Back to Biking after 17 yrs

whyscotty

whyscotty

whyscotty

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Joined
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Wigan
So for some daft reason I've decided to get back on 2 wheels.:D

Don't know if it's a mid life thing but I never really wanted to give it up when I did. (kids came along):)

In a position now to start again, got a back to biking 3hr lesson booked next week to see if I still got the bottle for it.

Obviously bikes have improved a hell of a lot from when I put things on hold.

My biggest concern is buying a under/over powered bike for my capabilities.


I rode from the age of 16 - 35

My last 2 bikes of note were - 1991 GPZ 1100 and a 1979 Suzuki GS850.

Been looking at all the local bike shops to gauge what sort of bike I'd like

I do know a fairly upright riding position is my preference for this old git.:)

Hence looking at Sports/Adventure touring bikes.

But I will admit I am being drawn to this

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My heart says yes but my head says NO!



I suppose the reason behind this thread is to find out if any others have been in this position and am I worrying about nothing?:D

Or has the break I've had been too long and should I set my sights more realistic?

Thanks for reading.:)

Last thing - Is Carol Nash still a good to go Ins?
 
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Kreeeee;30496042 said:
The z1000 is only 140hp with a soft torque curve so you'll have no problems with it being overpowered.
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Here's hoping:)

Kreeeee;30496042 said:
It's quite heavy though.
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Shouldn't be a problem as I'm not I light weight.

VoG;30496049 said:
First ide get some insurance quotes because born again bikers are high risk for the insurance companies, see IC3's post as for why they are.
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Luckily the quotes aren't too bad - £520 FC with CN.

TallPaul_S;30496063 said:
I think the biggest difference you'll see is how far bikes have come on in terms of brakes and suspension. And how on modern bikes 100mph will feel like 60mph...
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Most of what I've been told/read agrees with what you're saying so all good there.
 
Craig321;30496106 said:
Superduke 1290 Adventure :D
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No offence but LOL - not gonna happen :D

As for the refresher -

I would have thought doing one would be common sense as so much has changed since I last rode any bike.
 
Glad you're back on a bike and enjoying it Matt , good luck on the 4 day tour.
thanks for sharing.

Looking forward to Fridays refresher but I'll admit I'm starting to get a little nervous. :D

I'm quite lucky as a lot of the big Makes are within a 5 minute drive so will have a long hard look b4 deciding.
 
Well the BTB went well.

Started off on CB500 for about 5 mins to see were I was up to, then on to the NC750S.

Round the car park again for a further 5 mins then out on to the road for a couple of hrs.

All was going well for around 25 mins till the instructor pulled over and asked me to swap bikes.

I thought he was putting me back on the 500, he sort of laughed and said no you're going on mine,

I literally wet myself as it was a CB1000R.

Spent the next hour riding around town traffic and took in a few national speed limit roads,

to say I had a smile on my face is a understatement.

Finally we did some emergency stops b4 heading back to the dealers

Suffice to say the CB is on the possibility list.
 
From my limited recent experience (which is NONE) it just pulled no matter the gear.

I did find it easier to ride that the smaller ones, which I didn't expect.

Got a test ride tomorrow on the GSX-S1000 tomorrow, which I'm dreading in a good way
 
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Didn't get chance to rise the GSX due to poor weather. :(

Seeing as I'm basically a new rider - should my next bike have TC?

The CB I rode yesterday didn't and I got on fairly well with it but at the same time I didn't really let rip on it.

The guys at Honda reckon I don't need it - but they would say that.
 
Cheers for that.

As I'll be getting a litre bike and riding most of the year I'll keep that in mind.

Fully kitted out now so just the bike to choose.
 
Thanks for the opinions.

Starting to think I'd be a fool not to take advantage of any and all rider aides.

After all I'm basically starting over.

My head seems to be taking over in the bike style stakes.

Been looking at the Adventure tourers, particularly the Versy Grand Tour.

Offers a nice upright riding position with great all round view.

As it would be nice to take the missus out now and again, as I did b4

the sprogs came on the scene.
 
Just for a laugh I got a quote for the MT10.

Came back as the cheapest quote out of all the bikes I've looked at £329 FC.

Most others quotes coming in at £500-800 FC.

Weather permitting I'll be trying out the following over this weekend -

XSR900
GSX_S1000
CB1000R (again) I do like a lot
Z1000

And the curve ball - Versys 1000 Grand Tourer.
 
Well that was fun, a few slippy moments to get the heart racing.

Only rode the XSR and CB again due to the weather being crap.

Really enjoyed the CB again - just puts a smile on my face.

I know I should test more bikes to be certain - but I think I'll be opting for the CB1000R
 
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Going with what makes me smile and time will tell if it's is a good call.

Was going to go with a new one, but rode this one yesterday - :D

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Price seems about right.

66 Plate - 1700 miles - £8600

£505 FC with Carol Nash.

Preparation for where the 12x12 Hanson concrete shed is almost done.

Outbuildings demolished and cleared away, just needs a good clean and fence panel replaced.

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Shed arrives Wednesday, once sighted I can figure out getting power to it and getting a ground anchor fitted.
 
Extra's already fitted as follows -

Carbon Hugger and chain guard
ASV shortie levers
Tail tidy
Smoked indicator lenses.
Mirrors - which are the only things I may have to change.
Mivv exhaust.
 
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IC3 said:
Aren't they really outdated? They haven't been refreshed in a long time, or am I'm mixing it up with a different bike? For around similar money you can get a year older S1000R or Tuono V4.
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Dated maybe but they still look/ride good to me.

Totally agree with you on other bike options,
but I haven't got the skills for those sort of power bikes.

I'm probably pushing it by getting a CB1 :).

Maybe when I have a few incident free riding years under my belt.
 
Cheers and I will:)


So after having to postpone everything due to a issue with the shed base, new one now laid.


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Shed being delivered/built tomorrow, bike collection 1st thing in the morning. :D

Quite nervous about getting the bike.:o
 
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