I have an itching to get back on a motorbike. The last time I rode a bike was in 1995. I stopped riding 6 months after an accident which left me with a broken pelvis and a scarred kidney. I picked back up as soon as I could get back on a bike but the damage of time had taken its toll and I ended up scared every time I went out, so I flogged the bike and haven't cocked my leg since. I'm now 42, 2 kids, big mortgage, but... I still have this virus of wanting ultimate speed coursing through my veins. My other half thinks I'm mad, it's not a midlife crisis thing (honest) it's just a yearning which has never gone away. I'm sure I'm over the fear thing now as it's been so many years and I no longer remember the pain and don't have any long lasting side affects. I toyed with getting a scooter, I built Vespas when I was a kid them progressed to all out wheelie and 170mph+ monsters. I don't think the scooter will cut it. I've thought about picking up a racer and giving track days a go but I've done this in the past and I didn't find it satisfying as you don't get the same sensation of speed. Am I mad?
Go for it. I'm 44 two children and would love a Harley. Its not the speed but the noise I love about them. Half tempted to do my test next year.
Yes you're mad. I was once told that the highest death rate amongst motor cyclists was "older" guys going back to it. Don't know if that is true. You were lucky once. Think of the kids, and how it would be for them without you !!!
Bikes are fantastic fun and very cheap speed. They are also easy to store compared to cars. I have an Aprilia Mille RSVR and it as fantastic. It is not as powerful as modern 1000s but is way better than I will ever be and a dream to ride. Ive been all over Europe on it to race meetings and find bikers a friendly lot. The other thing that is nice is how many types of bikes are out there as we all like different stuff: sorts bikes; barleys; big trail bikes etc. The bike show is at the NEC in a couple of weeks and is well worth a trip if you are interested. Meanwhile here is mine! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=562324313803702&l=e1afc831f7
Two years ago three of my workmates pulled into the carpark at work on their shiney new superbikes, none off them had ridden since their teens/early twenties, i said your all mad, two weeks later one was dead and the other two who saw it happen sold theirs
Having gone back to bikes a few years ago as a 'born again biker', I never rediscovered the thrill of riding. I don't think it was anything to do with being scared but more to do with having responsibilities. I just didn't have the feeling of invincibility that I had in my 20s. Maybe you need to get on a bike and see how you feel.
Not mad dude...addicted to the buzz, I watched a film about the IOM TT the other night and I'm itching to get my bike back on the road...I miss the thrill of danger, balancing washing up just doesn't cut it anymore. I was gonna wait til my kids are teenagers but the pull is to strong, so as soon as I get a steady job my 1100's getting back on the road
It sort of helps to be an active cyclist if you want a bike. Car drivers are used to doing what they want and that other road users see them and make room. I am regularly *******ed of by people pulling out in from to me causing me to brake sharply even in my car. As a biker you must assume you are invisible to other road users as most drive with their heads up their backsides. Cyclists know this and so make good bikers generally. The other thing is bikes are VERY fast compared to cars and are a completely different experience. My Aprilia has only 125bhp and will only do maybe 170 mph and 0-60 in 3 seconds so is averagely powerful as a bike but insane fast compared to all but a handful of cars. Born agains are renowned as a risk and there is an awful lot to be said for a small bike to cut your teeth on again, maybe some refresher training and then only when you are ready get the ZX10-R, GSXR1000, CBR1000RR or the S1000RR (all of which are very affordable and will do 100+ mph in first gear)
To be fair Joker if you last rode in 1995 you aren't really a born again but will be rusty. Typical sports bikes have 50% more power than in your day and are lighter, but tyres are better and so are leathers. Still worth a) getting a bike and b) taking it steady.
Hmmm...you're not mad but you do need to take it steady! I did the same 3 years ago - Triumph 955 Daytona, once I got used to it got faster and faster until I realised my capability was far outstripped by the bike - Bertiebot is right, bikes have come so far in the past 20 years its incredible. How about trying a track day on a hired 600 first to see how it goes? B
Can you rent a bike for a week to see how you feel, maybe once you've had a go that might be enough to stop. Who know, but you don't want to buy a bike and all the clobber to find you can't get on it or to the end of your street.
i get the yen on and off and sometimes its damned strong. i went out on a friends Lambretta the other week and it was fantastic. Felt like id never stopped riding. I last rode my bike about 10 years ago and still have it. Its the only road bike ive ever owned and ridden and i havent even looked at it for over a year. Guess i will get shut for spares and look at buying something possibly next year! (hopefully) I say go for it. My riding was tinged with some trepidation occasionally worrying about the mrs and kids and blah blah blah! but not that often that it spoiled things for me. I say go for it but take your time and some training - possibly advanced if you used to be pretty confident. Think i will go midrange, fancy a Bonnie actually!
Watched that too and for the first few minutes I was cringing and thinking 'that's impossibly fast' and then thought back and realised that's what I used to do.
I keep hankering after the Trials bike that I had when i was younger....it wasn't even that trick tbh...a honda TLR 200 4 stroke...just used to potter about on it and fall off on a regular basis...my heart says buy one...my head says no. Had a DR 350 trail bike as a commuter for about 4 years until it was nicked...never had a bike since. I'd definitely have another, if I could afford it, but would probably go for something mild and comfortable, like a BMW GS 650 or similar...stick some panniers on it and only ever use it for foreign jaunts in warm climates
Another reason I have the urge, is that driving Lola as my daily I get jealous of bikes going past me......and I think, I used to do that, it was having kids that stopped me as a sidecar on an 1100 streetfighter just doesn't cut it. I think it's good advice to get some refresher training just to improve confidence, especially as you have had a bad smash on one.
