captf

While this may or may not have been asked before, there's probably been newer members joining since then [like me!]... So, basically, what got down that road to a love or passion for bikes and biking? [and does anyone else get confused when your get odd people that that refer to bikes as those things without engines? (: ] My [long] story: For me, it's actually been a slow thing. Back in my mid 20s, I was living in the south coast of England [bournemouth], and I had some money. But for some foolish reason, I decided to put that money into the other choice of things to spend it on: drums. Wee mistake there. Never kept at it, as I ended up always living in flats, and not wanting to disturb neighbours. Flash forward ~8 years, and I finally had money again. Bikes more and more came up in conversation with friends and I kept talking about my poor choice in the past. The desire came full force after [shamefully?] getting hooked on Sons of Anarchy, along side shittier and shittier commutes to work. I made the decision that, if my car repairs started getting too high in its impending MoT, I'd say f...[wait, what's this forum's policy on swearing?] ..k it, and finally get my bike license. My car's MoT cost me £400 and a holiday to Germany. I booked my CBT the next day. Now, it wasn't the best of CBTs, as I had massive problems with the clutch control, largely due to misunderstanding instructions, and continually dumping it. This led to me dropping the bike almost straight away. While I passed the CBT [no idea how], I was left rather anxious about riding. I didn't want this to stop me yet, so gave myself a "2 lessons, see how it goes" After those 2 lessons, I was enjoying the riding, but still had clutch problems - no where near as bad. I did also manage to earn the nickname "Captain Chaos" from one of the instructors, due to being a bit unpredictable: "You're great 95% of the time. That other 5% has me chewing through my helmet!" Unfortunately, new money issues meant I couldn't do the lessons needed, and I didn't feel comfortable getting a bike on my own. It was 8 months before I was next able to get back to it. And, I wanted to do it right. I asked for a lesson where I could just stay in the yard and have my clutch control worked on. After about an hour, I was asked if I wanted to go on the road yet. Initially refusing, the instructor tells me to do a U-turn, in however wide a turn I wanted. I did. "You've just performed a turn in a space not much wider than a parking space... We're going on the road. You're ready" That lesson was probably the best decision I could have made. No longer fearing the clutch, I was able to enjoy the ride so much more. I'm still not licensed though, as a new job and city had me move before I could book any tests. But I'm almost there. I've found the love of filtering passed stopped cars in rush hour ["so long, suckers!"], and the thrill of taking a corner just right, and also realising how much better your own bike is, compared to the ones instruction centres have [gear changes... oh, my] That's my waffle over. Now tell us all yours! EDIT: And on the 2nd of October '14, I passed my test, with 4 minors.

It was the bulb. (: All the faff I did, trying to figure out what I'd done wrong, and it was the simplest thing... In honety, I'm not sure how I managed to break the bulb - I didn't go near the actual bulbs when repositioning it! Cheers for all the input and help.

While I don't want to risk myself with a battery [i'd probably shock myself (: ], I have just done a resistance check across the bulb terminals - high beam showed a closed circuit, while low beam was open. I think that, at least, I'll go get a couple of replacement bulbs: and if it's not that, at least I'll have spares.

Monton's just over the other side of the 602 from me? [Only been here a few months, and not done too much familiarising of the area] Got a busy few weeks ahead of me [mod 2 on Thursday. Eep], but may well take you up on the offer soon enough (:

The only reason to go through Glossop is when heading for Snake Pass!

I'm based out Eccles way, but work in the city

Cheers, I'm not actually sure how to test - or at least with any certainty. Which is where part of my problem lies, I guess. So, it's how do I actually use the meter to test? Do I want to do a resistance check, or voltage? Should I have the engine running when I do it - and should the bulb be in or out at the time? I feel I'm asking stupid questions around it, but I'd rather have a proper idea before doing something that could accidentally damage it worse [if that's even capable of happening] It was a bit of a squeeze getting the headlight unit back in to the frame, so I could feasibly of damaged the wire...

[Now fixed] Waffling preamble! I've got a '12 plate YBR 125, and my housemate was complaining that my dipped lights were blinding her while riding behind. Looking at the angle of the headlight, it was quite straight, so I could see how it'd be possible. Therefore, I decided to adjust it. 5 minute job, slight tilt down. Done. Except now I have no dipped headlights, and I have no idea what's gone wrong. Main beam still works without any issue, as does the sidelight. What I do know is: both filaments of the bulb are still in good condition No obvious corrosion at any of the contacts What I'm trying to find out - in an "explain it like I'm stupid" style way, how to determine what's wrong - and just as importantly, how I managed to break it. Available tools are the usual sockets and screwdrivers, and a multi-meter [in case it's electrical]. I've got the Haynes manual too, but it done be confumbling me! Tar for any advice! [Actual problem: bulb was gone.]

Hola all! Recently got myself a 12 plate YBR125 [even though I have my mod 2 very soon] primarily for commuting, so I thought I'd join in here. I'm Farrell, living in Manchester, but originally from those lands up North called "Scotland" And, I hope to gain some wisdom from you all [shiny side goes on the bottom, right?] during my visits here Now, I just need to decide on a profile picture...