What's it like owning and riding bikes?
Discussion
What is good and bad about owning and riding a (motor)bike as a regular alternative to a car?
Having never even been on a bike, what should I know or consider before spending any money on lessons or buying one? I'm thoroughly naïve about this and I don't happen to know anyone who rides one that I can ask about it.
The sorts of questions I don't know the answers to are:
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
Do they get stolen a lot?
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
If anyone wants to just link me to some decent introductory reading material or a past thread, that would be fine. Google didn't turn up much.
Thanks.
Having never even been on a bike, what should I know or consider before spending any money on lessons or buying one? I'm thoroughly naïve about this and I don't happen to know anyone who rides one that I can ask about it.
The sorts of questions I don't know the answers to are:
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
Do they get stolen a lot?
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
If anyone wants to just link me to some decent introductory reading material or a past thread, that would be fine. Google didn't turn up much.
Thanks.
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use? - I use mine daily, but primarily for commuting
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey? - no, I use a textile jacket and motorbike (armoured) jeans
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather? - depends on how good your kit is, can get a summer mesh armour thing
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather? - no, do you drive in the wet?
Do they get stolen a lot? - depends where in the country you are? - depends a lot on the security you use and where you leave it as well as how desirable the bike itself is
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about? - no
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me? - try a CBT course, can't pass or fail, get the basic instruction and can then ride unsupervised after. They give you all the kit and is the perfect thing to see if you enjoy it or not
I think a lot can be answered by just doing your CBT (£100 or so and a day of your time), it'll either put you off or make you want more.
As everyday transport, you need to really like it over other options or be making a good saving in cost (parking) or time (traffic) to make it worthwhile.
As everyday transport, you need to really like it over other options or be making a good saving in cost (parking) or time (traffic) to make it worthwhile.
What is good and bad about owning and riding a (motor)bike as a regular alternative to a car?
They're damn cool, and high performance available for a minimal budget.
The sorts of questions I don't know the answers to are:
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
Depends on the length of your journey and your commitment to safety. Personally it takes me 15 minutes to get the bike out of the garage and kit up, and another ten minutes at the other end getting de kitted for the office. In that time I can drive to work.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Nope, depends on your outlook on risk. I will ride through town on a nice day with just my jacket and helmet as protection. If I'm out in national speed limits I will be totally kitted up. I mostly wear decent textile gear, keeping leathers just for track days.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Yes, but only in slow moving traffic.. once up to speed the air cools you down nicely, even though you might be sweating. Keep drinking lots.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No, just be aware of reduced traction and poor visibility, and adjust your riding appropriately.
Do they get stolen a lot?
Only as much as any other thing left in a high crime area.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Nope, but be cautious in dodgy areas. Heavy duty chains and alarm systems help. A professional thief will have it away no matter what.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Do you have the spare cash to afford the purchase, kit, insurance, running costs. If for pleasure do you have the time to enjoy it. Do you have the maturity to respect huge power to weight ratios. Do you have a self preservation mentality
They're damn cool, and high performance available for a minimal budget.
The sorts of questions I don't know the answers to are:
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
Depends on the length of your journey and your commitment to safety. Personally it takes me 15 minutes to get the bike out of the garage and kit up, and another ten minutes at the other end getting de kitted for the office. In that time I can drive to work.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Nope, depends on your outlook on risk. I will ride through town on a nice day with just my jacket and helmet as protection. If I'm out in national speed limits I will be totally kitted up. I mostly wear decent textile gear, keeping leathers just for track days.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Yes, but only in slow moving traffic.. once up to speed the air cools you down nicely, even though you might be sweating. Keep drinking lots.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No, just be aware of reduced traction and poor visibility, and adjust your riding appropriately.
Do they get stolen a lot?
Only as much as any other thing left in a high crime area.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Nope, but be cautious in dodgy areas. Heavy duty chains and alarm systems help. A professional thief will have it away no matter what.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Do you have the spare cash to afford the purchase, kit, insurance, running costs. If for pleasure do you have the time to enjoy it. Do you have the maturity to respect huge power to weight ratios. Do you have a self preservation mentality
Bikes are great fun, a lot more interactive than cars as even the position of your head, the weight through your feet can have make a difference. I mainly used mine for fun, although briefly commuted for a few months once upon a time when a car was out of action. The performance per pound is high, and the involvement/attention to ride and stay safe required is also high.
Mine have been toys, used for fun rides oout, track work, tours of the Alps and Nurburgring toys.
First Bike on track:
First Bike in the Alps:
Second Bike on the 'Ring:
Second Bike in the Alps:
Last Bike on the Ring:
Unfortunately I don't have a bike at the moment, but plan to in a year or so again, mainly for UK track days as I do miss the rush.
Mine have been toys, used for fun rides oout, track work, tours of the Alps and Nurburgring toys.
First Bike on track:
First Bike in the Alps:
Second Bike on the 'Ring:
Second Bike in the Alps:
Last Bike on the Ring:
Unfortunately I don't have a bike at the moment, but plan to in a year or so again, mainly for UK track days as I do miss the rush.
Does any of the above inspire you? Have a google, what type of bikes / image interests you?
Tourer, sportsbike, naked, supermoto, trail-bike (google Trail Riders Federation), crusier, cafe-racer?
Have a nosey here too http://www.geton.co.uk/
Bikes will change your whole world, that's a promise - it's an eye-opener in more ways than you could imagine, even the way the world interacts with you, the sights and sounds, the smells, the lines, the acceleration, the sensation.
JDI !
Tourer, sportsbike, naked, supermoto, trail-bike (google Trail Riders Federation), crusier, cafe-racer?
Have a nosey here too http://www.geton.co.uk/
Bikes will change your whole world, that's a promise - it's an eye-opener in more ways than you could imagine, even the way the world interacts with you, the sights and sounds, the smells, the lines, the acceleration, the sensation.
JDI !
Here's Paddy mcGuiness (random I know!) doing his bike test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt1ptaIan0M
and an old vid of Vicky Butler Henderson and Tiff Needell having a play on a ZZR1400 (check out the acceleration!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qACcOkbkjJU
Baron Von Grumble on his Euro Tour on a GSXR1000 trailer here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syy0s7rNDQg
Or go nuts on track at Cadwell Park with a 'commuter' bike - a measly 50bhp but Pete Bardell can certainly ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAeYAmd2OM0
and an old vid of Vicky Butler Henderson and Tiff Needell having a play on a ZZR1400 (check out the acceleration!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qACcOkbkjJU
Baron Von Grumble on his Euro Tour on a GSXR1000 trailer here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syy0s7rNDQg
Or go nuts on track at Cadwell Park with a 'commuter' bike - a measly 50bhp but Pete Bardell can certainly ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAeYAmd2OM0
ive had bikes for 30 odd years, and have commuted for most of them.
The last two years have been commuting up the m56 into manchester, passing people stuck in cages and in queues.
Yes I've got wet, got snowed on and got cold. Iv also got to work quicker, got home quicker and generally had a great time.
Of course it's also more dangerous but if you keep your wits about you don't act stupid and ride beyond your ability and assume everyone else is an idiot you can be fine
The last two years have been commuting up the m56 into manchester, passing people stuck in cages and in queues.
Yes I've got wet, got snowed on and got cold. Iv also got to work quicker, got home quicker and generally had a great time.
Of course it's also more dangerous but if you keep your wits about you don't act stupid and ride beyond your ability and assume everyone else is an idiot you can be fine
keirik said:
ive had bikes for 30 odd years, and have commuted for most of them.
The last two years have been commuting up the m56 into manchester, passing people stuck in cages and in queues.
Yes I've got wet, got snowed on and got cold. Iv also got to work quicker, got home quicker and generally had a great time.
Of course it's also more dangerous but if you keep your wits about you don't act stupid and ride beyond your ability and assume everyone else is an idiot you can be fine
Pretty much thisThe last two years have been commuting up the m56 into manchester, passing people stuck in cages and in queues.
Yes I've got wet, got snowed on and got cold. Iv also got to work quicker, got home quicker and generally had a great time.
Of course it's also more dangerous but if you keep your wits about you don't act stupid and ride beyond your ability and assume everyone else is an idiot you can be fine
I commuted in London for several years and had the luxury of the ability to nip out for lunch in China Town when my colleagues tucked into a processed ham sarnie from their lunchbox and then swing a leg over the old girl at home time and get away down the A40 whilst everyone else was stuck on the tube, the bus or a traffic jam
Evenings and weekends were similarly fun on quiet roads getting your knee down - sometimes
Obviously you cant legislate for complete idiots however I firmly believe you make your own luck and the road-craft and anticipation I picked up from bikes definitely makes me a better driver
After a major lifestyle change and relocation to within a few miles of work I found a pushbike fulfilled the same roles and after getting in with a bunch of lycra clad warriors eventually sold my last bike - however this thread has now got me off to the classifieds.........
My top tips from having been there and made mistakes:
1) Race spec rubber is superb in summer but character building on white lines in Chiswick in December
2) Keep your bike inside if poss and use a ground anchor and £££ chain otherwise
3) Always wear the right gear even if you sweat like a P-I-G in summer - but BMW for one make good perforated kit
4) Chains are cool but need lots of TLC - shaft drive is for old men but hassle free
Cheers
It's brilliant. It's a bit like the most fun you've had driving cars only moreso. It'll make you realise how compromised cars are when it comes to having fun.
People get caught up in the ballistic speed of bikes but for me, the real joy is balancing the bike through series of bends. The feeling of connection to the machine and the road space around you is unmatched.
People get caught up in the ballistic speed of bikes but for me, the real joy is balancing the bike through series of bends. The feeling of connection to the machine and the road space around you is unmatched.
I have been without one for 10+ years now. I have owned a couple of trail bikes, a virago and a GSX-F 750. All fun in there own way.
The trail bikes were great for exploring the country lanes etc round Shropshire (even did some green laning)
The Virago was great for just having a nice relaxed ride, I commuted from Telford - Coventry on it until the novelty of having to fill the tank twice a day wore a bit thin.
GSXF was a distance machine but couldn't get comfortable below 65mph, needed a £200 service every 4000 miles (6-8 weeks!) and £250 of tyres every 6-8,000.
I would love a big trailie/adventure bike, but the risk of getting wiped out puts me off.
The trail bikes were great for exploring the country lanes etc round Shropshire (even did some green laning)
The Virago was great for just having a nice relaxed ride, I commuted from Telford - Coventry on it until the novelty of having to fill the tank twice a day wore a bit thin.
GSXF was a distance machine but couldn't get comfortable below 65mph, needed a £200 service every 4000 miles (6-8 weeks!) and £250 of tyres every 6-8,000.
I would love a big trailie/adventure bike, but the risk of getting wiped out puts me off.
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
If you'#re new to biking I'd recommend riding as often as possible to improve your skills. It can be quite dangerous to be a very infrequent new rider.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
No, gore tex jackets with armour works well.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Yep, fairly hot, even when moving, very sweaty when stationary.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
Nope, plenty of bikers ride in all weather
Do they get stolen a lot?
I parked mine in a garage, then had secure parking at work. I gather London can be quite bad for theft.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Depends where you are.....
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Some places give free taster learner sessions. Try it out - riding a bike is great.
If you'#re new to biking I'd recommend riding as often as possible to improve your skills. It can be quite dangerous to be a very infrequent new rider.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
No, gore tex jackets with armour works well.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Yep, fairly hot, even when moving, very sweaty when stationary.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
Nope, plenty of bikers ride in all weather
Do they get stolen a lot?
I parked mine in a garage, then had secure parking at work. I gather London can be quite bad for theft.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Depends where you are.....
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Some places give free taster learner sessions. Try it out - riding a bike is great.
Edited by wemorgan on Friday 24th March 10:17
Interesting thread and some useful info.
I've been very torn with the idea of commuting into central London by bike. I live only about 20 miles south of London and it takes me 90+ minutes to commute in by bus/train for the sum of £230 a month.
I know I could halve the journey time and cost by using a 125/250cc bike for the journey. The only downside I can think of is safety and not so much on my part but others not seeing me and knocking me off.
I've been very torn with the idea of commuting into central London by bike. I live only about 20 miles south of London and it takes me 90+ minutes to commute in by bus/train for the sum of £230 a month.
I know I could halve the journey time and cost by using a 125/250cc bike for the journey. The only downside I can think of is safety and not so much on my part but others not seeing me and knocking me off.
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