A Long lay off
Discussion
I'm thinking about getting a bike for the first time in around 17 years and wondered what I need to consider/be worried about if anything so was wondering if there was anyone else in my shoes? I'm currently 61 btw.
Just for some background, I started with the obligatory moped, and over the next decade went through the following:-
Suzuki AP50
Honda 250N
Honda 400/4
Kawasaki Z650
Kawasaki Z1000R
I then had a break for a few years before buying my "dream" bike, a Honda CBX. Kept it for around 3 years before selling and going on another dry spell. then about 19 years ago I had a Suzuki GSX1100F for a couple of years. Since then, the only bikes I've ridden have been push bikes, I've done a lot of road and mtb miles and I've rented scooters a couple of times when on holiday. One thing I do know is I don't want or need anything big or fast, been there and done that, just want something to potter about on when I retire, hopefully within the next 12-18 months. From the bikes I've looked at, I'm thinking maybe a RE Interceptor or one of the smaller bikes in their range. I also like the look of the BSA Gold Star and like the idea of a single. I'm also very impressed with the look of the new Triumph 400s coming out next year. I will definitely have a look at one of those in the flesh when they are in the showrooms. My OH is very against the idea as well and is convinced I will kill myself if I get another bike!!
Anyway, any advice much appreciated
Just for some background, I started with the obligatory moped, and over the next decade went through the following:-
Suzuki AP50
Honda 250N
Honda 400/4
Kawasaki Z650
Kawasaki Z1000R
I then had a break for a few years before buying my "dream" bike, a Honda CBX. Kept it for around 3 years before selling and going on another dry spell. then about 19 years ago I had a Suzuki GSX1100F for a couple of years. Since then, the only bikes I've ridden have been push bikes, I've done a lot of road and mtb miles and I've rented scooters a couple of times when on holiday. One thing I do know is I don't want or need anything big or fast, been there and done that, just want something to potter about on when I retire, hopefully within the next 12-18 months. From the bikes I've looked at, I'm thinking maybe a RE Interceptor or one of the smaller bikes in their range. I also like the look of the BSA Gold Star and like the idea of a single. I'm also very impressed with the look of the new Triumph 400s coming out next year. I will definitely have a look at one of those in the flesh when they are in the showrooms. My OH is very against the idea as well and is convinced I will kill myself if I get another bike!!
Anyway, any advice much appreciated
Motorsport3 said:
If you like Japanese dependability (you had a few), ease of use and retro looks (seeing BSA) see if a late neo-retro CB1100EX would work for you. Bigger and smoother than a 400cc single but I would think that's a good thing.
Now that's a nice looking bike that wasn't on my radar having been away from the scene for a while. I'm still thinking small and fun though but will try and have a look at one in the flesh. Thanks for the suggestion. A500leroy said:
Biggest investment would be a day or two retraining just to get you back up to speed or do one of the police run courses, then budget for a new helmet, jacket/trouser ,gloves and boots as things have moved on.
Really good advice on the training, I've thought about doing the BMW off road training course if they still run it. Clothes for sure, the stuff I have still got would be useless now if I could get into it!I did reply earlier with a photo of the young me wearing ridiculously non-protective clobber but it didn't post for some reason!
A500leroy said:
Biggest investment would be a day or two retraining just to get you back up to speed or do one of the police run courses, then budget for a new helmet, jacket/trouser ,gloves and boots as things have moved on.
This is the first thing to do after 17 years off, then go round dealers sitting on loads of different bikes. Also consider what you are going to use the bike for, Sunday bimbling, commuting etc.
markymarkthree said:
Depends on how big you are these days. Gold Star & Triumph 400s would be too small for my 6' 2" /16st frame but the Street twin and Street Scrambler fitted well and were great lively bikes.
PS whereabouts in Somerset are you?
I'm 6ft/13st or a fraction under probably with the age shrinking thing! I live quite close to Burnham on sea, are you from Somerset as well?PS whereabouts in Somerset are you?
Edited by markymarkthree on Thursday 16th November 16:53
Onelastattempt said:
This is the first thing to do after 17 years off, then go round dealers sitting on loads of different bikes. Also consider what you are going to use the bike for, Sunday bimbling, commuting etc.
Just bimbling really but after retirement so more when the weather is good rather than just Sundays. No commuting hopefully unless the money runs out!
gareth_r said:
Depending on budget, the Enfield 650s would undoubtedly be good for pottering around with a bit more performance, or the Triumph 900 twins for more performance again.
I've looked at these closely. I think the 900s are more bike than I need but the Enfields might just be perfect. I will definitely check them out closer if I deem the Triumph 400 to be a bit small/underpowered for me. Thankshandful17 said:
markymarkthree said:
Depends on how big you are these days. Gold Star & Triumph 400s would be too small for my 6' 2" /16st frame but the Street twin and Street Scrambler fitted well and were great lively bikes.
PS whereabouts in Somerset are you?
I'm 6ft/13st or a fraction under probably with the age shrinking thing! I live quite close to Burnham on sea, are you from Somerset as well?PS whereabouts in Somerset are you?
Edited by markymarkthree on Thursday 16th November 16:53
Fowlers have a good spread of bikes you could pop your arse on.
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