Why don't more performance car enthusiasts ride motorbikes?
Discussion
I did want to get a bike in 2002 (a brand new R1, that was sensible) so ended up doing my CBT with the intention of doing DAS.
Passed the CBT and have never ridden a bike since. I think the main worry for my is how vulnerable you are, how little attention drivers have and the thought of sliding down the road at high speed feeling my skin being sloughed away.
The risk of being killed or paralised did not really appeal so I am pleased I never bothered.
My brother did pass his DAS, bought a GSXR600 the same day, sold it for a GSXR750 soon after and gave up riding years ago. I think for the following reasons :
1)No fun unless you are with other people
2)Faff to go out for a ride
3)Too tempting and only fun if you are doing crazy speeds.
4)Once he started doing track days riding on the road seemed a waste of time.
Passed the CBT and have never ridden a bike since. I think the main worry for my is how vulnerable you are, how little attention drivers have and the thought of sliding down the road at high speed feeling my skin being sloughed away.
The risk of being killed or paralised did not really appeal so I am pleased I never bothered.
My brother did pass his DAS, bought a GSXR600 the same day, sold it for a GSXR750 soon after and gave up riding years ago. I think for the following reasons :
1)No fun unless you are with other people
2)Faff to go out for a ride
3)Too tempting and only fun if you are doing crazy speeds.
4)Once he started doing track days riding on the road seemed a waste of time.
PSH said:
Perhaps you should include in the question 'How many car enthusiasts rode bikes first'? you may find the numbers grow...personally as an ex-biker...drivers should begin on a bike before being allowed anywhere near a car. The best drivers are those who gained experience with bikes first, you learn a lot about road conditions when riding a bike. I wouldn't like to ride a bike today though, there is much more traffic today than back in the 70's when I started, most of which seem totally brain dead when 'thinking bike' and road savvy in general.
Pete
I started with bikes and had quite a few - my last being a Z1100. I've owned some high performance cars too.... If I went back to bikes, it wouldn't be for performance, it would be for cruising. At high speed I would rather be in a car than on a bike these days.Pete
kambites said:
For me the problem is the lack of weather windows where it's pleasant. I don't enjoy it if it's:
1) Too hot
2) Too cold
3) Wet
Which basically means 95% of days in the UK, I'd rather be in a car.
Similar. 1) Too hot
2) Too cold
3) Wet
Which basically means 95% of days in the UK, I'd rather be in a car.
If I lived in Rome, commuting to work on a moped in a linen suit with slip on shoes could be cool.
Navigating the A24 into London, on a cold wet January morning, turning up in the office needing a shower having peeled off a power ranger outfit - nah.
I had quite a few as a young man, but in all honesty I figured I'd rather be cycling. they're cold, dangerous and car drivers are morons. At least on a pushbike yr going slowly and have more chance of surviving.
I also started to see mates with bikes die or become paralysed or lose mobility following various accidents. I figured its not IF, but WHEN it happens to me.
Roll forward many years I'm still cycling all year round and I figure now age is against me, I'd rather keep fit cycling than be a fat git on a motorbike, not exercising. I always laugh when I see some carbon fibre clad racing beast, but 18 stone of fat git wobble his way onto it. Honestly, what's the point. First rule of any motor sport: if you want to go quicker, shed the weight. not swap every bolt to titanium and then ride 40 miles to stuff yr face at a roadside cafe.
But I'm becoming an increasingly miserable sod with age, so my POV might not work for everyone. Bit like fast cars: when I started driving, no cameras, no speed bumps, no ANPR. now you're forever crawling about waiting to be caught for doing 31 in a 30,
I also started to see mates with bikes die or become paralysed or lose mobility following various accidents. I figured its not IF, but WHEN it happens to me.
Roll forward many years I'm still cycling all year round and I figure now age is against me, I'd rather keep fit cycling than be a fat git on a motorbike, not exercising. I always laugh when I see some carbon fibre clad racing beast, but 18 stone of fat git wobble his way onto it. Honestly, what's the point. First rule of any motor sport: if you want to go quicker, shed the weight. not swap every bolt to titanium and then ride 40 miles to stuff yr face at a roadside cafe.
But I'm becoming an increasingly miserable sod with age, so my POV might not work for everyone. Bit like fast cars: when I started driving, no cameras, no speed bumps, no ANPR. now you're forever crawling about waiting to be caught for doing 31 in a 30,
When I was younger I was lucky that my parents bought a car (secondhand Mini) to learn to drive. Part of the ‘deal’ was that my parents said I should learn to drive rather than get a motorbike as it would worry them too much.
I’ve respected this to this day, 35 years later. Now, older, perhaps wiser, the appeal of a motorbike has gone. I’m too worried about the other drivers out there, making a mistake that could potentially cost me my life.
I did get a Caterham though. It’s a compromise, but I’m happy if my parents are happy.
I’ve respected this to this day, 35 years later. Now, older, perhaps wiser, the appeal of a motorbike has gone. I’m too worried about the other drivers out there, making a mistake that could potentially cost me my life.
I did get a Caterham though. It’s a compromise, but I’m happy if my parents are happy.
henrycrun said:
Too many endbells looking at phones and not looking out for anyone else
When I go out for a ride I don't generally choose to cruise around town, looking to be knocked off! Riding in town = not much fun. Riding on country roads offers different dangers but far fewer idiots on their phones. For me its a mix of factors. I'd love a bike and most of my close friends ride as well as being car enthusiasts. The headlines for me are
1. cost. It seems to do DA costs around £750 which isn't pocket change so I always find something that money can go toward other than a licence, normally my cars!
2. Inconvenience of test. It's a very short sighted view but as the DA takes about a week I believe to be done intensively as well as the capital cost I'd also lose a weeks pay as I'm currently a contractor.
3. Storage. I have a single car garage that my car lives in, no room for a bike and I wouldn't personally keep one outside, neither is leaving the car outside an option.
I grew up on dirt bikes, an Italjet 50, a DT125 (I think), a 1995 KTM 250 2t and a Maico 490 2t. I miss riding massively and know there's nothing that even comes close to it on 4 wheels but all of the above combined is just too much of a barrier.
1. cost. It seems to do DA costs around £750 which isn't pocket change so I always find something that money can go toward other than a licence, normally my cars!
2. Inconvenience of test. It's a very short sighted view but as the DA takes about a week I believe to be done intensively as well as the capital cost I'd also lose a weeks pay as I'm currently a contractor.
3. Storage. I have a single car garage that my car lives in, no room for a bike and I wouldn't personally keep one outside, neither is leaving the car outside an option.
I grew up on dirt bikes, an Italjet 50, a DT125 (I think), a 1995 KTM 250 2t and a Maico 490 2t. I miss riding massively and know there's nothing that even comes close to it on 4 wheels but all of the above combined is just too much of a barrier.
Joey Deacon said:
1)No fun unless you are with other people
2)Faff to go out for a ride
3)Too tempting and only fun if you are doing crazy speeds.
4)Once he started doing track days riding on the road seemed a waste of time.
Everyone's different, I guess:2)Faff to go out for a ride
3)Too tempting and only fun if you are doing crazy speeds.
4)Once he started doing track days riding on the road seemed a waste of time.
1) I hate riding with other people. 99% of my riding is alone.
2) I've never considered getting dressed to be a faf
3) I don't speed
4) I don't really like/do trackdays on the bike
I love bikes, I always have, when I was younger I just never got round to doing my test and buying a bike. a few years ago I toyed with the idea and decided to do my CBT test.
However I never bothered to go further even though I still think about it almost once a week.
The reason is simple. It is more dangerous.
You mentioned when your 18 you go in a car however no one can deny regardless of if you make an error or someone else makes a mistake you have a significantly better chance of walking away without a scratch. You have so much around you to protect you, airbags and all sorts of other safety equipment to protect you.
In a bike that is just not the case! You are near on naked, one mistake from you or someone else and you'll either only fall off and have a sore body part and some heavy scratches (if your lucky). Worst case you will get road burns with leather melted into your skin, break your legs, become paralyzed or die.
All of the above can happen even at low speeds, it depends how you fall and where.
I have 3 kids and a wife and yes it might sound like I am a scardy cat however its not a risk I am willing to take.
Only within the last two years have motorbikes become more mainstream with having ABS on them. Before this it was maybr 2 or 3 bikes as far as I know that you could even add on as an option.
However I never bothered to go further even though I still think about it almost once a week.
The reason is simple. It is more dangerous.
You mentioned when your 18 you go in a car however no one can deny regardless of if you make an error or someone else makes a mistake you have a significantly better chance of walking away without a scratch. You have so much around you to protect you, airbags and all sorts of other safety equipment to protect you.
In a bike that is just not the case! You are near on naked, one mistake from you or someone else and you'll either only fall off and have a sore body part and some heavy scratches (if your lucky). Worst case you will get road burns with leather melted into your skin, break your legs, become paralyzed or die.
All of the above can happen even at low speeds, it depends how you fall and where.
I have 3 kids and a wife and yes it might sound like I am a scardy cat however its not a risk I am willing to take.
Only within the last two years have motorbikes become more mainstream with having ABS on them. Before this it was maybr 2 or 3 bikes as far as I know that you could even add on as an option.
Edited by XMT on Thursday 15th March 10:36
Conscript said:
I have no shame in saying, it's because I'm scared. Not of myself, not because "I wouldn't trust myself", because I agree, that's a bit of a cop out. I'm scared of the risks associated with riding a motorbike. You are inherently more vulnerable even if you ride like a saint, and I've heard far too many anecdotes of riders being seriously hurt due to the actions of other road users. That's not to say being in a car precludes you from being in a serious accident, but you are generally better protected if you are.
The thing is, I love the idea of owning a motorbike. 10 years ago, I really wanted to get one, and none of the above really bothered me...but I couldn't afford one. Now, where I am in a more comfortable position where I could probably afford one, I have a nagging sense of doubt, and the above is all I can put it down to - I worry about what would happen if I was seriously injured on one.
It's completely irrational I know, especially as I cycle on the roads anyway (albeit much slower), but it's stopping me from getting one. And yes, my girlfriend doesn't want me to have one, but that's not what's stopping me. Besides, she rides a horse and has had a serious accident falling from one, so she has no grounds to lecture me on safety
I also cycle and ride horses. Feel much safer on the motorbike as you are passing cars, not the other way around. Many car drivers seem a bit nervous of big bikes and give you room. Hardly any give cyclists space. The thing is, I love the idea of owning a motorbike. 10 years ago, I really wanted to get one, and none of the above really bothered me...but I couldn't afford one. Now, where I am in a more comfortable position where I could probably afford one, I have a nagging sense of doubt, and the above is all I can put it down to - I worry about what would happen if I was seriously injured on one.
It's completely irrational I know, especially as I cycle on the roads anyway (albeit much slower), but it's stopping me from getting one. And yes, my girlfriend doesn't want me to have one, but that's not what's stopping me. Besides, she rides a horse and has had a serious accident falling from one, so she has no grounds to lecture me on safety
As to horses - well I suppose it is even a I have broken my leg and hand on bikes but my arm and wrist falling off horses. But at least bikes don't consciously try to kill you!
Shiv_P said:
You get cold, you can't hear anything, it's uncomfortable, no radio, no seat, no heated seat
Etc
my FJR has heated grips, a large screen, an intercom in the helmet linked to my phone via BlueTooth so I can take calls, hear the sat-nav instructions, listen to music and talk to my pillion. I can hear plenty in relation to my surroundings as a helmet (even with earplugs) doesn't reduce the noise any more than the shell of a car does.Etc
Doesn't have a heated seat, granted, but I've never found that a problem.
I also don't find it uncomfortable, but then the FJR is designed for comfort over out and out performance, but even, in spite of it being a touring bike, it's still significantly faster than most cars, and handles beautifully.
When I've been away on it, the top-box and two side cases also means I can stash my lid and jacket so don't have to walk about wearing or carrying heavy kit.
If you do get cold, then you're not dressed for the occasion. At a push, get a heated gilet and leg liners, then you're uber toasty, and it heats up faster than a car's system
But as it is now, I'm doing more with my car. My boy is 7 and not quite big enough to go pillion, and arthritis in my wrist means I can't ride for as long as I used to. There's pros and cons to both, but riding a bike is quite a different experience
XMT said:
Only within the last two years have motorbikes become more mainstream with having ABS on them. Before this it was maybr 2 or 3 bikes as far as I know that you could even add on as an option.
Electronic controls over the last few years have come on in leaps and bounds. It's at the point now where there are some bikes I'd almost be tempted to describe as 'uncrashable', which I know is a dangerously bold statement but the electronics are that good.Last Friday I took my Fireblade SP to work. Exiting a frosty roundabout in 2nd gear whilst leaning and applying a healthy amount of throttle and the rear SuperCorsa decided it wanted to rotate a lot faster than the front. The electronics caught it, managed it and I just carried on, acknowledging the flashing orange 'T' on my dash. If that happened on the Fireblade I had before, I wouldn't have felt comfortable catching it at all. I think people are really underestimating how far things have come in the last couple of years and if you're really interested in stuff like that, you should have a look at what the new Panigale V4S is capable of. It's truly incredible.
XMT said:
I love bikes, I always have, when I was younger I just never got round to doing my test and buying a bike. a few years ago I toyed with the idea and decided to do my CBT test.
However I never bothered to go further even though I still think about it almost once a week.
The reason is simple. It is more dangerous.
You mentioned when your 18 you go in a car however no one can deny regardless of if you make an error or someone else makes a mistake you have a significantly better chance of walking away without a scratch. You have so much around you to protect you, airbags and all sorts of other safety equipment to protect you.
In a bike that is just not the case! You are near on naked, one mistake from you or someone else and you'll either only fall off and have a sore body part and some heavy scratches (if your lucky). Worst case you will get road burns with leather melted into your skin, break your legs, become paralyzed or die.
All of the above can happen even at low speeds, it depends how you fall and where.
I have 3 kids and a wife and yes it might sound like I am a scardy cat however its not a risk I am willing to take.
Only within the last two years have motorbikes become more mainstream with having ABS on them. Before this it was maybr 2 or 3 bikes as far as I know that you could even add on as an option.
Bikes are more dangerous but 20 times a low risk...is still a low risk. However I never bothered to go further even though I still think about it almost once a week.
The reason is simple. It is more dangerous.
You mentioned when your 18 you go in a car however no one can deny regardless of if you make an error or someone else makes a mistake you have a significantly better chance of walking away without a scratch. You have so much around you to protect you, airbags and all sorts of other safety equipment to protect you.
In a bike that is just not the case! You are near on naked, one mistake from you or someone else and you'll either only fall off and have a sore body part and some heavy scratches (if your lucky). Worst case you will get road burns with leather melted into your skin, break your legs, become paralyzed or die.
All of the above can happen even at low speeds, it depends how you fall and where.
I have 3 kids and a wife and yes it might sound like I am a scardy cat however its not a risk I am willing to take.
Only within the last two years have motorbikes become more mainstream with having ABS on them. Before this it was maybr 2 or 3 bikes as far as I know that you could even add on as an option.
Edited by XMT on Thursday 15th March 10:36
Yes you can get taken out by car drivers. However, you can also do a lot to minimise that risk through your own riding style/skills.
Because being in the car can get a decent portion of the fun, with so much less risk.
Did my CBT a few years ago and still think about a bike every now and again. I’d trust myself not to be a tool on one, but just not the driving general public to be safe enough. An old V8 provides more than enough driving fun for me, without having to up the danger levels to that of a bike.
Did my CBT a few years ago and still think about a bike every now and again. I’d trust myself not to be a tool on one, but just not the driving general public to be safe enough. An old V8 provides more than enough driving fun for me, without having to up the danger levels to that of a bike.
Esceptico said:
Conscript said:
I have no shame in saying, it's because I'm scared. Not of myself, not because "I wouldn't trust myself", because I agree, that's a bit of a cop out. I'm scared of the risks associated with riding a motorbike. You are inherently more vulnerable even if you ride like a saint, and I've heard far too many anecdotes of riders being seriously hurt due to the actions of other road users. That's not to say being in a car precludes you from being in a serious accident, but you are generally better protected if you are.
The thing is, I love the idea of owning a motorbike. 10 years ago, I really wanted to get one, and none of the above really bothered me...but I couldn't afford one. Now, where I am in a more comfortable position where I could probably afford one, I have a nagging sense of doubt, and the above is all I can put it down to - I worry about what would happen if I was seriously injured on one.
It's completely irrational I know, especially as I cycle on the roads anyway (albeit much slower), but it's stopping me from getting one. And yes, my girlfriend doesn't want me to have one, but that's not what's stopping me. Besides, she rides a horse and has had a serious accident falling from one, so she has no grounds to lecture me on safety
I also cycle and ride horses. Feel much safer on the motorbike as you are passing cars, not the other way around. Many car drivers seem a bit nervous of big bikes and give you room. Hardly any give cyclists space. The thing is, I love the idea of owning a motorbike. 10 years ago, I really wanted to get one, and none of the above really bothered me...but I couldn't afford one. Now, where I am in a more comfortable position where I could probably afford one, I have a nagging sense of doubt, and the above is all I can put it down to - I worry about what would happen if I was seriously injured on one.
It's completely irrational I know, especially as I cycle on the roads anyway (albeit much slower), but it's stopping me from getting one. And yes, my girlfriend doesn't want me to have one, but that's not what's stopping me. Besides, she rides a horse and has had a serious accident falling from one, so she has no grounds to lecture me on safety
As to horses - well I suppose it is even a I have broken my leg and hand on bikes but my arm and wrist falling off horses. But at least bikes don't consciously try to kill you!
Like I said, I know it's a bit irrational. I can't quite explain it, but it just feels like I've developed a stronger sense of self preservation now, which I'm using to justify staying off a bike. Perhaps I will do one day
I've got a motorcycle licence and a nice 900cc Triumph.
I've driven it across Normandy and Brittany, I've commuted on it, I've belted it round b-roads.
And yet as soon as I got a car I kind of went off motorcycling. If I was in London I would invariably be faster on a bicycle, and without the kit and parking hassle. If I was out of London I would invariably be more comfortable in a car.
The only thing that the car couldn't deliver was that immediate performance. I solved that by buying an Aston Martin which can.
I'll be selling the bike this year.
I've driven it across Normandy and Brittany, I've commuted on it, I've belted it round b-roads.
And yet as soon as I got a car I kind of went off motorcycling. If I was in London I would invariably be faster on a bicycle, and without the kit and parking hassle. If I was out of London I would invariably be more comfortable in a car.
The only thing that the car couldn't deliver was that immediate performance. I solved that by buying an Aston Martin which can.
I'll be selling the bike this year.
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