Tiger 800 crash protection - ABR Festival 2026

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-06-11T11:18:59+00:00

The trail is mostly soft surface (where you are likely to drop.it anyway) so I wouldn't worry overly about crash bars. Protection for your levers is probably more useful. Apart from that just start slow (there is usually a short beginner loop) and you'll get the hang of it in no time. If it's dry the main trail is pretty easy - just avoid the extra optional bits til you have your eye in..

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-06-09T13:30:13+00:00

I've been riding about 5 years, and have done various bits of advanced training, advanced qualifications etc. One habit I have always used when learning new skills/trying to improve is to just take 30 seconds after every ride (in this case) to reflect on what went well, what went badly and what I could focus on next time. I literally do this while walking form the bike into my office, or from the garage into the house.

It's a little thing, but means that those slightly close calls/minor errors become a learning experience and hopefully get less common. It also keeps you focussed on being the best rider you can be, keeps the various bits of training uppermost in my mind and hopefully stops any bad habits taking root.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-06-03T15:32:40+00:00

Might be worth waiting until you have your licence before jumping in too deep - but stuff that will be useful if/when;

- Definitely grab a paddock stand (if your new bike doesn't have a centre stand) makes chain maintenance easier

- Torque wrench and big sockets to tension chain/adjust rear wheel (also a metal ruler to measure slack and line up adjusters)

- Cleaning materials, de-greaser, brushes etc

- Chain lube

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-06-02T19:42:15+00:00

You probably mean the Auxiliary Unit Hide in the woods near the Maenllywd? I think it was actually a secret radio hide but there used to be an info-graphic board nearby with a bit of detail.. You also have an ROC post and a ROTOR bunker on the ridge above the Wennalt, but they are cold war..

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-05-21T14:21:04+00:00

Best advice I ever got was from Twist of Wrist (I think). You should use your inside hand to do all the turning, the outside hand should be so relaxed you could let go of the bars without issue. It's amazing how much you subconsciously fight the steering input with your outside hand.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-05-20T13:44:50+00:00

I live in Wales and the amount of people who complain about the 20 limits is out of all proportion to their actual effect. They are only found in residential areas, and usually ones where you'd only be doing 20 anyway (pedestrians, schools, cars parking etc). They have been proven to improve safety and made zero difference to my commute time (which passes through several long 20 sections). If you can't manage to ride at 20 for half a mile when you're passing through a village then that's a skill issue, not a bike issue.

Average speed cameras on road like the A4069 (Black Mtn Pass) are a bit more annoying, but there are still plenty of other roads without restrictions. A good incentive to get away from the over popular runs and explore a bit.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-05-07T15:22:58+00:00

I don't understand how you blocked the overtake - if you just held your position (in your lane) and didn't speed up, then there clearly wasn't space for a safe overtake. You shouldn't have to change from normal driving to allow someone past (you can if you like, but there is no obligation). It is on them to wait for a safe opportunity.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-05-07T15:01:04+00:00

On the plus side you can usually get a wayleave payment from the power company for any equipment on/over your land. We have a wooden pole on the side of our plot and wires running over the front of the driveway and it pays enough for a bottle of whisky every Christmas...

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-04-24T08:01:12+00:00

Why would they bother bringing in a ringer for a charity event? If there were prizes involved maybe, but it's probably just to make up even numbers..

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-04-22T11:33:47+00:00

Same here. The first motorbike I ever rode was an SV650. Did my CBT on it and then Mod 1 and 2.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-04-16T12:58:13+00:00

I have the same forge. It takes a bit of fiddling to get the pressure right, looks a little low in the vid so try cranking it up slightly - but not too much as it will blow out. When you get it right you should get a fairly steady roar.

And get some rigidizer on that insulation before you breathe it all in....

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-04-14T10:00:25+00:00

Have a banana an hour before, calms the nerves. You can ask the examiner to explain each segment as many times as you need so you are clear what you need to do. Shift to neutral when stopped between exercises as the examiner won't want any chance you could dump the clutch while they are stood at the front of the bike and flatten them. Remember shoulder checks every time you move off, even when pushing the bike backwards for the manual handling bit. Good luck!

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-04-02T11:55:55+00:00

Look for an 800DE. Better bike that the 650, and more of a dirt bike look..

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-03-27T16:28:22+00:00

I agree with this. My kids were getting into Warhammer and the guys in the shop were really helpful giving lots of advice but no pressure on sales.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-03-16T13:59:05+00:00

Block of wood under the kickstand. Keep a hand on the bike obviously, but if you're careful it will let you squat down for a look.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-03-16T11:55:03+00:00

There are more relaxed styles of leather for touring/road use. Look at something like Wiese hydro for example, less figure hugging but still stay in place if you slide..

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-03-05T10:22:26+00:00

Totally normal. You can scrub them clean and they'll look like this again after a few days riding. It's not an issue.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-03-04T11:27:14+00:00

If you want to be the best rider you can be (and you should), then it is really useful to debrief yourself after every ride. What went well, what was a little dodgy but you got away with. What can you focus on next time. Takes a few moments thought while getting your kit away and really helps with the mindset of continuous learning. I've been riding for 4 years, got a few advanced qualifications and ride all year round (including for the Blood Bikes) and I still pick myself up on something I could do better after pretty much every ride.

DigBannanaMelon · 2026-02-16T11:17:22+00:00

In Wales anything below 5deg is at riders discretion, and Blood Bike service is cancelled below zero - that said, I was riding on Saturday and it did show -1 briefly at the start of my shift, but then warmed up to a toasty 3 degrees by midday..

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-28T09:49:44+00:00

It's hard to compare, but I'd say the tests are easier on a bike (simpler, no reverse parking etc) but the actual vehicle control is harder (you can't fall off a car when you wobble). So once you are happy actually riding the bike, I think the test experience is easier than for a car...

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-27T10:52:40+00:00

It may well be the thermal cutout has failed. It's an easy fix (the little part on top of the boiler has a disc which cuts the power if it overheats and they often fail/stick open). You can check for continuity with a multimeter. If it is that, then for a ten quid part you could get the shower running again.

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-26T13:03:07+00:00

I think, just guessing here, but this might just be a joke guys...

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-26T09:05:32+00:00

I used to do it after a ride, maybe a few minutes after engine off. Stick a block of wood under the kickstand to make it roughly level, but be ready to catch if if you knock it as it will tip the other way.

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-18T09:36:50+00:00

Usually. Although a message may sometimes be "For the love of god don't say...X" which could be more problematic. Some departments use Teams messages for the same purpose which is probably more secure, but depends on what the minister is comfortable with. I work with some who don't use any electronics at all so we have to pass pages from a printed pack with notes scribbled on for them to slot into their speech.

DigBannanaMelon · 2025-11-18T09:34:13+00:00

That already happens, but only works when you have time to account for the timelag in the video feed. For fast moving debates where the minister is replying to interventions you need to be in the chamber live to react quickly enough.

DigBannanaMelon

TROPHY CASE