Si_Co

Hi guys, I have recently passed my CBT and bought a new YBR125. I am no spring chicken and a bit of a wide load, so I find my rear view somewhat restricted. Has anybody found a work-around for this problem? replacement mirrors of extended stems etc? That will fit my bike. I have looked around the inter-webs and local motorbike shops but, as yet haven't found the solution. So I thought I'd come to the experts, one of you fine fellows, or fellesses must have the answer. Looking forward to your replies, Si.

Hey guys, Thanks a lot for the warm welcome and all the advice. I went out for a nice long ride this afternoon, cold but dry. Much more confident. I think it is a head thing. Inside and out. What I mean by that is, I bought a new, lighter weight, open face helmet today. I originally bought one of those flip down jobbies when I bought the bike and it is really heavy and constricting compared to the open face one. I have a wider field of vision, its easier to turn my head to the sides and check my blind spots and I can hear much better. As to the inside of the head, well, I watched "The worlds fastest Indian" last night, what an inspiration old Burt is/was. Talk about inspire confidence. I think it's more the dark mornings and evenings that make me more hesitant than the weather, actually. Like I said, riding in the daylight on a dry road, even in London traffic, felt a whole load better today. Do you have to use your foot brake when doing hill starts? I have been finding it easier hold the bike on the hand brake as the right hand naturally releases the brake as the throttle is applied and the clutch let out. If I did that on my test would I get marked down for it? I don't want to get into the habit if it's a definite no no. Have a good weekend all. I look forward to your replies.

Wotcha everyone. My name is Si and I'm new to the club. I decided to do my CBT at the begining of November having never ridden a motorbike before, to satisfy my mid-life crisis. That is not as bad as it sounds. Kids have grown up and are going to Uni, leaving me, a single middle-aged bloke, with loads of time on my hands (I do shift work) and working through a bucket list. I was talked into buying the YBR125 by the bloke in the shop where I bought my helmet and gear from. I've only done about 300 of the 600 running in miles and have to keep the rev's low, but thats just as well, as I am using the bike to commute the 8 miles to work and back plus the odd weekend fun run. I am still trying to build my confidence on the road, which is hard on these cold, wet, mornings and evenings with some impatient motorist trying to drive up my 'Ah, Sole'. Cornering / Bends, in the wet still makes me crap myself as I am hypersensitive about sliding and falling off. Still can't judge how fast I can do it, so end up going about 5mph. Hill starts are another thing that can get me flustered, especially at lights with loads of cars behind. A mate told me to 'Claim the road' and drive in the middle, otherwise people will try to wiz past and cut you up. Still, its early days yet, every day in every way etc Any advice on cornering in the wet, hill starts, clearing wet visors etc would be appreciated. All the best. Si