The friendly "dumb" bike questions thread
Discussion
Don't forget to tell the bloke recovering your bike from an attempted theft that besides it being unrideable due to a busted top yoke and steering lock that the reason he's able to get some business off you is down to the abus disk lock still attached to the front disk as as attempts to wheel it away... Crunch.. There goes the front mudguard too.
Always remove your disklock before moving your bike or riding off!
Always remove your disklock before moving your bike or riding off!
Great thread, thanks for starting it. I have my CBT and DAS booked for July and I'm full of stupid questions already....
- I love the look of the naked bikes, current shortlist for first bike is either a Monster 821 Dark or a Triumph Street Triple R. Is this a stupid idea for a first bike? I don't want a s
t first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust.
- With a textile jacket (high collar) and helmet, is my neck going to get cold? What do people use if it's bit fresh out? Neck sleeve? Balaclava?
- I cycle a lot, and the brakes on my road bike are st. I am often worried that I won't be able to stop in time. What is heavy braking on a motorbike like? Is it easy to lock the front/back wheel and/or both?
- I have a strange paranoia about dropping the front end on diesel or a wet road, probably stemming from doing it whilst cycling. Put my mind at rest please!
- Should I get a jacket with a back protector in it? What about elbow protectors?
- I have two young kids, am I being selfish for wanting a bike license? Does it make me an irresponsible parent putting myself in danger?
- I don't want to wear full leather and have to completely change into normal clothes at the office. Are there protective jeans that you can wear all day with a t-shirt? Same goes for boots. I am lucky that I'm the boss so can wear whatever I want (within reason).
- Rucksack or decent messenger bag? By decent messenger bag I mean something like a Chrome Industries NYC style bike messenger back with a twin strap setup.
- Sunglasses or tinted visor? Are mirrored visors silly?
- Bluetooth headphones inside helmet, yes or no?
Thanks in advance!
- I love the look of the naked bikes, current shortlist for first bike is either a Monster 821 Dark or a Triumph Street Triple R. Is this a stupid idea for a first bike? I don't want a s
t first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust. - With a textile jacket (high collar) and helmet, is my neck going to get cold? What do people use if it's bit fresh out? Neck sleeve? Balaclava?
- I cycle a lot, and the brakes on my road bike are s
t. I am often worried that I won't be able to stop in time. What is heavy braking on a motorbike like? Is it easy to lock the front/back wheel and/or both? - I have a strange paranoia about dropping the front end on diesel or a wet road, probably stemming from doing it whilst cycling. Put my mind at rest please!
- Should I get a jacket with a back protector in it? What about elbow protectors?
- I have two young kids, am I being selfish for wanting a bike license? Does it make me an irresponsible parent putting myself in danger?
- I don't want to wear full leather and have to completely change into normal clothes at the office. Are there protective jeans that you can wear all day with a t-shirt? Same goes for boots. I am lucky that I'm the boss so can wear whatever I want (within reason).
- Rucksack or decent messenger bag? By decent messenger bag I mean something like a Chrome Industries NYC style bike messenger back with a twin strap setup.
- Sunglasses or tinted visor? Are mirrored visors silly?
- Bluetooth headphones inside helmet, yes or no?
Thanks in advance!
Mac. said:
* I love the look of the naked bikes, current shortlist for first bike is either a Monster 821 Dark or a Triumph Street Triple R. Is this a stupid idea for a first bike? I don't want a st first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust.
t first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust. - With a textile jacket (high collar) and helmet, is my neck going to get cold? What do people use if it's bit fresh out? Neck sleeve? Balaclava?
- I cycle a lot, and the brakes on my road bike are st. I am often worried that I won't be able to stop in time. What is heavy braking on a motorbike like? Is it easy to lock the front/back wheel and/or both?
- I have a strange paranoia about dropping the front end on diesel or a wet road, probably stemming from doing it whilst cycling. Put my mind at rest please!
- Should I get a jacket with a back protector in it? What about elbow protectors?
- I have two young kids, am I being selfish for wanting a bike license? Does it make me an irresponsible parent putting myself in danger?
- I don't want to wear full leather and have to completely change into normal clothes at the office. Are there protective jeans that you can wear all day with a t-shirt? Same goes for boots. I am lucky that I'm the boss so can wear whatever I want (within reason).
- Rucksack or decent messenger bag? By decent messenger bag I mean something like a Chrome Industries NYC style bike messenger back with a twin strap setup.
- Sunglasses or tinted visor? Are mirrored visors silly?
- Bluetooth headphones inside helmet, yes or no?
- Get the bike you want. Not the want you think you should get.
- The best neckwarmer ever: https://store.hughesstorehouse.co.uk/Item_i780028
- Motorbike brakes, generally speaking, are the most over-provisioned element of the bike. Having said that, as your anticipation skills develop, you'll probably find yourself using them less. Also, ABS is a GOOD thing.
- Ride to the conditions. If the roads are stty and wet, it's probably not the best time to get your knee down. Modern bike tyres are pretty amazing.
- No
- Yes, Dainese and Alpinestars both do a huge 'urban' line containing jeans, boots and jackets which sound like what you want
- Rucksack
- Your choice. Tinted visors have always worked for me. Mirrored visors if you really enjoyed the 1990s.
- Bluetooth intercom in your helmet and ear plugs. Do not underestimate the damaging effect of wind noise
Adding another perspective to Mac's questions - I have recently returned to bikes after a lengthy lay-off. I use mine - Monster 821 dark - mainly for commuting into London but also for fun at weekends.
I agree with Rawwr's answer to get the bike you want. Try some - most decent dealers will give you a test ride once you have done your DAS. You may be surprised and end up buying something you did not even think about initially. I was definitely getting a Triumph Street Triple or a BMW F800R sport. So I ended up with a Monster! The Triumph was an insurance nightmare, the BMW just didn't feel right, the Monster did and there was a great finance deal (plus it is loud which helps in London traffic).
With regard to your other questions:
1. Your neck may get cold so just get a snood
2. The brakes are good - ABS is pretty standard now so pull the lever and try not to go over the bars! Get used to using your rear brake as well, especially around town
3. It can happen - just ride according to the conditions
4. Get as much protection as you can but make sure it is not so restrictive that you can't move around.
5. Not unless you have a bad accident
6. I have a textile and a leather jacket. I have protective jeans but not cheap ones - they cost more than leather jeans. However, they have knee and hip armour, are fully abrasion resistant, are waterproof and wind proof whilst also being breathable in hot weather. Sounds like witchcraft but I have used them in all weather conditions and they really work - fortunately not tested the abrasion or armour! Perfect for me but then I am commuting and generally travelling at 30mph or less. If I was going out regularly for country lane blasts I would be in full leathers - there is a reason why racers wear them!
7. I use a rucksack - mainly because it is luminous yellow so a good hi-viz accessory without having to wear a naff looking vest
8. Sunglasses for me with normal visor
9. Earplugs for me
Hope the above helps a bit. Just my opinion - there will be plenty of others with totally different views. At the end of the day, if you are on two wheels, warm and comfy and enjoying it, then the world is a good place!
I agree with Rawwr's answer to get the bike you want. Try some - most decent dealers will give you a test ride once you have done your DAS. You may be surprised and end up buying something you did not even think about initially. I was definitely getting a Triumph Street Triple or a BMW F800R sport. So I ended up with a Monster! The Triumph was an insurance nightmare, the BMW just didn't feel right, the Monster did and there was a great finance deal (plus it is loud which helps in London traffic).
With regard to your other questions:
1. Your neck may get cold so just get a snood
2. The brakes are good - ABS is pretty standard now so pull the lever and try not to go over the bars! Get used to using your rear brake as well, especially around town
3. It can happen - just ride according to the conditions
4. Get as much protection as you can but make sure it is not so restrictive that you can't move around.
5. Not unless you have a bad accident
6. I have a textile and a leather jacket. I have protective jeans but not cheap ones - they cost more than leather jeans. However, they have knee and hip armour, are fully abrasion resistant, are waterproof and wind proof whilst also being breathable in hot weather. Sounds like witchcraft but I have used them in all weather conditions and they really work - fortunately not tested the abrasion or armour! Perfect for me but then I am commuting and generally travelling at 30mph or less. If I was going out regularly for country lane blasts I would be in full leathers - there is a reason why racers wear them!
7. I use a rucksack - mainly because it is luminous yellow so a good hi-viz accessory without having to wear a naff looking vest
8. Sunglasses for me with normal visor
9. Earplugs for me
Hope the above helps a bit. Just my opinion - there will be plenty of others with totally different views. At the end of the day, if you are on two wheels, warm and comfy and enjoying it, then the world is a good place!
Mac. said:
Great thread, thanks for starting it. I have my CBT and DAS booked for July and I'm full of stupid questions already....
- I love the look of the naked bikes, current shortlist for first bike is either a Monster 821 Dark or a Triumph Street Triple R. Is this a stupid idea for a first bike? I don't want a st first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust.
- With a textile jacket (high collar) and helmet, is my neck going to get cold? What do people use if it's bit fresh out? Neck sleeve? Balaclava?
- I cycle a lot, and the brakes on my road bike are st. I am often worried that I won't be able to stop in time. What is heavy braking on a motorbike like? Is it easy to lock the front/back wheel and/or both?
- I have a strange paranoia about dropping the front end on diesel or a wet road, probably stemming from doing it whilst cycling. Put my mind at rest please!
- Should I get a jacket with a back protector in it? What about elbow protectors?
- I have two young kids, am I being selfish for wanting a bike license? Does it make me an irresponsible parent putting myself in danger?
- I don't want to wear full leather and have to completely change into normal clothes at the office. Are there protective jeans that you can wear all day with a t-shirt? Same goes for boots. I am lucky that I'm the boss so can wear whatever I want (within reason).
- Rucksack or decent messenger bag? By decent messenger bag I mean something like a Chrome Industries NYC style bike messenger back with a twin strap setup.
- Sunglasses or tinted visor? Are mirrored visors silly?
- Bluetooth headphones inside helmet, yes or no?
Thanks in advance!
Well, you sound pretty similar to how I was a couple of months ago.- I love the look of the naked bikes, current shortlist for first bike is either a Monster 821 Dark or a Triumph Street Triple R. Is this a stupid idea for a first bike? I don't want a s
t first bike, because I'll hate it. I want something that I lust. - With a textile jacket (high collar) and helmet, is my neck going to get cold? What do people use if it's bit fresh out? Neck sleeve? Balaclava?
- I cycle a lot, and the brakes on my road bike are s
t. I am often worried that I won't be able to stop in time. What is heavy braking on a motorbike like? Is it easy to lock the front/back wheel and/or both? - I have a strange paranoia about dropping the front end on diesel or a wet road, probably stemming from doing it whilst cycling. Put my mind at rest please!
- Should I get a jacket with a back protector in it? What about elbow protectors?
- I have two young kids, am I being selfish for wanting a bike license? Does it make me an irresponsible parent putting myself in danger?
- I don't want to wear full leather and have to completely change into normal clothes at the office. Are there protective jeans that you can wear all day with a t-shirt? Same goes for boots. I am lucky that I'm the boss so can wear whatever I want (within reason).
- Rucksack or decent messenger bag? By decent messenger bag I mean something like a Chrome Industries NYC style bike messenger back with a twin strap setup.
- Sunglasses or tinted visor? Are mirrored visors silly?
- Bluetooth headphones inside helmet, yes or no?
Thanks in advance!
I passed my test last week, and picked up my Monster 821 Dark on Saturday just gone. It feels incredible in the (4!) rides I've had on it so far.
I to didn't want the full leather look, so I have the following:-
Jacket = https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Jeans = https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Boots = https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Gloves = https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
And a matte black Shoei NXR with tinted visor.
I'm absolutely over the moons with the jeans and boots, they look and feel absolutely brilliant whilst providing the reassurance.
TNJ said:
6. I have a textile and a leather jacket. I have protective jeans but not cheap ones - they cost more than leather jeans. However, they have knee and hip armour, are fully abrasion resistant, are waterproof and wind proof whilst also being breathable in hot weather. Sounds like witchcraft but I have used them in all weather conditions and they really work - fortunately not tested the abrasion or armour! Perfect for me but then I am commuting and generally travelling at 30mph or less. If I was going out regularly for country lane blasts I would be in full leathers - there is a reason why racers wear them!
What jeans would these be? FlabbyMidgets said:
TNJ said:
6. I have a textile and a leather jacket. I have protective jeans but not cheap ones - they cost more than leather jeans. However, they have knee and hip armour, are fully abrasion resistant, are waterproof and wind proof whilst also being breathable in hot weather. Sounds like witchcraft but I have used them in all weather conditions and they really work - fortunately not tested the abrasion or armour! Perfect for me but then I am commuting and generally travelling at 30mph or less. If I was going out regularly for country lane blasts I would be in full leathers - there is a reason why racers wear them!
What jeans would these be? http://www.motolegends.com/trousers/rokker-revolut...
The jeans are Rokker Revolution waterproof jeans. They really are not cheap - £350! But they do seem to work. I have been caught out in the rain (1 hour commute so a prolonged amount of time) and they have been waterproof - it is actually the jeans themselves that are waterproof rather than having a waterproof lining. The wind resistance is good - fine on motorways and quick rides, but around town they do feel a lot cooler.
The advertising blurb says that they react to temperature so breathable when you are hot and wind resistant when cold. So far, they actually seem to work. I was a bit skeptical to start with but have been pleasantly surprised.
The only drawback is that they are not as soft as normal jeans - they do feel different to denim although you would not know it to look at them.
I haven't used them through winter yet so can't comment on whether they would cope with prolonged periods of bad weather or very low temperatures. I suspect I will just use warmer textile trousers in the depths of winter.
The advertising blurb says that they react to temperature so breathable when you are hot and wind resistant when cold. So far, they actually seem to work. I was a bit skeptical to start with but have been pleasantly surprised.
The only drawback is that they are not as soft as normal jeans - they do feel different to denim although you would not know it to look at them.
I haven't used them through winter yet so can't comment on whether they would cope with prolonged periods of bad weather or very low temperatures. I suspect I will just use warmer textile trousers in the depths of winter.
£350 on jeans is madness. Suppose they're the top of the range all singing and dancing. Would love to be able to have a couple of pairs of them. For now though, my £9 Aldi version will have to do 
Silly question incoming. On the MOD 2 test, is it OK to filter or should you treat the traffic like you're in a car?
Silly question incoming. On the MOD 2 test, is it OK to filter or should you treat the traffic like you're in a car?
I posted this in the picture thread but after removing fairing panels, airbox cover, tank, airbox top, bellmouths, airbox base and ECU, discovered there are no throttle cable adjustors at the injectors but at the twistgrip end after all -under the mastercylinder, with a black rubber sleeve over the usual adjuster nuts.
At least I know where to block the AIS tube now and I've just remembered I forgot to go to the metals suppliers to get some 12mm rod to do this tomorrow.
At least I know where to block the AIS tube now and I've just remembered I forgot to go to the metals suppliers to get some 12mm rod to do this tomorrow.
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