Katie1

Makes sense, thanks Slice. Managed the 'relaxing grip' bit on the open road, it was riding through towns and stuff (loads of clutch, some brake ) that was the killer. Will have to practice the Status Quo dance and try and get some strength in my thumbs!

Ok, I realise that I am just asking for trouble, following this one but have a question. Bought some Grip Puppies off Ebay (£13.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grip-Puppies-/200830685104?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2ec2710fb0 ) and fitted them on Sunday to our bikes. Was pleased to find out that fitting was actually easier than the video on youtube made out! Anyway, we took them for a bit of a run that afternoon and found out several effects: 1. Massive reduction in vibration through the bars 2. Better grip (dur) gave more control 3. Thumbs now feel like they've been broken and reset, badly 4. Shoulders are killing me The first two are great results but not so keen on the second two Did anybody else have this, or similar, and did they get over it quickly? Or is it just we're too girly to ride bikes?

Haynes: Prise away plastic locating pegs... Translation: Snap off... I really wish that one wasn't so familiar...

Ouch. More positive thoughts coming her way. Hope she is okay and recovers well.

Foamy love? I fear I shall run out of brain bleach shortly...

Example 1. Things not to read at work and then have to explain why you're laughing...

Yet hauntingly familiar. Can't quite place my finger on it...

I'm scared...

I've just shared that with loads of people but I don't think any of them will thank me for it...

Nice, glad you're up and running again. Finding and replacing the dodgy wire has already raised you well above my mechanic/electrician standards

At the risk of sounding really patronising, have you checked the kill switch? Not that I've ever done that Or replaced the starter solenoid before realising that I'd only run out of petrol...

Done. Why do people move next to a racetrack and then complain about the noise?

Try this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Givi-Monorack-to-fit-Top-Boxes-to-Yamaha-FZ8-Fazer-800-2010-366FZ-M5-Plate-/171067472550

Bugger. I knew what you meant

Ooh, how about a GS500? Low seat height, really narrow seating position (great feeling for stability if you're not very confident), light weight and fab V twin engine. Usually available dirt cheap. The brakes are made of wood but apart from that, they're great!

Hey, I like pink myself. Just most girls would relocate your exhaust if you suggested pink bike/leathers etc for them just 'cos they're girls. Personally, my fantasy garage won't be complete until I have a 1098 and a MGS-01kitted out in Lady Penelope pink...

Wasn't funny the first time...

Cagiva Raptor, Ducati Monster, Kawasaki ER6, Suzuki Gladius (the original SV is not that short). And that's without lowering kits or, heaven forbid, a cruiser! She might want to take a peek at the Curvy Riders website as a lot of the girls have had to find/adjust bikes for the not-so-tall. Not sure if Yamaha ever bothered?

Yay! Well done, look forward to hearing your tales of derring-do and near misses (at least, that was the way I went about things!)

This one gets me every time I see it. http://youtu.be/b-gn0szhRz4 Not that a group of bikers would ever be like this, oh no, definitely not... The original is still good though http://youtu.be/dLjNzwEULG8

Well, it's a hose connector but might have a proper name?

Yay! Well done!

I started off (fairly) sensibly at 16 but seemed to get more stupid as I went along! I'm better now, honest ...

Glad you survived that! Living in Oxford, I would have just stalled it before being splatted at a light. Here's hoping there weren't any cameras Guessing that, if your cable needed tightening, it had already stretched a fair bit. Could just have been at the end of it's life?

Has anyone tried these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-Hand-guards-Integrated-Indicators-Suitable-For-Yamaha-XJ6-XJ6N-/181060025101?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2a2804bb0d Was thinking about the Acerbis Dual Road handguards but thought these might be a suitable (and cheaper) alternative? Less concerned about crash protection, more worried about keeping my paws a bit warmer