Reece

No worries

Sounds a good idea! Be great to meet a few people. [strikeout]Either day[/strikeout] Saturday around 12-1pm would be good with me! Look forward to it Edit** Been advised by her indoors I already have plans for the Sunday

I completed the Enhanced Rider Scheme with Shires in Leicester last year a few weeks after passing my mod 2. Definitely worth while (although it may depend on the training school providing the training?) and Leicester council support it so it was subsidised cost. Cost me £60 for 6 hours training (£160 unsubsidised I believe). It's a great introduction into more "advanced" riding techniques/skills.

Welcome to TMBF. In my opinion go straight for the DAS. I passed my CBT last March and got a Honda CB125F. 7 weeks later I'd passed my DAS and wanted a bigger bike. I had a enjoyable 2000 miles on the 125 (mostly commuting) in them few weeks and was lucky to not lose any money on the 125. When you pass your DAS you'll have a hell of a wider choice of bikes. Some are even similar prices to what you'd pay for a 125 anyway (if you don't mind a slightly older bike).

As said, be more concerned about the cleanliness of the mating surfaces between block and head etc. For cleaning I'd use a rag for a initial wipe over then some Scotchbrite pads (or similar scouring pads) combined with WD40 (or a similar product) and gently clean the surfaces ensuring you are not to agressive. Once done check surfaces with a straight edge.

Currently wearing Oxford textile trousers and jacket which have been great through the winter so far. I also have 'K' aramid denim jeans for the warmer/drier weather. Spada all weather boots (budget boots). Oxford gloves (intermediate, but have been fine through the winter with the heated grips). Although this is my only kit which I purchased when I started riding in March last year. I will be looking for new boots this spring with my eye on some Sidi's. Never tried leathers so can't comment on them.

DAS

Personally, I use nothing as I pretty much only use fuel stations with the "pay at pump" style pumps. If on the unexpected time I use a 'convential pump' I'd just apply the steering lock.

Likewise, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year all!!

Congratulations!

Go for it. Will be good experience to train and learn during winter in different conditions. Also, there should be an abundance pf tests slots available at the test centre so will be easier to get a test slot to suit you rather than the waiting times that can be experienced in the warmer months.

Can't offer any help but posting so I can keep track of this thread. My current AGV helmet has always suffered with high wind noise at motorway speeds but was counteracted with Auritech ear plugs. However, I've just upgraded from my CB650F to a 2016 Honda Crossrunner and the wind noise is barely bearable on the motorway with the AGV and Auritech ear plugs so also looking for opinions on whether any particular branded helmets are better than others in the 'quiet' department?!

A phone call may be appreciated. Number is on my post on page 2 of this thread

Hello and welcome to the forum. I've just recently picked up a 3 month old VFR 800X Crossrunner and it is a dream to commute on. The round trip is 55 miles on the motorway. I also tried the Africa Twin which works of been my first choice of bike, but unfortunately the insurance premiums are far too high to justify getting the bike! I passed my DAS in May this year and went straight out and purchased a CB650F (sane bike as used for my DAS) as I found the bike really comfortable. However, I soon found out it wasn't so comfortable clicking up the motorway miles. In my opinion, something more upright with wine protection etc withdraw definitely be high on the priority list.