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Thread: Getting on 2 wheels

  1. #1
    Master chris2982's Avatar
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    Getting on 2 wheels

    Should be ready for delivery in a few days.

    Suppose I'd better get my CBT, theory test and some lessons sorted. Hopefully pass my test at the end of it all.

    Chris.

    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Craftsman
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    Fair play given the time of year!

    That looks like a cracking first bike to have.
    Riding a bike is interesting, for me you never stop learning and there's always something new.

    In the right circumstances its one of the great joys.

    Health to enjoy!

  3. #3
    Great first bike and like your style

    Many moons ago I bought a GSXR before passing my test. Did make me get a wiggle on.

    Lets us know when you pass

  4. #4
    Master
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    Best of luck.

    scooter

  5. #5
    Master
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    Nice choice of bike.

    Enjoy and keep it upright.

    J

  6. #6
    Very nice! Take care and good luck with the test.

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Master MakeColdplayHistory's Avatar
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    Nice bike.

    I've been through a similar journey recently although I didn't buy a bike until I'd passed and did it over the summer, not winter: https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...-One-What-Next
    One of the best pieces of advice I had was to join/read this thread - it took some time but I've read all 8200 posts! https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...-related-stuff

  8. #8
    Master
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    very nice

  9. #9
    Master
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    A nice bike, good luck with the CBT and theory tests. This is not the best time of year to wobble on a new bike as a novice. Ice, wet roads and grit and motorists will all be out to get you.
    personally, I would have waited until early spring, taken and passed the tests and then bought the bike.
    gained experience over the summer to be ready for next winter.
    My last bike was a 600cc Suzuki Bandit.

  10. #10
    Craftsman
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    Keep it rubber side down.

    Enjoy and never (mentally) switch off when riding.

    Treat everyone as a moron trying to kill you helps.

  11. #11
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    I actually think that Taking the training and the test at this time of the year is a great idea: it's better to learn on the wet, leafy and slippery than to discover it when still a novice on your own bike.

    And getting some careful miles under your wheels before summer is also a good idea.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  12. #12
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    I actually think that Taking the training and the test at this time of the year is a great idea: it's better to learn on the wet, leafy and slippery than to discover it when still a novice on your own bike.

    And getting some careful miles under your wheels before summer is also a good idea.
    Absolutely. If it ain't raining, it ain't training.

  13. #13
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Some first bike. Best of luck with the test.

  14. #14
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    I actually think that Taking the training and the test at this time of the year is a great idea: it's better to learn on the wet, leafy and slippery than to discover it when still a novice on your own bike.

    And getting some careful miles under your wheels before summer is also a good idea.
    Absolutely.

  15. #15
    Master chris2982's Avatar
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    Thanks all,

    I've managed to get a theory test booked for next Thursday.
    Currently doing some revision and mock tests.

    Will keep you updated.

    Cheers
    Chris

    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk

  16. #16
    Master MakeColdplayHistory's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chris2982 View Post
    Thanks all,

    I've managed to get a theory test booked for next Thursday.
    Currently doing some revision and mock tests.

    Will keep you updated.

    Cheers
    Chris
    Ah... the theory test. I still can't remember how much weight I can have in my trailer when I'm pulling it with my motorbike and sidecar. But I promise I'll find out if I ever actually need to.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by MakeColdplayHistory View Post
    Ah... the theory test. I still can't remember how much weight I can have in my trailer when I'm pulling it with my motorbike and sidecar. But I promise I'll find out if I ever actually need to.
    What’s the theory test 😂

  18. #18
    Best of luck.
    Andy

    Wanted - Damasko DC57

  19. #19
    Lovely bike! The little GS always looks a peach.

    Keep us updated.

  20. #20
    Grand Master Chinnock's Avatar
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    Enjoy the fun times ahead and my only word of advice is never forget your "life savers".

  21. #21
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    I actually think that Taking the training and the test at this time of the year is a great idea: it's better to learn on the wet, leafy and slippery than to discover it when still a novice on your own bike.

    And getting some careful miles under your wheels before summer is also a good idea.
    I agree. I took my test early November 1995, 3 day course on 125 Yamaha. Friday, Saturday, Sunday then test on Monday @ 11.30 am in Chingford. With a young mans confidence took delivery of my new ZX6R at 2.00 pm the same day.
    My advice - get some further training after you've passed.

    Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

  22. #22
    Lovely.
    I keep thinking about a big GS to tour down to the in-laws in Spain and back with my Son (12yrs), but I crashed a smaller bike about 7 yrs ago and bent my hand off my arm (fear not, all straightened and titanium-strong now!).

    I’ve not got back onto anything 2 wheel and motorised apart from a flirt on a 125 moped last summer in Spain.

    As said before, treat every single driver as if you are invisible and they are absolute drunken unpredictable idiots.
    Some will not be, but work on the lowest common denominator at all times!


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  23. #23
    Journeyman Cornish Bob's Avatar
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    Nice, a good first bike, mine used to look like that, a long time ago now.

    Sent from my HRY-LX1T using Tapatalk

  24. #24
    Master chris2982's Avatar
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    Bike got delivered today and I am very happy!

    Theory test tomorrow and CBT booked in for the 4th of January.



    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by notenoughwrists View Post
    Lovely.
    I keep thinking about a big GS to tour down to the in-laws in Spain and back with my Son (12yrs), but I crashed a smaller bike about 7 yrs ago and bent my hand off my arm (fear not, all straightened and titanium-strong now!).

    I’ve not got back onto anything 2 wheel and motorised apart from a flirt on a 125 moped last summer in Spain.
    Having done that many, many times I'd highly recommend to do it if you can. Spain is one of my absolute favourite places to ride a bike.
    (I'd also recommend it to the OP of course once some miles are under the belt).
    There really is nothing like riding abroad, in Europe there's so much diversity in so little miles (or KM's)

    Quote Originally Posted by notenoughwrists View Post
    As said before, treat every single driver as if you are invisible and they are absolute drunken unpredictable idiots.
    Some will not be, but work on the lowest common denominator at all times!
    Good advice!

    Also I'd say to look to get some further training and keep on learning. Doing thqat improved me a whole load, and there are things I would have just not worked out without guidance, and I like to think I'm a reasonably capable rider/driver.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by chris2982 View Post
    Bike got delivered today and I am very happy!

    Theory test tomorrow and CBT booked in for the 4th of January.



    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk
    Brilliant. Enjoy!

    Pictures?

  26. #26
    Craftsman
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    Hope all goes well with the tests. You won’t regret getting a bike, that are great fun, I never came back off a ride without a ear to ear smile.
    Best of luck.


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  27. #27
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Roberto View Post
    Having done that many, many times I'd highly recommend to do it if you can. Spain is one of my absolute favourite places to ride a bike.
    (I'd also recommend it to the OP of course once some miles are under the belt).
    There really is nothing like riding abroad, in Europe there's so much diversity
    My thoughts exactly, we get the ferry and head for the sun, and if it starts raining just go to another country two or three weeks later just come back. We never plan anything apart from the outbound and inbound travel and make it up when we get up in the mornings. Next year I’m having to plan but first stop is Berlin for a reunion then maybe Bulgaria but we’ll see.


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  28. #28
    Master chris2982's Avatar
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    That's the theory passed!

    Next step the CBT. Should be interesting, not ridden a bike in over 20 years.

    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by chris2982 View Post
    That's the theory passed!

    Next step the CBT. Should be interesting, not ridden a bike in over 20 years.

    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk
    Well done! You're nearly there :D

  30. #30
    Master MakeColdplayHistory's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chris2982 View Post
    Next step the CBT. Should be interesting, not ridden a bike in over 20 years.
    Don't worry - it's... erm... 'like riding a bike'.

    Well over 20 years for me too. I guess one advantage I had was that I've been a riding mountain bikes for much of that 20 years so I'm used to bike handing but the clutch, gears and brakes came right back.

  31. #31
    Master W124's Avatar
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    Cold, dry winter days are a pleasure when you have good textiles and several quality underlayers.

    As you build confidence, maybe try some runs in damp, then wet conditions.

    It feels alien, but your skills and confidence will improve considerably as you begin to trust your tyres.
    You believe the bike is going to slip away from under you on every bend - it isn't 😁

    Modern bike tyres are amazing, and provide grip way beyond the abilities of most riders.

    Get your test done, and then keep learning and improving your observational and positional skills.

    The ROSPA bronze-gold scheme is well worth the investment.

    Have fun, stay safe !

  32. #32
    I've found newer riders are actually more capable/confident in the wet than those of us that learned to ride on Avon Roadrunners/speedmasters or cheap Chinese tyres in the 80's.

    The riders of today have always had lots of grip so don't think to slow down as much on corners

  33. #33
    Looks like a nice fun bike :)

    Good luck, and enjoy your rides!
    It's just a matter of time...

  34. #34
    Master chris2982's Avatar
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    Well, spent a few hours today washing the bike to prepare it for a ceramic coating.
    Was about 95% of the way through the panel prep, last stage before applying the ceramic coating and it starts to rain.
    At least I will only need to redo the panel wipe and then it's ready for the coating.

    Here's another pic.

    Cheers,
    Chris.

    Sent from my Nokia 8.3 5G using Tapatalk

  35. #35
    Looks great - makes me want to get my GS out for a ride. I hope the weather is clear for a traditional Christmas Day lap.
    It's just a matter of time...

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