Wot I noticed riding in Britain for the first time in ages

[hugo-a-gogo]

things i noticed on my recent trip back to the UK (1st time I've taken the bike over, not ridden there for about 10 years)

1. some cameras facing toward driver now - always fun
2. perfectly good roads degraded from NSL to 50 limit - why? (i know why, speed camera fine revenue)
3. that funny sideways nod thing - has that always gone on? i'm sure it was just a normal nod before
4. rumbly bumpy paint strip things leading up to roundabouts - brilliant, what prick thought those things up?
5. painted hatched bit in the middle of the road instead of a white line - why?
6. cats eyes - i'd forgotten how annoying they are, i always hit them every time i cross the line
7. loads more sportsbikes than in europe, and most riders all leathered up in power ranger suits
8. lots of max power cars - trying to keep up with my blade, good luck
9. roundabouts everywhere - nice, bit of variety, going 'tother way
10. matrix signs on the m6 saying "bikers - keep the racing for the track" (well, it was BSB at croft i suppose)

anyway, i had fun, did about 1000 miles (and about 300 in holland) weather was mostly dry, didn't get any police grief, no luggage fell off, i didn't fall off or drop the (fully loaded) bike, only drove on the wrong side once ( )
if anyone spotted a german-plated blade loaded with luggage near norwich, on the a1, the a66, the m6, the m62, the a14 etc etc, hello![/list]
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them - but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one. That is why they are dangerous."
Hunter S Thompson
clicky 4 bikey

[ProXimaCore]

I know cats eyes can be a pain on the bike but after driving in the dark over in germany, I'm so glad we have them here. Couldn't see a thing!

I've got a bike question for you. You know how in the UK you can take the full test or the restricted test and then get full power after 2 years... If you take the restricted test in Germany for a German bike license, what's the rules about getting on to a full powered bike?

I'm just asking as my GF is German and she took the restricted test when she was 16. Now 18. I was wondering if she'll be able to get something bigger than a 125cc or 33bhp (or whatever they're restricted to now.) She's not sure.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[hugo-a-gogo]

dunno really, i did my test in the uk (before that restricted thing came in)
i'll try and find out
____________________
"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them - but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one. That is why they are dangerous."
Hunter S Thompson
clicky 4 bikey

[hugo-a-gogo]

looked up summat, seems like if she did it at 16 it's only an A1 LEICHTKRAFTRÄDER licence, up to 125cc and 11kw (15hp) and further restricted to bikes that can only do 80kph until she is 18
after that there is the same "A beschränkt" (restricted) licenec for 25kw that lets you ride full power after 2 years and a direct access A licence that you can do at 25

https://www.fahrlehrerverband-bw.de/07-FSKl/Kl_Motorrad.htm (in german)
____________________
"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them - but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one. That is why they are dangerous."
Hunter S Thompson
clicky 4 bikey

[ProXimaCore]

Ah perfect. Just what I needed to know

There was me telling her she might be able to get a big bike now too. Och well.

25 till you can get an unrestricted license!? Well 20 if you do the restricted at 18. That's a bit harsh.


Oh aye, see those rumbly bumpy paint strips on the approach to roundabouts. Just wait till it rains and you're trying to brake fairly hard over them.

Oh the other thing about Germany is that they have nice concrete covered drain covers, unlike the UK.
____________________
Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[Clanger]

the rumble strips to roundabouts is due to be axed
the sideways nod thing (I do that...it often means Im just looking at the other bike but doubles as a nod..it works for me!)
lots of roundabouts...so you were in Milton Keynes or Basingstoke then???
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss