h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Just a quick note to say thanks for the message. Dont have any biker friends as yet so dont really have anyone to approach. Thanks.

No problem.

I see one of your likely bikes is the VFR. I've had 3 but don't fancy the VTEC. Not a bad choice as a new to bikes in terms of all around ability but you might be better to buy a second hand middle range bike without plastic first.

Firstly you help keep down the insurance bill when you get the final choice. (Note for future- whatever you choose, ALWAYS get an insurance quote first as size isn't the only factor and if it is what you want ring at least 6 or better still do a web search as prices for bikes and insurance vary wildly).

Secondly, you will do one of the following (we all do )
Drop it putting it on/off the stand or not putting the side stand down fully.
Pull away with a disc lock on (get a reminder, or put a tatty old bungey/large elastic band around the brake lever).
Drop it whilst doing low speed manouvers in a car park (beware spotty kids, they always appear out of nowhere for this one).
Drop it whilst putting it to bed.

Bust plastic is expensive (and buggers your insurance bill somthing chronic).

Might be worth you buying Ride magazine (monthly) or MotorCycle News (weekly paper) for a while just to get some flavour. MCN has a good web site where you can find parts, meets and info, as does insidebikes which is done by Carole Nash Insurance.

I don't know Edinburgh too well but I do know there's a few good meets up there so you won't be on your tod for too long. In the meantime if you have a question just ask. I don't know all the answers but I'll give it a go.

Left handed wave at ya (it's a biker thing)!

Thick as pig shsh me. I guess you emmig, immag, leaving us permanently?

thanks for the tips. No, I'm just going over a year touring and working. Well, when I sell my flat first that is.

Hey! With plans like that you can lose friends as quickly as you make them.

One tip (learnt from bitter experience and still not adhered to).
Get yourself a pair of armoured jeans and perhaps cordura (or something like) armoured trousers.

Reason, it will get hot and you will be tempted into riding with jeans and sweat/T shirt. Even a low speed tumble means gravel rash wich could spoil a couple of weeks riding.

You can get some cheap (£60-100) stuff from the likes of M and P, J&S or busters-accessories over the internet (just try stuff on in the expensive local stores to get your size/style sorted).

Not sure if I mentioned the site before but
www.insidebikes.com has loads of good links (including riding overseas).

Good luck.