A Long lay off
Discussion
airsafari87 said:
Regardless of whatever bike it is, buy the bike that you want and not the bike you think you should buy.
Ive been guilty of this! Thats why im back on a c90 now and stuff everyone who thinks its not a real bike, I enjoy it more that the XSR I had ( Although I do have a Fireblade sized itch to scratch even though I couldnt use a1/10th of what it can do)
Fenland Plodder said:
Took my fairly hefty Ninja 1000sx for a service and was a little disappointed to be loaned a z650rs as I really fancied giving the z900rs a try. Came away loving its character, manoeuvrability, the fact that you could wind the throttle back without going silly speeds.
I loved the 900RS when it came out, I think they really nailed the styling and having owned an original Z650 it does have some appeal for sure. ThanksI also like the look of the Yamaha XSR700. Very pretty bike
Edited by handful17 on Friday 17th November 10:48
handful17 said:
A500leroy said:
Biggest investment would be a day or two retraining just to get you back up to speed or do one of the police run courses, then budget for a new helmet, jacket/trouser ,gloves and boots as things have moved on.
Really good advice on the training, I've thought about doing the BMW off road training course if they still run it. Clothes for sure, the stuff I have still got would be useless now if I could get into it!I did reply earlier with a photo of the young me wearing ridiculously non-protective clobber but it didn't post for some reason!
As for the bike, don't feel that just because of anything, especially age or recent experience that you need to get a particular style, size, capacity, power etc. of bike. This year on the Old Gits trip we had a 76 year old who was loving his new Ninja 1000SX and a 77 year old who was still riding his R1250GS quicker than most up and down the passes.
black-k1 said:
It is worth getting some on-road training from any of the mainstream training organisations. Aside from helping your Mrs to feel more confident, it'll also help you to remember how to ride safely.
As for the bike, don't feel that just because of anything, especially age or recent experience that you need to get a particular style, size, capacity, power etc. of bike. This year on the Old Gits trip we had a 76 year old who was loving his new Ninja 1000SX and a 77 year old who was still riding his R1250GS quicker than most up and down the passes.
Thanks, great advice I'm sure. The truth is I don't really have a need for a bike, it's just unfinished business from when I used to really enjoy riding. Apart from possibly taking it with me when we go away in our campervan instead of emtbs like we do currently. I try to keep that separate though because if I bought something perfect for that I would have to buy a scooter or a 125 unless I get a trailer. I don't think that would scratch the bike itch that I have!As for the bike, don't feel that just because of anything, especially age or recent experience that you need to get a particular style, size, capacity, power etc. of bike. This year on the Old Gits trip we had a 76 year old who was loving his new Ninja 1000SX and a 77 year old who was still riding his R1250GS quicker than most up and down the passes.
I will get some training for sure although I think my pushbike riding has kept a lot of the good habits that might have slipped away in the safety of a metal cage. Like looking at the drivers eyes rather than just a car at a junction and anticipating that everyone is about to pull out in front of me, lifesaver look over the shoulder etc.
I was away for years. The Africa Twin PCP feeding frenzy here in late 2017 helped me get back onto a bike, that and someone along the road riding past me on their Grom. I wish I'd got back on a bike sooner.
As others have said get some training. I called on spec. and got to go out that afternoon on a large A2 bike having whizzed around the training ground on a 125. I took at least one liberty while out on the road. I didn't stall.
Royal Enfield dealers are discounting at the moment as RE are going to deal with dealers directly and not via an importer/distributor so there are deals to be done on existing stock. They've some appeal to me in the showroom. There seems to be a few lightly used Interceptors that have been laden with mods.
I had use of a loaner Royal Enfield Meteor 350 a few months ago. I thought the image was awful but I had an absolute hoot riding it and not being the most confident of motorcyclists I found the low centre of gravity and high bars made it a doddle to move around the garage. I think I'd be won over by a Hunter 350.
I've heard BSAs are being discounted too. One YouTuber reviewer opined that the BSA took so long to get to market they may've missed the hipster, retro trend. I saw an old red BSA parked up a month or so ago so I saw features the new one tries to replicate. I like the Kawasaki W800 and W800 Cafe which a YouTuber told me isn't compliant with the now current EU emissions standards so there are a few those about being heavily discounted too.
With regard to what you want, would looking back to what bikes you had before help?
As you enjoyed Scooters on holidays perhaps watch a review or two by RiderCamTV and TheMissendenFlyer on 300cc Super Scooters? I bought another A2 bike as I may be trying to make up for lost time and bought a motorcycle because that's what I stared at on the streets, in books and in magazines when I was younger. It's also be because I may have an aspiration to master riding a motorcycle having done the IAM and RoSPA car tests.
I don't commute but for what I used a bike for yesterday a PCX125 or 300cc Super Scooter may have done just as well. I went into one trade place yesterday and left my motorcycle around the corner with the disc lock on rather than ride it 50-60 yards. The chap sat at a PC screen with his back to the counter got up and was looking out the window as he wanted to see what I was riding. It transpired he has two 90s Frieblades, one he's owned for over 20 years.
The 300cc Super Scooter suggestion also comes as an experienced motorcyclist along the road has just got one, but they have other bikes too. Seeing their latest toy and the moanthebairns Duke 790 thread has had me looking at the classifieds even though I got a new bike this year. I went logical with my choice but I don't have room or time in my life for a toy that creates problems that necessitate repeated trips to the dealer and having source used parts from eBay as none are available new. I went logical with my previous bike too but I loved the looks and image of the thing so it ticked heart and head boxes.
As others have said get some training. I called on spec. and got to go out that afternoon on a large A2 bike having whizzed around the training ground on a 125. I took at least one liberty while out on the road. I didn't stall.
Royal Enfield dealers are discounting at the moment as RE are going to deal with dealers directly and not via an importer/distributor so there are deals to be done on existing stock. They've some appeal to me in the showroom. There seems to be a few lightly used Interceptors that have been laden with mods.
I had use of a loaner Royal Enfield Meteor 350 a few months ago. I thought the image was awful but I had an absolute hoot riding it and not being the most confident of motorcyclists I found the low centre of gravity and high bars made it a doddle to move around the garage. I think I'd be won over by a Hunter 350.
I've heard BSAs are being discounted too. One YouTuber reviewer opined that the BSA took so long to get to market they may've missed the hipster, retro trend. I saw an old red BSA parked up a month or so ago so I saw features the new one tries to replicate. I like the Kawasaki W800 and W800 Cafe which a YouTuber told me isn't compliant with the now current EU emissions standards so there are a few those about being heavily discounted too.
With regard to what you want, would looking back to what bikes you had before help?
As you enjoyed Scooters on holidays perhaps watch a review or two by RiderCamTV and TheMissendenFlyer on 300cc Super Scooters? I bought another A2 bike as I may be trying to make up for lost time and bought a motorcycle because that's what I stared at on the streets, in books and in magazines when I was younger. It's also be because I may have an aspiration to master riding a motorcycle having done the IAM and RoSPA car tests.
I don't commute but for what I used a bike for yesterday a PCX125 or 300cc Super Scooter may have done just as well. I went into one trade place yesterday and left my motorcycle around the corner with the disc lock on rather than ride it 50-60 yards. The chap sat at a PC screen with his back to the counter got up and was looking out the window as he wanted to see what I was riding. It transpired he has two 90s Frieblades, one he's owned for over 20 years.
The 300cc Super Scooter suggestion also comes as an experienced motorcyclist along the road has just got one, but they have other bikes too. Seeing their latest toy and the moanthebairns Duke 790 thread has had me looking at the classifieds even though I got a new bike this year. I went logical with my choice but I don't have room or time in my life for a toy that creates problems that necessitate repeated trips to the dealer and having source used parts from eBay as none are available new. I went logical with my previous bike too but I loved the looks and image of the thing so it ticked heart and head boxes.
Kuwahara said:
Bet you wish you’d kept hold of the CBX…
Wish I'd kept mine, it was new old stock when the prolink one came out and selling off cheap (I think £1600 which when the brand new GSX250 I'd bought a few months earlier was £929 was a bargain).Being a 17 yo t
t, when my mates said "our bikes sound great without an airbox and sticking on K&Ns" - I followed without re-jetting. At some point I got a five cylinder bike (probably more like 19 by that time). Virtually gave it away to a guy who put it in a Moto Martin frame.
Edited by J__Wood on Friday 17th November 20:14
Like the OP, I'm about 17 or 18 years away from M.bikes. My past is a little more limited though, a Honda XL185 & a Triumph Sprint ST.
Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
Skyedriver said:
Like the OP, I'm about 17 or 18 years away from M.bikes. My past is a little more limited though, a Honda XL185 & a Triumph Sprint ST.
Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
A Guzzi V7 (2008 onwards)? Seems to be the younger brother to the V50. Still got that v-twin vibe and classic looks with more modern parts. Scope for fettling too (optional/necessary, delete as appropriate Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
).Donbot said:
KTMsm said:
I think most lazy people find the 400s too slow unless they are just for city use, you have to keep them on the limiter which soon becomes wearing IMO is more involving than short shifting everywhere.
Loads of bikes are more fun than a 400 plus they tend to have cheap suspension and brakes etc
muppets_mate said:
Skyedriver said:
Like the OP, I'm about 17 or 18 years away from M.bikes. My past is a little more limited though, a Honda XL185 & a Triumph Sprint ST.
Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
A Guzzi V7 (2008 onwards)? Seems to be the younger brother to the V50. Still got that v-twin vibe and classic looks with more modern parts. Scope for fettling too (optional/necessary, delete as appropriate Started looking for something like a Guzzi V50 from the late 70's/early 80's as I want a "classic" not a street racer and I've liked te looked of those V-twins since seeing one maybe 25 or more years ago.. Something that needs a little bit of fettling over the winter would be nice too and more in my budget.
Good luck with your search OP.
).Wishing you well dipping your toe back into the water after your time away from bikes, I can't offer much advice on which bike is for you as I am a novice who passed their test in August.....I can understand your trepidation though getting back on a bike later on in life as I am 57 and haven't done any motorcycling since I was 17. I decided to get my bike licence before I got to the point where I couldn't sling a leg over a bike and I'm pleased I did, however I'm not the most confident motorcyclist and if anyone could claim the Capt Slow crown it would be me....but I'm happy just bimbling around the lanes near home.
I like retro style machines and looked at RE, BSA, and the 650RS but in the end got myself a Street Twin as I liked the low seat height as I'm able to flat foot it which helps myconfidence levels. I too am looking for some advanced training but now the weather has got a bit cooler and wetter its probably the end of my riding until the spring.
Good luck, hope it works out for you.
I like retro style machines and looked at RE, BSA, and the 650RS but in the end got myself a Street Twin as I liked the low seat height as I'm able to flat foot it which helps myconfidence levels. I too am looking for some advanced training but now the weather has got a bit cooler and wetter its probably the end of my riding until the spring.
Good luck, hope it works out for you.
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