Why did I leave it so long...

[Hevra]

Hello everyone,

Another new rider to join the ranks.

Did my CBT on the 27th, well, the on road part – I did the messing about in a car park bit 2 weeks before that but I was so nervous and was stalling the bike so often that my instructor didn’t feel confident going on the road with me that day, so I went back a fortnight later to finish off. I found clutch control to be really difficult, I have never driven so this is the first time I’ve been on something motorised.

I have to say, the nerves vanished as soon as we got out onto the roads. I didn’t stall a single time in two and a half hours – it was so much easier to do the gears when you have more than the length of two parking bays to ride It was snowing quite hard at one point, and my fingers and toes were like blocks of ice, but I loved every minute of it. I can’t believe I left it this long before trying biking (I am 29).

I did my CBT on a GN125 that was a bit dogeared but very forgiving of tentative, scared riders like me. I am picking up my first bike tomorrow, I went for a CBF125 in ‘virtuous’ (cackle) white. It’s a pre-registered one from my local dealer, I’m getting my husband to ride it home for me though so I can try it on the quiet, private road we live on before I make a tit out of myself in public.

Also, how cheap is bike insurance? I nearly fell off my chair when I found I could insure my CBF for £160 a year (would have been less but naughty hubby has 3 points from speeding through roadworks and he wants to ride it too). I got a quote for car insurance under the same basic details and it would have cost me almost a grand to insure a Micra -_-

Anyway, enough rambling from me. Thank you to everyone who stops by!

H
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_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[locked]

Grats on the bike and your CBT

I too have a CBF125. Cracking little bike, as long as you don't expect supercar performance from it you should be fine
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on the look out for my next bike....
CBT Passed - 13/09/09 Theroy Passed - 19/12/09 Mod 1 Passed 04/05/10 Mod 2 Passed 14/05/10 - Free to ride ANYTHING!
Motorcycles are perfectly safe as long as you remember they're dangerous.

[pinkyfloyd]

Welcome to life on 2 wheels.... Its great fun!
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[blurredman]

Welcome, have fun!
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S, 1979 MZ TS150.
Current: 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 18k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 10k, 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (295cc) - 40k, 1989 MZ ETZ251 - 51k.

[Rogerborg]

All I got from that was "tit out ... in public"

Er, reboot brain.

Yes, congrats. There's a lot to cover in a CBT - many people need to or choose to go back for another bite at it. It's good that you didn't rush it.

I don't think you can go far wrong with a CBF, although it'll depreciate quite quickly. Still, you can't beat a virgin ride.

Oh, I'm off again.

[Hevra]

Fnarr

I know people think the CBF125 is ugly but I like the styling and I am glad it is nice and sedate. Am going to the shop tomorrow to get a helmet and jacket/boots/trousers.

Weather permitting I plan to ride it all through winter, I do draw the line at snow/ice though. Can you fit heated grips on a 125 or are their batteries too weedy to cope with the extra drain?

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[CptBlack]

Don't forget gloves also. You might want to think about something for your neck too. I went out for 2 minutes the other day without my neck warmer thing and my chin completely froze.

[Hevra]

Oh I would never go out without gloves, I didn't put them on the list as I have had some donated by my sister in law :0) she offered me her spare, never been used arai helmet but it was too small, sadly.

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[pinkyfloyd]

[CptBlack]

[Rogerborg]

[neil.]

Fit bar muffs instead of or as well as grips. The wind chill is the real killer and grips alone will do nothing for the backs of your hands. Those CBF's looks like nice machines although I do like a carb that I can tinker with rather than an FI system that I can't! But they don't seem to make bikes over here with carbs any more.

I have been using the Oxford Chill-Out balaclava over the last 2 and a half winters which is really great.

[Hevra]

Neckwarmers, good idea - I'll make sure to pick one up.

I'm not sure about muffs yet (fnarr)... I think I need a bit more practice on the bike before I get comfortable enough with it to not be able to see my hands. Yes I know that's dumb

The local bikeshop stocks mostly Frank Thomas and Furygan stuff. Is this any good? I'm looking to spend about £600 on boots, jacket, trousers, and on upgrading the free helmet they throw in with 125s to something better.

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[pinkyfloyd]

No need for muffs. Just get decent winter gloves and if your still cold get some inner gloves.

The combination work well enough to get through the worst of winter.

Neckwarmers are worth their weight in gold though. Nothing colder than the wind blowing down your neck!
____________________
illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[nokiakeys]

Neckwarmers are a god send, I don't even want to think what riding without it would be like. I just had a scarf, which was ok, but changed it over ASAP.

You'll like your CBF trust me. People either love it or hate it... but give them time and they see the light
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CBT: 04/2010 -> Theory: 09/2010 -> MOD1 & 2: 10/2010 (That's right baby, both on same day)
Honda CBF125 -> Honda CB600FS

[Dazbo666]

Well done on the CBT, and good luck with the bike. (A CBF was one of the first bikes I rode after my test, and loved it - sooo forgiving.)

[Hevra]

Thanks guys

I had it delivered this morning (too much snow and ice still here to have ridden it home at my current skill level) and it's now parked out the back with a cover on.

I bought some oil for it, although the dealer said it probably wouldn't use much and that I could stop by for a top up if I wanted. I've also got some chain lube.

I really want to keep this bike as clean and rust free as I can; I just read a thread in the Workshop about a guy who had a CBF125 that rusted really badly and now I'm worried... any tips for avoiding rust?

I have some copper slip - should I use that, and if so, on what?

Thanks <3

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[Beelzebob]

Hiya and welcome - good on ya for getting out on 2 wheels.

Copper slip is mainly used to grease brake bits (bolts, backs of pads) as it copes well with the heat - and makes brakes (theoretically) easier to take apart when you need to work on them. Not sure it's used much more widely on bikes but am a bit of a noob myself.

In terms of corrosion protection, there are a few - I think ACF50 and FS365 are the two most common - basically a protection layer you spray/apply to a clean bike which then stops other crap sticking to it.

I went for a can of the ACF50 but yet to apply it so can't really comment on efficacy at the moment.

Good luck and ride safe
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'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"

[Paulington]

Hey Hevra,

Congratulations on making it on to two wheels, we are your friends here and your motorcycle is always your friend, it's a sense of freedom you just don't get with cars. .

It really will not use much oil at all, it's a very small engine so doesn't need a vast amount but good you have some anyway, the dealer seems nice if he will top it up for you when needed but better to learn and do it yourself. .

I'd suggest lubing the chain once/twice a week or so, it's what I do with mine and will make your chain last a lot longer before overstretching or snapping.

Keeping it clean? Keep it under a cover whenever you can, if you have a garage/shed it'd be better in there as it's away from the elements and a little bit warmer. As for rust free that's difficult at this time of year as road salt tends to enjoy corroding motorcycles.

The best you can do is coat it in something like ACF50 (Take a look: https://www.intobikes.co.uk/products/002329/ACF-50_Anti_Corrosion_Formula?src=fro&highlight=055605)

This gives it a very fine protective film which prevents the elements/salt from corroding it too much. at a push you could use WD40 on some parts but that stuff is a nightmare so use ACF50 instead where possible. There are also sellers of "protection film" that go on your fairings/tank to prevent it getting scratched which is just really thin transparent film.

CopaSlip is mainly for bearings and brake calipers etc, really shouldn't be using that as it's brand new I assume the dealer will be doing most of the servicing.

Really hope that helps, congratulations and now go do your test! !
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"Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."
Current Vehicles: '89 Kawasaki KDX200, '99 Yamaha XV535, '00 Honda ST1100 Pan-European, '08 Suzuki GSX-R1000, '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 2.0 TDCi, '15 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport Turbo.
CBT: 27/08/08. Theory: 04/09/09. Module 1: 16/09/09. Module 2: 01/10/09.

[neil.]

Copper grease on bearings? You mean lithium based grease!

Copper grease is great on screw threads - I use it on almost every bolt/screw I take out/put back on the bike, apart from those that specifically require Locktite and those that are large such as wheel axles. Used on spark plug threads, exhaust header screws, the exhaust gasket itself, backs of brake pads (stops them squealing), caliper mounting screws, front mudguard mounting screws (I learned the hard way after snapping a seized one whilst trying to undo it - copper grease would have prevented this - they are exposed to so much crap which makes them rot away!). It seals against corrosion and makes these things easier to undo later. It's not a lubricant and as far as I know, it won't really make bolts/screws rattle free (well it hasn't happened to me over 33'000 miles!).

ACF-50 is essential over the winter.

[Hevra]

Wow, thank you for all the indepth answers, much obliged - I shall get some spray. Sadly the garage is out of the picture as my father in law keeps his car in there and won't let me put the bike in, in case I damage it... this is the car that's only been out of the garage 4 times in 3 years but don't get me started on that...

Sorry if this sounds like a really stupid question, but how do you apply the copper slip? Do you just literally smear it on the bit of the bolts that are proud of the bike? Or do you have to undo them and put it on the thread? I'm not really helping women's lib here but I'm scared to tinker in case I break it, hehe



Also, Neil: your avatar is disturbing >_>

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[neil.]

It goes on the threads before you reassemble. I wouldn't do it unless you are taking something apart to service/fix it anyway. ACF-50 is good to wipe over the bolt heads themselves.

[Clanger]

[Hevra]

Ah, gotcha - I'll put some ACF-50 on the bolt heads and leave the copper slip then, I'm highly unlikely to undo any bolts - I am to mechanics what Prince Phillip is to international relations...

Thank you once again to everyone who has posted, I am chuffed that the biking community is so friendly and welcoming to new members

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650

[Hevra]

Just been out on my new bike for the first time, as the snow and ice have more or less gone now.

It's a bit more lively than the one I learned on, unsurprisingly, and it took me a while to get the hang of shifting gears in motorbike boots - I did my CBT in trainers, so it was easier to feel what you were doing (frigging cold though).

A transit overtook me in a somewhat lively manner while I was going round a gentle left hand bend, which got my heart racing a bit. Other than that, I had no problems bar being clumsy when downshifting... I don't know what it's called, when you shift down and the revs spike. Other half says I need to let off the throttle more, so will try that.

Oh - god forbid I have to stop at any time, my glasses steamed up in seconds I think I'll have to go back to contact lenses... can't cope with not being able to see at every junction!

H
____________________
_MJS_ : TLDR; MTFU, RTFM, DIY, tits and Gary. It's the only way you'll learn
CBF125 > XJ600S > V-Strom 650