Having second thoughts about getting a motorbike
Discussion
Just turned 50 and I was at work one day, about 100 bikes came past with everyone wearing pretty dapper clothes and riding some some tasty looking bikes. I was chatting with some customers and found out this was the gentleman’s ride for men’s mental health and testicular cancer. I’ve always been a fan of classic cars and know nothing about motorcycles, but this looked superb.
So I passed my CBT on Monday thinking I’d get a 125cc bike and ride for a year or so to build up my confidence then progress on to the full license.
Once I started talking to golf friends and other people everyone seems to have a story about a mate who had serious injuries after riding even a 125.
Am I being too cautious or being sensible by changing my mind about taking the plunge and getting out on a bike?
It did feel good being out on the road on the test, definitely enjoyed it.
So I passed my CBT on Monday thinking I’d get a 125cc bike and ride for a year or so to build up my confidence then progress on to the full license.
Once I started talking to golf friends and other people everyone seems to have a story about a mate who had serious injuries after riding even a 125.
Am I being too cautious or being sensible by changing my mind about taking the plunge and getting out on a bike?
It did feel good being out on the road on the test, definitely enjoyed it.
I ride a motorbike and have seen friends injured or killed.
I drive a car, have friends that have been injured or killed.
I ride a pedal bike, have lost 2 friends to accidents and have two more in wheelchairs.
Pick a hobby, they all have their risks.
Id rather ride a motorbike than play golf that's for sure.
“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
I drive a car, have friends that have been injured or killed.
I ride a pedal bike, have lost 2 friends to accidents and have two more in wheelchairs.
Pick a hobby, they all have their risks.
Id rather ride a motorbike than play golf that's for sure.
“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
The thing about riding is that while there is risk attached to it, a lot of that risk is manageable and you can control a lot of the risk by wearing the right gear, riding sensibly and choosing when and where to ride. I see lots of bikers filtering through moving traffic at an unreasonably high speed and it sends shivers down my spine, as do those who do wheelies on public roads, or those who like to wind their bike up to over 100mph on a straight 40mph road near me. There are lots of dozy drivers out there and even if you are in control, lots of drivers aren't looking out for you on your bike. But you learn to predict what others are going to do. Keep a sensible distance, wear decent gear and ride to the conditions and you'll have an above average chance of keeping safe.
I passed my bike test at the end of last year and in about April/May I bought my first bike (V-reg Triumph Sprint ST 955i) for £900. I've only been out on it a handful of times, mostly only short distances. A combination of bad weather and a bad back has restricted my use of the bike, but I don't regret buying it at all.
I'm still very much a beginner and have little experience, but I enjoy getting out on the bike when I can, albeit pottering about fairly sedately!
I'm still very much a beginner and have little experience, but I enjoy getting out on the bike when I can, albeit pottering about fairly sedately!
I returned to biking at various times through my life.
At 32, I returned with a CBR1000 and enjoyed it though you forget how much protective clothing you have to put on before you even see the bike. It got nicked.
At 54, I returned with a Honda MSX125 to commute to work. I forgot how often it rains and how bad motorcycle lights can be. It was fun in that it was economical, cheap to run and beat the rush hour traffic but cars are so much more comfortable and you can wear far less restrictive clothing.
At 57, I upgraded to a Suzuki SV650S and welcomed the extra power and rain protection but it played havoc with my neck at junctions and my hips have still not forgiven me. Best the traffic queues and insurance was under £100 but by then, I preferred comfort so it went when I retired and I have not been tempted back.
At 32, I returned with a CBR1000 and enjoyed it though you forget how much protective clothing you have to put on before you even see the bike. It got nicked.
At 54, I returned with a Honda MSX125 to commute to work. I forgot how often it rains and how bad motorcycle lights can be. It was fun in that it was economical, cheap to run and beat the rush hour traffic but cars are so much more comfortable and you can wear far less restrictive clothing.
At 57, I upgraded to a Suzuki SV650S and welcomed the extra power and rain protection but it played havoc with my neck at junctions and my hips have still not forgiven me. Best the traffic queues and insurance was under £100 but by then, I preferred comfort so it went when I retired and I have not been tempted back.
dibblecorse said:
I ride a motorbike and have seen friends injured or killed.
I drive a car, have friends that have been injured or killed.
I ride a pedal bike, have lost 2 friends to accidents and have two more in wheelchairs.
Pick a hobby, they all have their risks.
Id rather ride a motorbike than play golf that's for sure.
“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
Perfectly written 👍I drive a car, have friends that have been injured or killed.
I ride a pedal bike, have lost 2 friends to accidents and have two more in wheelchairs.
Pick a hobby, they all have their risks.
Id rather ride a motorbike than play golf that's for sure.
“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
I used to ride trials and motorcross bikes when I was a young teen and a few years later(after I had my car license) I was thinking about getting a road bike license when a close friend ended up in a coma after a horrible low speed accident(30mph) after a car pulled out in front of them(without going into to details, it was the fact he had a passenger that made it as bad as it was). He made a full recovery but after then paying close attention to bike accidents, it put me off ever getting the license.
That was then though, after many years and reflecting back on everything, I’m now considering getting a bike license again. Most of the accidents I was reading about were largely incorporating a rider that made a stupid decision or were going way faster than the speed limit and my friends accident was a result of a stupid driver and having a passenger, if he was on his own, he’d of likely been just a bit bruised and worse for wear.
It’s easy to fear the worst but accidents can happen everywhere, yes, it’s easier on bikes to have an urge to ‘push it’, but there are millions of bikers out there who have been riding for many years at a comfortable pace, haven’t taken risks and not killed themselves.
That was then though, after many years and reflecting back on everything, I’m now considering getting a bike license again. Most of the accidents I was reading about were largely incorporating a rider that made a stupid decision or were going way faster than the speed limit and my friends accident was a result of a stupid driver and having a passenger, if he was on his own, he’d of likely been just a bit bruised and worse for wear.
It’s easy to fear the worst but accidents can happen everywhere, yes, it’s easier on bikes to have an urge to ‘push it’, but there are millions of bikers out there who have been riding for many years at a comfortable pace, haven’t taken risks and not killed themselves.
It is risky, the stats tell you that
However if you take out the kids, the couriers, the commuters, the food delivery scooters, riding in adverse conditions, the born again bikers on super bikes...
then the stats don't look so bad
I also did bike safe and IAM and wear all the gear, all the time
That and avoiding sport bikes means I'm generally in my comfort zone
However if you take out the kids, the couriers, the commuters, the food delivery scooters, riding in adverse conditions, the born again bikers on super bikes...
then the stats don't look so bad
I also did bike safe and IAM and wear all the gear, all the time
That and avoiding sport bikes means I'm generally in my comfort zone
Forgetting scooters. there are very few young people taking up motorcycling these days, if you go to any bike meet, such as Devil's Bridge, Matlock Bath or Rivington Barn, 90% of riders will be 40plus, most over 50.
This is worrying for the trade because who is going be buying bikes in 2050?
Biking is dangerous. (One of my sons very nearly lost a leg in 2008 ) he was doing 30mph, had expensive top quality gear on. but an idiot pulled out of a side street. he had no chance,
I was in two minds about posting a picture of his injuries, but they make me squirm when I see them now.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. it's a great hobby, you can meet loads of new friends, and it is fun,,,,,,at least when the weather is kind,
Good luck in whatever you decide.
This is worrying for the trade because who is going be buying bikes in 2050?
Biking is dangerous. (One of my sons very nearly lost a leg in 2008 ) he was doing 30mph, had expensive top quality gear on. but an idiot pulled out of a side street. he had no chance,
I was in two minds about posting a picture of his injuries, but they make me squirm when I see them now.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. it's a great hobby, you can meet loads of new friends, and it is fun,,,,,,at least when the weather is kind,
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Wacky Racer said:
Biking is dangerous.
IIRC risk of dying is 40 times higher than in a car. That's a huge difference.But if you are capable of coming to terms with that level of risk and happy to manage it, then go for it.
Risk aversion is a stifling disease. Risk management can be very rewarding.
In addition to my earlier reply, I’d also add another 2 points, one is (as per the poster above stated), be more aware of every driver and assume they haven’t seen you. Second is to never try and prove anything if riding with a group, go at a sensible pace that your comfortable with, some of the most reckless examples of dangerous riders I’ve seen have been of those riding in a group, it seems as though as soon as one starts to speed and make questionable overtakes, the rest start to join suit.
That’s the same with cars though, groups tend to push harder. For me though, I’ll push it to the limit on track, but I’ll hold back on the road, if I feel the group is driving dangerously I’ll hold back, better to arrive 5 minutes later than not to arrive at all.
That’s the same with cars though, groups tend to push harder. For me though, I’ll push it to the limit on track, but I’ll hold back on the road, if I feel the group is driving dangerously I’ll hold back, better to arrive 5 minutes later than not to arrive at all.
I’m pretty much you (op) a year ago. Did cbt last September then basically waited till this spring to start DAS. Age 53. Never ridden a motorcycle
Shouldn’t have waited btw. The weather was just as bad in the spring as it was last autumn!
First time I went I was very nervous. Getting blown about, will it go round the corner, got a car up my jacksy etc etc
What about mud and bricks off the farmers? All that stuff
But it’s largely passed now. I enjoy the performance of my 100hp bike and no longer get nervous.
I’m not a daredevil, probably haven’t been for 30 yrs but i don’t need to be to enjoy the ride and still get a lick on at times.
I suppose if every bike stayed within the speed limits it would be much safer. Most of old NSL roads seem to be 50 now round here. But it is difficult to do as we all know.
Any way if you do your own thing and not be swept up in the ‘faster’ is best idea I’m sure you’ll enjoy it
Shouldn’t have waited btw. The weather was just as bad in the spring as it was last autumn!
First time I went I was very nervous. Getting blown about, will it go round the corner, got a car up my jacksy etc etc
What about mud and bricks off the farmers? All that stuff
But it’s largely passed now. I enjoy the performance of my 100hp bike and no longer get nervous.
I’m not a daredevil, probably haven’t been for 30 yrs but i don’t need to be to enjoy the ride and still get a lick on at times.
I suppose if every bike stayed within the speed limits it would be much safer. Most of old NSL roads seem to be 50 now round here. But it is difficult to do as we all know.
Any way if you do your own thing and not be swept up in the ‘faster’ is best idea I’m sure you’ll enjoy it
dibblecorse said:
Id rather ride a motorbike than play golf that's for sure.
“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
I'm 61 and the other day I was doing xxxmph on my naked Ducati whilst keeping pace with a briskly driven BMW M3.“You live more for 5 minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all of their life.”
— Marco Simoncelli
My brain was screaming 'we are going to die!'
But my heart was yelling 'We feel so alive'.
Admittedly I have now swapped the Ducati for a Bonnie. A far more relaxed ride yet still grin inducing
brad40 said:
J
Am I being too cautious or being sensible by changing my mind about taking the plunge and getting out on a bike?
Short answer? YesAm I being too cautious or being sensible by changing my mind about taking the plunge and getting out on a bike?
Long answer? Life itself is dangerous, you could in theory develop an aneurism overnight and never wake up again. You could walk down the road tomorrow, trip, hit your head and have a brain injury for the rest of your life. Don't overthink things, get your bike licence, learn your craft and treat everyone on the road as if they are out to kill you and you will be fine.
I rode like a t
t when i was younger taking some stupid un necessary risks just because i could and i'm still here to tell the tales and lots of people used to ride even worse than me and most of them are still alive, okay some have passed on due to age related issues but the point is you can ride bikes quite happily and be safe.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff