Thomas J Posted February 6, 2017 Posted February 6, 2017 Ok so I failed my mod 1 due to nerves after falling off the training bike twice.I then decided to buy myself a 125 so I could learn at my own pace rather than feeling nervous.I wanted a varadero but could not find anything close to home so looked at chinese bikes( to be honest the quality looks alot better now) Anyway last night another quick look on facebook and I found a varadero close to me. After a few messages we go and see it. Well after some bartering I go home and get my bike gear on and ride it home.Well its got a lovely feel to it and everything is light but of a quality feeling.I decided to keep the 125 after passing my test and will keep learning rather than use my zzr600. My dad and I can go on rides and he can use that instead.I am not a natural bike rider so I think that is the most sensible approach.I think the varadero is the best 125 for me as Its a full sized bike and I am a chubby begger.Anyway here are some pictures of it in the dark and when I can I will get some light pictures. Thanks Thomas.http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170205_221324_zpsnzedcj4l.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170205_215722_zpsndlotcjc.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170205_215705_zpsgbcpoekf.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170205_215608_zpslc1z3ciy.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170205_215555_zpsuwajmzjj.jpg Quote
Hoggs Posted February 6, 2017 Posted February 6, 2017 OOh I quite like the little Varadero keep at it, it is a very unnatural thing when you first start riding but sounds like you have a good plan for you and the confidence should soon follow. Just try not to pick up too many bad habits We'll be congratulating you for your test passes in no time Quote
Westbeef Posted February 6, 2017 Posted February 6, 2017 Nice bike, I was looking for one when I was choosing - they're pretty uncommon though!A bit of time on a 125 is defo not a bad thing, it's helped me and I feel my slow control is quite good now. I always practice in slow moving traffic/filtering . Quote
Thomas J Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 Very nice! Thankyou. I have only ridden it home yesterday but I was grinning all the way back albeit 7 miles Quote
Thomas J Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 OOh I quite like the little Varadero keep at it, it is a very unnatural thing when you first start riding but sounds like you have a good plan for you and the confidence should soon follow. Just try not to pick up too many bad habits We'll be congratulating you for your test passes in no time Thankyou I think it would be a safer bet to do it this way at least I can choose how much I want to push myself rather than the instructor- Dont get me wrong the instructors were lovely but I just felt like everything was running away from me when I was doing it Quote
Thomas J Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 Nice bike, I was looking for one when I was choosing - they're pretty uncommon though!A bit of time on a 125 is defo not a bad thing, it's helped me and I feel my slow control is quite good now. I always practice in slow moving traffic/filtering . Thankyou. Thats the one thing I am not great at ie slow speed manouvering. At least now I can practice till I feel competent enough. Quote
Lateralus Posted February 6, 2017 Posted February 6, 2017 OOh I quite like the little Varadero keep at it, it is a very unnatural thing when you first start riding but sounds like you have a good plan for you and the confidence should soon follow. Just try not to pick up too many bad habits We'll be congratulating you for your test passes in no time Thankyou I think it would be a safer bet to do it this way at least I can choose how much I want to push myself rather than the instructor- Dont get me wrong the instructors were lovely but I just felt like everything was running away from me when I was doing it Sounds like a great approach to take mate. Enjoy the practice, and there's no rush to move things on more than you want to! Quote
Thomas J Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 OOh I quite like the little Varadero keep at it, it is a very unnatural thing when you first start riding but sounds like you have a good plan for you and the confidence should soon follow. Just try not to pick up too many bad habits We'll be congratulating you for your test passes in no time Thankyou I think it would be a safer bet to do it this way at least I can choose how much I want to push myself rather than the instructor- Dont get me wrong the instructors were lovely but I just felt like everything was running away from me when I was doing it Sounds like a great approach to take mate. Enjoy the practice, and there's no rush to move things on more than you want to! Thankyou I must admit I must be getting more sensible in my older days 30 years old Quote
goody Posted February 7, 2017 Posted February 7, 2017 Good choice, take ya time and all will be fine things will start to gel soon enough, find a large car park or an industrial est early evening and just mess about for an hr you'll soon get the feel for it Quote
Mr Fro Posted February 7, 2017 Posted February 7, 2017 Looks good! I've got a soft spot for the Varadero. Quote
Thomas J Posted February 7, 2017 Author Posted February 7, 2017 Good choice, take ya time and all will be fine things will start to gel soon enough, find a large car park or an industrial est early evening and just mess about for an hr you'll soon get the feel for it Thankyou. I will definately do that that's a really good idea. Quote
Thomas J Posted February 7, 2017 Author Posted February 7, 2017 Looks good! I've got a soft spot for the Varadero. Thankyou I'm smitten with it Quote
Thomas J Posted February 7, 2017 Author Posted February 7, 2017 I have some New pictures as it was light. We put a proper sized L plate on the back and also put an L plate on the front and also a top box. http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154146_zps6skm6fnw.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154106_zps3svkuekp.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154057_zpsupcjaoim.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154138_zpsmxh9ivsp.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154129_zpsk5uvm3cs.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154120_zpsdbhunwjs.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154150_zpsxos8ivb7.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154156_zpssj8pldp7.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154207_zpsxdhrtq4f.jpgThanks Thomas Quote
Tango Posted February 7, 2017 Posted February 7, 2017 Looks real nice mate.......keep it shiny side up...... Quote
Thomas J Posted February 8, 2017 Author Posted February 8, 2017 Looks real nice mate.......keep it shiny side up...... Thankyou I aim to. They say that every rider comes off once( so i have heard) well I fell off twice during my direct access training so hopefully Im ok now Quote
Thomas J Posted February 8, 2017 Author Posted February 8, 2017 Happy riding! Thankyou this saturday if its nice out then I will be out on it getting to grips with it Quote
Thomas J Posted February 12, 2017 Author Posted February 12, 2017 So with the weather being a bit iffy yesterday I fitted a new exhaust cover on in the correct colour (silver).Today though was a lovely day so checks were done and off we went. Me on my varadero and my dad on the zzr600.We had a great time and I was grinning from ear to ear.We stopped off at a motorbike cafe and had a cup of tea to warm up a bit.I think my skills seem alot better than when I did my direct access.I looked round the corners rather than at them and went round tighter.I also feel that not having a trainer there just my dad had calmed me down alot and made everything flow better. I just cannot wait to get back to training again and get my test done.Anyway picturesThis was before with a hand painted black cover.http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170207_154106_zps3svkuekp.jpgAfter with it done properlyhttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170211_162040_zpsjedtjwaf.jpgAlso the swing arm bolt covers were changed.http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170211_170542_zps0j88xxyr.jpgWe also put a top box on so I can stick my helmet in.Anyway today's pictures.http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170212_130053_zpsbtghz01x.jpg http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170212_130050_zps6z0fmjpk.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170212_130032_zpscmx9piew.jpghttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170212_130014_zps4cfkfvkw.jpgAnd at homehttp://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac137/montytom/20170212_134532_zpsozajlx48.jpgI'm really smitten to be honest and cannot wait to get on it again.Thanks Thomas Quote
Hoggs Posted February 12, 2017 Posted February 12, 2017 wow changing the exhaust cover colour makes a huge difference! like it Also glad you're still grinning like a loon Quote
Tango Posted February 12, 2017 Posted February 12, 2017 Nice one, mate......good luck with the DAS when the time comes..... Quote
Thomas J Posted February 14, 2017 Author Posted February 14, 2017 wow changing the exhaust cover colour makes a huge difference! like it Also glad you're still grinning like a loon Thankyou I think the cover lifts the whole bike up. I've been driving round in my artic lorry and keep thinking about riding it.also I seem to be spending alot of money on it. Quote
Thomas J Posted February 14, 2017 Author Posted February 14, 2017 Nice one, mate......good luck with the DAS when the time comes..... Thankyou. With a bit more experience I should do ok hopefully. My mod 1 fail wasn't as bad as I thought to be honest. Quote
Thomas J Posted February 14, 2017 Author Posted February 14, 2017 what you thinking of changing next? I have just bought a large touring screen for it so maybe fit that. It's having a large service on Saturday so anything it needs then it will get. Quote
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