A place dedicated to the brave souls who ride in the deadly British weather

Edit: To clarify, I only ride tired if it's for work and I have no choice, I will not ride tired for fun.

It doesn't matter how tired I am or how much sleep I've had, if I take the bike to work, I am as awake and energised as possible until I stop and then get super tired again when I've parked and gone into work.

Just wondering if this is normal for everyone?

Hey Guys,

I have some questions about what I should do with my bike. Sorry if I sound stupid; I have limited mechanical expertise!

I was riding at some point last month on my Kawasaki Eliminator 125 - 2007; it has about 12k miles.  After pulling over for a few minutes, when trying to start the engine, it just would not start. So, after waiting a couple of hours for recovery, once back, I checked that it had a spark, and the filter looked new – when inspecting the carb, there were no notable signs of gummed-up fuel. When testing compression, I got low figures over half of what the manual stated. I put a tiny bit of oil into the spark plug hole, bumping the figures up a lot.  I’m guessing there is air escaping past the piston rings. I don’t have the money for an air compressor to complete a full leak-down test.

I was wondering if there is anything I’m missing, if I can try diagnosing, or if the rings sound like the likely culprit. If so, what would the price likely be to get this job done at the mechanics (London-based), and would it be worth taking the part of the engine for a further look?

If I’ve missed anything, please let me know!

Thanks in advance

There was oil covered with sand on the floor of the car park when i got to work today. Ive got a bit on my tyres but fortunately the sand seems to have absorbed most of it and will wipe off. But for the rest that hasnt been absorbed whats the best way to get the oil off? I obviously dont want to ride with my tyres covered in oil

I have a few questions if anyone has answers or would care to give some guidance: 1.) I’m a 17 y/o who’s debating looking at learning how to ride rather than learn to drive (a car) as I feel like it would just be easier for me for now, and then could potentially look at driving when I’m more settled, this is due to the money needed to run a full car etc and I think a bike would generally be cheaper to run as well as being more convenient for me to get from point a to be per se. So the question is how would I apply for a licence and what exactly do I need for it (I’ve been looking at a A1 with my age) as I see different things about them. 2.) My only other thing with getting a bike isn’t everyone telling me it’s not worth the risk of being on a bike and that it’s to dangerous, is this really the case as yes I know your less protected and can be hurt easier, but is this something to seriously worry about, or if I’m careful will I generally be fine (fyi the bike would literally be for point a to b for college etc, and maybe the occasional ride to enjoy as I do think they are cool) If anyone has advice for either please comment, as I’d really appreciate any help.

So total noob who's buying a triumph 900 GT pro as a first bike. I'm old enough to have witnessed AliPally burn down but last rode a bike in the early 90s.

So, steering dampneres, specifically after market ones, good idea or bling / chance of actually causing a crash due to binding?

Riding will be pleasure and a few tours. Not everyday commute.

Just passed my CBT and I want to buy a 125. I live in Ibiza and it's likely it'll end up being a second bike if I end up getting my full license down the road.

The Zontes and Van Vans are pretty close in price. Obviously the VanVan will be almost 20 years old but I guess will be easy to get serviced. The Zontes will be new or nearly new so hopefully won't need anything.

What would you go for?

I've forgotten what the category names are but anyway, st the age of 40ish, I passed my test about five years ago that allows me to ride a 125 without constantly renewing my CBT. I'm investigating the idea of going for my full licence. My instructor back then said I would I need to retake my theory. Is this true?

SORTED thank you all sm for your help

I left the steering lock on my bike while I was at work, and came back out to find that I can’t get my key into the ignition, it’s just smooth as though there was never a hole for the key? I’m so confused, what’s happened here?

https://woodvalemotorcycles.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_50651-scaled.jpg

I can't seem to find the red mudguard anywhere online to buy. Can anyone help me please?

Got in my first accident today. Guy pulled out on a roundabout without seeing me. Almost managed to accelerate out of the way, he just clipped my rear end, but managed to keep it up. One number plate screw snapped (and a scratch on his bumper) was the only damage, feeling very lucky. Not sure why I'm posting, just wanted to tell someone.

You lot are a bunch of hardy motherf* lots of respect for the all year riders! Also, biking in winter is a workout in itself you will be hench by summer. Normally, I don't like getting the bike dirty but in the winter it is anything goes and my caf racer turns into a tracker:D also shockingly yes, caf owners are riding all year, at least this one :D

https://preview.redd.it/tsuz503nln4e1.jpg?width=1718&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b84f46f941f6e360188dd02c1111a5274dd924c

Hi guys, I am looking to buy some new boots and really like the Alpinestars SMX Plus V2 GORE-TEX. However, I have tried the boot in my usual size eu 42 and their is a bit of room and a lot of heel movement verticaly. So I tried on a pair in an eu 41 and they are a lot more snug and fit well but the heel still feels like it can move a bit vertically. When I try and pull the boot with my hands it is not moving even slightly, but when i walk or try wigling my foot in the boot it feels like there is a small amount of movement in the heel.

My question is this normal for motorcycle boots as it does look like there is a raised part for the heel to have some movement? Thanks for any help

Lets hear it!

I have been pushing on and riding through the winter but it seems the road salt is catching up on me. I have some small amounts of rust appearing on the outside of my chain. Suggestions to clean this up before it gets any worse? My regular chain brush doesn't seem tough enough.

Hey all,

I'm looking into planning a trip to Switzerland next year from Reading.

Has anyone here done any routes down that way before?

Does anyone have any recommendations of places to stop and routes to go through on the way down there?

Looking at the Eurostar and then possibly down through Germany etc

Looking at taking the scenic route down there and then possibly take the faster motorway route on the way back? This would be during the summer months

Thanks

I know they are Chinese now but are they any good? The Leoncino 500 looks pretty good value.

was riding yesterday on slightly wet roads, i started trying to turn right on a route i take all the time but then realised i wanted to turn left. ( at this point i had only indicated and mentally prepared to turn and not actually pulled off) but in the process of this i panicked and lost my balance. i ended up with my bike falling to the left, but it is a very light bike and i held the weight decently well and ‘placed’ it on the ground and there was no thud or crash. i quickly picked the bike up and walked it onto the pavement. i spent around 5 minutes looking over the bike for damage. there was no scratches on my fairings, no damage to anything that stuck out, the only this that happened was my mirror adjusted and my foot peg sprung up.

should this cause any real issues with the bike?

I’ve been saving for a 125 yzf for way too long and I’m looking to have one in about January or February

My brothers friend is selling an mt 125 for 1300 which is about 700 cheaper than a normal yzf off Facebook

I’ve been dead set on a yzf but now this option has come up idk if I should be smart and go for the cheaper option plus reassurance I won’t get ripped off as I’ve known the seller for 7 years, or save for a bit longer and go for yzf off some random seller

I’ll only have the bike for hopefully about 2-3 years then I’ll swap to an r7 when I get my a2 done

I know it’s mainly preference on if I want a sport bike so bad I can wait and spend a bit more money but thought I’d get some other opinions to help with my choice

Hi all I've bought a suzuki gz125 hs mauarader 2009. It's a bit rusty in places but I plan on cleaning her up and doing a simple paint job. Only issue I have is that she needs a new exhaust. I read some where a en 125 exhaust will fit how true is this.

Im looking for this answer as for 2 reasons. 1, the en125 exhaust looks a lot better and 2, it's around £100 cheaper to buy.

Any who if any one can help me out it would be appreciated.

For context this is my first motorbike. Happy to learn how to fix her up and looking to getting my self up and riding as soon as I can. I do ride a ebike to work and also have 3 cars (2 are projects) just always wanted to ride a motorbike :).

Im 17 as of September and have done some reading around and seen that at 17 with an A1 license you may carry a passenger and ride without L plates, motorways etc. Also, I was told by my instructor that after a year of 50cc and CBT, I would automatically be legible to ride a 125cc and be automatically upgraded to A1, is this true? Can I legally carry a passenger and go ahead and remove my plates or is there a certain course I have to do to get A1 License?

Thanks

Can I register a electric dirtbike for on the road use I'm aware it's needs a vin number ect but if it doesn't come with one

Would I still be able to register it for road use thanks

As title says really, can anyone recommend some decent heated gloves? I have quite small hands and I'm struggling to find any that will fit properly, ideally ones that run off a battery pack and don't need hooked up to the motorbike battery too if possible.

I have heated overgrips already, they help but aren't very hot.

I have tried regular heated grips too but I didn't like not being able to change the grips out easily 😅

Right now I have a Peugeot Kisbee 50cc I want a 125 but my dad won’t let me because apparently there too fast I’ve been on the road for 3 months and I want to get a 125 in April he’s saying that I have to wait a year and a half is he being unreasonable

Every time I ride I feel like I hear different and strange sounds from the engine or the bike feels different and there is something wrong with it. I’m 99% sure the bike is fine. I’ve serviced it myself (oil and filter change, tightened chain) and checked levels of everything and tightened all bolts. I think just playing music and not listening to the bike might be the best option as I always worry about it too much

I want to do a track day (or other enjoyable bike experience) next year for my Birthday.

I'm near Peterborough and have my own bike (street triple), but I'm finding it tricky to figure out where to go and how much it will cost.

Some videos suggest renting a bike because I might crash given I've not been on track before, but I'd rather use my own as it seems waaaay cheaper.

Suggestions and costs welcome please! 🛵

Hi, I noticed my bike's MOT is coming up for renewal. I’ve had an issue with the speedometer—water got into it, and now it stays on even when the bike is turned off. I’ve unplugged it, but the display is faint, and you can still see something on it.

Would I need a working speedometer for the MOT test? Can my bike pass the MOT without it? I’m thinking it dont thay need to know the mileage ?

This is the first time I’ve had a bike with a non-working speedometer for an MOT. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.