New to biking, drop-in advice?
Discussion
Hey gang,
I'm learning to drive but at my age, the car insurence is out of my salary range, and so I'm taking my CBT this week and have put a deposit on a brand-spanking new UK Suzuki Marauder GZ125cc.
This thread here is just for any and all advice you can throw at me with regards to biking in general, or my bike specifically. After reading a few reviews, I've learnt the Marauder is one of the better bikes for beginners, but I've also read that due to the large amounts of chrome in the bodywork, owners need to take extra special care to polish it and avoid rain because it rusts, and it rusts fast - What polish would you recommend, how much is it, and where can I get it? Another, rather worrying thing I've read about the bike is that the chain is very prone to snapping, and some owners have had so many as 5 chains within a 2 year stretch of owning the bike from new.
So yeah, gimme your best shot
- James
I'm learning to drive but at my age, the car insurence is out of my salary range, and so I'm taking my CBT this week and have put a deposit on a brand-spanking new UK Suzuki Marauder GZ125cc.
This thread here is just for any and all advice you can throw at me with regards to biking in general, or my bike specifically. After reading a few reviews, I've learnt the Marauder is one of the better bikes for beginners, but I've also read that due to the large amounts of chrome in the bodywork, owners need to take extra special care to polish it and avoid rain because it rusts, and it rusts fast - What polish would you recommend, how much is it, and where can I get it? Another, rather worrying thing I've read about the bike is that the chain is very prone to snapping, and some owners have had so many as 5 chains within a 2 year stretch of owning the bike from new.
So yeah, gimme your best shot
- James
Welcome to the world of biking!
Regarding polishing the chrome, you can try spraying a small amount of WD40 on a rag and wiping it around all the chrome areas. It can act as a moisture barrier,particularly when the bike is stored.
As for riding it, the best advice my dad gave me many years ago was to "ride like your invisible, it doesn't matter if you approach a junction and a car driver is waiting to pull out, shouting your name and pointing at you. The C@*t hasn't seen you"
I've never forgot it and i reckon its saved my bacon on a few occasions.
Regarding polishing the chrome, you can try spraying a small amount of WD40 on a rag and wiping it around all the chrome areas. It can act as a moisture barrier,particularly when the bike is stored.
As for riding it, the best advice my dad gave me many years ago was to "ride like your invisible, it doesn't matter if you approach a junction and a car driver is waiting to pull out, shouting your name and pointing at you. The C@*t hasn't seen you"
I've never forgot it and i reckon its saved my bacon on a few occasions.
ks, just keep it well adjusted, I've never snapped a chain in nearly 40 years.......
Malh001 said:
As for riding it, the best advice my dad gave me many years ago was to "ride like your invisible, it doesn't matter if you approach a junction and a car driver is waiting to pull out, shouting your name and pointing at you. The C@*t hasn't seen you"
I've never forgot it and i reckon its saved my bacon on a few occasions.
Sir, i reckon your dad is absolutley spot on. Similar to the advice i got when i was younger and thinner(and had more hair).I've never forgot it and i reckon its saved my bacon on a few occasions.
Was told by very wise people " Understand that everyone else on the road are physcopathic killers, and they really are out to get you".
Saved me a few times.
how did it go then?
Take it very slow, ride like an arrogant rider, by that i mean keep your road positioning where you need it! do not be bullied into the drains even if you know your holding up traffic up a hill. car drivers will try and overtake you in those situations and will panic when another vehicle comes around the corner. don't let them overtake by keeping your road positioning its so important!
don't get cocky
don't show off infront of mates
if you've bought protective gear get your moneys worth!!! always wear it!
i find talking out loud about my riding makes me focus better after long spells off the bike
do not drink/drug and ride, not even one!
be POLITE to police officers and they should be kind to you
get experience and get your das booked
get a sensible common bigger bike, bandit???
get more experience on that bike
bike clinics
track days
enjoy MANY happy years of riding
some of you will/not agree, take it or leave it
Take it very slow, ride like an arrogant rider, by that i mean keep your road positioning where you need it! do not be bullied into the drains even if you know your holding up traffic up a hill. car drivers will try and overtake you in those situations and will panic when another vehicle comes around the corner. don't let them overtake by keeping your road positioning its so important!
don't get cocky
don't show off infront of mates
if you've bought protective gear get your moneys worth!!! always wear it!
i find talking out loud about my riding makes me focus better after long spells off the bike
do not drink/drug and ride, not even one!
be POLITE to police officers and they should be kind to you
get experience and get your das booked
get a sensible common bigger bike, bandit???
get more experience on that bike
bike clinics
track days
enjoy MANY happy years of riding
some of you will/not agree, take it or leave it
hockeymonkey85 said:
don't get cocky
don't show off infront of mates
if you've bought protective gear get your moneys worth!!! always wear it!
i find talking out loud about my riding makes me focus better after long spells off the bike
do not drink/drug and ride, not even one!
be POLITE to police officers and they should be kind to you
get experience and get your das booked
get a sensible common bigger bike, bandit???
get more experience on that bike
bike clinics
track days
enjoy MANY happy years of riding
don't show off infront of mates
if you've bought protective gear get your moneys worth!!! always wear it!
i find talking out loud about my riding makes me focus better after long spells off the bike
do not drink/drug and ride, not even one!
be POLITE to police officers and they should be kind to you
get experience and get your das booked
get a sensible common bigger bike, bandit???
get more experience on that bike
bike clinics
track days
enjoy MANY happy years of riding
+ don't forget your 'lifesaver'. They're called that for a reason!
Keep periodically checking your mirrors.
Don't take the p1ss on the road, you never know who/what is round the next bend...
In terms of chains, if it does break (no big deal), just geta better quality one than the OEM item.
This stuff is for the bike... http://www.scottoiler.com/pc/Bicycle_Oiler/FS_365_...
Their chain lube system is widely used as well. Apparently.
This stuff is for you -
Be visible - wear a white helmet and a hi-viz jacket/waistcoat. If you have a rucksack on get a hi-viz cover for it. Keep the lights on even in daylight.
If some tw@t in a car is driving badly and cutting you up slow down, pull over or whatever and let them go. Ultimately you will lose that battle.
The odds of getting it horribly (and fatally) wrong are way higher on a small country road than a large dual carriageway. Be careful when you're out in the countryside.
Finally enjoy it - summer is coming, it sounds like it's probably your first taste of personal transport and bikes are huge fun. Like many on this board I have a choice of cars and bikes. If it's not pi$$ing with rain and I'm on my own then the bike still gets used. The novelty hasn't yet worn off after 37 years of holding a licence...
Their chain lube system is widely used as well. Apparently.
This stuff is for you -
Be visible - wear a white helmet and a hi-viz jacket/waistcoat. If you have a rucksack on get a hi-viz cover for it. Keep the lights on even in daylight.
If some tw@t in a car is driving badly and cutting you up slow down, pull over or whatever and let them go. Ultimately you will lose that battle.
The odds of getting it horribly (and fatally) wrong are way higher on a small country road than a large dual carriageway. Be careful when you're out in the countryside.
Finally enjoy it - summer is coming, it sounds like it's probably your first taste of personal transport and bikes are huge fun. Like many on this board I have a choice of cars and bikes. If it's not pi$$ing with rain and I'm on my own then the bike still gets used. The novelty hasn't yet worn off after 37 years of holding a licence...
There is some good advice here. Read what is here and always use the best item of safety equipment on your bike – your brain!
Spend a tenner on
Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook by Phillip Coyne, Bill Mayblin, and Penny Mares
and use the system. Doing that will improve your safety way more than any amount of day-glow or body armor.
Ride safe and enjoy
Spend a tenner on
Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook by Phillip Coyne, Bill Mayblin, and Penny Mares
and use the system. Doing that will improve your safety way more than any amount of day-glow or body armor.
Ride safe and enjoy
Can't thank y'all enough for all the good advice you've given me; out to get my gear in a moment - Hivis jacket and white helmet are a definite yes: 37% less likely, statistically to have a fatal crash when wearing those, I heard at my CBT!
My CBT went okay; well, it must have done because they gave me it xD
A few minor cock-ups:
1.) Almost came off at a clear roundabout due to approaching too fast, stupidly pulled my clutch in (for some idiotic reason) thinking I'd slow down, (but of course, I just free-rolled faster) must have paniced a little and touched my front break (
), but I got it under control, and instructor said not to worry, and just remember keep yer damn hand away from the breaks if you ever do panic xD
2.) Ended up sat in a crossroads on red because the lights changed just as I went through, I didn't know whether or not to get the hell out of the way, or wait until it went green again. = /
But, I'll learn from my mistakes, and I've no intention of going rampaging long distances until I'm a little better locally
- Heskey
My CBT went okay; well, it must have done because they gave me it xD
A few minor cock-ups:
1.) Almost came off at a clear roundabout due to approaching too fast, stupidly pulled my clutch in (for some idiotic reason) thinking I'd slow down, (but of course, I just free-rolled faster) must have paniced a little and touched my front break (
), but I got it under control, and instructor said not to worry, and just remember keep yer damn hand away from the breaks if you ever do panic xD2.) Ended up sat in a crossroads on red because the lights changed just as I went through, I didn't know whether or not to get the hell out of the way, or wait until it went green again. = /
But, I'll learn from my mistakes, and I've no intention of going rampaging long distances until I'm a little better locally
- Heskey
I could go on for hours here!
There's been some good advice above, and it sounds like you're approaching the whole "bike" thing with the right attitude.
First off, the easy stuff - if these bikes have a history of breaking chains, carry a split link with you (this is a single chain link that is used to join two ends of a chain together). You'll need to carry some half-decent pliers too - don't believe that the tools supplied with the bike will actually work when you need them: thye won't. Learn how to fit a split link before you have to do it in the dark, in the rain, at the roadside.
Re the chrome - WD40 / ACF50 etc works. Clean the bike regularly. Its also a good opportunity to learn your way around it and 'think' whilst you're doing it - "is this bit loose?" "didn't look like that last time" etc etc.
Check oil level / tyre pressure / chain adjustment every week.
As has been said, bike kit won't help if its left in the house. Wear it every time, even if you're only going 1/2 mile to the shop.
Don't get annoyed at other road users. Yes, cars will pull out in front of you, idiots will turn without indicating, morons on bikes will buzz past you on bends - let it all go by. Don't react, don't think "I'll show you!" (We've all done it, we all know we shouldn't.)
Keep asking questions here.
HTH,
Dave
There's been some good advice above, and it sounds like you're approaching the whole "bike" thing with the right attitude.
First off, the easy stuff - if these bikes have a history of breaking chains, carry a split link with you (this is a single chain link that is used to join two ends of a chain together). You'll need to carry some half-decent pliers too - don't believe that the tools supplied with the bike will actually work when you need them: thye won't. Learn how to fit a split link before you have to do it in the dark, in the rain, at the roadside.
Re the chrome - WD40 / ACF50 etc works. Clean the bike regularly. Its also a good opportunity to learn your way around it and 'think' whilst you're doing it - "is this bit loose?" "didn't look like that last time" etc etc.
Check oil level / tyre pressure / chain adjustment every week.
As has been said, bike kit won't help if its left in the house. Wear it every time, even if you're only going 1/2 mile to the shop.
Don't get annoyed at other road users. Yes, cars will pull out in front of you, idiots will turn without indicating, morons on bikes will buzz past you on bends - let it all go by. Don't react, don't think "I'll show you!" (We've all done it, we all know we shouldn't.)
Keep asking questions here.
HTH,
Dave
Some great advice in this thread.
I passed my test age 18, and rode in all weathers/conditions from 16-20 when the bike was my only transport. I think I was a better rider then than I am now (at 33), due to the constant riding during those years.
I often read these new biker threads as a reminder for the hints and tips that I've been told before but have forgotten, you always find some new advice as well, so never stop asking and reading, and practising safe riding as much as you can. The talking out loud bit really is good, I do it in the car often too.
My snippet of advice was passed to me by my stepdad, assume everyone else on the road is an idiot (he meant to assume they havent seen you).
I've not read the roadcraft book but Keith Code's 'a twist of the wrist' is another good book to help you understand things although it is probably more general in terms of riding bikes rather than specifically geared to riding on the UK roads.
Enjoy many years of safe riding and you should be fine. One thing to be mindful of is two stroke bikes, the power delivery is very peaky. Quite rare these days those types of motors however.
Enjoy yourself out there.
I passed my test age 18, and rode in all weathers/conditions from 16-20 when the bike was my only transport. I think I was a better rider then than I am now (at 33), due to the constant riding during those years.
I often read these new biker threads as a reminder for the hints and tips that I've been told before but have forgotten, you always find some new advice as well, so never stop asking and reading, and practising safe riding as much as you can. The talking out loud bit really is good, I do it in the car often too.
My snippet of advice was passed to me by my stepdad, assume everyone else on the road is an idiot (he meant to assume they havent seen you).
I've not read the roadcraft book but Keith Code's 'a twist of the wrist' is another good book to help you understand things although it is probably more general in terms of riding bikes rather than specifically geared to riding on the UK roads.
Enjoy many years of safe riding and you should be fine. One thing to be mindful of is two stroke bikes, the power delivery is very peaky. Quite rare these days those types of motors however.
Enjoy yourself out there.
Well I've had my bike a few days now and I've not had any problems other than sometimes the ignition doesn't want to work; takes a few tries to get it going on occasion.
The only problems I've had is morons tail-gating me on the roads. That'll be fun should I have to break. Best thing is, is they don't even acknowledge my arm wafts for them to back the hell off = /
Wacky says "Ride 1/3 into the curb, so faster drivers can over-take you.." Bearing in mind this was on a winding road of sharp, blind bends; the person behind me was either stupid, or wants to top themself.
Apologies for any spelling mistakes, it's late and I've been up since 4am
The only problems I've had is morons tail-gating me on the roads. That'll be fun should I have to break. Best thing is, is they don't even acknowledge my arm wafts for them to back the hell off = /
Wacky says "Ride 1/3 into the curb, so faster drivers can over-take you.." Bearing in mind this was on a winding road of sharp, blind bends; the person behind me was either stupid, or wants to top themself.
Apologies for any spelling mistakes, it's late and I've been up since 4am
Edited by Heskey on Friday 14th March 00:21
Heskey said:
Wacky says "Ride 1/3 into the curb, so faster drivers can over-take you....
I'm not sure that's good advice. You will need to ride like that to pass your test but at all other times you should generally position yourself so that you are over the same piece of tarmac that you would be were you sitting in the drivers seat of a car. That’ll help stop the morons in cars that try to muscle past you by pushing you further into the kerb. If they want to overtake, they should do it properly.If you do get someone tail gaiting you, slow down gently so that there is lots of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. That should help you to avoid sharp braking that may result in ‘moron’ becoming just a little too intimate!
Yes remember never let these morons overtake on a country road, most of all on tight bends. If they are beside you when overtaking and a car is oncoming right for them, they are not going to think twice about making you part of a hedge / pavement to save there own skin. So as has been said, you should drive in more or less the middle of your lain. I know it’s easy for me as I am a fairly experienced car driver, but I just drive my bike like it was a car and don’t let anyone overtake me unless I say so.
Saying that I would like to see anyone try and overtake me on my GSXR
Saying that I would like to see anyone try and overtake me on my GSXR
Heskey said:
2.) Ended up sat in a crossroads on red because the lights changed just as I went through, I didn't know whether or not to get the hell out of the way, or wait until it went green again. = /
But, I'll learn from my mistakes, and I've no intention of going rampaging long distances until I'm a little better locally
- Heskey
Yeah, most of us make daft mistakes learning. No doubt the instructer would've pointed out that as you crossed the solid white line on green you're committed and should complete the move.But, I'll learn from my mistakes, and I've no intention of going rampaging long distances until I'm a little better locally
- Heskey
Ride to the standards set by the instructor in the CBT all the time and that should see you right on the road and through the full test.
Don't be bullied and hold your rightful position with confidence.
Don't be hesitant in getting the bike moving as to not be holding folk up.
You'll learn to include reading the road surface more in forward observations to plan around potholes, manholes, diesel patches.
Apart from 14 years in a car I've no real experience beyond my own 125 yet. I've years of learning ahead too.
Heskey said:
- Hivis jacket and white helmet are a definite yes: 37% less likely, statistically to have a fatal crash when wearing those, I heard at my CBT!
Hmmm! 
Not quite sure where that figure came from. None of the research that I have read has come up with that sort of figure. What I have read is that there is a benefit, but it's minimal and is no substitute for good riding technique, but then, I have also seen that 98% of statistics are made up!!!!!!Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff