What's it like owning and riding bikes?
Discussion
I echo everything above. Bikes are great fun. Can start getting expensive if you rack up the miles because the service intervals are short, plus rear tires can require replacing every few months. However, I was doing circa 30k a year.
I no longer ride for a variety of reasons, but I must stress one thing. You need self control! It's so easy to be a lunatic on a bike
I no longer ride for a variety of reasons, but I must stress one thing. You need self control! It's so easy to be a lunatic on a bike
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.
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
Bennet said:
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? - Best as a toy or a commuter vehicle in my experience.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey? - No, you can get lighter gear, which is of very good quality but the safest gear is inavariably the most clunky however, so it depends on your risk perceptions. Safest isn't always best however.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather? - Depends on the gear, and what sort of riding. I wear "heavy" 2-piece leathers and never have problems, but I'm not a fat b
d and don't ride in town.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather? - No, you can still have fun in the wet, but it takes more confidence, if I'm out and it rains I don't mind, but I wouldn't go out knowing it will rain
Do they get stolen a lot? - Yes. If you live in a city, especially London, I would really consider this.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about? - Yes. It's very easy for a passing to bundle a bike into a van.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me? - If you're coming into bikes to enjoy their performance remember, that driving a car is easier than a bike, and you're going to have to start all over again. Being overtaken by a diesel Touareg on your sportsbike when you're really trying can be a frustrating experience when you're used to going balls out in a nice safe car.
Are they really best kept for fun journeys and nice roads, or are they a viable car alternative for day to day use? - Best as a toy or a commuter vehicle in my experience.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey? - No, you can get lighter gear, which is of very good quality but the safest gear is inavariably the most clunky however, so it depends on your risk perceptions. Safest isn't always best however.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather? - Depends on the gear, and what sort of riding. I wear "heavy" 2-piece leathers and never have problems, but I'm not a fat b
d and don't ride in town. Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather? - No, you can still have fun in the wet, but it takes more confidence, if I'm out and it rains I don't mind, but I wouldn't go out knowing it will rain
Do they get stolen a lot? - Yes. If you live in a city, especially London, I would really consider this.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about? - Yes. It's very easy for a passing
to bundle a bike into a van. What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me? - If you're coming into bikes to enjoy their performance remember, that driving a car is easier than a bike, and you're going to have to start all over again. Being overtaken by a diesel Touareg on your sportsbike when you're really trying can be a frustrating experience when you're used to going balls out in a nice safe car.
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 you and the bike you choose. Some bikes aren't great commuters, some are, and some are good for a hoon and commuting. Some people only enjoy using their bike for fun, some hate commuting on a bike, some don't mind commuting on a bike.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Depends on your level of risk aversion. I rarely wear full leathers in summer. Usually Kevlar jeans and a leather jacket with breathable panels. I've seen some bikes being driven fairly silly with someone wearing only a lid and shorts/t-shirts. I'm in the middle risk wise.... rarely full leathers, but rarely only a lid unless I'm popping to the local shop.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Full leathers, yes. Particularly if non-breathable or if you are stopped for a while. When moving the air flow will keep you cool enough in the UK, worse in sunnier places.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
I think you're being a bit silly if you don't learnt to handle a bike in wetter weather. I've ridden down motorways in hail storms. Good to learn to handle your bike in bad weather as weather can change when you're out on a long ride. But it is far less fun in the rain. Hail can be particularly hairy if you are trying to get home and don't want to slow down :-)
Do they get stolen a lot?
I've never had a bike stolen, but then I don't live in London and my bike lives in my back garden so is not visible from the street.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Depends on what you mean by safe. I leave mine wherever it is legal to park it, then just lock my lid (in waterproof sack) to the frame and front wheel. Also use a disc lock if leaving somewhere dodgy. In areas other than London and big cities, motorbike theft doesn't seem to happen that much, especially in public places.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Just go and do a CBT. Then you can go try riding round on a 125 on your own. If you enjoy it then go for it.
Depends on you and the bike you choose. Some bikes aren't great commuters, some are, and some are good for a hoon and commuting. Some people only enjoy using their bike for fun, some hate commuting on a bike, some don't mind commuting on a bike.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Depends on your level of risk aversion. I rarely wear full leathers in summer. Usually Kevlar jeans and a leather jacket with breathable panels. I've seen some bikes being driven fairly silly with someone wearing only a lid and shorts/t-shirts. I'm in the middle risk wise.... rarely full leathers, but rarely only a lid unless I'm popping to the local shop.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Full leathers, yes. Particularly if non-breathable or if you are stopped for a while. When moving the air flow will keep you cool enough in the UK, worse in sunnier places.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
I think you're being a bit silly if you don't learnt to handle a bike in wetter weather. I've ridden down motorways in hail storms. Good to learn to handle your bike in bad weather as weather can change when you're out on a long ride. But it is far less fun in the rain. Hail can be particularly hairy if you are trying to get home and don't want to slow down :-)
Do they get stolen a lot?
I've never had a bike stolen, but then I don't live in London and my bike lives in my back garden so is not visible from the street.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Depends on what you mean by safe. I leave mine wherever it is legal to park it, then just lock my lid (in waterproof sack) to the frame and front wheel. Also use a disc lock if leaving somewhere dodgy. In areas other than London and big cities, motorbike theft doesn't seem to happen that much, especially in public places.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
Just go and do a CBT. Then you can go try riding round on a 125 on your own. If you enjoy it then go for it.
Bennet said:
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?
Viable alternative most of the time. Exceptions are icy weather, carrying bulky things, going somewhere bike gear is inappropriate if you've nowhere to stash it. 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?
Bennet said:
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
Never worn a leather suit in 30 odd years. Good textiles are bulky and heavy but more practical than leather. If the weather's OK you can use jackets that are protective but look and feel like normal jackets when off the bike. Bennet said:
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
Generally no. If it's exceptionally hot, or nice weather and you're stuck in a queue then you can get hot but with goretex gear rarely sweaty. Shower proof and cool summer jackets are available. As long as you're moving it's difficult to be actually hot on a bike in this country.Bennet said:
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No, it's daft not to. You end up missing great riding days just because there might just be a shower. Grip on wet tarmac is surprisingly good, the issue is when you have wet grease/mud/manhole covers etc. Generally just ride normally but watch the road surface more closely and start shedding speed for the next hazard earlier. Bennet said:
Do they get stolen a lot?
Certain bikes (expensive and/or scooters) in certain areas do.Bennet said:
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
Generally no, in central London, specifically West end, and maybe a few other cities it can be an issue. Bennet said:
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
The sense of freedom has to be experienced to be believed. It isn't just an emotional thing, although that's a big part of it. It's the knowledge that you can go where you want and enjoy getting there without worrying about traffic jams, parking, finding somewhere to turn round if you want to. The therapeutic effect of doing something that needs total concentration, something a car driver finds occasionally on the right road in the right car, is the norm on a bike.
There is also the camaraderie between bikers. You find yourself chatting to someone you might never otherwise talk to just because your bikes are parked next to each other. In the last six months I've had pleasant and interesting chats about biking with people who turned out to be ageing rockers, policemen (several), one apparent millionaire, a late middle aged female teacher in a boarding school, and a member of parliament that I recognised but who didn't mention his job. We just talked about bikes.
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 both of mine purely for fun, but many people own only a bike and others commute on motorcycle for a variety of reasons. It's down to personal preference, and my commute and work does not lend itself to getting geared up, then getting changed into trousers and shoes etc. To answer your question, they are an alternative in certain situations.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
No. I wear full leathers sometimes, but when it's really hot I wear a leather jacket, Kevlar Jeans, but still motorcycle boots. Again, it's entirely personal preference and your own perception of risk. I could easily rise to the shops in a helmet, t shirt and shorts, but I perceive that as too greater a risk, especially I am always tempted to go for a more spirited ride. It is a risk getting on a bike, some aim to mitigate this by extensive gear and others mitigate it by being comfortable and aware of their surrounding. I am on the more cautious side, but rarely is this ever an issue.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
If you're moving, no. If you're stationary then it can be. There are many alternatives to leather, and breathable mesh is widely available. Again, it comes down to risk mitigation and person preference. I've only really got too hot a few times, and that was stuck in traffic and unable to filter.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No. Your are stupid if you don't adapt to the wet weather / roads / visibility. I learnt to ride in the rain, and it does not bother me, other than having to clean the bike down
Do they get stolen a lot?
Apparently, although I have left mine in town centres. I'm in the countryside not London and they are kept in a locked garage. yes they are easier to steal than cars, but I've never experienced it and neither has anyone I know.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
I leave mine in public places, where ever I can park. In my area there is dedicated motorcycle parking. As for safe - same applies as above, again, depends where you live and where you are in the country.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
CBT. Teetering around on a 125 before you go out for a ride on the road. If you enjoy a 125cc, then you will love a bigger bike. I was hooked. Costs creep up too. Training and licence, bike, insurance, decent gear (both wet and dry stuff), servicing, mot, tax and then the collection of gloves, boots, jackets. It can be an expensive hobby, but there are a lot of decent 'budget' protection and clothing around, so it's doable on a modest budget. Also, it's great fun, sociable, bang for buck performance wise, exciting and always a learning experience. Best thing I ever did.
I use both of mine purely for fun, but many people own only a bike and others commute on motorcycle for a variety of reasons. It's down to personal preference, and my commute and work does not lend itself to getting geared up, then getting changed into trousers and shoes etc. To answer your question, they are an alternative in certain situations.
Is a thick, heavy leather suit essential for every journey?
No. I wear full leathers sometimes, but when it's really hot I wear a leather jacket, Kevlar Jeans, but still motorcycle boots. Again, it's entirely personal preference and your own perception of risk. I could easily rise to the shops in a helmet, t shirt and shorts, but I perceive that as too greater a risk, especially I am always tempted to go for a more spirited ride. It is a risk getting on a bike, some aim to mitigate this by extensive gear and others mitigate it by being comfortable and aware of their surrounding. I am on the more cautious side, but rarely is this ever an issue.
Is it horribly sweaty wearing it in nice weather?
If you're moving, no. If you're stationary then it can be. There are many alternatives to leather, and breathable mesh is widely available. Again, it comes down to risk mitigation and person preference. I've only really got too hot a few times, and that was stuck in traffic and unable to filter.
Are you stupid to use a bike in wet weather?
No. Your are stupid if you don't adapt to the wet weather / roads / visibility. I learnt to ride in the rain, and it does not bother me, other than having to clean the bike down
Do they get stolen a lot?
Apparently, although I have left mine in town centres. I'm in the countryside not London and they are kept in a locked garage. yes they are easier to steal than cars, but I've never experienced it and neither has anyone I know.
Is it difficult to find places you can safely leave them when out and about?
I leave mine in public places, where ever I can park. In my area there is dedicated motorcycle parking. As for safe - same applies as above, again, depends where you live and where you are in the country.
What else ought I consider before deciding if it's for me?
CBT. Teetering around on a 125 before you go out for a ride on the road. If you enjoy a 125cc, then you will love a bigger bike. I was hooked. Costs creep up too. Training and licence, bike, insurance, decent gear (both wet and dry stuff), servicing, mot, tax and then the collection of gloves, boots, jackets. It can be an expensive hobby, but there are a lot of decent 'budget' protection and clothing around, so it's doable on a modest budget. Also, it's great fun, sociable, bang for buck performance wise, exciting and always a learning experience. Best thing I ever did.
*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.
It's not a looker though, is it? 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
Momentofmadness said:
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
That last video is absolutely awesome. 50bhp and killing all those litre bikes under brakes and through the corners. It does show how the skill of the rider is so important for fast riding.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
I went through the same thought process at the beginning of the year.
I live 7 miles from work, all city driving, on-site parking is reserved for Senior Management and the municipal car park is a 15 minute up hill walk and about £100 a month to use. Couple that with a car that is neither economical or fun to use around town and the use of a cheap bike starts to add up.
I did my CBT in January and spent several weeks researching what bike to get. After lots of going round in circles I decided a 125cc twist and go scooter would do the job for 6 months and give me a feel for if I like being on two wheels on the open road. I did my CBT on a geared bike and imagine I will very quickly get bored and want to progress on to an actual motorbike. Small steps, in no rush, and will enjoy incredibly cheap commuiting (£100 insurance, £17 RFL, 100mpg - winner) for the summer.
No doubt this is the start of a slippery slope and I'll probably be posting about doing my DAS in no time!
I live 7 miles from work, all city driving, on-site parking is reserved for Senior Management and the municipal car park is a 15 minute up hill walk and about £100 a month to use. Couple that with a car that is neither economical or fun to use around town and the use of a cheap bike starts to add up.
I did my CBT in January and spent several weeks researching what bike to get. After lots of going round in circles I decided a 125cc twist and go scooter would do the job for 6 months and give me a feel for if I like being on two wheels on the open road. I did my CBT on a geared bike and imagine I will very quickly get bored and want to progress on to an actual motorbike. Small steps, in no rush, and will enjoy incredibly cheap commuiting (£100 insurance, £17 RFL, 100mpg - winner) for the summer.
No doubt this is the start of a slippery slope and I'll probably be posting about doing my DAS in no time!
Alex_225 said:
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.
It's surprising how much more aware you become of other vehicles movements and you learn to almost anticipate what drivers/riders will do the more you ride. As has been said, riding a bike will make you a better driver too. Bennet said:
Many thanks for the responses. I'll do a CBT and see where things go.
Just be warned that I thought the CBT was fun but riding the 125 was horrible on the road. I found it hard work.. When getting on a 6 cylinder 600 for my big bike test it was much better.Bikes are if anything just simply awesome.
Bennet said:
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?
Its "yes" to all those questions, and its still the best thing in the world! 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?
Little Pete said:
Alex_225 said:
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.
It's surprising how much more aware you become of other vehicles movements and you learn to almost anticipate what drivers/riders will do the more you ride. As has been said, riding a bike will make you a better driver too. It's not for everyone, but as others have said the only way to find out is to experience it yourself. Many car drivers just don't look and it's getting into the mentality of expecting the unexpected that can be hard.
It's still relatively cheap compared to owning a car, but there are compromises.
Motorbikes of all types are massive fun, and since for many it was probably the first type of motorized transport they could get their hands on, there is that strangely powerful sense of, for the first time being propelled along without having to pedal, which doesn't seem so noticeable in a car (for me at least) which for me was telling.
Also many bikes, particularly the modern superbike types look so good.
For me when watching Moto GP, and superbike races in terms of excitement there is virtually no comparison between F1 and the bike races, with bike races being the only ones that can get me jumping out of my seat!
The down side for me was that when young, my parents did not want me to get a motorbike, and instead helped me get my first car (and at the time any form of motorized transport I could get my hand on was just magic) Consequently I am now, in no way a biker.
I sometimes look at bikes wishing I was, but realize that without the experience that really only comes from years of working ones way up the bike performance ladder. A bike now, is quite likely to be the doing in of me. Doesn't stop me looking though!
A pity, because when I first got to ride what might be regarded as a fast bike as a teenager, I remember howling with delight at the sheer acceleration and speed of the thing.
The problem is with so many idiot vehicle drivers in among the ones who drive properly, there seems to be a fairly high chance of having an accident, which in a car might mean just a dent, but on a bike could mean death or serious injury. Which is why sadly I feel I must leave biking to those who know what they are doing (especially in bad weather).
Also many bikes, particularly the modern superbike types look so good.
For me when watching Moto GP, and superbike races in terms of excitement there is virtually no comparison between F1 and the bike races, with bike races being the only ones that can get me jumping out of my seat!
The down side for me was that when young, my parents did not want me to get a motorbike, and instead helped me get my first car (and at the time any form of motorized transport I could get my hand on was just magic) Consequently I am now, in no way a biker.
I sometimes look at bikes wishing I was, but realize that without the experience that really only comes from years of working ones way up the bike performance ladder. A bike now, is quite likely to be the doing in of me. Doesn't stop me looking though!
A pity, because when I first got to ride what might be regarded as a fast bike as a teenager, I remember howling with delight at the sheer acceleration and speed of the thing.
The problem is with so many idiot vehicle drivers in among the ones who drive properly, there seems to be a fairly high chance of having an accident, which in a car might mean just a dent, but on a bike could mean death or serious injury. Which is why sadly I feel I must leave biking to those who know what they are doing (especially in bad weather).
Edited by Pan Pan Pan on Friday 24th March 15:27
I recently passed my full DAS having had 125's for many years and my feelings have been mixed after wanting to get on a 'big bike' for so long.
I only have a little CBR400 at the moment but have had the chance to nip on an R1 and the comments made above are true, the feeling you get of it just being you, machine and the 'open road' is fantastic. In addition to this, the difference between a 125 and a bigger CC bike is lightyears, the power, brakes, handling etc is in another world!
But my only criticism; which will no doubt come across as rather odd, is that I just find bikes too fast. Even my little CBR400 will be doing 100 in a very, very short time and by that point your in the territory of loosing your license, a huge fine and a whole lot of hassle. It also requires massive concentration on everything around you to prevent near certain death.
The R1 was just on a different level it was actually hard not to break the speed limit.
Maybe its just me and I am just a nervous / concerned about the consequences etc but i really think you need a 'give a *%£$"' attitude to really appreciate the speed of a big bike. Maybe its because I've only ridden sports bikes and you can have a different type of fun on something different.
I just find a fast car, safer (duh) and more usable on the roads you have more fun before reaching a speed at which you are risking your life and your lifestyle.
Not trying to put you off, as for me its been a life challenge that i can now tick off and i worked so hard for it I wouldn't hand it back. So I guess what I am saying is understand what you want from a bike and then buy the bike to fit that mindset!
As for your original questions things like gear etc I find you're much better of gearing up properly even for a short 'non-spirited' ride as its far too tempting to squeeze the throttle! Also you feel more confident when you're wearing the right stuff.
I only have a little CBR400 at the moment but have had the chance to nip on an R1 and the comments made above are true, the feeling you get of it just being you, machine and the 'open road' is fantastic. In addition to this, the difference between a 125 and a bigger CC bike is lightyears, the power, brakes, handling etc is in another world!
But my only criticism; which will no doubt come across as rather odd, is that I just find bikes too fast. Even my little CBR400 will be doing 100 in a very, very short time and by that point your in the territory of loosing your license, a huge fine and a whole lot of hassle. It also requires massive concentration on everything around you to prevent near certain death.
The R1 was just on a different level it was actually hard not to break the speed limit.
Maybe its just me and I am just a nervous / concerned about the consequences etc but i really think you need a 'give a *%£$"' attitude to really appreciate the speed of a big bike. Maybe its because I've only ridden sports bikes and you can have a different type of fun on something different.
I just find a fast car, safer (duh) and more usable on the roads you have more fun before reaching a speed at which you are risking your life and your lifestyle.
Not trying to put you off, as for me its been a life challenge that i can now tick off and i worked so hard for it I wouldn't hand it back. So I guess what I am saying is understand what you want from a bike and then buy the bike to fit that mindset!
As for your original questions things like gear etc I find you're much better of gearing up properly even for a short 'non-spirited' ride as its far too tempting to squeeze the throttle! Also you feel more confident when you're wearing the right stuff.
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