clarke

Never ever had a problem with horses, whether on foot, bicycle, bike or car. I just slow down, give plenty of room and when safe distance passed proceed.as normal. I find people who actively block you filtering are slightly annoying, the occasional one who tries to force you off the road mildly irritating and those that drive like they want to kill you to be intolerable, such as those that look at you at junctions but pull out regardless, or those like the fella the other week who tried to undertake me whilst I was overtaking someone then swerved behind me and tried to drive on my pillion seat... Oh, and those who sit in the outside lane on my local dual carriageway when there's no-one about boil my pi$$ . To be honest they come in all shapes, sizes, colours and creeds, we just need to ride defensively and assume they're all out to get us...

I think he means one like on the fazer of the Kawasaki VN900 where you adjust the dial between 1-4 which moves the brake leaver slightly in or out

My 1300 has a top speed on the clock of 130mph. I've heard elsewhere it'll hit the peg on the speedo but I have no idea what the top speed is? I know my bike weighs a tad more than yours but if 700cc only gets me an additional 15mph that's not fantastic... My speedo is about 2-4 mph out compared to GPS

I'm also sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts go to you and your family.

I saw that one in Wigan and thought the same thing. For that price I'd want at least a 600cc bike with low mileage... Going back to the original question I'm not convinced a 250 dragstar is the right bike for motorway useage, as you'll be riding at relatively high revs compared to a bigger bike it won't do the engine any favours and I guarantee after 6 months you'll wish you had more cc's. I've got a 300cc scooter which is great for the commute through the city, and whilst it'll do motorway speeds it is not designed for it and you get battered by the wind, feel vulnerable and there's nothing left to get you out of trouble if you need it (you'll be surprised how many cars start to speed up as you start overtaking)

I have absolutely no idea, other than to suggest if you're on the motorways a lot perhaps you should consider a bigger XVS eg the 600, or fuel injected 950 both of which would be much more comfortable at speed than the 250?? May work out less hassle?

I hope not as my XVS125 would creep up to 70 flat out... I would check the carb joint for cracks and possibly the chain and sprockets to see if they're ok. That's about the limit of my technical abilities but I'm sure someone else can offer some advice

Our police are nowhere near military rule. True there's been some cases of cash for info etc, but if caught they do get sacked/imprisoned. When was the last time you saw random roadblocks and being asked for id, known of people get stopped by the police and never seen again. Obviously you've had bad experiences with some individuals perhaps? but on the whole the police do a great job in often difficult circumstances.

BUMP registration closes tonight (13 May) at Midnight - http://www.rideofhonour.co.uk/2012/

In court a policeman's word will count more than yours unless there's good evidence to the contrary. The reason for this is that we don't want scroates running around arguing the toss with the police all the time clogging up the courts. I myself have no problem with the police.

Hi there. Maybe Wemoto or ebay would be a good place to get you started?

B@st@rds!!!! Feel sorry for the young lad. I only ever go with companies/brokers I've heard of and always read reviews before I buy, but I can see why people get caught out when insurance companies bum rape young drivers.

I use Muc-off Miracle Shine on chrome and plastic, works great! Turtle Wax will be good too...

Sorry to hear about your problems. I don't mind paying for a mechanic to work on my bike, but if I get rubbish service I'll go elsewhere and advise all my friends to steer clear. Given your experience I'll make sure to tell everyone I know to avoid Graham's motorcycles in bradford. You do right to invest in some tools and start to learn about your bike. It may seem daunting to begin with but it's not as hard as it seems and there's always advice here. Oh, if you want a 2 stroke I recommend Chiselspeed Tuning in Berwick in Elmet, really friendly and helpful. Graham (no relation to the fella in Bradford!)

I guess it depends on what type of helmet you're after? Full face or modular (flip up)? For modular I can recommend Carberg helmets or Shoei helmets as I've used both brands and both were good. I'm sure everyone will be able to recommend a good helmet, but what's most important is it fits you well and is comfortable

I was with direct line, they only roll over NCB for 2 years. Most will count your time as a named driver when you come to get insured again.

I wouldn't put it past insurers to check tyre sizes and whether they're standard sizes, eg Bennetts state you must tell them if you use non-standard sizes http://www.bennetts.co.uk/policy/our-modification-quick-guide/ it's also worth remembering Metzeler in the US actively encouraged XVS1300 owners to use a 180/70-16 tyre but when I asked Metzeler UK if it was ok, they said they could not recommendit in the UK due to different rules and regs.

This may interest 1300 / 950 owners http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/news/avon-tyres-showcases-new-3d-ultra-sports-tyre-expo The Cobra is available in 170/70-16 (though not listed on their website yet)

As I'm on my phone (which is a pain to use) search 'XVS1300 tyres' and it'll link. In short the tyre manufacturers won't recommend larger tyre sizes eg 180/80 (even though they do in the US) and your insurance will be invalid unless you declare it. Avon are recommending a 180/65 tyre as compatible on the grounds they tested one in Germany but when I asked about it they didn't reply about insurance implications, just that they were developing a 170/70 and it should be out around April... I might chase this up as I think I need a new front tyre, and my choice will depend for the rear (there's lots of.choices for the front but you have to check the tread is ok with the rear tread) Also the XVS950 has same size rear...

Ok, depends where you want the cig socket... I have mine wired under the neck covers on the 1300 which allows me to run the sat nav on the go. It's wired direct to the battery so I can charge the phones etc when parked (camping). I'm unsure about a connection for the bags that's removable. I would guess the best place for the connection would be under the seat so they're out the way when not in use. You could maybe use T-tap connections or connection blocks depending on how easy you want to be able to remove? As for the handlebar switches I haven't found any yet but was thinking of trying a model shop for some (Maplin didn't have any). Remember in line fuses for all live wires. You may need to use relays for the more heavy loads

Hi there, unfortunately it's not as easy in the UK especially regarding insurance... We've discussed this before on here and I'll link later. However Avon reckon they're making a 170/70-16R tyre which should be out soon

Glad to hear you're putting it back on as it's not worth the risk for a few months til you pass your test. I don't know why you feel like a knob with L plates on, we've all been there and to be honest most bikers don't really notice L plates (in relation to street cred) but are just happy to see another person discover biking.

I heard the speed swerve test is on its way out next year... BUT they're introducing tests to graduate cc sizes...you don't get that in cars Madness.

I heard the speed swerve test is on its way out next year... BUT they're introducing tests to graduate cc sizes...

Not only is pinlock daytime use only, but it's loud as he'll... I use cold water (warm if stuck on bugs) and kitchen towel though I know I shouldn't use kitchen towel but rather microfiber cloths. Haven't cleaned my new helmet yet and will probably avoid kitchen towel this time...