My first real ride... Spoiler Warning ( I survived )

[NutsyUk]

Well yeah its been a long time coming, Got my CBT sorted out a couple days ago... And finally got my lexmoto xtrs on the road...

I live in the countryside of norfolk, So some safe quiet roads for me to practice on.

But boy do i need the practice :p

Now first things first, Right now, im not too confidant going over 40 MPH I know i can build that up. but also today isnt really a dry day its misty and damp. And for my first time I just wanted to get used to riding.

i also managed to stall once or twice at some junctions (quiet thank god)...

And the bike seemed to slip gear on a steep hill, i think it fell into neutral. Not sure if it was my fault or the bike, the last owner did say there was something up with the bottom end though on normal riding it doesnt appear to have any real issues.

Also i think it would be a miracle if my bike hits 70mph :p, and tbh. I kinda like that. Im not a speed freak and I want to start out a little slow and safe.

On more than one occasion I accidentally hit the horn when turning off the indicators

I must admit im thankful I dont have to ride to my chiropractor appointment in town today. With the mist and my still needing practice. I really didnt fancy riding at night on an A road on my first day...

But anyway yes. I survived. YAY me
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[Rogerborg]

Nice one. All of the above is normal.

40 is the comfortably sustainable speed for a ~10hp 125 - above that, you're caning it and drastically decreasing your thinking time and increasing your braking distances on skinny tyres and weedy calipers.

Stalling happens. It's a small engine, it needs revved on take off. No worries, you'll get it.

Accidentally horning yourself is a rite of passage.

Slipping out of gear, probably not a big deal unless it becomes common. 2nd, right? Give it a good positive kick up and consider lubricating the linkage and checking that the clamp on the output shaft is good and secure. An oil change wouldn't hurt either.

It only gets better from here.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[stinkwheel]

As above. Carry on.

I rode the wifes YB100 to work today for easiness of loading into the back of the work van.

B-roads were muddy and greasy, visability was poor, tyres were skinny, I'm big and heavy, bike is tiny, drivers were obviously not paying attention.

So I wasn't doing much more than 45 unless it was a clear, open straight.

When changing gear. Make sure you take your foot completely off the lever before going for the next one.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ScaredyCat]

[NutsyUk]

[NutsyUk]

Oh and yeah Roger 2nd or 3rd i think... I must admit. On more than one occasion i forgot what gear i was in >.>

Oil change is on the agenda. Ive had the new can of oil sitting in the workshop since the summer... I might do it tomorrow.
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[BonnieChain]

Just remember space is time and keep looking (because you can't rely on them looking for you! )

[stinkwheel]

[Rogerborg]

I'd get that oil change done sooner rather than later. It only takes a litre of whatever 10W40 gloop you happen to have lying around.

As well as (probably) a drain plug underneath, there will be a mesh filter on the left side of the engine, near the bottom (on the side, not underneath) that you'll want to get out and clean as well.

This CG125 site has some advice that should apply to your engine (although feel free to ignore the sperg about oil types, just use any cheap 10W40 without friction reducers): https://hondacg125.awardspace.com/oil.htm

Or since we're in the future now, any video of a CG125 oil change should suffice.

[OldRTMan]

Practice makes perfect

[NutsyUk]

[arry]

Agree with Roger and if you're not confident taking the cover off to get to the strainer, I'd still chuck the fresh oil in and ignore the strainer as the cost isn't exactly huge.

Well done on getting out on the road.

[Stoker]

Chiropractor, how old ARE you? Don't worry about the bike maintainance, the folks here will see you right....but your skellington?
What's happening there?
Take care, S

[Commuter_Tim]

[NutsyUk]

I put my back out in the gym may 2015... It never put its self right :p So ive been in pain since. But now im getting treatment on the NHS after trying to find ways to get it fixed...

I have a weak/prolapsed disk in my lower back. Though i also have some ware on some of the mid back...

Oh and im 34 :p I first prolapsed a disk when I was around 12 :p They normally put themselves right after a week or so... But this one never did.
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[Cali747]

Hi Nutsy I really enjoyed reading your post because I am in the same boat as you. I recently got my first 125 bike and feel the same as you do. Also, I am in Northumberland but I have a place down in Norfolk near Kings Lynn where I stay once or twice a month for weekends and I wish I could take my bike down there as I love the roads and I cycle a lot there. Northumberland has too many steep hills for my little YBR!

[definitelyinc...]

[secretagentmo...]

[NutsyUk]

Im not too far from swaffham... Come spring i have to commute down to norwich day by day... Not looking forward to the A47 tbh.

Also when i do my weekly visits to kings lynn I go via gayton and those roads so I dont have to use the a47. Bit safer.
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[secretagentmo...]

[NutsyUk]

Ahhh you found my alternative route :p Yeah i know about the Litcham route... And tbh its a more scenic route too :p

I was already considering this one. As for being behind a truck... Must admit a little iffy with that one. Though makes sense.
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[secretagentmo...]

If something can suddenly sprout from the road and stop an HGV in less distance than you can stop then you would not have stood a chance!

Road the other half's Zontes back from Norwich along the 47, found a nice caravan to sit behind and stayed behind it until it turned left along the A10, I tucked behind an LFP (Lincolnshire Field Produce) truck which obliged along the short strip of A47 and then the A17!

Must admit the B1145 is prettier, ridden it several times! Just more liable to be the victim of a suicidal mother on school run running late! Those Chelsea tractors are lethal at high speed!

[NutsyUk]

Heh yeah they are, I had a little ride down that road, didnt go as far as dereham but still went down there... Managed to get my bike up to 50... (its a 60 zone isnt it?)

Anyway i found i and my bike felt a lot happier bellow 50 :p

I think any thoughts of it hitting 70 are far far far out the picture now.

i think 60 would be a real push, ill find out on wednesday when i bike up to kings lynn.


OH and when I got back i changed the oil too... Damn it was black... it needed the change.

Update:
Oh wait no not the 1145, my bad i was taking the litcham road... Just looked at the maps again :p Good thing im getting a smart phone soon... ill need the satnav :p
____________________
Yamaha FZ8/Fazer800 (split headlight one) 2014, gingerly getting used to the massive increase in HP and not killing myself in the process! That was easy to get used to.
Kawasaki ER6F 2007 650 Gonna sell as a project bike!
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Sold!

[Cali747]

[secretagentmo...]

I know Snettisham well!
See if you can borrow a Van for a weekend and bring the bike down. As an ex L plater round there I know all the back roads. The back road from Snettisham to Sedgeford, not long, but some lovely corners on it, then go through Sedgeford and take the back road to Old Hunstanton, cuts the tourist crap out!