I posted this to stu because he lives near me and he’s clued up

[Hairsy]

2 hours ago, Stevehessleuk said:

Do you l think I should go to Yamaha recommendation and lower tyre pressure? Obviously at my risk

 

You'll get other views but I say Yes. Go with Yamaha's. The only time I would go with a tyre manufacturer's recommendations is when they are bike-specific recommendations.  If they're just giving a recommendation for that tyre without knowledge of how it's being used then they can't possible know the weight of the bike / rider / luggage. Those all make a significant difference to the pressure requirements.

 

For road riding, in my humble opinion, you will never have a problem with bike manufacturer recommendations.

[Stevehessleuk]

1 minute ago, Hairsy said:

 

You'll get other views but I say Yes. Go with Yamaha's. The only time I would go with a tyre manufacturer's recommendations is when they are bike-specific recommendations.  If they're just giving a recommendation for that tyre without knowledge of how it's being used then they can't possible know the weight of the bike / rider / luggage. Those all make a significant difference to the pressure requirements.

 

For road riding, in my humble opinion, you will never have a problem with bike manufacturer recommendations.

That’s great , thank you

[Stevehessleuk]

Been watching motojitsu on YouTube now regarding cornering, seems a no bs guy. Starting to think I’m turning in too early and running wide, which I don’t want I’m sure I’ll get this all sorted and pass my experiences on to another new rider one day , can’t thank you all enough for the support you’ve shown me with my wobble last night . It’s been greatly received

[Stevehessleuk]

On 24/05/2025 at 09:03, Hairsy said:

As has been said, really focus on looking where you're going. Specifically, visualise your line through the corner. Look at the exact bit of road that you're planning to ride and you're likely to then ride it.

 

There's likely to be a big psychological thing going on. You know you need to lean the bike to turn. You also know how to counter steer (because it's the only way to steer above walking speed). However as soon as you start to doubt yourself, the brain wants the body to be upright and then there's this internal conflict going on.

 

One tip that I'd suggest is to practice very intentional countersteering. And do it loads. When riding along in a straight line (without other drivers nearby who will think you're drunk), push each side of the handlebars to experience the way it turns you in the opposite direction. As you get comfortable, try to be a bit more positive and invoke a fairly fast swerve (but never get near grip limits doing this). Keep doing it - for minutes at a time. The purpose is to override that unconscious desire to be upright and replace it with a comfort with invoking a lean and with the effect that has. The more comfortable your subconscious becomes with that concept, the less you'll have that nervousness that you might not make the corner.

 

And, finally, it's completely normal and you will overcome it.

Been back out today for 30 miles and the countersteer thing as always confused me, I always wondered do you push down or push out . So got a clear road and pushed right on handlebar, Jesus it turned right and you’d think it would make you turn left that’s a big help now I understand it , bike ride went great and went and found loads of right turn roundabouts and did them with no problems. Think I was going into roundabouts like I would in my car , started to realise that it’s not possible for my experience. Had a great run out and back on track, thanks all

[bonio]

Yeah it's simple enough, isn't it? push right to go right. But I know a guy who hadn't been taught this even by the time he passed his test.  Can't think why some instructors miss this out.

[Stevehessleuk]

22 minutes ago, bonio said:

Yeah it's simple enough, isn't it? push right to go right. But I know a guy who hadn't been taught this even by the time he passed his test.  Can't think why some instructors miss this out.

Yes, didn’t get taught this. To be fair I think because I’ve had so much car experience they just presume I would know this maybe

[Stevehessleuk]

But it’s given me so much more experience that I so need , thanks all

[RideWithStyles]

On 24/05/2025 at 08:31, Stevehessleuk said:

Now I’m confused these are the tyres on my bike 

Agree about ai generated stuff, misleading it is.Now the key note it says there is at the bottom check the handbook or the sticker bike swing arm.

Yeah stick to the book as a base like even if you change to a different tyre manufacturer it came on which the book would quote especially on a small capacity bike.
High middling to high 20’s on the front and 32 rear on sounds about right on stiff carcass tyres your bike would have come on (Bridgestones most likely), if you went softer like Pirelli then I’d try and see if it needed a few more psi at both ends.

while the front 36 and 42 on a 125? No frocking way I’d be doing that even on Michelin or tissue paper Chinese crap tyres.

i can’t stand that punishment on a 600 that weighs 220kg and softer tyres.

 

doesnt always mean a dealer or tech know or misses it…shit happens. did they do it on a hot or cold day? Gauge checked if it’s accurate?  Warm or cold compressor air? What conditions did you check it?

[Stevehessleuk]

Did cold tyres check as instructed, I’ve done them to manufacture recommended and they felt absolutely fine today. So keeping with them , had a great day out on the bike and think that’s what anyone wants at the end of the Day. Sorry for being a absolute puss and asking so many questions it’s just felt really reassuring from you in the know, I’m just starting out and want to survive it  

[RideWithStyles]

No problems asking questions is good. Learn quicker and get better, thats how riders get old.

[Stevehessleuk]

Only regret I have is I should have done it years ago and at 53 absolutely guts me, but I don’t think it’s too late. I Still feel 21 like most of us do

[Stevehessleuk]

Just now, RideWithStyles said:

No problems asking questions is good. Learn quicker and get better, thats how riders get old.

Thank you

[Shepherd]

22 hours ago, Stevehessleuk said:

Only regret I have is I should have done it years ago and at 53 absolutely guts me, but I don’t think it’s too late. I Still feel 21 like most of us do

I passed at the age of 52, glad I didn't try in my 20's - I wouldn't have made it this far.