Back on two wheels after 16 years away…
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Well after over two years of endless dithering and procrastination I finally gave myself a good talking to and put down a deposit on a brand new bike today. I have spent endless hours thinking about whether or not I should get another bike after a (very) long break and have been watching loads of youtube videos by the likes of MCN, Visordown, Bennetts, Lamb Chop Rides, User Name Kate, 44 teeth, The Missenden Flyer, English Biker Dan, etc.
I knew I wanted a naked middleweight bike around 700cc, probably with a twin as I like low and middle range torque. I visited the dealers, sat on the bikes, read the reviews on line and ultimately narrowed it down to the Honda Hornet and the Suzuki GSX-8S and was leaning towards the Suzuki.
My local Suzuki dealer were already offering these at a good price and then last week they dropped them by a further £500 and the overall deal was too good to miss, especially as Suzuki are offering free OEM heated grips for larger capacity bikes registered before the end of January. When the Hornet and GSX-8S were launched the Honda was substantially cheaper than the Suzuki and whilst this is still true if you look at list prices I ended up paying less for the Suzuki. I bought an SV650 for the same dealer years ago and they were great back then and have a very good reputation.
I'm absolutely delighted I can't wait until the better weather when I can get out and enjoy the bike.
Photo below from Suzuki's marketing literature.
Well after over two years of endless dithering and procrastination I finally gave myself a good talking to and put down a deposit on a brand new bike today. I have spent endless hours thinking about whether or not I should get another bike after a (very) long break and have been watching loads of youtube videos by the likes of MCN, Visordown, Bennetts, Lamb Chop Rides, User Name Kate, 44 teeth, The Missenden Flyer, English Biker Dan, etc.
I knew I wanted a naked middleweight bike around 700cc, probably with a twin as I like low and middle range torque. I visited the dealers, sat on the bikes, read the reviews on line and ultimately narrowed it down to the Honda Hornet and the Suzuki GSX-8S and was leaning towards the Suzuki.
My local Suzuki dealer were already offering these at a good price and then last week they dropped them by a further £500 and the overall deal was too good to miss, especially as Suzuki are offering free OEM heated grips for larger capacity bikes registered before the end of January. When the Hornet and GSX-8S were launched the Honda was substantially cheaper than the Suzuki and whilst this is still true if you look at list prices I ended up paying less for the Suzuki. I bought an SV650 for the same dealer years ago and they were great back then and have a very good reputation.
I'm absolutely delighted I can't wait until the better weather when I can get out and enjoy the bike.
Photo below from Suzuki's marketing literature.
to get back on two wheels!Took ten years out myself before making a return and absolutely loving it
Some sound advice on here when I've reached out for help on clothing, intercoms etc
Really nice bike that too with lots of good reviews
Kate is just a lovely in person. I did IOM and rode with her over the week and caught up with her in almeria last year too
Some sound advice on here when I've reached out for help on clothing, intercoms etc
Really nice bike that too with lots of good reviews
Kate is just a lovely in person. I did IOM and rode with her over the week and caught up with her in almeria last year too
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I'm like an excited kid before Christmas! My partner has put up with me going on about bikes for ages and even she is happy that I finally made the decision to buy one.
I went on a few test rides last year and it all came back fairly quickly although I wouldn't rule out some refresher training. I'll be taking it very easy initially regardless.
I'm not sure when I'll actually get the bike home. The dealer has offered to deliver it for free to avoid having to ride on wet salty roads so probably some time in February.
I need to decide if I want a tail tidy as it's the only thing about the bike I'm less keen on. It will look better but will result in water / mud up my back in wetter conditions.
Insurance was surprisingly reasonable bearing in my I've been away from biking for so long. Quotes are around £250 - £350.
I went on a few test rides last year and it all came back fairly quickly although I wouldn't rule out some refresher training. I'll be taking it very easy initially regardless.
I'm not sure when I'll actually get the bike home. The dealer has offered to deliver it for free to avoid having to ride on wet salty roads so probably some time in February.
I need to decide if I want a tail tidy as it's the only thing about the bike I'm less keen on. It will look better but will result in water / mud up my back in wetter conditions.
Insurance was surprisingly reasonable bearing in my I've been away from biking for so long. Quotes are around £250 - £350.
Kawasicki said:
May I respectfully suggest you read Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code? I read each chapter and then practiced the key message from each chapter on my bike. It was fun and I learned a lot.
Motorbike riding is amazing, worthwhile but also risky.
Thanks for the book suggestion. I'll take a look. I'll be a bit rusty to start with and I'm always willing to learn new skills, particularly on a bike.Motorbike riding is amazing, worthwhile but also risky.
handful17 said:
Congrats on the bike. I'm in the dithering period myself after a similar absence. I'm going to pull the trigger soon although my choice will be different, currently leaning towards a Guzzi V7.
The V7 is a lovely bike. Go for it! Spring is just around the corner.........Great news and sensible decision making will make for many happy miles!
I rode daily from 1984 to 2008 … took a family break until 2018 and (carefully) got straight back onto a Z1000 in late 2018. A new Z1000 came by in 2020 and my new zH2 was delivered last weekend. It’s a great hobby that can last a lifetime! Ride safe
I rode daily from 1984 to 2008 … took a family break until 2018 and (carefully) got straight back onto a Z1000 in late 2018. A new Z1000 came by in 2020 and my new zH2 was delivered last weekend. It’s a great hobby that can last a lifetime! Ride safe
My first bike was a CB200 back in 75....then romance took hold and a car was needed! Stayed bike free til 1993 then bought a FJ 900, Triumph Trophy 900, then the 1200.....Sold them and moved up a notch to a FJR.....a rocket on 2 wheels. After a brief flirt with 2 old classics am now on a newer Trophy. Boy are they BIG!
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