What's it like owning and riding bikes?
Discussion
Regarding the points made about servicing, yes they are more frequent, dependant on type of bike. However bikes are much easier to work on. Get a Haynes manual for whatever bike you get and service it yourself, it's good fun. Presumably being on PH's you will already have a lot of tools you can use.
Most important though is chain maintenance which needs to be kept on top of or you will soon find that you need to get it replaced, particularly if you become an all weather rider.
Most important though is chain maintenance which needs to be kept on top of or you will soon find that you need to get it replaced, particularly if you become an all weather rider.
*Al* said:
I've had bikes and cars for years, most of my bikes were supersports and have had X3 R1s, a GSXR1000, x fireblades, a Z1000 (street fighter styled), my current bike is my Hayabusa GSX1300R which I've had over 3 years now.
I've had a few quick cars, stage 3 Escort Cosworth, M5, M3, and lots of sos so quick cars but nothing ever comes close to riding a sportsbike or any bike to be honest. It's very difficult to ride the Busa to it's potential and I'm no riding god but nothing beats the thrill on the senses.
Spooky.....I've had a few quick cars, stage 3 Escort Cosworth, M5, M3, and lots of sos so quick cars but nothing ever comes close to riding a sportsbike or any bike to be honest. It's very difficult to ride the Busa to it's potential and I'm no riding god but nothing beats the thrill on the senses.
Edited by *Al* on Friday 24th March 10:29
Literally just drove past you in Highworth at about 3pm - bike sounds well!!
Give it a try. You will probably like it.
I think it is a good time to be getting into biking - there are loads of interesting bikes out there in all segments of the market. It's actually hard to chose what to go for.
Add to that reliability, better and better tyres, safety features like cornering ABS, multi-stage traction control, slipper clutches or even dct boxes and bikes are far more sophisticated than 10 years ago or 20 years ago when I started riding.
But...you don't need anything more than two wheels and a decent motor to have fun. The world is your oyster...
I think it is a good time to be getting into biking - there are loads of interesting bikes out there in all segments of the market. It's actually hard to chose what to go for.
Add to that reliability, better and better tyres, safety features like cornering ABS, multi-stage traction control, slipper clutches or even dct boxes and bikes are far more sophisticated than 10 years ago or 20 years ago when I started riding.
But...you don't need anything more than two wheels and a decent motor to have fun. The world is your oyster...
I walked into a motorcycle dealership in Thailand last year and purchased my first bike. Not so unusual, except I had no riding experience other than quad bikes and scooters and promptly popped a stationary wheelie, dropping the bike in the process a mile away from the dealership on the way home.
Despite the minor setback, I've fallen for motorcycling in a big way as I knew I would when I was a kid lusting after a Ducati 998. Nothing comes close.
Get your test done, maybe a little advanced training and you'll soon wonder why you didn't start sooner.
Despite the minor setback, I've fallen for motorcycling in a big way as I knew I would when I was a kid lusting after a Ducati 998. Nothing comes close.
Get your test done, maybe a little advanced training and you'll soon wonder why you didn't start sooner.
Edited by Tonberry on Sunday 26th March 09:22
EagleMoto4-2 said:
Regarding the points made about servicing, yes they are more frequent, dependant on type of bike. However bikes are much easier to work on. Get a Haynes manual for whatever bike you get and service it yourself, it's good fun.
+1There is also masses of information for most bikes on the net. Go onto a forum and say something like 'my 2012 model GBXQ 1000 horn sounds on uphill left handers in the wet' and you'll get half a dozen replies suggesting what probably causing it, which part you need, where to get a cheaper part that does the same job, and an easier way to fit it than what the Haynes manual says.
)I started riding after 17 years of driving. I did my CBT/DAS in a week so I could ride unrestricted bikes straight away.
I then got myself a cheap GSXR600 (09 plate) and have ridden it a lot! I love riding, beating the traffic and the performance! Although my bike has to be wound up beyond 8k to really access it's performance. It's cheap, fun and saves me a huge amount of time!
I ride to work in my leather jacket (with the inner lining out so it keeps me cool), gloves and helmet. My journey is fairly short but in the car it takes 45 mins vs less than 10 filtering the traffic on the bike. I appreciate my risk profile is higher without full gear but I rarely see 30mph because the traffic is always really heavy.
If I'm going anywhere where I'm going to go above 30, I wear my boots and Kevlar jeans.
The only downside to biking it made me lose interest in cars and now I have a normal car for normal stuff and plan to get a much faster bike for everything else in the future.
My old girl!
I then got myself a cheap GSXR600 (09 plate) and have ridden it a lot! I love riding, beating the traffic and the performance! Although my bike has to be wound up beyond 8k to really access it's performance. It's cheap, fun and saves me a huge amount of time!
I ride to work in my leather jacket (with the inner lining out so it keeps me cool), gloves and helmet. My journey is fairly short but in the car it takes 45 mins vs less than 10 filtering the traffic on the bike. I appreciate my risk profile is higher without full gear but I rarely see 30mph because the traffic is always really heavy.
If I'm going anywhere where I'm going to go above 30, I wear my boots and Kevlar jeans.
The only downside to biking it made me lose interest in cars and now I have a normal car for normal stuff and plan to get a much faster bike for everything else in the future.
My old girl!
Se7enheaven said:
To answer your question OP , you really have to see and feel for yourself.
Words don't justify or explain that buzz you get from a bike.
Experience it , and none of your other questions really matter. You will see ..............
This. Seems to miss the point thinking of the pros and cons. You'll have utter sWords don't justify or explain that buzz you get from a bike.
Experience it , and none of your other questions really matter. You will see ..............
t days on bikes, crashing, them breaking down, being too hot, getting soaked, sore, skint but like any sport, hobby it only takes one feeling to make it worth it. My dad took me on the back of his one Saturday when I was about 7 around town and I knew I wanted one when I got older.
I've now got 4 and if it wasn't for that I might not have. I'd also now like to confess that I broke a vent on his helmet pushing it at the time. He blamed it on a stone and I said nothing.
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use?
That depends on what your area is like. I have a fairly short commute and the traffic isn't too bad. If I had an urban commute I'd probably get a bike to beat the traffic. I only keep a bike for fun at the moment. If I was commuting, I wouldn't bother with a 1000cc super sport bike. If I was only riding for fun, I wouldn't have a Honda Deauville, so you tailor your bike to your needs and usage.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
No, you can get a thin, light leather suit if you wish, or wear textiles. Or wear nothing and ride in the buff. It's up to you. How much protection do you want, how much do you want to keep the cold and rain out (if applicable)?
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
No, all bikes come with free air con.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No, you just adjust your riding. I personally wouldn't go out if it was wet, but I only ride for fun or maybe 5% of my total biking miles being "needing to beat the traffic and get somewhere quickly" riding.
Do they get stolen a lot?
Depends where you live.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
In Newcastle, no. In London, maybe?
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Just get on with it.
I love riding my bike, BMW R1200R.
Riding a motorcycle, I find, is the most relaxing thing I can do to unwind, I feel so calm, serene, relaxed and clear minded gliding down a winding road, it's beautiful.
There are a few posts about the danger and non bikers especially think you will die at any minute whilst on a bike but as most things in life it's about managing the risks, about which most is common sense, protective gear, attitude and training.
Speaking of which I only had one accident, am uninsured guy pulled out on me. I would have walked away but I thought as I was in town I didn't need my boots or leathers on, mistake. No matter how short the journey put all your gear on. A had a low speed topple and had a shin gash, overnight in hospital and a few weeks of fuss with infection.
Apart from that, do it, it's freedom, it's sexy, it's an adventure, it's exhilarating, it's great to dawdle and it's a great way to keep fit too.
Riding a motorcycle, I find, is the most relaxing thing I can do to unwind, I feel so calm, serene, relaxed and clear minded gliding down a winding road, it's beautiful.
There are a few posts about the danger and non bikers especially think you will die at any minute whilst on a bike but as most things in life it's about managing the risks, about which most is common sense, protective gear, attitude and training.
Speaking of which I only had one accident, am uninsured guy pulled out on me. I would have walked away but I thought as I was in town I didn't need my boots or leathers on, mistake. No matter how short the journey put all your gear on. A had a low speed topple and had a shin gash, overnight in hospital and a few weeks of fuss with infection.
Apart from that, do it, it's freedom, it's sexy, it's an adventure, it's exhilarating, it's great to dawdle and it's a great way to keep fit too.
knitware said:
Riding a motorcycle, I find, is the most relaxing thing I can do to unwind, I feel so calm, serene, relaxed and clear minded gliding down a winding road, it's beautiful
I couldn't have put it better myself! I agree I love the solitude and like you I find it's the best way to completely unwind and relax. Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff