Funtime Dave

Long time no post....been having fun on my 125DT which has taken a good number of years off me. My first bike so probably about to ask for real numpty questions. Bike has some rust on it as you would expect just wanted a heads up on what I should be doing to look after things. Wheels/Spokes - got rust. I have bough some wire brushes. Once I have got the rust off anything I should be coating them in? Any advice for getting off the rust. Frame - got rust - Again any advice for getting off the rust and what to do after. Presume should paint but wondered if there is any specific paint I should be avoiding or getting Chain - I got chain lube which I apply when the chain gets dry, using a bit of carbaord to stop the spray getting anywhere it shouldn't Anything else I should be doing on a regular basis. I am probably a one spanner man at the moment hoping to get up to two spanner jobs soon. I bought the Haynes manual and have had a local independent fella give the bike a once over just to keep an eye on things. Appreciate any help offered.

Well I guess I should update my post. Failed my CBT .......... there was a lack of ability on my part....never ridden a bike ever either geared or automatic and coupled with me being a mal corde and dodgy instructors it all went a bit pear shaped. They just seemed to want to rush through things with the day being adevrtised as 9-5 but it didn't start till 10.30 and they were looking to finish by 3pm latest. On positive I have since PASSED my CBT(with same company at a reduced rate) however i think the company was a bit dodge. On the last part on the road we literally spent 30 minutes max on the road before we went back and got given our certificates?? I thought it was meant to be two hours minimum. Place had dodgy equipment as well really not impressed - anyway done now - I can focus on getting some proper training and pottering around some empty car parks. Bike has arrived - looking smart - sadly it doesn't fit done my side alleyway so now sitting on driveway with two bloody big padlocks round the front and back wheels and metal fence. I will get some pictures up possibly next weekend. Wheels have a lot of rust on them - hoping this ain't a problem and will get busy with a wire brush - any advice? Cheapest insurance seems to be either e-bike or bennets. E bike are a £100 cheaper but bennets seem more established - again any advice on insurance. I guess I should move this kinda stuff out of the new member forum. Anyway thanks for the hellos. Failing my CBT felt like something no one really talks about like a hidden secret but all good now I passed just gotta man up and get on the road.

Cheers for the replies guys. Will check out the brands mentioned and have a bit of a barter over the price. Helmet wise (no sniggering at the back)...Am looking to spend max a ton fifty...was deffo lookin at full face and maybe the http://www.thebikerstore.co.uk/products/Caberg-V2RR-Matt-Black.html. Anyone got any recommendations to try out. I have read up about making sure it fits just looking for some people's experiences with certain brands at that kind of budget etc etc.

Cheers fella - yeah thanks for the advice. Mate was saying the A3 is pretty chocca in the mornings so there is a procession of bikes filtering...I am hoping safety in numbers. Was looking at maybe a route through Richmond Park to avoid the A3...not sure yet. Being new I have a whole heap of questions from clothing, security to just general bike maintenance. Where is a good place to ask .... I will try and limit as I don't want to just bowl into the forum and then ask a shitload of advice...dunno is that okay? My brother in law is a bike fiend he loves 'em...,,so he is giving me some heads up....he was saying maybe check out JnS superstore in New Malden.....appreciate can probably pick up kit cheaper on ebay but hesitant to do that without trying it all first since starting from a low knowledge base. Am thinking the buy once, buy right approach even if means a few more bucks. Any views on RST for textiles he was bigging up the paragon range but then he does a proper motorway commute and a lot of social riding. Man is it wrong that I dream of my new bike.......I really can't wait to get on it.....hope I ain't been ripped off by the dealer

Hello Well I have achieved a boyhood ambition and bought myself a Yamaha DT. Picked up a 2004 model RE with 9,000 miles on the clock. I am a complete and utter novice. Never ridden before but a new job and possible commute has given me a chance to justify the purchase. (Surprising the guvnor said I could get one...>I thought she would object) Got my CBT booked for Saturday, have done a taster session and absolutely loved it so fingers crossed it all goes well. Am based around Surrey and will be commuting to Putney. Am too old but since I wee lad I always wanted a red and white 125 DT but never really followed it through. Now I have a blue and white one but that'll do me. Apologies in advance I I will no doubt be asking some numpty questions in the future. I have had a good look around the forum and boy there is some knowledge here and admiring people's projects. Anyway probably enough from me. Hope I can contribute in some way Cheers