Car driver asking basic biking questions

[Sensei Rob]

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

[Pothole]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. Commuting, leisure, fun, many other times when I don't need to carry anything/one else.

2. No.

3. Yes. Do I? No.

4. No - my current workplace has good facilities, mainly to promote cycling to work etc.

5. Depends on the bike

6. Behave.

[Gee68]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,
Hi Rob and welcome

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike? weekends,summer nights

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up? I'm not going to lie,yes it is.

3. Does it get freezing cold? Only in winter

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work? Depends where you work I suppose

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise? Had an Elise as my daily for three years,great car.I'm not sure how to answer that question as one's a bike and one's a car so completely different.

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle? It's got an engine,you don't have to pedal and it goes a lot faster

Thanks in advance.

[trickywoo]

1) Mainly for fun between April and September. Sometimes for errands where parking is tricky or I need to be somewhere quickly regardless of traffic.

2) No. I favour a one piece which on the bike I find much more comfortable than two. I also have textiles which I can wear 'normal' clothes under.

3) When I did ride in the winter cold wasn't really an issue. I don't do it now because of lack of relibale grip.

4) Not if you get textiles you can wear office clothes under. You can also get ankle boots which look OK and can be worn all day in the office. Obviously depends how smart you have to be.

5) The two biggest differences are sight lines and ease of overtaking. On most bikes your eyeline height will be the same as a big 4x4. Even without going big adventure style you can be higher still on just a simple naked. Helmet doesn't restrict sight as much as A pillars in modern cars either. The ability to effortlessly overtake multiple cars, just nipping in and out if you have to cannot be matched by any car. Plus any stationary traffic at lights puts you straight at the front with a clear road ahead.

6) Once you get above jogging speed there will be familiar feelings between the two. Although you don't feel the weight of a motorbike as such at speed managing weight transfer and cornering are where it makes a big difference over a pushbike.

[Drezza]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. These days hardly ever, I tend to ride it so the battery doesn't go flat!
2. Yes
3. Can do (below 10 degrees need heated grips IMO)
4. A bit?
5. Never driven one, probably better.
6. Can't really compare the two

[Pica-Pica]

Drezza said:

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. These days hardly ever, I tend to ride it so the battery doesn't go flat!
2. Yes
3. Can do (below 10 degrees need heated grips IMO)
4. A bit?
5. Never driven one, probably better.
6. Can't really compare the two

This is from my experience many decades ago.
1) after our first son was born, I road a bike, my wife had the car
2) not really, I wore a fabric jacket and office trousers (sometimes waterproof over trousers)
3) I commuted 18 miles each way all year round, no heated grips, no trouble (wusses nowadays)
4) no, just keep spare trousers, and shoes/socks in case you get soaked.
5) not compared. The right bike can out-accelerate most things easily, cornering is the main issue.
6) umm! Same two-wheels principle, if you stop you need to put a foot down.
Having ridden many years ago, I think it would be a doddle to go back to a bike. When I took my test it would be drive round the block in a town centre, no pre-test faff. When you learn on a bike, you develop life-saving habits that translate well into a car and make a better driver of you. Being an under the radar type of bloke, I like fast but quiet cars - I would chose an electric m/c

Edited by Pica-Pica on Tuesday 10th November 14:35

[Iminquarantine]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,


1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. A lot. Cars are boring after bikes.

2. Yes. PITA. As is charging your intercom or mounting your GPS when you use the bike, if you use those items.

3. Nope. Wear the right stuff.

4. Not compared to getting changed at home, no.

5. You cannot overtake 10 vehicles following a tractor in an Elise. Bikes are still faster anyway.

6. Totally different. No comparison whatsoever.

[dibblecorse]

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

Any I fancy, I have one for the road that the wife loves being on the back of and have a trackbike, the road bike we have a top box so can be out almost all day and have all we need

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

Not really, soon get used to it.

3. Does it get freezing cold?

If you have crap kit or kit thats not appropriate for the weather.

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

No, I wear textiles when I commute and they go over my jeans / shirt, just keep a pair of shoes at my desk.

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise? Its more raw, closer to the elements and a greater sense of freedom, overtakes take no thinking about 90% of the time.

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

If you have done any decent cross country or downhill mountain biking, then thats as close as it gets, its a very sensory pastime and even a cheeky jaunt out to the country will keep you alert in a way that cycling on the road doesn't require (and before the cyclists get all irate, I have also commuted by pedal bike extensively in the past)

[black-k1]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. Commuting, fun and touring

2. It can be but mostly no.

3. Good kit needed to avoid the cold. That or don't ride in cold weather!

4. Minimal effort. Leave shoes in work, carry trousers and shirt (I don't need a jacket but would leave that at work if needed) Change in disabled loos.

5. More fun, Much more performance per £. Easier to use performance on the road.

6 Quite a lot faster!!!

[Ryan-nunm9]

Scratch that itch!

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?
I use the bike for everything* that I don't take the dog. Social, domestic, pleasure, training, commuting, touring, shopping etc. I work on my bike for Rapid and have done over 20k this year on bikes. *I did give the bikes a break through lockdown 1 and didn't use it at all.

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?
No, but it will be at first, it takes getting used to.

3. Does it get freezing cold?
Yes. Kit makes a huge difference as a vented leather 1 piece race suit will be horrid on a winters day. Rukka and a gerbing heated jacket has sorted me out well below zero degrees C

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?
No. I wear my work shirt/top under my bike kit and just change in the corner. BMW & KLIM do a 1 piece oversuit. Never used one but look easier.

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?
It's not the same, it's better (imo). I have a 2020 BMW GS at the moment on loan for a year and as good as it is, its very good, I'm not a fan. It's predictable and a bit boring, but I'd take it over a sports car long term.

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?
Very little carry over.

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

On the faff of getting all suited up then I'd have to go with a yes it is.

What you've got to remember is that it can also be a faff to get your bike out too. If you keep it in a garage, keep it under a cover, have chains/disclocks to remove it all takes time.

Then you've got to get changed into your biking gear which can take a short while depending on the weather and how safety conscious you are.

Compare this to walking out of the door jumping into the car and driving away.

Don't forget you've got to repeat this process when you get to work/leave work/get home. Plus depending on the weather you may have to dry out your riding kit and or clean it.

I'm not saying that biking is a bad thing at all, but it's nowhere near as convenient as jumping in the car.

[upsidedownmark]

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

Boring car, Fun car, Motorbike, Pushbike. Use them all, different purposes and times. Two main occasions I use the (motor)bike:
Fun - solo or with others, track and rides out.
Traffic avoidance. If it's gonna be heavy traffic, or crap parking the bike is great.

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?
Yep. But it's not that bad. Just factored into the journey time.

3. Does it get freezing cold?
When it's really cold or wet out, yes. But spending on decent gear makes a big difference. Depends a lot on what you're using it for, if it's just a summer toy then no.

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?
Nope, not at all. Textile gear, over work clothes.

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?
Different. Bike has more straight line. Leaning is cool. Skipping through traffic is cool. On track it's totally different. The word I'd chose for the bike is visceral, you're really there and you can get away with less. However the car also has benefits, it's more passenger friendly, you can take liberties and slide it around.

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?
Not sure how to compare that. The only place I'd compare them is that both are great at getting you from A to B in a busy city. Otherwise virtually no comparison.

[anonymous-user]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. Almost 100% commuting for me with occasional weekend trips, have also done a couple of short euro-road trips.

2. Not really. You soon get in to a routine. Being soaking wet (on the outside) as I was on arrival at work last night can extend things a tiny bit.

3. Yes. Spend as much as you can on decent kit and you won’t be though. Heated grips essential in a British winter.

4. See answer 2.

5. I’ve also got a Caterham in the garage. It’s totally different so hard to compare. The acceleration is similar but cornering and manoeuvrability require almost totally different skills and awareness. Assuming other drivers haven’t seen you carries across though.

6. When I was a kid I used to wedge playing cards in the spokes of my bike to make it sound like a motorbike. Tried doing the same with my motorbike. Much better result.

[Dr Jekyll]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1. Easier to say when I don't use it. Long motorway trips, possibility of ice, stuff to carry, or if it would involve keeping waterproofs on at my destination

2. Slightly, you get into a routine.

3. Occasionally, not an issue providing you wear decent gear. At worst it's like being out in the snow when you're well wrapped up, noticeable but not unpleasant providing it isn't for too long. Can be a distraction though.

4. As 2 unless you're in a real hurry.

5. Call a dull car a 3, a hot hatch a 6 and an Elise an 8, a bike is about a 12.

6. Same sense of freedom but a bit more hassle. In terms of freedom you lose a bit through being kitted up and being aware of the weight, but gain through knowing you can go a lot faster and for hundreds of miles if you want.

If you're confident it won't rain much getting suited up isn't so much of an issue. Protective and vaguely showerproof jeans can be worn off the bike, they look like normal jeans and feel much the same if a bit heavy. There are also jackets that look smart off the bike but they tend to be expensive. Leather jackets for some reason tend to have stripes on so look odd off the bike.

On thing you notice if you use a bike regularly is that although it's unusual to be sure it won't rain all day, it really doesn't rain as much as most people think. Even on a wet day it's usually dry most of the time.

[the cueball]

1) I use the bike as long as I don't have someone with me, need to carry anything "large" or there is snow/ice on the ground.
2) No, I normally wear clothes outside so not really that different - I still have boots, trousers and a jacket on - helmet and gloves take 2 minutes maximum to put on.
3) No, I have good quality clothes to wear on the bike, plus heated grips.
4) Not really... take bike stuff off, put jeans and a jumper on.
5) It's much, much better than any car.
6) No idea, but I guess it's faster and costs more.

[Sensei Rob]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm definitely going to scratch that itch!

[black-k1]

[RizzoTheRat]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?

3. Does it get freezing cold?

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?

Thanks in advance.

1 - Fun, commuting, touring holidays

2 - Yes and no. If you're riding daily you seem to get in to the habit and it's pretty quick, but if I've not ridden in a while I tend to find my kit's all over the house it takes ages

3 - Again yes and no. Cold's easier to deal with than heat IMO. Wear decent kit that stops the wind. Electric heated stuff is getting pretty common these days, a heated jacked it fantastic, but fairly expensive (or if you're a cheapskate make your own, mine word out at about £25). Heated grips and hand guards make a big difference but probably look stupid if you're on a sports bike

4 - Not really. I wear textiles over my work clothes and either leave shoes at work or carry them in my pannier (panniers and top boxes are very useful but also look stupid on a sports bike)

5 - No idea as I've never driven one. In general a slow bike will leave a fast car standing in straight acceleration, but won't corner anywhere near as quick. But you're sitting higher up with great visibility which helps a lot on the road, and you're narrower so bends aren't as sharp as you can use more road.

6 - I would say not all that similar. Cyclists are used to the same unrestricted vision, but the motorbike is lot heavier and less agile than a bicycle.

[PurpleTurtle]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

1. If you have a car, what sorts of occasions do you use the bike?
I live in a congested part of the South East, so have commuted by bike to save time most days for the last 22 years. Also use it for nipping into town, going out for a social blast with my biking buddies, and have toured through most European countries on it before I got married and had a sprog. Will hopefully return to doing that once t'nipper has grown up a bit.

2. Is it a faff getting all suited up?
Not really, once you've got it down to an art

3. Does it get freezing cold?
Yes in Winter, with cheap kit. I have a quality textile suit and heated grips (good) and heated gloves (excellent)

4. If you commute, is a faff getting changed at work?
No, but I have good facilities, literally walk past a changing room between the main door and my desk, secure dry kit storage etc. Takes me a few minutes to get changed at each end of the day

5. How does riding a motorcycle compare to something like a Lotus Elise?
Not driven an Elise, but riding a bike feels like the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground.

6. How does riding a motorcycle compare to riding a bicycle?
Somewhat different. The huge speed differential is a surprise at first, but you soon get used to it.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by PurpleTurtle on Tuesday 10th November 15:42

[Krikkit]

Sensei Rob said:

Hi folks,

I never got round to motorcycling, but it's an itch I want to scratch. I generally like mechanical so I'm not in any camp, so to speak. Still, I have some questions:

Thanks in advance.

Just do it, best thing I've taken up for years.

All from my perspective:

1) I've been working from home for the last few years already, so it's purely a pleasure machine. In an evening I might pop out for a couple of hours, more likely these days take a 4-5h block on a Saturday/Sunday to have a good trip out and get some fresh air etc. I'm 20 minutes from North Wales so it's brilliant fun.

2) Takes me about 10 minutes to get ready and get the bike out of the garage and go.

3) It can do, but it's about choosing the right gear for the weather.

4) It would've been a bit of a faff for me in my old job, but it would've saved me more than enough time than it cost.

5) For me there's equal pleasure to be had driving a car well as to biking well, the key difference is that it's much easier to enjoy riding a bike. Every trip out is an event, and getting stuck behind traffic is much less of a bother as you can often get past a queue piecemeal that would be impossible in a car.

I always think about those really great drives I've had on quiet roads, as rare as they are, and I think there's 50x more opportunity to have that same experience on a bike.

That's before you think about the performance available - a £10k sports bike can give you straight-line performance that will match the latest supercars, something that most folks couldn't afford in a car by far (until electric cars of course).

6) There's some vague similarities at low speeds, but the weight of a motorcycle hides it, and once you've got over 20mph though it's a different ball-game altogether as the physics changes.

Edited by Krikkit on Tuesday 10th November 16:11