the bars.

I'm wary of giving advice on this because they change what's acceptable all the time, so the way i was taught may be totally wrong now. Method 1: (1) Rear observation over right shoulder (not a lifesaver, a rear observation!) (2) Signal (3) Lifesaver over left shoulder (4) Move over to left (5) Lifesaver over left shoulder just before turning Method 2: (1) Check left mirror, then check right mirror. (2) Signal (3) Lifesaver over left shoulder (4) Move over to left (5) Lifesaver over left shoulder before turning. Method 2 is obviously the same with the exception that you do 2 mirror checks instead of a rear observation, the advantages being (a) it's quicker/easier to do (b) you're keeping your eyes to the front which is safer. I was told to do this method for my test (i wobbled a lot doing the rear observation ) and the examiner said my observations were "sensible". Best to check with your instructor though i'd say.

I use a tiny bit of copper grease to slide them on and some Renthal grip glue to secure them to the tube. Piece of piss to get on and never come loose.

I agree about the commentators - Parrish has the charisma of a cardboard box and that Aussie bloke just gives me the urge to kill. Jamie Whitham and the other bloke from BSB are the best IMO. And WTF has happened to Suzi Perry? She was the best bit about it for me.

Have you tested the ignition switch?

Congrats on passing!

Another vote for RST here. Good fit, good quality, good price. Slightly off topic, but just watch the RST gloves if you get some of them too. They do cheapo ones (about £30) which are very thin & probably wouldn't offer much protection in a crash. The more expensive ones (£70) are as good as any of the others.

Great info there! I have a question regarding LEI: i recently changed my bike and when i phoned my insurer (sounds like Dennetts) the person i spoke to tried the hard-sell on this. I usually have TPFT on my bikes and she said that if i had an accident and it wasn't my fault, it'd cost me thousands to take the claim to court because the other party's insurance company would deny fault and i'd have to make (& fund) a claim myself. So my question is: if the above happened (other party denied all fault even though it was) (or the other party had no insurance)(or drove off instead of stopping), would one of the free solicitors (like British Bike Claims) take the case on or is LEI the best option?

I wore jeans (and trainers ) on my CBT. In hindsight not very sensible, but i didn't know any better.