Completely new to motorcycling... advice?

Originally Posted by maxinc

As for backpack, I would only consider it for short distances. Depending on how much weight you have to take with you, it may become uncomfortable.

With my Kriega R35 pack fully loaded with overnight stuff, 2 change of clothes, pair of shoes, drinks, waterproofs, couple of basic tools etc I still didn't notice it whilst riding 170 miles ish.

I also use it every time I use the bike to commute 50 mile round trip loaded with waterproofs, work clothes and shoes, litre of drink and packed lunch.

The best thing about this pack is that it zips together over your chest so the weight doesn't go on your shoulders. You can also put your phone / wallet in the chest piece for easy access when stopping for fuel etc.

I guess its just preference but I dont mind riding with it at all.

With regards to the chain vs disc lock. I have both, rarely use the disc lock if I'm honest. I use the chain every time the bike is locked up away from home. Although the chain is noted on my insurance and it dropped the premium a little, it will take four years of discount drop before its covered the cost of the chain at about 90quid lol.

I just use the cheap ish foam plugs from oxford. I need to try out some others to be honest but never seem to get round to it. I only use them if im going to be going over 60ish for long periods of time as the wind noise is a killer.

Nelson made a good shout with the high viz under the seat, mine is always in my backpack.

General blah blah from me is.

As you get more confident don't think you've ever cracked riding and you're some kind of ace, that's when you'll crash.

Remember you are never ever perfectly safe on a bike...but that's OK because that's why we (I) enjoy it so much.

Oh and get a really good spine protector, looks like you've got a good jacket but the spine protector inserts are not always as good as the specialist spine protectors from Knox or the like. Double check what you have if you haven't already.

Oh and when filtering remember "Cars like gaps", be aware like abdul said.

And enjoy riding well, because that's what it's all about.

think ill maybe invest in one of those Kreiga R35 packs then.

do you all wear a high viz at night? i know its the safest thing to do but do you all wear one?

well suppose with the chain its like getting a discount off the chain if you get an insurance drop, its the practical use not the insurance drop as such which i would be wanting it for.
With a disc lock, is it possible to move of forgetting it is attached?

9/10 times I'll wear one at night. The only time I dont is if I don't take my pack and forget to put it on before I leave. Id rather be seen and be able to ride again.

With a disc lock it is possible to move off but if you place it behind the forks then you wont go very far before it contacts. You can get these stretchy curly things that go between the disc lock and the handle bars so you don't forget it.

Kriega make a number of packs, I was deciding between the R35 and the R25. I'm so glad I went for the 35. It doesn't weigh any more when unladen than the 25 but I couldn't have fit all my stuff in the 25. They do one called the R30. That one is fully waterproof. I just put my stuff in bags first if I think it looks like rain and its never got wet inside. You can also buy little kreiga bags that fix to the tank and the backpack for when your off the bike. I havent got one but they look pretty good, If i was to go away for longer Id probably get the 10L one.

Just seen this on eBay for ya. Absolute bargin if it doesn't go up all that much. Kriega R35

and these two Link link2

[TamSV]

Originally Posted by kyle-jdm

With a disc lock, is it possible to move of forgetting it is attached?

Not only is it possible, it's almost compulsory.

Get one of those stretchy reminder cables that loops over the throttle to minimise your chances of landing on the deck.

Originally Posted by TamSV

Not only is it possible, it's almost compulsory.

Get one of those stretchy reminder cables that loops over the throttle to minimise your chances of landing on the deck.

Wifey did it only last Sunday. Having done it myself too, I of course had every right to laugh like a drain! Like TamSV says, get a loopy thing.

Originally Posted by kyle-jdm

do you all wear a high viz at night? i know its the safest thing to do but do you all wear one?

If you decide to wear one, and I personally encourage you, it would be best to wear it during the day where the bright colours stand out and make a difference. Most important time of day would be the morning where half the drivers are yawning and still half asleep.

From my experience as a car driver, I almost never noticed a bright yellow / green / orange vest at night. It is even less effective if it's covered by a backpack.

At night, if the drivers can't see your head or tail lights, then you are in big trouble anyway. This brings the next important step which is the daily (or at least weekly) P.O.W.D.E.R. check.

P = Petrol
O = Oil and hydraulic fluids levels
W = Water or coolant level
D = Drive or chain check for lubrication and slack
E = Electrics like all light working ok, esp. signals and brake
R = Rubber condition for tyre pressure, wear and obvious damage

Probably the best advice I received from my Bike Safe course was to ride defensively and assume that you are invisible to the other traffic. Just because they look at you it doesn't mean they've seen you. Try guessing what the road is preparing for you in advance and when in doubt, always slow down.

They say "A new riders starts with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the luck runs out."

very helpful post maxinc. Like the saying at the end!

Originally Posted by kyle-jdm

thWith a disc lock, is it possible to move of forgetting it is attached?

It certainly is as others rightly say so how about an alarmed disc lock?Extra security, small enough to stick under seat or in a pocket and the alarm should go off if you move the bike - at least mine has on the occasions I have forgotten about it (just wait until the battery runs out)! My one is a Xena one with (I think) various Z's or X's and a 6 in the model number and I'm very pleased with it.