A great day. Really enjoyed it. No lunch for me, but nearly managed some pheasant on the way home.
See you next time.

Good points about left shoulders and particularly fat bastards, but I don't carry them 


On the bit about emergency stopping with a pillion, yes much harder, and brace yourself against the inevitable clatter as they bang into the back of you.


Lastly, watch out for ones that fall asleep on the back. Yes it does happen .....

What do you say for your pre first ride briefing?

I take things in logical order:


1. Make sure they are properly kitted up. The helmet fits and they are properly protected. Show how the visor lifts up and down. Make sure they are wearing gloves, even if it is a hot day and they don't want to. You will probably need to fasten the helmet for them, and make sure it is secure.


2. Getting on and off - Explain that you get on first, then they get on by placing foot on footpeg (point to it) with hand on your shoulder to steady. Afterwards, they get off first, likewise their hand on your shoulder. Assure them that you will be able to hold the bike upright while they do this.


3. Pulling away - Explain the forces of acceleration will make them lean backwards so explain they temporarily need to lean forwards to counter it. Agree method showing grab rails, and/or holding around waist. Show how to hold grab rails. Tell them they can use either methods and switch between, whichever they are more comfortable with.


4. Follow this up with explanation of braking and that they will move forwards so need to lean backwards. Again show grab rail method and waist method.


5. Tell them that you will take it slowly (very slowly) at first and will only increase speed if they indicate that they are happy with it. Agree method of communication, so that they can let you know how they are feeling, and you can indicate what you are about to do. Can be intercom, tap on shoulder, squeezing their thighs  , your hand on their knee  or whatever. Tell them to observe over your shoulder and anticipate.


6. Agree with them where you are going - how far and for how long.


7. Explain that when you stop at traffic lights etc, you will put your feet down, and they don't need to. Tell them to keep both feet on the pegs throughout


8. Explain corners and leaning. This is the bit that may worry them the most. Show how it works with the bike stationary. Say that it is nothing to worry about and bikes are meant to work like that. Tell them just to follow you. As said, it helps if they are holding onto your waist. Explain that they may feel the bike is falling over, but it won't. Take the first few corners slowly, and be prepared for them to try to correct the lean, or at least wobble a bit. With your experience and a slow speed it shouldn't cause any problems. If they do it a few times, stop and explain to them again. The first corner will be quite a telling factor.

9. Explain that for much of the time, while cruising, they can relax but to always anticipate.


10. After a small distance (half a mile-ish ?) stop the bike and check they are OK with what has been going on so far. Even if they show no signs of panic. Depending on how they are, you might want to do this again. Gradually build up the levels of acceleration, lean and top speed depending on the feedback you are getting about how comfortable they feel.


That's about it. Gain their confidence and enjoy. I've never had anyone who didn't want a second go 

Instal TYRE http://www.tyretotravel.com/ does exactly what you want

Sometimes the bike will make it. It's often a better rider than we are! If you think it won't, you have a split second decision. As said, clutch in and upright, or run wide. You have to judge from the road conditions at the time. Is there anything on the other side of the road? How tight is the bend? Will your entry speed allow you to pull the bike upright. And of course there is a whole list of things you don't do, like panic and brake. You make your choices and take your chances. Observation, and mostly experience is all. That's why we're all (touch wood) still alive   

I use an Oxford Boss disc lock on my 600. Nice and big and loud, and goes through any disc hole. Just a bit heavy, but fits under my seat. Had it about 5 years now and use it all the time.

Rayleigh, out on the A127 towards Southend. I'm up for the Ace whenever. And it's only snow and ice that stops me 

Thanks for all that Unfazed, especially with 50K of experience ! I've got the Motad headers with a Fuel end can (baffle in). The Fuel can made a fair bit of difference just in itself. Bike goes really well, but just looking for that little bit extra 

Also Carole Nash and Bikesure both do them. They usually base the price on the highest rated one, then add a small admin fee for the second. After all, you can only ride one bike at a time 

I voted for the best independent, and gave my second vote to the second best independent. I don't think party politics should have any role in this choice. As far as money is concerned, I thought this elected single commissioner was replacing a larger (unelected) board ?
And as for zero tolerance, I'd be very wary of that. What does it exactly mean ? The police have to have leeway. Does zero tolerance mean I'll be done for doing 31 in a 30 ? 

If you use 'Browse map' on my Tomtom, it shows you a map of your current location with all the local speed cameras clearly marked (as POIs). Bang to rights (cogner aux droits ?  ) I'm afraid

PR2s & PR3s, both fantastic dry and wet, and you can mix them up. Got them on both bikes. A bit more expensive, but cheaper per mile. I wouldn't use anything else.