bippo

That's a good point. Back at college my ex always had an emergency fiver hidden in his wallet. His bike would run forever on a fiver of fuel!

I'm about 700 mlies away from my 3,500 mile service. You're right, it does seem like an eternity away!

Morning, I'm still getting my head around this too... I'm not sure about your other half as it appears she has done her full test on a 125, mod 1 before the changes and mod 2 after the changes. I have no idea if that affects things. To be on the safe side, I'd ask the bike school she did this with, they'd be able to give you a definite answer. Sorry I can't be of more help. However, I found the following article which is written in simple terms. It may be of some use to other people out there who read this thread. Sorry, you'll have to zoom in, it was the best picture I could get.

Hey blackhat - I decided I wanted something new (for reliability), as well as cheap and the YBR came up tops. Not the most exciting bike out there, but its good enough for what I need right now. Seat height wasn't an issue for me on the DT, if anything the YBR is a little too cramped in the legs on longer journeys. Once I get my full license and a house with a garage I'm hoping I'll be able to get a larger CC bike and something like a DT too. Just need to get saving...!

I'm probably coming at this from a different angle as I have a new bike... As a result, just the bike tools, an RAC membership card and mobile. I'm just on L plates and have a car so am rarely too far away from home on my bike. So far (finger crossed) I've only ever had a puncture which RAC managed to plug so I could get on my way. Before I leave the house I sense check my tyres, chain and lights, as well as letting the bike warm up (especially in the cold). I like to think they go some way in helping matters...!

That looks sweet. So tempted to buy a DT, especially when seeing examples like this. A DT was the first bike I ever rode in Portugal, I loved it.

Welcome to the forum!

Hey and welcome to the forum! Would be a good idea to post a project thread in the relevant section - there are many knowledgeable people on here who'd love to help out.

Mine used to slip out of second and into neutral. But then I realised it was just my poor technique. I bought my bike new, so it took a while for the gearbox to loosen up, but now it has I find it very robust. The first 600 mile service made such a difference.

Hey and welcome to the forum!

Hey and welcome to the forum. I've got a YBR too, cracking little bike. Thanks for sharing pictures.

Thanks for the tips there! I've got my sandwich bags to hand, already discovered my tank bag is really just shower proof... Luckily the phone survived!

Well someone has to look out for the older generation... ;-) And likewise, when I finally(!) get to retire, it'll be safe in the knowledge that the next generation will be working well into their 80's. I shall sink into my wingback chair with a smug look on that day!

Great advice Pat, thanks for that. Thanks, that's really kind of you! I have enough luggage space based on the test pack. The tank bag you see in the picture actually doubles up as a tail pack if required which I would do, but I'm using it to read a map as I don't have sat nav. I know Cornwall quite well as used to surf there so am more than happy with a map. I've already planned out my route and can easily remember the roads and towns I should pass in lieu of motorway use. I've already picked out a campsite which is owned by a couple with their own bikes, so I am in good company! They also have free access to charging points for my mobile etc so I'm not going to bother putting a 12v plug on my YBR. Sounds like you've done this before! Great advice there, especially the cable ties for extra securing on the bike.

Brilliant! I pray that'll be me when I'm 70 Airhead!

Hey and welcome to the forum!

Hey Drewpy - yeah I've stumbled across that bike during numerous Internet searches! Thanks for sharing though. I am just praying for the weather to get better soon so I can go out on practice runs and stay at nearby campsites. This will be the first time I've ridden a motorbike with panniers etc so I just want to ensure all is ok. I've done the obvious things like ensuring they are very similar weights and packing heavier items at the bottom, but I just want to load up the bike and go for a good long run. Stupid weather...!

I just have some cheap Halfords foot pump, doesn't take two seconds - and that includes the car. Glad you managed to get them pumped up, it makes such a difference.

Congratulations to you! Not too far off now eh?! I'm revising for my theory now, just need to get it booked.

Brilliant! December included the full cheesy Christmas soundtrack rattling around my lid. I'm ashamed to say...

As a pillion I'm never without music. As a rider I've never tried it, but the silence doesn't bother me. Once I have my full licence and I'm racking up more miles I'll probably end up getting a Bluetooth thingy for my helmet. But would make sure it's something I can turn off easily when needed. At the moment I use earplugs. Took a bit of getting used to, but really does reduce noise and stops my head buzzing at the end of a longer jaunt. However, as Slice said, you can't turn them off. I've been caught out at a petrol station where someone decided to talk to me from across the forecourt and I didn't have a clue what they were saying. It was a pain in the arse. If you go down the earplug route I wouldn't recommend buying those cheap yellow tube ones. I instead picked up a pair of Oxford Moldex ones. Still cheap, but a better shape design. I squeeze them into a narrow shape instead of rolling them as they spring back faster. Also if you're pushing them in and making them squash up, then you haven't done it right and they will irritate you. You instead want them to slide into the ear canal comfortably and then leave them to return to their normal shape. That way they will stay in place for hours, and cut out more noise.

Completed my test pack today now that I have everything ready. Managed to fit bike gear, camping and cooking equipment, clothes and washing stuff into my panniers and tank bag for a 5 day adventure. The panniers are both 15 litre capacity and the tank bag is 4 litres. I have packed as minimally as possible, but without completely going without. There is still plenty of room in my tank bag which is great. All of this means I've met my target of travelling with just the tent strapped to the luggage rack, giving me plenty of room to move about. Next up are a couple of weekend test runs to make sure my set up works for me before getting the bike serviced and heading off for the real adventure!

Can't believe I forgot about that show! Class...

Bump... My last few bits of camping equipment have arrived today so I'm going to test pack tomorrow. I've been reviewing my list and cutting out anything I can do without. Once some of the nicer weather comes along I'll be doing a few weekend test runs to nearby campsites. Can't wait!

Cheeky swine...