Family and BF all don't want me to go biking..
Discussion
Good to hear the Yamaha was forgiving enough! I suppose it's best to see how quickly I take to it all, and how comfortable I am on two wheels. Would love to have it as my first bike.
Couldn't agree more, I also have a friend who died in a car crash. Personally I had a huge mountain bike accident going down the Malvern hills 5 years ago. Took all the skin off my arm, broke my tooth and nose. Also tore the skin open on my nose. Missed cracking my head open on a rock by about a metre.
Life's a roll of a dice and some people think taking any risk is just not worth it. Something will get you one day.
Couldn't agree more, I also have a friend who died in a car crash. Personally I had a huge mountain bike accident going down the Malvern hills 5 years ago. Took all the skin off my arm, broke my tooth and nose. Also tore the skin open on my nose. Missed cracking my head open on a rock by about a metre.
Life's a roll of a dice and some people think taking any risk is just not worth it. Something will get you one day.
996 sps said:
It really irritates me when people who've never had or rode a bike tell me how dangerous they are.
The brakes never fade, you can put yourself in a better road position, you have better vision, you control the bike. If you don't know the roads then ride to your ability.
On Feb 4th this year I lost my best friend to a brain tumour - He was an ultra endurance athlete and had completed double marathons - He was 40 years old - When I sat in the hospice I realised how many 'young' and 'old' folk were seeing their days out.
The reason I say this do what 'YOU' want - I commute to Surrey daily on my VFR and see nothing but car crashes, car/lorry fires, roof being cut from a car on the M40 last month.
Life's a risk, playing sports a risk, but I'd rather have risk than be someone who talks other people out of what they wanna do.
The week after my mate died I missed a flight to Murcia (Spain) to see BSB testing, I couldn't get another flight and wanted to go so I decided to ride the bike - Northants to Spain (1400 miles) - The 'car' drivers at work - Said "That's a long way to go on a bike" - How clueless is that?
Going over the French Pyrnees at 530 in the morning - Grinning, laughing.
Bikes are a way of life, these people who talk you out of them haven't rode one or don't have them in their blood.
I lost a friend to a bike accident, I lost a friend to cancer and I've lost two through car accidents. Its statistics - Enjoy your life do what you want.
Wonderfully put. The brakes never fade, you can put yourself in a better road position, you have better vision, you control the bike. If you don't know the roads then ride to your ability.
On Feb 4th this year I lost my best friend to a brain tumour - He was an ultra endurance athlete and had completed double marathons - He was 40 years old - When I sat in the hospice I realised how many 'young' and 'old' folk were seeing their days out.
The reason I say this do what 'YOU' want - I commute to Surrey daily on my VFR and see nothing but car crashes, car/lorry fires, roof being cut from a car on the M40 last month.
Life's a risk, playing sports a risk, but I'd rather have risk than be someone who talks other people out of what they wanna do.
The week after my mate died I missed a flight to Murcia (Spain) to see BSB testing, I couldn't get another flight and wanted to go so I decided to ride the bike - Northants to Spain (1400 miles) - The 'car' drivers at work - Said "That's a long way to go on a bike" - How clueless is that?
Going over the French Pyrnees at 530 in the morning - Grinning, laughing.
Bikes are a way of life, these people who talk you out of them haven't rode one or don't have them in their blood.
I lost a friend to a bike accident, I lost a friend to cancer and I've lost two through car accidents. Its statistics - Enjoy your life do what you want.
996 sps said:
I lost a friend to a bike accident, I lost a friend to cancer and I've lost two through car accidents. Its statistics - Enjoy your life do what you want.
Exactly.My cousin died in a car crash before I was even old enough to learn to drive, should I have never bothered?
I've lost two mates/ acquaintances in bike crashes, most of my biking mates and my brother have had nasty offs; should I quit riding before it happens to me?
My dad had his first heart attack when he was within weeks of the age I am now, maybe I should start writing my will...
sradmarty said:
996 sps said:
It really irritates me when people who've never had or rode a bike tell me how dangerous they are.
The brakes never fade, you can put yourself in a better road position, you have better vision, you control the bike. If you don't know the roads then ride to your ability.
On Feb 4th this year I lost my best friend to a brain tumour - He was an ultra endurance athlete and had completed double marathons - He was 40 years old - When I sat in the hospice I realised how many 'young' and 'old' folk were seeing their days out.
The reason I say this do what 'YOU' want - I commute to Surrey daily on my VFR and see nothing but car crashes, car/lorry fires, roof being cut from a car on the M40 last month.
Life's a risk, playing sports a risk, but I'd rather have risk than be someone who talks other people out of what they wanna do.
The week after my mate died I missed a flight to Murcia (Spain) to see BSB testing, I couldn't get another flight and wanted to go so I decided to ride the bike - Northants to Spain (1400 miles) - The 'car' drivers at work - Said "That's a long way to go on a bike" - How clueless is that?
Going over the French Pyrnees at 530 in the morning - Grinning, laughing.
Bikes are a way of life, these people who talk you out of them haven't rode one or don't have them in their blood.
I lost a friend to a bike accident, I lost a friend to cancer and I've lost two through car accidents. Its statistics - Enjoy your life do what you want.
Wonderfully put. The brakes never fade, you can put yourself in a better road position, you have better vision, you control the bike. If you don't know the roads then ride to your ability.
On Feb 4th this year I lost my best friend to a brain tumour - He was an ultra endurance athlete and had completed double marathons - He was 40 years old - When I sat in the hospice I realised how many 'young' and 'old' folk were seeing their days out.
The reason I say this do what 'YOU' want - I commute to Surrey daily on my VFR and see nothing but car crashes, car/lorry fires, roof being cut from a car on the M40 last month.
Life's a risk, playing sports a risk, but I'd rather have risk than be someone who talks other people out of what they wanna do.
The week after my mate died I missed a flight to Murcia (Spain) to see BSB testing, I couldn't get another flight and wanted to go so I decided to ride the bike - Northants to Spain (1400 miles) - The 'car' drivers at work - Said "That's a long way to go on a bike" - How clueless is that?
Going over the French Pyrnees at 530 in the morning - Grinning, laughing.
Bikes are a way of life, these people who talk you out of them haven't rode one or don't have them in their blood.
I lost a friend to a bike accident, I lost a friend to cancer and I've lost two through car accidents. Its statistics - Enjoy your life do what you want.
Loved reading your write up it was worth its own thread
You could have taken more photos though
I didn't bother sticking to a 125 after I passed my test, I bought a 600 instead. Took a few days to get used to it, nothing major. The 125 I learned on was the worst bike I've ever ridden by a long long way. I can't see why anyone would subject themselves to a whole year or more of riding something like that.
Part of the problem here is the other half coming off and being discouraged to get back on, instead retiring to four wheels. He had the chance to do it though right? Initially, and even getting back on.
I think people are suited to riding motorcycles later, if they used to cycle earlier, or still do. The most essential thing is awareness. The peripheral vision you learn from road awareness, and vulnerability, you learn to listen. If you are used to adrenalin from motors, then great.
You know, it's so easy for people to become discouraged. I've been riding for some 34 years, and at 49 still enjoy sports bikes. Hinted to already is a biased approach to that sort of bike, but not generally really. If I was offering fair advise to you, it would be definitely not to get a heavy frumpy bike of any sort first, and to either get a naked, adventure, or sport machine which is agile and reasonable in power, that will allow you to experience most of the physical elements of motorcycling and the potential riding styles from the outset. Also at your age do not get a 125. Really definitely please do not get a 125. You'll be transferred to a 500 most likely if you do your CBT with a good trainer, so long as you're competent on the 125 in the cones etc.
The 500 you will be more confident on, it will be safer getting to speed, and it will allow you to pass your direct access and use something similar or slightly more capable if you're comfortable. Just because there are fast bikes out there you don't need to ride them fast. Often a fast bike can be a reassurance in faster traffic, and will teach you far more control hopefully. It will allow you to travel further and experience more when doing so, like weather changes, new roads, and the camaraderie. You can take a bikesafe course or Rospa training, which I haven't, but always being suggested to me by those that think I'm able to and should do it. For you it may assure those around you that you take it seriously, and the desire includes training too?
Nobody should deny an individual the sense of freedom that motorcycling can offer, it is dangerous, of course it is. My life is messed up a bit by surgery from being hit a couple of times, but still, I have been lucky, it could have been worse. I got back on. The last one was head on at low speed (30). I rode it a few days after, when the hospital said nothing was broken, still while in considerable pain, both locally, and on two 800 mile round trips each weekend after, to try to get it out of my head. I still remember a bike shop manager advising me to go to hospital because I was not so good. Of course I had surgery later, but still ride the same bikes.
If 'you' want it, go and try to get it. It's not like you're not considering the wishes and fears of those around you. If you believe in yourself and your honest ability to ride carefully, with good perception and responsibility, and respect for yourself, the bike, and others. Try it. If nothing else, you'll gain a driving qualification which is getting harder to obtain, and it stays with you.
Only my2p
I think people are suited to riding motorcycles later, if they used to cycle earlier, or still do. The most essential thing is awareness. The peripheral vision you learn from road awareness, and vulnerability, you learn to listen. If you are used to adrenalin from motors, then great.
You know, it's so easy for people to become discouraged. I've been riding for some 34 years, and at 49 still enjoy sports bikes. Hinted to already is a biased approach to that sort of bike, but not generally really. If I was offering fair advise to you, it would be definitely not to get a heavy frumpy bike of any sort first, and to either get a naked, adventure, or sport machine which is agile and reasonable in power, that will allow you to experience most of the physical elements of motorcycling and the potential riding styles from the outset. Also at your age do not get a 125. Really definitely please do not get a 125. You'll be transferred to a 500 most likely if you do your CBT with a good trainer, so long as you're competent on the 125 in the cones etc.
The 500 you will be more confident on, it will be safer getting to speed, and it will allow you to pass your direct access and use something similar or slightly more capable if you're comfortable. Just because there are fast bikes out there you don't need to ride them fast. Often a fast bike can be a reassurance in faster traffic, and will teach you far more control hopefully. It will allow you to travel further and experience more when doing so, like weather changes, new roads, and the camaraderie. You can take a bikesafe course or Rospa training, which I haven't, but always being suggested to me by those that think I'm able to and should do it. For you it may assure those around you that you take it seriously, and the desire includes training too?
Nobody should deny an individual the sense of freedom that motorcycling can offer, it is dangerous, of course it is. My life is messed up a bit by surgery from being hit a couple of times, but still, I have been lucky, it could have been worse. I got back on. The last one was head on at low speed (30). I rode it a few days after, when the hospital said nothing was broken, still while in considerable pain, both locally, and on two 800 mile round trips each weekend after, to try to get it out of my head. I still remember a bike shop manager advising me to go to hospital because I was not so good. Of course I had surgery later, but still ride the same bikes.
If 'you' want it, go and try to get it. It's not like you're not considering the wishes and fears of those around you. If you believe in yourself and your honest ability to ride carefully, with good perception and responsibility, and respect for yourself, the bike, and others. Try it. If nothing else, you'll gain a driving qualification which is getting harder to obtain, and it stays with you.
Only my2p
Really appreciate your input! Good to hear your point of view.
I've heard mixed things from bikers, some saying it's worth having a 125 for a year or so to get used to a bike that's more forgiving. Lighter, easier to brake e.t.c
While others, like yourself, say the complete opposite. Do the CBT then the DAS straight away. I just wonder if it'll put me at a disadvantage during the DAS if I've had no riding time whatsoever other than the training.
I've heard mixed things from bikers, some saying it's worth having a 125 for a year or so to get used to a bike that's more forgiving. Lighter, easier to brake e.t.c
While others, like yourself, say the complete opposite. Do the CBT then the DAS straight away. I just wonder if it'll put me at a disadvantage during the DAS if I've had no riding time whatsoever other than the training.
I went straight on a 600, but I think everyone can see the merits of gathering some experience on a 125cc.
In the end, your right hand is an analog control, not an on/off switch. So as long as you avoid some notoriously hard bikes to ride and you master some self control, I don't see why you couldn't start off on a 600 or a 1000.
In the end, your right hand is an analog control, not an on/off switch. So as long as you avoid some notoriously hard bikes to ride and you master some self control, I don't see why you couldn't start off on a 600 or a 1000.
I took my bike test in my mid-20s in the face of considerable family opposition, although the g/f of the time was supportive (she'd had pillion experience in the past). I went from a 100cc 2 stroke Yamaha to a 'big' 600cc Kawasaki sports-tourer and had no trouble at all with the bigger machine as I learnt the ropes.
Bar a car-park drop or two and a low speed tumble on oil in France I've managed to keep the things right-way-up since then, but I think the maturity that came with being older, as well as active interest in improving my riding/driving skills continually, really helped.
Now my two sons happily ride pillion (God am I careful with one of them onboard!) and the elder one will come down to Le Mans with me in June.
Good times!
SS7
Bar a car-park drop or two and a low speed tumble on oil in France I've managed to keep the things right-way-up since then, but I think the maturity that came with being older, as well as active interest in improving my riding/driving skills continually, really helped.
Now my two sons happily ride pillion (God am I careful with one of them onboard!) and the elder one will come down to Le Mans with me in June.
Good times!
SS7
gwm said:
Funny I've already commented saying get the bike you want, as a mate did DAS, got a sports tourer 600 and has now just bought a GSX-R 750. He's a slower rider on the 750 as it's intimidating for him.
So I've changed my mind!
Haha! I see, I guess it comes down to personal confidence and how I feel after the CBT. Or what the instructors think I'm like. I can see myself wanting to get a few months on a 125 at least, but the YamahaXV950R I'm after isn't especially intimidating.So I've changed my mind!
During the CBT, the trainer will quickly identify your competence on a bike. Once you can handle low speed stability, the rest is common to other machines, ie switches and observation etc, then managing power is about care and restraint. If you have a good sense of balance it'll come naturally. The mistakes you make will be observational most likely.
Having a 125 is more likely to put you off riding at your age, they don't command the respect from other vehicle users, they are underpowered for real world riding ultimately. You will want to assure those around you of your confidence and ability, so it makes perfect sense to demonstrate it on something manageable, and sensibly powered, able to hold it's own in all riding environments. 125's are good for provisional use, and basic road learning, so get one for that if you feel you need road experience, but not after a test, use your pre test training to teach you what you need on a 500 that they'll provide.
You can ask them for additional training, and take you into the country or town situations, also night if they're good. My sister passed her test, and bought a Ninja 250R, which I rode to the Isle of Wight for her from the Wirral after the seller delivered it here. It was a 250 and still tedious, a 125 no way. When you look at other threads where people ask which first bike to get, most replies are for bigger than a 125, often supporting a much bigger machine.
The Moto Guzzi and Triumph Bonneville are just as realistic as a 600 Bandit or Versys, and for a first bike the latter style you might find surprisingly good. The upright riding position will aid your visibility, and the adventure wide bars aid control. Still, I would recommend picking a machine you really like. There's also a lot of money to be lost changing bikes unnecessarily in the beginning, just in search of riding experience, which may as well be gained on what you intend to ride if it fits what I suggested before.
Still my2p
)
Having a 125 is more likely to put you off riding at your age, they don't command the respect from other vehicle users, they are underpowered for real world riding ultimately. You will want to assure those around you of your confidence and ability, so it makes perfect sense to demonstrate it on something manageable, and sensibly powered, able to hold it's own in all riding environments. 125's are good for provisional use, and basic road learning, so get one for that if you feel you need road experience, but not after a test, use your pre test training to teach you what you need on a 500 that they'll provide.
You can ask them for additional training, and take you into the country or town situations, also night if they're good. My sister passed her test, and bought a Ninja 250R, which I rode to the Isle of Wight for her from the Wirral after the seller delivered it here. It was a 250 and still tedious, a 125 no way. When you look at other threads where people ask which first bike to get, most replies are for bigger than a 125, often supporting a much bigger machine.
The Moto Guzzi and Triumph Bonneville are just as realistic as a 600 Bandit or Versys, and for a first bike the latter style you might find surprisingly good. The upright riding position will aid your visibility, and the adventure wide bars aid control. Still, I would recommend picking a machine you really like. There's also a lot of money to be lost changing bikes unnecessarily in the beginning, just in search of riding experience, which may as well be gained on what you intend to ride if it fits what I suggested before.
Still my2p
)I'm 30 and in the process of doing my bike licence and I'm learning on a Kwak 650 Versys. Not the most attractive machine out there but I found it very easy to get to grips with, it's easier to use in the slow speed maneuvours than my Varadero 125. The power is also more than adequate.
I understand why some people advise not to bother with a 125, but I've had the Very-dear-o for six months now, I actually found it a very good machine to gain experience on. It does help though that it's not some Dinky Toy bike though.
I understand why some people advise not to bother with a 125, but I've had the Very-dear-o for six months now, I actually found it a very good machine to gain experience on. It does help though that it's not some Dinky Toy bike though.
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