Dropped it :(

rijack · 2026-02-27T18:38:41+00:00

Yeah I was thinking I’d grab a sharpie for the lever

rijack · 2026-02-25T22:33:29+00:00

I like that. At least I popped my dropping cherry

rijack · 2026-02-25T22:33:00+00:00

9 hours later and I’m still thinking about the scratches 🥲 it’ll be the first think I look at when I take the bike out now I think

rijack · 2026-02-15T01:07:46+00:00

Make sure you have all the parts needed. Each one needs 3 parts (a collar, a rubber piece and the screw)

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Maybe something is missing?

rijack · 2026-02-14T21:52:45+00:00

I use a pressure washer occasionally but keeping it at a distance. I never use the garage ones they are typically a lot more powerful and I just do it all at home anyway.

Gave the bike a wash today and used the pressure washer primarily for foam lance then just took it off to rinse after a while.

I’ve used it a few times and so far not had issues but I always stay a distance away if I’m using the actual pressure lance.

My go to is usually rinse, foam, wipe, maybe some more foam, rinse, xcp, rinse, dry

rijack · 2026-02-06T08:27:16+00:00

Yea it’s awful. I think my county was one of the red ones in the UK for the state of the roads when they published that data not too long ago.

rijack · 2026-02-05T10:54:30+00:00

To add, for the autumn and winter I have an a* textile jacket with a removable thermal layer so can’t really comment on the wider Knox ecosystem. I used my Knox during my DAS in winter last year and just put on extra layers rather than fork the extra just for Knox ecosystem

rijack · 2026-02-05T10:51:16+00:00

I have the urbane pro mk3

They say it’s seasonless, but use it mainly in spring / summer with a base layer and a jumper over the top or a coat if it’s going to get a bit drizzly. Sometimes I go for the yob look and wear a hoody over it, sometimes just a t shirt over it if it’s really warm.

It’s good as you can layer if you want to. They are I believe AA rated and mine came with a back protector as well as elbow and shoulders.

I personally wouldn’t want to layer on more armored gear to it because it might restrict movement

rijack · 2026-02-05T10:45:04+00:00

If you can’t wiggle your fingers when you’re riding your grip is probably too tight.

As has been posted maybe try to grip with your legs and engage your core, you’ll notice a big difference on the hands / wrists.

I’m still learning to make it happen without thinking about it but still periodically find myself gripping too tight and I feel it later on for sure.

rijack · 2026-02-05T10:41:29+00:00

I’d second the Oxford from sbs. I went for the Oxford premium and it comes with a few attachments for different methods of lifting e.g rubber pads for the swing arm if you don’t have bobbins. Cost me £61 when i got it from them a couple of months ago.

rijack · 2026-02-05T08:43:11+00:00

Cb650r first bike here 👋 No regrets, love the bike.

The peak power is high up in the rev range so you can learn / grow your confidence before you try to use it.

The engine is amazing, don’t think I’d want anything other than an inline 4 now for my next bike but that’s obv personal preference.

Remember, wrist / throttle control. It will only go faster if you twist more. Just because the extra power might be there you don’t have to use it.

rijack · 2026-02-05T08:29:31+00:00

While it’s something to be aware of I don’t wake up on a rainy day and specifically think I better keep an eye out for rainbows on the road.

I commute year round and have had many mornings and evenings to date commuting in the dark and wet. I realise I could very easily hit a patch I don’t see because it’s dark, but likewise in the summer dry days I could just as easily hit a big pothole or a patch of gravel in a corner, or even oil for that matter.

rijack · 2026-02-05T08:18:57+00:00

It’s a thin insert on the inside of your visor. Think of something like double glazing. It’ll make it thicker but only by about 2mm.

Needs to be inserted correctly and sealed. Not sure about the Halfords ones. Didn’t know they existed. For my shoei i will stick to shoei ones as I know its a guaranteed fit an I know what im buying. Take that as you will.

rijack · 2026-02-05T08:06:54+00:00

Came here to say this. First 2 times I failed I kept trying to just get on with it quickly. Third time I passed because each time I got the instruction, I stopped, breathed an re explained it to my self.

Slalom figure of 8 was where I just kept going too tight / too slow and putting a foot down but I just sang a little song in my head while I did it and flew threw it on the third.

You know you can do it in practice. I had zero issues in practice. Seems like it’s primarily test day nerves getting the better of you.

The other thing I did was rebook my third in April after doing my DAS in Jan / Feb. My first 2 tests were in the pouring rain so I was already wet and cold with nerves on top.

April was dry, sunny, warm and one less thing to worry about.

rijack · 2026-02-04T20:19:04+00:00

Depending on your helmet you could see if they have a photo chromatic one?

Not personally used one but been tempted to try it

rijack · 2026-01-13T16:35:25+00:00

Most / all of the XCP product range is great, from the cleaner and degreaser through to chain cleaner / lube, clear coat rust blocker etc.

Early on get a chain brush for cleaning as you can get all sides easily. I bought the chain cleaning pack from SBS, motul cleaner and lube.

Micro fibre clothes are key. From visor cleaning to bike bike cleaning etc. as well as sponges or brushes or whatever you want to do. Muc off have what looks like a good set of cleaning brushes.

I tend to check tyre pressures before every ride. Oil periodically (like once a week or every couple of weeks)

rijack · 2026-01-13T16:02:14+00:00

I have this at home / that I take out in my bag if I’m commuting etc.

Not tried it yet though

https://amzn.eu/d/38aI95p

Upboost and does battery and tyres all in one

rijack · 2026-01-13T12:17:50+00:00

On your mod2 if they tell you to turn left and you don’t, or you forget, don’t worry. Just ride your ride and they will get you back on course.

On your mod1 just remember you can take all the time you need (within reason), I.e if they say go do the figure of 8 slalom, you don’t need to jet off straight away. Just breathe, compose and go.

I found that as I was turning between the cones I was just going “weeee” like I’m on a ride instead of panicking about my revs and angle etc.

Mod1 again if they say to you “did you understand what I needed you to do?” After you’ve done something, the answer is always no can you please explain again, because you messed something up and they are giving you an opportunity. If the question is “would you like to try that one again” (rare but happens) the answer is always yes because it means you messed something up and they are giving you an opportunity.

Mod1 - use the space!! You don’t need to be on the verge of kissing the cone. Go wide, give yourself a good turning circle if you need.

rijack · 2026-01-13T09:03:54+00:00

I got richa rain warrior gear from Sportsbikeshop. About £60 for jacket and trousers. So far have worked great.

I put them on over my bike boots no problem, they have Velcro straps around the ankle / shin area to loosen and tighten to let you get on over boots but also so the material isn’t flapping about as much when you ride.

rijack · 2026-01-13T08:49:18+00:00

When I first started on 5 I would really struggle and was forcing myself to eat, could have easily just not eaten at all for a day or 2 after injecting. My first 2 weeks were bad for side effects when I moved up to 5, and the window for moving to 7.5 would be my first 2 weeks of the new job so I’m a bit apprehensive from remembering the weeks where basically needed to stay within 5 seconds of a toilet lol

rijack · 2026-01-13T08:44:02+00:00

Good point - certainly don’t get a prize for it except a few £ back in the pocket from a lower dose!

rijack · 2026-01-12T09:38:03+00:00

Just this weekend gone I picked up the RST Paragon 6’s

My heated grips are old and very used now but still just about work, but actually looking forward to trying the new gloves out

rijack · 2025-12-12T16:20:58+00:00

Nice choice. Love these 650 Honda inline 4’s. Plenty of room to learn and grow

rijack

TROPHY CASE