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.
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 👍
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 🙏
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👍🏻
I really love your enthusiasm! My husband went through a similar journey started small and now he has the bigger driving licence. He has a more powerful bike and thanks to that we could enjoy a very nice vacation through the Swiss Alps very recently .The motorcycle opens new opportunities and new experiences + the community is great. I recommend going to a moto social event, if you want to meet fellow riders. Love your videos and the support from Claire.❤
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.
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.
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.
iv heard using a Carnauba car wax on the outside, let it dry then buff it off, once a month and it wicks straight off, with regards to inside pinlock i have it sometimes... usually when iv got the vents open somewhere, best thing iv found is crack visor a little (some helmets have a feature where you can slide something across and it doesnt lock completely down and leaves like a 1mm gap at the bottom,
Great video. I'm relatively new to riding myself (just over a year) and I'd have loved to have seen a channel like this when I was learning. It's great document all of the ups and downs of the process. Keep safe and enjoy!
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.
What a great series of vids. Been biking only 2 years and started at 54 and haven't looked back since. The wife was unsure about it but now loves riding pillion and exploring places we wouldn't normally go in a car. Now got two bikes, one for my pillion comfort and one for me! Keep going and do the DAS as you won't ever regret that decision. Once you pass the wife will want to come too on those rides - Keep safe and the shiny side up :-)
you did fine mate, a common problem with many is over thinking. just remember your training and get out as much as possible. honestly your doing great.
The best way to learn or get used to a different motorcycle , is to throw yourself in at the deep end . Take the bull by the horns & find the busiest & thickest town & city traffic to negotiate , & tell yourself you are in charge not the bike & expect the unexpected . This will give you more confidence to ride any motorcycle anywhere . When I started riding motorcycles on road about 53 years ago , the dealer showed me the bikes controls , give me the keys & told me to ride up & down a side street & then off into busy city traffic . There was no CBT in those days , you had to learn fast or die . I never fit pin locks , I wipe a thin film of washing up liquid on inside of visor , & leave it a tad open to help prevent it steaming up . Keep persevering you will get there in the end . 👍
In regard to your Direct Access... I was going to do it in summer. My other half suggested doing it in Winter, because it will mean doing it in the worst weather, then when the weather is better, you will be more confident. I took her advice, and it was brilliant. I dont actually ride in bad weather very often, but knowing i've ridden in light snow & fog gave me confidence to know I can do it :) I've only been riding 5 years. When you move to the bigger bike it will probably feel easier to control (more weight and inertia) at slow speed. Good Luck and keep at it! You'll love the Peaks on the bike 😀 Oh and the "text me when you get there" has never got old ;-)
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.
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.
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. 👍👍
@@martinATAS Check out the chemistry on their webshite for % s of corrosive liquids in there. I didn't know there was one for visors specifically. I doubt there's any difference. Particularly when you say it's far more expensive. Sounds like a scam to me. ( do they call it snake oil?) No reason to make it that pricey other than to rip people orff!
When the unexpected happens you adapt learn and move on. No failure there Andy it's called the learning curve. Keep it up fella and Claire is so great to have round. You two are so good together.
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.
I agree, you have to crack the visor open sometimes. Just be careful as you can get bugs and things in your eyes - I even had a bird poo which was not pleasant 😮
I know exactly what you mean about getting hot, sweating, and feeling stressed out. Even after many years I still get like this every time I have to visit Mrs Boulder's mother.
Biking is a game of beating danger, assessing risks and overcoming them whilst making progress (with a big tank of explosive fuel between your legs) :) In winter you can use various products like ACF-50 or XCP (which I find is better), just keep it off your tyres and brakes etc for obvious reasons :D If you do wash your bike, reapply and don't put your bike away wet, a pet drier is a great way to blast away water with warm air. You're doing great Andy, take care at roundabouts as that's always where the silly accidents happen especially with over confidence.
Well done mate. You got a great attitude and respect to this, I like it. Few points: - Leather boots. My old boots are 17 years old, they are incredibely flexible. Had to get new ones, and stiff as rock. Just a matter of time and care to get them flexible. I use bees wax based leather balsam, that you rub all over the leather portion of the boot. Makes it more plyable, feeds it (cow is dead, leather is not), prevents cracks. Give that a go. - riding in wet - have you played "floor is lava" as a kid? Good! Now you gotta do that with manhole (and other metal) covers, and white lines and markings. Incredibelly slippery, but you wouldn't know from driving a car. - your lady having an itch to start riding, perhaps take her out as a pillion first, see if she likes that first? It will feel very different for you, so maybe do it later, or some place quiet. - Cornering - this comes with time, but few things that will help. Look where you want to go. Simple. Other one is a concept of counter-steering. Loads of people don't understand it, but it's quite simple. It's a technique for forcing the bike into a lean. So if you feel like you are mid bend, and the way you go you gonna end up too wide, you need to either slow down, or lean more. If you happy with the speed, and can't achieve the lean, then you counter-steer. Say it's a right hand band, you push your right hand forward, and handlebar with it. That's it. That's all there is to it. The moment you do that, the bike will lean more. As soon as you are happy with the increased lean, you stop pushing, or gently pull the right hand closer to your body, and it should make the bike stable in that lean angle mid bend. Then you coming onto a straight, you pull right hand closer to your body again, until the bike is upright. Now you've done it. You don't need to change your body position. Your body stays in line with the bike, so to speek. There are of course more techniques out there, but you are now talking improvements to go faster, lean more, higher corner speed. You don't need none of that. First you need to know countersteer, as it's basics. It will come into play a lot at higher speeds, and nice roads. Not so much in the city. Good luck
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.
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 !
Great honest content. I am in my 60,s. had bikes when much younger. considering getting a 124 and taking CBT. So thanks for the advice which I can relate too. keep it coming
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.
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. 💕
You did great, I made the mistake of not practicing enough in busy towns and major roads which made the training on the big bike that little bit harder as I wasn't comfortable in lots of traffic.
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.
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.
Hello Andy, I live in Barnsley, and have been riding 50 years, don't worry mate it will all come together quicker than you think, just one bit of advice, if you treat every other vehicle as if they were attempting to assassinate you, you'll be much safer, ride safe mate, cheers. Mick
Misty drizzle when riding show in town is always a pain. Nikwax Visor Proof is great to help shed water off the outside of your visor. But as you've found proper rain drops run of much better than mist. Get a pair of gloves with a visor wiper built into the left hand index finger. That way you can squeegee the mist off your visor while riding. As others have said cracking the visor open slightly especially when stopped, at slow speed or when you're hot will help stop the inside of the visor misting.
The pin lock can be adjusted by the 2 lugs that hold them in place. I use pledge on the outside and also have a blade on your index finger on your left hand
I've had the gear conversation a few times. and the one thing I have taken away from them, is that a sports bike rider has no idea at all about what an ADV rider needs and will steer them in the absolute wrong direction. (this could apply to an ADV rider telling a cruiser what to get as well, different things have been created because other things are unsuitable!) I ended up buying RST S1 boots because of a salesman who has never ridden an ADV in their life! Yes they work well on a Touring bike, with the riding position, the lack of need for traction on the ground. But on My Adventure bike, even if I'm just touring on it, they don't work, I only ever miss gear changes when wearing these boots, I only ever slip over and end up sitting on my Arse covered in mud when I am wearing these boots... for a sport bike they might be perfect, but I'm not on a sportbike! The Laces thing? I don't buy it, if they are high tops and the pants cover them as they should. where are the Laces? the most important thing is that they Have the rigidity & compressability that stops fractures of the tibia and fibula if the bike lands on the leg (similar to how a Helmet works, but for the feet & ankles. it also must let the foot move in the direction it needs to without allowing abnormal movements in a crash (movements that result in fracture and dislocations). For every other type of riding there are things that have come to light, that boots have been designed to mitigate. but those things change from style to style... a touring boot won't be any good for MotoX and a MotoX boot would be your worst enemy on a sportbike!. as Far as I'm concerned, if the Lace up boot was high enough, padded and strong. it's fine for a cruiser, maybe not a sportbike, or dualsport. but fine for a cruiser. I also have high top leather boots, I wear them while commuting. they are strong enough if I fall in town, they are discrete enough that nobody notices they are not just tidy casual shoes, they provide good support without limiting normal movement, and what people can't see because the jeans cover them, is how high they actually are, and the laces don't stick out the bottom of the jeans even if they come undone.
Great videos. You are doing brilliantly. Anyone starting or thinking about motorcycling then these blogs are for you. I'm 64 and have had my licence since I was 17. I ride a Zx12ra1 ,which I've owned for 24 years, and I love these blogs.
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 👍
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.
Another great video confidence comes with experience. I found it makes you a better driver because you realise how vulnerable you are on a bike keep it up.
Morning Andrew, A boost for the confidence we think, took all in your stride. Yes, face your fears head-on. Nice boots 😊, maybe leather bib and brace for the bottom half. Looking like Claire is getting more interested 😮. Great logo for the channel, maybe a biker clothing range 😀. Take care out there and keep safe. Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
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.
@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!
Absolutely loving your journey in learning to ride a bike. I passed my test many years ago in my early 20’s but not ridden one for over 30 yrs now - but have plans to get a tourer for when I retire in a couple of years - but like you have been thinking I should start again with a smaller bike for a year or so - your experience on learning has just confirmed that thought👍 Great videos, keep it up👍
Open the vents on the front and top/ back of your helmet if it has them. If its raining like your said and your visor is misting up just lift the visor up slightly to let air flow improve, once your moving drop it down again if your concerned about anything flying in. With regards to your boots move your feet back you dont need to have your feet hovering over the foot controls. I only use back brake to hold the bike at stops and hills.
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.
Genuinely enjoying the honesty from you guys. I'm a newer rider too. Went from my CBT which was my 1st ever time on a bike straight to my DAS and Passed with no minors. I have just done a 550 mile trip to Wales and back with some faster and more experienced riders which I'd have never done but it shows if you push yourself you will be amazed at what you achieve. Honestly keep up the great content and looking forward to seeing you smash your DAS. Also planning a Yorkshire trip next year if you fancy joining for part of it 👌
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 got laces on a pair of boots, but they also have elasticated strips of material on the tongue, and you tuck the loops and loose ends under those after tying your laces and there's nothing left dangling to get caught anywhere.
I’m loving these videos! I just passed my CBT and got my first bike at 43 a few days ago, so everything you’re saying resonates very strongly with me. Looking forward to seeing how you get on in the future 👍
When riding around town or with slow moving traffic, i tend to just open my visor a little at the bottom so just before that click that locks it shut. Allows air to come in the front. For rain on the outside I put rainX on the visor that helps shed the water making a hydrophobic coating.
RainX make sure it's not glass only. I've used silicone polish also for the mist on the outside of viser. Most gloves have a strip on the left hand use it to wipe the mist it'll make bigger drops which will blow off.
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!
Great videos folks. As a newbie and very nervous biker, it’s comforting knowing that other newbie riders are thinking about the same things as me. Got my first bike at 50. ( yeah, I know, midlife crisis!!). Made the mistake of getting a 650cc Honda road bike. Great bike but a tad too powerful and heavy for a new rider. Will get myself a 125 til I get experience. Keep up the videos guys and safe riding.
You ride a bike. You will get wet. I have never had a pinlock. Just wash the visor inside and out with Fairy liquid/water mix. It will reduce condensation. If you get fogged up just ride with the visor open. Better to see danger now than worry about a million to one chance stone in the face. Don't be afraid to wipe the visor with your glove. You can get a "Vee Wipe", a windscreen wiper for your glove which are good. In light rain if you are wearing leathers just let them get wet. Better than sitting in a sauna. You need to experience all conditions to improve your riding. Yes we all ride for the rush. That is in part why people get bigger faster bikes because they want more. I still remember how exciting I found it going 40mph when I first rode a bike. Can I suggest you look for photos of bike riding in the 1920's,30's, 40's etc and see what people used to wear. Remember the roads often weren't even tarmac then. Don't get obsessed with spending money on bike gear.
I use ACF-50 to coat the bike parts for winterization. Lanoguard is another option, but I tend to use it on the car. Both can be used liberally (no problem with getting it on electrics etc.). Just keep it off break discs. Lots of on-line vids for both.
Really enjoying the channel, I have been riding over 50 years and still cannot wait to get the bike out for a ride. Just bought a Vstrom SX 250 for commuting to save the big GSX 1400 for longer trips. You are going great, my advice is practice emergency stops often and never assume cars will stop or giveway at intersections and roundabouts.
@Leo: I'll second that! We, the me n the missus, going up the M1, outside lane, 80-90mph, front tyre went, handlebars were twerking, I went from outside to inside lane, when I say "I went", I mean the bike did, on it's own! Now I'm on the off ramp and I'm trying to keep weight off the front but I'm zig-zagging all over the place, I put power on but dragged the back brake in the hope of making the bike squat, I aimed for the inside kerb but ended up on the outside under a flyover. I stopped, told the missus to hop off, and she said, "What for?" WHAT FOR, WHAT BLEEDIN' FOR! The front tyres in shreds, we just got thrown all over the road and you're asking what for? You've got to luv the good women in our lives because she said "Oh, I just thought you were showing off!" Since when have I shown off with you on the back? (and I'm not including coming out of the camping field, up the wet, mud soaked plank over the stream in Ghent, Belgium, at the BMF Riders Rights Rally!) Or the mountain pass on mont Blanc, in the Pyrenese, not the Alps! ...and I have an excuse for the ride through the park in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the copper chasing me, I was only 42, which everyone knows is the answer to everything! IYKYK.
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 👏
Remember;cyclists ride on these roads without visors. Mostly no helmet either. It's fine to go visor -less at a roundabout. You'd only be doing around 20 m.p.h. anyway.
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.
A great upload mate. I've been riding for many years and never stop learning. A great video for new riders, never rush just learn at your own pace and you'll be much happier.
There's lots of good safety gear out there that doesnt cost the earth, like a lot of things you pay a premium for the brand name with a lot of bike clothing. Same goes for helmets, buy one with a good safety rating and a £500 helmet will not offer more protection than a £100 helmet, people will disagree with me on this but check the facts and tests that show what I'm saying is correct. Good to see that you've moved to a longer boot though, when i got knocked off a few years ago long boots were the difference between a small fracture and a full leg break when the bike slid down the road with my leg under it.
Regarding clothes forget leather go textile for jacket and trousers + braces they are much warmer and less weight plus they usually have removable liners which can be swopped in or out to suit the climate. also for slow manoeuvring apply the back brake whilst holding the clutch on its bite point this helps to keep the bike stable at slow speeds. Do this in a straight line to begin with then practise the turns always look up at where you want to go NOT at the floor. Good luck you'll get there my friend after 58 yrs riding im still learning.
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.
Great vlog this one Andrew, really enjoyed watching it and now you're starting to get what motorcycling is all about, the bad as well as the good. To pick up on some of your comments, most if not all will have been covered by others. Pin lock visors are not 100% effective, they do mist up so to reduce that misting just crack the visor open a little. Be ready then for some rain to come through the crack. Rain on the visor? Just wipe it off with the forefinger of your left hand. I have a pair of waterproof gloves which actually have a "blade" on that finger to wipe away the rain. Not cheap, they cost me around £140 about four years ago but they are still 100% waterproof. The first thing to show signs of rust on your bike apart perhaps from small fastenings will be the chain. Keep it clean, lubricated and properly adjusted which is a bit awkward and messy but necessary. A centre stand makes the job a lot easier. Personally I'm not a fan of chains, I prefer shaft drive which is only found on bigger bikes. Shaft drives are really low maintenance and if you do intend to tour Europe my advice would be to do it on a bike with shaft drive. Sounds like Steven is a good guy and is giving you good advice re. clothing. Comfort and practicality is key not style/fashion. Your boots will get more supple with use but care is also crucial. I polish my boots with a quality polish after every ride. Earlier this year I had to replace a pair of boots which I bought around 30 years ago. Never let water in during all that time and only had to have the zips replaced once. Your improved confidence and ability is clear to see but make sure you don't develop bad habits. If you want to practice emergency stops take Claire with you. She can do the signal to make you stop, simples!! And just to remind you the sequence is: Throttle off, SQUEEZE the front brake apply the back brake then just before you stop and the engine stalls pull in the clutch. Leaving the transmission engaged until the last second means you have "engine braking. Keep practising because it makes perfect and enjoy your riding.
Thank you Andrew, nice to be appreciated. Going back to misting on the inside of the visor, make sure all your helmet vents are open. To kakesakrseep the visor clear of rain on the outside there's a product called Visio Dry on the market which you apply to the outside of the visor and it makes rain just run off. Never used it myself but apparently it's very good. Always have your trousers on the outside of your boots so if/when it rains the water won't run off your trousers into the boots. Likewise with gloves, make sure the gloves are inside your sleeves.the road Safety tip : It's now officially Autumn and leaves are falling from the trees already. They can make the road surface very slippery!
Not a failure! A couple of tips...1) Avoid wet leaves on the road they are like black ice. 2) In wet or damp weather lean the top half of your body to keep the bike more upright, especially when gaining confidence. 3) Watch out for fuel stations near big roundabouts which especially HGV's use. They tend to fill to the brim and sometimes spill diesel going round the roundabout. 4) During observations in wet weather avoid multi-colour patches on the road, these are fuel spills. If unavoidable do number 2. You can get a wiper blade that fits over a finger on your glove which you can use for better vision. Wear your boots around the house or whenever to help break them in. You are doing well, life isn't predictable is it?
Great video. Sound advice for new rider. It rains a lot in the Uk. Winter kit first summer kit second as it’s cheaper. Go out in heavy rain sometime when you’re not in a hurry because it will chuck it down at some point in a ride. Stay safe
I use FS365, it’s water based and you just spray it on after a wet ride or after you’ve washed it. Used it for at least fifteen years and it does make a difference. The AC50 stuff might be better but it’s messy, however some dealers will spray it on for you and remove it when the weather gets better.
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.
I truly enjoy your videos, and I appreciate your courage and honesty as you learn to ride. Keep up the good work and stay safe, my friend. By the way... Hello from California.
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.
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.
Subbed, really like this content as it takes me back to when I first passed. Keep going mate. Keep training, learning and riding safely. You’ll have mishaps but with the right training they should hopefully only be minimal. Best of luck.
@@bikerofatlantis the main thing is that you’ve done it mate. If there is anything I can vvhelp with, please reach out. I’ll keep an eye on your vids and try to send helpful advice. Ride safe pal!
I know this is an older video, not sure what you've sorted out, but my input is: Get some visor repellent, this will allow you to turn your head from left to right in wind and the rain will blow off - until the visor gets dirty. Always stay in the middle of the road and be in a commanding position. As you are all in black, including the bike - get a hi-vis jacket until your have the skills you're portraying. Most road tyres have a bigger contact patch the more they lean over. Lift the visor a little and that'll help with the misting even with a pinlock. ACF50 for rust protection.
It's all about getting more confident in incremental steps. For commuting I recommend keeping your jeans and just adding waterproof overtrousers for winter.
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
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You didnt crumble. You were understandably nervous as a new rider, but you did it all and did it safely. Thats a big old success. Well done you. 💪
Thank you 👍 have a great day
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.
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
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
Honestly fun. After all we have done but bike. Pretty sure no ride when having substances inside. do not try it.
Riding is a learning curve.
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.
Me too
Me 3😂
Me 4 haha I've always hated having the visor completely shut for some reason.
Always have mine open a bit too. & my air vent.
Me too, a little town crack won't harm :D
I really like the openness and authenticity of your style in these videos. Both the excitement and the nerves come through
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
Cracking the visor open a small amount should help a bit with fogging up..
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
This channel is really good and the dynamic during the chats is really natural. Love the content and yours chats.
Hi. Thanks for your great comment
Glad you enjoy 👍
Loving the format of your vlogs. Chilled out chatting with the other half. Very original.
Thanks. Love to read this 👍
In 33 years of riding I have never 'caught my laces on the peg'.
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 👍
Hi. Thanks for this and for watching 👍
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 🙏
Or a pair of wraparound clear eyeglasses so you can open the visor and still operate. Many of us will use our glove to wipe our face shield.
Hi thank you 👍
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👍🏻
Hi. Happy Saturday
Clair’s laugh is contagious. She makes me giggle every time, love it….
Supportive aswell - we should all be so lucky :)
You can hear me before you see me!
ACF 50 will protect your bike over winter. Make sure spray everywhere except the BRAKES. 😊
Thank you
@@debbiebrooks6487 Is that the thick stuff? Watery spray on stuff normally clear straight off on the first ride out in damp or rain.
I really love your enthusiasm! My husband went through a similar journey started small and now he has the bigger driving licence. He has a more powerful bike and thanks to that we could enjoy a very nice vacation through the Swiss Alps very recently .The motorcycle opens new opportunities and new experiences + the community is great. I recommend going to a moto social event, if you want to meet fellow riders.
Love your videos and the support from Claire.❤
Thanks for watching
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.
Hi thanks for watching 👍 How’s the leg?
@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.
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.
This makes total sense 👍👍 thanks for this
Yep, chevrons territory is full of crap waiting to shred your tyres. Just take it real steady. Even long queues shrink fairly quickly at 20mph 👍
What a great channel, you are an excellent double act. You keep me smiling and informed for the duration of your videos. Thank you!
Little and large of barnsley
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.
Or,visor proof,he will learn all the tricks eventually
Sounds a bit scary!
@@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.
Rain X.....good product 👍
iv heard using a Carnauba car wax on the outside, let it dry then buff it off, once a month and it wicks straight off, with regards to inside pinlock i have it sometimes... usually when iv got the vents open somewhere, best thing iv found is crack visor a little (some helmets have a feature where you can slide something across and it doesnt lock completely down and leaves like a 1mm gap at the bottom,
When you filter, don't go to close up to the islands, that's where all the road debris gathers and you pick up punctures
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
Great video. I'm relatively new to riding myself (just over a year) and I'd have loved to have seen a channel like this when I was learning. It's great document all of the ups and downs of the process. Keep safe and enjoy!
Hi. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy it 👍👍
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.
Hi. Thank for watching and this advice 👍
What a great series of vids. Been biking only 2 years and started at 54 and haven't looked back since. The wife was unsure about it but now loves riding pillion and exploring places we wouldn't normally go in a car. Now got two bikes, one for my pillion comfort and one for me! Keep going and do the DAS as you won't ever regret that decision. Once you pass the wife will want to come too on those rides - Keep safe and the shiny side up :-)
Hi Kevin, I hope she will! Happy driving and welcome to the channel
you did fine mate, a common problem with many is over thinking. just remember your training and get out as much as possible. honestly your doing great.
👍👍
The best way to learn or get used to a different motorcycle , is to throw yourself in at the deep end . Take the bull by the horns & find the busiest & thickest town & city traffic to negotiate , & tell yourself you are in charge not the bike & expect the unexpected . This will give you more confidence to ride any motorcycle anywhere . When I started riding motorcycles on road about 53 years ago , the dealer showed me the bikes controls , give me the keys & told me to ride up & down a side street & then off into busy city traffic . There was no CBT in those days , you had to learn fast or die . I never fit pin locks , I wipe a thin film of washing up liquid on inside of visor , & leave it a tad open to help prevent it steaming up . Keep persevering you will get there in the end . 👍
In regard to your Direct Access... I was going to do it in summer. My other half suggested doing it in Winter, because it will mean doing it in the worst weather, then when the weather is better, you will be more confident. I took her advice, and it was brilliant. I dont actually ride in bad weather very often, but knowing i've ridden in light snow & fog gave me confidence to know I can do it :) I've only been riding 5 years. When you move to the bigger bike it will probably feel easier to control (more weight and inertia) at slow speed.
Good Luck and keep at it! You'll love the Peaks on the bike 😀
Oh and the "text me when you get there" has never got old ;-)
Hi. Thanks for a great comment
Hope to do mine before Christmas, like you that way I am more confident in the weather 👍👍👍 keep safe
It rained on my cbt…was nervous at first but defo gave me a lot of confidence
So good you have took the time to do these videos and be honest about how daunting it can be and not giving up
Thanks for watching
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.
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.
Hi. This is all great advice. Thanks for sharing with me and watching 👍
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.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍👍
@@RogeyRD250DX agreed and then ‘muc off’ anti fog on the inside.
@@micro_adVANtures several anti fog products. Some ,I think are lots cheaper than Muc Orff.
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. 👍👍
@@martinATAS Check out the chemistry on their webshite for % s of corrosive liquids in there. I didn't know there was one for visors specifically. I doubt there's any difference. Particularly when you say it's far more expensive. Sounds like a scam to me. ( do they call it snake oil?) No reason to make it that pricey other than to rip people orff!
When the unexpected happens you adapt learn and move on. No failure there Andy it's called the learning curve. Keep it up fella and Claire is so great to have round. You two are so good together.
Thanks 👍
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.
Yes, i'll sacrifice a wet beard for a clear visor in lower speed rainy conditions.
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
I agree, you have to crack the visor open sometimes. Just be careful as you can get bugs and things in your eyes - I even had a bird poo which was not pleasant 😮
I know exactly what you mean about getting hot, sweating, and feeling stressed out. Even after many years I still get like this every time I have to visit Mrs Boulder's mother.
This is a hilarious comment 😂😂
Biking is a game of beating danger, assessing risks and overcoming them whilst making progress (with a big tank of explosive fuel between your legs) :)
In winter you can use various products like ACF-50 or XCP (which I find is better), just keep it off your tyres and brakes etc for obvious reasons :D If you do wash your bike, reapply and don't put your bike away wet, a pet drier is a great way to blast away water with warm air.
You're doing great Andy, take care at roundabouts as that's always where the silly accidents happen especially with over confidence.
Hello. How are you?
Well done mate. You got a great attitude and respect to this, I like it.
Few points:
- Leather boots. My old boots are 17 years old, they are incredibely flexible. Had to get new ones, and stiff as rock. Just a matter of time and care to get them flexible. I use bees wax based leather balsam, that you rub all over the leather portion of the boot. Makes it more plyable, feeds it (cow is dead, leather is not), prevents cracks. Give that a go.
- riding in wet - have you played "floor is lava" as a kid? Good! Now you gotta do that with manhole (and other metal) covers, and white lines and markings. Incredibelly slippery, but you wouldn't know from driving a car.
- your lady having an itch to start riding, perhaps take her out as a pillion first, see if she likes that first? It will feel very different for you, so maybe do it later, or some place quiet.
- Cornering - this comes with time, but few things that will help. Look where you want to go. Simple. Other one is a concept of counter-steering. Loads of people don't understand it, but it's quite simple. It's a technique for forcing the bike into a lean. So if you feel like you are mid bend, and the way you go you gonna end up too wide, you need to either slow down, or lean more. If you happy with the speed, and can't achieve the lean, then you counter-steer. Say it's a right hand band, you push your right hand forward, and handlebar with it. That's it. That's all there is to it. The moment you do that, the bike will lean more. As soon as you are happy with the increased lean, you stop pushing, or gently pull the right hand closer to your body, and it should make the bike stable in that lean angle mid bend. Then you coming onto a straight, you pull right hand closer to your body again, until the bike is upright. Now you've done it. You don't need to change your body position. Your body stays in line with the bike, so to speek. There are of course more techniques out there, but you are now talking improvements to go faster, lean more, higher corner speed. You don't need none of that. First you need to know countersteer, as it's basics. It will come into play a lot at higher speeds, and nice roads. Not so much in the city.
Good luck
Thanks for watching and this is great advice, very much appreciated.
Keep safe
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.
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 !
Hi. Thanks for watching
I have bought gear I liked ams not gear that is sensible so gradually replacing
That drone is a little beauty
Safe travels
You are doing very well, please let Claire know that I learnt to ride about 10 years ago now ( I,m now 62) so she would love it I,m sure. 😊 X
Ooooh safe travels
Great honest content. I am in my 60,s. had bikes when much younger. considering getting a 124 and taking CBT. So thanks for the advice which I can relate too. keep it coming
Do it do it!!
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.
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
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. 💕
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
You did great, I made the mistake of not practicing enough in busy towns and major roads which made the training on the big bike that little bit harder as I wasn't comfortable in lots of traffic.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍
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.
Thanks for this. Safe travels
Congrats on getting your A licence.
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.
😂😂 thanks for this 👍
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.
well done on your progress, I did my CBT in August and still only going up the road and back. Love the channel your a natural at talking to the camera
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
Wear your new boots in on a big walk Andy. Well done on the progress, keep it up 👍
Hi. Thanks 👍👍
Absolutely brilliant for saying how it is mate. I’m sure people will be watching and learning along with you. Thanks for being real!! 👍
Thanks for watching 👍
Hello Andy, I live in Barnsley, and have been riding 50 years, don't worry mate it will all come together quicker than you think, just one bit of advice, if you treat every other vehicle as if they were attempting to assassinate you, you'll be much safer, ride safe mate, cheers. Mick
Hi Mick, Thanks 👍
Never a truer word said. Been riding for 35 years and never been hit by another bike....cars, different story
Misty drizzle when riding show in town is always a pain. Nikwax Visor Proof is great to help shed water off the outside of your visor. But as you've found proper rain drops run of much better than mist. Get a pair of gloves with a visor wiper built into the left hand index finger. That way you can squeegee the mist off your visor while riding.
As others have said cracking the visor open slightly especially when stopped, at slow speed or when you're hot will help stop the inside of the visor misting.
Thanks for this
Open the vents on the helm and crack it open just a bit. Your going to get days like that. Your building up good experience as you say.
I mean just open the visor one notch.
Hi. Thanks for this and watching 👍👍
The pin lock can be adjusted by the 2 lugs that hold them in place. I use pledge on the outside and also have a blade on your index finger on your left hand
Hi. Thanks for watching and this advice 👍
I've had the gear conversation a few times. and the one thing I have taken away from them, is that a sports bike rider has no idea at all about what an ADV rider needs and will steer them in the absolute wrong direction. (this could apply to an ADV rider telling a cruiser what to get as well, different things have been created because other things are unsuitable!) I ended up buying RST S1 boots because of a salesman who has never ridden an ADV in their life!
Yes they work well on a Touring bike, with the riding position, the lack of need for traction on the ground. But on My Adventure bike, even if I'm just touring on it, they don't work, I only ever miss gear changes when wearing these boots, I only ever slip over and end up sitting on my Arse covered in mud when I am wearing these boots... for a sport bike they might be perfect, but I'm not on a sportbike!
The Laces thing? I don't buy it, if they are high tops and the pants cover them as they should. where are the Laces? the most important thing is that they Have the rigidity & compressability that stops fractures of the tibia and fibula if the bike lands on the leg (similar to how a Helmet works, but for the feet & ankles. it also must let the foot move in the direction it needs to without allowing abnormal movements in a crash (movements that result in fracture and dislocations).
For every other type of riding there are things that have come to light, that boots have been designed to mitigate. but those things change from style to style... a touring boot won't be any good for MotoX and a MotoX boot would be your worst enemy on a sportbike!.
as Far as I'm concerned, if the Lace up boot was high enough, padded and strong. it's fine for a cruiser, maybe not a sportbike, or dualsport. but fine for a cruiser.
I also have high top leather boots, I wear them while commuting. they are strong enough if I fall in town, they are discrete enough that nobody notices they are not just tidy casual shoes, they provide good support without limiting normal movement, and what people can't see because the jeans cover them, is how high they actually are, and the laces don't stick out the bottom of the jeans even if they come undone.
Great videos. You are doing brilliantly. Anyone starting or thinking about motorcycling then these blogs are for you. I'm 64 and have had my licence since I was 17. I ride a Zx12ra1 ,which I've owned for 24 years, and I love these blogs.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m loving bike life
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 👍
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
I would second the ACF 50.
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.
49 years?!?!!!!!
@@bikerofatlantis yes been riding motorcycles since I was 12. Dad was a speedway rider in his youth, it’s in the blood ! 😄❤️🤪
I leave the visor slightly open for the fog, and rain-x for the rain to run off.
Sounds good, thanks
Another great video confidence comes with experience. I found it makes you a better driver because you realise how vulnerable you are on a bike keep it up.
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
Morning Andrew,
A boost for the confidence we think, took all in your stride.
Yes, face your fears head-on.
Nice boots 😊, maybe leather bib and brace for the bottom half.
Looking like Claire is getting more interested 😮.
Great logo for the channel, maybe a biker clothing range 😀.
Take care out there and keep safe.
Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
Hello 🏍️ 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️👍
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.
Hi, thanks for this 👍
You're probably already doing it but ! ALWAYS ride with your lights on, stay safe 😊🤗
Hi 👋 Yes 👍
Good point. Modern motorbike lights are always on by default, thankfully 😊👍
@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!
Absolutely loving your journey in learning to ride a bike. I passed my test many years ago in my early 20’s but not ridden one for over 30 yrs now - but have plans to get a tourer for when I retire in a couple of years - but like you have been thinking I should start again with a smaller bike for a year or so - your experience on learning has just confirmed that thought👍 Great videos, keep it up👍
Hi thanks for watching. Let me know how you get on 👍
I use Scottoiler FS 365 Complete Bike Protector, which is available on Amazon.
Hi. Thanks for watching and this suggestion 👍 Have a great day
@@bobbod8069 sounds a better idea than AC50 or whatever the other suggestion was.
Open the vents on the front and top/ back of your helmet if it has them.
If its raining like your said and your visor is misting up just lift the visor up slightly to let air flow improve, once your moving drop it down again if your concerned about anything flying in.
With regards to your boots move your feet back you dont need to have your feet hovering over the foot controls.
I only use back brake to hold the bike at stops and hills.
Hi. Thank for watching and this advice
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.
Hi, thanks for this 👍
Genuinely enjoying the honesty from you guys. I'm a newer rider too. Went from my CBT which was my 1st ever time on a bike straight to my DAS and Passed with no minors. I have just done a 550 mile trip to Wales and back with some faster and more experienced riders which I'd have never done but it shows if you push yourself you will be amazed at what you achieve. Honestly keep up the great content and looking forward to seeing you smash your DAS. Also planning a Yorkshire trip next year if you fancy joining for part of it 👌
Safe travels. Let me know
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
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
@@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 got laces on a pair of boots, but they also have elasticated strips of material on the tongue, and you tuck the loops and loose ends under those after tying your laces and there's nothing left dangling to get caught anywhere.
Hi. Thanks for watching
Safe riding 👍
I’m loving these videos! I just passed my CBT and got my first bike at 43 a few days ago, so everything you’re saying resonates very strongly with me.
Looking forward to seeing how you get on in the future 👍
Ride safe
Same...
When riding around town or with slow moving traffic, i tend to just open my visor a little at the bottom so just before that click that locks it shut. Allows air to come in the front. For rain on the outside I put rainX on the visor that helps shed the water making a hydrophobic coating.
Yes. I think I will do this too 👍
Learning to ride motorcycles never stops.
👍
RainX make sure it's not glass only. I've used silicone polish also for the mist on the outside of viser. Most gloves have a strip on the left hand use it to wipe the mist it'll make bigger drops which will blow off.
Thanks for this
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 👍
This is good info, thanks Steve 👍
I don't think that's true
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!
@@FrankFurther filtering is legal, but you do automatically become liable for half of the blame - Google it 👍
Great videos folks. As a newbie and very nervous biker, it’s comforting knowing that other newbie riders are thinking about the same things as me.
Got my first bike at 50. ( yeah, I know, midlife crisis!!). Made the mistake of getting a 650cc Honda road bike. Great bike but a tad too powerful and heavy for a new rider. Will get myself a 125 til I get experience. Keep up the videos guys and safe riding.
Hello fellow newbie biker 👍👍 ride safe
You ride a bike. You will get wet. I have never had a pinlock. Just wash the visor inside and out with Fairy liquid/water mix. It will reduce condensation. If you get fogged up just ride with the visor open. Better to see danger now than worry about a million to one chance stone in the face. Don't be afraid to wipe the visor with your glove. You can get a "Vee Wipe", a windscreen wiper for your glove which are good. In light rain if you are wearing leathers just let them get wet. Better than sitting in a sauna. You need to experience all conditions to improve your riding. Yes we all ride for the rush. That is in part why people get bigger faster bikes because they want more. I still remember how exciting I found it going 40mph when I first rode a bike. Can I suggest you look for photos of bike riding in the 1920's,30's, 40's etc and see what people used to wear. Remember the roads often weren't even tarmac then. Don't get obsessed with spending money on bike gear.
Love this idea plus will enjoy looking at them, will do that Thankyou 👍
I use ACF-50 to coat the bike parts for winterization. Lanoguard is another option, but I tend to use it on the car. Both can be used liberally (no problem with getting it on electrics etc.). Just keep it off break discs. Lots of on-line vids for both.
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Don't bother with all the anti mist stuff, smear washing up liquid inside visor and wipe off do that every 2 weeks no fogging, Im commuter
Really enjoying the channel, I have been riding over 50 years and still cannot wait to get the bike out for a ride. Just bought a Vstrom SX 250 for commuting to save the big GSX 1400 for longer trips. You are going great, my advice is practice emergency stops often and never assume cars will stop or giveway at intersections and roundabouts.
This is fantastic advice. Thank you for watching. Safe travels 👍👍
The worst situation to deal with is a puncture while on the move, front tyre is the worst.
@Leo: I'll second that!
We, the me n the missus, going up the M1, outside lane, 80-90mph, front tyre went, handlebars were twerking, I went from outside to inside lane, when I say "I went", I mean the bike did, on it's own! Now I'm on the off ramp and I'm trying to keep weight off the front but I'm zig-zagging all over the place, I put power on but dragged the back brake in the hope of making the bike squat, I aimed for the inside kerb but ended up on the outside under a flyover.
I stopped, told the missus to hop off, and she said, "What for?" WHAT FOR, WHAT BLEEDIN' FOR! The front tyres in shreds, we just got thrown all over the road and you're asking what for?
You've got to luv the good women in our lives because she said "Oh, I just thought you were showing off!" Since when have I shown off with you on the back? (and I'm not including coming out of the camping field, up the wet, mud soaked plank over the stream in Ghent, Belgium, at the BMF Riders Rights Rally!) Or the mountain pass on mont Blanc, in the Pyrenese, not the Alps! ...and I have an excuse for the ride through the park in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the copper chasing me, I was only 42, which everyone knows is the answer to everything! IYKYK.
Sounds awful! Thanks for this and for watching 👍 ride safe
@@bikerofatlantisIt’s well worth getting a bike with tubeless tyres, they take away a lot of the worry over punctures.
Hhhmmmm!!!!
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 👏
Hi. Thanks for this and for watching
Loving biker life 👍👍
West of Scotland is our favourite….❤️
Remember;cyclists ride on these roads without visors. Mostly no helmet either. It's fine to go visor -less at a roundabout. You'd only be doing around 20 m.p.h. anyway.
👍👍
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.
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍👍👍👍
Look into ACF50 for the bike for overwintering
Acf50 forget all the others
Thanks for this recommendation 👍
A great upload mate. I've been riding for many years and never stop learning. A great video for new riders, never rush just learn at your own pace and you'll be much happier.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍
There's lots of good safety gear out there that doesnt cost the earth, like a lot of things you pay a premium for the brand name with a lot of bike clothing. Same goes for helmets, buy one with a good safety rating and a £500 helmet will not offer more protection than a £100 helmet, people will disagree with me on this but check the facts and tests that show what I'm saying is correct.
Good to see that you've moved to a longer boot though, when i got knocked off a few years ago long boots were the difference between a small fracture and a full leg break when the bike slid down the road with my leg under it.
Thanks for this and for watching 👍
Regarding clothes forget leather go textile for jacket and trousers + braces they are much warmer and less weight plus they usually have removable liners which can be swopped in or out to suit the climate. also for slow manoeuvring apply the back brake whilst holding the clutch on its bite point this helps to keep the bike stable at slow speeds. Do this in a straight line to begin with then practise the turns always look up at where you want to go NOT at the floor. Good luck you'll get there my friend after 58 yrs riding im still learning.
Thank you
You will find a bigger bike easier to ride ! 👍
Hi Thank you. Have a great day 👍
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. Thanks for this 👍👍👍
I have a girlfriend who rides a Triumph and she’s just turned 70 so Claire, if you fancy it, have a go girl 👍
Love this 👍👍👍
Great vlog this one Andrew, really enjoyed watching it and now you're starting to get what motorcycling is all about, the bad as well as the good.
To pick up on some of your comments, most if not all will have been covered by others.
Pin lock visors are not 100% effective, they do mist up so to reduce that misting just crack the visor open a little. Be ready then for some rain to come through the crack.
Rain on the visor? Just wipe it off with the forefinger of your left hand. I have a pair of waterproof gloves which actually have a "blade" on that finger to wipe away the rain. Not cheap, they cost me around £140 about four years ago but they are still 100% waterproof.
The first thing to show signs of rust on your bike apart perhaps from small fastenings will be the chain. Keep it clean, lubricated and properly adjusted which is a bit awkward and messy but necessary. A centre stand makes the job a lot easier.
Personally I'm not a fan of chains, I prefer shaft drive which is only found on bigger bikes. Shaft drives are really low maintenance and if you do intend to tour Europe my advice would be to do it on a bike with shaft drive.
Sounds like Steven is a good guy and is giving you good advice re. clothing. Comfort and practicality is key not style/fashion.
Your boots will get more supple with use but care is also crucial. I polish my boots with a quality polish after every ride. Earlier this year I had to replace a pair of boots which I bought around 30 years ago. Never let water in during all that time and only had to have the zips replaced once.
Your improved confidence and ability is clear to see but make sure you don't develop bad habits. If you want to practice emergency stops take Claire with you. She can do the signal to make you stop, simples!! And just to remind you the sequence is:
Throttle off, SQUEEZE the front brake apply the back brake then just before you stop and the engine stalls pull in the clutch. Leaving the transmission engaged until the last second means you have "engine braking.
Keep practising because it makes perfect and enjoy your riding.
Hi Norman. Loving these updates 👍👍👍
Thank you Andrew, nice to be appreciated. Going back to misting on the inside of the visor, make sure all your helmet vents are open.
To kakesakrseep the visor clear of rain on the outside there's a product called Visio Dry on the market which you apply to the outside of the visor and it makes rain just run off. Never used it myself but apparently it's very good.
Always have your trousers on the outside of your boots so if/when it rains the water won't run off your trousers into the boots. Likewise with gloves, make sure the gloves are inside your sleeves.the road
Safety tip :
It's now officially Autumn and leaves are falling from the trees already. They can make the road surface very slippery!
Not a failure! A couple of tips...1) Avoid wet leaves on the road they are like black ice. 2) In wet or damp weather lean the top half of your body to keep the bike more upright, especially when gaining confidence. 3) Watch out for fuel stations near big roundabouts which especially HGV's use. They tend to fill to the brim and sometimes spill diesel going round the roundabout. 4) During observations in wet weather avoid multi-colour patches on the road, these are fuel spills. If unavoidable do number 2. You can get a wiper blade that fits over a finger on your glove which you can use for better vision. Wear your boots around the house or whenever to help break them in. You are doing well, life isn't predictable is it?
Hi. This is great. Thank you for your advice 👍👍
Great video. Sound advice for new rider. It rains a lot in the Uk. Winter kit first summer kit second as it’s cheaper. Go out in heavy rain sometime when you’re not in a hurry because it will chuck it down at some point in a ride. Stay safe
Thanks for this advice 👍
Hi, Same boots as mine, they will bed in and bit of shoe polish on the scuffs if your bothered your doing great.Colin.
Hey. Happy travels and thank you 👍👍
I use FS365, it’s water based and you just spray it on after a wet ride or after you’ve washed it. Used it for at least fifteen years and it does make a difference. The AC50 stuff might be better but it’s messy, however some dealers will spray it on for you and remove it when the weather gets better.
Hi. Will take a look at this. Thankyou for watching 👍👍
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.
Safe travels 👍👍
I truly enjoy your videos, and I appreciate your courage and honesty as you learn to ride. Keep up the good work and stay safe, my friend. By the way... Hello from California.
California?!!!?!?! Helloooo!!!! ☀️☀️
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.
Thank you 👍
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)
Great advice, this is very much appreciated 👍👍 safe travels
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.
Subbed, really like this content as it takes me back to when I first passed. Keep going mate. Keep training, learning and riding safely. You’ll have mishaps but with the right training they should hopefully only be minimal. Best of luck.
Hi. Thanks for subscribing. Wish I’d have done it sooner
@@bikerofatlantis the main thing is that you’ve done it mate. If there is anything I can vvhelp with, please reach out. I’ll keep an eye on your vids and try to send helpful advice. Ride safe pal!
I know this is an older video, not sure what you've sorted out, but my input is: Get some visor repellent, this will allow you to turn your head from left to right in wind and the rain will blow off - until the visor gets dirty. Always stay in the middle of the road and be in a commanding position. As you are all in black, including the bike - get a hi-vis jacket until your have the skills you're portraying. Most road tyres have a bigger contact patch the more they lean over. Lift the visor a little and that'll help with the misting even with a pinlock. ACF50 for rust protection.
👍👋 thanks for this advice and for watching
It's all about getting more confident in incremental steps. For commuting I recommend keeping your jeans and just adding waterproof overtrousers for winter.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍
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
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍👍👍