Hello again, Good news at the ripe old age of 55 I passed mod 2 on Tuesday morning in the pouring rain. Picking up my Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 on Tuesday. All those slow speed manoeuvres you will find much easier on a bigger bike, you'll be surprised
Hi Andrew, I noticed that you went over a manhole cover as you were turning right at a T junction. On a frosty morning manhole covers could have black ice on them. That is something, along with wet leaves to be aware of as winter approaches. It caught me out when I began riding in 1968.
Yes, avoid manhole covers unless you are riding straight ahead and upright. They're ok in the dry but the slightest bit of wet or damp makes them as slippery as as wet, slippery thing! I nearly dropped my bike on the way to my test many, many years ago because of a wet manhole cover on the turn near the test centre.
I came across your channel and I have to say, you have inspired me to get a bike as well. Just turned 40, can’t afford a Porsche, so a bike it is. I am enjoying watching you on your journey. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best. All the way from South Africa. Keep going.
@@Atijester Aaayyyyyy! Haha, nice. Make sure you invest in good, strong security. I'd get at least a ground anchor in SA. Otherwise someone can turn up and throw your bike on the back of a buckie.
Mate Don't worry about nothing, riding a bigger bike is way more easy than a 125cc. This is as hard as it will get. Don't do what I did and put off doing your das it is honestly it's where everything makes sense. Keep up the good work pal , watching the journey ❤
Really enjoying your videos, as someone who has had bikes since the age of 12, it's great seeing someone come to bikes with no previous history, i bet one thing you've noticed is that in general the standard of driving in town is pretty poor, and at the same time, it's probably made you a better driver, much more aware of your surroundings since you started to ride, one tip for doing the figure of 8 and also for mini roundabouts in the wet, practice with a little bit of back brake, it's something that was suggested to me by a police motorcycle patrol rider back in the 80s, and it's something I still do,it just settles the bike and let's you just concentrate on your manoeuvre, the rain practice you had previously done is priceless, whilst it's not initially enjoyable, you learn so much about riding, and your bike, it's surprising how much grip you have, much more than you expect, and you also develop a feel for your brakes, also, don't grip the bars tightly, hold as light as you can,it cuts down on fatigue from being tense 👍👍👍which is all applicable to dry weather, but learning in the wet is priceless, after all,we live in the UK, it's either raining,or it's going to rain, I've been to enough bike meets over the years to see the flash gits disappear the moment a cloud appears, anyway keep it up, it's a far more rewarding mode of transport than a car, I've always found if I've had a bad day at work,if I drive home,i take the bad day with me, but if I'm on the bike, the bad day at work is left behind, and an enjoyable ride was had and the bad day forgotten about, so keep it up, and enjoy yourself
booked my CBT the other day and really enjoyed your videos. Most videos on youtube are by people who have ridden bikes for years so its really useful to watch another newbie learning week by week. loving how casual your videos are. keep up the good work.
I wish you all the luck with your biking journey. I was saying for over 20years that I'd learn one day, so I did. At the age of 54 I started my biking journey it took my a year to complete but I'm so glad I did, absolutely loving the freedom it gives me. Keep up the good work you'll get there, just keep practicing.
hello, The little finger and ring finger hang together, if you fall, the little finger is better protected from overfolding. Heated grips can also help in winter. Have fun while riding. You guys are a joy to watch. Stay safe and with 2 wheels on the ground
My favourite was dislocating my thumbs as I went over the handlebars and it happened quite often. Despatch rider for thirty one years and as well as everyone trying to kill you, they also take great delight in coming up with new and exciting ways to do it! Keep it between the hedges.
Found your channel after passing my cbt on Thursday getting my own keeway on monday and im so excited to start my journey and following you on yours learning together ❤️
Heated gloves are the best! I bought mine far to late, approx. 8 or 9 years ago. Its an american brand (Gerbing) who mkes thnigs for snow mobile riders, and they are not too expensive. When riding in cold weather, it feels like paradise, and it is so, so much better than heated grips.
Please remember to be VERY careful of man hole covers in the wet,these covers are slippery as hell in the wet and are normally positioned on bends Great vids as usual,keep up the good work👍🏍
I was 50 last August, and about 10 years ago did my cbt. Never owned a bike and was about 70-80% decided on doing another cbt and getting a bike. I discovered your channel this afternoon and am now 100% getting a 125 and doing my bike test! I am quite similar to you - don't want to go as fast as I can, but I can't wait now to start my journey. Thank you for your videos, subscribed and look forward to watching you progress 👍🏼
Hi. Welcome to our channel and delighted you found us 👋👍 Great news on the plan now to do your test. Let us know how you get on and what you do Take care
@bikerofatlantis ...and I've now found your other channel. We have a campervan too. We're practically twins 😝 No, keep it up, I'm writing down the tips about clothing, gloves, lanoguard etc. Gonna be an expensive month ! 🙂 Safe riding 👍🏼
As somone whos had a full bike licence for about 13 years, watching these videos is like a refresher course. Ive learnered lots of little things or re-remebered things i had forgotten years ago while watching your videos. Will definalty subscribe. Good luck and stay safe on the roads 😊
( New to channel) It's great to see someone who is willing to film from CBT to full licence. I got my full licence a few years ago & im still learning techniques & building confidence. 👍
in the event of a crash,your gloves are designed to save you from snapping your fingers off,they will be the first point of contact when you fall,goalkeeper gloves are designed similler,to save the little finger from being snapped backwards .attaching your fingers together gives them more strength.
@@bikerofatlantisWhen I first started riding I fell off my 125 on a wet supermarket carpark and broke my little finger. Didn't have these type of gloves back then. Still get pain in the finger now, 35 year later.
First of all, we love both your channels....now....I've waited a bit to offer this sage advice and it regards slow riding....You will be familiar with letting the clutch out and moderating the throttle and then slipping the clutch a bit more if needs be. Well if I can add onto this, if you find the biting point , the bikes moving quite nicely but slowly, then moderate the speed with the footbrake. Do this rather than altering clutch slip or throttle position and it is , hopefully a great help. Give it a go, and when you have the hang of that, then you can also play about again with the clutch and throttle, but using the back brake for slowing to a trickle can be very useful too. Also, one thing that I remember from being taught to ride, many many years ago ( well 1980 really) was the instructor saying to us ..."Ive seen bike racers come off the track, and they are sweating buckets and look shattered. Yet they don't have cars coming at them, roundabouts and all the other bits that normal riding throws at you, so why aren't you lot looking knackered too !". Now I took that for what it was, and that is keep concentrating...keep alert, and from another part of my biking life ( with flashing blue lights on) the instructor saying when you come to junctions, " Look em in they eye, They're trying to kill you " . Again, take that for what it was and is, keep your eyes on those at junctions , for the possible reason that you can see or tell if they've seen you. Thing is with biking, there is a lot to take in, as you are finding. Every journey is an adventure , which is fab. I am sure there may well be others who disagree with what Ive said , but hey ho thats the tinterweb for you . Happy biking
Hi. How are you guys? Thanks for watching and this guidance, it is really appreciated. I’m loving the bike, wish I’d have done it sooner Take care and thanks again
Hello mate. Love watching the vids. Brings back so many memories. I'm 50 now, only been riding 4-5 years and still remember trying to get to grips with all the manouvers, (figure 8, u-turn, slow speed, etc.) I passed my CBT (eventually) and my instructor said he was happy to take me on DAS, but only once I'd covered 5k miles on the 125. Think you are doing the right thing, there is no rush. I used to do alot of commuting, (in London) on my 125 and then my first big bike, through all weather (apart from snow).
Just come across this series and I'm loving it. I have recently had a mid life crisis to and got a motor bike for my new job. I how ever had a little experience with riding a motorbike at 16 (now 47) so went through the same confidence issues that you have had. Keep the videos coming am interested in your journey.
Gerbing heated gloves are under 200 quid - been using for years and highly recommended. I also use a Gerbing heated vest for when its really cold, but the gloves are the most important for me as I get cold hands even when its not that cold.... ;)
You're doing great, love the banter between you and Claire, remember not to fixate on the cones or corners but as far as you need to be. It will come naturally and good luck with your progress.
A tip for your balancing on your slow speed manoeuvres - if the bike starts to drop, with your clutch on the biting point just give it a few more revs and you'll balance it. Brakes will make you drop it.
I have been following your journey thus far and I’m (at 49) 2 years into mine. I mainly commute to work, a 45 min ride each way, and feel your hesitations and doubts you have. Keep going, one day you will hop on and it will feel natural. 👍👍👍
Hi Andy, I am really enjoying your journey to get your full license.Just passed my MOD 2 yesterday, and seeing you struggle with the figure of eight brought back some PTSD for me. I was trained to look at the cone you are about to go round no the floor and then look for the other cone straight away. Also, give yourself more room, no medals for tight corners. I'm looking forward to the next vid.
Like Gary said, bigger circles to start. Keep looking forwards and up slightly and your circles will get magically tighter. U turns get me, I always look down 🤦♀️
Same here, I hate figure eights. During my test they let us do a practice round before the test. I squeaked one good figure eight in during practice and totally blew it on the test but they let me pass.
Hi Andrew It's always nice to see newcomers to our hobby. May I give you a hint? You should not put your helmet on the ground. Helmet on the ground is an international signal for bikers in trouble. If an experienced biker, sees this he will stop and ask you if you need help. All the best on your journey.
If its an international signal for bikers in trouble, thats news to me and i've been riding for 18 years. Usually you get a thumbs up from a biker as a question. a thumbs down from you means "i need help" a thumbs up means "im okay".
For keeping yourself warm on the bike. Try a heated waistcoat. Keep the core warm, will keep warm blood flowing to your fingers. Which makes a crazy amount of difference. Absolutely thought it was BS but having ridden in snow, on a motorway it made a huge difference.
Thank you for the genuine laugh this morning. When your camera fell, and you said that has been the only crash so far, it struck me as funny and made me laugh. Hopefully, it's the only crash you'll ever experience. I'm 55 and have been riding since I was 16, and I have never experienced a crash either.
Fantastic presentation , with no glory hunting , everything youve experienced is relavant , so glad your enjoying it , and glad your riding in the rain as that is all part of the full experience , not just fine weather riding , go to your pals shop and get a finger wipe, but try it on the glove as lots are to small ,
Hi guys ,firstly thank you both for another great video, keep up the great training Andy, watch out for those slippery man hole covers ,I saw you rode over when pulling out of that junction ,be careful my friend ,take care .
Nice one mate. Love the fact you keep going to the practice ground. It's great and really important. Could not quite hear the bike to pick up on your technique, how you do the figure 8. So just a quick summary of what it should be. RPM of engine above idle and keep them there (don't play with it). Then keep feathering the clutch and rear brake as you need (falling into the center of the corner = more clutch. Speeding out of the corner, more brake. About that full steering lock - it does not automatically means you crash, but it's just a bit more spooky. With practice, you will be able to get closer and closer to it. One day you won't mind it.
Love your vids biking and campervan keep it up, wet weather and winter riding is a great learning curve, will make you much better rounded rider..stay off the drain covers and white paint though..👍
Hi Andy, I have been reading the comments below and they have most things covered for you rain riding and webbed finger gloves! I will just add that rain-X is for glass not plastic and works by sticking in the small imperfections of glass. Plastic visors are very smooth so its not very affective. You can easily wipe it off though. We are so glad you are enjoying your biking journey and look forward to you combining the Motorhome and bikes! Ride safe Andy (& Lyn)
I think its great to see how you are taking challenges and learning things from a more older and mature point of view. I think new riders could take something away from your mentality. Also in a good position to give advice as you know the easy pitfalls that experienced riders have forgot and become second nature. With regards to the video editing, I think you would benefit from categorising your video into chapters especially when you are sticking to long form video that drifts through various topics. Also maybe opening the video with a catch or overview of what the video is covering, i.e. "I've improved allot over the last couple of days figure 8 [cut of manoeuvring], night riding [cut of droplet's not being able to see], but first I want to talk about this new protection device...". I think this would entice people into watching the full content as they will wait for the part to play that was of interest to them at the start. This is just my personal opinion, but again really enjoying the content and mission behind the channel.
In the off road test section the fig 8 test can be difficult. You can take the fig 8 as wide as you need, if you try to make it tight you are forcing full lock and then balance goes. Feet forward bikes like yours are much more difficult for the maneuvers due to the riding position. You will find it so much easier on the 'big' bike. You are doing great Andy, build your confidence through just riding fella. Oh and you will always find somebody trying to bully you. As time goes on you will learn to 'dominate' the road. I dont know if the police still do the bike day in Wakefield station where police riders follow you in the morning and then give you constructure critisism and advice to improve. Then same again in the aft.
Hi. I think you will find the figure 8 easier if you get the entrance angle right then looking in the direction you want to go is a lot more obvious. Watch out when looking at the cones. There’s something called target fixation that can catch you out.
If you look at the floor, that’s where you will end up. I learned that very quickly 😊. You’re doing great. Just be careful going round junctions when it’s wet, roads are slippery when wet and with the leaves falling now,even more slippery. Ride safe 👏. You should have a felt strip on your gloves that you can use to wipe water from your visor. next bike get heated grips fitted. Game changer
I don't venture out in the rain these days (retired). Back in the days when a motorbike was my main transport, I never felt the need to treat the visor, there was probably nothing much to treat it with. I found that a single downward wipe with the side of a glove would usually clear. I bit of dubbin on leather gloves helps to keep the water out. It's good to see that you are facing the places that make you nervous, I think it means you are getting there. It will be mostly onwards and upwards from here.
Hey Andrew, great channel to watch, I’m on the same journey as you, bought my 125 for some practice before booking my mod1 , great to watch a channel that’s relatable, keep it up, hopefully we’ll conquer this journey together haha 👍🏻
Morning Andrew, Another great vlog about your biking adventures. It looks like it's all coming together now 😊. Stay safe and enjoy. Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
Really loving the channel... It's great to see your day to day progress Andrew. And great to see the enthusiastic support of your "Biker Widow" ...More Ugg boots please Claire. LoL!!
Don’t rely on the new lock on the driveway petrol powered stihl concrete saws are free to the thieves. Ask me how I know.😅 You would be better off putting a ring type camera up looking at the driveway it sends notifications to your phone soon as any one goes near it 👍
it's crazy that we started learning at the same time, I first got on my bike last month and I've been trying to learn about everything I can. the more I understand the more it makes me want to get on the road and have a great time!
Hi Andy, some gloves come with a little bit of plastic sewn into the left forefinger, which makes clearing the visor a bit easier. I have a recommendation for drying gloves . . You can get fancy machines which will do the job, but I bought a couple of metal kitchen towel dispensers. The ones with two upright bits are best for airflow and you can even balance them on a radiator - nice on a cold morning! I passed my test in 1981, but I still remember my voyage of discovery and how things have chanded a lot since then. Keep the shiny side up!!
Hi Andy good to see new clothing a lot better. I spotted one thing to watch out for when riding about town that not sure you are aware off. Man hole covers in the road, I once turned in a junction and went over a manhole and back wheel slid away and was not wet weather. Although I was able to recover quickly I always tried to avoid them after. They are worse obviously in rain. I only saying this as I am sure when you came out of the junction you went over. Not saying they are all bad but just be aware.
Yep, metal things like manhole covers, cattle grids, rail tracks, etc. can have much lower grip levels than the tarmac, especially in the wet. It's normally safe enough to go over them in a straight line when you are upright and not accelerating or braking too much, but be careful when turning, accelerating or braking. Same for paint (some fresh painted lines have sand or grit or something in them to help grip, but older lines seem to lack that, or maybe it wears smooth, and even fresh ones aren't as "grippy" as the tarmac), and loose surfaces like gravel, leaves, mud, etc. Watch for mud, etc, on the roads near farms and construction sites. Two years back I was on holiday in the countryside and there was a farm with an entry on a hill near a bend, and there was always, shall we say "run off", from the farm across the road. I was in my car rather than on the bike, and even then and going below 10mph, I could feel the car had next to no grip going through it.
You two make me laugh and Claire is one lovely lady. I ride my bike to work and some drivers are like that delivery driver and in so much hurry and so aggressive, take care Andrew.
Hi guys, I am in same boat as you I'm 51 and just got my CBT done last month. after 35 years ago I came off a motorbike and and had 63 stiches in my arm needless to say I lost my bottle but I'm now trying again. I have just bought a yamaha yzf r125.
With New gloves I tend to wear them when I'm watching TV & relaxing or even at work. If you Scrunch your hands up now & then it doesn't take too long for them to soften up. Enjoy watching you two & seeing how your learning new things from other riders. Keep safe & look forward to the next episode 👍
You can add heated grips to your motorcycle. They help to warm the inside surface of your hand but leave the outer surface coldish. You can also get hand guards to fit onto your bars that block the wind from reaching your hands on your grips. Not sure if these things are available for your make and model of bike but worth checking.
Handlebar muffs laddie, handlebar muffs........ Not the prettiest thing on a bike but they do keep wind and rain ingress down as long as you can get used to not seeing your hands, switches etc. When you're three hundred miles from home at 7.00pm in the pouring rain, the last thing you'll care about is what the bike looks like if your hands are cold and wet.
You're getting it: if you look at the floor, you'll end up on the floor (especially with your handlebars turned!) The fingers of the glove are stuck together for added strength for your digits in the event of a crash: they will be the first part of your body to break the fall.
Hi Andy your coming along nicely confidence is growing and your getting a lot more used to the bike..love these vids mate..just one more safety tip at this time of year watch out for slippy wet leafs off the tree they can be as bad as ice at times anyway great vid you two onward to glory👍🏻
Great video together and the y anchor looks a good solution. For at home I'd consider as big of a chain as possible through the anchor, the one you're using is a good mobile option. Pragmasis are closing down so you might find a very good deal currently, using one of their 22mm link chains and squire lock on mine currently.
Brilliant vid Andrew. Without wanting to make you too subconscious when it’s raining take it easy over white lines, any ironworks eg grates, manhole covers and watch out for a rainbow on the road ie diesel as they’re all slippery. At the speed you’re going it’s not a problem but as you progress you might spin the back wheel up. Keep practicing sir 👍
always a pleasure watching your progress. i found it much easier on the bigger bike when i was doing mod1 than it was on the 125. i filmed one of my mod1 training sessions its on my channel. if you want to have a look. keep up the practice. you are doing great
Another entertaining vlog mate 👍. The security thingy buried in your drive looks like an excellent piece of kit. Just be careful with the security on your bike. I once chatted to a guy that had his bike nicked from a petrol station forecourt and, his insurance refused to pay out as he didn't have the steering lock on! He was deemed to be negligent 🤔.
@bikerofatlantis I've been hitting motorcycle videos hard recently because I'm desperate to get on two wheels again and I can honestly say your setup, with chatting in the carpark with clips on the road, is the most compling coming out of the UK currently. I'm really looking forward to watching the channel grow!
I always had a problem with Rain-X, it never seemed to work well for me. I use Nikwax Visorproof which does a better job. If you're set on using Rain-X, make sure you're using the version specifically made for plastics or it can cloud your visor up over time.
Hi . Just came across your channel. Bringing back the memories 😂. After 45 years of riding it still anger's me me the amount of gear snobs. You use what is good for you. My go to kit is Ruka and gortex combat boots. As long as you tuc the laces into the top of the boot it's not a problem 🤘🤘
Hey dude, loving the Video progress… at 34 I have just passed my bike test and I’m loving the riding… I have a Honda CB125F and haven’t upgraded yet as the insurance down here is silly at the moment. Most decent gloves have a widow wiper rubber on them, so see if you can get a pair with one on 👍🏼 All the best with moving forward with your riding skills 👌🏼
@@bikerofatlantis nice one, looks a good lock. Wonder if you have retained the original tyres or upgraded. I do to all my bikes and makes a huge difference 👍
Best winter gloves I have had are the Oxford Montreal ones, for the figure of 8 & slalom exercises look at a point further up carpark like a tree etc and keep the revs up so it is a fluid speed that will stop the urge to put feet down. Also please reduce the amount of adverts on the videos as you have a fantastic channel that gives good information on the journey for a new biker but ads every few minutes really are distractions from the great entertainment.
You'll find the slow manoeuvres easier on a bike with a more upright traditional riding position, you can push up on the pegs and shift the weight in your hips easier.
Also you have to envision that the gap between the cones are you entering a junction each cone is the side of the junction. The figure of 8 is designed to show that you can enter a junction from left and from right! It just makes it make more sense. So go as wide as you need to enter that junction 😉
In winter time I've always been ok with fingerless woolen gloves, then a pair of leather gloves over the top and if it's raining put a pair of nitrile workshop gloves on top of them :) I have all the posh heated gloves and super warm gloves but they do seem very restrictive, ok for motorways I guess but awful for town commuting when using the clutch lever and switches a lot.
With the bike you've chosen, i.e., a low rider type thing, manoeuvring will be difficult. A normal bike will turn a lot easier and your feet will require less movement to touch to floor. You will find this out when you do your test.
Ever get stuck in wet weather without gortex gloves, stop at a petrol station and grab some plastic gloves from the dispenser near the pumps and wear them underneath. Pair of marrigolds underneath works a treat too!
New sub here, watched a few of your vids and you’ve got some really great content. You mentioned in this vid that people would laugh about wearing the Alpine Stars on a 125, but really, there’s no substitute for wearing the proper gear no matter what size of bike you ride. When I was learning, I got hit by a car (my ex girlfriend believe it or not! And yea, it was an accident and are still friends to this day 😂) and I got hit quite hard, but I was well protected with the right gear. I really like your bike, it’s a beautiful looking machine! Keep up the great content!
Loving the Saturday morning progress reports. It’s great you’re still enjoying it even through the challenging weather. Obviously as winter sets in it becomes ever more challenging. Waterproof gloves are great but they may make your hands smell as sweat can’t get out as well as water not getting in. I’ve got heated gloves and they are great but expensive. And did Claire say the Star Trek was from Star Wars 😮!! I might have to report her to the police for that.
Andy are the links on your chain over 14 mm the thief's can bolt cut through that as opposed to having to angle grind or carry the massive bolt cutter.
Rather than re-mortgaging for a pair of heated gloves, you can get a nice pair of winter gloves and then buy some oxford heated grips for about £30 or so - I've not had a bike without them since I got a pair for a Christmas present about 7year ago :D - as for the front of your hands, you can get wind deflectors for most types of bikes, but that's a bit of personal preference as some like the look of bikes with them on, and some don't - personally I don't, but my father puts them on all his bikes.
I got just this. Wind deflectors and Oxford heated grips. My hands are as warm as toast all times. Before, I used to get hands so cold I couldn’t even move them. I used to be buy all sorts of glove liners to try and keep my hands warm, now i don’t even think about it.
this insurance thing comes up alot, if you say its garaged at home the insurace will say if it gets knicked off the drive its not covered, they wouldnt say that about a car though its just b. s. is is more expensive to say its not garaged so you are covered? and remember that ground anchor you have is only as good as the chain your using most crims have a battery angle grinder which can go through a cheap chain in 30seconds, other than that keep on keeping on remember the sunny days make up for the rainy ones
Hi Andy . Iv got heated gloves . There made by Gerbing . £159 from Sports Direct . They are brill and water proof . Had mine 3 yrs . Still going good . The best . Julie 4 ft 11 😊 and another thing I was told when learning to ride on turns & u turns was lock and look . If that helps 😊
Great Video Andy & Clair, wait till he’s passes his test and gets his big bike 😮 you will love riding Pillion Clair, it’s amazing, Andy your doing fantastic 👍
The little finger on the glove is joined to the 'ring' finger to provide stability and protection in a crash .. basically it stops it getting dragged back and snapped.
I reckon Claire needs her own 125cc bike that way you are both complete. Ride safe. I know you live up north but if you can, take a bike ride to Cheddar Gorge.
Hello again, Good news at the ripe old age of 55 I passed mod 2 on Tuesday morning in the pouring rain. Picking up my Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 on Tuesday. All those slow speed manoeuvres you will find much easier on a bigger bike, you'll be surprised
Hi. Congrats on passing 👍 Gorgeous bike, enjoy and be safe
Great channel keep the good work up
We love Claire's laughter & honesty ❤
Sweetest couple on the Internet
Thankyou, was baffled about those gloves for about a week
Hi Andrew, I noticed that you went over a manhole cover as you were turning right at a T junction.
On a frosty morning manhole covers could have black ice on them. That is something, along with wet leaves to be aware of as winter approaches.
It caught me out when I began riding in 1968.
Thankyou. This is appreciated
Yeah, if poss don't ride over wet ironwork in the road
Yes, avoid manhole covers unless you are riding straight ahead and upright. They're ok in the dry but the slightest bit of wet or damp makes them as slippery as as wet, slippery thing! I nearly dropped my bike on the way to my test many, many years ago because of a wet manhole cover on the turn near the test centre.
Manholes, white lines and definitely the overbanding between lanes or around the edge of repairs - watch out in the wet.
I always put my wife's gravy on my tyres it sticks to anything 😂
I came across your channel and I have to say, you have inspired me to get a bike as well. Just turned 40, can’t afford a Porsche, so a bike it is. I am enjoying watching you on your journey. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best. All the way from South Africa. Keep going.
South Africa. Wow this is fabulous!
Let me know how you get on. 👍👍👍
@@bikerofatlantis Thank you so much, shall do Sir. Take care.
@@Atijester Aaayyyyyy! Haha, nice. Make sure you invest in good, strong security. I'd get at least a ground anchor in SA. Otherwise someone can turn up and throw your bike on the back of a buckie.
Mate Don't worry about nothing, riding a bigger bike is way more easy than a 125cc. This is as hard as it will get. Don't do what I did and put off doing your das it is honestly it's where everything makes sense. Keep up the good work pal , watching the journey ❤
Thanks for watching
Really enjoying your videos, as someone who has had bikes since the age of 12, it's great seeing someone come to bikes with no previous history, i bet one thing you've noticed is that in general the standard of driving in town is pretty poor, and at the same time, it's probably made you a better driver, much more aware of your surroundings since you started to ride, one tip for doing the figure of 8 and also for mini roundabouts in the wet, practice with a little bit of back brake, it's something that was suggested to me by a police motorcycle patrol rider back in the 80s, and it's something I still do,it just settles the bike and let's you just concentrate on your manoeuvre, the rain practice you had previously done is priceless, whilst it's not initially enjoyable, you learn so much about riding, and your bike, it's surprising how much grip you have, much more than you expect, and you also develop a feel for your brakes, also, don't grip the bars tightly, hold as light as you can,it cuts down on fatigue from being tense 👍👍👍which is all applicable to dry weather, but learning in the wet is priceless, after all,we live in the UK, it's either raining,or it's going to rain, I've been to enough bike meets over the years to see the flash gits disappear the moment a cloud appears, anyway keep it up, it's a far more rewarding mode of transport than a car, I've always found if I've had a bad day at work,if I drive home,i take the bad day with me, but if I'm on the bike, the bad day at work is left behind, and an enjoyable ride was had and the bad day forgotten about, so keep it up, and enjoy yourself
Love this about the day at work!
Thanks for watching 👍👍
booked my CBT the other day and really enjoyed your videos. Most videos on youtube are by people who have ridden bikes for years so its really useful to watch another newbie learning week by week. loving how casual your videos are. keep up the good work.
Hi. Good luck with CBT, let us know how you get on
I wish you all the luck with your biking journey. I was saying for over 20years that I'd learn one day, so I did. At the age of 54 I started my biking journey it took my a year to complete but I'm so glad I did, absolutely loving the freedom it gives me. Keep up the good work you'll get there, just keep practicing.
Hi. This is fantastic and thanks for watching. Ride safe 👍👍
hello,
The little finger and ring finger hang together, if you fall, the little finger is better protected from overfolding.
Heated grips can also help in winter.
Have fun while riding.
You guys are a joy to watch.
Stay safe and with 2 wheels on the ground
Thank you for watching 👍
My favourite was dislocating my thumbs as I went over the handlebars and it happened quite often.
Despatch rider for thirty one years and as well as everyone trying to kill you, they also take great delight in coming up with new and exciting ways to do it!
Keep it between the hedges.
I'm always impressed you ride in the rain. I haven't yet because I live in Nevada in the desert. Thank you for the video. Stay safe my friends
Hello there in Nevada! Lots of rain here 👍
Found your channel after passing my cbt on Thursday getting my own keeway on monday and im so excited to start my journey and following you on yours learning together ❤️
Awesome. You are going to love the Keeway. Keep me updated 👍
Heated gloves are the best! I bought mine far to late, approx. 8 or 9 years ago. Its an american brand (Gerbing) who mkes thnigs for snow mobile riders, and they are not too expensive. When riding in cold weather, it feels like paradise, and it is so, so much better than heated grips.
I still don’t have any! Must get some!
Please remember to be VERY careful of man hole covers in the wet,these covers are slippery as hell in the wet and are normally positioned on bends
Great vids as usual,keep up the good work👍🏍
Hi. Yes Claire keeps telling me the same
Will look out
Thank you 👍
I was 50 last August, and about 10 years ago did my cbt. Never owned a bike and was about 70-80% decided on doing another cbt and getting a bike.
I discovered your channel this afternoon and am now 100% getting a 125 and doing my bike test!
I am quite similar to you - don't want to go as fast as I can, but I can't wait now to start my journey.
Thank you for your videos, subscribed and look forward to watching you progress 👍🏼
Hi. Welcome to our channel and delighted you found us 👋👍 Great news on the plan now to do your test. Let us know how you get on and what you do
Take care
@bikerofatlantis ...and I've now found your other channel. We have a campervan too.
We're practically twins 😝
No, keep it up, I'm writing down the tips about clothing, gloves, lanoguard etc. Gonna be an expensive month ! 🙂
Safe riding 👍🏼
Hi Andy and Claire with the bad weather and dark nights starting to roll in think about some hi vis jacket and good luck on your journeys 👊🏻
Hi. Got myself a high vis suit 👍👍😂😂
As somone whos had a full bike licence for about 13 years, watching these videos is like a refresher course. Ive learnered lots of little things or re-remebered things i had forgotten years ago while watching your videos. Will definalty subscribe. Good luck and stay safe on the roads 😊
Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍
You two are great , make me smile , especially Claire 😁Great to see your journey you are doing so well.
Thankyou
( New to channel)
It's great to see someone who is willing to film from CBT to full licence.
I got my full licence a few years ago & im still learning techniques & building confidence. 👍
Welcome to the channel 👍👍 thanks for watching. Keep safe
Genuinely look forward to these and leaning with you guys. Be safe.
Thankyou for watching
in the event of a crash,your gloves are designed to save you from snapping your fingers off,they will be the first point of contact when you fall,goalkeeper gloves are designed similler,to save the little finger from being snapped backwards .attaching your fingers together gives them more strength.
Hi. Thanks for this 👍👍👍
@@bikerofatlantisWhen I first started riding I fell off my 125 on a wet supermarket carpark and broke my little finger. Didn't have these type of gloves back then. Still get pain in the finger now, 35 year later.
First of all, we love both your channels....now....I've waited a bit to offer this sage advice and it regards slow riding....You will be familiar with letting the clutch out and moderating the throttle and then slipping the clutch a bit more if needs be. Well if I can add onto this, if you find the biting point , the bikes moving quite nicely but slowly, then moderate the speed with the footbrake. Do this rather than altering clutch slip or throttle position and it is , hopefully a great help. Give it a go, and when you have the hang of that, then you can also play about again with the clutch and throttle, but using the back brake for slowing to a trickle can be very useful too. Also, one thing that I remember from being taught to ride, many many years ago ( well 1980 really) was the instructor saying to us ..."Ive seen bike racers come off the track, and they are sweating buckets and look shattered. Yet they don't have cars coming at them, roundabouts and all the other bits that normal riding throws at you, so why aren't you lot looking knackered too !". Now I took that for what it was, and that is keep concentrating...keep alert, and from another part of my biking life ( with flashing blue lights on) the instructor saying when you come to junctions, " Look em in they eye, They're trying to kill you " . Again, take that for what it was and is, keep your eyes on those at junctions , for the possible reason that you can see or tell if they've seen you. Thing is with biking, there is a lot to take in, as you are finding. Every journey is an adventure , which is fab. I am sure there may well be others who disagree with what Ive said , but hey ho thats the tinterweb for you . Happy biking
Hi. How are you guys?
Thanks for watching and this guidance, it is really appreciated. I’m loving the bike, wish I’d have done it sooner
Take care and thanks again
Hello mate. Love watching the vids. Brings back so many memories. I'm 50 now, only been riding 4-5 years and still remember trying to get to grips with all the manouvers, (figure 8, u-turn, slow speed, etc.) I passed my CBT (eventually) and my instructor said he was happy to take me on DAS, but only once I'd covered 5k miles on the 125. Think you are doing the right thing, there is no rush. I used to do alot of commuting, (in London) on my 125 and then my first big bike, through all weather (apart from snow).
Hi. Thanks for watching. London commutes sound tricky!
@bikerofatlantis nah to be honest they were pretty easy. So busy traffic was pretty slow.
Just come across this series and I'm loving it. I have recently had a mid life crisis to and got a motor bike for my new job. I how ever had a little experience with riding a motorbike at 16 (now 47) so went through the same confidence issues that you have had. Keep the videos coming am interested in your journey.
Glad you found us. Enjoy your biking!
Gerbing heated gloves are under 200 quid - been using for years and highly recommended. I also use a Gerbing heated vest for when its really cold, but the gloves are the most important for me as I get cold hands even when its not that cold.... ;)
Sounds good 👍
You're doing great, love the banter between you and Claire, remember not to fixate on the cones or corners but as far as you need to be. It will come naturally and good luck with your progress.
Thank you for watching
A tip for your balancing on your slow speed manoeuvres - if the bike starts to drop, with your clutch on the biting point just give it a few more revs and you'll balance it. Brakes will make you drop it.
This is great, thank you
I have been following your journey thus far and I’m (at 49) 2 years into mine. I mainly commute to work, a 45 min ride each way, and feel your hesitations and doubts you have. Keep going, one day you will hop on and it will feel natural. 👍👍👍
Hi thanks for watching 👍👍
Hi Andy, I am really enjoying your journey to get your full license.Just passed my MOD 2 yesterday, and seeing you struggle with the figure of eight brought back some PTSD for me. I was trained to look at the cone you are about to go round no the floor and then look for the other cone straight away. Also, give yourself more room, no medals for tight corners. I'm looking forward to the next vid.
Like Gary said, bigger circles to start. Keep looking forwards and up slightly and your circles will get magically tighter. U turns get me, I always look down 🤦♀️
Hi this is great advice thank you
@@bikerofatlantis I meant to say keep looking where you are going to and slightly up 😆🤪
Same here, I hate figure eights. During my test they let us do a practice round before the test. I squeaked one good figure eight in during practice and totally blew it on the test but they let me pass.
Hi Andrew
It's always nice to see newcomers to our hobby.
May I give you a hint? You should not put your helmet on the ground. Helmet on the ground is an international signal for bikers in trouble. If an experienced biker, sees this he will stop and ask you if you need help.
All the best on your journey.
Hi. This is a great tip that I didn’t realise.
I will do this and thanks
The last time I saw a helmet seemingly on the ground, it turned out to be a 6ft biker standing on the pegs of a GS but in one of our local potholes.
If its an international signal for bikers in trouble, thats news to me and i've been riding for 18 years.
Usually you get a thumbs up from a biker as a question. a thumbs down from you means "i need help" a thumbs up means "im okay".
Y anchor very popular, W anchoor not so for some reason. Fun vid Nice one!
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍
For keeping yourself warm on the bike. Try a heated waistcoat.
Keep the core warm, will keep warm blood flowing to your fingers. Which makes a crazy amount of difference. Absolutely thought it was BS but having ridden in snow, on a motorway it made a huge difference.
Thanks for this. Will take a look
Thank you for the genuine laugh this morning. When your camera fell, and you said that has been the only crash so far, it struck me as funny and made me laugh. Hopefully, it's the only crash you'll ever experience. I'm 55 and have been riding since I was 16, and I have never experienced a crash either.
Knock knock
👍👍👍👍😎
Fantastic presentation , with no glory hunting , everything youve experienced is relavant , so glad your enjoying it , and glad your riding in the rain as that is all part of the full experience , not just fine weather riding , go to your pals shop and get a finger wipe, but try it on the glove as lots are to small ,
It’s my birthday soon… I’ll ask Claire to get me one for my present 😂😂😂
Hi guys ,firstly thank you both for another great video, keep up the great training Andy, watch out for those slippery man hole covers ,I saw you rode over when pulling out of that junction ,be careful my friend ,take care .
Hi. Thanks for this 👍
Nice one mate. Love the fact you keep going to the practice ground. It's great and really important. Could not quite hear the bike to pick up on your technique, how you do the figure 8. So just a quick summary of what it should be. RPM of engine above idle and keep them there (don't play with it). Then keep feathering the clutch and rear brake as you need (falling into the center of the corner = more clutch. Speeding out of the corner, more brake.
About that full steering lock - it does not automatically means you crash, but it's just a bit more spooky. With practice, you will be able to get closer and closer to it. One day you won't mind it.
Thanks for this, and the advice 👍👍
Love your vids biking and campervan keep it up, wet weather and winter riding is a great learning curve, will make you much better rounded rider..stay off the drain covers and white paint though..👍
Yes Thankyou for that 👍👍👍
Just from the brief camera shots it is clear your road confidence is growing 👍🏻 Ride safe.
Thankyou!
Hi Andy, I have been reading the comments below and they have most things covered for you rain riding and webbed finger gloves! I will just add that rain-X is for glass not plastic and works by sticking in the small imperfections of glass. Plastic visors are very smooth so its not very affective. You can easily wipe it off though. We are so glad you are enjoying your biking journey and look forward to you combining the Motorhome and bikes! Ride safe Andy (& Lyn)
Hi both. Thanks for this 👍👍👍👍
My biggest tip for night riding is HiVi over jacket, be seen as much as possible. Ride safe and keep enjoying
Hi. Thanks for this
Great update! I've been waiting for the latest installment - Keep it up! Best decorative stonework ever. )
😂😂🤪😂
I think its great to see how you are taking challenges and learning things from a more older and mature point of view. I think new riders could take something away from your mentality. Also in a good position to give advice as you know the easy pitfalls that experienced riders have forgot and become second nature.
With regards to the video editing, I think you would benefit from categorising your video into chapters especially when you are sticking to long form video that drifts through various topics.
Also maybe opening the video with a catch or overview of what the video is covering, i.e. "I've improved allot over the last couple of days figure 8 [cut of manoeuvring], night riding [cut of droplet's not being able to see], but first I want to talk about this new protection device...". I think this would entice people into watching the full content as they will wait for the part to play that was of interest to them at the start.
This is just my personal opinion, but again really enjoying the content and mission behind the channel.
Hi. This is good info.
Thanks for watching 👍
In the off road test section the fig 8 test can be difficult. You can take the fig 8 as wide as you need, if you try to make it tight you are forcing full lock and then balance goes. Feet forward bikes like yours are much more difficult for the maneuvers due to the riding position. You will find it so much easier on the 'big' bike. You are doing great Andy, build your confidence through just riding fella. Oh and you will always find somebody trying to bully you. As time goes on you will learn to 'dominate' the road. I dont know if the police still do the bike day in Wakefield station where police riders follow you in the morning and then give you constructure critisism and advice to improve. Then same again in the aft.
Thanks for this advice 👍👍
Hi. I think you will find the figure 8 easier if you get the entrance angle right then looking in the direction you want to go is a lot more obvious.
Watch out when looking at the cones. There’s something called target fixation that can catch you out.
👍👍
If you look at the floor, that’s where you will end up. I learned that very quickly 😊. You’re doing great. Just be careful going round junctions when it’s wet, roads are slippery when wet and with the leaves falling now,even more slippery. Ride safe 👏. You should have a felt strip on your gloves that you can use to wipe water from your visor. next bike get heated grips fitted. Game changer
Sounds like a plan 👍 Thanks for watching and this advice
It's great how everyone shares tips with you
Hi. Yes loads of tips!
I don't venture out in the rain these days (retired). Back in the days when a motorbike was my main transport, I never felt the need to treat the visor, there was probably nothing much to treat it with. I found that a single downward wipe with the side of a glove would usually clear. I bit of dubbin on leather gloves helps to keep the water out. It's good to see that you are facing the places that make you nervous, I think it means you are getting there. It will be mostly onwards and upwards from here.
Thanks for watching and this advice
Hey Andrew, great channel to watch, I’m on the same journey as you, bought my 125 for some practice before booking my mod1 , great to watch a channel that’s relatable, keep it up, hopefully we’ll conquer this journey together haha 👍🏻
Sounds great
Morning Andrew,
Another great vlog about your biking adventures.
It looks like it's all coming together now 😊.
Stay safe and enjoy.
Paul and Joanne 👍 ♥️
Thanks, you too! 👍
Really loving the channel... It's great to see your day to day progress Andrew. And great to see the enthusiastic support of your "Biker Widow" ...More Ugg boots please Claire. LoL!!
Hi. Delighted you are enjoying
Thanks for watching.
Claire says yes!!! 😂
brilliant channel guys, looking forward to the next video 👍
Thank you 👍👍👍
Don’t rely on the new lock on the driveway petrol powered stihl concrete saws are free to the thieves. Ask me how I know.😅 You would be better off putting a ring type camera up looking at the driveway it sends notifications to your phone soon as any one goes near it 👍
Hi Thanks for this. Got a ring this week 👍
When you pass your test and get a bigger bike you will be able to have heated grips. Game changer.
You're doing an awesome job 👏
You don’t need a big bike to have heated grips.
Thankyou
it's crazy that we started learning at the same time, I first got on my bike last month and I've been trying to learn about everything I can. the more I understand the more it makes me want to get on the road and have a great time!
Sound great, keep at it 👍
Hi Andy and Claire love your approach and enthusiasm to getting on a bike .... great videos I even subbed to your camping channel 👍👍👍
Ooosh thank you 👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Andy, some gloves come with a little bit of plastic sewn into the left forefinger, which makes clearing the visor a bit easier. I have a recommendation for drying gloves . . You can get fancy machines which will do the job, but I bought a couple of metal kitchen towel dispensers. The ones with two upright bits are best for airflow and you can even balance them on a radiator - nice on a cold morning! I passed my test in 1981, but I still remember my voyage of discovery and how things have chanded a lot since then. Keep the shiny side up!!
Hi. Thanks for this advice 👍
Hi Andy good to see new clothing a lot better. I spotted one thing to watch out for when riding about town that not sure you are aware off. Man hole covers in the road, I once turned in a junction and went over a manhole and back wheel slid away and was not wet weather. Although I was able to recover quickly I always tried to avoid them after. They are worse obviously in rain. I only saying this as I am sure when you came out of the junction you went over. Not saying they are all bad but just be aware.
Hi. This is good advice, Thankyou
Yep, metal things like manhole covers, cattle grids, rail tracks, etc. can have much lower grip levels than the tarmac, especially in the wet.
It's normally safe enough to go over them in a straight line when you are upright and not accelerating or braking too much, but be careful when turning, accelerating or braking.
Same for paint (some fresh painted lines have sand or grit or something in them to help grip, but older lines seem to lack that, or maybe it wears smooth, and even fresh ones aren't as "grippy" as the tarmac), and loose surfaces like gravel, leaves, mud, etc.
Watch for mud, etc, on the roads near farms and construction sites. Two years back I was on holiday in the countryside and there was a farm with an entry on a hill near a bend, and there was always, shall we say "run off", from the farm across the road. I was in my car rather than on the bike, and even then and going below 10mph, I could feel the car had next to no grip going through it.
Keep up the good work mate . So happy your enjoying riding its the best. I got the same bike as you love it
Ooosh nice bike
Oxford heated grips are a must for cold weather riding 👍🏼 easy to fit
Will take a look 👍
You two make me laugh and Claire is one lovely lady. I ride my bike to work and some drivers are like that delivery driver and in so much hurry and so aggressive, take care Andrew.
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Another great video guys, absolutely loving the real world journey into motorcycle life. Stay safe keep us smiling 😂
Hi thanks for watching
Hi guys,
I am in same boat as you I'm 51 and just got my CBT done last month.
after 35 years ago I came off a motorbike and and had 63 stiches in my arm needless to say I lost my bottle but I'm now trying again.
I have just bought a yamaha yzf r125.
Hi. Great to hear you are back on the bike. Great bike! Wishing you many safe and happy travels 👍
With New gloves I tend to wear them when I'm watching TV & relaxing or even at work.
If you Scrunch your hands up now & then it doesn't take too long for them to soften up.
Enjoy watching you two & seeing how your learning new things from other riders.
Keep safe & look forward to the next episode 👍
Hi. Thanks for this 👍
You can add heated grips to your motorcycle. They help to warm the inside surface of your hand but leave the outer surface coldish. You can also get hand guards to fit onto your bars that block the wind from reaching your hands on your grips. Not sure if these things are available for your make and model of bike but worth checking.
👍👍👍👍
Handlebar muffs laddie, handlebar muffs........
Not the prettiest thing on a bike but they do keep wind and rain ingress down as long as you can get used to not seeing your hands, switches etc.
When you're three hundred miles from home at 7.00pm in the pouring rain, the last thing you'll care about is what the bike looks like if your hands are cold and wet.
You're getting it: if you look at the floor, you'll end up on the floor (especially with your handlebars turned!) The fingers of the glove are stuck together for added strength for your digits in the event of a crash: they will be the first part of your body to break the fall.
Thank you 👍👍
Hi Andy your coming along nicely confidence is growing and your getting a lot more used to the bike..love these vids mate..just one more safety tip at this time of year watch out for slippy wet leafs off the tree they can be as bad as ice at times anyway great vid you two onward to glory👍🏻
Hi 👋 avoiding leaves is a good one 👍
Great video together and the y anchor looks a good solution. For at home I'd consider as big of a chain as possible through the anchor, the one you're using is a good mobile option. Pragmasis are closing down so you might find a very good deal currently, using one of their 22mm link chains and squire lock on mine currently.
Oooh will take a look thank you
Brilliant vid Andrew. Without wanting to make you too subconscious when it’s raining take it easy over white lines, any ironworks eg grates, manhole covers and watch out for a rainbow on the road ie diesel as they’re all slippery. At the speed you’re going it’s not a problem but as you progress you might spin the back wheel up. Keep practicing sir 👍
This is good advice and welcomed
always a pleasure watching your progress. i found it much easier on the bigger bike when i was doing mod1 than it was on the 125. i filmed one of my mod1 training sessions its on my channel. if you want to have a look. keep up the practice. you are doing great
I will have a look now, Thankyou and be safe
Another entertaining vlog mate 👍. The security thingy buried in your drive looks like an excellent piece of kit. Just be careful with the security on your bike. I once chatted to a guy that had his bike nicked from a petrol station forecourt and, his insurance refused to pay out as he didn't have the steering lock on! He was deemed to be negligent 🤔.
👍👍
I have to say these videos are brilliant i love the format! Keep it up and you'll have a massive following in no time.
Hi, thanks for this. Trying to keep it relatable, normal life
@bikerofatlantis I've been hitting motorcycle videos hard recently because I'm desperate to get on two wheels again and I can honestly say your setup, with chatting in the carpark with clips on the road, is the most compling coming out of the UK currently. I'm really looking forward to watching the channel grow!
I always had a problem with Rain-X, it never seemed to work well for me. I use Nikwax Visorproof which does a better job. If you're set on using Rain-X, make sure you're using the version specifically made for plastics or it can cloud your visor up over time.
I’m the same 👍
Hi . Just came across your channel. Bringing back the memories 😂. After 45 years of riding it still anger's me me the amount of gear snobs. You use what is good for you. My go to kit is Ruka and gortex combat boots. As long as you tuc the laces into the top of the boot it's not a problem 🤘🤘
Sounds great. Thank you
Good to see your journey Andy - you two make such entertaining videos - love Claires dance round the car park LOL - good luck going forward ! 😀👍
Thanks Steve x
✌️this is the main hand signal you need for riding a motorcycle as viewed from the riders perspective 😂😂
😂😂
Very enjoyable, many thanks 👍👍👍
Thanks for watching
Hey dude, loving the Video progress… at 34 I have just passed my bike test and I’m loving the riding…
I have a Honda CB125F and haven’t upgraded yet as the insurance down here is silly at the moment.
Most decent gloves have a widow wiper rubber on them, so see if you can get a pair with one on 👍🏼
All the best with moving forward with your riding skills 👌🏼
Will be getting some on these gloves 👍
Great Chanel, loving the content. The bike lock looks good only thing for me would be the rainfall and water sitting within the Y and corrosion
Hi, it has a drain so no water building up!
@@bikerofatlantis nice one, looks a good lock. Wonder if you have retained the original tyres or upgraded. I do to all my bikes and makes a huge difference 👍
Best winter gloves I have had are the Oxford Montreal ones, for the figure of 8 & slalom exercises look at a point further up carpark like a tree etc and keep the revs up so it is a fluid speed that will stop the urge to put feet down. Also please reduce the amount of adverts on the videos as you have a fantastic channel that gives good information on the journey for a new biker but ads every few minutes really are distractions from the great entertainment.
Hi, thanks for this advice
You'll find the slow manoeuvres easier on a bike with a more upright traditional riding position, you can push up on the pegs and shift the weight in your hips easier.
Thank you
Figure of 8 go wide and keep the cone in the corner of your eye at all times it really helped me
Also you have to envision that the gap between the cones are you entering a junction each cone is the side of the junction. The figure of 8 is designed to show that you can enter a junction from left and from right! It just makes it make more sense. So go as wide as you need to enter that junction 😉
👍👍
In winter time I've always been ok with fingerless woolen gloves, then a pair of leather gloves over the top and if it's raining put a pair of nitrile workshop gloves on top of them :) I have all the posh heated gloves and super warm gloves but they do seem very restrictive, ok for motorways I guess but awful for town commuting when using the clutch lever and switches a lot.
Hi 👋 Thanks for this 👍
Wow! Your flying, great videos and you have smashed youtube!
Thankyou
With the bike you've chosen, i.e., a low rider type thing, manoeuvring will be difficult. A normal bike will turn a lot easier and your feet will require less movement to touch to floor. You will find this out when you do your test.
Hi. Thankyou for watching
you’ll probably also find that the bigger engined heavier bike that you’ll use for the test will actually be easier for the low speed stuff than a 125
I agree
I am 66 next month and got my CBT 2 weeks ago and now needing to get a bike and get the practice in
Let us know how you get on
Look at heated grips, you can add them easily... much cheaper than the gloves
👍👍
That's mad... I was out looking for a mattock this week. Brilliant tool
Claire thought it was a place in Derbyshire
Ever get stuck in wet weather without gortex gloves, stop at a petrol station and grab some plastic gloves from the dispenser near the pumps and wear them underneath. Pair of marrigolds underneath works a treat too!
Old skool, but a big yes 😊
😂😂😂
New sub here, watched a few of your vids and you’ve got some really great content. You mentioned in this vid that people would laugh about wearing the Alpine Stars on a 125, but really, there’s no substitute for wearing the proper gear no matter what size of bike you ride. When I was learning, I got hit by a car (my ex girlfriend believe it or not! And yea, it was an accident and are still friends to this day 😂) and I got hit quite hard, but I was well protected with the right gear. I really like your bike, it’s a beautiful looking machine! Keep up the great content!
Hi. Thanks for subscribing and sharing your story there 👍
It’s a great looking 125.
Keep safe
i have no interests in bikes but i like these videos, all the best on your bike journey. 👍
Thank you for watching
Loving the Saturday morning progress reports. It’s great you’re still enjoying it even through the challenging weather. Obviously as winter sets in it becomes ever more challenging. Waterproof gloves are great but they may make your hands smell as sweat can’t get out as well as water not getting in. I’ve got heated gloves and they are great but expensive. And did Claire say the Star Trek was from Star Wars 😮!! I might have to report her to the police for that.
Hi Claire here! Whoops 🤷♀️😂😂😂
Andy are the links on your chain over 14 mm the thief's can bolt cut through that as opposed to having to angle grind or carry the massive bolt cutter.
Best get a bigger one 😎😎
I've done my mod 1 & 2 - don't overthink the manoeuvres mate 👍
Thanks hopefully doing mine before Christmas
Rather than re-mortgaging for a pair of heated gloves, you can get a nice pair of winter gloves and then buy some oxford heated grips for about £30 or so - I've not had a bike without them since I got a pair for a Christmas present about 7year ago :D - as for the front of your hands, you can get wind deflectors for most types of bikes, but that's a bit of personal preference as some like the look of bikes with them on, and some don't - personally I don't, but my father puts them on all his bikes.
This can be Claire’s present to me this Christmas 😂👍
I got just this. Wind deflectors and Oxford heated grips. My hands are as warm as toast all times. Before, I used to get hands so cold I couldn’t even move them. I used to be buy all sorts of glove liners to try and keep my hands warm, now i don’t even think about it.
this insurance thing comes up alot, if you say its garaged at home the insurace will say if it gets knicked off the drive its not covered, they wouldnt say that about a car though its just b. s. is is more expensive to say its not garaged so you are covered? and remember that ground anchor you have is only as good as the chain your using most crims have a battery angle grinder which can go through a cheap chain in 30seconds, other than that keep on keeping on remember the sunny days make up for the rainy ones
Hi. Thanks for this, will take a look 👍👍
Mate im 41 and passed my bike test 3 weeks, its nice to see the mrs encouraging you and getting involved...mine is the complete opposite 😂
😂😂 trying to get her to do a CBT!
Hi Andy . Iv got heated gloves . There made by Gerbing . £159 from Sports Direct . They are brill and water proof . Had mine 3 yrs . Still going good . The best . Julie 4 ft 11 😊 and another thing I was told when learning to ride on turns & u turns was lock and look . If that helps 😊
Hi Julie. Love this recommendation for gloves, will take a look thank you 🙏
Keep enjoying your ride, try not to think about the other crap 😗 the freedom you get from riding a motorcycle is worth it 👍
Thank you
Great Video Andy & Clair, wait till he’s passes his test and gets his big bike 😮 you will love riding Pillion Clair, it’s amazing, Andy your doing fantastic 👍
Hi 👋 he’s loving it 👍👍👍
The little finger on the glove is joined to the 'ring' finger to provide stability and protection in a crash .. basically it stops it getting dragged back and snapped.
Hi thanks for watching 👍
I reckon Claire needs her own 125cc bike that way you are both complete. Ride safe. I know you live up north but if you can, take a bike ride to Cheddar Gorge.
We haven’t been to Cheddar Gorge and want to, so this is a great idea 👍 thank you