John G
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| posted on 24/10/24 at 08:10 PM |
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looking to getting back in to motorcycling after 20 years
As the title says. last had a GPZ 750 R1 in the 80's. Now in E Sussex with some nice roads and am aware of the increase in traffic etc. Any
ideas? quite like sports bikes . What to look for and what to avoid. Happy to look at Fireblade era type but any advice welcome.
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JoelP
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| posted on 24/10/24 at 08:43 PM |
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My advice would be to do what you need to enjoy your life to the fullest, but always keep in mind the risks you take. We lost a forum member in a bike
accident recently, and he had years of regular experience.
I always fancied a bike, but know I test limits too much for a sports bike.
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cliftyhanger
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 08:50 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by John G
As the title says. last had a GPZ 750 R1 in the 80's. Now in E Sussex with some nice roads and am aware of the increase in traffic etc. Any
ideas? quite like sports bikes . What to look for and what to avoid. Happy to look at Fireblade era type but any advice welcome.
I hate to break this to you, but the 80s are 40 years ago! Worth a thought re comfort etc.
[Edited on 25/10/24 by cliftyhanger]
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motorcycle_mayhem
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 09:02 AM |
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Depends what your passion is.
I absolutely loved my GSXR750 (K2), nice balance between power, handling and survivability. Engine willing and bombproof, simple FI, etc. I still have
the 813cc engine (race build), from the Westfield, but I just can't bring myself to risk riding another bike. I also still have that silly 300bhp
GSXR750 turbo engine in the living room...
My 955 Tiger, also a lovely thing. Comfortable riding position, plenty of low end torque. Sold that simply because of the risk imposed by others.
I went around (and through) Australia on a R1100GS, very reliable, very heavy, but a superb tourer.
I love motorcycles, but yes, I gave up road riding a few years ago. It's just way too risky. Driving standards are appalling these days, way to
fast, way too inattentive and a complete indifference to vulnerabilities. Scrolling through screens, driving a 2-3 ton killing machine, oblivious.
Impatient BMW driver just sentenced locally, overtaking a van and slamming head on into a rider. May he rest in peace.
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 11:06 AM |
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I used to have bikes back in the very early 70's, Norton 850 Commado in 1973 aged 21. I carried on using them for many years but mortgage etc
meant I had to stop owning one. The kids grew up and we had some spare cash - I went back to having a bike. They had got a lot faster so I went for a
BMW K100RS. Still very quick but better suited to older age. I got used to bikes again and changed to a Honda Pan European ST 1100. Brilliant bike, in
all weathers. But - I was getting older - and didn't fancy bad weather driving. Suddenly I had an attack of common sense! I sold the bike and
built a kit car! Yes I like bikes and part of me still fancies one but I have never come off one and had never gone through a speed camera above the
limit and didn't want to break that record.
To anyone of mature years I would say have one if you must but realise that they are much faster machines now. Think carefully about just how big a
bike you need/want. Those of us who used to ride 650 Triumph Bonnevilles years ago should not expect to be proficient on a modern 600. So take great
care choosing the bike you get - or - get a kit car!
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Sarah
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 12:10 PM |
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Whereabouts in East Sussex are you? Kent Advanced Motorcycle Group meets at Brands on last Thursday of the month and would be a great way of improving
your riding.
Though I think you'll have to see how you get on.
I went 10 years bikeless then bought a new Hayabusa in 2018.
It all comes back
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Prof_Cook
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| posted on 30/10/24 at 08:54 PM |
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Unfortunately compared to when I last rode a bike there are now far too many cars on the road driven by drivers who dont look ahead beyond the car in
front...
Just this week saw a car drive the wrong way down a one way street to avoid a jam. Today a car in front of me suddenly indicated right and drove into
a junction the wrong way ignoring the road marks and the big "no right turn" signs, the driver only stopped when the 3 lanes of traffic
facing him/her all hit their horns and flashed their lights, the car then reversed towards me before lurching another 50yds down the road to the
actual right turn.
Last week coming round a roundabout I met a mobility wheelchair being driven in my lane, Luckily I managed to stop in time as the "vehicle"
was so small as it was masked by other vehicles on the roundabout...
So while it would be nice to get back on a bike I'm afraid I will keep on 4 wheels.......
[Edited on 30/10/24 by Prof_Cook]
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 31/10/24 at 02:19 PM |
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I used to be a very keen motorcyclist, perhaps doing 400 miles a week commuting. Had a few mishaps along the way, but still found riding amazing.
But since then I had my Locost, and have now given that up due to the truly awful driving I had experienced on a regular basis - I'd really love
to try a bike again but (1) I'd be too scared of the stupid drivers that I see daily in my tin-top, and (2) I know that my reaction times (and
recovery times if anything unfortunate happened!) are no longer good enough.
Oh - and (3) - my wife would kill me if I got another bike! 
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