10 questions to bikers ..

[britboy4321]

I'm the bloke who is scared of my new bike. I have decided to 'man-up' and take the 125 out this weekend. 10 questions to other riders spring to mind .. any help vastly appreciated. Some of the questions are probably dumb.

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....

a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?)

8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet?

9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something!

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..


Any help appreciated.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

 

[PardonTheWait]

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

If you're allowed in the bus lane go in the bus lane, much safer.

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

I'm not sure what you mean. You were filtering at 50mph between the lane on your left (your direction) and the other lane (other direction)?
I think that pickle was your own fault to be honest. You need to think ahead, leave yourself time to get back in, or force it. There's not really much way they can not let you back in. But in that situation, if they're travelling at 25mph, and it's a normal road, why bother filtering? Yeah maybe nip past a car when there's a gap but full on filtering? Is this theoretical?

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.

20 miles? Get your gear. If you're a nervous rider anyway then yeah definitely get it. I wouldn't do a journey of that length in a t-shirt anyway. I'd avoid riding in a t-shirt at all, but if I had no kit obviously I'd do it, but I'd be loathe to do 20 miles in a t-shirt at all, for any reason. Specially in this weather, you'd be ****ing freezing.

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?

Just put the chain around the wheel. I park my bike in Chelmsford High Street from 9-5.30 every day and to be honest most of the time I don't lock it. On high streets and so on it's too busy for people to nick it. I parked it outside Lakeside for about 18 months as well, often with no chain. That one had an alarm though. To nick a bike that's locked and steering locked, realistically, you need a van and at least two men.

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....

a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.

Wait for a gap? How would a car get onto that road? Do the same as them. Also on a 125 once you're rolling you can just pin it, you're not going to flip it over!

Don't sit in the gutter, ever.

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

I don't lock my bike up unless I'll be hours, or it's a really dodgy area. The bike will be locked and steering locked. How would they steal it in the 90 seconds it takes you to pay?

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?)

New helmet.

8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet?

Normal helmet. You've got enough on your plate without listening to music as well by the sounds of things.

9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something!

Put it under the seat. Don't wear it over your shoulder, if you come off it'll hurt you very very badly. Please don't do it.

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..

Not ideal but to be honest they'll probably be fine for around town. Up to you.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

Put it on overnight.

 

[Snaggle]

I'm the bloke who is scared of my new bike. I have decided to 'man-up' and take the 125 out this weekend. 10 questions to other riders spring to mind .. any help vastly appreciated. Some of the questions are probably dumb.

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy? I would filter first and use bus lane second . But depends on road and junctions

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space? Well you should be looking ahead so that you dont get into this postion . But normally i can fit into a gap regardless even on a 1000cc bike . But best option is be aware before getting stuck .

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear. Get her to come back with yer gear . Its bad enough yer scared of the thing so not wearing all yer gear is mad. If im going to the shop (1 mile away) i put all my gear on

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ? Dont even think it . Lock it lose it

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....

a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route. A: Dont sit in the gutter . But dont pull out unless you have room . And give it some gas .. Honest it wont kill you !! But going slow might

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do Never locked my bike when getting fuel . But i dont live in London

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?) Replace it .. Not worth the risk

8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet? I hate music/phone on the bike . The more you can hear the more you will be aware . Your call as everyone is different but not for me

9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something! Neithier . Get a lock carry pouch which secures round the rear seat . Never wear a chain .

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest .. Personally i would get proper boots but if yer work boots are sturdy and come up yer leg then yes. But would still prefer proper boots


Any help appreciated.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month? Get some Ac45 protectant and use from day 1 and buy a "decent" bike cover . Assuming you want to protect the value of the bike

Hope that helps

Persil

 

[Sagalout]

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

Personally I dont live anywhere with Bus lanes, so I'd filter down the right, but only because thats what I'm most comfortable with (passing on th eleft feels wrong!)

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

This isnt complex at all - if traffic is doing 25mph just sit in it. Dont filter at those speeds on a 125. If you want to overtake the car in front treat it as a proper overtake and only pull out when you can see a gap to get back into

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.
Personal chocie, but I'd just risk it and ride extra carefully

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?
Depends where you're parking it - I dont even own a chain and just use the steering lock. Never had a bike nicked.

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....



a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.

Assuming by 4M you mean its a junction rather than a sliproad, then a 125 will accelerate to 50-60 faster than most small engined cars. Just get used to accelerating through the gears quickly

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

b - unless its a very dodgy looking area!

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?)

a

8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet?

Theres enough distractions on the road as it is, but buy earplugs

9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something!

As mentioned, I dont bother with one, but if I did I'd probably use a U lock that would fit under the seat. If you have to carry it, use a rucksack.

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..

b


Any help appreciated.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

Theres a school of thought that covers just trap moisture and make it worse. Invest in a can of ACF50 and give the bike a good dousing with it now, then maybe mid winter. Give it a hose down each week to get rid of the worst of the road crud. That should be fine

 

[bloodiedathame]

1) Either you fancy, I'd probably take the bus lane.
2) Shouldn't have really got yourself into this situation in the first place, just have to wait for a space. Or drive round the other side of the traffic island... But offsiding is considered extremely naughty so don't get caught.
3) I'd not risk 20miles in a T-shirt.
4) Find something to chain it to. I don't often leave my bike without the disc lock on. Though you'd probably be ok.
5) You've got to be able to do things like this... get used to the acceleration.
6) b) take key out.
7) Up to you this one, it should be ok from 3ft, but it's your noggin at stake so do you want to risk it?
8) Personal preference, I prefer no music, I like having all my senses honed on the road.
9) I'd do a, personal preference again.
10) Personal preference, I'd say b.

Bonus) No more than two days of rain for me.

 

[Flukester]

1. middle
2. shouldnt really get in that situation, you'd spot traffic island way before and just folter in which is easy on bike
3. risk it, odds are you aint gonna fall off
4. risk it your insured
5. even a 125 can get out onto a busy road fine.. your not a lot slower to accelerate than many so called fast cars
6. just take key out
7. never drop your lid, but tbh it's prolly fine
8. no music, you need concentration on riding
9. wouldn't bother, just don't park in dodgy areas at night
10. boots will be fine

my bike is now outside perm, as missus has no garage... have 5 litres of WD40 though so it will stay coasted in that so won't dissolve

 

[SGCWill]

I'm the bloke who is scared of my new bike. I have decided to 'man-up' and take the 125 out this weekend. 10 questions to other riders spring to mind .. any help vastly appreciated. Some of the questions are probably dumb.

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

Either one, but you're prob. not confident enough to filter yet....use the bus lane


2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

People usually let you in if you stick on your indicator and keep looking over your shoulder. Like with a car, you just have to wait unit someone will let you in.


3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.

Hmm, that's difficult - if it was me it wouldn't matter and i'd just go on. Search for 'gravel rash' in google images, then decide if it's worth it.

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?

I've never used chains or locks or anything like that, guess i'm lucky, but I don't know anyone who has had their bike stolen. That being said, better safe than sorry?


5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....


a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.


DO NOT DO B. take up the whole lane, just like in a car. If you pull in to the side and let cars pass in the same lane, you're going to get creamed and it's going to be all your fault. use A or C if your nerves get the better of you.

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

b has always been fine for me; You guys in the mainland seem to get everything stolen if you don't lock things up, so again, up to yourself.

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?)

Up to yourself, but you're supposed to replace it; all it takes is a little pressure on the scratch and it could shatter (along with your skull if you hit the deck).

Why would you use your insurance to replace your helmet? £100 can get you a very good helmet; I paid £400 each for the last 2 helmets I had and that was just because I liked the design.

Confidence is the key on a bike; know the limits of both yourself and your bike, keep alert and you'll not crash.


8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet?

NOOO!!!

Music = distraction.

Peelers caught me once (i noticed in my mirrors) and they said "Why did you not stop" and I said "I couldn't hear you over the music" and he said "So you admit to not paying due care and attention".

I do not know about these helmets with all the stuff built in though.


9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something!

Get a top box or use a backpack??

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..


My motorcycle boots jammed between my radiator and the fairing part (supermoto bike). It dragged me 50m up the pavement; thankfully I had the visor closed, otherwise i'd either be dead or scarred); that won't happen on a CB125, so get proper boots if you want.

Remember to take off any rings/earrings; these lead to broken fingers in crashes; no matches if you smoke as well!!


Any help appreciated.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

You should always hose down your bike after a run with cold water. Hot water will only help speed up the reaction of salt with the metal. Put the cover on after it's stopped steaming

 

[isset]

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

like most decisions when on a bike, take the safest option. also remember there is no rule that you have to filter. sit there in the jam if that's the safest option.

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

can't quite follow this one but you really shouldn't get yourself into this situation anyway. if the cars are moving at 25mph move with them - don't fly past at 50mph

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.

Up to you but you'll not catch me on my bike without every piece of gear, even if i'm riding 100 yards.

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?

Depends where. Use your common sense! 125s are not generally targets for toerags

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....


a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.

it isn't a "silly little" 125. Wait til you've got a big enough gap - one will come. Do not just pull out and cause someone to have to brake as you're unnecessarily putting yourself in danger and causing them to have to take action too (icy/wet/leafy road? not a great idea). you have as much right to be on the road as anyone else. don't be worried that you're "annoying" someone behind you - you won't be, and even if you are, well it's their hard luck! take your time and assert your presence on the road

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

Take key out. no one's gonna pinch a bike (especially a 125) off a forecourt.

7) I've dropped my crash helmet from 3 foot up, onto concrete

a) Don't worry about it if you don't mind the scratch
b) New helmet (insurance job?)

3 feet isn't gonna harm it

8) Brand new rider. Blu-tooth helmet purchase as sooner or later I'm gonna want music, or normal 'no music' helmet?

your choice but you'd never catch me listening to music or anything else on a bike

9) Taking a chain with me ready to lock bike up

a) Over my shoulder and round my side
b) er .. some other way of carrying it that won't involve me ripping myself apart if I fall off and it catches on something!

strap it in its own bag to the seat/rack/something, or in a top box

10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..

Up to you.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

cover it up asap, added bonus that you can't see what's under the cover

 

[Glaucus]

1) I'm in a traffic jam. Space in middle of road to get past. Also bus-lane to left (which it's currently legal for motorbikes to be in). Which option should I choose for missing the jam? Or either I fancy?

you need to ask, over taking is an at risk movement and is dangerous. If you need to ask this, you need a little more time with the highway code, regardless of bike or car driving

If you didn't guess bus lane.

2) Complex this one .. I'm in the middle of the road going 50mph besides moving traffic (the traffic is moving about 25mph), and there's a traffic island in the middle so I need to get 'back in' to the left hand lane. No-one lets me in so I end up stopped dead to avoid hitting the traffic island or the traffic to my left. Now I'm 2 metres from the traffic island in the middle of the road -- cars are zooming past me at 25mph to my left and there isn't enough space to accelerate up to their speed to 're-join' the flow of traffic. What do I do? Just sit there like a numpty for 15 minutes waiting for a space?

A) you should not be filtering hat much faster han teh other traffic.
B) you should not be in tha situation. you should off seen eh bollard and given yourself plenty of time to get back in.
C) If needs be and if you have the confidence, you have no choice but to push in.

3) My wife dropped me off to pick up my motorbike. But I'm a donkey so I've forgotten my protective kit apart from my helmet. I'm wearing jeans, shoes and T-shirt. She's driven 20 miles home.
a) Risk it - whats the chances of a crash on this one journey?
b) At massive hassle to her and me get her to drive right the way back out to me with my protective gear.

Up to you and how you rate risks. Each to there own. Personally I would ride it home. but if you are involved in a crash expec massive injuries.

4) I park the bike in a populated area and I can't find anything to chain it to. Risk it as I'm only going to be an hour? Or 'Nope -- It'll get nicked in about 5 minutes don't even think it' ?

Depends on the bike and again you personal risk assessment. IRC you do not have an expensive or particularly desirable bike. In which case, again I would just use a disk lock. But there is nearly always a fence, lampost or proper bike place to lock up against.

5) I've got a silly little 125 and no nerves for quick acceleration. I need to get on to a busy A road. I have only 4 metres of filter room and I don't think I can accelerate fast enough to fit into these little gaps between zooming cars ....


a) Pull out, into the middle of the road ('dominant position') -- car behind may have to brake a little -- he'll get over it and I'll soon be up to 50mph..
b) Pull out, sit in the gutter until I'm up with their speed, so they can get past easily until I'm there ..
c) Find another route.

Again you should not be in this situation, you should hi eh accelerate as soon as you can and as hard as you can and join at a resonance speed. remember witha 2-stroke all the power is in eh top end, which means your rev gauge needs to be always in eh top quarter when trying to accelerate fast.

6) I've just filled up with petrol and am going to pay

a) Lock the bike up
b) Just take the key out that'll do

Take the key out. you are only a few meters away and the forecourt is
10) I wear quite sturdy ankle-high work-boots for work.

a) You are a numpty if you don't buy proper biking boots
b) Well if you're on a budget, sturdy normal leather boots should see you OK to be honest ..

[/QUOTE]

Again own risk assessment. I will tell you, you need proper boots. However I used to just wear doc martins.

ps. Bonus question -- how long would you leave your bike to the elements (in winter) -- before you decided it's worth bothering putting it's plastic cover thing on? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month?

depends how much you care for your bike, every night or not at all.

I will actually go back on what I said in the last thread. I thought you just had an inheritent fear of biking. But from this post it is clear. You have very little understanding of highway code and how to ride.

A lot of the question you have asked are common sense and highway code. you should not be in many of these situations. I would read that highway code and get some professional tuition.

 

[Dano]

Sounds to me like you need to go do a 5 day riding course to be honest, they'll be able to teach you about not putting yourself into bad situations and how to ride a bike.

 

[Lopéz]

Trust me a 125 has no issues pulling out of sliproads etc. I had a 4-stroke GS125 and it was easily as quick as a hot hatch, acceleration wise. Non-issue mate and trust me you won't flip it or anything, I could barely get the nose to lift on mine never mind come right up.

 

[paddy]

One tip regarding your questions on carrying and using a chain - buy a disc lock instead.

I use a chain for home overnight and a disc lock when I'm out on the road.