(Part 2) Best products from r/MotoUK

Shamelessly stealing /u/xpurplexamyx's formatting because it's very good.

Boots

• Forma Adventure - Super comfortable boots that I can wear all day. They get a bit sweaty though and on hot days I wish I had the short version as my calves get too warm.
  
• TCX X-Blend - Good for a more casual look, but still sweaty on warmer days due to the waterproof liner. I do prefer these on warmer days as my calves are at least free to breath, but I only use them on shorter trips.
  
  Gloves
  
  
• Oxford Convoy - Waterproof lightweight gloves. Good for warmer days that are wet but no armor to speak of. Bought as an impulse buy as I really needed some waterproof gloves before the weather had got cold and they were cheap in a local shop.
  
• Weise Street Fight - My summer gloves bit they're alright if it gets a bit cold. Not waterproof but I have never got wet hands with them on and I wear them even when it rains (like today). Having hand guards might help with that though.
  
• Richa Artic - Winter/cold gloves that are waterproof. They work well and are fairly warm, though my fingertips still get cold. On really wet days the outer gets quite soggy and they are hard to get back on. I would still buy them again though.
  
  Clothing
  
  
• Rev'It Poseidon jacket + trousers - Perfect. Has kept me 100% dry and warm throughout winter and has enough ventilation on warmer days. I did get a bit hot on the Sunday just gone when at a standstill but once moving it was much better. I only ever wear a t-shirt under the jacket and my liners have been out for a couple of months now. Perfect for pretty much any weather in this country.
  
• Rev'it Axis over trousers - Absolutely brilliant for wet commutes. They zip all the way down the side of the leg and you can get them on/off even when wearing the big Forma boots. They have never let any water in which I find amazing considering the zip runs the length of the leg.
  
• Richa Bonneville jacket - A more casual jacket that I haven't used too much as I've found the Poseidon isn't actually too bad in looks. Nice and warm in winter and not too hot on warmer days, though I've not tried it on hot days. Kept me dry in light rain but not tested it more than that.
  
• RST Wax Aramid Fibre Jeans - Casual trousers that I wear to work on dry days and on shorter journeys. They are pretty warm for a pair of jeans but I do worry about the level of protection compared to higher end jeans. The side pockets are too small and I can't even fit my wallet in them!
  
  Base layers
  
  
• T-shirt for the top, or a shirt for commuting days. Nothing under the trousers unless it's a wet commute then I wear a normal pair of jeans under the Axis trousers.
  
  Ear protection
  
  
• Pinlock Earplugs - They fit great off the bike (the medium ones feel loose, the large perfect). As soon as I put my helmet on the large are SUPER uncomfortable and gave me ear ache. The mediums I only tried once, the left was great, the right felt too loose like it had fallen out. I feel like I am using them wrong given /u/xpurplexamyx's review.
  
  Helmet
  
  
• Caberg Vox - First helmet bought because it had a sun visor, was cheap, and had 5 star SHARP rating. I don't think it is sold anymore but it did the job. Airflow was pretty poor and I bought a size too big with my noobness. Worked for a first helmet though.
  
• Caberg Duke - My second helmet. It's OK for what it is, again it's a cheap (for a flip front) helmet with 5 star SHARP rating. A bit noisy and it got pretty loose after a while but the size down didn't fit me. Good if you need a cheap flip front and I am happy to use it as a second helmet.
  
• Shoei GT Air - Brilliant helmet full of features. It deserves the word air in the title, the breeze across the top of your head is so strong it actually styles your hair into 3/4 mini mohawks! Also it looks fucking badass in yellow with a dark smoke visor.
  
  Other stuff
  
  
• Lomo Dry Bag Daysack 30L - Cheaper than motorcycle specific backpacks and does what it's supposed to. Nothing fancy, just one big area to chuck stuff into and a zip pocket on the front. Has stayed dry through anything I have ridden in so far.
  
• Buff that I had laying around from when I used to cycle to uni in winter.
  
  Security
  
  
• Oxford Boss disk lock - Not had any of the problems that /u/xpurpleamyx mentioned so I guess that could mean it's a bit of a lucky dip when buying these. No idea what to say other than it has worked for me so far.
  
• Almax Immobiliser Series IV Uber + Squire SS65CS Lock - A beast of a chain and lock. I use this to lock the bike to the Torc ground anchor when at home. I sleep well at night knowing my pride and joy is protected by this. Well worth the cost.
  
• Oxford Hardcore XL Chain - Used for the second bike. The padlock can be hard to get the key into sometimes but otherwise works well. I am worried about how much security it actually gives me but the second bike is better protected in terms of location so it doesn't need an Almax.
  
• Oxford HD Chain - My out and about chain as I found the Hardcore XL too heavy to put in a backpack. Still weighs a bit too much but it is bearable. Pretty sure this won't stop anyone but I try and park next to someone with worse security and a more desirable bike anyway. Nothing more than a deterrent. I don't use the supplied padlock as I am pretty sure I could sneeze and it would open. Instead I lock it with the Boss disc lock.
  
• Torc Ground Anchor - A beast of a ground anchor that can be fitted to a wall. It does it's job and any attacker would have a hell of a job getting through it. Nothing fancy, just a big beefy anchor.
  
• Oxford Brute Force Ground Anchor - For the second bike, I am genuinely worried at how quick an attacked could get through this. Luckily to get to the bike any potential thief would have to make quite a bit of noise so it's just a deterrent.
  
  Want list
  
  
• New gloves. The Weise gloves get uncomfortable after a few hours and give me blisters.
  
• New boots. Some that don't make my feet sweat so much on warm days.
  
• Too much to list.

It's a fantastic bike, especially for commuting-type stuff. Dead easy to move around traffic. And as /u/SlitheryBuggah says, as bulletproof as they come.

I'm also 175cm tall, for what it's worth, and it's fine height-wise. The saddle is not especially comfy for longer trips but I have a weak butt for this sort of thing so you may well be fine.

Little bikes can be a huge amount of fun in twisties. It'll get up to 60mph or close to it, and you'll be slamming through gears and feeling like you're going super fast, without actually going super fast. You can definitely have fun with one of these.

As for motorways - actually totally doable, but you'll feel the lack of speed! The most I've done is a 180 mile round trip in a day. The thing which makes a big difference is adding a windscreen. Get one of these, slap it on the handlebars (easily removed whenever you want to) and it'll help a lot with going at motorway speeds. You won't be able to power along at 80 or anything, but you'll be able to maintain over 60mph no problem. Fastest I've ever been on mine was 71mph but usually it cruises at around 63-64mph on motorways.

Pointed out that windscreen specifically as there's a website for a bunch of CG125 information and it's super handy - but appears to be down! The same website author has done this site which has a link to the CG125 website. Fortunately, the Internet Wayback Macine exists - link for the CG125 page! Would suggest having a good browse through this website, so much handy information. Pro-tip: Look at the RPM to MPH guide, since the CG125 doesn't have a tachometer.

I'm actually going to be handing off my CG125 to my sister shortly, since I bought my V-Strom pretty much straight after my CG125, I want another second bike, and my garage only has space for two bikes in it... But that doesn't change the fact that it's an amazing bike. It'll serve you well :)

Unlike a lot of people here, I'll actually give some good advice.

People who say "quit being a bitch", obviously never rode regular rides with women. My girlfriend does like to ride pillion, but she does complain that it's hard to look good for an outing. The helmet messes up her hair, makeup, etc.

I have a Coolmax Skull Cap or helmet liner that I bought from the US a long time ago for a tenner. It looks something like this. I like it a lot. Look for helmet liners that cyclists use. For girls with longer hair, they may prefer a buff. In particular, my girlfriend wears stud earrings, and the buff is nice in that it covers her ears. She does look like she's wearing a hijab when she puts it on though.

None of these are really going to perfectly preserve your hair. It's best to also try a better hair product. I haven't used gel for literally decades since it's too crunchy and shiny. For me, gel is a very school-boy thing to use. Wax is too shiny. The best hair product I've used is American Crew Forming Cream which does well in helmets.

My YBR has much the same issue. In the warmer months, she would start on the button in a fraction of a second. I found when we had a few rainy nights and the damp on the bike chilled the engine components, she would take between 1-2 seconds to turn over and even then, the smell from the automatic choke wasn't pleasant - it was definitely compensating for being a cold start. This obviously requires more juice from the battery as well, so the cold and the (relatively) small battery combined made it difficult.

I got me a rather expensive bike cover online to help insulate and protect the bike from the elements as it got further into winter. I didn't want her rusting or getting wet - I'm quite keen to keep the YBR - so it seemed a good investment. Unless it's a silly cold night, the bike now starts on the button every time in that same fraction of a second that was in the summer. It also protects the various parts against the elements which I would always recommend.

So that helps for sure. Get a cheaper cover if you don't want to fork out the £££ for the StormEx, but a lined/insulated cover definitely helps in the early mornings.

Going back to the battery needing extra oomph to cold start, riding 15 minutes isn't really enough to boost that battery charge. You need to get the revs nice and high and warm that engine up. You will put more energy back into the battery that way and I think that combined with a cover will sort you out. Certainly did for me. If you're daily commute is always going to be 15 minutes then take the bike out later in the day when it's not so cold and give it a run up a ring road or something, get those pistons working.

The extra hastle of putting an insulated cover on every night/taking it off every morning is definitely worth it.

Protip - the StormEx (if you are tempted) is one hefty bugger of fabric, so be careful when pulling it over number plates, wingmirrors, indicators etc!

Edit: Just realized you already have a cover and you live in Cardiff. I use my cover all the time, even if the bike is already wet. It keeps it drier than if you wouldn't and leaving rainwater on the bike overnight to chill the components is not good, especially on such a small machine. My covers purpose isn't so much to keep the rain off, but keep it a bit more insulated than if it were out in the open. I live over the bridge in Bristol so conditions are very similar for you and I.

Hey. Thanks for the reply!

1. everything seems ok. I almost dont want to change it as it runs so much better now but just seems odd and wouldn't want to stack it going round a bend if it jerks the revs. I am hoping a bit of cable lube may help. I bought the bike on 9k miles having never had a service but done everything myself.
   
   
2. ok great. I thought the screw effected fuel/air balance but is that only at idle? No harm with it being loosed as much as it will go?
   
   
3. the fluid level is full, I dont even see the top in the reservoir. I did change the pads pushing the piston back in which pushed it back above the minimum line.
   
   
4. I'll try voncheeseburgers recommendation before bringing in the heavies haha.
   
   
5. yes sure. It's this one Ape Motorbike Handlebars - 22mm (7/8") for Scramblers, Brat Bikes & Street Bikes - Black Alloy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077SYC9Z9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pFzXDbA4XEA42 . It's not quite half height but in place it certainly feels it. You can just see the ends in the pics, its threaded like it accepts a bolt.
   
   
6. thanks! I'll open it up to confirm!

I'm a new rider as well and had much the same conditions as you in mind I went with these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Texpeed-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Trousers-Armour/dp/B01N5TFNQB/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3JOZ8BAYU1IY8&dchild=1&keywords=texpeed+motorcycle+trousers&qid=1571946080&sprefix=texpeed%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-11

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Texpeed-Visibility-Waterproof-Armoured-Motorcycle/dp/B004O9Y6DU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=texspeed+jacket&qid=1571946125&s=clothing&sr=1-1-catcorr

I've done 50mph in slashing rain in them (for well over an hour) and nothing got wet but my feet (I haven't sorted boots yet, I'm using some magnum 'waterproof' combat boots I already had).

The reviews on amazon for both are stellar with people getting multiple winters/20,000 miles out of a set and at that price if I fuck them in a winter that's fine.

Both have removable liners and are warm enough that in 8C-10C I've took the liners out the trousers and ride with just the pads in (also removable).

I've been out in rain as much as possible the last week (gotta get used to riding it shitty conditions on quiet roads) and never once felt remotely cold (except around the back of neck between top of jacket and bottom of helmet but I've one of these on the way :- https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FCNF3P2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for that.

Helmet wise after a low sun into a foggy visor I relegated the one that came with the bike to "if I drop the good helmet" status and replaced it today with one of these :-

https://www.caberg.it/_LOCAL/_src/images/theme/casco-caberg/DK/MaB/1.jpg (Caberg Duke II).

It was the only 5 SHARP (government testing scheme for helmets) that was modular (flip front) and in budget (it is/was on offer on sportsbikedirect).

Initial impressions from using it today is, damn a decent helmet makes all the difference in wet/cold weather.

Since I know nothing about anything I've been using online reviews, ratings (and reading the good and the bad) to figure out what I think I need with the expectation I'll get some of it wrong.

the SHARP website (for helmets) is fucking brilliant though - amazing government was involved ;).

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

Someone on here recommended the oxford rainseal stuff over the top of your normal riding gear as an extra water/wind barrier and to keep the stuff underneath drier if you are using it daily, they seem reasonably priced.

Bootswise the guy at the local honda dealership recommended the boots I'm going to get (forget the brand/model sadly) (expected him to recommend the expensive ones and he didn't he recommended some around 65 quid which are popular with the commuters, honestly those guys are awesome since they don't* push you to the expensive stuff but what fits what you ask for).

Hey dude, not sure if this is unsolicited advice but I passed my theory this Thurday just gone and wanted to share what I did as I'd love to see you passed too and we both realise the dream of a big bike!

I bought and read this book front to back, including all the practice questions https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/011553492X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It does seem like overkill but will leave you in good stead for all the questions.

For the hazard perception part I bought a weeks pass from the DVLA site https://www.dvsalearningzone.co.uk/

It is around 7 quid, forget the practice clips and go straight for the practice tests. They are in the new format, the CGI versions, as opposed to the practice clips the old videos filmed from the front of a car. Remember you can click around 5 times per hazard - I clicked around this many times about 1 second apart when I saw a hazard in the test and passed with 69/75.

Best of luck, you'll smash it!

1. Buy correct cable
   
   
2. Use one of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Lubecator-Lubricant-Motorcycle-Scooter/dp/B009YEYL0I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51BJMCRPNaL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=FQ2MVVEJDBY39SQKVDQH) and lube the cable or just take it a friendly local mechanic and ask nicely - it's a 2 minute job for them.
   
   
3. Disconnect current (old) clutch cable from both ends but keep it in place otherwise
   
   
4. Tape the gearbox end of the new clutch cable to the clutch lever end of the new cable and gently push it through until the new cable is in place of the old one. In some places it won't fit through the gaps/cable holders so you'll have to be patient and thoughtful doing this.
   
   
5. Now your new cable should be in position of your old cable and ready to fit into the clutch lever and gearbox connector. You can untape the old cable that should now be completely out of the bike.
   
   
6. Connect new cable at both ends and adjust.
   
   Will help you a lot of if you find a specific guide for your bike. Most forums that focus on specific bikes have them.
   
   Good luck

For ear plugs, I just got a pair of Etymotic low profile plugs and they're fantastic.

If you wanted earbuds then I've got a pair of Shure SE215 on the way, which are basically the same with the triple flange tips but will let me hear directions, to put in my own stocking.

For clothing, jackets and trousers are just a bit too big for santa's wallet so I reckon gloves or good socks and underwear are a reasonable ask. If you wanted to push the boat out a bit, a helmet, or some really fuckin good ass gloves.

I'm looking at Rev'it Taurus GTX as my winter hand sheaths of choice, but I would also like to be able to buy a decent-sized turkey for Xmas dinner instead of a robin.

Other accessories people (or you) may appreciate: bungee nets, paddock stands, ACF-50 (though seeing the forecast for this weekend perhaps Xmas is a bit late to save your metalwork), any good quality buff/snood from a ski/outdoor shop with a design you like on it, hi-viz or waterproof outers.

Helmet

• Shark Skawl Matador
  
  It's o.k., not bad enough to make me want to get rid of it now but not good enough for me to want to buy another. If you are thinking of getting one for the led shit, trust me. You will stop bothering to charge it inside a month.
  
  

  Jacket
  

  
  

• RST Blade Sports Textile
  
  Does the job, well unless the rain is really heavy then it mostly does the job.
  
  

  Trousers
  

  
  

• RST Blade Sport Textile
  
  

  Gloves
  

  Winter
  

• RST Blade Waterproof
  
  Pain in the arse to dry out when the water seeps into the finger tips.
  
  

  "Summer"
  

• IXS Carbon Mesh 3
  
  Mesh so gives a nice breeze with some knuckle protection, but that mesh obviously lets in the rain.
  
  

  Boot
  

• Alpinestars S-MX 6
  
  Love them, with the exception of the giant Alpinestar logo on the front but my textiles cover that.
  
  

  Base layers
  

• Superhero running shirts
  
  They are vcheap and are designed to help wick sweat away. I can also use them when running or at the gym.
  
  

  Security
  

  
  

• Oxford Screamer
  
• Full comprehensive insurance
  
  

  Accessories
  

• Sena 3S
  
  Cheap and cheerful bluetooth solution, microphones a bit shitty.
  
  
• GoPro HERO4 Silver
  
  Love the quality, on the fence about the battery life, hate the form factor.
  
  
• 3M Ear Classic Earplugs
  
  Better than Surefire EP7s I had before.
  
  Got my http://ultimateear.com/ plugs on order, they said 28 days for delivery 27 days ago so fingers crossed they turn up tomorrow.
  
  

  Wants
  

  
  

• Shoei GT AIR
  
• Weise Hydra WP Jacket
  
• Wiese Hydra WP Jeans
  
  Struggling to justify the upgrades, and not 100% sold on the Wiese stuff but can't seem to find any other leather gear that is
  
  

1. Waterproof with removable winter lining
   
2. Not plastered with logos or brand names.

I use an action cam myself and it works well for me; it's not specifically a motorcycle cam. But neither a gopro. I got a Sony FDR-X1000V. The remote is a nice gimmick and my GF plans on mounting hers to the bike, but I never really use it. Push the bit recording button on the top and it starts. It also has really good digital image stabilisation (and the follow up model optical stabilisation).

Having said that, I don't know how the newer Heros stack up against that, so take it with a grain of salt. But i can also relate to the bad battery life :| I took a page out of AnyManCam's book and stuck a battery pack on my helmet. (With two ports, so it also powers my intercom; which has a longer battery life than the camera, but not enough for long touring days.)

Yes, 'tis all faff, and dedicated biking cams might reduce it, but it has come in useful at times to be able to use a 'regular' action camera, with a 1/4"-20 thread and good IS.

I'm gonna play devil's advocate and say it's not uncommon for the first chain on a 125 to be neglected. I've done it, learned from it and my chains have never been better because of it. The amount of slack that can be pulled off the sprocket is not something that can be tightened. The amount of slack there shows the rollers are worn from abuse and not the garage's fault. To explain this better, the rollers are secured at the 12 and 6oclock position on the rear sprocket, they cannot slide about. The worn pins under the rollers increase the chain length, thus you can pull it off the chain. A good chain will not be worn and you cannot pull it off the chain.

What is important is how much freeplay there was between the 2 sprockets and this is what tells you if the garage did anything. If THAT is 1 inch at the tightest point then they did adjust it. As you have said your chain has multiple tight spots that says your chain is near end of life. Do not tighten it more than 1 inch of freeplay at its tightest spot as you'll damage your gearbox!

That chain was neglected by the previous owner so as a treat to your new chain, get some good chain cleaner ; a chain brush and some lube. Also if you have the budget, some Scott towels because they're really good. You can make it last 15K miles easily if you clean it regularly (600 miles normally, 100 in winter).

I'm not sure how much you know about cleaning chains but for your future benfit, you degrease it with cleaners, agitate it with a brush, wait then wash it all off and thoroughly dry it (I use scott towels as they're super strong and it'll get very dirty). Then sparingly apply the lube on the inside of the chain, between the rollers and the links.

Chain will last so long everyone will be amazed. You'll show your buddies who will marvel at how shiny your 20K mile chain is. You'll realise you can charge them a pound every time they look. Soon you'll have set up your own travelling sideshow as your 30K mile chain is still on there. After travelling Britain you'll return home, the adjusters being right at the limit. You'll have finally come full circle as you replace the chain with all the money you earned from your sideshow.

Looks like mine:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007217IHI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CCE8FJU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sena Prism Tube:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sena-PT10-10-Action-Camera-Motorcycle/dp/B07F95SW4H/ref=asc_df_B07F95SW4H/

Seems good value to me, still going after a couple of years of video footage through all weathers, and I haven't noticed it generating any particular drag or wind noise.

Look, do yourself a favour and buy this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Really-Introduction-English-System-Introductions/dp/1502915219/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=53062364293&gclid=CjwKCAjw5_DsBRBPEiwAIEDRW9AfarWhHrYWxjVZ4t-79szFTfZ1XhyKPo2X3-DbIjlHfxFgMvT5oRoC1H4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=259105836908&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9045859&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13097079558129972022&hvtargid=kwd-316161589109&hydadcr=18491_1817279&keywords=criminal+law+for+dummies&qid=1570538086&sr=8-2

You could always compare your bike temp sensor reading against a temperature probe.


They're pretty cheap to buy:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-469539-Pocket-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B000QHD09K/