drunkmonk74

I recently passed by Direct Access (DA) course, end Jul this year ('19) and now commute daily into town, (Regents Park), and my only regret is that I did not do this sooner. I'm kinda lucky with parking, as my work has a basement car park I can use, so I won't comment on parking. But in terms of riding in, like I said I wouldn't stop this now. You will need proper gear, (this means, helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots), ideally waterproof and if you plan on starting at this time of year probably windproof and with lining(s). Please do not try and ride without the right gear. Road rash, knocks, etc happen and it doesn't matter what form of motorised 2 wheel transport you are using. Don't let others tell you you don't need it just cause you plan to use a moped. If you can get a helmet with an integrated sun visor I would recommend that, (as it comes in really handy), and some helmets, like a Shoei will also have a anti fog screen that you can fit to the inside of your visor, to help make sure your visor doesn't steam up on the inside. In terms of security I personally use Abus products on my motorbike. They are pricey but some of the best on the market. Find a good person to do your CBT with. I would personally recommend Mungo, (like some of the previous posts). When I went to him at the end of May this year, I hadn't even ridden a moped before. But I passed my CBT, spent a month riding a 125 to practise what I'd learnt, then went on a 5 day intensive course with him to pass my unrestricted A license. He is a shockingly good instructor, (also teaches diving), and will only take a max of 2 people at any one time, so you really get his attention. His experience is so vast, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share. He is also really humble and had no qualms telling me after all these years he is still learning too, (his mentor is an ex-police rider). I'm booked in for my Enhanced rider course with him in Nov, and will most definitely go to him for the Advanced next year as well. Overall, I think once you start you will just look back and think, "I should have done this sooner". Good luck and if you do start riding in, stay safe.

I live on Kelmore Grove and twice now I've had to come out to move my car and motorbike to help large articulated lorries get through. Thankfully I was at home and could help, otherwise I've no idea how they would have sorted themselves out. One time I only realised there was an issue as the lorry set off the alarm on my motorbike and I rushed out thinking someone was stealing it in the middle of the day. This is a serious issue, and to be honest, if it continues it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, at which point something will be done, but by then it will be too late. I understand that road works/utility works need to happen, however someone should have taken the time to understand the types of vehicles that travel down Barry Road, before simply diverting all that traffic through narrow residential roads.

Attached is a pic of how the Bandit came back after the service. She's a 2007 Bandit, with just over 16,000 miles on the clock. Really appreciate the effort the team at Victorious put into looking after her.

Hi I'm new to motorbike's and recently passed my unrestricted license (Jul-19) and bought my first "big" bike, a Suzuki GSF650 Bandit. Being new to bikes I had no idea where to get her serviced or looked at. On the recommendation of my instructor, I paid a visit to Victorious on Tyrell Rd. It is owned and run by a gentleman named Julio. He is from Brazil, and according to my instructor "was born on a bike"! (How could I say no, if my instructor trusted Victorious with his bike's that was good enough for me). What I wasn't prepared for was the quality of the service. I've just come back from having her fully serviced by Victorious. My Bandit was treated to a "Brazilian full service". This meant they stripped her down, cleaned and lubricated all the areas you can never get to at home, and then carried out the full service. All for a shockingly reasonable price (so reasonable I asked Julio to add ?30 to the bill). They worked on her till 11pm for me and then I collected her. Scratches I'd caused are gone too. She is gleaming. But the best thing is how buttery smooth she now feels to ride. I will not let anyone touch her in future. If you are looking for an honest, reliable, amazing service, all for a price that's not going to break the bank, give Julio and his team a call. They will amaze you. Details: Unit 1 Tyrrell Business Trade 4a-4c Tyrrell Rd London SE22 9NA 0208 693 6484 Cannot rate highly enough.

He came round to fit a chandelier for us. Meant cutting the wire to the right length, placing a metal support in the ceiling to ensure the weight of the chandelier was supported. Took about 45 mins in total. I believe we paid ?45 for the work.

I would like to post a recommendation for a local Electrician by the name of Gary Vu (07872 178044). He's just come around this evening to fit a chandelier for my wife in our flat. We first tried another electrician recommended on these forums, but despite promising to come around on a particular day, and even calling him on the morning of the appointment, he never showed, and I never managed to get hold of him again. Gary Vu on the other hand was so pleasant to deal with. Rang him, told him the job, explained we both worked so could only do evenings and weekends. Told him my getting home times for the coming two weeks, that evening, once he'd gotten home and checked his diary he confirmed a date with me. On the date I called him in the morning, (again he answered his phone at the first call) and double checked he could still make it. He confirmed he would be round that evening. At the set time Gary was there, on the dot. Work was completed within 45 mins. He cleaned up after himself and he had also unwrapped all the crystals for my wife, and untangled all the cables of the chandelier. He was also VERY reasonably priced. Cannot recommend Gary highly enough. Real nice chap to deal with, unassuming and unintrusive, but will happily chat away with you if you would like to have a word about the work and what's best, (my wife also bored him to death with talk of other DIY projects she has going!!) But don't take my word for it, search the forums for his name and you will see alot of positive feedback. Will definitely use him again when needed. Top guy.

Another recommendation for Gary Vu. He's just come around this evening to fit a chandelier for my wife in our flat. We first tried another electrician recommended on these forums, (and indeed in this thread) but despite promising to come around on a particular day, and even calling him on the morning of the day he said he could make it, he never showed, and I never managed to get hold of him again. Gary Vu on the other hand was so pleasant to deal with. Rang him, told him the job, explained we both worked so could only do evenings and weekends. Told him my getting home times for the coming two weeks, that evening, once he'd gotten home and checked his diary he confirmed a date with me. On the date I called him in the morning, (again he answered his phone at the first call) and double checked he could still make it. He confirmed he would be round that evening. At the set time Gary was there, on the dot. Work was completed within 45 mins. He cleaned up after himself and he had also unwrapped all the crystals for my wife, and untangled all the cables of the chandelier. He was also VERY reasonably priced. Cannot recommend Gary highly enough. Real nice chap to deal with, unassuming and unintrusive, but will happily chat away with you if you would like to have a word about the work and what's best, (my wife also bored him to death with talk of other DIY projects she has going!!) Will definitely use him again when needed. Top guy.

I'm looking for someone to carry out almost exactly the same work as OP, but maybe slightly larger area. Wondered if anyone had any luck with any of the above recommendations and roughly how much the work cost, (realise that price varies depending on area that needs work). Many thanks

I've just called David Stone (07714114283) and he's hopefully popping round later today to clean the gutters at our First Floor flat for roughly ?40 !!! Much more reasonable than ?200