Soberpete's YBR 250

[slabo]

Things started off to be 'not so smooth' as I pulled away and instantly slammed to halt when the the front wheel lock hit the brake caliper, jolting my gonads into the petrol tank . After removing the lock, I made my way six city blocks north to the dentist's place.

This is what happened to my lock when I tried to ride off while it's still locked to the rear disc!!



I thought of such a situation before I started using the lock, so I got one of these cord things on Taobao for 5 or 10 rmb, but it was too short, I never used it. Maybe you can try to find one.

I've been having second thoughts about doing a Chinese motorcycle test since I heard (from you I think) that the police/ most people believe a standard car driver's license to be better than any motorcycle license .
I had my UK driver's license translated before getting my first bike. I told them that the codes on the back of my license (stating that I am qualified to drive a car, a milk-float and a minibus I think) meant that I could ride motorbikes up to 250cc. They asked for 200rmb and a few other documents, typed a bunch of stuff up on a computer, printed a certificate, gave it to me and sent me on my way.
I used that certificate in place of a drivers license while getting my first bike registered and there were no problems. I think I'll just continue to use it. Could I go wrong with that?

You don't need a license to register the bike. You will need a license if you have an accident, that's for sure. Anything missing from your papers doesn't play in your favor.

Rain is due tonight. I hope it dries up around noon. I'm scared of riding on wet roads. My tires are called Street Sharks right? I'm not exactly keen to see how they perform in water but I might give it a try.

Bad idea, very bad idea. I'm no veteran, but I'm sure what I'm writing is good advice. What if you're riding and you suddenly come upon a wet road? Yes, tires don't have as much traction on wet roads but still have plenty enough. You have to try this and practice before you get into a situation where you don't have the right reflexes. What if you have to stop or swerve or take some evasive action on wet roads? The worst you can do then is panic an think, no, I don't want to be on a wet road. Even my off-road tires are good in wet tarmac and even muddy (tarmac) conditions. Practice and get a feeling for their limits, better drop make a mistake and drop the bike on your own terms than be surprised and find out the hard way.

Here's a little something for inspiration::



On thing I'm afraid of is oil on tarmac! Nothing will prepare me for that. Best thing is to crash 'gracefully' :D