I want a bike but i'm scared!
Discussion
First post in this forum for me.
I really really want a bike, midlife crisis perhaps at 45.
The thought of coming off it and hitting the tarmac or a car, lorry wall or whatever else terrifies me. Like a lot of us I know of people who have unfortunately been killed riding them, a few when I think about it.
Did anyone else have that fear?
I am able to ride a bike, quite confidently tbh, I haven't really ridden on roads as I don't have a licence. I am a very cautious and sensible driver and touch wood haven't had a car accident for a very long time.
What worries me is while I look for bikes not many seem to, I have seen people actively blocking them! Which is vile behaviour.
Although I am at the stage of life where I will admit the more comfortable I feel the more confident I get and ....... I know what i'm like basically.
I am looking at a Harley 48, I would love an Indian scout bobber but I understand they are quite a bit more performance orientated. 883 is an option but none for sale with that look I like (short rear fender, wide, look special).
Is that a sensible bike? I need something where driving like a d
head isn;t a thing iykwim. A sports bike I know would not be a wise decision.
Purely pleasure. b road riding in the south east. not at peak times. fun, which is what I want in my life
So. can I ride a bike safely? I assume learn to ride defensively? never assume?
Obviously need to book a test but it feels like such a big thing I'm hanging around on it.
I really really want a bike, midlife crisis perhaps at 45.
The thought of coming off it and hitting the tarmac or a car, lorry wall or whatever else terrifies me. Like a lot of us I know of people who have unfortunately been killed riding them, a few when I think about it.
Did anyone else have that fear?
I am able to ride a bike, quite confidently tbh, I haven't really ridden on roads as I don't have a licence. I am a very cautious and sensible driver and touch wood haven't had a car accident for a very long time.
What worries me is while I look for bikes not many seem to, I have seen people actively blocking them! Which is vile behaviour.
Although I am at the stage of life where I will admit the more comfortable I feel the more confident I get and ....... I know what i'm like basically.
I am looking at a Harley 48, I would love an Indian scout bobber but I understand they are quite a bit more performance orientated. 883 is an option but none for sale with that look I like (short rear fender, wide, look special).
Is that a sensible bike? I need something where driving like a d
head isn;t a thing iykwim. A sports bike I know would not be a wise decision. Purely pleasure. b road riding in the south east. not at peak times. fun, which is what I want in my life
So. can I ride a bike safely? I assume learn to ride defensively? never assume?
Obviously need to book a test but it feels like such a big thing I'm hanging around on it.
Edited by m3jappa on Saturday 22 November 09:06
All I can say is that I passed my test at age 42 (iirc) and never once had the thoughts you are having.
I rode a moped as a teenager and my mum made me do an RAC bike school which taught me about all the safety stuff like life saver, covering the brakes when appropriate etc.
I’ve used those same skills and a load of new ones learned on my DAS into my later life.
If you’re sensible and aware then biking is just an awesome way to travel.
Each to their own though.
I rode a moped as a teenager and my mum made me do an RAC bike school which taught me about all the safety stuff like life saver, covering the brakes when appropriate etc.
I’ve used those same skills and a load of new ones learned on my DAS into my later life.
If you’re sensible and aware then biking is just an awesome way to travel.
Each to their own though.
This is purely how I think-
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
For instance Friday 3-5pm, panicked, wanting to get home. Tired, confused with some frustrated and angry elements who switch lanes ASAP.
I never ride in Frost or ice and on motorways I always have multiple escape choices constantly preplanned as I ride along.
Try it on a 125/CBT. They take you out on the roads. Ask if you can pay for an additional days afterwards too?
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
For instance Friday 3-5pm, panicked, wanting to get home. Tired, confused with some frustrated and angry elements who switch lanes ASAP.
I never ride in Frost or ice and on motorways I always have multiple escape choices constantly preplanned as I ride along.
Try it on a 125/CBT. They take you out on the roads. Ask if you can pay for an additional days afterwards too?
That all makes sense and is how I think tbh. I would actively stay away from peak times, pleasure riding so never in ice, only rain if I got caught in it which is a slim chance.
I think actually getting on a bike on the roads will let me know if i'm comfortable or not. I also assume I will be taught things I don't already know.
I think actually getting on a bike on the roads will let me know if i'm comfortable or not. I also assume I will be taught things I don't already know.
I passed age (49) 3 yrs ago.
I had ridden 125s on and off and would class myself as a competent driver of cars.
I had the same thoughts and I think it is a healthy attitude. There are a lot of bike accidents and some are unavoidable but many are and when you see others ride you can see how so many accidents do happen.
I have one friend I ride with who doesn’t seem to read the road ahead, seen a few near misses although thankfully no accidents.
I seem some guys ride like typical nutters and you wonder how they are still alive.
I ride fast but try to ride to IAM sort of standard and the new DAS with a good school should leave you with some descent skills. I passed my test, went to IAM and the instructor on first day asked if I had already done it in car or bike before, it was just the way I had been taught for my bike test and the way I had been taught to drive.
Also, buying decent protective gear is great and I have spent a new bike value on gear alone.
Do it, ride safely and hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones. It is dangerous but missing out on life is also bad.
I had ridden 125s on and off and would class myself as a competent driver of cars.
I had the same thoughts and I think it is a healthy attitude. There are a lot of bike accidents and some are unavoidable but many are and when you see others ride you can see how so many accidents do happen.
I have one friend I ride with who doesn’t seem to read the road ahead, seen a few near misses although thankfully no accidents.
I seem some guys ride like typical nutters and you wonder how they are still alive.
I ride fast but try to ride to IAM sort of standard and the new DAS with a good school should leave you with some descent skills. I passed my test, went to IAM and the instructor on first day asked if I had already done it in car or bike before, it was just the way I had been taught for my bike test and the way I had been taught to drive.
Also, buying decent protective gear is great and I have spent a new bike value on gear alone.
Do it, ride safely and hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones. It is dangerous but missing out on life is also bad.
I have always been a car person, I got my bike license to commute and now I don't even have a car!
I would say riding a bike is not as scary as a bicycle, you travel with the flow of traffic, not as something they have to swerve around. That was the bit that put me off during my DAS, the smaller bikes were not something I liked at all, they were too slow.
Big bikes don't just fire you into the countryside because you look at the throttle they are perfectly rideable, pick any modern bike and you'd be happy with it in that regard so don't be put off, you just have to find something you like.
Also, yes, you are invisible so ride like it.
...and be prepared to find space for 2 bikes in your garage, for some reason the bloody things multiply!
I would say riding a bike is not as scary as a bicycle, you travel with the flow of traffic, not as something they have to swerve around. That was the bit that put me off during my DAS, the smaller bikes were not something I liked at all, they were too slow.
Big bikes don't just fire you into the countryside because you look at the throttle they are perfectly rideable, pick any modern bike and you'd be happy with it in that regard so don't be put off, you just have to find something you like.
Also, yes, you are invisible so ride like it.
...and be prepared to find space for 2 bikes in your garage, for some reason the bloody things multiply!
I always ride as though every other road user is out to kill me, especially passing side junctions.
Very rarely go over 45mph and hate motorways.
Also never go out in rain or winter if I can help it.
It works for me, but if someone else prefers to get their thrills doing 90mph wheelies each to their own.
Very rarely go over 45mph and hate motorways.
Also never go out in rain or winter if I can help it.
It works for me, but if someone else prefers to get their thrills doing 90mph wheelies each to their own.
If you can choose where and when you ride and stick to the being able to stop in the distance you can see you’ll be absolutely fine.
If you ride in poor weather and light conditions through busy areas faster than you should that’s where you’ll increase your risk.
I actually think from an active safety pov bikes are safer than cars.
You’ll learn to read junctions and vehicle intentions at them quickly on a bike. You’ll likely ride differently than you drive but it’s not because of fear and it won’t spoil your enjoyment.
To sum up, get your test done asap.
If you ride in poor weather and light conditions through busy areas faster than you should that’s where you’ll increase your risk.
I actually think from an active safety pov bikes are safer than cars.
You’ll learn to read junctions and vehicle intentions at them quickly on a bike. You’ll likely ride differently than you drive but it’s not because of fear and it won’t spoil your enjoyment.
To sum up, get your test done asap.
Although the consequences of an accident are worse, I don't think the chances of having one are greater. In traffic I often feel safer on the bike because I can keep a few feet of space either side and use the better visibility and acceleration to keep away from trouble. Obviously you can also use the acceleration to increase the risk but that's up to the rider. I always tell people it isn't dangerous, just hazardous.
Riding in the wet isn't a problem providing it's just wet. It's when it's combined with leaves mud and oil it gets treacherous. Otherwise just lean over a little less and give yourself a bit more stopping distance. But in extremis, it's surprising how much grip modern tyres have in the wet. So don't hit something you could have avoided just because you didn't have the confidence to brake harder or lean over further. Believe me, it happens.
Wear the right gear, especially boots. People trying to put you off bikes will tell you 'you'll break your neck'. You almost certainly won't, but do worry about breaking an ankle. They are both fragile and very vulnerable on a bike.
Riding in the wet isn't a problem providing it's just wet. It's when it's combined with leaves mud and oil it gets treacherous. Otherwise just lean over a little less and give yourself a bit more stopping distance. But in extremis, it's surprising how much grip modern tyres have in the wet. So don't hit something you could have avoided just because you didn't have the confidence to brake harder or lean over further. Believe me, it happens.
Wear the right gear, especially boots. People trying to put you off bikes will tell you 'you'll break your neck'. You almost certainly won't, but do worry about breaking an ankle. They are both fragile and very vulnerable on a bike.
Minor quibble: bikes aren't dangerous, but they are vulnerable and can be ridden in a dangerous manner, sometimes by people unaware of the risks they are taking.
Around town motorbikes are no more "dangerous" than a pushbike and you're better equipped if bad things happen. With decent gear sliding down tarmac is no big deal, it's the sudden stops that hurt. If you'd ride a pushbike around town what would put you off riding a motorbike? Is that fear rational?
On faster roads you're a lot more vulnerable, there's no escaping that, so mitigate the risks. Get training and keep at it, invest in yourself. Get decent gear, focus on fit and function, form is last priority.
An HD is a "thing", but if you have sporty inclinations why not indulge them? Motorbikes are fun, enjoy! There's a massive range of choice between Sportster and Panigale, you don't have to be a "Power ranger" or "Bro" unless, of course, you want to.
The CBT proves Yoda wrong, if you like it, "do", if you don't, "do not"; but at least you've tried.
Around town motorbikes are no more "dangerous" than a pushbike and you're better equipped if bad things happen. With decent gear sliding down tarmac is no big deal, it's the sudden stops that hurt. If you'd ride a pushbike around town what would put you off riding a motorbike? Is that fear rational?
On faster roads you're a lot more vulnerable, there's no escaping that, so mitigate the risks. Get training and keep at it, invest in yourself. Get decent gear, focus on fit and function, form is last priority.
An HD is a "thing", but if you have sporty inclinations why not indulge them? Motorbikes are fun, enjoy! There's a massive range of choice between Sportster and Panigale, you don't have to be a "Power ranger" or "Bro" unless, of course, you want to.
The CBT proves Yoda wrong, if you like it, "do", if you don't, "do not"; but at least you've tried.
After 45 years of riding I recently sold my last bike, a Triumph Speed Twin 900 as I wasn't using it much.
I even sold my barely used new helmet on eBay as I thought that I had hung up my boots for good.......
....... but now I fancy a sporty 600 and I just can't get the want out of my head.
Go for it mate
I even sold my barely used new helmet on eBay as I thought that I had hung up my boots for good.......
....... but now I fancy a sporty 600 and I just can't get the want out of my head.
Go for it mate
The safety aspect was big for me. When I first passed my test. I made sure I got the best safety equipment I could as I knew that I would be the sort of person that would push on.
I've been riding for many years now and you can sort of see when you're out why so many motorcyclists have accidents. I don't consider myself a slow rider at all. That's the whole reason for me getting a motorbike to get my thrills, but the way I see some ride you can understand why they end up in hedges and underneath cars.
Bikes are so bloody quick and so good at overtaking that there's no need to take stupid risks. You can certainly have a lot of fun out there and be safe. Just sow down at junctions and be mindful of potential hazards ahead, as many riders overlook these. The thrill of motorcycling for me is in accelerating and cornering rather than constant speed.
I've been riding for many years now and you can sort of see when you're out why so many motorcyclists have accidents. I don't consider myself a slow rider at all. That's the whole reason for me getting a motorbike to get my thrills, but the way I see some ride you can understand why they end up in hedges and underneath cars.
Bikes are so bloody quick and so good at overtaking that there's no need to take stupid risks. You can certainly have a lot of fun out there and be safe. Just sow down at junctions and be mindful of potential hazards ahead, as many riders overlook these. The thrill of motorcycling for me is in accelerating and cornering rather than constant speed.
As above, and yes I have said that I fancy a sports 600 but my thrill is carving through heavy traffic, which the Triumph excelled at.
A few years ago I had a Monster 937. Very fast and excellent handling but it kept tempting me to use the public roads as a racetrack.
Knowing that my old commute on the Triumph always took me 20 minutes was a buzz
Compared to car, 1 hour or train/tube, 1 hour to 2 hours.
A few years ago I had a Monster 937. Very fast and excellent handling but it kept tempting me to use the public roads as a racetrack.
Knowing that my old commute on the Triumph always took me 20 minutes was a buzz
Compared to car, 1 hour or train/tube, 1 hour to 2 hours.
From reading the stats its lower leg injuries that are the worst/most prevalent and no other vehicle involved.
I read into this that biker is about to come off or thinks he/she is and puts his foot/leg out as though this will stop/balance/slow.
As I've found with mountain bikes you dont do that you tuck in/roll if can and get away from the bike!
I read into this that biker is about to come off or thinks he/she is and puts his foot/leg out as though this will stop/balance/slow.
As I've found with mountain bikes you dont do that you tuck in/roll if can and get away from the bike!
croyde said:
As above, and yes I have said that I fancy a sports 600 but my thrill is carving through heavy traffic, which the Triumph excelled at.
A few years ago I had a Monster 937. Very fast and excellent handling but it kept tempting me to use the public roads as a racetrack.
Knowing that my old commute on the Triumph always took me 20 minutes was a buzz
Compared to car, 1 hour or train/tube, 1 hour to 2 hours.
One of my bikes is a GSXR600 and whilst I have a quicker 1000 the 600 does reward a race track mentality although you can ride it slowly. The last of the 600 sports also do not need to have their necks wrung to go fast…mine is about as fast as a good 2000 litre bike just about 20% less torqueA few years ago I had a Monster 937. Very fast and excellent handling but it kept tempting me to use the public roads as a racetrack.
Knowing that my old commute on the Triumph always took me 20 minutes was a buzz
Compared to car, 1 hour or train/tube, 1 hour to 2 hours.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
This is purely how I think-
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
- pack
CHLEMCBC said:
Hugo Stiglitz said:
This is purely how I think-
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
Part of biker safety is you. How relaxed you are. You can see and react quicker and calmer.
Plus-
I never ride in rain in darkness on busy roads.
I tend to avoid certain roads at rush hour. Drivers are like herded animals in a pact at certain times.
- pack
Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Saturday 22 November 14:47
You are more vulnerable riding a motorcycle than driving a car, there is no denying that, but it's a risk / reward ratio thing.
The best advice I can give is go and do your CBT, and if you like that progress to doing your full test. By the time you've done that you'll know if motorcycling is for you.
The best advice I can give is go and do your CBT, and if you like that progress to doing your full test. By the time you've done that you'll know if motorcycling is for you.
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