After my 3rd week of riding a motorbike, I learned 2 very important lessons about route planning and gear after a crash with a bus stopped me getting on my way. The shop I visited can be found here via-moto.co.uk/
What a refreshing and honest account of being new to biking. A must watch for anyone learning or thinking about learning to ride a bike. You never stop learning no matter how long you've been riding, you just continually expand your comfort zone.
True. 49 years ago when I started riding so I'm out of touch with what it's like for somebody to start riding these days. Life was simple back then lol
Before the invention of Pin locks we would open the visor slightly at low town speeds to help prevent fogging up. Actually I still do, old habits and that.
Pin locks will work fine if installed correctly so may be worthwhile checking. An option to decrease misting is to slightly crack open the visor, sometimes in heavy rain this becomes necessary. Ride safe 🙏
No epic fail there mate, you'll get there. Best lessons learned are unplanned. Being riding 40 years now . Met somebody that didnt know how to use a roundabout 7 weeks ago , wrote my bike off and smashed my leg. Insurance paid out and I've got a new bike now. Admittedly it knocked my confidence on roundabouts but it hasnt put me off at all. Just stay switched on and ride defensive. Stay safe.
@bikerofatlantis , rod in my left leg from knee to ankle, pinned and plated together. Getting on the new bike was good physiotherapy for movement in my ankle. Until I dropped it on my knee. Torn the tendon by giving it a good twist. Back to square one. Hey ho, joys of biking. Getting itchy to get back out but wifey is giving me the look so I had better behave myself.
You know, Andrew, you've expressed EXACTLY my own fears earlier this year when I took my first rides around my town. Worried about roundabouts and the clowns that sneak out in front of you, ignoring the fact that you're very vulnerable. But I returned home, quite happy, and came to a T-junction, just close to my house, that needed a right hand turn. As I approached the T-junction, I have to come to a stop because of traffic from my right. No problem. I stuck my right leg out so that I could balance the stationary bike and then realised I was too close to the little triangular pedestrian refuge in the middle of the road. I couldn't put my leg out far enough before it came in contact with its kerb, the bike was already tipping over and - ever so slowly - I and the bike collapsed onto the refuge. What a prat. Didn't damage the bike but I broke my visor and cut my forehead a little. Nothing to worry about. I know it sounds dumb and obvious but, learners, give yourselves enough room at a pedestrian refuge so that you can balance the bike when you come to a halt at a T-junction!
I really like your videos. Its nice to see your perspective as a new rider. I started 15 years ago on a 1989 CBR 1000F sports tourer... 135hp was quiet something as a first bike. 540 lbs... No ABS... I really appreciate your approach as a new rider. Reasonable sized bike to learn and besides bike control, 80% to learn is how to read traffic, how to judge other vehicles and so on. As a little piece of advice that saved me early on: learn how to overcome your fear of leaning the bike until the pegs scrape the ground. As a new rider you might more often than not misjudge the entry speed of a corner. And if you do not want to end up in oncoming traffic, the only thing you can do is get the bike further down and around the bend at a bit higher speed as used to. Also, you will learn the limits of your bike and set yourself margins on how far you can go. Preferrably do this with an instructor and a safety course. Not alone in a parking lot.
I can't really remember "Learning" anything bike related! I was born and bred in South East London, the Elephant and Castle, now that's what a roundabout used to be like! I bought a FS1E, had that about 2 months, swapped it and cash for a CB 125, had that about 3 months, bought a Yammy 250 (XT?) , that lasted 4 months, I was then shown a three year old Kwak 750 LTD with only 800 miles on the clock, absolutely immaculate, and no MOT. I thought that something fishy was going on and it turned out he had no Bike Licence, so no insurance and it needed an MOT, which he wouldn't be able to get! A grand later and I was flying (compared to the other bikes that I had in less than a year) off down the road thinking "What have I bought"! Within the next year, I had swapped the Top End for that off a GPz and then a Stage 1 Kit from PDQ, in Reading (very helpful, because I was no mechanic), and I was working on the Brand New Breakfast Bar, in my first house, Buckets and Shims everywhere, that's when I knew my missus was a keeper!
to get missle off your visor, just speed up and turn your head 90 degrees and let the wind blow it off. If you use rain x, it blows it off even easier. The only way to remove mist inside, is to lift your visor. On damp windless days, always lift your visor when you stop, when it mists up most, then put it down as you gain speed. Yorkshire is famous for that type of rain that wets you.
@@bikerofatlantisyou might need to do over 60 though to get the rain drops blown of your helmet when its raining. Depends on how sticky your visor is for the water. And you tend to subconciusly move to where you look. Wich is why you need some speed because you do not want to look over your shoulder for more than a second.
Sometimes you just lift that visor until you get moving again. Avoid the metal road covers, road markings and the road rainbows when wet. And you can't always plan for things, things happen but you did it fella. You survived the trials and tribulations.
The best way to overcome a challenge. Do it. Then it's less of a challenge. As for filtering, I personally wouldn't filter over chevron's, 1, it's called no-mans land. And where traffic isn't supposed to use, and 2, it's full of all the road debris (puncture time). Plus I get that it's all new, but don't over think, take the ride as it happens, and you'll learn to see all the signs of thing that could happen and avoid before they do. But over thinking causes stress and mistakes. Thinking oh he's not seen me, I'll hold back, problem avoided. That type of being one step ahead of other people.
Brilliant videos. I passed my MOD2 recently and am now enjoying getting out and building my skills on my new bike. I should have done it years ago, but never late than never. Your journey will help others and I love the interaction between you two. Keep the videos coming. As for winter protection, ACF50, is the way to go.
If you're riding right through the winter then you're probably going to want a decent set of textile jacket and jeans that zip together at the waist. More for the warmth than for waterproof (though there are some totally waterproof options out their, if you have the budget). Wind chill soon becomes "bike-cold" and that's not just uncomfortable, but genuinely hazardous. Sure your man at the shop can sort you out. Also, your hands will thank you for proper winter gloves. But your helmet is the most important thing to invest in when it comes to gear. Every biker will tell you that. Thanks for sharing your journey, it's putting a huge grin on my face. Welcome to the community 😎
never had laces caught in anything while riding, never heard of anyone it's happened to either, so yes it's possible...but you might also get hit by lightning, so you better attach a metal rod to your head. the jeans are fine, just get some waterproof over trousers/jacket & some panniers or a box to carry 'em. the best way to avoid the damage that salted roads do...is to avoid riding on them, nothing else works, bikes that are used all year round ( very rare nowadays ) are wrecked after 3yrs, unless meticulously maintained.
Well I’ll tell you a story then. Happened to me. I was at work. Needed to go to the shop for a sandwich. Only around the corner my steel toe work boots will be fine right. Got the the end of the road there was a red light. My boot lace wrapped around the shifter peg and when I stopped I went spat unable to put my foot down. I wasn’t hurt. But with the bike on top of me and my foot tied to the peg I had to lay there in the road until someone came and lifted the bike off me. Doesn’t matter the weather dined matter how short the ride. It’s all the gear all the time.
You're doing really well Andy. One thing you've probably realised is that riding a bike requires even more concentration than driving a car and your position in the road is paramount (don't let car drivers take your space). You get good days and bad days when riding, even with experience. Keep it going 👍
Lift your visor. You’ll also find that your breathing alters as your stress levels go up, the pinlock won’t help this at low speeds. Honestly, riding with your visor up isn’t as bad as you think and will help cool you down.
No one seems to have mentioned the rain on visor situation. Get some "Rain X" applied to the outer surface. Comes as a liquid in small plastic bottles also used on car windscreens. Apply with cloth and polish off. I use it and a bottles has lasted me years. Works wonders.
Rain X come in 1 for Glass(car windows) and you can get 1 for Plastic ( helmet visors) may prolong the life of the visor. personally I have used the glass one as it was 1/3 cheaper than the plastic one. 👍👍
Well done Andy that wasn’t a fail mate that was a huge successful step forward your getting more confident week by week but make sure your extra alert and careful on roundabouts mate👍🏻
im in the same position as you im 41 and just did my cbt a month ago my first huge mistake was cheaping out on gear ive since had to rebuy everything the saying buy cheap buy twice is very true and with regards scary roads ive taken a different approach, ive challenged myself a daily drive on the scariest roads around leeds ive even driven places ive never been before by car but now ive done it a few times its so much easier now and I do not feel phased by these roads anymore, Im driving an rss 125 scrambler so its a very high seating position i feel being able to see over cars and roundabouts plays a huge factor in my confidence, ive also filtered for over a mile in gridlock traffic that was scary but now ive done it again i feel confident, my only issues now are the non stop sweating when stationary and slow manouvers I really struggled with this on the cbt too im glad to see theres someone out there going through all the same issues I love watching your content mate and btw that drone in the last video is ace !
Just stumbled across your video. Great to see your journey to becoming a fully licensed rider. I have been riding for 30 year and aways ride through the winter . Best way to protect your pride and joy is a good coat of ACF 50. Just remembered to keep it off the brakes and tyres. Keep riding and stay safe.
It's all about getting more confident in incremental steps. For commuting I recommend keeping your jeans and just adding waterproof overtrousers for winter.
Rain-x for the visor. Don't stress if you have to set off sharpish, hold the revs higher and let the clutch out smoothly but quickly. Don't worry if you have to slip the clutch a bit, they are designed for it. You have about 12 horsepower, maybe 8 to the back wheel so you aren't likely to break the rear tyre loose accidentally, especially as cruisers tend to be rear-weighted anyway. Edit after watching further: Get used to moving your feet away from the brake and shift levers when its safe and you aren't likely to need to shift or brake quickly. Its good practice to ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs so you can put them down easier but obviously in traffic you will want to be covering the rear brake so only. If you get a bike cover for the winter, look for one that is breathable so it doesn't trap the moisture in. Also ACF-50 works wonders for keeping corrosion out, especially on exposed chrome like forks and shocks. The best confidence builder is experience so ride, ride, ride. I don't know Barnsley well at all but if you can find some long windy roads with less traffic, go for an hour or 2 ride on your day off. The confidence to move on the bike and feel how it responds to inputs will help you manoeuvre in and around traffic and free up concentration for other areas that you are still learning (as we all are really)
No worries. Just edited again as I spotted that I said move your foot away from the clutch. Brain fart moment, replying that late at night as clearly I meant shifter.
Not a fail at all bro . Your position on the road was good. Some people forget to position as if you are a car, the one thing I will say is this time of year is not a good time to be thinking of leanig into corners be extra aware of road hazards like drain covers etc.. regarding the fogging up of your visor you can get an anti fog stuff that helps it's basically a mild soap layer that helps prevents fogging up
@@bikerofatlantis I was meant to mention another anti theft device that is simple and effective. I purchased a front brake lever lock off Amazon, they go around the throttle and you pull the front brake on and lock it. A bike theif will always choose the easiest bike to take. I only use 3 things chain on back wheel , front disc lock and the front brake lever lock . I watched a vlog on a bike theif gang and they said , bike covers are a good deterrent as they can not see what security it has untill the cover is off and bikes with arms are going off by then so 9 times out out of 10 they avoid them.
I've been riding 40 years, I use boots with laces , I don't like the stiffness of the large boots, I just cut the laces short and always tuck them in. On busy junctions, I always put the visor up and never had a problem with spray. Enjoy your 125, don't worry about the power, you can have fun no matter what, I have a 125 and a triumph street triple r , both give me good enjoyment.
You're a lovely couple. I have plans to do the bike riding course and getting on the road soon. It's great hearing from a new riders experience because I'm sure these will be the same scenarios I'll find myself in. Keep this series going.
Someone mentioned RainX and I agree , but there are external and internal RainX products for car screens .So you need both products on your visor . Visor fog ( internal ) is created by condensation which is caused by varying temperatures ( related to humidity ) , so reducing the temperature difference helps ....ie open the visor ! What makes fogging easier to form is microscopic dirt ..... so clean the visor inside regularly .Clean the outside too of course and apply the external RainX . As someone else said , keep moving your head on the move to help rain run off . Think twice about getting a 600 straight away . They are much heavier than a 125 so they need stronger brakes . 600s obviously have more power , which you will find yourself indulging in all too soon and now you will need to use those brakes to save the situation . This is where and why you need experience on something less powerful . Me , well I had a 90 then a 250 and then a Dunstall Commando ! There is always more to learn riding bikes , but learn braking and positioning as priorities .
I agree with these comments, re the visor situation, get a rain repellent for the outside of the visor, generally the water is pushed off the visor by wind speed, but if you are commuting your not going fast enough for this to happen. There are a few trusted brands out there, just make sure it’s suitable for plastic. Re direct access, do be in to much of a rush to do this, stick to your plan A, build your road craft and confidence on your current bike and then look to do the DA in the spring at the earliest. Great channel, I have a Motorhome as well so we get to see you and Claire a couple of times a week 👍
@Mike Fennelly: There is another train of thought, regarding, "Always" riding with your lights on. I believe that it was another idea of Dr B**** C**** of the TRL (TRRL), but when it was pointed out to him that his research was flawed, communication dried up. If you have your lights on with a low Sun behind you, just after Dawn, just before Dusk, going down hill, going up hill, the spread of light from your headlight completely cloaks the shape of you and your bike and is lost in the low Sun, which negates the idea of putting your light on to be seen, it has the completely opposite affect! Another of his ideas was to fix leg protectors (Think half a drainpipe) to every bike. He had carried out research with these on bikes at a shallow angle and showed the benefits but when shown the effects of a bike T-Boning a car and the rider going over the handlebars, minus his legs that were left behind the drain pipes, the subject fell to the wayside! I'm sure he meant well, but just because you have an idea doesn't mean it's a good idea!
I'm also a new rider at 45. Completely understand all your thoughts and concerns. I have laces on my boots, but I have a velcro strap that I can cover them with so they don't catch on anything. Your bike looks great. I bought a Lexmoto LXS, and yes I've heard all the Chinese bikes stories, but it really is a nice bike. It looks like a much higher cc sport bike, and it was cheap at £2500 brand new with a transferable 3 year warranty. I'm planning on getting my big boy licence in spring as well. Really enjoy your videos, thanks.
Good luck on your biking journey and we’re all learning on every ride even after 40+ years, just have patience with yourself. Also see if there are local bike groups that do beginner ride outs.
Andrew I have no knowledge or experience of bikes but I’m enjoying the vlogs on how you are getting on and the good and not so good things that you’re experiencing. Claire is so supportive of you hats off to her. 💕
Another entertaining video, some over-trousers and an over-jacket would be cheaper than new kit. I didn't realize that leaving a security chain is easier to break when on the floor, thanks for that!
Hi Andrew, great video again 👌.A couple of things about filtering, it's not a great Idea to ride on hatchings, as in your video, one it's illegal and you might get a ticket, two most importantly a lot of the road debri ends up here as there's little traffic on it so the surface is questionable, certainly more gritty. I'm watching your back , stay safe. NB: regarding your gear shifter, you might want to ask your bike shop if they think it would help rotating the shifter up or down on it's adjustable spline to make changing gear easier, this puts the lever either closer to your toe or further away for comfort, worth looking into.
I watch a British couple here on RU-vid called Bunny King Hogs, they each ride their own bikes. They also step out of their comfort zone and ride different bikes. Can't wait to see Claire start riding too.
Nikwax visor clear is really helpful for dispersing fine drizzle. Your pinlock should work just fine, it might not be sealed; check the eccentric cams to see if it can be adjusted. You are new like me and I think you are doing really well!
Morning Andrew, I recommend Acf-50 corrosion protection. Also those boots will ‘pan’ in 😂. I can agree that for a 125, it is a good looking bike. Also didn’t even realise that bike shop existed and I’m pretty local (Monk Bretton) so will definitely be going to visit 👌👌 Great video, keep em coming 👍
I have three pairs of biking boots, an elderly pair of gore-tex lined touring boots, a fairly new pair of waterproof adventure boots and the ones I use most often for local riders which are lace up leather ankle boots. The laces are no problem because they are designed for motorcycling and are not going to get caught in anything. All my boots are mid range, they do the job brilliantly without the premium demanded by the big names, like Alpinestars. Don’t get carried away with a lust for power. I now have a 47 BHP 500 and it’s the best touring bike I’ve ever owned, perfect for the real world. It’s powerful enough to take you anywhere but not so powerful you have to worry about opening the throttle and loosing your licence. One thing that you have got 100% right is you are keeping off dual carriageways. I only use them when there is absolutely no option. My bike that is just coming up to three years old has never been on a motorway and it has taken me all over France, to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Spain, Andorra and Portugal. Keep to the roads that suit motorcycles, enjoy the journey and really see the places that you are travelling through. Those people who insist that you have to use fast roads and motorways have simply planned their journeys badly. Keep riding, keep learning and keep smiling.
You can get gloves that have like a squeegee rubber strip on one of the fingers, great for quickly wiping your visor with, also there is several sprays you can can use on your visor which help water run off... As far as fogging, is concerned, there should be a slider to allow a bit of air to run over inside, if not just crack visor open a tiny bit, makes all the difference. You will be doing roundabouts, dual carriageways etc etc on your test, so practise practise practise... Get your lanes sorted and it'll start to come naturally. Good luck mate, you'll get it
I worked as a van same day courier and the bikers I worked with always knew everything, the best value the best bikes what to wear etc. my advice would be to visit a courier office and chat to the lads, and they always wore leathers with knee and elbow pads they also wore good helmets.
Looked like a good safe ride to be fair. As for fogging up, it's an old, old trick, but chop a potato in half and wipe it over the outside of your visor (before you get on the bike), it'll make the rain bead off the outside, for fogging on the inside, no need to open the visor completely, just knock it up a single click at the slightest sign of fogging. Don't bother too much about having the flashiest gear from the outset. I ride to work in my steelies - You can stick a knot on top of your laces, or if you're proper trick, lace the boots inside out. If you're comfortable in those jeans and they give you the protection you think you need, just go down screwfix for a pair of waterproof over trousers.
In the late 80s I lived across the road from a captain in the army, had a big BMW his wife would not go on the back so regularly he would knock on my door to go out with him, talk about holding on for life, he would go fast, going around bends,
You are doing well. Try not to tense up in a stressful situation, easy to say, i have been riding for years ,large bikes 2 up all over Europe. I still have moments and am always wary of other drivers. Ride safe and enjoy.
You’re doing great, practice makes perfect 👍. Just crack open the visor a little bit to let air flow, until it clears or you speed up. Safe riding, stay safe. 👏👏👍✊
Yes!! Filtering... that's where bikes are at for me. You're now in my club 😃. Can't wait for you to try that big bike in your Direct Access training and tell us about it in your very likeable style.
Took my test at 56 and two years on I never looked back. Now on a Yamaha Tracer 9gt. When I did my CBT, my instructor wanted me to do it on a Suzi 650😮 I said no as scared, so I did the first 30 minutes on a Honda 125. When I got on the 650, it was amazing. Better control, better balance, better everything. The bigger bike has a heavier lower centre of gravity. The power helps as well, so it is easier to control at low speeds with more powerful breaks. Trust me, with your 125 experience you have built up, you will be very comfortable on the 600.👍
Looks like you did fine on the roundabouts. You kept the speed steady and the same as the rest of the traffic. I reckon getting hot was just the effect of slowing down with your gear on, so just crank the visor up and dont worry too much about flying objects at the slow speeds of the town junctions.
I really enjoy your content. I have just passed my A licence after 23 months riding my 125 on a CBT. I experienced all of these things you are experiencing and it is super validating as you take on these challenges only to find they were not the scary event you make them in your head. I avoided a large motorway round about (M5 J22), down the road from me for a while which restricted where I could get. In the end I just went and did it and it was no bother. Filtering was also a really enjoyable/smug moment. I learnt far more from my failures in that two your period than I did my successes and I'm really glad I took my time before going for my A licence which tbh was a doddle, just ride safe. But it was also very validating to do. Enjoy the journey and stay safe.
I lived in Worsborough for a couple of years, so I recognise all the roads and roundabouts, the one leading up to the hospital is the worst. Great vid as usual, nothing personal but the best bit was the nano-second glimpse of that Norton V4SV. If only I had the odd £45 grand laying about hey 🤩
Andy, best to be cautious , safety first . Get gloves with the little squeegee on the thumbs to help clear the rain off of your visor . I’ve been riding 49 years and I still get nervous at times, especially in the wet. ACF 50, coat the bike in it for winter, spray onto a cloth to apply, keep cloth in a zip lock bag. Wash off in spring, good bike protection.
Try, RainX (water repellent) For PLASTICS on the front of your visor. NOT!! the one for Glass. If your pinlock is fogging place it in a warm (airing cupboard) for a day or two, or make sure its fitted properly rubber seal faces the visor & no gaps.
You sound just like I did when I was learning to drive on the "proper" side of the road while we were visiting your wonderful Country from North Carolina (USA). Good for you brother, and on 2 wheels to boot. I'm getting ready to learn to ride motorcycles at age 48 and you're a great inspiration!! Love your content.
Brilliant Andy, gotta love your approach to this. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but you can see your situation management skills coming out all the time in your videos. You two are great viewing, and the humour between you is great. I'm from the west of Scotland but worked in Barnsley for years and know those roundabouts well, and 20 years ago, I was experiencing those sweating sessions you mentioned lol. Take it steady fella and keep doing what you're both doing on the channels 👏
Now you have done it, do it again and again and your confidence will grow and after a bit it will become second nature, I know you are not that type of rider but never get over confident, well done
@@bikerofatlantis just be careful where you use it as it can cause rubber components to swell and fail it also tracks quite a ways and you do not want oil anywhere near your brakes.
I wear safety glasses with visor up. The lakes around here often make foggy conditions. I just wear my Ariat work boots. I keep some Husqvarna chain saw chaps and a rain jacket in my hard case.
Great to watch you two guys again, I love your enthusiasm and remember when I was 16 in 1971, got my first bike a Honda 90 sport, wow I would come home from work tea down my throat and get out till I needed to go to bed, and no fancy riding gear like now, your doing great but just remember them there car drivers are out to get ya, your judgement will get better, big boy license then move onto an advanced riders course, I have been a HGV driver instructor, and you have to learn to read the road, you will get there, brilliant pair love you to bits, take care and the texting o ring when you get there never ends, NW biker dude alias Bay Bimbler
I love filtering, just keep aware of the idiots that don’t look. I have a BMW F650 she’s 25 yrs old & never let me down. Toured across France, Germany & Italy. It’s addictive 😂
To protect your bike through the winter you need to try and keep it cleaned (obviously) and coat all the metal in ACF-50. It blocks corrosion. Ride safe brother
Be careful with ACF 50 it’s a good product but needs to be regularly reapplied, especially in winter, also, and more importantly it’s an oil based product, so keep it away from bakes and anything you cone into contact with, foot pegs and hand grips.
Sounds like a great learning week for you 👍🏻 Your right always try to push yourself into new situations as early as you feel possible because even situations that don’t go as we’d like we can still talking positives and learn from. Every days a school day 😁👍🏻
Claire tell Andy just lift the visor up a tiny tiny bit or another tip wipe the visor in the house with fairy liquid ! This creates a film that helps with misting up x
You’re absolutely right, road salt will eat your bike for breakfast. There sprays and treatments, ACF50 being one, that will help slow the process but it will happen. Good news is your commute isn’t very far, so exposure is minimal. Wash it when you can and keep it garaged if possible. A good cover can help but can also be a hindrance having to take it on and off all the time especially using it daily.
That was an easy watch, very enjoyable, your confidence will grow and you'll improve no end... keep it real though dude, there are some clowns out there and feeling that vulnerability will help keep you safe.
I used to use a Respro Foggy mask, imagine how much heavy breathing you do when racing! Personally, I've never liked roundabouts on a bike as people will always try and beat you. All you can do is shut your eyes and hope for the best 🤣 You're doing fine, don't sweat the small stuff
Started my direct access about this time of year in my 50's, worked out great, get used to all them adverse weather conditions, cold early dark morning and that, but from the progress you're making so far I'd say you'd have no issue, I went straight from my CBT to mine and I hadn't even ridden a push bike for 30 years let alone anything powered, best of luck with it all
A turn left up slip road at the bus crash would have been a better approach to the first roundabout. But I appreciate the anxiety of the ride. Stairfoot Roundabout is due to be remodeled. Take care 😮
Unlocks have to be fitted correctly. Before you go out just check that the pin lock visor in side the helmet is pushed up in position. Put your fingers at the bottom of the pin lock visor and push up. There should be no movement. If it moves up then the visor was lose and this can result in excess fogging. Re clothing. You get what you pay for and really it’s a subjective decision. When I first stated riding in 84 I had high boots, back zip which let the water in despite being allegedly waterproof. I switched to lace up boots and have never looked back. In nearly 40 yrs of continental riding I have never had an issue with laced boots. But like I said it’s subjective. There are plenty of lace up motorcycle boots out there that are just as good as any other motorcycle boot and dare I say it, just as if not more expensive. Keep practicing, pick up tips along the way and enjoy the bike. The wheel damage can be covered by buying black auto touch up paint. The bike manufacturer may have an exact match. If not get as close a match as possible. It will provide corrosion protection and make things less obvious. Take care and ride safe.
Just a note: filtering automatically makes you 50% liable if your involved in an accident - even if they cut you up and in normal circumstances would be totally their fault you will be half to blame. Also: big bikes are way more stable than 125's, and you'll notice this as soon as you sit on one 👍. You can sit up and let go of the handle bars on a big bike and nothing will happen, they handle roundabouts easier and virtually ride themselves 👍
Filtering when done legally and with a reasonable level of caution would not affect liability in the even of an accident. Your filtering looked absolutely fine!
To help vision through your visor I rely on two things other than a well fitted Pinlock. Get yourself a Bob Heath V Wipe for your left glove, a must in any type of rain. I also use Nikwax Visor Proof. It’s like Rain X but safe to use on your visor.
Hey Andy, love watching your journey. I’ve had two pairs of those boots. Fantastic. Great in the winter. You can’t beat going and trying your gear on rather than buying online, especially helmets.
I use a water repellent spray for the visor which makes the rain bead off and most good winter gloves have a small squeegee on top of one of the fingers which you can wipe the visor with too
I’ve got my full licence and have an Aprilla 1000 v twin, a Suzuki bandit 600 and traded in my Harley Davidson street rod 750 for a keeway rkr125 and I love riding on a small 125cc it’s not all about power and speed so keep up with the manoeuvres, practicing those difficult situations as the more you do them the better you’ll enjoy biking freedom
I used to work for a car dealership and went to Barnsley quite often always hated the stairfoot roundabout, and as you found out light rain can be worse than heavy rain because the road surface is quite greasy but heavy rain washes the debris away but take care in all weather conditions and as mentioned try and keep out of the hatched areas because all sorts of crap gathers there, but overall you are doing well.
Hi I think you're doing it the right way as after I was a postman I became an ADI approved driving instructor and had my own driving school and I would say to my learners after you pass your test you are still learning and if you prefer doing a different route that makes you feel comfortable and confident that's good. The same with reverse parking, find an easier space.. You are doing brilliant l found that bikers always made better drivers due to their advanced observation skills every day is a school day even on the road look ahead think ahead and always try to be one step a head take care Kev Sunny East Devon today despite rain forecast
Open the visor 1 notch that will sort the steaming up, Depends which gloves you have, most have a thin rubber line on the fore finger. This works like a windscreen wiper for your visor. That's rain sorted. Most of all don't try rush things, I've had my bike license nearly 50 yeas and still learning things. lastly town end roundabout will test anybody that's not used to it. JUST ENJOY.
