Discussion
Bikes scare me. They've always scared me. I have no natural sense of balance and am dubious of any kind of activity that requires me to dress in leather.
However, I'm in the process of selling my current toy (see profile) and going to something sensible and dull with four wheels (see also: Audi). The thought of this is causing me quite a lot of distress as I know I'll get so bored that I may resort to self-harm to make driving it more exciting.
So, the thought occurs that I could take the plunge and start thinking about losing a couple of wheels and doing the whole Power Ranger thing. Without wishing to blow my own trumpet too much, I like to think that my ability to control a car is well above average and my observational skills are quite exceptional but obviously this doesn't necessarily translate well to transportation of the two-wheeled variety - akin to learning how to speak German for a holiday in Japan.
So is it really worth me learning to ride?
Is my natural fear of two wheels helpful or unhelpful?
Did you get offended by the Power Ranger remark?
Discuss.
However, I'm in the process of selling my current toy (see profile) and going to something sensible and dull with four wheels (see also: Audi). The thought of this is causing me quite a lot of distress as I know I'll get so bored that I may resort to self-harm to make driving it more exciting.
So, the thought occurs that I could take the plunge and start thinking about losing a couple of wheels and doing the whole Power Ranger thing. Without wishing to blow my own trumpet too much, I like to think that my ability to control a car is well above average and my observational skills are quite exceptional but obviously this doesn't necessarily translate well to transportation of the two-wheeled variety - akin to learning how to speak German for a holiday in Japan.
So is it really worth me learning to ride?
Is my natural fear of two wheels helpful or unhelpful?
Did you get offended by the Power Ranger remark?
Discuss.
rsvmilly said:
1. Yes, of course. At the very least you'll gain insight of another road users perspective. And at most, you'll have loads of fun!
I undestand how the test and licence progression works but is there anything else I really should know? Anything that nobody seems to mention but is well-known?
rsvmilly said:
2. A healthy respect for bikes is essential if you want to last any length of time.
I should have qualified the statement really. It's not bikes that scare me, as such. It's the hard, hard road. And lampposts.
rsvmilly said:
3. Power Rangers? Not one of Clarkson's finest moments!
Oh come on. It's true and you know it.
>> Edited by Rawwr on Thursday 11th August 13:53
I'd suggest you go and do a CBT,
About £100 with all equipment provided and you should get about 5 hours on the bike. Professional tuition in the controlled environment of a car park/school playground then a minimum of 2 hours of general road riding.
(If you don't get the 2 hours on the road, moan. It's MANDATORY for correct completion of the course, it's YOU they are ripping off if they only stay out 45 minutes)
After that, you'll know whether or not 2 wheels is for you.
About £100 with all equipment provided and you should get about 5 hours on the bike. Professional tuition in the controlled environment of a car park/school playground then a minimum of 2 hours of general road riding.
(If you don't get the 2 hours on the road, moan. It's MANDATORY for correct completion of the course, it's YOU they are ripping off if they only stay out 45 minutes)
After that, you'll know whether or not 2 wheels is for you.
FunkyNige said:
I didn't really like the 125s, it only really started to interest me when I got on the 500s.
Phill
Same here, my instructor let me out on a 500 at the end of my CBT and it is much more enjoyable than the 125s, even at low speeds.
The same way a Mondeo V6 feels much nicer than 1l Micra when you've passed your driving test, I imagine.
Rawwr said:Well, as a biker you will have to bite the heads off live chickens, to pass the test.
1. Yes, of course. At the very least you'll gain insight of another road users perspective. And at most, you'll have loads of fun!
Rawwr said:Hence the respect for the bike.
2. A healthy respect for bikes is essential if you want to last any length of time.
Rawwr said:
3. Power Rangers? Not one of Clarkson's finest moments!
Oh Dear!
Do it
Do the CBT and you'll see if you want to continue and it costs less than a single seater stint at Silverstone (that was fun too).
I reckon it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on, even being strictly legal.
..and yes it's a great excusse to dress up in leather and a helmet
FunkyNige said:
The same way a Mondeo V6 feels much nicer than 1l Micra when you've passed your driving test, I imagine.
Not really, the 500s are much more stable and easier to ride than the 125s.
That's what I was getting at. More powerful cars tend to be easier to drive then shitboxes. All in my everso humble opinion, of course
dern said:
Is my natural fear of two wheels helpful or unhelpful?
Respect is one thing, fear is another. Do a CBT and if you're still genuinely scared of bikes I'd give it a miss.
Mark
Perhaps fear is the wrong word. Maybe intimidated is better?
I always like to have some fear of what I'm driving (try driving a lightweight, mid-engined, rwd car with cut slicks in the wet) as I believe it keeps me on my toes. When people start getting too used to something they start taking it for granted and start taking liberties.
Rawwr said:
Perhaps fear is the wrong word. Maybe intimidated is better?
I always like to have some fear of what I'm driving (try driving a lightweight, mid-engined, rwd car with cut slicks in the wet) as I believe it keeps me on my toes. When people start getting too used to something they start taking it for granted and start taking liberties.
Just goes to show that it's only you that can really answer the question regardless of how much encouragement you get. Give the CBT a go and see how you get on.
Mark
PS. Frankly riding a bike in any conditions generates feelings in you that driving a car cannot even get vaguely close to ime. It's not for everyone.
>> Edited by dern on Thursday 11th August 16:18
It really doesn't matter what bike you ride, or how fast you choose to ride it, the buzz from riding a bike is simply addictive.
You might be riding at speed or simply filtering past traffic but you sense so much more than you would in a car, whether it's the smell of new mown grass, the fag from the car in front or the chill of the morning air, it simply makes you glad to be alive and out there.
I did it two years ago, at 49 years old. Always wanted to but kept putting it off.
I'm so pleased that I did it and would recommend it to anyone to at least give it a decent try.
You might be riding at speed or simply filtering past traffic but you sense so much more than you would in a car, whether it's the smell of new mown grass, the fag from the car in front or the chill of the morning air, it simply makes you glad to be alive and out there.
I did it two years ago, at 49 years old. Always wanted to but kept putting it off.
I'm so pleased that I did it and would recommend it to anyone to at least give it a decent try.
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