cloughie24

Hi there, 80 years young and some rather beautiful two wheels specimens in your collection! Enjoy your rides out and stay safe!!

When you bought them did the label say waterproof? From the little snippet of left and right I'd say they look an awful lot like biker jeans, I have a pair and yes they're safe to ride in but not waterproof (just like regular jeans but with the addition of kevlar). Unfortunately it comes down to trial and error with clothes, my advise would be to take them back and exchange them for some others but try them on and perhaps squat to see if they ride up or feel tight. I know Sportsbikeshop have a wire bike outside the changing rooms so you can test how the clothes would feel whist on a bike. Sorry I can't be of more help

I second this so if any of you fellas need a pair of leggings that hug you in the right place and potentially make you're booty look good go for it

I'm 5'2 and ride a CB500F, very comfortable and when you need it it's got the oomph to get out of the way. I did have it lowered but only because it's my first big bike and I'm airing on the side of caution. Whatever bike you decide on, stay safe and happy riding!!

Love my Honda, it's my first big bike but I'm more than happy with it!! It was also a highly recommended brand by my mechanic mate who's had bikes since he was a teen. I learnt on a MT-07 but couldn't bring myself to buy one as it just wasn't what I wanted and I didn't really rate it. Personal preference is a wonderful thing, it's what makes everyone different and life that little more interesting

You want one because at the end of the day, why not!! Life is short so why not enjoy the small luxuries, it's what enjoyment you'll get out of it that becomes the important question, within the legal limits of course (seeing what it can do once or twice can't harm though ). Does my boss need a Mustang V8 to commute to and from Epping to Nottingham twice a week - absolutely not!! Did it stop him from getting one... nah, he went and got that fuel guzzler anyway

I could have put it better... age is but a number it's how you answer the question below that shows your age

I've loved bikes since I was tiny, so when I had the spare money and opportunity I called a local school who came recommended about just what to do. They were lovely, suggested I go down and have a chat about what I wanted to get out of biking, sit on a few they use for training and get a feel for them - there was never any pressure to go ahead and spend money it was all about me being comfortable in the right decision. I tried a taster session, again they were really patient with me as I was nervous and anything, even showing me as a pillion what they were doing before asking me to try anything. I had couple of these before I finally did my CBT. After that I got a little 125 to practice on, I spent many a day on the local streets and some private land just to get a feel for it. I decided not long after I wanted a full licence, I paid for a full training course that meant I could take my time and have as many lessons as needed to get my full licence (and I took full advantage). It took me roughly six months to get my full licence and I'm proud of that! I couldn't have cared less about how long it took so long as I was comfortable and confident. I was terrified of moving onto the larger CC bike but that's where the trust and relationship with my instructor came into it, they believed in me and just needed to get me to do the same. I started biking late in life, I'm 40 and very much a short arse and tip the scales at 7 stone so any bike is gigantic and heavy to me but I'm loving the freedom and new-found confidence this has given along with the many new people I now count as friends I've met along the way. I hope you do go after your dreams and finally get that Kawasaki you've always wanted

Hey there!! I started my iAM course Saturday, didn't even do the taster session just went head first (like with most things) and it was definitely an eye opener but in a good way. It was broken up into small stages as it was the chief observer (had two people, chief and a newly qualified observer who was getting an understanding of what to do) checking how I ride so they can assign a permeant one; meet for coffee then ride for half hour stop for coffee and discuss what I did or didn't do then follow for half an hour pull up on the side of the road and swap so I can show what I learnt whilst riding back to the start point for, yes you've guessed it, another coffee and debrief I rode for about two hours collectively, no coms just mirrors watching for early signals from the observer behind me which helps in reminding you to do your checks. I enjoyed it, learnt a lot but I wasn't afraid to speak up when they asked why I did something like sitting in gear at traffic lights - as they were about to turn green and I know the sequence why would I put it in neutral to save two seconds of grip. I only passed my full licence in April this year and decided I just want to be a bit safer on the roads (at 5'2 I need all the help I can get as people do disregard me). I can only do weekend riding thanks to my job and the time between observed rides allows for that, it all comes down to availability and how much you put into it, you could be brilliant from the off and it only take a few sessions not 12 months - you'll never know till you try and you have the advantage of recently passing too! As a female I do find it a bit blokey but I'm not easily put off by that, I stand my ground and I'm not afraid to ask questions or voice my opinion. Go and enjoy, can't have too much knowledge when it comes to biking!

I have both Mac and PC at work. The software varies intensely thanks to the company being old school, PC is still running software made for terminals (some other PC's are running Libre Office ) whereas my Mac is up to date with Adobe design. Windows 365 is far too advanced for here but I'd love the challenge of using it!

I nod at everyone except Deliveroo and Just Eat riders who are clearly out to give bikers a bad name (the pavement is not an extension of the road and yes you've just tried to run down your customer). First time someone acknowledged me (back on my L plates) I did a little Happy Feet dance on my pegs so I figure if I can make someone else feel that happy, why not give a nod!

Hi there and welcome! Enjoy the riding and stay safe

If ever you're planning on heading that way and fancy company let me know, I'm excellent at detouring (code for lost)!

I'm on the outskirts near Cropwell so get to appreciate the twists and turns of the country roads in the Vale of Belvoir! I'd highly recommend a little jaunt that way

Hi-di-ho fellow Nottinghamite! Hope you're enjoying the ride!

Same, should be amazing!

Well done!! Happy biking

Clever concept, my boss was looking at one when fuel went through the roof as his commute is only a couple of miles and this would be perfect! As for protection, can't imagine you'll get your knee down on corners with this but safety first, it still goes at enough speed to cause damage so like others I'd say the same as you would for a normal bike. Everyone has different tastes, it'd be very boring if we all liked the same Choose something you like and enjoy the ride!

Hiya, It's classed as a naked bike, much more upright than it's sporty counterpart CBR500. I was quite nervous about the getting on a more powerful bike than my Grom but once I started my DAS it soon became much easier to handle a larger bike (learnt on a MT-07 which is 650cc). The bike will only go as fast as you want it to, you're in control

Morning and welcome!! Good to see another lady biker starting out on this fun adventure! I only passed my full license back in April, got a Honda CB500F which I'm really enjoying as a first bike. Not too heavy and I had it lower for convenience (I'm 5'2" and weigh 44kg), perfect for get out and about and really learning what I'm capable of without massive fear of it being too powerful. The best thing to do is go for a test ride and see what feels comfortable for you Happy biking and enjoy!!

Had a conversation with my mates son about clothing and why he doesn't wear it. In his opinion he'll be fine even though he came off two weeks ago (at slow speed thankfully) and had a leg that looked like it had been attacked by a cheese grater. He didn't understand why I had full kit on yesterday; told him I like my skin just the way it is and it provides some safety should I come off. I was never going to argue with his opinion just happily call him a kn*b and tell him to be safe. Yes you can argue the toss for and against clothing but the individual will do what they want at the end of the day, just got to hope they don't find out the hard way that the £200+ jacket/trousers was an extremely worthwhile investment.

Huge advocate on training and £600 for knowing how you handle something far more powerful than your 125 and not killing yourself is a mere drop in the ocean! The other alternative is heading to the local riding school and paying for a 2hr lesson (£70) and them give you their humble opinion on how you ride. The experience and knowledge from a certified professional who has spent years learning (and in some respects always is) far outweighs some YouTuber.

Thank you!! You may be right, bite the bullet and try a mini queue. I've noticed the concentration of drivers just lately, usually early mornings around my area, is somewhat lacking. I have to admit, now I ride I'm more aware of other riders when I'm driving the car, I was always considerate but it's given me a whole new perspective that I can totally appreciate.

Hiya, Does anyone have any advice on filtering? I know its an effective way of getting through traffic on busier days (when done correctly and responsibly) but as yet I've never done it. Obviously not something you're taught when learning but just wondered if there's a way of practicing before putting to the test so to speak

These guys have a few free questions to try out https://toptests.co.uk In the end I downloaded an app, covered both questions and videos and came recommended by my riding school. Motorcycle Theory Test +Hazard by Deep River Development Ltd on the App Store. Apologies if the same one isn't available on android. Good luck with the test!!