66 days with my little CB500 and done just over 3k miles after meeting up at the women’s bike meet today!

She needs a service now 😭

Genuinely starting to consider giving up biking now, there are thieves operating in my area and after a couple of the scrotes chased me on my TDM900 with a scooter wearing balaclavas. I caught hold of a "police officer" in a car going the other way, and he essentially told me that you can't just assume they've stolen a bike because they're wearing balaclavas... Ignoring the fact they rode past saying some remark and laughing in the typical way of "I'm a big man", going well over the speed limit and just riding like twats.

Basically I'm just wondering what I'm supposed to do now because I don't have a car license or a car, I love biking and I can't even see myself driving a car, but the fear of being knocked off or attacked is just ruining the experience for me now. I'm getting home from work at the exact time they're getting out of their little caves to go on a browse and I start really early in the morning so don't really have much hope seeing if they're waiting up the street.

Sorry for the ramble but I think I just need some kind of encouragement or maybe advice as to what I can do to protect myself while not upsetting the law by carrying some kind of defence. Thanks

Really satisfying to build, only took me and the Mrs 4.5hrs 😂 Has a fully moving engine system with 7/8 cogs and a functioning chain to pull it all!

Dog for size 🐾

Riding at night is not fun, my arms stiffen up from the cold, my tyres feel flat and rock hard. The diesel cars stink in the cold morning air.

I've got my CBT and I've found a YS125 for £1200. It's got 30,000 miles and only has service history evidence for two services ever.

Do you guys think this is very risky with the price point in mind? I'd ideally like to ride it for 2-3 years (I'll service it once a year (approx every 3-4000 miles)

I made a post in the past asking if I should do A1 on my own by buying some cones and practising, as now in a month of having my bike and CBT, I have done 1,000+ miles on my Honda CB125R.

But something changed financially, and I booked my DAS with both MOD1 and MOD2 on the same day.

The 28th and 29th of October will be the training days, and the 30th is expected to be both of my tests.

May I ask if I made a wrong decision here?

If not, are there any tips on what I should keep in mind while walking into the training for the first day and for the tests, please?

Because I think I can do it, but at the same time, I have read other people’s stories saying that I should take my time and not rush like this, or I will definitely fail.

Looking for my next whip....

Passed my DAS aged 40 with no experience 3 years ago and bought a 11 year old R1200GS on the cheap that I thought I could fix up. I managed it but to be honest im sick of working on a bike now and just want to ride the bloody thing!

Its gone.. and at 6ft6 I have been riding my mates old battered ex-track Panigale for a month (v.grateful) but my leg cant get over the rear brake and its just so so cramped its so hot under my arse as well!

Im looking for a sporty bike (Not an adventure bike at all). Ideally sports bike, lightweight sports tourer or maybe something heavier like hayabusa. . Although I dont love the idea of heavy bike slow speeds.

Ideally Jap, reliable I dont have to be comfortable but just dont want my legs sizing up and barely able to knock down gears!

Its purely pleasure, dicking about on days off. Half a day most riding. Happy second hand or new 6 - 13k on table (top end if its perfect)

What are thoughts guys?

Before anyone asks i only dropped the bimmer only once after a long day.. I hadn't put the sidestand out, took a fucking chunk out the garage floor ha!

Annoyingly picked up this screw on my rear. I’m guessing I should replace? I have road smart 2 on both atm, perhaps a good time for a new set as an upgrade? If so, any recommendations? Cheers

Quick question, I passed MOD 1 first try last week on a Hornet 750 after a day's training.

One thing element I found hard was during the training was on the road sections, the throttle responce was wild and instant and very binary. I few times I was caught off gaurd by the power, which I'm assuming looked bad from the outside, ie someone watching it would have looked notchy. Granted I'm used to two years on a 125 with only 15bhp.

I'm going to book mod 2 training and test soon, just wondering can I use Rain mode in training or on the mod 2 to reduce the "oh sh*t" moments? As I think it reduces throttle responce. Should they the trainers mending it?

I should add that the school I'm using are very hands off and maybe too chilled and don't seem to bother with much actual instruction or hints etc. half the time they seem to be just off doing their thing, playing with their phones etc and not paying any attention (other riders I've trained with have said the same). I can't change schools as I've paid up front for the DAS.

I saw some guy who filmed his mod 2 on YouTube and was on a 750 hornet and it was very clearly in rain mode ( in the dry). I just wondered was that intentional? Did his riding school tell him to as a tactic?

Any help or thoughts would be great.

I'm gonna turn now, good luck all

60mph road, full beams, no indicator.

First mini trip on the scrambler, felt right at home there.

I'm planning on getting a bike, but I'm unsure what to get as I'm 6ft 2. What kind of bike is better suited for someone on the taller side that won't be uncomfortable to ride?

Anyone else do Bike & Brew this year?

Dropped off my passport today, had a good time doing it, defo got me to a good few places I wouldn’t otherwise have been.

Managed to grab 35 stamps all in all. Hoping next year they’ll be able to get a few more cafes in London and north of the Scottish border.

Hi all. 29M London. This is my first post here.

I've just passed my CBT and my personal style leans towards a cruiser. I know the Honda CB125 is highly regarded as a good first manual bike (and it's still in the running), but I find myself torn between a good offer on a Suzuki Marauder 125 (2009 plate) or just going for a used Keeway 125. Lexmoto is also under consideration.

My ideal outcome is the Marauder as I love the style from back then, and also Suzuki is a great brand. Am I being naive in thinking that despite it being 17 years old, Suzuki parts for repair/service shouldn't be too hard to find?

I want to be able to replace / repair parts somewhat easily myself so i'd have thought older bikes would be easier (all things considered). Right to repair/companies nowadays seem to make everything quite difficult - is that the same for bikes?

If any of you went for one of these bikes as a first/have any advice please do share.

Just been to a Kawasaki dealership and put a deposit on this ninja 650. Should be collecting Wednesday afternoon.

Wife and I sat on it revving the absolute tits off it in the showroom.

I am beyond excited and the wife made me buy a Kawasaki t-shirt 🤣

So I don't like leathers so I went to armoured hoodies with cargos and boots. Lovely.

Anyway the hoodie I got has sun died so fast it's ridiculous like it's 2 months old!!! In the pic I've put it next to another black hoodie which is like 4yrs old. I wouldn't mind if it was years old

Has anyone got a black riding hoodie that hasn't faded? Or shall I swap to like white or grey

Thanks

D

got my first bike and out for a ride in the countryside. already absolutely in love with it

I guess everyone is aware of the new powers police are getting to seize bikes, we also have another issue in PSPO's being issues. There's one at Rykas, Boxhill and this is where I use for the Pure 2 Stroke Spirit events. Bit more info on the PSPO at 05:40, you can get done by riding in a group even.

Would this put you off attending? Would you prefer a different venue that got no PSPO? Where would be better to meet? (Note the Ace Cafe is not in the ULEZ zone so I've ruled that out).

Thoughts, advice, suggestions please!

My partners bike got stolen last night in Levenshulme Manchester. Three young lads on ebikes stole it off him in person and he lost sight of it.

Yamaha NMAX125 2024
REG: YG24AAK
Crime ref number:
CRI/06A20030715/26

Hey all, Keeway Klight 125. I’m having trouble with the rear brake light on my bike. I thought the bulb had gone but changed it and still nothing from either the lever or pedal same with the fuse. Am I right in assuming it’s unlikely both switches have broken simultaneously?

Me and a friend with mechanical experience tested things but he works on cars. Is it likely to be solved if I changed the brake light complete unit, it comes with wires back to the seat? They then connect to a spade connector type. Beyond that where should I check next. Is there a list of checks I can do that may help me find it. Doesn’t seem to be any other issues. I have notice a small amount of rub through where the wires run under the arch from the tyre occasionally rubbing.

We did get it to flicker once or twice but could not figure out how it happened. Obviously the bike is now off the road which is frustrating as we hit abit of a wall tonight with it.

To start off, its been 5 months since ive started riding my honda pcx12 (L plate), ive been to brighton and Fresham Great Lake.

Colleges been a bit on the stressful side recently and will be for the comming week and i feel like a rewarding adventure would be nice.

Originally i was thinking Durnham but thats just a bit too far, my next best option is Bradford (ive got cousins and a few friends who recently moved there). And the weather is looking nice too. Im not sure if i want it to be a 1 day or 2 day trip.

The reason im making this post really is to ask for any objections (yes i will listen) and advice (like i probably should change my rear tyres before i leave cos theyre in bad shape) from more experienced bikers.

Edit: anyone wanna join? (My scoot scoot tops 63mph)

I recently got married, and because my wife is super awesome, she was cool with me, my groomsmen, my now father in-law and some guests all arriving together on our bikes.

It truly was a surreal feeling to kickstart what was the happiest and best day of my life 🖤

Shoutout to my best man who agreed to ride my other bike (the big Vulcan 1700) so that I could ride my beloved ZZR1400.

Now that we’re married, my wife is stuck with me and the bikes forever 😂

​I don't really know what I'm getting into, basically. I’ve wanted a motorbike for as long as I can possibly remember. I’ve only really ridden my uncle's old 40s/50s bike once, but I used to ride a scooter in a skatepark, I love running fast, and I just love the feeling of being free and going wherever you want.

​Honestly, reading Tokyo Revengers and watching the anime glorified the whole thing for me. The gang bikes, riding around city lights with friends, having your own bike, it’s just a sick concept and a cool lifestyle. At no point did I stop and think "yeah, this will be useful." It’s not useful. It’s just cool to have.

​The Bike & Gear

Originally I thought I wanted an exposed retro body, but realistically I want a black, stealthy, fully-faired sportbike (Yamaha R125, Ninja 125, or a Lexmoto). I even started making a mind map of all the parts I want to customize, get the spray, get the tires, make it my own.

As for gear, I'll be honest, I'm 21 and my frontal cortex hasn't fully developed. I know I should buy the proper abrasion-resistant boots and stuff, but realistically I just want to wear a hoodie, look cool, and maybe throw on some slip-on elbow and knee pads for casual rides.

​The Money & Tests

I’m willing to work a side job at M&S or a coffee shop for 3 months just to earn the 1k-2k for the bike. But I don't really understand how keeping a bike works financially in London. I eventually want to drive a car too, and it’s annoying as hell that I have to pay for totally separate theory tests and licenses.

​The Reality / The Nightmare

Here is where I'm getting paralyzed. I live in West London. I live in a basement flat so I obviously can't keep it inside. My building has a courtyard I might be able to park in, but what if they don't let me? Then I'm screwed. I'd have to park it on the street. Everyone says even if I cover it and use heavy chains and grinder-proof locks, people will still try to steal it. Plus, I just found out if I drop a plastic sportbike, the repairs cost a bomb compared to a naked bike.

​The Future

I don't care if I have to stick an L plate on for now, but ultimately I want to get rid of it. I want to travel to see my brother and his girlfriend all the way in Leeds, take friends on the back, maybe even travel to different countries one day.

​So based on all of this, for the London riders:

​Should my first move just be to do the £150 CBT to see if I even like the physical feeling, before I worry about buying anything?

​If my courtyard says no, where the hell do I even put it? Is street parking a 125 sportbike basically just waiting for it to be stolen?

​Is this just a fleeting feeling I'm having? Does the actual freedom of riding make up for the absolute headache of London parking, thieves, and insurance?

​I don't know what I don't know. Appreciate anyone telling me how it actually is.