bippo

2012 Yamaha YBR125 2013 Triumph Tiger 800 Short list, lol!! Might be adding another to it soon though...

I did my Direct Access just over a year ago. From my point of view - driving for just over 10 years also. I got a YBR and started my commute into work. My commute was an 80 mile round trip, over the Pennines and into the centre of Leeds. Quite a learning experience - especially in winter as I rode all year (expect in snow and ice). Add to that the fact that most weekends I'd go out for 150 / 200 mile jaunts. Loved it - what a great bike. However, unlike most folk on here, I didn't have any biker friends or family, so no one to really learn from and ask the stupid questions (which I still have now). I decided to do DAS because I'm older and really rather dull so felt it would be ok, even though it unlocks the door to any bike of your dream (assuming you can afford the insurance!) I went and saw the instructor first to check out their credentials etc. It was clear the bloke I learned with wasn't in it for a fast buck. He let me go out for a spin on an old Suzuki 500cc bike he still had from before the licence changes - free of course. With that done he told me what he thought I needed. I honestly can't remember now, but it was a handful of lessons and obviously use of his ER-6n. So off I went to do my theory - aced that, it's very easy. Then within no time Module 1 then 2 were out the way. So was it worth it? For me, most definitely. If I was you I wouldn't cut corners to save a few buck. It's easier to go through a school as you're insured with them and they have the bike etc. But that aside, I learned more detail around aspects such as braking etc, and the lessons were fun - we'd head out into the countryside then stop for a tea while he told me brilliant stories and taught me more theory. I thank him for getting me through both first time and would recommend him to any other local. So I went straight out and bought a larger bike (Tiger 800) and have never looked back. I'm now commuting into Central London with a grin on my face that I took the time to get my licence. Well that and my work gave me a private parking space, lol! I get to take a ride in a car lift and can leave my bike in safety away from the hustle and bustle of London's manic roads! Money well spent, and better to do it now before your CBT expires or they change the rules again!!

Hope you're ok Laura.

Cafe racer... I can see the toaster fitting on that more than a streetfighter... Although either would be good fun I'm sure. Enjoy your next project!

Tommy rode one for his off-road competition win. Maybe he could part with some advice? They certainly seem popular enough out there on the road. Is there a certain style of bike you're interested in Mike? Sport tourer, adventure bike etc? Or is it just a case of something that is fun and more than capable of longer jaunts?

Sweet Jesus man...! Ha ha! Maybe I'll let you try it at Squires... ;-) Hmm...

Okey dokey... I'll try and be as honest as I can... But please note that this is my first big bike, so other than learning on a Kawasaki ER-6n, I can't really compare it against any other 'proper' bike. GOOD POINTS - Build quality. Mine is used all year round and stored outside. Doesn't really get cleaned much but still looks cracking after I do clean it. It's also now currently used on a daily commute into Central London - 600 miles a week but you wouldn't know it to look at it. - The headlight. Wow... - Entertainment factor. The engine has such a good torque range - it'll pull in any gear, with ease. It's also silky smooth, including the gearbox. - Adjust the rear shock and carrying a pillion is effortless. And that's me saying that with minimal experience. The moment you start moving the weight disappears. On that point of view, users on the Tiger forum comment on how comfortable they say their pillions find the bike. - I've yet to notice any effect of having the bike loaded with luggage, still handles as if it doesn't have anything on board. - Customer service from Triumph. I have needed to use them personally myself, but I always read comments on how they fix out of warranty issues free of charge. - Mine has 11,000 miles on it within a year. I needed to adjust the chain once in that time but other than that it's just followed standard service intervals and not caused me any issues. BAD POINTS - Service costs. But perhaps a moot point if you're handy with a spanner. The bike is easy enough to work on. - The screen. It's a common complaint amongst buyers, but please appreciate the many variables and also the fact that adventure bikes aren't really aerodynamic. Personally for me it works, although I have installed a screen extender so that I can keep my visor up on the motorway. - The stepper motor can be a bit of a bugger if it gets dusty - and this can prevent the bike from starting. Mine has only bothered me once, but others have had it pack up altogether. That said, it all appears to have been fixed free of charge, even when out of warranty. - The stock tyres on the road version (can't comment on the XC) are pretty terrible. Some people replace them straight away. I got 7,000 miles out of mine before swapping to PR4's. For someone who is only on the road these tyres are fantastic and completely transformed the bike. It no longer gets sucked into grooves in the road, tips into bends better, allows you to lean over more and provides greater confidence in wet conditions. However I will add that I never lost grip with the stock tyres and I road them through winter. If we lived closer, I'd happily let you take mine for a spin or come and view it. Just let me know if you have any other questions as I doubt I've included everything! I love the bike and if I had the space and money I'd keep it, but I have to admit I'm currently looking for something smaller and lighter to make the London commute a little easier. I'm gutted, but if have to make a choice at the end of the day.

It's ok Slice - there'll be a Tesco nearby. What's the saying? Never more than 20ft from a Tesco. Or is it a rat? Na I'm sure it's Tesco. Both pests either way.

What everyone above is saying is correct - practice. What I've also learned is that gearboxes on little bikes like that aren't as refined as bigger bikes, so once you take your full test this will become very apparent! However, as an aside it is documented on the net (and even on old threads in this forum) that YBR users have had similar issues as you've described. Even me. I don't really see this question for other 125's or even geared 50's - so don't beat yourself up too much, as there must be *something* quirky with the bike. Sure some of the seasoned professionals on here will disagree with that, but it's just my personal view. Here are a few pointers to consider (based on my experience with the YBR): - mine was bought new and the gearbox only settled after the initial service which is just an oil change. Honestly the bike was so completely different and suddenly the 2nd gear issue disappeared. If you bought yours second hand, it may be that the initial service wasn't done; some folk don't look after these little bikes. A different oil is used you see. - if you let the chain get a little too slack, getting it into second can be a pig - so check that as per the manual. - as said by others, it could be technique, but also consider the fact it has a simple gearbox so will require a more conscious effort. Definitely practice your shifting. - if all else fails, I noticed mine would glide into second if I wound it up to 7000rpm. Honestly, it was such a smooth change. Any more or less and it would play up. Hope that contains some useful info...

Not now he has a new lady in his life - I've been kicked to the curb again...

I'm more than pleased Tommy; I think I'm in love, ha ha!! Is that the Tiger Sport your friend had, or a different one?

Glad to hear things are progressing for you Drewps.

Agreed, lessons are completely worth it - I gained a lot from mine. Just because you think you're good, doesn't mean you actually are.

Did a trip around Wales yesterday. Riding for 12 hours around A and B roads, clocking up 550 miles. It was a verrrrrry long day once you factor in the stops I also made. Just couldn't stop riding, which is fine if that's what you want, but in another country I'm guessing you'll want to stop and soak up the atmosphere a little more. Very important to keep topped up with fluids, especially when it's as warm as it was yesters!

His mad skillz make me jealous.

Thanks all! Definitely sad to be leaving this neck of the woods, tis a lovely place, but you never know what the future holds. Andrew - I'll be moving back to Surrey for the time being and working in Central London, Fleet Street in fact. Used to work in Holborn, and it's really not for me, but much rather that than be jobless, plus the pay rise covers additional expenditure.

I have some good news folks, and a massive relief - I FOUND ANOTHER JOB!! So tonight is a celebration, and I'm hoping for the rest of this week I can get away somewhere on my bike as a celebration - still need to iron out the kinks there... But aside from that, I'm so relieved that I found another job so soon after my redundancy. When I was offer the safety of another job (albeit in Cirencester), and I chose the risk of becoming jobless, it's sure paid off! On the plus side it's a promotion, larger company and more money. The downside is that we'll be leaving Glossop and moving back down South, as I'll once again be working in the big smoke... Never mind. Assuming I can still make it to Squires in September, then drinks are on me folks! Now, where's the champagne...

I know it isn't a motorbike, but my classic Mini had a certificate supplied to my insurance company from my garage who valued it's worth. My insurance company requested some proof from an "expert", it was as easy as that.

THE most inspirational thing that's come out of you Kev. Feeling ok? I jest of course, ha ha! Lovely man...

Stick with the job you love and enjoy. It'll keep you mentally and physically happier than a desk job.

150 - 250 per day is pretty good - allows you to enjoy things and take the interesting roads. Done 700 once, granted it was in winter, but it was no fun. Numb ass and cold set in. I found myself stopping somewhere in Doncaster, but unable to get off my bike I was that cold. When I eventually did, I hugged a hand dryer in the toilets. Terribly irresponsible, so not recommended - lesson learned and I'm saving for warmer gear for next winter! But anyway, classy bird all the same...

Coke cleared the oil leak from my parents driveway without the need to scrub. Left it overnight and just hosed it off. Tesco Value Coke, ha ha! Only cost 12p back then too. Surprised it's actually deemed safe for human consumption actually...

That's really good Drewps. My old Mini had an agreed value with the insurance company and takes so much stress away for any such incidents.

Really sorry to hear this Drewps, but glad you faired ok. Shame about the bike, but I trust you'll get that sorted again soon.

Well you've certainly earned it Mike! Enjoy retirement, and Happy Birthday also.