bippo

[emoji41] bippo, airhead, finnerz

Ahh! Not see that bike, but then again I don't really know much about their model line or history other than the fact they supplied Ewan and Charlie instead of KTM and until recently had separate left/right indicator switches which seemed to hack people off! I though you were referring to this from Honda - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_NC700_series

See, I knew someone with a clue would come along soon enough!! Thanks Drewps.

I'm not sure I'm afraid - I'm probably the worst person you could ask (not mechanically minded in anyway...) However I do know of some people who have ceramic coated their exhausts. You can get it done in all sorts of colours which can look cool. Not cheap though and probably not worthwhile for the YBR. Not much help I'm afraid so sorry.

Yeah I think most of you guys thought I'd got their adventure bike, Airhead. This one is better for me - lower centre of gravity! I never quite felt confident enough with all the weight up so high on the Tiger, so I'm done with the adventure styling. Finnerz- that's a shame you should have given me a shout! Not sure what bike you were on but didn't see any STR's. Mind you if you were out on yours then I would have heard you before I'd seen you!!

No pics from my ride-out today. Went around my old stomping ground of the Peak District and had a full tank of fuel - so whilst it's incredibly picturesque, I have more than enough pics of it now! I only did around 100 miles, but this was the first time without any luggage on the bike so that was fun. Glorious weather - coldest I saw it drop to was 9 degrees at the top of Snake Pass. Loads of bikers out, along with the usual onslaught of recreational-ists - cyclists, hikers, car clubs, etc... so it was slow moving at times, but what else can I expect from a sunny Sunday in a National Park?! I am campsite my again tonight as I've got a half day of work tomorrow. So the bike is now waiting patiently with the panniers back on so I can make a smooth exit. Only snaps I have is the bike by my tent... Without luggage: And with: Nice and quiet at the site tonight as everyone left this morning. So just myself, some caravaners and a couple of tents, but I'm in a field all to myself. Cold night too in comparison to last night! I'm so glad I bought my down bag vs. synthetic as they just feel so inviting in comparison. I won't go cold tonight!

Cheap components I'm afraid - the big downside of a 125. My YBR also saw a winter with me and I too kept it clean but my exhaust was a rusty mess by the time I came to sell it. Unfortunately its the weak link on the bike. I always applied ACF50 and recommend that for any bike owner (Google it) but it just burns off a hot exhaust. I still used to apply it though as a 125 doesn't get as hot as a bigger bike. If the bike is a keeper then look for an aftermarket one of better quality. Otherwise just continue your best in trying to keep it clean. Sorry...

Welcome Ryan! I too came to biking late. Mind you - better late than never as they say! The YBR is a great bike and I'm sure you'll enjoy it all the more now the good weather is coming!

Thanks both. It has the same wet weight as my old Tiger - but a much lower centre of gravity. Feels heavy to push about but carries the weight well when you're riding. Yeah Blackie - I've moved away from the old adventure bikes now! It's nice to have a bike with some weather protection!

Hey guys - I've taken the opportunity to go camping this weekend - first time with the F800GT. Absolutely loving the fact it has luggage (compared with my Street Triple). Left Surrey this morning and took the minor roads up to a regular campsite of mine near Buxton. Weather is holding out so far. I've not had the greatest start to 2017 - so quite frankly it's just nice to chill at a campsite today, but tomorrow I'll head off for a bimble around and about (so any of my lovely Mancunian-based buddies feel free to give me a shout!). The bike is performing well so far - I was able to pack for a somewhat luxurious camping trip (chair, walking gear, all my food/drink and most importantly my coffee bean grinder and espresso maker!) Ample room to spare too which bodes well for longer trips in the summer. As I'm getting more used to the bike I'm finding it isn't perfect - it's a no-thrills good all-rounder, but I'm enjoying it all the same!

That video was just... mesmerising...

Then my hat doff tip to you Katie... (heated gloves or no heated gloves)!

Makes me shiver too... That was at the top of Woodhead Pass (A628) and the beginning of a jaunt down to London on our glorious M1... I had just been round Airheads house as he helped me fit handlebar risers. In the short ride round to his my jacket had frozen...!

I don't have much riding experience, but I too have done winter on a bike - with my YBR 125 and Tiger 800 I used to cross the Pennines each day for work (100 miles daily). That was fun at times... But my most suffering bike was the ill-equipped (for winter riding) Street Triple which was clocking up 600 miles of commuting distance a week. Anyway I realise now I've picked up the F800GT just how much a little bit a fairing drastically improves the long distance riding experience! Today I've done about 200 miles to get me back into the swing of 10 months without a bike and was loving the fact I didn't have to think about holding my head in place on fast roads, or that fact that when it rained I didn't get soaked, etc. However as with Cynic and Jimmy - I don't think I'll be going through the 2-wheeled winter motions again unless I absolutely need too. Why I did it before I don't really know as I've always had access to my own car... Perhaps it was just youthful enthusiasm at the thought of being on 2 wheels?! For example this weekend I was looking at camping with my bike but when I looked at the weather forecast I decided against it, even though it's only a bit of rain... I tip my hat to the folks who do ride through winter (through choice like me, or through no other option). However equally I can't blame those who buy the bike of their dreams and wish to treat it well by bringing it out on only the nicest of days. At the end of the day, like me my bike is a hobby and the car is just a given

Some work or art there - thanks for sharing, looks like you had a good day!

Thanks Drewps! No, this bike doesn't have storage in place of the tank - I think that's a Honda. I believe the air filter and battery are where the tank normally is on this bike as fuel goes under the seat. But it has some other well thought out designs which I'm looking forward to. Roll on Friday...!

Yeah I've moved away from the adventure bikes - the GS's are massive, much like your Caponord...!

Thanks Tommy - I'll do my best to be there! Finnerz- I was expecting a bus when I was heading to view it, but considering it's the same weight and seat height as my old Tiger 800, it really hides its size well. Smaller than I thought it would be and as it's a sports tourer the weight is MUCH lower down than the Tiger which I did find intimidating at times. What Aprilia do you have? How many bikes is that now?! Do you still have your ST?

Thanks Sacha!

I'm sure you all were Jimmy. Must have been really dull on here without me about... ha ha!

Cool - I'm sure you'll love it, and just as we're getting into the decent weather too... Perfect!

From one woman to another - welcome! They're a good bunch on here, so stick around! Good luck with your bike purchase (whatever capacity it ends up being) and do let us know. Plenty of guys on here who know their crumpets when it comes to cruisers so don't be afraid to ask away!

Thanks Airhead Don't laugh... (or judge!). I'm picking up a 2015 F800GT... Yes... I'm going to be cruising about on a BMW... But don't worry I did check that the indicators work - and I promise to use them! Got a good deal on it - brand new tyres, warranty, all the extras fitted - and specifically a full set of hard luggage which I'm most excited about. As you know I'll gladly take myself off on a random camping trip so it'll be nice to have more secure luggage for things. I'm also looking forward to some fairing - I'm still haunted by the state of my neck after battling my SaddleSore 1000 on the Street Triple...! Thanks for the welcome back Blackie! I hope all is well up in bonny Scotland.

Enjoy yourselves guys! Lots of piccies please!

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that I'm back in the fold... Picking up a bike this Friday so will officially be back on 2 wheels. Oh how I've missed it. Currently down in Surrey but hopefully I'll get a chance to meet up with the usual offenders at some point this year at Oil Can Cafe or Squires or wherever...! Hope everyone is keeping well.