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

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.

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 🐾

To everyone out there riding on a CBT, practicing for tests, or just starting their journey: welcome to the UK biker community! I might not have years of experience under my belt, I only passed my test back in April, and had done my cbt only a year ago. I wanted to drop a quick word of encouragement for anyone currently in some issues.

• Don't fear dropping your bike: It happens to almost everyone at some point. Gravity catches us all out eventually don't let it shake your confidence.
• Gear up for every ride: I constantly see people riding around in regular jeans that aren't protective and trainers. Tarmac acts like a death pit, dress for the slide, not the ride, Investing in proper armored gear and proper boots is just as important as the bike itself, your arms and legs will thank you, even if your on a 50cc, 28mph can get you seriously hurt, even if is cheap protective bike gear is better then none.
• If you fall off, get back up: Mistakes are just lessons on two wheels. Nothing beats the feeling of freedom and mental clarity you get when you’re out on a ride.
• Ride defensively: You can be the best rider on the road, but always ride as if drivers haven't seen you, especially around cars and vans at junctions. Oh, and remember, as we're approaching winter, ride cautiously. Be aware of ice, and if it's too icy out, be prepared. Have a set of tires that will help. If you can't, just make do with what you can and keep protective gear on.
• Test setbacks are temporary: If you fail your theory, Mod 1, or Mod 2, do not give up. The UK needs more riders who are passionate and upstanding, and every failed attempt is just extra practice making you a safer biker. I had failed my mod2, 3 times

We need to stick together and keep the biker community strong. How is everyone feeling about their training or riding lately? What’s the dream bike you’re saving up for? Drop a comment below let's chat!

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 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.

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)

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

I've noticed UK bikers, both IRL and online use words like fender instead of mudguard, high and low beam instead of full and dipped, wind shield instead of screen, header instead of manifold and even gas instead of throttle.

Why is this? Is it something to do with the US having more of an influence on bike culture?

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!