Learner/Newbie Sticky **All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!****

Banana Republic.

happy cookie wrote: »

Went for a 200km round trip today. Tired as hell afterwards but same as everyone else: a big confidence booster. I've to do a bit more work on right turns coming out of junctions. They just freak me out, otherwise I'm fine.

:mad: rant now.... twice today I have had car drivers overtake me on the left. Both times in two of the most dangerous places for accidents near where I live. I was doing normal speeds and I could still see the "body language" of the car behind me (I've been driving for donkey's) so I was almost expecting them to do that. It's fine for me to say but I now wonder about all those young motorcyclists with no driving experience involved in accidents... I'd say most of the time it's not their fault!!! rant over...:(

100 percent agree, I was coming through Lemybrien today and it slows to 60 n the car was up my ass and I kept my road position and wasn’t intimidated but he was so ignorant but I stood my ground (as the saying goes) he wasn’t long copping on. We pulled over for most of traffic today and a line of Porsche Carreras/911 who hooted us after, great buzz.

zubair

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Undertaking you on single lane roads???

+1 really? Was your right indicator on or something.

Jimmy Bottlehead

zubair wrote: »

+1 really? Was your right indicator on or something.

I have to say, over five years on the bike and I never had that happen. And I did wear my L vest, so it's not that.

nigeldaniel

happy cookie wrote: »

Went for a 200km round trip today. Tired as hell afterwards but same as everyone else: a big confidence booster. I've to do a bit more work on right turns coming out of junctions. They just freak me out, otherwise I'm fine.

:mad: rant now.... twice today I have had car drivers overtake me on the left. Both times in two of the most dangerous places for accidents near where I live. I was doing normal speeds and I could still see the "body language" of the car behind me (I've been driving for donkey's) so I was almost expecting them to do that. It's fine for me to say but I now wonder about all those young motorcyclists with no driving experience involved in accidents... I'd say most of the time it's not their fault!!! rant over...:(

I know what you are saying here as I have been in the same position since I started on my bike last year. Some drivers are just plain nuts when they come up behind a bike and those who go 20 or 30 over the limit are the ones who grind my gears the most. Sometimes I suspect they don't realize how dangerous they are as they lack the concentration to see their own shortcomings.

Banana Republic.

nigeldaniel wrote: »

I know what you are saying here as I have been in the same position since I started on my bike last year. Some drivers are just plain nuts when they come up behind a bike and those who go 20 or 30 over the limit are the ones who grind my gears the most. Sometimes I suspect they don't realize how dangerous they are as they lack the concentration to see their own shortcomings.

Same here I had to hit the brakes a few times to get his attention even though I had an L vest on and I was doing the speed limit coming through a village. Some have no respect for bikes, big egos are the most dangerous thing on the roads no matter what transport it is.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Same here I had to hit the brakes a few times to get his attention even though I had an L vest on and I was doing the speed limit coming through a village. Some have no respect for bikes, big egos are the most dangerous thing on the roads no matter what transport it is.

Brake checks on a bike really aren't a great idea. You might get someone doddery or a poor driver who end up hitting you from behind.

It's great being right, but not as fun with a broken leg or busted head. Just be aware of how vulnerable you are on the bike cos it takes **** all to knock you off and that's plain bad news.

happy cookie

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Undertaking you on single lane roads???

Nope, First incident in a 3 lane roundabout (the infamous tunnel one in Cork). The left lane is supposed to go only to the left (where she was), middle lane to go straight into the tunnel (where I was), right lane to go straight or right. We were stopped at the light in the middle of the roundabout, I took off on my lane, it took her slightly longer to take off on the left, then proceeded to cut across in front of me when her lane was forcing her to go left. Then straight away she moved to the right lane (looked like she crossed 2 lanes in one manoeuvre, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that she checked before moving)

Second incident, similar thing, 3 lane interchange. Left lane supposed to go left only, middle and right lanes go straight. I came out of the bend, indicated to go into the middle lane and since it was clear I went (limit 60 and it's what I was doing). Next thing I couldn't see them behind me anymore and there was nobody on my right, so looked left and there they were, speeding on the wrong lane to get ahead of me. Why they didn't overtake on the correct lane is beyond me as there was no traffic in it.

And my indicators were correct both times, no I hadn't left them on. That's one thing that got hammered into me when I was doing the IBT, and I always cancel them myself in the car anyway so I'm used to cancelling.

happy cookie

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Same here I had to hit the brakes a few times to get his attention even though I had an L vest on and I was doing the speed limit coming through a village. Some have no respect for bikes, big egos are the most dangerous thing on the roads no matter what transport it is.

I've found the opposite as well, some people are great and when they see you with the L vest they give you space and time, kudos to all those!!

Banana Republic.

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Brake checks on a bike really aren't a great idea. You might get someone doddery or a poor driver who end up hitting you from behind.

It's great being right, but not as fun with a broken leg or busted head. Just be aware of how vulnerable you are on the bike cos it takes **** all to knock you off and that's plain bad news.

I was far enough away to use it without putting myself in danger but I fully take your point but I had to slow down in the village, he was the one not obeying the law but again I fully understand your point, thank you. Everyday we learn.

Banana Republic.

Had a struggle with few roundabouts yesterday, previous two days I was fine but the first one coming into Dungarvan I had to pull into the side as I couldn’t get the turn right. 99% of my riding is positive as it could be for Day 3 of riding. Any tips for roundabouts?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Any tips for roundabouts?

Go around them :pac:

I find counter steering into them helps, but basically you'll need to find some comfort in terms of lean. I hated them the first while on bikes, but with practice you'll get more comfy on them.

happy cookie

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Had a struggle with few roundabouts yesterday, previous two days I was fine but the first one coming into Dungarvan I had to pull into the side as I couldn’t get the turn right. 99% of my riding is positive as it could be for Day 3 of riding. Any tips for roundabouts?

Travel to Cashel from Cork like I did yesterday, so many of them that you'll be grand by the end of the trip

Seriously now, get up early some weekend when the roads are quieter, find one with a couple of them and keep going through. Then when you're happy with the control you have on the bike start adding them with a bit more traffic.

zubair

Ah the roundabout question...

Theyre all different. Different Chambers, sizes, surfaces etc. Obviously practice will help but still some are a bit of work.

Just be mindful of roundabouts in the wet, typically full of diesel and other slippy stuff.

zubair

happy cookie wrote: »

Travel to Cashel from Cork like I did yesterday, so many of them that you'll be grand by the end of the trip

Seriously now, get up early some weekend when the roads are quieter, find one with a couple of them and keep going through. Then when you're happy with the control you have on the bike start adding them with a bit more traffic.

Good advice this. Back when I was learning I went to a quiet motorway exit and just went over and back across the bridge between the 2 roundabouts. Good practice to do the full 360 on the roundabout.

zubair

nigeldaniel wrote: »

I know what you are saying here as I have been in the same position since I started on my bike last year. Some drivers are just plain nuts when they come up behind a bike and those who go 20 or 30 over the limit are the ones who grind my gears the most. Sometimes I suspect they don't realize how dangerous they are as they lack the concentration to see their own shortcomings.

Just do 40 over yourself. Bosh.

Banana Republic.

happy cookie wrote: »

Travel to Cashel from Cork like I did yesterday, so many of them that you'll be grand by the end of the trip

Seriously now, get up early some weekend when the roads are quieter, find one with a couple of them and keep going through. Then when you're happy with the control you have on the bike start adding them with a bit more traffic.

Did it tonight lol

happy cookie

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Did it tonight lol

How did you get on then? happier?

I put myself on the spot yesterday too. Short spin in the evening, a couple of tight right hand turns and also 2 left hand turns in junctions with a steep incline. Scary at first but managed. Will keep practicing those for the next few weeks.

Banana Republic.

Yea much happier with them, when starting the little thing can be made much worse but just get on the saddle and correct it. Yesterday was a stunning evening on the bike and my first solo drive out on the open roads. Day by day improving is the way. Glad you are enjoying it, nice to know someone else at a similar stage. Think the L vest is helping allot, lot less traffic on the roads these days too.

nigeldaniel

zubair wrote: »

Just do 40 over yourself. Bosh.

My poor ol XVS400 would blow up if I push it that hard

flashinthepan

What Earplugs do you folks use
I have some earmates ones but I think they are a bit small and keep working loose and it gets annoying i have to keep stopping to ram them back in
Cheers

goblin59

I'm using foam for now.
I use to have custom molded ones for working at concerts, but i need a new set.

I'm planning on getting another set made up at some point.
Nina in the ear clinic use to be into motorcycles herself, would be worth popping into her if your after a custom set.

flashinthepan

Thanks for the reply
I would imagine Custom ones would cost a couple of quid
I was thinking along the lines of Foam ones Like the orange or yellow ones as the modular helmet seems a little noisy now that I have broken the 25mph barrier :-)
J

goblin59

flashinthepan wrote: »

Thanks for the reply
I would imagine Custom ones would cost a couple of quid
I was thinking along the lines of Foam ones Like the orange or yellow ones as the modular helmet seems a little noisy now that I have broken the 25mph barrier :-)
J

i just use regular foam for now.
Molded can cost about €120 i think

zubair

Foam, yellow and reds are good. I hated having to mind ear plugs when I had the more expensive kind. Losing 1 and not the other is annoying.

Banana Republic.

flashinthepan wrote: »

What Earplugs do you folks use
I have some earmates ones but I think they are a bit small and keep working loose and it gets annoying i have to keep stopping to ram them back in
Cheers

Just ordered ones online https://www.ebay.ie/itm/171766030676
Good reviews for them so we’ll see how they work.

flashinthepan

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Just ordered ones online https://www.ebay.ie/itm/171766030676
Good reviews for them so we’ll see how they work.

They are similar to the earmates ones that I have
They work fine when they stay in I find though that after a bit your head heats up a little in the helmet and maybe the sweat allows them to slide back out

Maybe the ones I have a a bit on the small side as I do have to push them in a bit

But that is just me and your ones it says have 2 different sizes Medium and large so you may not have that problem let us know how you get on :-)

Banana Republic.

flashinthepan wrote: »

They are similar to the earmates ones that I have
They work fine when they stay in I find though that after a bit your head heats up a little in the helmet and maybe the sweat allows them to slide back out

Maybe the ones I have a a bit on the small side as I do have to push them in a bit

But that is just me and your ones it says have 2 different sizes Medium and large so you may not have that problem let us know how you get on :-)

Halfway through your reply I was thinking I’ll use the medium and if that problem happens then I’ll use the large ones and they’ll fit nicely, I’m not getting excessive sounds atm without them in my ears but that’ll change when I leave the honeymoon period probably hopefully they’ll be delivered this week. I’ll let you know for sure. The card holder will come in handy for holding my Licence too.

aFlabbyPanda

Returning to biking after a 20 year gap so I'm going through the entire process from scratch (waiting on theory test). As I'm in my 40s am I right in thinking I can apply for the unrestricted license and then do the 18 hour IBT?

Also I'm still deciding on what bike to start with (I've messed about with cars for years and tempted to do a 125 gn cafe racer) but open to any other more realistic options as I've not paid any attention to models for 2 decades.

Herself is interested in having a sidecar once I'm sorted, is there anything special with regards this for insurance, license,etc?

zubair

Unrestricted A, ibt modules 1-5. That will cover a sidecar too. Not sure about insurance with a sidecar but having a pillion is an addition so I imagine a sidecar is the same. Your missus wouldn't ride pillion, no?

Gn125 would is pretty small given you'd be eligible for 600+ unless you're planning on delivering pizzas.

aFlabbyPanda

She's never even sat pillion before and just isn't confident about it. I think she just has the idea of being more safe or secure in the sidecar however she may never agree to get in it either, but the dog can use it!

I guess the gn125 would be while I learn again, build confidence, etc and to play with. Long term I always like the Kz series but again I know nothing about newer bikes. My preference would be a classic, cafe racer, or retro bike rather than a sports or tourer. But open to any suggestions for a good learners bike (sub 1500€ to begin with).

My biking will probably only ever be fair weather or for pleasure.

flashinthepan

aFlabbyPanda wrote: »

Returning to biking after a 20 year gap so I'm going through the entire process from scratch (waiting on theory test). As I'm in my 40s am I right in thinking I can apply for the unrestricted license and then do the 18 hour IBT?

Also I'm still deciding on what bike to start with (I've messed about with cars for years and tempted to do a 125 gn cafe racer) but open to any other more realistic options as I've not paid any attention to models for 2 decades.

Herself is interested in having a sidecar once I'm sorted, is there anything special with regards this for insurance, license,etc?

Went back after 25+ years myself
First thing that would spring to my mind would be
Would a 125 pull a side car ?

Also If you intend going for the unrestricted A licence you will need at some point to do a test on a more powerful bike as you cant do the A test on a lower powered machine
But best of luck
its expensive enough to start out but once you have all the gear it gets easier :-)

goblin59

I would be hesitant about a sidecar.
I've heard stories of the motorcycle stopping and the sidecar continuing on as the connection bar snapped from aggressive braking.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Yeah, have to say, I'd be telling her 'pillion or no dice', in the most loving way possible! My missus had never rode pillion before, and had barely even sat on a bike before, but she's taken to it like a duck to water.

That said, I'd highly recommend against carrying pillion until you have your skills fairly well dialed in, it's both more taxing on your abilities and also a HUGE responsibility to have someone's safety depending on your skills.

Welcome back to two wheels though, pal! Hope you're getting a few rolls in too

happy cookie

aFlabbyPanda wrote: »

She's never even sat pillion before and just isn't confident about it. I think she just has the idea of being more safe or secure in the sidecar however she may never agree to get in it either, but the dog can use it!

I guess the gn125 would be while I learn again, build confidence, etc and to play with. Long term I always like the Kz series but again I know nothing about newer bikes. My preference would be a classic, cafe racer, or retro bike rather than a sports or tourer. But open to any suggestions for a good learners bike (sub 1500€ to begin with).

My biking will probably only ever be fair weather or for pleasure.

I was in the same situation as you a few weeks back and I'm now out and about in a 500 and I'm only a small person. I'd say if you've ridden before I'd go higher than a 125, you'd be surprised how quick it comes back to you.

I'm also the wife who wouldn't sit pillion and definitely wouldn't fancy getting into a side car either (I could be wrong here, but the way bikes are built isn't the sidecar going to always be on the wrong side of the road in Ireland)... so I got set up with my own bike.

enrique66_35

Worth noting that you can't carry a pillion passenger on a learner permit. Also need to wait 6 months from getting the learner permit before taking the full test (after which, if passed, she can ride pillion, sidecar or whatever ye want..)

Sorry for being a buzzkill....

knucklehead6

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Day/Night 2, few less stalls, out in more traffic, getting through the gears, finding my way nicely, need to slow in entries and into taking turns a bit tighter, overall very happy for day two, had my friend ride with me tonight and done my first overtake with him, no cars about totally safe. Spin today in the day with more traffic so good challenge today and looking forward to it. Practice makes perfect. . How are all the other newbies getting on? The encouragement from other riders that I know and online is brilliant, such a community already that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to.

I've been using mine mostly for commuting to and from work until some people in my home county forgot how to wash their hands so was in lockdown again! Had a few spins around the county while in lockdown, haven't had any issues (that weren't of my own making, stalling etc) fortunately and am slowly getting more and more confident. Still a little bit reluctant to take it much beyond 80kph for now but found myself tooling along at 100 the other day on a nice straight road.

One thing I've noticed though, is that I've become the type of driver i HATE being behind... a bend braker . On roads i'm not overly familiar with i find myself slowing down coming into blind bends, tapping the brakes. And on roads that i've driven hundreds (if not thousands) of times are TOTALLY different when on the bike as opposed to the car.

For me, for now, its all about adding hours and building confidence and competence

HD_Cooney mush

So I have my Category A Motorcycle Test on the 21st of this month in Tullamore!

I just called Hynes School of motoring to en-quire about renting a school bike for the test and having a pre test lesson! I was informed that they no longer do any form of bike training and ceased providing motorcycle training in February of this year! Same goes for Adrian Marriot in Birr!

My own bike is a HD 1200 Sportster and doesn’t meet the KW output requirements for the Cat A test!

Does anyone know of anywhere that rents bikes and provides them for test use in the Midlands?

Otherwise I’m gonna have to go on DoneDeal and buy a bloody bike specifically for the test which I really do t want to do!

Shanzze

knucklehead6 wrote: »

I've been using mine mostly for commuting to and from work until some people in my home county forgot how to wash their hands so was in lockdown again! Had a few spins around the county while in lockdown, haven't had any issues (that weren't of my own making, stalling etc) fortunately and am slowly getting more and more confident. Still a little bit reluctant to take it much beyond 80kph for now but found myself tooling along at 100 the other day on a nice straight road.

One thing I've noticed though, is that I've become the type of driver i HATE being behind... a bend braker . On roads i'm not overly familiar with i find myself slowing down coming into blind bends, tapping the brakes. And on roads that i've driven hundreds (if not thousands) of times are TOTALLY different when on the bike as opposed to the car.

For me, for now, its all about adding hours and building confidence and competence

Get back to work.

knucklehead6

Shanzze wrote: »

Get back to work.

I started at 6:30 this morning, making sure you lot weren’t gonna have a conniption with vat changes and promotions!

(PS, mods, that lad and me work together)

dubal2008

I went into Naas VRT centre this morning and it was a pleasant and easy event, I kept thinking I was going to be missing some paperwork but no, I had it all in hand and after handing over the amount payable she gave me a new reg number and a confirmation sheet where I can go online and tax the bike in approx 48hours... all real simple.....

Shanzze

First decent spin out tonight. Went from Naas out to Castlewarden. Roundabouts are the tricky one when you have to go all the way right.

Had to put petrol in the tank too, bit of an ordeal with all the gear. Another thing to practice ðŸ™႒

flashinthepan

Shanzze wrote: »

First decent spin out tonight. Went from Naas out to Castlewarden. Roundabouts are the tricky one when you have to go all the way right.

Had to put petrol in the tank too, bit of an ordeal with all the gear. Another thing to practice ðŸ™႒

Took a spin down to glenmalure myself tonight :-)
Fook that is some bumpy road trying to exorcise some demons from 25 years ago when I came off down glenmalure and twanged my gsx250 :-(

I know exactly what you mean about getting petrol by the time you get all the gear off to get the covid mask on and sanitise your hands after using the pump open a million zips to find the card
god what a pallava

Acquiescence

flashinthepan wrote: »

I know exactly what you mean about getting petrol by the time you get all the gear off to get the covid mask on and sanitise your hands after using the pump open a million zips to find the card
god what a pallava

I haven't taken my helmet off in a shop since people started wearing masks a few months ago.

flashinthepan

Acquiescence wrote: »

I haven't taken my helmet off in a shop since people started wearing masks a few months ago.

I was wondering about that
thought they would be giving out loads about wearing a helmet while it's alright to go in like Jesse James wearing a mask
but i may give it a go and see if anyone says anything

They should open the little hatch they use at night so you don't have to go in to the shop at all :-)

Banana Republic.

flashinthepan wrote: »

Took a spin down to glenmalure myself tonight :-)
Fook that is some bumpy road trying to exorcise some demons from 25 years ago when I came off down glenmalure and twanged my gsx250 :-(

I know exactly what you mean about getting petrol by the time you get all the gear off to get the covid mask on and sanitise your hands after using the pump open a million zips to find the card
god what a pallava

Yea I filled my tank the other day, (there was petrol in it already) 7.99 haha I could get used to lol Ya all the rig ma roll I found it hardest to have to walk the bike back and go around the other side of the pumps to drive away which was a nervous moment, all first but then proceeded to hit 95 on my 125cc so fun times. I’ve only the bike a week today actually and I’m away for a few days and can’t wait to get out on it when I’m home

flashinthepan

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Yea I filled my tank the other day, (there was petrol in it already) 7.99 haha I could get used to lol Ya all the rig ma roll I found it hardest to have to walk the bike back and go around the other side of the pumps to drive away which was a nervous moment, all first but then proceeded to hit 95 on my 125cc so fun times. I’ve only the bike a week today actually and I’m away for a few days and can’t wait to get out on it when I’m home

I put in €15 the other day and I got over 300km before it was down to the last bar on the gauge but the light was not on and a lot of folks said you could go another 50 miles after the light comes on so not bad for 15 yoyo on a 650cc
:-)

zubair

Shanzze wrote: »

First decent spin out tonight. Went from Naas out to Castlewarden. Roundabouts are the tricky one when you have to go all the way right.

Had to put petrol in the tank too, bit of an ordeal with all the gear. Another thing to practice ðŸ™႒

Sure that's about 5 mins down the N7

If you're based in Naas, the best local roads are the road from kill to straffan, Sallins to Straffan, Naas to Blessington.

Trigger Happy

There was no way I was getting on the bike for the morning commute given the weather out there. I need a few more practice rides before having the confidence to ride in the rain.
My bike is having an issue with the engine cutting out when idling at traffic lights. Hot or cold. It's a real pain as on top of all the things I have to focus on I have to try to keep the throttle slightly turned to avoid the engine cutting out. It does not happen always but enough to be an issue.

It's a fuel injected model so no easy way to adjust the idle speed. Back to the dealer I go.

Banana Republic.

flashinthepan wrote: »

I put in €15 the other day and I got over 300km before it was down to the last bar on the gauge but the light was not on and a lot of folks said you could go another 50 miles after the light comes on so not bad for 15 yoyo on a 650cc
:-)

I don’t have the fuel gauge but previous owner said he gets 250km before filling just to be safe so could get 300 but I’ll just redial it to 0 after 250. It’s great now the huge costs to get started are behind me (not to say it’ll be plain sailing lol)

goblin59

flashinthepan wrote: »

I put in €15 the other day and I got over 300km before it was down to the last bar on the gauge but the light was not on and a lot of folks said you could go another 50 miles after the light comes on so not bad for 15 yoyo on a 650cc
:-)

yeah its great! on my 800cc im getting about 60 - 70 MPG on average (bike is a uk import so gives it in MPG rather than L/100km)
once i go over 120km/h it will dip to 55mpg, but I'm rarely going at that speed


I get maybe 40mpg on my car if im lucky