Discussion
So I have my DAS coming up so I thought I’d hire a CG 125 to get some practice.
I had some engagements so after practicing slow riding U turns and the like, I rode the bike from South London over to East London and then around the North Circular to the Ace Café. I have always been to the ACE in my classic cars but it was nice to turn up on a motorbike for the first time. I was not filtering and assumed the dominant central position on the road.
So here are my impressions for my first solo ride out.
1. Some drivers are complete Trucking Tankers! They drive up to my back wheel and tail gate so badly!
2. I lost count of the cars that cut me up.
3. 125’s get no respect from other road users. Your mud. I remember riding the 500CBF and everyone made way for me.
4. No other bikers nod at you on the 125
5. Some drivers cannot believe that a 125 can out drag their performance eurobox.
6. Riding the 125 soon become tiring, due to its lack of pace.
7. Some bikers running bigger machines cut you up, even though from your road position, kinda gives away your newbie status.
8. My new AlpineStars boots need breaking in and the first day was so difficult to change gear. My 11’s find it hard flicking up into second and I have to do it with my toe. So a simple operation is now a real pain in the butt. I have to plan my gear changes into second… after that I am able to get the boot under the lever. I am hoping the CBF has more gear lever room… otherwise I’ll have to ditch my boots for the DAS.
9. I look very big on a small 125
10. Sunset can be a real blinder, literally if you don’t have shades.
11. You feel really silly pulling into the ACE on a CG 125, with all the cool bikes there.
Bring on the CBF 500’s
All in all though it was a real interesting ride.
I had some engagements so after practicing slow riding U turns and the like, I rode the bike from South London over to East London and then around the North Circular to the Ace Café. I have always been to the ACE in my classic cars but it was nice to turn up on a motorbike for the first time. I was not filtering and assumed the dominant central position on the road.
So here are my impressions for my first solo ride out.
1. Some drivers are complete Trucking Tankers! They drive up to my back wheel and tail gate so badly!
2. I lost count of the cars that cut me up.
3. 125’s get no respect from other road users. Your mud. I remember riding the 500CBF and everyone made way for me.
4. No other bikers nod at you on the 125
5. Some drivers cannot believe that a 125 can out drag their performance eurobox.
6. Riding the 125 soon become tiring, due to its lack of pace.
7. Some bikers running bigger machines cut you up, even though from your road position, kinda gives away your newbie status.
8. My new AlpineStars boots need breaking in and the first day was so difficult to change gear. My 11’s find it hard flicking up into second and I have to do it with my toe. So a simple operation is now a real pain in the butt. I have to plan my gear changes into second… after that I am able to get the boot under the lever. I am hoping the CBF has more gear lever room… otherwise I’ll have to ditch my boots for the DAS.
9. I look very big on a small 125
10. Sunset can be a real blinder, literally if you don’t have shades.
11. You feel really silly pulling into the ACE on a CG 125, with all the cool bikes there.
Bring on the CBF 500’s
All in all though it was a real interesting ride.
Good for you, I hope you enjoyed it, despite the idiots around you.
You remember when your parents told you that being at school were the best days of your life and you should savour them? Well I think your first solo experience on a motorbike it similar. You'll never forget that feeling of being in charge yourself, it's great. You'll go on to ride bigger and better machines, but you'll never forget that first solo ride. I still remember mine from a few years ago.
You remember when your parents told you that being at school were the best days of your life and you should savour them? Well I think your first solo experience on a motorbike it similar. You'll never forget that feeling of being in charge yourself, it's great. You'll go on to ride bigger and better machines, but you'll never forget that first solo ride. I still remember mine from a few years ago.
I had my first unaccompanied ride on a hired 125 this weekend too! 
Great fun, really enjoyed it despite the idiots, AND I got a nod of a real biker!!! Maybe you didn't look cool enough
Hopefully the extra practice will stand us both in good stead for the DAS course - my test is on the 11th August...Bit nervous.
I found after 200 miles in a day the 125 was very uncomfortable and my new helmet hurts my head though Very impressed with the new Spada textiles though - I'd recommend them...
Good luck to you, hopefully the bigger bikes will see the end of your problems, but I suspect you'll just be travelling faster when the idiots carve you up!!!
Great fun, really enjoyed it despite the idiots, AND I got a nod of a real biker!!! Maybe you didn't look cool enough
Hopefully the extra practice will stand us both in good stead for the DAS course - my test is on the 11th August...Bit nervous.
I found after 200 miles in a day the 125 was very uncomfortable and my new helmet hurts my head though
Very impressed with the new Spada textiles though - I'd recommend them...Good luck to you, hopefully the bigger bikes will see the end of your problems, but I suspect you'll just be travelling faster when the idiots carve you up!!!
Hey guys,
Yeah it was an experience all right.
I am nervous about my DAS. I found trying to stick to the speed limits really hard as other drivers were ready to harass you if they deemed you’re going to slow. Try doing 20mph in a 20 zone... it’s not fun and I found drivers about a foot off my back wheel.
I am trying to practice the Mirror, signal, life save and manoeuvre. It’s easier if you stick to the limits but making sure I lifesave before I change my road position is somewhere where I need to improve.
U turns are going well, I need to counter balance a little more, drag the rear brake and keep slipping that clutch.
I’ll have another go tonight after work.
Biking is fun, a lot of fun! I need more power
As for looking cool… my brother was having a good laugh at me all decked out in AlpineStars Jacket, boots gloves and topped off with a Shoei. He felt I looked like a cool Sports Biker to only then climb on the CG 125 :LOL:
Yeah it was an experience all right.
I am nervous about my DAS. I found trying to stick to the speed limits really hard as other drivers were ready to harass you if they deemed you’re going to slow. Try doing 20mph in a 20 zone... it’s not fun and I found drivers about a foot off my back wheel.
I am trying to practice the Mirror, signal, life save and manoeuvre. It’s easier if you stick to the limits but making sure I lifesave before I change my road position is somewhere where I need to improve.
U turns are going well, I need to counter balance a little more, drag the rear brake and keep slipping that clutch.
I’ll have another go tonight after work.
Biking is fun, a lot of fun! I need more power
As for looking cool… my brother was having a good laugh at me all decked out in AlpineStars Jacket, boots gloves and topped off with a Shoei. He felt I looked like a cool Sports Biker to only then climb on the CG 125 :LOL:
NineOneSeven said:
Try doing 20mph in a 20 zone... it’s not fun
DOnt take your test in nuneaton then... the test centre is in the middle of a huge 20mph zone!!! the worst bit is trying to remember if your in a 20 zone or a 30 zone... as some of the roads are quite big but still 20 mph... and some of the 30 zones also have speed bumps !!!!!My first Solo ride was picking the monster up from the dealer after I past the test !!!
G
Hey mate... that exactly the terrian of where I have to take my test. 20-30 zones not that clearly marked at all.
I am going to take a ride around there to get familure with the roads.
I have this feeling that my tester will be really tough!
What was the ride on you new bike like? Did you find yourself speeding up alot?
I am going to take a ride around there to get familure with the roads.
I have this feeling that my tester will be really tough!
What was the ride on you new bike like? Did you find yourself speeding up alot?
I took my test in Tolworth, there are loads of (20) zones all around the test centre, most of them are very poorly sign posted, either not on both sides of the road where the limit starts or no repeaters (or both), I went into one and there were no repeater signs anywhere, so I made a big show of looking left and right for about 10 seconds (so he could see I was looking for somthing)... then I speed upto 30... When I got to the next junction there was a sign that said (30) so I must have been in a 20, so I slowed to 20, then increased back upto to (30)...
He didn't even mention it... passed test...
He didn't even mention it... passed test...
I'd never been through Nuneaton, and it was the first time i'd ever seen a 20mph zone... I ended up there as i did the DAS with circuit based training at mallory park.. A 20mph zone doesnt need repeaters same as a 30 zone, which is just daft imho..
Once I'd passed the test and riding the duc for the first time I was taking things carefully so didnt have much trouble riding like a manic. possibly helped by it being a new bike and having a schedule to run it in!!! best excuse i've heard for getting a new bike anyway....
up to 900 miles now !!!
Once I'd passed the test and riding the duc for the first time I was taking things carefully so didnt have much trouble riding like a manic. possibly helped by it being a new bike and having a schedule to run it in!!! best excuse i've heard for getting a new bike anyway....
up to 900 miles now !!!
NineOneSeven said:
So here are my impressions for my first solo ride out.
3. 125’s get no respect from other road users. Your mud. I remember riding the 500CBF and everyone made way for me.
4. No other bikers nod at you on the 125
6. Riding the 125 soon become tiring, due to its lack of pace.
7. Some bikers running bigger machines cut you up, even though from your road position, kinda gives away your newbie status.
9. I look very big on a small 125
Have to say, I haven't experienced any of these points so far, although it may depend on where you live of course.I assume this is because I wanted a large 125 and got one of the biggest they do (Varadero, which looks much more like a 400/600 sized bike).I get people nodding and waving all the time! In fact, my first wave back caused me to have a bit of a wobble, so I assume the 'proper' biker who waved at me, would have laughed his head off had he not been wearing a helmet 3. 125’s get no respect from other road users. Your mud. I remember riding the 500CBF and everyone made way for me.
4. No other bikers nod at you on the 125
6. Riding the 125 soon become tiring, due to its lack of pace.
7. Some bikers running bigger machines cut you up, even though from your road position, kinda gives away your newbie status.
9. I look very big on a small 125
I wanted one as I read it was big (so am I), had some road presence and was lovely and comfortable and I wasn't disappointed.I have also seen some which have had the streetfighter touch and they look more like a bandit/hornet.
Yeah I think it really is a size issue... if people look at a CG they know its a slowish commuter. If they look at your bike they'll think its a 400 at least and will east them if they try it.
You have much better road presence on one of those.
Ok now I am crapping it for this weekend.
You have much better road presence on one of those.
Ok now I am crapping it for this weekend.
I had my solo ride today on a Suzuki EN125...
First things first, I covered about 100 miles. My ar$e hurts.
I panic when people approach a junction for a road I'm already traveling on as I'm convinced they haven't seen me. So I tend to slow a little until I get eye contact.
A 125 with 'L' plates doesn't mean 'take care learner rider' to other motorists, it means look at this wobbly fool, drive on his back wheel and overtake wherever possible.
Aside from that. I love it, although its boring on your own.
A few questions though, which will be cleared up when I start my DAS no doubt.
1) When turning left or going straight on at roundabouts where should I conduct my lifesavers. Today I didn't do any for left exits and over my right for straight on is this correct?
2) Rear observations. When pulling around park cars but not crossing the middle lane do I need to look behind or will mirrors suffice?
3) Will I be penalised for using the front brake to stop me after conducting a u-turn? I know I should be using it but the rear brake on the 125 is abysmal.
First things first, I covered about 100 miles. My ar$e hurts.
I panic when people approach a junction for a road I'm already traveling on as I'm convinced they haven't seen me. So I tend to slow a little until I get eye contact.
A 125 with 'L' plates doesn't mean 'take care learner rider' to other motorists, it means look at this wobbly fool, drive on his back wheel and overtake wherever possible.
Aside from that. I love it, although its boring on your own.
A few questions though, which will be cleared up when I start my DAS no doubt.
1) When turning left or going straight on at roundabouts where should I conduct my lifesavers. Today I didn't do any for left exits and over my right for straight on is this correct?
2) Rear observations. When pulling around park cars but not crossing the middle lane do I need to look behind or will mirrors suffice?
3) Will I be penalised for using the front brake to stop me after conducting a u-turn? I know I should be using it but the rear brake on the 125 is abysmal.
Yeah I know what you mean.. I had a exchange with a driver who was inches off my back wheel yesterday. Still it was my fault in part has I had slowed too much approaching a set of traffic lights.
I noticed that when I ride for longer than an hour my car driving bad habits happen when I am on the bike. Such as; creaping toward junctions and not coming to a halt when visibility is poor.
On the subject of Life savers; I was told that you should always perform a lifesaver whenever you change road position. So if you move then you must perform a life saver.
Roundabouts; When exiting any round about, indicate and life save to your left to make sure you’re not going to run into another vehicle or cyclist.
I don’t think you should ever use your front brake when turning the bike, however if you have straightened up and are bringing the bike to halt then I can’t see anything wrong. Get the rear brake adjusted though mate, it’s quite simple really with the adjuster on the back linkage. You could do a search on google for a ‘how to’ or get the person or firm you borrowed the bike from to do it. You really should have effective brakes.
Good luck
I noticed that when I ride for longer than an hour my car driving bad habits happen when I am on the bike. Such as; creaping toward junctions and not coming to a halt when visibility is poor.
On the subject of Life savers; I was told that you should always perform a lifesaver whenever you change road position. So if you move then you must perform a life saver.
Roundabouts; When exiting any round about, indicate and life save to your left to make sure you’re not going to run into another vehicle or cyclist.
I don’t think you should ever use your front brake when turning the bike, however if you have straightened up and are bringing the bike to halt then I can’t see anything wrong. Get the rear brake adjusted though mate, it’s quite simple really with the adjuster on the back linkage. You could do a search on google for a ‘how to’ or get the person or firm you borrowed the bike from to do it. You really should have effective brakes.
Good luck
NineOneSeven said:
Yeah I know what you mean.. I had a exchange with a driver who was inches off my back wheel yesterday. Still it was my fault in part has I had slowed too much approaching a set of traffic lights.
Were there any factors that had made you slow down too much? Had you noticed the driver behind closing on you?NineOneSeven said:
I noticed that when I ride for longer than an hour my car driving bad habits happen when I am on the bike. Such as; creaping toward junctions and not coming to a halt when visibility is poor.
I think this can probably happen whatever you are driving or riding. Just simply taking a 5-10 minute break should solve this. If you're on the bike, you should easily make up the time versus a car NineOneSeven said:
On the subject of Life savers; I was told that you should always perform a lifesaver whenever you change road position. So if you move then you must perform a life saver.
You should always be aware of what is around you because you will be doing regular mirror checks, so nothing should take you by surprise. But a quick flick of the head is always a good idea, just incase. It's not just other cars either, sometimes another bike travelling quicker than you can come up behind you in the time since your last mirror check, especially in busy cities!NineOneSeven said:
Roundabouts; When exiting any round about, indicate and life save to your left to make sure you’re not going to run into another vehicle or cyclist.
I always do this and find it's quite easy. You just get into a rythm and it becomes natural. I lifesave to the left and also when exiting lifesave again to the right in case someone comes up beside you.NineOneSeven said:
I don’t think you should ever use your front brake when turning the bike, however if you have straightened up and are bringing the bike to halt then I can’t see anything wrong. Get the rear brake adjusted though mate, it’s quite simple really with the adjuster on the back linkage. You could do a search on google for a ‘how to’ or get the person or firm you borrowed the bike from to do it. You really should have effective brakes.
You can certainly use your front brake when not in a straight line, but it depends on a number of factors including speed, road condition and most importantly your ability. Hard braking with the front when leant over will almost certainly end in tears, but apply gentle pressure together with the rear brake and you should be ok. A rear brake is essential and if yours isn't working then get it fixed. Very useful when doing slow maneuvering. If you've over-cooked it into a corner and don't want to use the front then the rear can often save you.The most important thing is practice practice practice!
As an aside, whenever I fill up the gixer, I don't usually look at the price on the pump, just fill it and pay, it used to be about £12, looked at it today and with all the recent increases in fuel, it's now £17!
Edited by Aubrey on Wednesday 23 July 14:52
Practice.. indeed wise words. I'll have my last 2 hour practice tonight before the CG125 goes back to the hire company in the morning.
DAS this weekend. Let the butterflies commence.
Saying that I feel much more confident now having some time on the CG125.
My U turns are pretty spot on.. I just hope that translates well when I am back on the 500.
DAS this weekend. Let the butterflies commence.
Saying that I feel much more confident now having some time on the CG125.
My U turns are pretty spot on.. I just hope that translates well when I am back on the 500.
Aubrey said:
NineOneSeven said:
My U turns are pretty spot on.. I just hope that translates well when I am back on the 500.
Hope so, just remember that a 500 is much heavier and harder to manage than a 125.I hope so.
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