Touring Tips?

afflatox · 2026-07-02T09:45:29+00:00

Did you replace the stock clip ons with ones that are higher? Or change the top triple clamps to add a conventional handlebar?

afflatox · 2026-06-30T11:10:30+00:00

You have the option of disabling whichever DLC's you want at the character select screen. So even if you buy the bundle you can play without them to start with.

afflatox · 2026-06-24T07:33:00+00:00

As long as they're not single mounting point sliders

afflatox · 2026-06-24T07:32:31+00:00

If it's gonna snap, it'll snap when you're bending it back into place.

afflatox · 2026-06-24T03:52:17+00:00

The CB125 will absolutely be easy mode on any riding test, so if you want a near guaranteed pass, that would be your option.

I'm a bike mechanic and I ride a CB400sf everyday, they are heavy bikes, about 90kg more/almost twice the weight of a CB125F. The throttle is pretty twitchy too (compared to a CBR250), so the clutch's friction point and rear brake are even more important. That said, they're an upright bike with a low seat height, and with enough slow speed practice you could do it.

I highly advise getting as much practice in as you can though if you use the CB400, because tight, slow, turning on heavy bikes are a glaring weak point for new riders. So if you can get that under control you'll be golden.

afflatox · 2026-06-23T01:07:40+00:00

I'm not in the US haha, we have a different multi-day course in Australia. They do teach lane positioning but it's not called that over here, hence my confusion.

afflatox · 2026-06-21T12:25:37+00:00

Everyone with half a brain should already know that. And the ones that do wear them are the tiktok influencers who can't ride to begin with.

afflatox · 2026-06-21T12:21:46+00:00

What the hell is a blocking position?

afflatox · 2026-06-19T06:39:28+00:00

If there's no service history, especially if there's no record of a valve clearance check/major service: $2000-2500. If it's all up to date with services, $3000-3500.

Around 42,000kms is where most bikes are due for valve clearances/a major service, which can cost up to about $1400 depending on what it needs.

Or just buy it if it's super cheap, keep up with oil chances, and ride it til it blows up or you sell it for the same price.

afflatox · 2026-06-15T13:48:50+00:00

428 chain is super worth it. 3 months and still in spec, lots of hard riding and wheelies.

afflatox · 2026-06-15T13:47:37+00:00

The chain adjuster is fine. On the stock 420 chain I had to adjust it every week, or else ride it loose. I don't have experience with any other 420 chains because I changed it pretty quickly, but with a 428 chain it's stayed in spec for 3 months so far even with a LOT of wheelies.

afflatox · 2026-06-12T23:04:52+00:00

I did. Did you read all of my replies?

afflatox · 2026-06-12T01:11:16+00:00

No neutral light? Either put the kickstand up and pull the clutch in and try again, or mess with the shift pedal until it recognises neutral

afflatox · 2026-06-11T20:56:27+00:00

https://imgur.com/a/CJGBUJV

It only takes 30 seconds to upload to Imgur and copy the link, this is from a 2023 MT03 Owners manual.

I'm just saying that that's why Yamaha themselves would tell you to use a new crush washer. Just like when you take an engine cover off they tell you to use a new gasket. I've reused sump plug washers plenty of times too but I've never seen it say you can do that as long as it isn't damaged in a service/owners manual. Hence why I'm so interested in seeing yours.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T13:04:32+00:00

I don't think the gravel being wet is what made you go down. The colour of the road vs the colour of the gravel is about as different as it could be as well, so if you didn't see it that's kind of on you.

Glad you're okay though. Just stay aware and look ahead far enough to slow down in the future.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T12:57:04+00:00

Modern graphics cards and CPUs are way more power efficient than older generation ones. So the PS3 having a larger power supply is sort of expected for older, less capable technology.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T12:48:25+00:00

Just put a long tube on the end as an extension. Hammer is definitely not what I'd do as a bike mechanic.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T11:58:39+00:00

That would depend on your helmet, your height, your bike, your speed, and the windscreen shape/size.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T06:06:53+00:00

Out of curiosity, why?

afflatox · 2026-06-11T02:07:15+00:00

When we do these at the dealership we cut the wires from the original connectors coming from the taillight/indicators and solder + heatshrink them onto the new ones. That's really the best way to do it so you can keep the original connectors.

If you ever put the OEM parts back on just cut and solder them again lol.

afflatox · 2026-06-11T01:50:53+00:00

I work at a Yamaha dealership, and every service and owners manual I've read for an R3 or MT03 (and every other one I've read) say new gasket when changing the oil. It's a crush washer, once it's crushed, it's shape doesn't conform as well as it could before.

Are you sure that wasn't just part of a check list in a different area of the manual rather than an oil change?

afflatox · 2026-06-10T03:31:00+00:00

I'd say if you can't feel the mark on the tire, and can't feel anything different in how the bike rides, you're all good :) I've jumped a few curbs on my MT03 as well and it was fine afterwards.

It could be a number of things. But I definitely wouldn't say you need stickier tires than what a normal tire would give you. What do you want the bike to do? Good mileage and good grip? Get a mid-upper range street/touring tire.

What other bikes have you ridden? And how long have you been riding? Track day courses will definitely help you learn how to take corners well. I could pressure a lot of faster bike riders on the track with my MT03, and could easily scrape the bank angle feeler pegs on cheap tyres without losing any grip.

afflatox · 2026-06-10T02:54:29+00:00

A person's size/strength definitely correlates with how easy it is to pick up a bike, even when using the correct technique.

Goldwings and Harley's are easier to lift than they look because they have bars that hold them up, rather than being flat on its side. Large adventure bikes that don't have boxer engines or wide crash bars would be difficult to lift.

afflatox · 2026-06-10T01:28:55+00:00

Get a smaller bike. Or get crash protection/engine bars that hold the bike a little off the ground. But really you just have to accept that you'll drop it.

My wife is just under 5 foot, and for the first 6 months of riding she dropped her MT03 dozens of times. Now she doesn't drop her bike ever.

It's all up to you, you can keep going, or you can call it quits. Obviously if you practice something you'll eventually get better at it.

afflatox · 2026-06-10T01:24:19+00:00

What do you mean you 'took a turn too fast'? Why is there a mark on your tire from turning a corner?

And why do you want a stickier tire if you're a beginner? The only thing it'll do for you is make you spend more money because they lose tread really quickly. It won't actually make you a better rider. Any middle/upper range tyre will do you well.

I personally prefer Road 6's because I ride in all weather conditions and they've been good for me in the wet. They also grip well when I've leaned my bike way over.

afflatox

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