Life After Passing My Test (1 Viewer)

[RS_rob]

Back in Feb I passed my Mod 2 & it was just over a month before I purchased a bike.
Well after endless searching & looking I eventually got out to vie some bikes, I wanted something suitable for a passenger NO SPORTSBIKES.......... a Tourer A Pan Europeean was my choice but after spending some time looking at one I decided it was too heavy, too big & decided to look for alternatives.
I soon settled on the Yamaha FZ6 S2 (Fazer) but it was just too much ££££ however once I realised I could pick up a bike with ABS the search was on......

A trip to Budget Bike in Swindon was on & there was a huge choice complete with a fantastic deal on the day for a FZ6 S2 but I just couldn't stretch enough to bite the bullet.
The next day we went to Coventry to look at a One Owner Suzuki with ABS & a deal was done.

1x Suzuki GSF 650 SA Bandit K7 delivered for £2050.00

& the Learing Really started.............

Well ive started learning the real method of Countersteering & watched a fantastic video Twist of the Wrist II that fully explains cornering, I have good days & I have bad days, one day it all gels & the other I probably look like a complete twat that should not hold a licence to ride.
I think I am only just starting to get the hang of it but I have no intention of Filtering unless absolutely necessary or speeding infact the fastest I have gone was almost 80 by accident honest.

Aerodynamics : I wish this was something that was explained to me as I passed my test on a naked & went out & bought a faired motorcycle for some protection at speed however it has turned out to be an absolute night mare as the aerodynamics of the motorcycle combined with some weight loss around the face have played absolute havoc with my helmet. The result is the wind is being forced to my neck & up into my helmet & thus my ears have suffered. Oh how I wish I had known about this..........
Well I love the bike mostly its not fuel injected so I have had to adapt & learn some more & slow riding is an absolute art with a bike that has carbs & an after-market exhaust. But the main issue is the wind noise.
So at the beginning of the week I ordered a Vstream screen & am currently waiting for delivery & today after trying to stuff all-sorts into my helmet I decided to go & just look n try on some new helmets, well after a visit to my local shop to look but not buy I walked out with a new Schurbeg C3 Pro the quietest helmet in the world just dont ask how much.....................................

I am looking forward to the ride to work in the morning.

 

[bigtwin]

Out of interest Rob, do you wear ear plugs?

Ian

 

[RS_rob]

Out of interest Rob, do you wear ear plugs?

Ian

I tried them & cant get on with them

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[Gorse Hill]

Back in Feb I passed my Mod 2 & it was just over a month before I purchased a bike.
Well after endless searching & looking I eventually got out to vie some bikes, I wanted something suitable for a passenger NO SPORTSBIKES.......... a Tourer A Pan Europeean was my choice but after spending some time looking at one I decided it was too heavy, too big & decided to look for alternatives.
I soon settled on the Yamaha FZ6 S2 (Fazer) but it was just too much ££££ however once I realised I could pick up a bike with ABS the search was on......

A trip to Budget Bike in Swindon was on & there was a huge choice complete with a fantastic deal on the day for a FZ6 S2 but I just couldn't stretch enough to bite the bullet.
The next day we went to Coventry to look at a One Owner Suzuki with ABS & a deal was done.

1x Suzuki GSF 650 SA Bandit K7 delivered for £2050.00

& the Learing Really started.............

Well ive started learning the real method of Countersteering & watched a fantastic video Twist of the Wrist II that fully explains cornering, I have good days & I have bad days, one day it all gels & the other I probably look like a complete twat that should not hold a licence to ride.
I think I am only just starting to get the hang of it but I have no intention of Filtering unless absolutely necessary or speeding infact the fastest I have gone was almost 80 by accident honest.

Aerodynamics : I wish this was something that was explained to me as I passed my test on a naked & went out & bought a faired motorcycle for some protection at speed however it has turned out to be an absolute night mare as the aerodynamics of the motorcycle combined with some weight loss around the face have played absolute havoc with my helmet. The result is the wind is being forced to my neck & up into my helmet & thus my ears have suffered. Oh how I wish I had known about this..........
Well I love the bike mostly its not fuel injected so I have had to adapt & learn some more & slow riding is an absolute art with a bike that has carbs & an after-market exhaust. But the main issue is the wind noise.
So at the beginning of the week I ordered a Vstream screen & am currently waiting for delivery & today after trying to stuff all-sorts into my helmet I decided to go & just look n try on some new helmets, well after a visit to my local shop to look but not buy I walked out with a new Schurbeg C3 Pro the quietest helmet in the world just dont ask how much.....................................

I am looking forward to the ride to work in the morning.

How much was the helmet ?

 

[Jo662]

Its worth it to keep trying with ear plugs.I never ride without them.There are alot of different
sorts of earplugs out there,just keep trying different sorts till you find the ones for you.

 

[EssexBoy]

I agree... ear plugs make all the difference for me... cant ride without them now...

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[Anthea M]

Stay safe ,bikes scare the s**t out of me but all you bikers love them so safe travels. I'll stick to shank's pony and a push bike!

 

[Petest]

Don't forget the leathers. Make a big difference if you do have a spill

 

[LilacMoss]

Love the Bandit...! Have a fantastic time on her...I'm assuming it's a she..has she got a name yet?

As for earplugs..it is worthwhile trying them all...but I hope the new helmet helps at least for now. I wear hearing aids but they used to whistle like hell in the helmet...often sounded like Mike Oldfields Tubular Bells...even after the helmet came off! I eventually turned them off and left them in my ears whilst riding as I couldn't get on with alternatives. It worked for me! However, I know some bikers who had just the ear molds specially made for them, with no tubing for hearing aid attachments. They take very little getting used to due to the personal fit. It may be an idea for you to consider...and it's far better than thundering earache!

Whatever you do...safe riding...and enjoy!

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[Forestboy]

Good bike the ole Bandit got the same for my lad when he passed his test. Try to use ear plugs they do get easier.
Don't worry about ability it takes years to make a good rider and lots of experience. Just get out and ride you'll be learning and honing your skills every time. Been riding since I was 13 now 62 raced for 15 years instructed for 5 years yet still learning it never stops.
Off to Spain on mine tomorrow.
Enjoy.

 

[f6c]

Where in Spain?

 

[Geo]

I keep repeating
Motor Cycling is perfectly safe

So long as you remember how Dangerous it is

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[Badknee]

If you go online looking for samples there is a company that supplies a box with all different sizes ans shapes. Once you have found the ones that are comfy you can then buy a box usually 200 pair.
My wife uses the same as I do but our youngest uses different ones completely.
You do need ear protection, I SAID YOU DO NEED EAR PROTECTION!

 

[Forestboy]

Where in Spain?

Jerez for Motogp next weekend plus 3 days playing in the Picos de Europa mountains.
Bring it on

 

[RS_rob]

How much was the helmet ?

£449.00

But worth it I enjoyed my ride today & could hear myself talk, the wind shield will make a huge difference when it arrives.

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[RS_rob]

If you go online looking for samples there is a company that supplies a box with all different sizes ans shapes. Once you have found the ones that are comfy you can then buy a box usually 200 pair.
My wife uses the same as I do but our youngest uses different ones completely.
You do need ear protection, I SAID YOU DO NEED EAR PROTECTION!

I dont supposed you know the name by any chance.

 

[RS_rob]

Don't forget the leathers. Make a big difference if you do have a spill

I currently have a full RST textile & boots setup but wish to buy something for the warmer days.....
I bought the missus Frank Thomas Jacket, Helmet, Gloves & Boots but we could not get trousers small enough to fit her so she has some Oxford Jeans instead/

 

[hilldweller]

Excellent choice. The only limitation now is your time and imagination.

But do remember, they are out to get you. Assume the worst and you'll always be pleasantly surprised.

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[f6c]

ARR THERE WILL BE A BE OF SCRATCHING GOING ON BETWEEN PANES ANS POTES AND THEN WHO ENJOY BUT BE SAFE NONT FORGET THE EAR PLUGS

 

[hilldweller]

the wind shield will make a huge difference when it arrives.

But will it be for the good ?

Screens are the spawn of the devil. I've read more posts on buffeting than just about anything else. What is a perfect cure for one is a disaster for another. It was the Suzuki V-Strom that was the greatest challenge to me and hundreds of others.

 

[awg]

I tried them & cant get on with them

You can buy packs on eBay which contain a couple of pairs of different types of disposables. Keep trying until you get a pair with a comfy fit, then buy a bunch of those. I've tried a few types of custom made ones but always go back to disposable. I won't get on the bike without wearing plugs. I also shoot and that's two pastimes which can damage hearing so I don't take chances with either.

Allan

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[glenn2926]

I too used to struggle with earplugs then I tried the wax ones from boots the chemist . They are really good, cut out most of the noise but can still hear traffic and they do not fall out just after I have put my helmet and gloves on. Do try to persevere with earplugs as if not you will damage your hearing. I SAID YOU WILL DAMAGE YOUR HEARING.. Oh and welcome to the world of motorcycling, roll on summer.