guitarman

I am so glad this forum exists so that stupid people (me) can ask stupid questions. Stu, you were right. I was putting them in wrongly. So tonight for my ride home, I squeezed them till they were thin and stuck them further down into my ear and, hey presto, they stayed in. I didn't occur to me that they were supposed to expand in my ear canal The journey down the A11 was quieter inside my helmet than I've ever known it

I put them into my ears and press them until I can't see them anymore. I don't know what else to do with them

I had about 6 ear plugs given to me by my brother when I bought his Fazer off him in April and have used them all enough now so decided to get myself some more. However, the ones I bought come out far too soon so are pointless having them there in the first place so I want to get some different ones but don't know which would be best. I don't know if helmets are supposed to help keep them in or not. Can anyone recommend ear plugs that actually stay in for longer than a few minutes please? Thanks John

I did the WD40 but it didn't make any difference so I tried the MacLean method and that seemed to work. So by pushing a certain direction and turning it at the same time I can now start the engine in a very short time. Thank you to everyone for the advice and suggestions. John

I've not done anything yet apart from swear at it, and that didn't work. I will try the wd40 tonight and let you know how I get on. Thanks EAB

The key once in the ignition does not easily turn the last mm or so to the point where the engine will start. It's getting worse now and can take me about three minutes of trying to get it to turn every time I've used it over the last few days. Does anyone with a Fazer have or had this problem and if so, do you know a fix? Thanks John

Is there any evidence that jackets that have hi vis sections are any safer than just black jackets, i.e. do riders wearing hi vis have less car drivers pulling out in front of them etc. than riders with darker clothing? In other words do car drivers see hi vis jackets better than black ones.

I did as suggested and started by securing it with the front wheel then gradually pulling it back carefully clearing all the things sticking out, indicators, footrests etc and hey presto it works, less than a minute to complete the task I'd say. I also found a little label inside which said 'Front', that helps as well. Thanks for the advice CDG and Matty John

Thanks for both replies. So start at the front and work backwards seems to be the key. I'll do that tomorrow and see how I get on.

Does anyone know an easy and quick way of putting an Oxford Stormex on a 1999 Fazer? I've had the cover for about 2 weeks and it is still taking me ages to get the thing over the bike. Is there a nack to it that I haven't figured out yet? John

Moo It's just the CBF125 Haynes Manual and the original grab rail that was on the bike before the back box was fitted. The original grab rail is white so looks better than the black box holder if you are riding without the box. Mr Fazer has a puncture so I'm getting a few tyre fitted today and with the three day weekend fast approaching I hope I get it back in time to put some mileage on it.

Well Moo, many have already said the solution so I won't add to that apart from saying, I had the same issue when I started riding the darling. I soon learned to rest the balls of my food on the foot rest and that solved it. I doubt you have heavier feet than my size 10s. Have you named the bike yet? I'm glad your riding back to work again, don't forget I have those things I forgot to give you at the point of sale still in my office, waiting for you to collect. Give me call when you want to collect them. John

I asked the question because the seller of my recently purchased Fazer said they had sticky tyres. I only wanted to know more about them.

I was last time I looked, is there a problem with the question?

On the subject of tyres, does anyone know what is meant by 'sticky tyres'

Another example of the civil service not understanding what life is like for the rest of us. I'd be more than unhappy, livid would be more apt.

How about someone who is qualified riding it to the centre for you?

The only advice I have is focus on the ride and enjoy it.

Hi Levante I know what you mean about being put off by instructions.The day before my Mod 2 my trainer twice gave me confusing instructions and acknowledged it later. Sorry you didn't pass but better luck next time. John

Well done mate and good luck with Mod 2. I passed Mod 2 first time and it was to be truthful an enjoyable ride on the whole.

Good luck for tomorrow Levante

I've just bought a pair of Oxford Muffs for my Honda CBF125. They will look huge on it. I tried to put them on and are not convinced they will close enough to keep the water and wind out. Has anyone else used the Oxford Muffs on a CBF125 that could give me some advice? Cheers John

Three times Mod 1 for you and four for me. I wonder what the most attempts at Mod 1 is. Does anyone know. John

Indeed, and that's why I was so keen to get the test done before 13 Jan and before the weather turned really anti-motorbike which form what the forecast is telling us, won't be long now. Now I've passed I'm thinking of taking it off the road until next spring. But not sure yet. I'm lucky to have the choice, I guess.

I passed Mod 2 yesterday. It was my first attempt so that added to the satisfaction. The examiner followed me in a car because he said his bike had broken down. I didn't realise they used their own bikes so that was a surprise. The mist that had been hanging around for a few days had lifted so that was good. I had one rider error which was was failing to see the 30 mph speed limit in time going from a 40 mph. I mentioned to him afterwards that the sign was partly covered by trees and he pointed out there was one on the other side of the road, which was fair enough. Traffic was very light. I forgot to check the speed limit going from a main road into a side road so it might have been a 20 mph zone for all I know but luckily for me there was a learner car driver on a lesson in front of me and she/he was going slow enough for me to get away with either not going 30 mph in a 20 mph zone or if 20 mph was the correct speed, then that's what I was doing. I did have one panic moment when he told me to follow the signs to the M11 south. I followed the signs no problem but when I got the a roundabout he told me to take the first exit, which I thought was the M11 . I hesitated taking that exit, but eventually realised it was the A14 which leads to the M11. That was a temporary thought process error because I used to use those roads in my car frequently. I even managed 68 mph on my 125 which I was pleased with although I believe 100 kph (about 63 mph) is the requirement on a 125 cc Mod 2. He didn't seem to notice the hesitation at the junction so all in all a very good experience for me which after failing the Mod 1 four times was a huge relief for me and my bank account. I was a bit to hear those words,"I'm pleased to tell you that you've passed with 1 rider error, well done" John