New rider

Welcome the the MCN New Rider section, where we'll help you navigate your way from complete biking novice to confident beginner. If you're unsure how to begin your journey onto two wheels, the diagram below is for you.

New Rider

Year: ALL

Bike accessories advice: Mirror extensions

21 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

Q. I need some mirror extensions for my CBR600F, does anyone know who makes them? Phil Walden, Gosport A. A VFR Owners Club member from Hatfield, Pete Morgan, manufactures and supply mirror extensions...

First time bikes for tall riders

21 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

Q. I am due to take the Direct Access Scheme and test in a couple of weeks. Once I pass, I am looking to buy an all-rounder middleweight. However, being a tall bloke – 6’4″, I would prefer a bike that...

New rider advice: Finding the balance between comfort and feel

21 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

Q. I’m a newish biker with a pleasant 50 mile commute. My BMW R1100RT is supremely comfortable with the screen in the touring position. With the screen down the riding feel improves noticeably. But I...

Clothing advice: Use a head torch to work on the bike

21 March 2009

No matter how well-lit you think your garage is, one of those head torches is invaluable for grovelling under the swingarm Chris Berry, Wellingborough

Tyre advice: Changing wheels for the right tyre

21 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

Q. I am missing out on so many good tyre deals because my 1998 RRW Fireblade has got a 16 inch front wheel that I want to switch to a 17 incher. Will a VFR800/Hornet wheel drop straight in? Andy Kent, e-mail A. It is possible to change the front wheel of a Fireblade from 16 to 17 inches. If the bike is a 1992-1996 model it will take the same wheel and discs that are fitted to CBR600s and VFR750s...

Technical advice: Fuel problems with my carb

16 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. My 1992 Honda PC800 starts well from cold, ticks over beautifully and usually pulls away smoothly on small throttle openings. However as soon as I open the throttle wider it coughs and backfires through the carbs until I close it down again. As it gets warmer,...

Technical advice: Fixing a dodgy battery

16 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here. Q. My Kawasaki ZX-6R has had a new battery and regulator...

Clothing advice: Cheap riding gear for commuters

13 March 2009 by Marc Abbot

MCN expert Marc Abbot is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here. Q. I’ve just passed my direct access test and I’m looking...

Tyre advice: Make sure you use the correct size tyre

10 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I recently bought a 2002 Honda SP2 which has got handling...

Technical advice: Fixing gear selectors

09 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I own a Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja on a 2001 plate and I can’t...

Technical advice: Changing to a race-pattern gearbox

09 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I ride a Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 and would like to change it to a...

Everything you need for a bike rally

06 March 2009 by Marc Potter

Torches, sleeping bags, stoves, tents. The MCN Shop has everything you’ll ever need for a summer of bike rallies (except maybe a guaranteed hangover cure). With torches for the price of a pint and...

Clothing advice: Make sure your kit fits after Christmas

05 March 2009 by Marc Abbott

Here’s a tip for anyone thinking of getting back on their bike this weekend after a winter lay-off… try your kit on before you get to the garage with your bike keys in your hand. Ask an expert...

Clothing advice: Iridium visors for pillions

05 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. Can you help settle an argument between my girlfriend and I –...

Bike accessories advice: Aftermarket bulbs

04 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I don’t want to get nicked for using a coloured headlight...

Tyre advice: Scrubbing new tyres in

03 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I’ve heard new bike tyres need to be “scrubbed in”. What does...

Technical advice: Kawasaki ZZR400 carb icing

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. As soon as the weather gets a bit cold my Kawasaki ZZR400...

Bike accessory advice : Honda RVF400 exhausts

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I am looking to buy a second hand Honda RVF400 from a dealer...

Tire advice : Honda CB1000 Big One tires

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I ride a Honda CB1000 Big One, its rear tyre is a 170/60 x 18...

Clothing advice : youth size helmets for motorcross

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I’M looking for a youth-sized helmet for my son, but can’t...

Bike accessory advice : BMW R1100GS replacement handlebars

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. MY 1996 BMW R1100GS handlebars are looking rather rusty and...

Technical advice : BMW R1150S oil consumption

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. My new BMW R1150S seems to be using quite a lot of oil. The...

Technical advice : Aprilia air filters

02 March 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I’ve read numerous forum postings about de-restricting an...

Suspension advice: Fork internal problems

20 February 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. My Yamaha Fazer 1000 has developed an occasional knocking...

Technical advice: Suzuki TL1000R rain problems

20 February 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. My Suzuki TL1000R runs fine until the rain starts to fall.

Clothing advice: Jackets for the larger man

20 February 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I have been desperately trying to purchase a lightweight Gore...

Long life tyres for the Kawasaki ZX-10R

20 February 2009 by Chris Dabbs

MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I have a Kawasaki ZX-10R and do around 160 miles a day on it.

Oxford heated grips problem fixed

16 February 2009 by Anonymous

I bought Oxford Hot Grips at the NEC show, but like most people never kept the receipt. They failed after just 2 months and initially Oxford just said buy a new switch. After reading comments on forums, this appears to be a common fault. However I called Oxford again and spoke to an excellent member of their staff named Charlotte. She has done everything she can to help with the heated grips. Very...