Potentially returning to motorcycling after 15 years away...
Discussion
Evening all,
I haven't owned a bike since 2006 and have been thinking more and more about getting back on two wheels for the last year or so. I'm now in a decent financial position (although not rich by PH standards) and can afford a new bike. Passed my full test in 1999 and initial owned a Honda Hornet and then an SV650.
I still have all my old riding gear but given how old it is I'll be looking to get a new helmet, gloves, textile jacket and trousers. I suffer from tinnitus in my left ear so it addition to wearing ear plugs I'll be looking to get a quiet helmet (Schubert seem to get good reviews on this).
Do you think its worthwhile getting some refresher lessons from a training school given the length of time that has passed? I still drive a car most days and whilst not as fit as I could be I like to think I'm competent and safe on the roads.
I'll probably buy a new or nearly new bike. I've been watching the various reviews or youtube and reading the on line reviews on MCN, Visordown, 44 teeth, etc. It's getting quite addictive and my other half just rolls her eyes when she sees me watching yet another bike review........... The bike will be a weekend and summer evening toy and I'll probably only do 3-4k miles if I'm being honest
As far as bikes go, my taste hasn't really changed in the last two decades - still drawn to naked middleweight bikes. Prefer to buy new and don't need or want anything with more than around 85-90bhp. Relatively light weight, comfy riding position, not too expensive (up to say £7.5k) and fun to punt around the back roads are my priorities. Current shortlist includes:-
CB500f (budget option)
SV650 (like the V-twin engine)
CB650R (love the looks)
Triumph Trident (probably the best all rounder).
Don't really like the Z650, MT-07, although may also consider the XSR700. New Z650RS looks nice but also seems quite pricey for what it is - retro style costs it would seem.
All of the above is based on reviews by other people as I haven't ridden any of them yet (or any bike for that matter for the last 15 years!). I'll obviously get some test rides before buying anything.
Any and all advice gratefully received.
I haven't owned a bike since 2006 and have been thinking more and more about getting back on two wheels for the last year or so. I'm now in a decent financial position (although not rich by PH standards) and can afford a new bike. Passed my full test in 1999 and initial owned a Honda Hornet and then an SV650.
I still have all my old riding gear but given how old it is I'll be looking to get a new helmet, gloves, textile jacket and trousers. I suffer from tinnitus in my left ear so it addition to wearing ear plugs I'll be looking to get a quiet helmet (Schubert seem to get good reviews on this).
Do you think its worthwhile getting some refresher lessons from a training school given the length of time that has passed? I still drive a car most days and whilst not as fit as I could be I like to think I'm competent and safe on the roads.
I'll probably buy a new or nearly new bike. I've been watching the various reviews or youtube and reading the on line reviews on MCN, Visordown, 44 teeth, etc. It's getting quite addictive and my other half just rolls her eyes when she sees me watching yet another bike review........... The bike will be a weekend and summer evening toy and I'll probably only do 3-4k miles if I'm being honest
As far as bikes go, my taste hasn't really changed in the last two decades - still drawn to naked middleweight bikes. Prefer to buy new and don't need or want anything with more than around 85-90bhp. Relatively light weight, comfy riding position, not too expensive (up to say £7.5k) and fun to punt around the back roads are my priorities. Current shortlist includes:-
CB500f (budget option)
SV650 (like the V-twin engine)
CB650R (love the looks)
Triumph Trident (probably the best all rounder).
Don't really like the Z650, MT-07, although may also consider the XSR700. New Z650RS looks nice but also seems quite pricey for what it is - retro style costs it would seem.
All of the above is based on reviews by other people as I haven't ridden any of them yet (or any bike for that matter for the last 15 years!). I'll obviously get some test rides before buying anything.
Any and all advice gratefully received.
The hardest bit may be the very first ride, back from the dealer. After that I think it will all come back to you quickly but some tuition / pointers would probably be good all round, especially for confidence.
You’ll probably know that being tense on a bike is a self fulfilling prophecy making everything feel like hard work.
I’ve got a current generation SV650 and really like it. I used to have much faster bikes but the roads I ride on now are much better suited to the SV.
You’ll probably know that being tense on a bike is a self fulfilling prophecy making everything feel like hard work.
I’ve got a current generation SV650 and really like it. I used to have much faster bikes but the roads I ride on now are much better suited to the SV.
I've just done similar, and whilst I wasn't the most experienced rider before my hiatus, it's all come flooding back to me.
New gear is sensible given the advances in safety since we last rode. As for bikes, have you considered one of the new Royal Enfield offerings, specifically one of the 650 twins? They're circa 6k OTR with warranty etc and are supposed to be pretty nice to ride with a Harris frame and a punchy engine not quick enough to get you into trouble.
I bought a lockdown project to get me back on two wheels and have been enjoying it immensely. I forgot how many sound people there are in the bike world.
New gear is sensible given the advances in safety since we last rode. As for bikes, have you considered one of the new Royal Enfield offerings, specifically one of the 650 twins? They're circa 6k OTR with warranty etc and are supposed to be pretty nice to ride with a Harris frame and a punchy engine not quick enough to get you into trouble.
I bought a lockdown project to get me back on two wheels and have been enjoying it immensely. I forgot how many sound people there are in the bike world.
Replacing most of your gear is probably a good idea but if leather items have been looked after in the 15 years, and they are still in good condition, then there is no reason for them not to be usable now. Safety requirements have moved on for new kit which may or may not be an influence but, for example, I'd still happily wear me BKS leather suit from 1994 (if I could get into it!!!!) and my son does wear it.
Training is the best thing you can do. I suspect that use of the bike controls will come back almost instantly but "thinking like a biker" on the road may take a little longer and training will definitely help with that.
On the basis that most bikers, especially the older ones, tend to move up from middleweight bikes to something larger, I'd suggest avoiding a new purchase as a first off. Get something second hand with the intention of using it just to get familiarity and a bit of recent experience, and do some test rides of a wide range of capacities, styles and manufacturers. Don't be scared or intimidated (OK, you can be embarrassed if it's a Harley!!!
) from trying anything and everything. All bikes have moved on in 15 years and it really is hard to buy either a bad one or one with any form of "widow maker" reputation. I suspect your needs and priorities of what a bike should deliver for you will have changed, as will you requirements regarding comfort.
If you have a Schuberth shaped head, Schuberth make some really comfortable and quiet helmets. It's worth noting that their padding doesn't "give" much, so a tight fitting helmet when new is still tight fitting years and miles later.
Training is the best thing you can do. I suspect that use of the bike controls will come back almost instantly but "thinking like a biker" on the road may take a little longer and training will definitely help with that.
On the basis that most bikers, especially the older ones, tend to move up from middleweight bikes to something larger, I'd suggest avoiding a new purchase as a first off. Get something second hand with the intention of using it just to get familiarity and a bit of recent experience, and do some test rides of a wide range of capacities, styles and manufacturers. Don't be scared or intimidated (OK, you can be embarrassed if it's a Harley!!!
) from trying anything and everything. All bikes have moved on in 15 years and it really is hard to buy either a bad one or one with any form of "widow maker" reputation. I suspect your needs and priorities of what a bike should deliver for you will have changed, as will you requirements regarding comfort.If you have a Schuberth shaped head, Schuberth make some really comfortable and quiet helmets. It's worth noting that their padding doesn't "give" much, so a tight fitting helmet when new is still tight fitting years and miles later.
If you were a confident biker until 2006 I think you'll swing your leg over and within an hour be somewhere reasonable again, you'll be getting used to a new bike anyway so the way it steers, handles, brakes, accelerates etc.
Only you will really know whether you need a refresher or not, do you have any riding buddies you could tag along with, simply following someone will help with lines and confidence.
As for gear, new helmet definitely 100% the rest is down to personal choice. If you can afford to replace it all and for that extra piece of mind do it, get a good back protector/air bag suit/vest also.
Only you will really know whether you need a refresher or not, do you have any riding buddies you could tag along with, simply following someone will help with lines and confidence.
As for gear, new helmet definitely 100% the rest is down to personal choice. If you can afford to replace it all and for that extra piece of mind do it, get a good back protector/air bag suit/vest also.
Welcome back!
I borrowed a brand new sv650 on Friday when my versys was in for a service. Loved it, seriously torquey engine and a good laugh. Liked the wind in your face vibe.
I'm nearly 40 and I was done in after 4 hours riding around the South Downs. I was glad to back to my comfy seat, heated grips and big screen for the ride home from the dealer. Maybe something like a GS, Versys, Vstrom etc might be more you thing old timer
I borrowed a brand new sv650 on Friday when my versys was in for a service. Loved it, seriously torquey engine and a good laugh. Liked the wind in your face vibe.
I'm nearly 40 and I was done in after 4 hours riding around the South Downs. I was glad to back to my comfy seat, heated grips and big screen for the ride home from the dealer. Maybe something like a GS, Versys, Vstrom etc might be more you thing old timer
I did Bike Safe and then had the IAM training too - after I saw local trainers wanted £200+ for an afternoon
If it was decent gear then I'd still wear it unless it's obviously degraded
As you don't want the latest bike tech, personally I'd buy something cheaper in case you drop it or decide you want something else in a month's time
I deal in bikes and I'm as happy on a £3K ER6n etc condition and miles matter, age doesn't really
If it was decent gear then I'd still wear it unless it's obviously degraded
As you don't want the latest bike tech, personally I'd buy something cheaper in case you drop it or decide you want something else in a month's time
I deal in bikes and I'm as happy on a £3K ER6n etc condition and miles matter, age doesn't really
Good man!
Just be careful, some of the smaller capacity bikes can be a little ‘low rent”:in the cycle parts department and it shows,
When I take my superduke in for service and get a loaner KTM, it’s usually a 790 or 890 something mor other. The motors are pretty good, but by god, the rest of it is so agricultural compared to the top notch gear on the bigger bikes.
How bout one of them April’ia 660s? They seem to have some nice cycle parts? Tuono version of that looks good.
Just be careful, some of the smaller capacity bikes can be a little ‘low rent”:in the cycle parts department and it shows,
When I take my superduke in for service and get a loaner KTM, it’s usually a 790 or 890 something mor other. The motors are pretty good, but by god, the rest of it is so agricultural compared to the top notch gear on the bigger bikes.
How bout one of them April’ia 660s? They seem to have some nice cycle parts? Tuono version of that looks good.
The other thing I did when getting back into bikes was to find a friendly dealer with a lot of variety - I called a few explaining I was coming back and wanted to see what they had and would they let me sit on a load.
Most of the big companies won't but a couple of indies would, I quickly eliminated a few bikes from my list that way
Most of the big companies won't but a couple of indies would, I quickly eliminated a few bikes from my list that way
As said earlier in the thread "were you a confident rider".
I hadn't ridden a bike for a few years, one of my sons had a bike Kawa 600cc ish which i helped him fix now and then. One day he had a flat battery and wanted a jump off my car. I said "give it a bump start", "ay what" was the reply so i showed him. Ign on i ran down the road in 2nd gear jumped on side saddle dropped the clutch and she fired up, swung my leg over whizzed down the road and back. Son looked gob-smacked at what i had just done "there you are" i said easy.
A month later i went out and bought myself a new Triumph 900cc SS, six months ago i added a 1700cc Triumph Nightstorm to the fleet. Earnt some brownie points with the Mrs as she loves being back on a bike again.
If its in the blood go for it OP.
Day one, where is the kickstart ?
More torque than Mrs Marky.
I hadn't ridden a bike for a few years, one of my sons had a bike Kawa 600cc ish which i helped him fix now and then. One day he had a flat battery and wanted a jump off my car. I said "give it a bump start", "ay what" was the reply so i showed him. Ign on i ran down the road in 2nd gear jumped on side saddle dropped the clutch and she fired up, swung my leg over whizzed down the road and back. Son looked gob-smacked at what i had just done "there you are" i said easy.
A month later i went out and bought myself a new Triumph 900cc SS, six months ago i added a 1700cc Triumph Nightstorm to the fleet. Earnt some brownie points with the Mrs as she loves being back on a bike again.
If its in the blood go for it OP.
Day one, where is the kickstart ?
More torque than Mrs Marky.
I'd definitely get a half-day refresher - even if you don't learn much, it's an easy way to use a school bike that you can have a little drop of without feeling too bad!
Sounds like some good bikes on your shortlist - question is, which one do you really, really fancy? Buy that one and forget the rest.
Sounds like some good bikes on your shortlist - question is, which one do you really, really fancy? Buy that one and forget the rest.
The CB650R appeals more to me in that gloss primer, battleship grey colour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJax3Y6rs3k&t=...
If you get the Honda you may be less likely to have problems that need fixing under warranty that necessitate visits back to the dealer?
Seems the Tuono 660 can be had for £8000.
M&P in South Wales have a KTM Duke 890 discounted down to £8200 ish
The long service intervals of the Trident have some appeal to me. I like the look of the Adventure/Tracer style one, but not researched it yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJax3Y6rs3k&t=...
If you get the Honda you may be less likely to have problems that need fixing under warranty that necessitate visits back to the dealer?
Seems the Tuono 660 can be had for £8000.
M&P in South Wales have a KTM Duke 890 discounted down to £8200 ish
The long service intervals of the Trident have some appeal to me. I like the look of the Adventure/Tracer style one, but not researched it yet.
Thanks for all the replies.
I think I'll definitely get at least 1 refresher lesson at my local training school. There are a few close to where I live.
I'll need to dig out my old riding gear and see what condition it's in. I've got some time as I wont be looking to buy a bike until around March next year as I never rode through the winter previously. In the meantime I need to get a new garden shed and get space cleared in the garage.
I've already been to the local dealerships and had a seat on the bikes on my shortlist. I like the modern take on a traditional roadster without going full retro. The Triumph Trident, CB650R and SV650 appeal for this reason and they should all be reliable. The Royal Enfields appeal but I'm not sure I would choose one over a similarly priced SV650. I really liked the low down torque on my previous SV650 so I'm leaning towards a current model or the Triumph Trident. I also like the fact they have relatively short gearing which means you can rev them out in 2nd and 3rd without going silly fast.
Not keen on the looks of KTM'S and I haven't found them comfy when I've sat on them in the showroom. Tuono 660 gets great reviews but I wouldn't class it as a 'naked' and it's the more expensive that the other bikes I'm considering.
Looking forward to doing some more research, booking some test rides and getting the garaged ready for the start of next season.....
Thanks again for all the advice.
I think I'll definitely get at least 1 refresher lesson at my local training school. There are a few close to where I live.
I'll need to dig out my old riding gear and see what condition it's in. I've got some time as I wont be looking to buy a bike until around March next year as I never rode through the winter previously. In the meantime I need to get a new garden shed and get space cleared in the garage.
I've already been to the local dealerships and had a seat on the bikes on my shortlist. I like the modern take on a traditional roadster without going full retro. The Triumph Trident, CB650R and SV650 appeal for this reason and they should all be reliable. The Royal Enfields appeal but I'm not sure I would choose one over a similarly priced SV650. I really liked the low down torque on my previous SV650 so I'm leaning towards a current model or the Triumph Trident. I also like the fact they have relatively short gearing which means you can rev them out in 2nd and 3rd without going silly fast.
Not keen on the looks of KTM'S and I haven't found them comfy when I've sat on them in the showroom. Tuono 660 gets great reviews but I wouldn't class it as a 'naked' and it's the more expensive that the other bikes I'm considering.
Looking forward to doing some more research, booking some test rides and getting the garaged ready for the start of next season.....
Thanks again for all the advice.
Ecosseven said:
Thanks for all the replies.
I think I'll definitely get at least 1 refresher lesson at my local training school. There are a few close to where I live.
I'll need to dig out my old riding gear and see what condition it's in. I've got some time as I wont be looking to buy a bike until around March next year as I never rode through the winter previously. In the meantime I need to get a new garden shed and get space cleared in the garage.
I've already been to the local dealerships and had a seat on the bikes on my shortlist. I like the modern take on a traditional roadster without going full retro. The Triumph Trident, CB650R and SV650 appeal for this reason and they should all be reliable. The Royal Enfields appeal but I'm not sure I would choose one over a similarly priced SV650. I really liked the low down torque on my previous SV650 so I'm leaning towards a current model or the Triumph Trident. I also like the fact they have relatively short gearing which means you can rev them out in 2nd and 3rd without going silly fast.
Not keen on the looks of KTM'S and I haven't found them comfy when I've sat on them in the showroom. Tuono 660 gets great reviews but I wouldn't class it as a 'naked' and it's the more expensive that the other bikes I'm considering.
Looking forward to doing some more research, booking some test rides and getting the garaged ready for the start of next season.....
Thanks again for all the advice.
Sounds good to me - I came back to biking last year after 8+ years off, and did a refresher session with the school who taught me originally - nice to give them the business and was really useful to have my riding looked at after quite a while off. Well worth the money and fun to ride round fast-ish b-roads in Kent with a voice in my ear talking me through it. Was riding okay by the end of the day, which gave me the confidence to go and buy a bike in a private sale and ride it home. I think I'll definitely get at least 1 refresher lesson at my local training school. There are a few close to where I live.
I'll need to dig out my old riding gear and see what condition it's in. I've got some time as I wont be looking to buy a bike until around March next year as I never rode through the winter previously. In the meantime I need to get a new garden shed and get space cleared in the garage.
I've already been to the local dealerships and had a seat on the bikes on my shortlist. I like the modern take on a traditional roadster without going full retro. The Triumph Trident, CB650R and SV650 appeal for this reason and they should all be reliable. The Royal Enfields appeal but I'm not sure I would choose one over a similarly priced SV650. I really liked the low down torque on my previous SV650 so I'm leaning towards a current model or the Triumph Trident. I also like the fact they have relatively short gearing which means you can rev them out in 2nd and 3rd without going silly fast.
Not keen on the looks of KTM'S and I haven't found them comfy when I've sat on them in the showroom. Tuono 660 gets great reviews but I wouldn't class it as a 'naked' and it's the more expensive that the other bikes I'm considering.
Looking forward to doing some more research, booking some test rides and getting the garaged ready for the start of next season.....
Thanks again for all the advice.
In terms of riding gear I replaced my helmet and needed a new jacket anyway, boots were in good nick and good quality Alpinestars, so still using them, bought some new textile gloves but my leather RSTs were still good, so used a mix of the two. Riding jeans were too big and horribly dated-looking so replaced those.
Enjoy, and keep us posted!
PS - Add a used Ducati Monster 797 or Ducati Scrambler to your list, maybe?
Krikkit said:
I'd definitely get a half-day refresher - even if you don't learn much, it's an easy way to use a school bike that you can have a little drop of without feeling too bad!
Sounds like some good bikes on your shortlist - question is, which one do you really, really fancy? Buy that one and forget the rest.
I was off a bike for two years until this month and I spent £70 on a two hour refresher to ensure it was "like riding a bike" and I wouldn't drop £8k worth of bike leaving the dealership..Sounds like some good bikes on your shortlist - question is, which one do you really, really fancy? Buy that one and forget the rest.
It turns out all was well but it made collecting my bike fun rather than nerve wracking!
Good luck OP, enjoy!
Oops, I think I'm doing this wrong! Had thought about another bike but it's 30 years since my last ones, Kawasaki GPZ900R and GPZ1000RX. I went to the auction at Haynes Museum really just looking but couldn't resist bidding on a 2007 Sachs B805. It's a bit weird but I like it.
I'm in the process of getting all of my riding gear and as soon as I'm fully kitted out I'll book myself on a returning biker course. In the meantime I may become a regular lurker around here :-)
I'm in the process of getting all of my riding gear and as soon as I'm fully kitted out I'll book myself on a returning biker course. In the meantime I may become a regular lurker around here :-)
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