Back2TheBike

Back2TheBike

So you want to get back on the bike after a long break?

Early in 2017 I realised this was what I wanted to do but there wasn't much advice around for people like me, so the channel tells the story: choosing the perfect bike; buying my clothing; advanced training; adapting the bike to fit my needs, trading up and lots of other stuff.

With your input we've now created a lively forum from which we can all learn to ride safely, enjoy our machines and help one another. I'm a Christian and believe in living my faith. This is the next chapter.

Make sure you click the subscribe button and join us for the ride!

Get in touch [email protected]

Monsters United

Monsters United

Extended Training Ride

Extended Training Ride

Self-Isolation by Ducati

Self-Isolation by Ducati

Back2TheBike's New Machine

Back2TheBike's New Machine

How to Choose Your Next Bike

How to Choose Your Next Bike

Пікірлер

  • @djyoz9057
    @djyoz90574 күн бұрын

    Forgive me if I'm wrong But my question is Would you trade up or do you think your old 1200 is as capable

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike2 күн бұрын

    I did trade it after a heart incident meant I needed something lighter. That said, as long as you're not àfter the latest gizmos, that model was a very capable machine and could take a very high mileage

  • @djyoz9057
    @djyoz90572 күн бұрын

    @Back2TheBike thanks for that mine has 190000 kms now and still a great bike

  • @o00scorpion00o
    @o00scorpion00o5 күн бұрын

    5 years on what's the verdict ? + what's the difference with the clear coat ?

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike5 күн бұрын

    Clear coat is less sticky, bike sold years ago.

  • @rodambrosio1
    @rodambrosio19 күн бұрын

    Llevo manejando 10 años gs 1200 y ahora quiero pasar al segmento de las Rt, pero valdrá la pena ir por la 1250 Rt 2020 nueva o gastar menos por una 1200 Rt 2018 usada con 28000km? Saludos desde México

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike7 күн бұрын

    A second hand machine with full service history will save you money. The RT can take a lot of miles, but for preference I would want something with less than 15Km which had been cared for by its owner.

  • @gray100
    @gray10012 күн бұрын

    Watching this shows me trainers only teach you to pass your test and not how to ride to a high standard.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike12 күн бұрын

    Why don’t you demo your high standard for our education? No? Thought not.

  • @gray100
    @gray10012 күн бұрын

    @Back2TheBike don't be a fool mate, just cos I have a difference of opinion. I don't have a cam any more for 1. Currently have a broken back from a car crash...I was a rear seat passenger before you start..

  • @gray100
    @gray10012 күн бұрын

    Besides, if I wasn't right you wouldn't be making the mistakes you make and learning from someone else.

  • @gray100
    @gray10012 күн бұрын

    Are you going to deny you are only trained to a standard of teaching people to pass their test? Because that's exactly what it looks like. If you were advanced, you wouldn't need the amount of training you clearly do. That's all I'm saying. So my 1st comment stands.

  • @gray100
    @gray10012 күн бұрын

    Some people get so touchy when faced with the truth. Sad.

  • @billyflanagan9657
    @billyflanagan965723 күн бұрын

    Is it messy for a new motorcycle. Should i wait for the clear coat?

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike23 күн бұрын

    Your call. At that time I was riding in winter salt and grunge, so protection was always more important than appearance.

  • @christopherparcell6574
    @christopherparcell657426 күн бұрын

    Very good

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike25 күн бұрын

    Thanks

  • @user-oh7tq4vn4w
    @user-oh7tq4vn4w28 күн бұрын

    Any biker, regardless of what they ride or for how long that thinks advanced training is a waste of time is an arrogant deluded idiot.

  • @simonrhodes661
    @simonrhodes661Ай бұрын

    I bought the Sumitomo connector but it doesn't fit the connector on the bike. Your link to the one you bought doesn't work for me. Can you please point me in the right direction.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike29 күн бұрын

    Hi Simon, my Monster is now traded for a V2S so can't advise you unfortunately. I remember at the time trawling many sites to source a connector that fitted. Maybe try Ducati dealer for help?

  • @MutieThePig
    @MutieThePigАй бұрын

    Is this John Shuttleworth narrating?

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBikeАй бұрын

    Never heard of him

  • @rafamira790
    @rafamira790Ай бұрын

    I just received a Hurricane 15l. Good finishes and capacity, but very worried about the zippers. They are very difficult to open and close. To the point of being afraid of breaking them. Does it improve with silicone? I haven't wanted to try, because if it doesn't work I will return it. Thks!!!

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBikeАй бұрын

    They are stiff before you lube them with Silicone. Apply with your fingertip and they become very smooth. My pack is 4yrs old now, no problems and like new.

  • @rafamira790
    @rafamira790Ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike Great! Thks for help and VSS from Spain!

  • @rafamira790
    @rafamira790Ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike OK, great! I will lube it. Vss from Spain!

  • @michaelwisbey488
    @michaelwisbey488Ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your test experience, and congratulations on the first. Taking the time to share this is appreciated by those of us working towards the test.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBikeАй бұрын

    Glad it helps, thanks. My intention was partly to remove some of the mystique and fear of failure. My only disappointment was, whilst these films have had a major impact in recruiting hundreds to the IAM scheme, the IAM national body completely blanked my attempts to reach out to them. Local groups have been very supportive and, together with Seaflyfisher's superb ''Masterclass' series, have no doubt reduced deaths and injuries whilst increasing skills and discussion. Let us know how you get on!

  • @columbmurray
    @columbmurrayАй бұрын

    The unofficial Moto of the wartime commandos was , ' train hard , fight easy.' Being a former commando it's a Moto I've followed all my life. ( I'm not talking about fighting but doing well.)

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBikeАй бұрын

    Amen to that. Full respect for your service too.

  • @charlesscottkelly
    @charlesscottkellyАй бұрын

    Any stand that can get the front wheel up

  • @Tsuyoikaratekai1998
    @Tsuyoikaratekai1998Ай бұрын

    Great Vid. Got mine booked for end of June with Sussex Police. Tiger 885i.

  • @Motor-1000
    @Motor-1000Ай бұрын

    Thank you 🤝

  • @larrypahl5756
    @larrypahl57562 ай бұрын

    Thanx4post

  • @user-is4jq9mt6j
    @user-is4jq9mt6j2 ай бұрын

    Absolutely right, it is a lot about your perceptions and attitude to other road users. If he/she wants to drive like that? What effect does that have on me? Let them get on with it and distance yourself from them if possible. Remove yourself from that situation, foresee it early if possible!

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBikeАй бұрын

    .

  • @jodywaltham2678
    @jodywaltham26782 ай бұрын

    Mine arrived today. Set it up then went to pull bike up and whole thing collapsed. Now im too nervous to try again lol im tiny and weigh 8stone wet. Tired struggling with standard stands so got this. Sure once I've done it few times it will be easy

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike2 ай бұрын

    Could be: 1. Stand is back to front 2. Over or under tightened screws, they just have to be firm

  • @ivy-mac
    @ivy-mac3 ай бұрын

    I love my multstrada 1200. I've had it a while now though and fancy a change. Not sure what i could get to match it though.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike3 ай бұрын

    Fully specced V2S? Lovely in grey, 20kg lighter than 1200, very perky.

  • @damonhowarth3629
    @damonhowarth36293 ай бұрын

    Hi, Have you figured out how to remove the elbow and shoulder armour to allow for washing etc.?

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike3 ай бұрын

    To my great shame I've never washed it :-0

  • @girlinagale
    @girlinagale3 ай бұрын

    Bikes can catch you out, even on my little 286cc Honda I stopped to let someone cross the road, feeling relaxed and competent. The road was damp and dirty. A touch too much throttle when I pulled away and the back tyre slipped out. I recovered but it made me conscious of how biking is such a balance between confidence and caution.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike3 ай бұрын

    The best lessons are the ones we learn ourselves aren't they? Sounds like a mix of mechanical empathy (having a feel for the machine) and reading the conditions. Gravel, leaves, mud, diesel spills. Crank up the observation.

  • @Nomad-Drifter
    @Nomad-Drifter3 ай бұрын

    What a save gramps 😅

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike3 ай бұрын

    Thanks, bonehead.

  • @tonymartin3780
    @tonymartin37804 ай бұрын

    Some moves I would have the B%z% to do. Cracking run

  • @GWAYGWAY1
    @GWAYGWAY14 ай бұрын

    Neil, Enjoyed your well produced videos. It brought back memories of my IAM bike training in the 80s. My observer told me to treat my test ride like any other observed ride, and it worked…. After that, I trained for and took the car IAM test. Examiner said, “Do you always drive like that?” I thought I was in trouble, but it turns out he’d enjoyed the ride - phew.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Thanks. Making the films helped me internalise the learning and created a lively chat forum for those into advanced riding.

  • @Busaguy
    @Busaguy4 ай бұрын

    Great save! I actually installed a center stand on my Haysbusa, but I'm 63 and it's getting harder to get it up on there. Thanks for the video. Cheers

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Sensible!

  • @adrianwhitfield6656
    @adrianwhitfield66564 ай бұрын

    Enjoying this series, makes sense to be taught the processes to work through and not focus on the outcome, as the correct application of the process will naturally deliver the wanted outcome.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Eventually it becomes a system hard wired into your riding, means you ride safer and faster.

  • @ruibcaable
    @ruibcaable4 ай бұрын

    All good observations. (I'm training with RoSPA southern riders)

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Good stuff. Keep us posted!

  • @gabrielbsalvatori
    @gabrielbsalvatori4 ай бұрын

    and that's why I hate those knobs, very unsafe. thank you very much for sharing.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    I only posted this for a laugh and it's proved one of most watched on the channel. Hopefully saved a few folks repeating my error

  • @gabrielbsalvatori
    @gabrielbsalvatori4 ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike I got it my friend. What I meant was, speaking as engineer, I hate those knobs, they never secure anything properly just rellying on the friction force made by the knob and the nut. If you may let me make a suggestion, i'd tell you to take the second part of the stand, drill a hole into the welded nut where the knob goes, someting like 6 or 8mm, and mark a hole position into the first part near where it sits nice on your bike, and drill the same hole. then when you want to assembly it, just line up the holes and pass thrugh an allen key or some pin. I guaranty you that will never happen again.

  • @chrisowens3781
    @chrisowens37815 ай бұрын

    Hi Neil hope you well not had a vid from you for a while

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Heart not great but still ticking, thank God.

  • @chrisowens3781
    @chrisowens37814 ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike oh no mate. Forget the bike. Best of health to you pal.

  • @clivegoodman1149
    @clivegoodman11495 ай бұрын

    Thanks for these videos. Well done I think you have done a good job demonstrating the issues that back to biking riders face. It’s a different world from the late 70’s! The observers are absolutely spot on so I disagree with some of the other comments having a go at the feedback you were given and it’s nice to see you allowing us to watch your erm “learning points” I’m 64 and have been back for about 3 years after a 40 odd year break. I did IAMs and think it’s excellent. I must say though I think you’re brave running such a big bike. Your BMW is a monster! I would have thought a year at least on a 650 before moving up to a 1000 then a big tourer would have been more sensible? Also agree with this observer that your blind spot/lifesaver checks need attention, you don’t seem to move your head. Really enjoying watching you through the series. Great editing, please put on more rides.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    That was 2 bikes ago! Monster and now a V2S. Lifesavers sorted too you’ll be pleased to hear!

  • @Tonestravels
    @Tonestravels5 ай бұрын

    Great video. I got my advanced assessment on Friday. Very helpful.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Hope it goes well ...

  • @PNH63
    @PNH635 ай бұрын

    Just found this and thoroughly enjoyed it. Which villages did you go through on the route from Northampton to the A5, looks a nice route.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    A long time ago! Many wonderful lanes here though.

  • @richardhutton3552
    @richardhutton35525 ай бұрын

    Neil, thanks for posting this series of vids. I’ve just signed up to start my IAM RoadSmart, and these have been extremely useful in my preparations. It was great to witness your development and progress as time went on, and I can only hope to mirror what you’ve achieved. Congratulations!

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike4 ай бұрын

    Best wishes Richard. Keep us posted!

  • @squid148
    @squid1486 ай бұрын

    I’ve owned both the 14 GSA 1200 and now a 22 1250 RT. When just comparing the power plants: The 1200 always felt a little flat to me. I was expecting more low end torque from it . With the new 1250 , it just rips right off the bottom of the rpm’s and seems to be smoother in regard to vibration. Would I trade a 1200 for a 1250? Perhaps 🤔

  • @steveandscottmusic
    @steveandscottmusic6 ай бұрын

    First time I used the stand yesterday on a brand new bike....made a similar mistake to you but didn't tighten the screw into the swing arm enough....consequently, the bike slipped off and has scratched the frame 🤬. Thankfully the scratch isn't too bad but I will need to get it 'blown' over to cover the scratch....It's made me nervous about using the stand. I did manage to sort the stand out in the end but it hasn't inspired me with confidence☹. Wish I had seen @Finlaystewart4641 comment and check that both adaptors were in position securely😩.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike6 ай бұрын

    Ooh! I know just how you feel. Once you've got the knack it's like riding a bike, if you'll forgive the analogy. Problem is there's always a first time to do it and you only have to get it wrong once. I'm always amazed this is one of the most popular videos month by month on the channel. I only posted it to have a laugh at my own ineptitude, but it seems many share the experience.

  • @thesmithsteron2wheels362
    @thesmithsteron2wheels3626 ай бұрын

    All the best for 2024, hope your still enjoying biking and the Ducati v2s

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike6 ай бұрын

    Thanks folks. Less posting these days due to other projects and I do ride less than I did due to health issues. Still ticking though! Happy new year to you!

  • @robinjameshartley7673
    @robinjameshartley76736 ай бұрын

    Awesome. I'm eyeing up a used Police FJR, it was really useful to see what the deal is with that pod on the rear. I see they would also come with the ability to mount a flag 😏

  • @brianvandy4002
    @brianvandy40026 ай бұрын

    Grab some fingernail polish and put a dab on one of the bike locks and its key.

  • @paulkiley4667
    @paulkiley46676 ай бұрын

    Just came across your video while researching the RT range. I have considered this bike, and still considering it (or it's smaller sister the RS) I was a little worried about the slow speed stuff but your video has reassured me a little. Currently I'm on a Tracer 900 but the big BM is on my list to replace it in a year or two. Subscribed!

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike6 ай бұрын

    The RT is perfect if you intend to ride long distances, luggage and possibly pillion on board. Heavy though @265kg. Inertia, no matter how well engineered, still applies. Glad I owned one though!

  • @paulkiley4667
    @paulkiley46676 ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike Thanks for that. I reckon it'll be the RS though, I don't do that much distance as in touring, so the RS may be a better choice.

  • @barrieevans6914
    @barrieevans69146 ай бұрын

    Congratulations that was a drive and a half

  • @R1200RTLE
    @R1200RTLE7 ай бұрын

    FS1E to a R1200RT! I had a HondaSS50 😅 Great video, good commentary...

  • @Motorcyclemeanslife
    @Motorcyclemeanslife7 ай бұрын

    I would love to be paiiiied to drive all day long

  • @Motorcyclemeanslife
    @Motorcyclemeanslife7 ай бұрын

    Fjr for eveeer❤

  • @johnpollock4257
    @johnpollock42577 ай бұрын

    Great video

  • @mastercook62
    @mastercook627 ай бұрын

    But where is Neil now? I've tried to e-mail Neil, but nothing? no uploads for a long time, hope all is okay?

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike6 ай бұрын

    Still ticking, just busy on other projects! Thanks for your concern.

  • @mastercook62
    @mastercook626 ай бұрын

    So good to hear, many thanks👍

  • @sandyshiells5529
    @sandyshiells55298 ай бұрын

    Well done I'm about to take on the test taken the Iam route practice practice practice till Well done again take care now urs Sandy.

  • @SickPrid3
    @SickPrid38 ай бұрын

    that looks flimsy as hell I wouldn't trust it to hold 200kg of steel while I work near by

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike8 ай бұрын

    Works fine once you've got the knack. The problem is getting the knack.

  • @martinarmer240
    @martinarmer2408 ай бұрын

    Just put XCP on my bike using your video as a guide. Thanks for the advice and demo.

  • @beemrdon52
    @beemrdon528 ай бұрын

    I'd rather have my old 1996 K1100 LT any day

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike8 ай бұрын

    Something to be said for retro ...

  • @beemrdon52
    @beemrdon528 ай бұрын

    I bought a 2015 RT and was disappointed by the cheap, fragile feeling plastics, rhe ridiculous number of switches and buttons on the left hand side, the 1 inch thick owners manual to help with figuring out how to get it going, the clunking transmission that sounds like they forgot to install the synchros, the tiny side cases that still manage to stick way out into the breeze, the missing tool kit, 5th and 6th gear that have no guts. I'll say that other than these small niggles...and a few others, it's a fine piece of German engineering. 😂

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike8 ай бұрын

    Ah yes, but apart from all that ... ?!

  • @beemrdon52
    @beemrdon528 ай бұрын

    @@Back2TheBike Apart from all that it could be a much better machine. The problem is that a lot of riders that are attracted to BMW bikes, especially RT are looking for a rolling computer filled with Nanny items. Eg "rain Mode", hill helper or whatever they call it. In the meantime, BMW is cheapening their product and cutting corners wherever they can...and none of you "reviewers" seem to notice. Add BTW, I have been riding bmw motorcycles since 1983.

  • @Back2TheBike
    @Back2TheBike8 ай бұрын

    @@beemrdon52 still the premier long range tourer IMHO. I partly agree though. BMW just add complexity, bells,,whistles and a new paint job to justify an already exorbitant price. The ride hasn't changed. I'm now on the Ducati Multistrada 950 V2S. More than enough of everything. And it's Italian ...