Shall i come back?
Discussion
Been away from the forum for a while. I had a bad accident last June, wrote off my brand new CBR600RR and broke my shoulder, was lucky that was all i did, had to have an op to screw the bone back together. Afterwards i decided that my 2 year old daughter needed to have a father so it was time to stay away from bikes. The insurance paid out and i needed a toy to put a grin on my face so i bought a Tiger Cat E1 (Caterham) see profile.
It is great fun, fast in a sraight line wuick in the corner and will blow away allot of more expensive cars. However there is still something missing. I have been looking at a TVR Cerbra so the wife and little one can come out, but i will need to spend £12,000, then there is the running cost. Basically i have an itch and it needs stratching, both my wife and best mate (who has a GSXR) said the car is fun but it is not scratching the itch because it is not a bike.
I could sell the Tiger and buy a bike new lid and pay for the insurance just from the proceeds of the Tiger. Should i do this. My friends has said he will lend me his bike for a couple of weeks while he is in the states to see if i like it again which is good.
The biggest problem is i am scared. When i fell off i hit diesel and slide across 2 lanes on my arse then smashed into the central reservation, it fcuking hurt!
I was not being a pratt and trying to get the knee down (have in the past) or wheelie, i hit diesel on a corner i have been round thousands of times. If i had been doing something stupid i could understand it but this could have happened to anyone.
I guess i am asking for advice and what you would do.
D
It is great fun, fast in a sraight line wuick in the corner and will blow away allot of more expensive cars. However there is still something missing. I have been looking at a TVR Cerbra so the wife and little one can come out, but i will need to spend £12,000, then there is the running cost. Basically i have an itch and it needs stratching, both my wife and best mate (who has a GSXR) said the car is fun but it is not scratching the itch because it is not a bike.
I could sell the Tiger and buy a bike new lid and pay for the insurance just from the proceeds of the Tiger. Should i do this. My friends has said he will lend me his bike for a couple of weeks while he is in the states to see if i like it again which is good.
The biggest problem is i am scared. When i fell off i hit diesel and slide across 2 lanes on my arse then smashed into the central reservation, it fcuking hurt!
I was not being a pratt and trying to get the knee down (have in the past) or wheelie, i hit diesel on a corner i have been round thousands of times. If i had been doing something stupid i could understand it but this could have happened to anyone.
I guess i am asking for advice and what you would do.
D
Hello mate,
I'm really not sure this is a question that I, or anyone, can answer. Don't mean to be awkward, but I think it really is a personal thing. I think it would be great for you to come back, another PH'er on the biking board, and it sounds like you want to do it, but only you can decide if it's right for you. Of course you're gonna be concerned after a fall like that (sorry to hear about the injuries by the way) How about a track training day to ease you back into it? See how you feel? Also, how about just getting a track day bike for a while. This would greatly reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of other peoples sh!t affecting you, whilst you're building your confidence back up.
A mate was in EXACTLY the same situation, apart from the fac that his bike was written off by a people-carrier on the wrong side of the road around a bend. He came to France with us, but rode like a beginner.
He's now getting back to his riding style/capabilities and loved coming to Snets yesterday, albeit in the Novices, but he really enjoyed it and is progressing every day.
Sorry I can't be more decisive (that's just me!) but I wish you the best whatever you decide.....
(go on....go on....listen to the voices!!)
I'm really not sure this is a question that I, or anyone, can answer. Don't mean to be awkward, but I think it really is a personal thing. I think it would be great for you to come back, another PH'er on the biking board, and it sounds like you want to do it, but only you can decide if it's right for you. Of course you're gonna be concerned after a fall like that (sorry to hear about the injuries by the way) How about a track training day to ease you back into it? See how you feel? Also, how about just getting a track day bike for a while. This would greatly reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of other peoples sh!t affecting you, whilst you're building your confidence back up.
A mate was in EXACTLY the same situation, apart from the fac that his bike was written off by a people-carrier on the wrong side of the road around a bend. He came to France with us, but rode like a beginner.
He's now getting back to his riding style/capabilities and loved coming to Snets yesterday, albeit in the Novices, but he really enjoyed it and is progressing every day.
Sorry I can't be more decisive (that's just me!) but I wish you the best whatever you decide.....
(go on....go on....listen to the voices!!)
Having not been in your position its difficult to give real advice...
From what you have said it sounds like you were just plain unlucky with the accident, it could have happened to anyone at any time. So don't beat yourself up over that, guess its just a risk we run as bikers.
As for getting back on, yes it'll be scary but I would say if your mate is willin to lend you a bike take him or her up on it. Maybe go out early on a Sunday morning whwn it'll be quiet and hopefully dry and just ride. Don't think about anything else, going fast, cornering etc; just concentrate in safe riding and getting a feel for the bike. Following that I guess you will know if you really want to get back into it and go from there. If that is the route you go maybe it would be worth trying different types of bikes to see if that makes any difference to confidence.
Don't know really what else to say, completely undertand and sympathise with your situation, just take your time!
From what you have said it sounds like you were just plain unlucky with the accident, it could have happened to anyone at any time. So don't beat yourself up over that, guess its just a risk we run as bikers.
As for getting back on, yes it'll be scary but I would say if your mate is willin to lend you a bike take him or her up on it. Maybe go out early on a Sunday morning whwn it'll be quiet and hopefully dry and just ride. Don't think about anything else, going fast, cornering etc; just concentrate in safe riding and getting a feel for the bike. Following that I guess you will know if you really want to get back into it and go from there. If that is the route you go maybe it would be worth trying different types of bikes to see if that makes any difference to confidence.
Don't know really what else to say, completely undertand and sympathise with your situation, just take your time!
Thanks for the comments guys. The little voice is telling me to do it....
Does anyone know where you can get short term bike insurance ie: 2 weeks worth. My mate is insured with Hastings Direct and they would not let me add another rider to his policy for 2 weeks. The will add other riders but at the begining of the year for the total time of the policy.
D
Does anyone know where you can get short term bike insurance ie: 2 weeks worth. My mate is insured with Hastings Direct and they would not let me add another rider to his policy for 2 weeks. The will add other riders but at the begining of the year for the total time of the policy.
D
If you have any doubt's don't do it, it's a hard question too ask someone, one that maybe you should be answering yourself.
You could go the next Twenty five years, or the whole of your natural life without a scratch, but as you've found out it takes nothing to end up on your backside. Maybe try some sort of advanced training that will help you to spot things such as Diesel, or any other dangers that pose a threat to motorcyclists. Maybe doing that would put your mind at ease.
Or, buy a track bike and Hoon around till your heart's content, in relative safety, it'll still hurt if you fall off, but, nothing coming the other way etc etc.
I felt the same way Fifteen years ago when my son was little, it didn't stop me though, and I'm feeling the same way again. what to do eh?
Bikes are great till it all goes pear shaped, I'm also full of plates,rod's and screws, yet still can't give it up.
John.
You could go the next Twenty five years, or the whole of your natural life without a scratch, but as you've found out it takes nothing to end up on your backside. Maybe try some sort of advanced training that will help you to spot things such as Diesel, or any other dangers that pose a threat to motorcyclists. Maybe doing that would put your mind at ease.
Or, buy a track bike and Hoon around till your heart's content, in relative safety, it'll still hurt if you fall off, but, nothing coming the other way etc etc.
I felt the same way Fifteen years ago when my son was little, it didn't stop me though, and I'm feeling the same way again. what to do eh?
Bikes are great till it all goes pear shaped, I'm also full of plates,rod's and screws, yet still can't give it up.
John.
Hi Damien, know exactly where you are coning from....
PLEASE READ THIS ALL BEFORE SLAGGING ME OFF OR ACCEPTING MY COMMENTS
First the ramblings
The only actual road accident I have had on a m/c was years ago on a traily on a wet, gravelly road. Had a bike for 7 years now and definitely don't get out on it enough because of house needing work, WIFE AND BABY.....
Wife hates bikes, (she is a physio and sees the results of accidents)
Ex wife hated bikes (which is why I only got one after the divorce)(cos she was a road safety officer and saw the accident results)
You can ride as safely as you like, with all due caution and care but there will still be some tosser on the phone, arguing with his wife, watching the scenery or totty, thinking about whats for tea, or in the pub etc.
There's also the chance that you may get a bit carried away once and a bit more exhuberantly than is wise.
BUT as you say you have an itch that needs scratching.
I had a Caterham for 12 years and only sold it to buy a bike and pay off the TVR loan so again I know your predicament.
The road car will never surpass the bike for enjoyment, engaging the soul or for involving the rider/driver in the overall experience.
There are loads of bike riders in their 60's and 70's. There are loads of bikers with missing limbs, permenant disabilities or worse.
A neighbour had his wife leave him I believe because he wouldn't give up riding despite the doc telling him the next accident would leave him without a foot.
A regular in the Post Office said only last week "I hate motorbikes" I was about to rant when he followed it up with "my best friend was killed on one"
A good friend of mine has biked every day since he was 17, he is now over 40 and still enjoys it, he has loads of friends who similarly enjoy it.
Now the Conclusion
You have tried biking and enjoyed it, you have a family that would miss you emotionally if the worse scenario occurred, presumably you would miss them too. There would be no one able to "provide" for them (although someone else may come along in the future). Injured you would not be able to "provide" for them, in the same way, nor would you be able to enjoy the same lifestyle, enjoying playing football, chasy, climbing trees etc. It's a load that family life brings that I am myself struggling to come to terms with, still wanting to enjoy motoring, and motorsport, music venues etc etc. but knowing that the little lad should come first.
Have you considered track days, or actually taking up motorsport yourself. it would scrath that itch in that you could hoon around with similar minded people but without the drunken or drugged nutter waiting to take you out at a junction. I realise MotorSport is expensive, but a cheap track day bike or car could be bought reasonably cheaply. Wife and child would be able to come along,watch, read a book, natter to other competitors spouses etc and child could get an insight into your interests.
I have rambled on far too long and will probably be criticised for a lot of the apparent gloom in my post. Maybe I am too down at tha moment. But please review the alternatives, look for other interests too, trial riding? It mat not look as glamorous but anything with a competitive edge likely scratch your current itch but may well start off another itch too, motorsport is addictive. I cannot get it out of my system even after 34 years of rallying, autotests, autocross, hillclimbs.....I may not be any good at it but I might be someday if I keep pushing.
Take care
Tony H
PLEASE READ THIS ALL BEFORE SLAGGING ME OFF OR ACCEPTING MY COMMENTS
First the ramblings
The only actual road accident I have had on a m/c was years ago on a traily on a wet, gravelly road. Had a bike for 7 years now and definitely don't get out on it enough because of house needing work, WIFE AND BABY.....
Wife hates bikes, (she is a physio and sees the results of accidents)
Ex wife hated bikes (which is why I only got one after the divorce)(cos she was a road safety officer and saw the accident results)
You can ride as safely as you like, with all due caution and care but there will still be some tosser on the phone, arguing with his wife, watching the scenery or totty, thinking about whats for tea, or in the pub etc.
There's also the chance that you may get a bit carried away once and a bit more exhuberantly than is wise.
BUT as you say you have an itch that needs scratching.
I had a Caterham for 12 years and only sold it to buy a bike and pay off the TVR loan so again I know your predicament.
The road car will never surpass the bike for enjoyment, engaging the soul or for involving the rider/driver in the overall experience.
There are loads of bike riders in their 60's and 70's. There are loads of bikers with missing limbs, permenant disabilities or worse.
A neighbour had his wife leave him I believe because he wouldn't give up riding despite the doc telling him the next accident would leave him without a foot.
A regular in the Post Office said only last week "I hate motorbikes" I was about to rant when he followed it up with "my best friend was killed on one"
A good friend of mine has biked every day since he was 17, he is now over 40 and still enjoys it, he has loads of friends who similarly enjoy it.
Now the Conclusion
You have tried biking and enjoyed it, you have a family that would miss you emotionally if the worse scenario occurred, presumably you would miss them too. There would be no one able to "provide" for them (although someone else may come along in the future). Injured you would not be able to "provide" for them, in the same way, nor would you be able to enjoy the same lifestyle, enjoying playing football, chasy, climbing trees etc. It's a load that family life brings that I am myself struggling to come to terms with, still wanting to enjoy motoring, and motorsport, music venues etc etc. but knowing that the little lad should come first.
Have you considered track days, or actually taking up motorsport yourself. it would scrath that itch in that you could hoon around with similar minded people but without the drunken or drugged nutter waiting to take you out at a junction. I realise MotorSport is expensive, but a cheap track day bike or car could be bought reasonably cheaply. Wife and child would be able to come along,watch, read a book, natter to other competitors spouses etc and child could get an insight into your interests.
I have rambled on far too long and will probably be criticised for a lot of the apparent gloom in my post. Maybe I am too down at tha moment. But please review the alternatives, look for other interests too, trial riding? It mat not look as glamorous but anything with a competitive edge likely scratch your current itch but may well start off another itch too, motorsport is addictive. I cannot get it out of my system even after 34 years of rallying, autotests, autocross, hillclimbs.....I may not be any good at it but I might be someday if I keep pushing.
Take care
Tony H
My apologies for stating this again, but my thoughts go to my friend dying on the side of the road and me watching the paramedics trying to bring him back (not his fault by the way. If anyone can put the link up i'd be grateful as do not have a clue how to do it.
I sat by my bike and thought thats the end of motorcycling for me, Just over a year on, my bike is sat in the garage (as is the 4 other lads there that evening) and I can't wait to go to Moto GP Fri for qualyfing. I also started a rehabilitation course last Dec and there is a high percentage of bikers with limbs missing.
I know that might not give you an answer but I think bikes are a social thing, trackdays are fantastic but I like the TT, London to Brighton from the Ace Cafe, going to meets, pulling up at the services buying a coffee and looking at your bike, its awesome.
Its in your blood mate and I know if Dave would have survived he would have got another one.
I sat by my bike and thought thats the end of motorcycling for me, Just over a year on, my bike is sat in the garage (as is the 4 other lads there that evening) and I can't wait to go to Moto GP Fri for qualyfing. I also started a rehabilitation course last Dec and there is a high percentage of bikers with limbs missing.
I know that might not give you an answer but I think bikes are a social thing, trackdays are fantastic but I like the TT, London to Brighton from the Ace Cafe, going to meets, pulling up at the services buying a coffee and looking at your bike, its awesome.
Its in your blood mate and I know if Dave would have survived he would have got another one.
Sorry but its your call, well you and your families.
I'm pretty sure if i had an off then my wife would really call it a day as would my daughter. I love riding so much its on of the reasons i ride like Mr Slow who just won first prize in a sloth competition.
Point is you can try and mitigate the risk but riding a bike is siginificantly more dangerous than driving.
If you can weight up the risks with your family then go for it.
Maybe look at going for a differnt type of bike, cruiser (night rod) or triumph tiger. Something that doesnt shout ride me like i'm Elle Mcpherson on viagra.
Take up your mates offer and pontificate some more.
I'm pretty sure if i had an off then my wife would really call it a day as would my daughter. I love riding so much its on of the reasons i ride like Mr Slow who just won first prize in a sloth competition.
Point is you can try and mitigate the risk but riding a bike is siginificantly more dangerous than driving.
If you can weight up the risks with your family then go for it.
Maybe look at going for a differnt type of bike, cruiser (night rod) or triumph tiger. Something that doesnt shout ride me like i'm Elle Mcpherson on viagra.
Take up your mates offer and pontificate some more.
If you're really that concerned about your safety why do you not have a properly triangulated rollbar on your 7? If that goes over it'll flatten the bar and likely kill you. I'm amazed that people fit these things as they're worse then useless unless they're designed properly. Have a look at the MSA/FIA approved caterham cages, not necessarily the full forward ones, just the rear ones with the side triangulation and twin rear bars.
Mate Cjeck my profile. I bought a Tiger in 2003 and built it witht he help from my brother in law. enjoy it even today ( still got the Tiger)
But also always wanted a Bike so Passed my DAS last year. I have foudn the Tiger to be much fun, the builders and owners are great and I have been a Tiger fan for many years, but wanted to learn to ride a bike so I did.
I would keep the Tiger and get a cheap bike that you can have fun with
My Fazer 6000 is "ONLY" a commuter but even my Supercat with a Zetec may be safer to drive but not as much fun
By the By you a member of the Tiger forum or any local clubs?
I'm in the SWTOC
and was that you on the Tiger forum who said " Ahh the same remal off Pistonheads"??
to add I got a 2 year old and 5 year old daughters and also don't want to put my self ahead of them but jusr take it steady and enjoy biking
But also always wanted a Bike so Passed my DAS last year. I have foudn the Tiger to be much fun, the builders and owners are great and I have been a Tiger fan for many years, but wanted to learn to ride a bike so I did.
I would keep the Tiger and get a cheap bike that you can have fun with
My Fazer 6000 is "ONLY" a commuter but even my Supercat with a Zetec may be safer to drive but not as much fun
By the By you a member of the Tiger forum or any local clubs?
I'm in the SWTOC
and was that you on the Tiger forum who said " Ahh the same remal off Pistonheads"??
to add I got a 2 year old and 5 year old daughters and also don't want to put my self ahead of them but jusr take it steady and enjoy biking
Edited by RemaL on Wednesday 20th June 21:07
I'm 38, been riding for about 12 years I think and have two daughters (3 and 5). I love riding but have huge moments of doubt as to whether or not it's a responsible thing to do as a providing father. I even started a thread about it a while ago. I ride very steadily and sensibly, rarely get to the edge of the tyre, don't wheelie, don't overtake near junctions, cover the brake when needed, blah blah blah but it's just so random that I can't help but have doubts. Then I go out and it's a superb way of getting around. In short I haven't come to any conclusion yet but I suspect if I had any kind of serious off then that would make up my mind for me... it would just make more sense to make the decision before that happened.
Regards,
Mark
Regards,
Mark
Edited by dern on Thursday 21st June 09:46
When I got in to this late last year, I thought "I'll ride sensibly, I'm quite astute, I'll cover all angles of idiot drivers trying to kill me and I'll never have an off" Did quite well, then, after 30 days of bike ownership a guy ruinned my chance of a blemish free biking career. Fortunately although the bike was a write off, I was unscathed.
If you can accpet that you may have another off, and it may hurt (again) or potentially worse, and it may not be your fault in any way, then go for it.
If you want to ride with a garantee that you'll never get hurt, I guess the answer is - don't.
You can be injured or killed doing many things...some carry greater risk, some carry lesser risk.
You just have to decide where you are on the risk vs reward scale...
Hope that helps and good luck with your dilemma
If you can accpet that you may have another off, and it may hurt (again) or potentially worse, and it may not be your fault in any way, then go for it.
If you want to ride with a garantee that you'll never get hurt, I guess the answer is - don't.
You can be injured or killed doing many things...some carry greater risk, some carry lesser risk.
You just have to decide where you are on the risk vs reward scale...
Hope that helps and good luck with your dilemma
It really is a hard one, and I think only you really know what is best for you. I got my first bike shortly after my boyfriend's best mate died on his GSXR and my bosses best mate was decapitated when he came off his bike. I still wanted a bike and so far I have no regrets. But big difference - I don't have the pressure of having to think about kids. And I don't know how much it hurts to fall off.
The risks are the same for you on the road as they were before you came off. You just know how much it can hurt to come off and it's shaken you enough to reconsider having one, which is totally natural.
You can still get that rush doing something else. I did a bit of car racing a few years back and my bike has taken the place of that adrenaline rush. Don't give up searching for something else to get that buzz just yet, it may be that you can look at doing some thrill days (e.g. Silverstone have some off-season £99 single seater days). You don't get an enormous amount for your money but if you work out how much you would normally spend on your bike per year and do track days or thrill days in a car, it might just satisfy your rush and the safety aspect is much better.
The risks are the same for you on the road as they were before you came off. You just know how much it can hurt to come off and it's shaken you enough to reconsider having one, which is totally natural.
You can still get that rush doing something else. I did a bit of car racing a few years back and my bike has taken the place of that adrenaline rush. Don't give up searching for something else to get that buzz just yet, it may be that you can look at doing some thrill days (e.g. Silverstone have some off-season £99 single seater days). You don't get an enormous amount for your money but if you work out how much you would normally spend on your bike per year and do track days or thrill days in a car, it might just satisfy your rush and the safety aspect is much better.
There is no one other than you who can answer this question.
We all hope that we will live to a ripe old age but I for one don’t want to get to the final ‘check out’ thinking “well, that was a life of missed opportunities”!
Likewise, I don’t want to get final ‘check out’ thinking that “if only I had taken a few less risks I could have enjoyed so much more and lived so much longer”!
You have to look at the risks, take every step you possibly can to minimise the risks without removing the enjoyment, then decide if the benefits are worth it. You then have to live with you decision!
Good luck which ever way you decide to move.
David
We all hope that we will live to a ripe old age but I for one don’t want to get to the final ‘check out’ thinking “well, that was a life of missed opportunities”!
Likewise, I don’t want to get final ‘check out’ thinking that “if only I had taken a few less risks I could have enjoyed so much more and lived so much longer”!
You have to look at the risks, take every step you possibly can to minimise the risks without removing the enjoyment, then decide if the benefits are worth it. You then have to live with you decision!
Good luck which ever way you decide to move.
David
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