Your personalities and transparency is great, no ego just honesty. You are doing really well , thanks for the journey content. I am experienced rider but can relate totally.
Love the idea of your being interviewed by your wife. You two clearly have a great relationship and it’s lovely to hear your progress revealed through your conversations. Also super impressed with your steady, diligent approach to learning this new skill. It’ll serve you well.
As a lifelong motorcyclist (from 17 to 63 and now retired from biking) I have learned many things, many of which have saved my life many times. One of the most important skills to develop (beyond the basic riding skills you are currently learning) is a combination of defensive driving and hazard perception. That means always assume that every other driver is an idiot and can do the most unexpected things and learn to identify and spot potential hazards, like people crossing the road between parked cars and drivers pulling out from junctions without looking. There are many to learn, so start early and ALWAYS keep your wits about you, looking to see what other people might do. I found that as a car driver, I eventually learned that my hazard perception skills were about 3 times better than the average driver. That's down to the skills I learned on the bike. Love your approach to all this. Keeep it up and remember to stay safe. Oh, and one more tip. Always remember your life saver (always, always look over your right shoulder before you do ANYTHING!)
Hi again as a Trials rider in the past slipping is a very common thing but it helps you learn more control of your bike and how to counteract it, drains on road are worse whilst cornering and braking/ harsh acceleration debris on the road surface. The guy that pulled on you assumed you were turning into his road a very common driver fault, despite the fact you had forgotten your indicator .The highway code says you shouldn't assume someone is turning as they may have forgotten to turn off turn signals another one is , l didn't see him he came from nowhere, is insufficient observation you are learning everyday well done. Kev Dull windy Devon today. Oh love the new gear 👍🏍️
Andy. As a new biker myself of six months at the age of 64 I’m looking forward to your journey towards you getting your full licence. I occasionally rode my mates bikes in the 70’s without a licence,but circumstances meant I went straight into cars and never really thought about taking my test. Best thing I ever did though and I love the freedom it brings when your on the open roads. I think you will find that moving up to a bigger bike will make things a lot easier for you, especially the height you are. I didn’t enjoy the initial CBT on a 125cc. I found them too small and snatchy. As soon as we moved up onto a Yamaha MT07 for MOD 1 stuff it became so much more comfortable and enjoyable. Anyway got through both MODS first time and I’ve already bought and owned a beautiful Triumph 660 sport which I then traded in for a glorious Honda CB1000r. It is a thing of beauty. So much power when needed but such an easy bike to ride and handle. More power to you matey and keep Claire involved in this adventure as she is brilliant to watch as well. Loved your travel vlogs as well by the way, especially the ones in Northumberland where I live. Great motorcycle riding County by the way.😊
Just remember for the wet keep the bike more upright use counter balancing and go slow leave more space around cars. The more power you have the easier it is to spin the back tire. Smooth inputs on the throttle and brakes. I think you have abs so that might or might not help depending on how the computer is programmed. Personally I would rather trust myself over a computer but it is what it is. Good luck. You are a brave man trying to commute on the bike in the UK. I ride mine in fair weather almost exclusively. Rain gear in the saddle bag just in case I run into something that wasn’t forecasted or on long distance rides.
Hi, I am 68 and have gone back to riding after 40 years. I have a Royal Enfield 350 Hunter. Your journey into biking is so enjoyable to watch. Love your enthusiasm and commitment. Your wife’s comments adds a special ingredient to your channel. Looking foward to more progress and advice from viewers.
I started riding again about 14 years ago after not touching a bike for 30 odd years and I have always lifted my visor up a little to help with condensation, keep up the good work you’re doing good 🏴👍
We’re enjoying your learning journey. Keep it up. For cleaning the visor use a lint free cloth. Mild soapy water for cleaning the visor only. Touching the pin lock should be avoided at all costs. The pin lock acts as a double glazed unit and must have a total seal for it to work. Hope that helps.
You’re spot on regarding filtering crossing white lines however I never filter over double white lines in queues of traffic ie road works on fast bendy roads. Always get Diesel on roads around fuel stations, people overfilling tanks. You can’t see it in the dry but it’s still like riding on ice. In the wet it rainbows. Take super care on roundabouts near filling stations. Avoid turning on white lines, mini roundabouts, grates & manholes in the wet.
@@bikerofatlantismanholes are serious in the wet if you're leaning. Some countries tar manhole lids. Smooth metal with a layer of water is not good for motorcycles.
I like the format of "that's been my week." I see you catch Motojitsu, he's very professional and learned. His lesson about turn signals is: turn it on prior to your intended action, commit to it, then immediately turn signal off. What he says will help is to tell yourself aloud, turn on turn off. Not sure I would like riding in all that rain, lol.
Well Andrew it looks like you're there with everything, all you need to do now is practice, practice, practice. Really impressed that you took it upon yourself to go out and practice in the rain, I've been riding forever and I still do that. Don't forget that in the rain your braking effort changes from 75 % front and 25% rear to 50/50%. You've also discovered two of the biggest hazards for motorcyclists 1) Diesel, including getting it on the soles of your boots in filling stations. Other danger areas are bus stops and roundabouts. If you smell it slow down and look for it. 2) Forgetting to turn off your indicator, particularly the L. H. one. That forgetfulness has caused many an injury and lots of fatalities. Always remember that on a motorcycle, in a tussle with anything, you'll come of second best EVERY time. Really impressed with the mature way that you're going about things and the fact that Claire is very supportive is brilliant. (Loved her little quip about "will you be home for your tea?") You're well on the way now to becoming a fully licensed biker so you probably won't hear from me again now because I don't think I can add anything to what you've already learnt. I'll keep a lookout for the vlogs though and enjoy them. Take care, stay safe.!
Hi Andy and Claire I have followed you in the Motorhome for sometime and love your videos. As a 63 yr old lady watching you is bringing back memories of when I rode a Suzuki TS100 in my twenties 😊. Wishing you many happy years motorcycling ahead love you both xx
@@bikerofatlantis hi Claire I started with a moped which in those days you could ride on a car licence. I had the training available at the time and took a moped test. I had a trials bike which was more upright which I found comfortable. I then took my motorcycle test and passed first time! I think things were easier in those days. I had a full set of belstaffs and a reflective strap. I only came off once- slipping on slick tarmac just outside of Longleat House! Embarrassing but not as hard a fall as from a horse as there was no height involved. Give it a go, start small, get your confidence on the road, see how you get on. Roads were quieter in my biking days but have some fun. Love to you and Andy xx
I’ve been commuting on a bike through winter into London for over 30 years. The main thing in winter is keeping warm, and more specifically keeping hands warm. I’ve tried all the gloves and glove liners. However, by far the best things for winter riding are bar muffs. They might not look great, but your hands won’t get cold even with summer gloves - I only have summer gloves!
You're doing great and can see the confidence building each week. Great that both of you enjoy it too and don't think it'll be long until there's two bikes in the stable lol
At the tender age of 53 I did my CBT last October and rode through the winter - you’re definitely going about this the right way. I got into some bad habits so recommend an hour on the road with an instructor occasionally. Pin lock wise, I’ve not had this problem but it sounds like it’s not sealing properly. I used an alcohol wipe prior to fitting.
Coming from Cheshire police and their bike safe course you are correct with regards to cross hatching. If a car is stopped or crawling (below 10mph) you may cross the solid white lines if safe to do so. If broken lines then you may use them to over take if safe to do so and within the speed limit. It's a common misconception that you can't go over them but you can. It's the same as double white lines, if traffic is stopped or slow crawling hazard then you may go round them. Have a look at bikesafe courses I'm the future they are a big help. Good to see you with some proper wet weather gear! With regards to the pinlock, it should not fog up at the bottom. If it is doing you have it fitted incorrectly. Check if your "pins" are rotated in the correct position, if you look closely the upright bit is off centre use this to make sure all the pinlock sits flush all the way round the visor. With regards to cleaning, it's a bit late, but don't wipe the inside of the visor and the pinlock, they have a coating of antifog. Rain ex will cause them to glaze or mist up more as the water molecules have no where to run off so sit between the two surfaces. Rainex on the outside try not to buff off as much and it will help disperse better (even though it says buff off, dont). Skills are getting there. Your best thing to do is get the miles in! Go out of your comfort and face different obstacles. Also with regards to your Uturn you keep looking to the front mid turn which stops you doing the turn smoothly and causes target fixation (a bikers nightmare). When starting the U turn, quickly scan the path then look at your finish point and don't take your eyes off of it. You'll do it a lot smoother. Can tell from the angle on the slalom but looks like you went the wrong way round the cones, it should be the longest route. So first cone offset left second cone offset right then you go left right round them exaggerating the S. Give mod 1 layout a Google and copy that! It tells you your dimensions etc. So you know what to practice. Lastly enjoy it! Looks like you are having fun but really chill out with regards what everyone says is dangerous. Yes it technically is but don't let it distract you from what you are doing, it will become second nature eventually. Have you met up with other bikers yet? It's sometimes very beneficial just to go ride with others and learn and watch what they do within your limits. Enjoy the vids, look forward to the next one. Been riding 20 odd years and forget what the enjoyment, nervousness etc of new riding is like and it's a fresh reminder.
Loving the content, watching your channel should be compulsory for all new riders, really honest and insightful. Everyone who rides a bike will know that you never stop learning how to improve your riding skills, and you never get tired of motorbikes (I currently have 3, been biking 30+ yrs and still obsessed).
So many people don’t ride in rain. Really good that it doesn’t deter you as a new rider. Every one of us will get caught out in rain at some point no matter what so might as well be comfortable with it. Another positive is if you need service for any reason, there’s usually cancellations on rainy days lol
The interaction between you two is great to watch. Keep up the riding and when you get to Spring next year your confidence will be sky high having negotiated a winter safely. Fantastic observation about petrol stations, I always approach them with great care on my 310kg cruiser. ATB
@@ChilliPod In winter when stopped at traffic lights I would put my palms next to the engine to warm up. It helped but it's nothing compared to the amazing feeling of heated grips. Literally like holding a hot cup of tea. Even if it's freezing outside and you're doing 50 mph. I've had the icicle line forming in the center of the visor but my hands have been warm. And if you ride you know that when your hands are cold they are harder to move quickly. Others have said the hand guards and large mitten bags are really good too. I've not tried but I would like to. Outside temperature is good to know if you ride in winter so you're extra careful for ice. Icicle line by your nose on the visor is a good indicator too that's it's flipping cold ❄️🥶😅
Good to see you watching motojitsu. The counter steer vid is quite good. I use normal rainx not the glass cleaner one. And it works perfect. Great to see you progressing
Weaving: from what I can see you're going the wrong side of the cones. They're offset so you should be going left of the ones on the left etc. the way you did it, you could just thread the needle and go straight line down the middle. Saying that the weaving you were doing and some dry weather, I think you'll be just as comfortable. Overall nice channel, good to see people begining their journey and not just showing off their 4th intercontinental tour of the year. You and your co-host also seem to have genuine chemistry and enthusiasm, I like it.
Pinlock will mist if you ride in rain with visor up as air pressure will push water in. Even with pinlock, helmet with vents help and learn how to hold your head for best airflow. All the best riding! Also always go over wet metal totally upright with straight bars and perpendicular to any bumps. Tram tracks are particularly dodgy.
223 miles out a tank! That's really good. This time of year is pretty hairy with wet roads, leaves, and the dreaded diesel. Doesn't half make your arse grip the saddle . Good man, keep at it .
Im putting this here because my CBT instructor gave me some useful information that might not be part of the CBT course. Press indicator cancel "again" a short distance after the corner later just in case. Emergency braking, declutch and brake, Do NOT down shift, concentrate on stopping asap. Immediately after you stop, do a shoulder check and be ready to drop the bike and run if the guy behind isnt stopping. Didnt see you do this. Also, I see loads of newbies ignoring the 2 second rule, too close to the vehicle in front. Dont practice bad habits. Did my cbt nearly a year ago at 68. Ride safe.
Coming along Andy. You'll learn to smell oil on roundabouts and spot the rainbows in the rain. For the steaming up, find a none salt washing up liquid to wipe the inside of the visor with and just leave the lid up a few mm. Grids and paint in the wet can be like ice, edge down the speed, remember those life savers and enjoy the ride 👍
As someone just about to start the journey, watching these videos has been so informative, and your approach so relatable.. just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to do these.
Very good, love the interaction between you both and watching you on your journey into motorcycling. I've just gone back to it at 60 years old after a long absence (15 years or more!) so on my own learning curve again at the moment and taking it easy.
This is great stuff. After 31 years of driving cars I’ve got my CBT next week. Really nervous about it all so these videos are of real help. It’s like a try before you buy! 😂💪🏼👍🏻
For the cone drill, I suspect you have to go on the outside of the cones rather than the inside which it looked like you where doing in the video. The path you took you could have gotten through the cones going in a straight line, if you go around each cone on the outside it will increase the difficulty quite a bit, and you'll be able to track your progress much more accurately. Just finished watching your first few videos than you uploaded this one, perfect timing!
Very nice kit, hmmmm, I might take a look at that, I need new winter kit. Mine is looking a bit worn, well very worn. It wouldn't win any fashion competition. Always nice to see how your getting on with your riding. My first time out today for 2 weeks due to work , whoop whoop. And the sun is shining 🌞☀️
A good thing to remember is that all these drills change in difficulty with the bike. Emergency braking drills may be easier with bigger bike two front discs if it isnt stupid heavy. Slalom may be easier on a 125 etc. Glad to see the new gear and a helmet with British standard. The scorpion evo was my last helmet and the first pinlock it came with was great but the one I put in myself never quite worked as well.
Keep up the lessons, you are building muscle and mental patterns that will help you in your riding in the future. A lot of new riders fail to build on the fundamental skills. Your license is just the first step. Enjoy and stay safe!
I am very pleased that you got proper gear now. Whatever the weather wherever the ride. It doesn’t need to be wet OR far for stupid shit to happen. And even having your foot slip out at a red light those shoulder/eldos/hip/knee pads will be the difference between week of pain vs a bruised ego.
You are totally correct about the hatching. They even teach you to use them more on the bike safe course run by the police. As long as it isn't bordered by a solid line you can use it
Andy, you and management (the wife) are making a great channel. Hats off to going out in all weather's it will be great for your confid3n e and awareness. As for broken lines and hash areas, you are correct. You can legally enter that area to overtake and go by slow traffic. The fact you stated you are aware of the rubbish and grit that gets thrown into that part of the road makes you safer to do it and ride with extra care when you do it. Hats off to another great video. 👏
you are spot on with the hatched area and overtaking. It’s very much legal, and my instructor whilst doing my DAS pointed out that it’s great as it gives a nice safe space to filter. Need to be much more careful using it in the rain though white lines can be very slippy.
Those pinlocks you are having trouble with, not many people realise those pinlock pins are actually little cams that can be rotated to tighten up or loosen the pinlock lenses. Doesn't really make all that much difference though, I still have to leave my visor slightly open in the rain 😆
Its nice to see a starter rider actually putting in the time to practice off the road to make their riding better on the road. There doesnt seem to be any ego about you either a proper down to earth fella. Im pretty local to you so I know the traffic and road conditions around there are not exactly the best, diesel allover the roads everywhere when the rain starts. I call them rainbows of doom hah. Been riding for 11 years now myself and getting the full A licence is the best thing i ever did but dont rush it mate. Your doing the right thing learning your craft on a 125 first before the big heavy ones. Keep it up bud :)
My tip for indicators. Always use them, then always turn them off "when" you complete the manoeuvre. Make it a sequence, then it will become habit. Tip for cleaning the bike. Get the wife to do it 🤣🤣🤣 Bring the cones closer together, and go slower. Maybe 1 and 1/2 bike lengths? Then a bike length maybe? It's the slow manoeuvring you want to master in the car parks. Riding in the rain is not pleasant, but as I rode all year round, (even snow), you get used to it. Avoid manhole covers if you can, especially on corners and bends. Avoid while lines painted on the road too. You can ride on them, just avoid braking on them okay. Roundabouts often have diesel spills on them, so care needs to taken there too. Has that bike got ABS? If not, never panic brake on the front brake. Hope that helps 😀
To help with the visor misting up, try putting a little washing up liquid on a damp cloth and wipe the visor, this helped with our riot helmets when needed, great video thanks.
You are bang on about the hatchings. Try and avoid them cos they are full of mank. I’m enjoying watching you learning. It really takes me back to when I was learning to ride.
You can fit a beeper, they are about a tenner on ebay. You just connect one to ground and the other to an indicator line. I fitted one to mine when I passed, absolute life saver, literally!
In winter one of the issues the Sun is lower in the sky .I too leave my visor slightly open it helps , also a good helmet with good venting that creates an air flow .Once again we all do it when we start buying bike gear we go for looks rather than practicality .We get there eventually
Another lesson learned with the diesel and wet keep an eye out on all types of drain covers manhole covers that sort of thing they can be very greasy and any painted lines tend to be slippy when wet..Claire was on form with the gags again I really liked the NASA one will you be back for tea🤣🤣👍🏻keep up the good work Andy and stay safe mate👍🏻
Just subscribed 👍 really enjoying your bike journey. I passed my test a few years ago after commuting on a 125 , now got a Triumph Street Triple R but now retired so not riding every day!! It’s a massive difference when you get a bigger bike, more road presence, more power obviously but also better brakes and suspension. Good luck with your Mod 1 etc 👍
Riding in the rain, as you have discovered, needs a lot more concentration. Everything needs to be smooth, clutch, brakes and acceleration. I did smile when you said about the waterproofing qualities of leather....or not! Leather likes to absorb water, so isn't ideal in the rain. I maintain that leather is the best for protection, having been bounced down the road on a GS550 chop, back in about 1992 (a car had driven into the back of me) and being able to walk away with just sore ribs. No armour, just padding. Textile jackets are very advanced now but I am old, so stick with leather and wax cotton. And ex army waterproofs, although the Oxford gear looked pretty good. Diesel is the blood of Satan. Hit a patch once and slid sideways into a roundabout! I have always maintained that slow riding is where the real skill is. Nothing more satisfying to me than to be able to control a bike at walking pace, especially if it is a big cruiser. It could be that I am just naturally a slow rider, or 'sedate' as my bike club used to refer to my riding style? I am enjoying your journey. Always happy to see another person getting into biking.
Your head should be literally 90° looking into the turn, don’t look down. Keep the revs up & trail the rear break. When you come to a stop keep the bars straight & look ahead. Best of luck with training, it brings back memories.
Loving the channel. Been riding since the 80’s and my advice would be to try to avoid inclement weather entirely. But if you do have to ride then a few things to remember, car drivers have less vision in the rain and this can be dire for bikers. Also be hyper vigilant about white lines and man hole covers, especially when cornering, grip can disappear entirely and have you off. Ride safe my friend, your doing brilliantly 👍🏻
Hi there im a new rider myself and I enjoy your videos, ive been riding a little over 2 weeks and i can do everything now, for me what worked best was making myself do stuff that i wasn’t comfortable with. For me something I struggled with was stop start riding because i was scared of stalling or something, eventually I learned really smooth clutch control and power delivery and now i can launch quickly and controlled. Practice makes perfect Cant lie though i cant wait for my big bike, im kinda bored of the cg125 now, i want something faster
Good update on your progress, low speed skills are a good thing to do. it's something most of us dont do enough of. This vid had ended and Im laughing at your good lady with the drone.. all clever stuff eh..
If your getting fog it's not installed correctly, there are screws and you need to tighten it down so check that mate, A s for prepping your bike for the winter ACF 50 is your friend.
Hi Andy you definitely look more relaxed watching you makes me want to get back into biking take it easy in the wet don't give in to peer pressure no ones judging you👍
Tip: For a little while, try stopping and concentrating on stopping absolutely upright so that you don't have to put your foot down until _after_ you've completely stopped. The more you get in the habit of putting the foot down _as_ you're stopping, the more chance you've got of catching a drain cover or something and slipping or just plain being spat off the bike.
I usually do an extra press of the indicator everytime i cancel just in case, as i was told by my instructor that leaving them on for too long was one of the top reasons people were failing their mod 2 as it can cause the exact thing that happened to you. Im loving this series though 🤙
Love it thanks guys. I've had my 125 just over a month now. I don't get out as much as I'd like and am definitely struggling sometimes on the slower manoeuvres. I'll bet the commute helps in building confidence and muscle memory. Will check out the app you mentioned. Ride safe.
Hey, there is a "RainX Plastic" which is more suitable for helmets as the visor isn't made of glass as car windshields are. The one you were using looked the "glass" version of RainX, just something to keep in mind. Also, I would not put anything on my pinlock insert, just clean it well and make sure the silicon seal is airtight when you insert it in your visor, and that the pinlock insert doesn't touch the visor itself. It's rather fiddly to put on right, but when you do manage to do it, it works almost flawlessly.
That 125cc looks stunning i couldnt ride that, dont feel comifidant on a cruiser style like to be higher up!, rain just got to take your time consider distance ride slower than normal in rain, i would reccomned practice your theory test, the questions will offer you so much more advice on riding, it helped me alot while working towards the A license, it teachs you about roads you wouldnt normally ride on locally!, made me a safer rider Mod 1 - do your shoulder checks there strict with it each time you move off
yep wet brakes... in a car they are out of the weather so don't get rain going directly on them and because the discs are much thicker, they retain heat for longer which helps to dry them out. on a bike they are getting water falling directly on them and cool off much quicker so they don't dry as well. it just means giving a little brake a few times before you need to stop, and that lets anyone behind you have pre warning that you are slowing down too, just like tapping the rear brake gently to make the light work before and after you change down a gear (because changing down & letting off the throttle can slow the bike much quicker than it can on a car) if the weave (slalom) seems too easy, leave the cones where they are and go on the opposite side of them. if it's still easy, bring them closer together. the ones we do at bike night are spaced way to the left and right, it's almost like doing a series of U turns in opposing directions. My 250 does an average of 32km/L with normal commuting, but my ride today was kind of slow & boring because everyone wanted to do urban speeds on the open road for some reason, so I got 37.5km/L (106mpg Imp) Diesel... the best friend of boy racers with guttles cars that want to do burnouts. I sure is slippery, My first encounter with Diesel on the road was truly accidental. the car slid, I over corrected and spun around the other way and hit the curb with the rear wheel, it bent the wheel and the axle. not something I ever want to encounter on the bike. but at least I know what to look for now, I didn't back then! pinlock. I know what's coming... the fogging! I keep the visor up on the first click when it rains, or even just first thing in the morning. If you're not going fast enough to get any air into the vent, the visor fogs up in seconds.
You are doing well,, on visor ,and pin lock ,, I just got the bike shop to fit pin lock for me they were ,, happy to do so for me , saves faffing ,,, . You will get used to filling up and service stations ,,, comes with experience and you are working well with that ,,,, practice makes perfect well done .
Hi Andy, Mick who did your CBT worked for me, I was the one who trained him to be an Instructor. You need to use more back brake whilst doing slow manoeuvres, back brake should be on enough to stop you if you turned the throttle off, brake on, drive through it with throttle and clutch, bike will become very stable, that’s how the Chinese police you mentioned do all the manoeuvres.
when it gets winter cold ( 0 deg ) you're gonna get a whole new level of "fogging", where actual ice builds up on your visor ( early morning is the worst ) as you're riding, if you notice the "just eat" guys they have the visor fully up, or use no visor helmet, there is a product called visin, its a heated visor insert, next step up from a pinlock...need deep pockets though.
Regarding the 'weaving' or 'slalom' manoeuvres, you want to keep your speed down, and give yourself PLENTY of room. You don't have to weave in and out right next to the cones. But remember - if your wheel TOUCHES a cone, during the module 1 test, you will fail. The bigger bikes are also heavier, and thus respond a little more slowly to the steering inputs. In this regard, it's definitely better to leave more room. The manoeuvre that I would say is the hardest, is the TIGHT U-turn - it's basically in the space of two parking spaces. You must complete the full manoeuvre without putting your foot down until you're straightened up on the farside marking.
Hi, i like your motorcycle learning journey. Two more tips, leaves on the road are like ice, avoid going over them. Newly stone chipped roads look okay while riding, but they are like loose marbles, ride where the cars tires go. Safe travels.
Morning Andrew, Loving the new threads 😊. Diesel must be a bikers worst nightmare. Also metal grate covers both, especially in the wet. I am always more mindful of bikers at junctions when the indicators are flashing just in case. Love how the channel is growing 👏. Take care and ride safe. Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
@@bikerofatlantisalso Andrew be very aware this time of year wet leaves are lethal. Take care,safe riding and I shall look forward to your next adventure.
Hi there UK biker here also, So only the UK really use 125's and all these videos online are of guys on bigger bikes. The thing is, bigger bikes are 100% easier to do slow movements on because their heavier and have more torque. When you're on a bigger bike you'll know what I mean but don't worry too much about it on your 125, that's hard mode in terms of learning Keep up the organic content my guy!
Yeh, it's a wet brake thing. If you drag on the lever for 10 seconds (just gentle pressure) as you go it should help clear the water off. 'Til they get wet again. The biggest thing to watch out for is that as they dry, they start catching harder. You don't want to let that surprise you. Also the harder you're on them, the quicker they dry and more suddenly they catch. Experiment with that in a car park with plentt of space around, *bike upright* . If you slide the front wheel (assuming no ABS) just let go of the lever. Bad things don't start happening for half a second at least.
Loving your videos as can so relate as a new rider myself. Agree with you about hatchings and to be fair you've been driving a car for all these years, so you know your road stuff anyway! on my rk125, I find 2nd gear to be best for slow manoeuvres, and drills.. Its just smoother and seems to put more power to the rear wheel for those tight turns. Keep up the great work, and stay safe.
That kit looks good! I would have gone with something a bit brighter, be seen better in daylight and especially in bad weather! You can always add some.
You can get a beeper for your indicators. In Australia the postie bikes ( Honda 125 scooters have them on them). I have it fitted to my VF 750 and I can hear it up to 60 kph with earplugs in and boy is it annoying but you never forget to turn them off. Another good idea is putting blind spot mirrors on you mirrors. They are so good I can see the front of the car next to me from the corner of my eye and the rear of it in the mirror. Keep up the good work and get you lady a scooter or a small bike so she can join you on your adventures and have fun to.
Here is the deal with riding in the rain. After you spend a couple month riding in the rain, you get real comfortable with it and wonder what the big deal was. I use to live in a tropical climate and had to ride in the rain everyday. Now I live in a dry climate and I avoid riding in the rain because when it does rain, the road becomes very slick from all the road contamination. Damn good looking bike! Non self cancellation on a modern bike is a mystery. The mind blowing tech we have and yet a self cancelling is a luxury on a bike.
I don't know if they have it where you're at but here Harley Davidson has a riding academy class that teaches new riders how to do slow and basic maneuvers. I took the class and it was so much fun. For 2 and a half days and you ride thier bikes which are 500 CCs. I highly recommend that class to everyone.
Check out a little thing called Vee Wipe. Only a couple of quid and works great in the rain and drizzle especially when there is no wind. Sits on your index finger and is just a perfect wiper blade
Hash markings ,you can enter them if it has a broken white line bordering it but remember white paint on the road is as slipery as diesel when wet .on the subject of your visor steaming up there is somthing wrong with your pin lock .
Just some of my Tippy-Tips :) Try not to stop then put your foot down, instead just before stopping put your leg out and 'step to a stop'...it's less panicky :) Diesel spills are deadly, you'll mostly find them inside fuel stations and at the road outside them, roundabouts and bus routes, the smell and rainbow colouring is a giveaway, just stay out of it. I would say don't change down to 1st gear when coming to a stop, it can cause your back wheel to lock up, especially in the wet. Have a system in place for turns, ie always think 'do I need to apply indicators prior to this turn? (there's no point if there's nobody around to indicate to that would benefit from your signal) and 'do I need to cancel indicators after the turn?'.
Morning fella. You’re spot on with the lines and overtakes. I live in Mansfield and work in derby and regularly filter down sir frank whittle way which is this all the way. And I do it past coppers. It’s perfectly legal as long as you do it considerately and it’s appropriate. Well done with the practice. Not a fan of motojitsu but practicing is great. Fuel on the road terrifies me. Look for rainbow patterns on the water and ride appropriately. A shower is worse than long spells of rain because it doesn’t wash the fuel away. Like the Oxford gear too, braces are the best. Shiny side up 😊
If you are riding though the winter I'd certainly look at tyres, I'm unsure what bike that is, but even the top manufacturers rarely use anything other than budget tyres, with a lot of Chinese manufacturers using very hard rubber compounds, which are slippery. I've just changed from my summer tyres to mitchelien road 5's and is day and night different. Great videos, only way you get better and more confidence is by doing, I see your roundabout episode, you rode it fine, do it again 👍
To stop visor steaming up on inside rub a pickled onion on it won't stop the misting but will give you a craving for a pork pie😂
This is comment of the week!!!
@@bikerofatlantisI agree that’s classic
@@bikerofatlantisDid you not condition your leather jacket with beeswax?
Misting up washing up liquid good on inside of the visor you can blow bubbles as you ride down the road get rid of the onion smell too
That's why onions are out of stock for xmas😂
Your personalities and transparency is great, no ego just honesty. You are doing really well , thanks for the journey content. I am experienced rider but can relate totally.
Hi. Love this comment, Thankyou 👍👍👍
Love the idea of your being interviewed by your wife. You two clearly have a great relationship and it’s lovely to hear your progress revealed through your conversations. Also super impressed with your steady, diligent approach to learning this new skill. It’ll serve you well.
Hi Steve, Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
They're a good double act. Two likable people.
Little and large of Barnsley
@@bikerofatlantis Cannon and Ball 🙂
As a lifelong motorcyclist (from 17 to 63 and now retired from biking) I have learned many things, many of which have saved my life many times. One of the most important skills to develop (beyond the basic riding skills you are currently learning) is a combination of defensive driving and hazard perception. That means always assume that every other driver is an idiot and can do the most unexpected things and learn to identify and spot potential hazards, like people crossing the road between parked cars and drivers pulling out from junctions without looking. There are many to learn, so start early and ALWAYS keep your wits about you, looking to see what other people might do. I found that as a car driver, I eventually learned that my hazard perception skills were about 3 times better than the average driver. That's down to the skills I learned on the bike. Love your approach to all this. Keeep it up and remember to stay safe. Oh, and one more tip. Always remember your life saver (always, always look over your right shoulder before you do ANYTHING!)
Love this advice. Thanks for taking the time to advise
'Will you be home for your tea?'... brilliant! X
😂😂😂😂
i'm a 48 years young boy and hopefully i'll get my riding license in about one month. You are truly an inspiration for me, thank you.
Hi. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Ride safe 👍
Every time I leave a petrol station I drag the soles of my shoes on the floor to remove any fuel that I may have stood on
The day you're wearing steel soled boots and catch a piece of flint on the road surface....I wanna see that.
Hi again as a Trials rider in the past slipping is a very common thing but it helps you learn more control of your bike and how to counteract it, drains on road are worse whilst cornering and braking/ harsh acceleration debris on the road surface.
The guy that pulled on you assumed you were turning into his road a very common driver fault, despite the fact you had forgotten your indicator .The highway code says you shouldn't assume someone is turning as they may have forgotten to turn off turn signals another one is , l didn't see him he came from nowhere, is insufficient observation you are learning everyday well done.
Kev Dull windy Devon today. Oh love the new gear 👍🏍️
Andy. As a new biker myself of six months at the age of 64 I’m looking forward to your journey towards you getting your full licence. I occasionally rode my mates bikes in the 70’s without a licence,but circumstances meant I went straight into cars and never really thought about taking my test. Best thing I ever did though and I love the freedom it brings when your on the open roads. I think you will find that moving up to a bigger bike will make things a lot easier for you, especially the height you are. I didn’t enjoy the initial CBT on a 125cc. I found them too small and snatchy. As soon as we moved up onto a Yamaha MT07 for MOD 1 stuff it became so much more comfortable and enjoyable. Anyway got through both MODS first time and I’ve already bought and owned a beautiful Triumph 660 sport which I then traded in for a glorious Honda CB1000r. It is a thing of beauty. So much power when needed but such an easy bike to ride and handle. More power to you matey and keep Claire involved in this adventure as she is brilliant to watch as well. Loved your travel vlogs as well by the way, especially the ones in Northumberland where I live. Great motorcycle riding County by the way.😊
Hello. We loved beautiful Northumberland
Thanks for watching our videos
Love the biker advice. Stay safe. Hope to see you in the road 👍
Yeah you did the weave wrong. You should go on the outside of the two rows of cones not down the middle.
Just remember for the wet keep the bike more upright use counter balancing and go slow leave more space around cars. The more power you have the easier it is to spin the back tire. Smooth inputs on the throttle and brakes. I think you have abs so that might or might not help depending on how the computer is programmed. Personally I would rather trust myself over a computer but it is what it is. Good luck. You are a brave man trying to commute on the bike in the UK. I ride mine in fair weather almost exclusively. Rain gear in the saddle bag just in case I run into something that wasn’t forecasted or on long distance rides.
Hi, I am 68 and have gone back to riding after 40 years. I have a Royal Enfield 350 Hunter. Your journey into biking is so enjoyable to watch. Love your enthusiasm and commitment. Your wife’s comments adds a special ingredient to your channel. Looking foward to more progress and advice from viewers.
You have a beautiful bike 👍
Thanks for watching
I started riding again about 14 years ago after not touching a bike for 30 odd years and I have always lifted my visor up a little to help with condensation, keep up the good work you’re doing good 🏴👍
Hi. Thanks for the advice and watching
We are in Wales at the moment 🏴
I enjoy listening to your journey as it reminds me of my journey when I started at 16, I’m now 48.
👍👍👍
We’re enjoying your learning journey. Keep it up. For cleaning the visor use a lint free cloth. Mild soapy water for cleaning the visor only. Touching the pin lock should be avoided at all costs. The pin lock acts as a double glazed unit and must have a total seal for it to work. Hope that helps.
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice
You’re spot on regarding filtering crossing white lines however I never filter over double white lines in queues of traffic ie road works on fast bendy roads. Always get Diesel on roads around fuel stations, people overfilling tanks. You can’t see it in the dry but it’s still like riding on ice. In the wet it rainbows.
Take super care on roundabouts near filling stations. Avoid turning on white lines, mini roundabouts, grates & manholes in the wet.
hi thanks for watching and this advice, it is appreciated 👍👍
@@bikerofatlantismanholes are serious in the wet if you're leaning. Some countries tar manhole lids. Smooth metal with a layer of water is not good for motorcycles.
I like the format of "that's been my week." I see you catch Motojitsu, he's very professional and learned. His lesson about turn signals is: turn it on prior to your intended action, commit to it, then immediately turn signal off. What he says will help is to tell yourself aloud, turn on turn off. Not sure I would like riding in all that rain, lol.
Hi. How are you
Well Andrew it looks like you're there with everything, all you need to do now is practice, practice, practice. Really impressed that you took it upon yourself to go out and practice in the rain, I've been riding forever and I still do that. Don't forget that in the rain your braking effort changes from 75 % front and 25% rear to 50/50%.
You've also discovered two of the biggest hazards for motorcyclists
1) Diesel, including getting it on the soles of your boots in filling stations. Other danger areas are bus stops and roundabouts. If you smell it slow down and look for it.
2) Forgetting to turn off your indicator, particularly the L. H. one. That forgetfulness has caused many an injury and lots of fatalities.
Always remember that on a motorcycle, in a tussle with anything, you'll come of second best EVERY time.
Really impressed with the mature way that you're going about things and the fact that Claire is very supportive is brilliant. (Loved her little quip about "will you be home for your tea?")
You're well on the way now to becoming a fully licensed biker so you probably won't hear from me again now because I don't think I can add anything to what you've already learnt. I'll keep a lookout for the vlogs though and enjoy them.
Take care, stay safe.!
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day 😊😊🏍️🏍️
Take Care And Keep Safe! Have a great new week! 🥂🤩❤️✨
Thankyou. You too!
Hi Andy and Claire I have followed you in the Motorhome for sometime and love your videos. As a 63 yr old lady watching you is bringing back memories of when I rode a Suzuki TS100 in my twenties 😊. Wishing you many happy years motorcycling ahead love you both xx
Hi Sue. Claire here… I’m slightly anxious but want to give it a go 👍
@@bikerofatlantis hi Claire I started with a moped which in those days you could ride on a car licence. I had the training available at the time and took a moped test. I had a trials bike which was more upright which I found comfortable. I then took my motorcycle test and passed first time! I think things were easier in those days. I had a full set of belstaffs and a reflective strap. I only came off once- slipping on slick tarmac just outside of Longleat House! Embarrassing but not as hard a fall as from a horse as there was no height involved. Give it a go, start small, get your confidence on the road, see how you get on. Roads were quieter in my biking days but have some fun. Love to you and Andy xx
I’ve been commuting on a bike through winter into London for over 30 years. The main thing in winter is keeping warm, and more specifically keeping hands warm. I’ve tried all the gloves and glove liners. However, by far the best things for winter riding are bar muffs. They might not look great, but your hands won’t get cold even with summer gloves - I only have summer gloves!
Thanks for this 👍 Keep safe
You're doing great and can see the confidence building each week. Great that both of you enjoy it too and don't think it'll be long until there's two bikes in the stable lol
Ooosh!
Well done, you’re doing great. Great video
🙂🙂
At the tender age of 53 I did my CBT last October and rode through the winter - you’re definitely going about this the right way. I got into some bad habits so recommend an hour on the road with an instructor occasionally.
Pin lock wise, I’ve not had this problem but it sounds like it’s not sealing properly. I used an alcohol wipe prior to fitting.
Hi. We are in our prime!
Thanks for watching. Loving the biking
Have a great day
Coming from Cheshire police and their bike safe course you are correct with regards to cross hatching.
If a car is stopped or crawling (below 10mph) you may cross the solid white lines if safe to do so. If broken lines then you may use them to over take if safe to do so and within the speed limit.
It's a common misconception that you can't go over them but you can. It's the same as double white lines, if traffic is stopped or slow crawling hazard then you may go round them.
Have a look at bikesafe courses I'm the future they are a big help.
Good to see you with some proper wet weather gear! With regards to the pinlock, it should not fog up at the bottom. If it is doing you have it fitted incorrectly. Check if your "pins" are rotated in the correct position, if you look closely the upright bit is off centre use this to make sure all the pinlock sits flush all the way round the visor.
With regards to cleaning, it's a bit late, but don't wipe the inside of the visor and the pinlock, they have a coating of antifog. Rain ex will cause them to glaze or mist up more as the water molecules have no where to run off so sit between the two surfaces.
Rainex on the outside try not to buff off as much and it will help disperse better (even though it says buff off, dont).
Skills are getting there. Your best thing to do is get the miles in! Go out of your comfort and face different obstacles. Also with regards to your Uturn you keep looking to the front mid turn which stops you doing the turn smoothly and causes target fixation (a bikers nightmare). When starting the U turn, quickly scan the path then look at your finish point and don't take your eyes off of it. You'll do it a lot smoother.
Can tell from the angle on the slalom but looks like you went the wrong way round the cones, it should be the longest route. So first cone offset left second cone offset right then you go left right round them exaggerating the S.
Give mod 1 layout a Google and copy that! It tells you your dimensions etc. So you know what to practice.
Lastly enjoy it! Looks like you are having fun but really chill out with regards what everyone says is dangerous. Yes it technically is but don't let it distract you from what you are doing, it will become second nature eventually.
Have you met up with other bikers yet? It's sometimes very beneficial just to go ride with others and learn and watch what they do within your limits.
Enjoy the vids, look forward to the next one. Been riding 20 odd years and forget what the enjoyment, nervousness etc of new riding is like and it's a fresh reminder.
Hi. This is fabulous guidance thank you very much, appreciated
Thanks for watching and safe travels to you
Loving the content, watching your channel should be compulsory for all new riders, really honest and insightful. Everyone who rides a bike will know that you never stop learning how to improve your riding skills, and you never get tired of motorbikes (I currently have 3, been biking 30+ yrs and still obsessed).
Hi. ❤️👍Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
So many people don’t ride in rain. Really good that it doesn’t deter you as a new rider. Every one of us will get caught out in rain at some point no matter what so might as well be comfortable with it. Another positive is if you need service for any reason, there’s usually cancellations on rainy days lol
Although for the first time slightly inside. Loved it. Practice is what I need 👍
The interaction between you two is great to watch. Keep up the riding and when you get to Spring next year your confidence will be sky high having negotiated a winter safely.
Fantastic observation about petrol stations, I always approach them with great care on my 310kg cruiser.
ATB
Hi. Thanks for watching and your comment. I never noticed in the car!
Keep safe
Heated grips are lovely in winter. Like holding a hot cup of tea.
Can’t beat it
Never had heated grips on my bikes. Love my heated steering wheel on my focus though. 😂
@@ChilliPod In winter when stopped at traffic lights I would put my palms next to the engine to warm up. It helped but it's nothing compared to the amazing feeling of heated grips.
Literally like holding a hot cup of tea. Even if it's freezing outside and you're doing 50 mph.
I've had the icicle line forming in the center of the visor but my hands have been warm.
And if you ride you know that when your hands are cold they are harder to move quickly.
Others have said the hand guards and large mitten bags are really good too. I've not tried but I would like to.
Outside temperature is good to know if you ride in winter so you're extra careful for ice.
Icicle line by your nose on the visor is a good indicator too that's it's flipping cold ❄️🥶😅
Good to see you watching motojitsu. The counter steer vid is quite good. I use normal rainx not the glass cleaner one. And it works perfect. Great to see you progressing
Hi, thanks for this
Weaving: from what I can see you're going the wrong side of the cones. They're offset so you should be going left of the ones on the left etc. the way you did it, you could just thread the needle and go straight line down the middle. Saying that the weaving you were doing and some dry weather, I think you'll be just as comfortable.
Overall nice channel, good to see people begining their journey and not just showing off their 4th intercontinental tour of the year. You and your co-host also seem to have genuine chemistry and enthusiasm, I like it.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
Pinlock will mist if you ride in rain with visor up as air pressure will push water in. Even with pinlock, helmet with vents help and learn how to hold your head for best airflow. All the best riding! Also always go over wet metal totally upright with straight bars and perpendicular to any bumps. Tram tracks are particularly dodgy.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍
223 miles out a tank! That's really good. This time of year is pretty hairy with wet roads, leaves, and the dreaded diesel. Doesn't half make your arse grip the saddle . Good man, keep at it .
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
Im putting this here because my CBT instructor gave me some useful information that might not be part of the CBT course.
Press indicator cancel "again" a short distance after the corner later just in case.
Emergency braking, declutch and brake, Do NOT down shift, concentrate on stopping asap.
Immediately after you stop, do a shoulder check and be ready to drop the bike and run if the guy behind isnt stopping. Didnt see you do this.
Also, I see loads of newbies ignoring the 2 second rule, too close to the vehicle in front. Dont practice bad habits.
Did my cbt nearly a year ago at 68. Ride safe.
Hi. Love this
Thanks for watching and this advice
I'm loving this channel.
👍👍👍👍
Coming along Andy. You'll learn to smell oil on roundabouts and spot the rainbows in the rain. For the steaming up, find a none salt washing up liquid to wipe the inside of the visor with and just leave the lid up a few mm. Grids and paint in the wet can be like ice, edge down the speed, remember those life savers and enjoy the ride 👍
This is great advice, thank you 👍👍👍
As someone just about to start the journey, watching these videos has been so informative, and your approach so relatable.. just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to do these.
Hi. This is great and pleased to read this
Keep safe 😊
Very good, love the interaction between you both and watching you on your journey into motorcycling. I've just gone back to it at 60 years old after a long absence (15 years or more!) so on my own learning curve again at the moment and taking it easy.
Sounds fab! Happy riding
This is great stuff. After 31 years of driving cars I’ve got my CBT next week. Really nervous about it all so these videos are of real help. It’s like a try before you buy! 😂💪🏼👍🏻
Good luck hope you have a good one 👍👍👍
You’ll love it!!
Brilliant!! Ride safe Andrew loving both channels.
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍 have a great day
For the cone drill, I suspect you have to go on the outside of the cones rather than the inside which it looked like you where doing in the video.
The path you took you could have gotten through the cones going in a straight line, if you go around each cone on the outside it will increase the difficulty quite a bit, and you'll be able to track your progress much more accurately.
Just finished watching your first few videos than you uploaded this one, perfect timing!
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice 👍
Was thinking the same
Very nice kit, hmmmm, I might take a look at that, I need new winter kit. Mine is looking a bit worn, well very worn. It wouldn't win any fashion competition. Always nice to see how your getting on with your riding. My first time out today for 2 weeks due to work , whoop whoop. And the sun is shining 🌞☀️
Hi. Enjoy your ride out. Have a great one 👍👍👍👍👍👍🏍️
A good thing to remember is that all these drills change in difficulty with the bike. Emergency braking drills may be easier with bigger bike two front discs if it isnt stupid heavy. Slalom may be easier on a 125 etc. Glad to see the new gear and a helmet with British standard. The scorpion evo was my last helmet and the first pinlock it came with was great but the one I put in myself never quite worked as well.
👍👍
Great vids, love the conversational chat and seeing biking from a new riders point of view. Personally, I love riding in the rain. Keep it up.
Thanks for watching 👍
Keep up the lessons, you are building muscle and mental patterns that will help you in your riding in the future. A lot of new riders fail to build on the fundamental skills. Your license is just the first step. Enjoy and stay safe!
Thanks 👍👍👍
Thank you very much. You are really coming up with some very valid points 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏
Thanks for watching 👍
I am very pleased that you got proper gear now. Whatever the weather wherever the ride. It doesn’t need to be wet OR far for stupid shit to happen. And even having your foot slip out at a red light those shoulder/eldos/hip/knee pads will be the difference between week of pain vs a bruised ego.
👍👍
You are totally correct about the hatching. They even teach you to use them more on the bike safe course run by the police. As long as it isn't bordered by a solid line you can use it
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice
I've just got myself a Keeway Superlight as my first 125 after passing CBT and I'm finding your videos really helpful. Keep up the good work, mate 👍
Happy riding
@@bikerofatlantis thanks mate, you too 👍
Andy, you and management (the wife) are making a great channel. Hats off to going out in all weather's it will be great for your confid3n e and awareness. As for broken lines and hash areas, you are correct. You can legally enter that area to overtake and go by slow traffic. The fact you stated you are aware of the rubbish and grit that gets thrown into that part of the road makes you safer to do it and ride with extra care when you do it. Hats off to another great video. 👏
Hi. Thanks for watching
From me and the management 😂😂😂
you are spot on with the hatched area and overtaking. It’s very much legal, and my instructor whilst doing my DAS pointed out that it’s great as it gives a nice safe space to filter. Need to be much more careful using it in the rain though white lines can be very slippy.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
Those pinlocks you are having trouble with, not many people realise those pinlock pins are actually little cams that can be rotated to tighten up or loosen the pinlock lenses. Doesn't really make all that much difference though, I still have to leave my visor slightly open in the rain 😆
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍
This comment is spot on. I had the same issue and my parts guy rotated the little cams where they hook on the inside nubs to get a tight seal.
Its nice to see a starter rider actually putting in the time to practice off the road to make their riding better on the road. There doesnt seem to be any ego about you either a proper down to earth fella. Im pretty local to you so I know the traffic and road conditions around there are not exactly the best, diesel allover the roads everywhere when the rain starts. I call them rainbows of doom hah. Been riding for 11 years now myself and getting the full A licence is the best thing i ever did but dont rush it mate. Your doing the right thing learning your craft on a 125 first before the big heavy ones. Keep it up bud :)
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
My tip for indicators. Always use them, then always turn them off "when" you complete the manoeuvre. Make it a sequence, then it will become habit. Tip for cleaning the bike. Get the wife to do it 🤣🤣🤣
Bring the cones closer together, and go slower. Maybe 1 and 1/2 bike lengths? Then a bike length maybe? It's the slow manoeuvring you want to master in the car parks.
Riding in the rain is not pleasant, but as I rode all year round, (even snow), you get used to it. Avoid manhole covers if you can, especially on corners and bends. Avoid while lines painted on the road too. You can ride on them, just avoid braking on them okay. Roundabouts often have diesel spills on them, so care needs to taken there too. Has that bike got ABS? If not, never panic brake on the front brake.
Hope that helps 😀
Hi. This is all great advice, thank you for to and for watching 👍👍👍👍 keep safe
Great video.
Keep doing what you are doing.
As I've said to you before, it's all about time in the seat. Keep at it, the more wet riding, the better.
Loving the practice 👍
To help with the visor misting up, try putting a little washing up liquid on a damp cloth and wipe the visor, this helped with our riot helmets when needed, great video thanks.
Hi. A few people have mentioned this so will try, Thankyou
You are bang on about the hatchings. Try and avoid them cos they are full of mank. I’m enjoying watching you learning. It really takes me back to when I was learning to ride.
Thankyou
You can fit a beeper, they are about a tenner on ebay. You just connect one to ground and the other to an indicator line. I fitted one to mine when I passed, absolute life saver, literally!
Ooh will look at this, thank you
In winter one of the issues the Sun is lower in the sky .I too leave my visor slightly open it helps , also a good helmet with good venting that creates an air flow .Once again we all do it when we start buying bike gear we go for looks rather than practicality .We get there eventually
Thank you for this 🏍️🏍️
Another lesson learned with the diesel and wet keep an eye out on all types of drain covers manhole covers that sort of thing they can be very greasy and any painted lines tend to be slippy when wet..Claire was on form with the gags again I really liked the NASA one will you be back for tea🤣🤣👍🏻keep up the good work Andy and stay safe mate👍🏻
😂😂😂😂😂 one of Claire’s best jokes!
Just subscribed 👍 really enjoying your bike journey. I passed my test a few years ago after commuting on a 125 , now got a Triumph Street Triple R but now retired so not riding every day!! It’s a massive difference when you get a bigger bike, more road presence, more power obviously but also better brakes and suspension. Good luck with your Mod 1 etc 👍
Hi Welcome to our channel
Cracking bike 👍👍👍
Riding in the rain, as you have discovered, needs a lot more concentration. Everything needs to be smooth, clutch, brakes and acceleration. I did smile when you said about the waterproofing qualities of leather....or not! Leather likes to absorb water, so isn't ideal in the rain. I maintain that leather is the best for protection, having been bounced down the road on a GS550 chop, back in about 1992 (a car had driven into the back of me) and being able to walk away with just sore ribs. No armour, just padding. Textile jackets are very advanced now but I am old, so stick with leather and wax cotton. And ex army waterproofs, although the Oxford gear looked pretty good.
Diesel is the blood of Satan. Hit a patch once and slid sideways into a roundabout!
I have always maintained that slow riding is where the real skill is. Nothing more satisfying to me than to be able to control a bike at walking pace, especially if it is a big cruiser. It could be that I am just naturally a slow rider, or 'sedate' as my bike club used to refer to my riding style?
I am enjoying your journey. Always happy to see another person getting into biking.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day ☀️☀️☀️
Your head should be literally 90° looking into the turn, don’t look down. Keep the revs up & trail the rear break. When you come to a stop keep the bars straight & look ahead. Best of luck with training, it brings back memories.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
Loving the channel. Been riding since the 80’s and my advice would be to try to avoid inclement weather entirely. But if you do have to ride then a few things to remember, car drivers have less vision in the rain and this can be dire for bikers. Also be hyper vigilant about white lines and man hole covers, especially when cornering, grip can disappear entirely and have you off. Ride safe my friend, your doing brilliantly 👍🏻
Thanks for watching
Hi there im a new rider myself and I enjoy your videos, ive been riding a little over 2 weeks and i can do everything now, for me what worked best was making myself do stuff that i wasn’t comfortable with. For me something I struggled with was stop start riding because i was scared of stalling or something, eventually I learned really smooth clutch control and power delivery and now i can launch quickly and controlled. Practice makes perfect
Cant lie though i cant wait for my big bike, im kinda bored of the cg125 now, i want something faster
2 Weeks! Congratulations
Thanks for watching 👍
Good update on your progress, low speed skills are a good thing to do. it's something most of us dont do enough of. This vid had ended and Im laughing at your good lady with the drone.. all clever stuff eh..
😂😂👍👍
If your getting fog it's not installed correctly, there are screws and you need to tighten it down so check that mate, A s for prepping your bike for the winter ACF 50 is your friend.
Will take another look. Thank you
Hi Andy you definitely look more relaxed watching you makes me want to get back into biking take it easy in the wet don't give in to peer pressure no ones judging you👍
Get back into Ray 😆👍
Always turn the indicators off ,that exactly happened to me in exactly the same way,😂stay safe man
Tip: For a little while, try stopping and concentrating on stopping absolutely upright so that you don't have to put your foot down until _after_ you've completely stopped. The more you get in the habit of putting the foot down _as_ you're stopping, the more chance you've got of catching a drain cover or something and slipping or just plain being spat off the bike.
Hi, Thanks for this advice, it is appreciated
Hi, Thanks for watching my videos and sending me your tips, it is appreciated
I usually do an extra press of the indicator everytime i cancel just in case, as i was told by my instructor that leaving them on for too long was one of the top reasons people were failing their mod 2 as it can cause the exact thing that happened to you. Im loving this series though 🤙
Good to know this, Thankyou 👍👍
Brilliant - really enjoying following the journey. Keep goin! Starting myself shortly - CBT next week. Watching has really helped.
Good luck next week 🏍️👍
You got to learn by riding more every day in town and long journeys . This is the best school.
Agreed. Using it most days
@@bikerofatlantis
Your channel doing relay great. 👍
Can’t wait to see you progress and enjoy your biking experience.
Love it thanks guys. I've had my 125 just over a month now. I don't get out as much as I'd like and am definitely struggling sometimes on the slower manoeuvres. I'll bet the commute helps in building confidence and muscle memory. Will check out the app you mentioned. Ride safe.
Hi. Keep practicing when you can
Happy travels 👍
Hey, there is a "RainX Plastic" which is more suitable for helmets as the visor isn't made of glass as car windshields are. The one you were using looked the "glass" version of RainX, just something to keep in mind.
Also, I would not put anything on my pinlock insert, just clean it well and make sure the silicon seal is airtight when you insert it in your visor, and that the pinlock insert doesn't touch the visor itself. It's rather fiddly to put on right, but when you do manage to do it, it works almost flawlessly.
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice 👍
That 125cc looks stunning i couldnt ride that, dont feel comifidant on a cruiser style like to be higher up!, rain just got to take your time consider distance ride slower than normal in rain, i would reccomned practice your theory test, the questions will offer you so much more advice on riding, it helped me alot while working towards the A license, it teachs you about roads you wouldnt normally ride on locally!, made me a safer rider Mod 1 - do your shoulder checks there strict with it each time you move off
Hi. Thanks for this. Loving the journey
Top Tip for indicator idea:
Convince your mind that your "stop signaling" button, is a fidget spinner. I press it in traffic like crazy now.
😂😂😂
yep wet brakes... in a car they are out of the weather so don't get rain going directly on them and because the discs are much thicker, they retain heat for longer which helps to dry them out. on a bike they are getting water falling directly on them and cool off much quicker so they don't dry as well. it just means giving a little brake a few times before you need to stop, and that lets anyone behind you have pre warning that you are slowing down too, just like tapping the rear brake gently to make the light work before and after you change down a gear (because changing down & letting off the throttle can slow the bike much quicker than it can on a car)
if the weave (slalom) seems too easy, leave the cones where they are and go on the opposite side of them. if it's still easy, bring them closer together. the ones we do at bike night are spaced way to the left and right, it's almost like doing a series of U turns in opposing directions.
My 250 does an average of 32km/L with normal commuting, but my ride today was kind of slow & boring because everyone wanted to do urban speeds on the open road for some reason, so I got 37.5km/L (106mpg Imp)
Diesel... the best friend of boy racers with guttles cars that want to do burnouts. I sure is slippery, My first encounter with Diesel on the road was truly accidental. the car slid, I over corrected and spun around the other way and hit the curb with the rear wheel, it bent the wheel and the axle. not something I ever want to encounter on the bike. but at least I know what to look for now, I didn't back then!
pinlock. I know what's coming... the fogging! I keep the visor up on the first click when it rains, or even just first thing in the morning. If you're not going fast enough to get any air into the vent, the visor fogs up in seconds.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
You are doing well,, on visor ,and pin lock ,, I just got the bike shop to fit pin lock for me they were ,, happy to do so for me , saves faffing ,,, . You will get used to filling up and service stations ,,, comes with experience and you are working well with that ,,,, practice makes perfect well done .
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
Hi Andy, Mick who did your CBT worked for me, I was the one who trained him to be an Instructor. You need to use more back brake whilst doing slow manoeuvres, back brake should be on enough to stop you if you turned the throttle off, brake on, drive through it with throttle and clutch, bike will become very stable, that’s how the Chinese police you mentioned do all the manoeuvres.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍👍
when it gets winter cold ( 0 deg ) you're gonna get a whole new level of "fogging", where actual ice builds up on your visor ( early morning is the worst ) as you're riding, if you notice the "just eat" guys they have the visor fully up, or use no visor helmet, there is a product called visin, its a heated visor insert, next step up from a pinlock...need deep pockets though.
Hi. Thanks for watching. Will look into this 👍👍👍
You have to go around the offset cones
😂😂👍
Yeah, ha ha ha. The difficult option is the one. Will increase skill level. Tricky but you'll improve, which is what you want.
Regarding the 'weaving' or 'slalom' manoeuvres, you want to keep your speed down, and give yourself PLENTY of room. You don't have to weave in and out right next to the cones. But remember - if your wheel TOUCHES a cone, during the module 1 test, you will fail.
The bigger bikes are also heavier, and thus respond a little more slowly to the steering inputs. In this regard, it's definitely better to leave more room.
The manoeuvre that I would say is the hardest, is the TIGHT U-turn - it's basically in the space of two parking spaces. You must complete the full manoeuvre without putting your foot down until you're straightened up on the farside marking.
Hi, thanks for this 👍
Alpinestars boots are great. Good choice.
I love them!
Hi, i like your motorcycle learning journey. Two more tips, leaves on the road are like ice, avoid going over them.
Newly stone chipped roads look okay while riding, but they are like loose marbles, ride where the cars tires go.
Safe travels.
Thanks for the tips!
Morning Andrew,
Loving the new threads 😊.
Diesel must be a bikers worst nightmare. Also metal grate covers both, especially in the wet.
I am always more mindful of bikers at junctions when the indicators are flashing just in case.
Love how the channel is growing 👏.
Take care and ride safe.
Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
Hi guys xxx Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
@@bikerofatlantisalso Andrew be very aware this time of year wet leaves are lethal. Take care,safe riding and I shall look forward to your next adventure.
Hi there UK biker here also,
So only the UK really use 125's and all these videos online are of guys on bigger bikes.
The thing is, bigger bikes are 100% easier to do slow movements on because their heavier and have more torque. When you're on a bigger bike you'll know what I mean but don't worry too much about it on your 125, that's hard mode in terms of learning
Keep up the organic content my guy!
also the pinlock is a godsend but I would advise from taking it in and out, it's compromised the seal of mine in the past
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice
Yeh, it's a wet brake thing. If you drag on the lever for 10 seconds (just gentle pressure) as you go it should help clear the water off. 'Til they get wet again.
The biggest thing to watch out for is that as they dry, they start catching harder. You don't want to let that surprise you. Also the harder you're on them, the quicker they dry and more suddenly they catch. Experiment with that in a car park with plentt of space around, *bike upright* . If you slide the front wheel (assuming no ABS) just let go of the lever. Bad things don't start happening for half a second at least.
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice
you guys are great!
Thank you 👍👍👍
Loving your videos as can so relate as a new rider myself. Agree with you about hatchings and to be fair you've been driving a car for all these years, so you know your road stuff anyway! on my rk125, I find 2nd gear to be best for slow manoeuvres, and drills.. Its just smoother and seems to put more power to the rear wheel for those tight turns. Keep up the great work, and stay safe.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day and safe travels on your 125
That kit looks good! I would have gone with something a bit brighter, be seen better in daylight and especially in bad weather!
You can always add some.
Hi 👋👍
You can get a beeper for your indicators. In Australia the postie bikes ( Honda 125 scooters have them on them). I have it fitted to my VF 750 and I can hear it up to 60 kph with earplugs in and boy is it annoying but you never forget to turn them off. Another good idea is putting blind spot mirrors on you mirrors. They are so good I can see the front of the car next to me from the corner of my eye and the rear of it in the mirror. Keep up the good work and get you lady a scooter or a small bike so she can join you on your adventures and have fun to.
Hi. This is great info, will look to see if I can get this. Safe biking and have a great day
Here is the deal with riding in the rain. After you spend a couple month riding in the rain, you get real comfortable with it and wonder what the big deal was.
I use to live in a tropical climate and had to ride in the rain everyday. Now I live in a dry climate and I avoid riding in the rain because when it does rain, the road becomes very slick from all the road contamination.
Damn good looking bike! Non self cancellation on a modern bike is a mystery. The mind blowing tech we have and yet a self cancelling is a luxury on a bike.
Hi. Thanks for watching and the advice 👍 have a great day
I don't know if they have it where you're at but here Harley Davidson has a riding academy class that teaches new riders how to do slow and basic maneuvers. I took the class and it was so much fun. For 2 and a half days and you ride thier bikes which are 500 CCs. I highly recommend that class to everyone.
Are you in England?
@@bikerofatlantis I'm American. From the Blue Grass state of Kentucky.
Best of luck. Please keep it up.
Thank you
Nice to see some better clothing for the coming weather.
👍👍😂
Check out a little thing called Vee Wipe. Only a couple of quid and works great in the rain and drizzle especially when there is no wind. Sits on your index finger and is just a perfect wiper blade
Oooh will look at this. Thank you
Hash markings ,you can enter them if it has a broken white line bordering it but remember white paint on the road is as slipery as diesel when wet .on the subject of your visor steaming up there is somthing wrong with your pin lock .
Thanks will take a look at this
Just some of my Tippy-Tips :)
Try not to stop then put your foot down, instead just before stopping put your leg out and 'step to a stop'...it's less panicky :)
Diesel spills are deadly, you'll mostly find them inside fuel stations and at the road outside them, roundabouts and bus routes, the smell and rainbow colouring is a giveaway, just stay out of it.
I would say don't change down to 1st gear when coming to a stop, it can cause your back wheel to lock up, especially in the wet.
Have a system in place for turns, ie always think 'do I need to apply indicators prior to this turn? (there's no point if there's nobody around to indicate to that would benefit from your signal) and 'do I need to cancel indicators after the turn?'.
Hi. Loving your tips and guidance. Thank you 👍👍👍
Morning fella. You’re spot on with the lines and overtakes. I live in Mansfield and work in derby and regularly filter down sir frank whittle way which is this all the way. And I do it past coppers. It’s perfectly legal as long as you do it considerately and it’s appropriate. Well done with the practice. Not a fan of motojitsu but practicing is great. Fuel on the road terrifies me. Look for rainbow patterns on the water and ride appropriately. A shower is worse than long spells of rain because it doesn’t wash the fuel away. Like the Oxford gear too, braces are the best. Shiny side up 😊
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍
If you are riding though the winter I'd certainly look at tyres, I'm unsure what bike that is, but even the top manufacturers rarely use anything other than budget tyres, with a lot of Chinese manufacturers using very hard rubber compounds, which are slippery. I've just changed from my summer tyres to mitchelien road 5's and is day and night different. Great videos, only way you get better and more confidence is by doing, I see your roundabout episode, you rode it fine, do it again 👍
Hi. It’s a Keeway RKV125. Will look at my tyres to check. Thank you for watching 👍
Shaving foam on your visor works a treat to bead rain away that's my tip
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