Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Nails!

I've just booked a 5-day course for March to get my license, now that the CBT and theory are out of the way. I remember spending the whole day being bloody freezing during the CBT, despite wearing everything I could find in the house, so I think I'd better do some shopping.

Basically, I won't be getting a bike straight away, I'm just getting the licence sorted now. So I don't really want to spend too much. I've got a leather jacket that my dad used years ago and I'm going to pile all the merino I own on underneath that, and I've got a neck warmer. What gloves should I get?

I'll be wearing jeans - not ideal, I know, but I can't really justify buying leathers - and probably some Uniqlo long-johns. What about boots? Is there a decent/cheap/warm pair anyone can recommend?

Also, should I buy my own helmet rather than using the test centre's? I'm a bit lost with all this, to be honest, so any help would be much appreciated. My course is booked for March 2nd so I've got a bit of time.

Sparky if you want it and can pick it up from Bethnal Green you can have my old Frank Thomas black leather jacket for nowt. Size 44 chest, 2 zips for varying fatness/jumpers underneath, etc. removable liner, zip to connect it to FT trousers. Elbow armour, space for shoulder armour, foam back protector.

^Is Benny Hill coming on the next trip to France?

oi! that's pure sex that is!

Blue Quinn, I'd really appreciate that. I have/had one - somewhere - but no idea where, so I may not find it before my test.

I may have time to pop out shopping after work for gloves/helmet. Does anyone know where I should go? I'm in Victoria.

If you have time to get down to Greenwich there's a branch of J&S accessories which do cheap helmets, boots, gloves, etc.

That's not the BQ I know, the one I know takes the 254 bus, not some funky Triumph...

Sparky, I have some leather trousers you can have - I'm about the same size as you. You'd have to pick up in Brixton

They're not bumless chaps, are they? If not, that'd be a-mazing.

They're not bumless chaps, are they? If not, that'd be a-mazing.

You're confusing me with coppi...

No, a regular pair of Hein Gerricke leather trousers, knee sliders and braces optional.

That would be brilliant, thanks Markyboy. I'm just down the road in Tooting, when should I swing round?

Whenever suits, if you give me a bit of notice. Evenings are good, Wednesdays in particular. Give me a shout. Pm'd my number

If you have time to get down to Greenwich there's a branch of J&S accessories which do cheap helmets, boots, gloves, etc.

I think they closed down and it's now a sainsbury or tesco express, there was already a somerfield / coop there opposite the parking lot...

L

That would be brilliant, thanks Markyboy. I'm just down the road in Tooting, when should I swing round?

If Mark's leather trousers don't fit you, I have a pair (zip needs repairing though) that you are welcome to have. I would imagine I am "fatter" than Mark...

Loic

After spending an undisclosed amount on some new parts I pulled the bike apart to install them.
Discovered a hidden connection was fucked, put new connectors on and now it seems like all the tests are coming up as they should. I feel stupid for wasting the money but awesome for discovering and fixing the problem and learning alot about my bike in the process.

If you have time to get down to Greenwich there's a branch of J&S accessories which do cheap helmets, boots, gloves, etc.

Its a sainsbury's local now....it moved to Eltham.

Awseome - you got a link where that came from

Re the beemer above. Sorry for the annoying link, Anyone know if you can link direct to a flickr image?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16898783@N04/6678664133/

got it.

that beemer is awesome. Is that a 1200gs? It looks the nuts but i'm not convinced my long legs would bend round those cylinder heads to make it to the pegs. I could live with it though.

As for cold weather gloves, I got a pair of those lobster type gloves which are like mittens but with a split down the middle so you have 2 fingers in each 'finger' if you know what i mean. They are pretty good, warmer than any other i've had. I think they were only 25 quid on ebay or something, maybe worth a look.

B.

got it.

You should be acustomed to see that kind of thing on this forum. This is cooler than the average beer can, brick or whatever people support their fixies on though.

Is that a turbo on the Beemer? Looks brutal.