over time. You probably won't notice 'wind roar' when you're learning to ride, as the majority of schools use intercoms, but once you've passed your test you may want to consider earplugs as part of your everyday riding kit.So where does the noise come

accident rate amongst novice motorcyclists by giving new riders a structured training course on learning to ride a motorcycle. And it's worked. The accident rate amongst low-experienced bikers has plummetted since the course was introduced and Britain now

the test areas. The examiners and local residents hate training schools bombarding their test routes.3. Learn to ride to test standard in a totally different area - even a different town altogther, as it'll make you a stronger, more confident rider.4

for the Direct Access Scheme, which validates their licence to ride large-capacity machines straightaway. Those that aren't so concerned with riding a big bike immediately often settle for a Restricted Access, or A1 licence, which allows holders to ride machines

, starting with which licence to choose, how to apply for it and the type of courses on offer.Getting startedThere are different ways you can get a licence to ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter, depending on your age and the type of machine you want to ride

the next time you're at a petrol station. If you are riding along and realise you're riding on diesel, relax, don't brake and slowly move off the diesel. Lose speed without braking and when you need to brake, gently apply braking force. If you're entering a

A decent back protector's an absolute mustWHETHER YOU ride a scooter or a sportsbike, everyone should wear a back protector. Most of us know how vital a decent helmet is for protecting our head, but how many of us have given any real thought about

are better than others, so why not ask around your mates to see where they learned to ride? Alternatively, log onto Visordown's General forum and ask the readers the best school in your area. There's a massive wealth of experience in there " so you can bet

riding a motorcycle in the UK needs to wear a helmet. Whether it's a full-face race replica or an open face retro-style lid that takes your fancy, every helmet must have a European safety standard ECE-2205 label. Full face helmets obviously offer greater

Is it wet enough for you? It rained for pretty much the entire launch of Honda's new VFR1200F, which is a pity really because we never got to fully exploit what the new VFR has on offer. It was an ideal chance to test out some kit that claims to be comfortable, versatile and wate...