(Part 3) Top products from r/MotoUK

I'm still beginning to learn about fixing things and doing the small easy jobs. One of the difficulties is the vast amount of disorganized information on the web. A lot of times, you read contradictory information (usually on forum threads), with some people saying one thing and others saying another, and very few reasons for why something is the way it is. I find that a lot of people who answer questions on forums rarely give you an answer that clearly explains the problem and mechanism...just folk remedies.

I find that a good way to get started is to get some books on the topic, as this helps narrow down the degree of information and provides a more definitive source.

I have:

1. The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance by Zimmerman, which is a good general purpose guide. It provides a very good balance between showing the general how-to process, but then explaining why something should be the way it is.
   
   
2. Haynes manual for your bike. I have the Haynes manual for previous versions of my bike, but the differences are typically minor. This is very nice for showing you exact instructions on doing maintenance for your particular bike. Even with things like YouTube videos, often the components aren't clearly seen in the amateur videos. Here there are plenty of images (though black and white) that accompany the steps.
   
   Once you have a few books, I find it's much easier to wade through the sea of information that's available online.

> 1.5Mmm oxford chain lock

Is that this one? I picked one up in December for my electric bicycle, but since that's packed itself in and I've got a refund from Amazon for it, I'm looking at getting a cheap moped for getting to uni and back. It seems like it'll be a decent lock for that purpose too, since it also doubles as a disc lock, and then I also have a u shaped lock for the other wheel.

That is a lovely looking bike, I'll give you that. ;)

I worked out a good solution to this.

I have a cupboard under the stairs, where the gas meters etc are. I got a small dehumidifier, and hung a pole across the ceiling.

The wet bike gear just goes in there, dehum on, and it will be pretty much dry in about 4 hours.

Much gentler than putting it on a radiator as well.

[edit] this is the one I have. https://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-Compact-Dehumidifier-DEM10-Grey/dp/B000BP81DW/ref=sr_1_1

It's definitely worth pursuing.

I can totally recommend investing in a copy of the Police Riders Handbook (not the new edition, it's terrible and a waste of money), and also the Police Drivers Handbook.

They are dry as hell to read, but it is definitely possible to teach yourself at least the basics of the system and begin to apply it, without ever needing to pay quantities of money to IAM or Rospa. Then, once you're back in the black so to speak, you'll have a baseline to work from and a decent knowledge of what is expected.

Bikesafe actually threw in a goodiebag for us that contained an IAM book that gives you a good foundation.

Beyond that, Nick Ienatsch's book is a great read too for sportier riding.

Before you get regular neck tubes jonesy, check these out. I used neck tubes for many years before I found buffs. They also come in a polar version which are great for winter riding.

These are far superior to neck tubes and can be worn in a much larger variety of ways. It sounds like I work for them (I don't) but they really are that good compared to a neck tube.

Unrelated, but when is the next vid mate? I haven't seen one of yours for ages it seems.

Why not just purchasing another good, strong lock from other manufacturers on Amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABUS-70IB-Aquasafe-Padlock-Non-Corrosive/dp/B000P5QBZI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1549903295&sr=8-5&keywords=padlock+weatherproof something like this would do nicely...

They make reusable ones, granted they're not initially as comfy or soundblocking but more than adequate for bikes. Laser Lite make pink/yellow ones and they're really nice if you put them in properly but I personally only consider those one time use.

The Howard Leight orange plugs come in their own little reusable box and can be used almost indefinitely plus you can wash them because they're not foam. I've had the same set for months at a time. Cheaper than artisan "motorcycle specific" ones and you get enough for a year or 2.

This is pretty fun: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cycle-World-Total-Motorcycling-Manual/dp/1616286075/ in case, for example, you ever need to know how to strap a pig onto a motorbike.

I used to have RSI on the right hand thx to life in front of a keyboard and mice, I switched to the only product I'm happy to use from Mikisoft, Natural keyboard 4k, and Kensington trackballs and that fixed it. Unfortunately new rage in companies is hot-desking and I really can't carry my spare ergo keyboard in my backpack at the back of the bike so the RSI might return soon. :( At home it's a permanent fixture.

Re Powerball, GF was using it but I haven't seen it for a long time, I'll check it again. Feels like snake-oil to me. Natural Keyboard really works, I'm typing this on a plain old Dell laptop and my wrists really feel unnatural by the bending. I've developed a typing style lately so that I don't have to, but I used to be a multi-finger touch-typist (and still am) and it's really annoying me...

If MS develops a less bulky version of its 4k keyboard, I'd be the first in the queue to buy one.

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

I'll vouch for strapping the rucksack down. I bought this you'd be surprised how well it works.

I like the oxford ground lock, it may be thinner but it's wider overall so means more cutting required.

Also a 120db Disc lock scares the shit out of scrotes

Anker Wireless Headphones, Upgraded SoundBuds Slim Workout Headphones Magnetic In-Ear Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.0, 10-Hour Playtime, IPX7 Waterproof for Workouts, Running, Swimming, Gym, Work, Home https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N8RYGC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dILCDbN8RD3XG

I've been using these, they're pretty perfect - unobtrusive, block out noise akin to earbuds, no fuss, easy to charge, waterproof etc. Downside: no voice control, just earphones.

Teng tools do reasonably priced torque wrenches that are very well made and come with a calibration certificate.

[1/4"] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teng-1492AGE-5-25nm-4-inch-Torque/dp/B000Y8J2CA)

[1/2"] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000Y8N07S/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482968816&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=teng+torque+wrench&dpPl=1&dpID=31a3TZiEHPL&ref=plSrch)

What snaffu? If google maps can't do it, a sat nav can't do it. Google Maps, one of these and a bluetooth headset like this are the ultimate sat nav solution. Seriously this blows any Tom Tom/Garmin out of the water.

I use a Lowepro Compurover I think its discontinued now as had it since 08-09ish, small dry bags for the cameras if the weather is foul and a large one that takes my lighting bag I strap that leaning up against the top box one bungie around the Givi and two more around pillion handles, takes three flashes, radio triggers, stands & umbrella etc..

Books?

Something related

Something unrelated

Something really good

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/WD40D-44001-WD-40-100ml-Aerosol/dp/B0001P16UW

re:

>the idea of leaving all my kit with the bike

I recently purchased a Lomo waterproof bag bag and a pacsafe secure protector for when I want to leave my stuff with the bike on days out. Its big enough to fit all mine and the missus gear (including boots, excluding helmets.)

It was a bit pricey, but Ive absolutely no issues with days out now and being able to change out of gear.