Got some reading to do....

[oggs]

All

I'm thinking of coming over to the darkerside

I've been driving nearly 20 years and have a driving job.

So i'm toying with the idea of a bike..

Looks like i've a lot of reading to do.

If there are any tips of sites or bike training recommendations in Beds area can you let me know.

Thanks.. best get reading

[Carrera2]

Keith Code books are very good - Twist of the wrist. It's one of those things you can't do from a book though

Your first port of call is to book a CBT though I'd say. That way you'll learn the real basics and get to ride a little 125 round for a day to get the hang of it.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[oggs]

Cheers
I certainly will keep ya posted

[Davel]

Don't read about it


DO IT!


and enjoy it......

[oggs]

Davel said:

Don't read about it DO IT! and enjoy it......

That sounds like a good plan!!

[shot2bits]

With your driving experience you should be fine as the biggest risk if from other road users. Just imagine you're invisible on the bike (generally this is true ) and watch for late turners, hidden junctions etc etc.

The riding bit is the easy / fun part - just tour at first and if you want to ride fast get some lessons on the track...

I know my lines (ish) and can ride at a moderate pace - next step is to learn how to ride fast and safe / how to apply power and when etc etc...

I have a GSXR 1000 which most probably think is well over powered but I'm not forced to ride it like a missile It's great in a straight line...

[oggs]

Its the numpties that i'm worried about

Most people have been saying to me a 600 is great place to start...
Then i'd have the which one do I get...

[sybaseian]

oggs said:

Its the numpties that i'm worried about Most people have been saying to me a 600 is great place to start... Then i'd have the which one do I get...

you have more choice than you think.

Naked, sports, retro, cruiser, off-road, twin, triple, four or big single.........

My advise would be to buy something second hand as a first bike as you will have an off within the first year. Get experince of riding out by yourself on this over the summer and winter and then get a better bike in the spring next year. It's amazing the choice you have for a few grand - but take a biker with you if you go looking as they should know what to ask/look for.

[oggs]

sybaseian said:

oggs said: Its the numpties that i'm worried about Most people have been saying to me a 600 is great place to start... Then i'd have the which one do I get... you have more choice than you think. Naked, sports, retro, cruiser, off-road, twin, triple, four or big single......... My advise would be to buy something second hand as a first bike as you will have an off within the first year. Get experince of riding out by yourself on this over the summer and winter and then get a better bike in the spring next year. It's amazing the choice you have for a few grand - but take a biker with you if you go looking as they should know what to ask/look for.

Thanks will be taking a biker with me

Another concern is which one will be easier on the back.

[Steve_T]

Good luck with it mate, you'll have a blast.

[oggs]

Steve_T said:

Good luck with it mate, you'll have a blast.

Cheers mate... hoping so!!

[sybaseian]

oggs said:

Another concern is which one will be easier on the back.

I take it that you don't mean the pillion seat?

Sports bikes with low slung bars will be harder on your back and arms at slow speeds. The more upright that bars make you ride, the easier it is on your arms and body.

The opposite is true when riding at speed.

[Steve_T]

sybaseian said:

oggs said: Another concern is which one will be easier on the back. I take it that you don't mean the pillion seat? Sports bikes with low slung bars will be harder on your back and arms at slow speeds. The more upright that bars make you ride, the easier it is on your arms and body. The opposite is true when riding at speed.

What kind of riding are you looking at doing Dave?

[Mad Dave]

Get on and book it - as the weather improves, the number of people wanting to ride increases.

[SVS]

Hi Oggs,

Go for it!

As for reading, I recommend these books very highly:

Motorcycle Roadcraft
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/
This is an utterly brilliant book that helps you learn about bike-specific hazards, tips for keeping out of the way of "the other idiot", and a lot more. Invaluable reading for the transition from car to bike.

A Twist of the Wrist: Basics of High-performance Motor Cycle Riding - Volume 2 by Keith Code
The author is a cornering guru. This is the best book on cornering out of his various books. (The others are either poorly written or mainly useful for the track.)

Sport Riding Techniques: How to Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety and Confidence on the Street and Track by Nick Ienatsch
The author covers most of Keith Code's material, but writes much better and more clearly. Total Control by Lee Parks is also a good read.

I'd recommend reading Motorcycle Roadcraft first, closely followed by one of the books by Ienatsch, Parks or Code. That way you'll pick up on roadcraft and cornering.

Let us know how you get on!

Enjoy two wheels

[petclub]

Oggs, as a new to biking type person, I'd suggest getting the DSA DVD for the theory test as well (once you've passed the CBT). It helped me, Cheers Dave

[oggs]

Thanks for your advice guys


Update::

Saturday I passed the CBT :woohoo: First time ever been on a bike

I had a little trouble trying to change gears and braking

Now I'm torn between getting a 125 to practice on then DAS or straight to DAS which could be a few months time

It was a great feeling even at 40 mph.

Any thoughts on 125?? It would have to be big and strong

[julianb]

[/quote]
My advise would be to buy something second hand as a first bike as you will have an off within the first year. Get experince of riding out by yourself on this over the summer and winter and then get a better bike in the spring next year. It's amazing the choice you have for a few grand - but take a biker with you if you go looking as they should know what to ask/look for.[/quote]



Everyone says this like you're expected to do it! There's no need to throw it down the road, take it easy, get yourself some advanced training and keep it rubber side down. Punishment for overconfidence is meeted out very swiftly on a bike!

[Steve_T]

oggs said:

Thanks for your advice guys


Update::

Saturday I passed the CBT :woohoo: First time ever been on a bike

I had a little trouble trying to change gears and braking

Now I'm torn between getting a 125 to practice on then DAS or straight to DAS which could be a few months time

It was a great feeling even at 40 mph.

Any thoughts on 125?? It would have to be big and strong

Just my five cents, but I wouldn't bother. You probably won't lose much on a secondhand 125, if anything at all, but there's the chance of buying a dog, the time needed to sell it once you're done with it and insurance costs. I can't think of many machines that would be a good fit for you either. Better to save your cash for a proper bike and kit. Most folks get DAS done in a few days training, so I it's unlikely think you'll need the 125 for extra practice.

Steve.

[oggs]

Steve_T said:

oggs said:

Thanks for your advice guys


Update::

Saturday I passed the CBT :woohoo: First time ever been on a bike

I had a little trouble trying to change gears and braking

Now I'm torn between getting a 125 to practice on then DAS or straight to DAS which could be a few months time

It was a great feeling even at 40 mph.

Any thoughts on 125?? It would have to be big and strong

Just my five cents, but I wouldn't bother. You probably won't lose much on a secondhand 125, if anything at all, but there's the chance of buying a dog, the time needed to sell it once you're done with it and insurance costs. I can't think of many machines that would be a good fit for you either. Better to save your cash for a proper bike and kit. Most folks get DAS done in a few days training, so I it's unlikely think you'll need the 125 for extra practice.

Steve.

Thanks Steve

Just thinking that it could be late sept (at the earliest) before i'm on a bike again if I go just DAS.

You could be right about getting one to fit tho