Motorcyclist website idea, testing and thoughts?

[Forbiddenbiker]

Could you take a look at my new site please. BikerPrentice

Its an amateur build, still developing, all cut and past, then fiddling to make small adjustments. I really still haven't got the box model stuff, but blunder through anyway. So one of my worries is if it functions ok, and looks ok in most browsers?

Code aside (I welcome any and all feedback on that side) does the idea and words make sense to you, do the pages make a whole so to speak, what would you suggest I say, not say, or say differently? Grammar and spelling ok?

I particularly want to change the second main paragraph on the home page starting... "Give me a call to chat..." which is a pile of waffle at the mo? what should I be saying, and how do I say it?

I've a few pages yet to make, linked along the bottom, so ignore getting sent back to the home page. ..and the clutch page isnt finished design wise.

Another glitch is which font ...im using Impact mostly which looks good along the menu I think ...but last night my mates ipad ignored it ...can anyone suggest another suitable font, ( to be similar to Impact) or set of fonts good for most browsers? although I didnt want generic erm...

Im sure I have loads more questions but can think, bit burnt out with it all right now...but its live so needs sorting.

Anything goes crit wise please ..the more the merrier.

Ah, also I need an html contact form, simple and normal is fine (I can cope with a wee bit of spam ..erm well I hope I can)...anyone got one?

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

Hmm no replies.... Im pretty sure its not a totally daft idea...

Anyone about?

 

[PaulF]

Well I know nothing about motorbikes, my father in law is a devout biker age 70 though.

All I can say is the site loads quickly which is the main requirement, the contact form is a bit stuffed but I guess you already know that.

Paul.

 

[4wd]

Why not ask on a biking forum like BCF ?
http://www.bikechatforums.com
I'm not keen on the alternating blue and yellow TBH, however it does help unify all the pages.
There seems to be an issue with this page in chrome.

Otherwise it looks professional enough to inspire confidence.
Whether the business will be helped by it time will tell.
Plenty of people are looking to save a few pounds by doing basic maintenance at home, and bikes are generally easier to work on as most things are more accessible with basic tool kit.

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

Thanks for your thoughts an opinions guys, tis a bit erm colourful, isn't it. and ...yes your right, I suppose this a bit far from agenda here. ..I've had such great help here its hard not to come back for more.

The contact page is out of order yes, ( it does look like that) im looking for an html form to slip in instead as that one is PHP and it costs extra hosting wise to use php.

 

[Russ77]

Well I know nothing about bikes but the site looks very professional and for anyone who wished to be able to maintain/repair their own bike looks like they would be in good hands.

I think it's a cracking idea too and wonder if anyone's thought of doing similar for cars?

 

[STARRIDER]

All looks ok to me Adam,all the information is at hand,no trawling over other pages to find what you need,all very practical and easy to follow

 

[hglossop]

On firefox in linux the menu accross the top and the paragraph headings are too long and running over to another line - ontop of the text below making it hard to read

regarding the contact form - using only html i don't know of a way you could have a functioning contact form. Does your hosting give you access to any other languages or databases?

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

On firefox in linux the menu accross the top and the paragraph headings are too long and running over to another line - ontop of the text below making it hard to read

regarding the contact form - using only html i don't know of a way you could have a functioning contact form. Does your hosting give you access to any other languages or databases?

Ok thanks, nice one, is your FF all good? ... how many letters over may I ask? aprox.

Contact form is in php as of now but my costs triple ... I didn't know html forms weren't possible, nothing generated I guess? what about Java script or ASP (?) can I use those independently of the host just on the page?

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

Well I know nothing about bikes but the site looks very professional and for anyone who wished to be able to maintain/repair their own bike looks like they would be in good hands.

I think it's a cracking idea too and wonder if anyone's thought of doing similar for cars?

All looks ok to me Adam,all the information is at hand,no trawling over other pages to find what you need,all very practical and easy to follow

Russ, thanks for your thoughts, good to hear ...someone should do it for cars I agree.

Dave, thats very good to know. Glad you found it so simple and straightforward...Phew!

 

[AJQS]

Ok thanks, nice one, is your FF all good? ... how many letters over may I ask? aprox.

Contact form is in php as of now but my costs triple ... I didn't know html forms weren't possible, nothing generated I guess? what about Java script or ASP (?) can I use those independently of the host just on the page?

It can be done in Javascript, but I can't remember how!I used to use it on an old site of mine, If I can find a copy somewhere on my HD I'll take a look for ya

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

Thanks Alan

 

[MIQ]

With my boring hat on, have you considered the disclaimers you may need?

My immediate thought was what if someone takes your advice and then breaks their bike (or themselves), then comes after you.

 

[hglossop]

Ok thanks, nice one, is your FF all good? ... how many letters over may I ask? aprox.

Contact form is in php as of now but my costs triple ... I didn't know html forms weren't possible, nothing generated I guess? what about Java script or ASP (?) can I use those independently of the host just on the page?

For the menu "Engines | Contact Us" is on the next line - i've always noticed that text is larger when im on linux rather than windows on this laptop, though i've no idea why. Probably worth checking with someone else on linux if they have the same problem.

just did a quick google for sending emails with asp and that appears possible - though i wouldn't know how as i am used to php.
Although i think your server would have to have asp enabled, if not you would have to use javascript, but then that carries problems as those on mobiles or with javascript disabled will not be able to use the form

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

With my boring hat on, have you considered the disclaimers you may need?

My immediate thought was what if someone takes your advice and then breaks their bike (or themselves), then comes after you.

I have considered this yes, and will be issuing disclaimes in the manual and on sessions, however fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your sense of humour, being in the business for twenty five years odd I only know the good advice by default. :bonk:: well thats the premiss anyway.

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

For the menu "Engines | Contact Us" is on the next line - i've always noticed that text is larger when im on linux rather than windows on this laptop, though i've no idea why. Probably worth checking with someone else on linux if they have the same problem.

just did a quick google for sending emails with asp and that appears possible - though i wouldn't know how as i am used to php.
Although i think your server would have to have asp enabled, if not you would have to use javascript, but then that carries problems as those on mobiles or with javascript disabled will not be able to use the form

Its a font recognition problem of sorts Im guessing.. I did think that all FF browsers would handle it in the same way (being well manufactured like) but maybe the font gets handled differently in linux, dunno ..I need a second opinion ... several words over the line is more a handling error by your browser Id suggest.

hmm to Java or not to form at all. ..... heck I always liked the old email link anyway...nice simple, and not at all intimidating or painful like a form can be.

I was always going to have both anyway. hmm.

 

[hglossop]

Have a look at what fonts linux has installed (and mac for that matter to ensure everyone can see the site fine) and find one which also works well with the site and add that to the end of the font-family in your css file. The impact font you're using isn't included in linux, so it will be substituting it with its default as there is no other font listed in the family. Find one the same size and that should sort the issue