Fiddlesticks

When I did mine (big bike MOD1) I found that taking the bend a little faster gave me more speed on the approach. That forced me to build up the confidence to lean a little. Then don't let off the power until through the speed trap. As for building up confidence: 1) Plenty of practice and 2) Mindset - it's not the end of the world if you don't pass. You will get there, no point putting yourself under a ton of pressure. Treat it as another lesson. Best of luck.

I once knew a lovely Irish lass called Angie O'Gram. All the best for Monday.

Taking full advantage of the good weather we decided to have a run out to Conwy via the Old Stores Motorbike Cafe in Pontblyddyn. Fantastic spot, as much a motorcycle museum as a cafe. Down to Ruthin and then took the B5105 across to Cerrigydrudion - great road but the visor got pretty well bug splattered. Up the A5 to the A470 then Llanwrst up to Conwy. The last time I was up here it was in a Canadian canoe catching the tide up and back from Deganwy. After a walk and a drink in Conwy we rode up to Llandudno, parking on the front by a group of Parisian bikers on Harley's, Nortons and all sorts. Very kindly they shuffled up to make room in the parking area. Had a long walk around Llandudno before getting food at the Carlton pub. We had no complaints about the food, but my good lady gets cranky if she doesn't get a decent cup of tea - and they weren't doing hot drinks. Oh well, another Jack Daniel's for her... We found the tea at the end of the Pier. Crisis averted. Back to the bike and took the decision to ride around the Great Orme. It was getting late and the toll gate was open. Some nice views, and challenging hairpins if you take the steep road up to the summit. I managed to go wide on one of the tighter left handers, just as someone was coming down. Fortunately everyone was going slowly and it was all taken with good humour. Quick photo op at the top before the ride back down and completing the circuit. We thought to try a different route home and only got lost once. The road got steeper and thinner and ended with an unwelcome combination of gravel and cattle grid. Found our way back through Colwyn Bay then onto the A55 for a steady ride back. (Them North Wales rozzers are dead keen, you know). Got buzzed by a gang of sports bike riders on the Welsh road back up to the M53, but I'd seen them coming so just kept left and let them pass. Too quick for my blood. Back up to Birkenhead, where the reserve tank was just kicking in. Filled up and then home. Next up, a run to Bentham later this week.

True. Most of the real fun is to be found doing double figure-eights on full lock in an abandoned car park with your significant other on the back. ... Although she may not see it that way.

I passed in Feb and bought a 1300. Not dead yet, but the lack of a screen does act as a bit of a speed limiter. I wouldn't blame anyone for starting out on a 600. Others have mentioned the power of a "big" bike, but there's also the extra weight to consider. And the higher insurance premium. Against that put the fact that you may really want a particular bike, and damn it, you've passed your test. The government, of all people, deems you a fit and proper person to be riding a Suzuki Hayabusa. Who are you to argue? Lots of arguments for and against, but it comes down to the individual and what they are comfortable with.

Don't know, but I recall clicking twice on every developing hazard. Once as soon as I spotted it and again after a second or two just in case I was too keen the first time. As long as you don't overdo it you don't get marked down for this approach.

Very nice. Here's mine. Not the most practical tourer / all-weather motorway commuter hence the window shopping. I'll keep the XJR for good weather though.

Front fender extender added to the XJR. Intermittent front indicator fault tracked back to a loose connection in the headlight. Nice to get that fixed. Quick touch of hammerite on the stands (thanks to whoever on here mentioned it recently). Next up - remove and polish rear footpeg hangars and a few metal bits. (Ebay metal polishing kit at the ready).

I can recommend the Bay Horse in Hatfield.

All good points. I need something to get me 50 miles down the motorway to work in all weathers. Also for some two-up touring. I like FJR1300, but have been eyeing the 1200GS for its balance, features and pure practicality. Will try to get a test ride on both.

After an hundred and thirty years of motorcycle design, how did we collectively decide that scaffolding and strange plastic beaks are what we want? Adventure bikes. I'm blaming Ewan McGregor and his mustachioed sidekick. The mighty GS, the Multistrada, the Triumph Tiger... could one imagine a more ungainly-looking bunch? It's as if we've landed in another world - the set of a low-budget 80s sci-fi movie. Where are the sleek, flowing lines? The chrome? The romance of two wheels on the open road? And the absolute WORST part of it all? I think I want one. Somebody talk some sense into me, quick!

Yes, as Ian pointed out, I was thinking of internal knee padding. My problem is lateral, rather than vertical - One of them always wanders off sideways.

The guy in my local shop says it's a common complaint with people who try on armoured jeans... Until he gets them to sit on the CBR1000 he's managed to lug up the stairs. Then the jeans ride up a bit and everything falls into place. Edit: Different issue though, ignore me

I thought about both routes. In the end buying a 125 just for a few months didn't make sense to me. Wife says that if she did it she'd take it slower and get a 125 to get loads of practice and confidence on the road first. Depends how you feel about it, how committed you are to the "big bike" thing, and what speed you want to take the learning process.

Anyone else using half a tennis ball up the exhaust? (No, that's not a euphemism - stop sniggering at the back - it's to keep the water out).

For a quick wash: Wet the bike. Snow foam. Cuppa. Careful pressure wash (a few feet away on soft). Blow dry with an 18v cheapo blower. Finish with a microfibre cloth. Oil the chain. Slightly longer wash: Degrease and clean the chain. Spray brake cleaner on the brakes. Wet the bike. Snow foam. Cuppa. Careful pressure wash (a few feet away on soft). Spray with Muc-Off. Snack. Rinse off. (Gentle pressure wash). Blower. Microfibre cloth dry/polish. XCP underneath and vulnerable bits. Oil the chain. Not saying it's the best way to do things, interested to read other responses.

I took lessons in my 20s, failed the big bike test three times then gave up. I just wasn't ready for it at the time. Now late 40s, still young at heart, fit and capable (and 20 years' more experience as a car driver) I took up lessons again. Took a bit of time and money. Four "tests" (CBT, theory, MOD1, MOD2) and a number of lessons. Plus helmet, gloves, boots, winter gear, summer gear. Finally passed at the end of January and bought the bike. Have loved every minute of it. Not just the riding itself, but the process of learning - and that never stops.

I know Goole very well, but these days we're on the opposite side of the Pennines. Did 40 miles each way yesterday on the XJR. Coming out of work there was a flurry of snow. Undone all my hard work on Sunday with the Muc-Off, oh well. I think something with more wind protection and fewer shiny bits might be in order for commuting and touring. Would it be considered extravagant to own an XJR1300 and an FJR1300?

My foot peg hangers/brackets were looking a bit mottled, so I started scrubbing away... The good news is that the muck has come off... The bad news is so has what was left of the shiny finish. I think this may have been some kind of laquer. To be honest, they do look better now they are a uniform colour, but if anyone has an idea as to how to get them shiny again, can you share?

That would make more sense.

Not sure what to make of this... XJR1300 owners manual - every 1,000km change oil and filter: Haynes - every 10,000km change oil and filter

Quick update on the stinky gloves. After a thorough steaming and a rub with Carex they no longer smell. On the down side, when I put them on, any movement sounds like walking on empty crisp packets. This is what is known in the trade as a "fail". If only I had Prince Andrew's problem... No, not that one. Just the inability to sweat. Instead, a quick trip to the local motorcycle glove emporium. Fortunately they carry xxl size. You know what they say... Big hands. Big gloves.

Bit of a busy afternoon. Took Mrs. Fiddlesticks on the back to a big empty carpark to do some slow speed practising. U-turns within 2 car parking spaces width . Slalom between tennis balls cut in half. Figure 8s in just over 4 spaces. Counter-steering. - by the end of all that she was a bit dizzy so had a break while I had a go at.. circles on full lock. (More practise required here). She's thinking about doing her CBT, so I say, here, have a little sit on the XJR1300 without me and I'll walk you through where everything is. - OK. Want to start her up? - No, it's too big, heavy and scary. Fair enough. Onwards to Southport Pier for a cuppa. All that work paid off as it was a tight turn to get back into the road afterwards. Satisfying to be able to do it without paddling. Just under an hour back to the Wirral, youngest lad (he's 21) wants a ride out. Took him the scenic route to the Tap at Eastham. Good biker spot. Back up the motorway home, topped up with Super for tomorrow morning's 40 mile commute. Been wearing what are known in our house as "love handles" - actually Oxford Rider Pillion Grips. A big belt that has plastic handles for the pillion to hold. They're a bit hit, very comfortable for me (I can't tell they're being used) and the passenger finds them very reassuring. Not particularly cool though Finally took the gloves off. Phew! They're getting old anyway, but they smell like cheese that's been left in the sun. Duly attacked them with the steam cleaner. Will report back on effectiveness assuming they hold together. Night all.

The random playlist threw this one my way earlier. Argh! How do you get rid of spoilers? Anyway...

Physically unable to (or at least not comfortably). Not a motorcycle injury.