Motorcycle Forums

Brakes!

Brakes are a hell of a lot more efficient than they were back in the day.   So grabbing them really hard, particularly when coming to a complete halt, might give you an unpleasant surprise.  In fact, you might find yourself at a halt before completing the manoeuvre, at an unanticipated angle.  

Disk lock

always return it to the locked position when you remove it  -  that way, you have to have the key with you when you come to use it next  -  ie you cannot put it on unless you have the key to remove it with you

Sat Nav

A zip-lock bag will render most satnavs waterproof, and they are a hell of alot cheaper than a tomtom rider.

Braking

Following on from the thread Car Jacking by Motorcycle I would recommend that newbies to riding remember not to yank the front brake to enthusiastically when trying so slow down / stop lol

Wish I'd seen this before leaving for work this morning as guess what I did in the rain when the traffic stopped?? Fortunately the bike went sideways and I saved it before decking it!!!

How much of an idiot did I feel

For those newbies

confused by the bike licencing system, and the machines you can ride:

CBT: You can ride up to 125cc / 14.6bhp, with L's.

A2: You take (and pass) the test on a bike of 125cc, and capable of 100kph (62mph) - you can then ride a machine with up to 33bhp / 25kW / 0.16kW/kg for two years - after two years you can ride any size machine. For those who reach the age of 21 before the two year period ends, you can choose to take a further test on a machine of 46.6bhp / 35kW (Accelerated Access) to allow access to any machine. Failing the second test does not affect your existing licence entitlement.

Cat A (Direct Access Scheme): Only open to those over the age of 21, DAS requires a machine of at least 46.6bhp / 35kW output. It is also necessary to be accompanied by an instructor at all times, and in radio contact.