Fiddlesticks

Have you considered a Haynes manual?

The metal thing is just a concertina heat shield. Makes a big difference.

My lightweight cooking kit:

Really? Seems like a classic case of "computer says no".

Considering a repair kit for under the seat. They have co2 cannisters, plugs, glue and tools to give you a fighting chance.

Worth considering the pros and cons of a passenger backrest (or top box). Also what hand holds are available on the back. My bike has a nice comfortable seat for the pillion, but the grab rail behind isn't the most natural position. Also not so good when you're a bit quick off the lights.

Don't worry, they only bite the English.

The MOD2 routes aren't published, so it's a bit of a moot point. It doesn't hurt to be familiar with the local area, but not required. Likely your instructor will take you down some of the roads on your ride down there.

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.