Back to Biking after 17 yrs

whyscotty · 17 Feb 2017 at 18:38

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

ShakenNstirred · 17 Feb 2017 at 19:23

depends on what you want to ride and how new of course as to how much insurance costs, but it doesn't have to be high.
My Kawasaki ZR7 01 reg was just £87 fc after an 11 year break.
you don't need to go newish , I wanted something old school

13775887_10153693424946700_8264495817291961451_n_zpsia5hboac.jpg

TallPaul_S · 17 Feb 2017 at 19:25

Both the GSX-S and CB1000R have very smooth, linear toque curves, nothing majorly scary until you get into the higher revs, however from my test ride of the GSX-S1000 I found it pulled VERY well in any gear from practically an revs - I tried an overtake from 40mph in 6th gear, no issues at all, just pulled like a train

whyscotty · 18 Feb 2017 at 13:13

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.

TallPaul_S · 18 Feb 2017 at 13:50

Depends if you're going to be riding all year round, when it's barely above 0 degrees and the roads are covered in a slimy, salty, greasy layer of crap then TCS will come in handy on anything with over 75bhp or with a decent amount of torque.

I've never needed TCS on my CB400 but that has 50bhp and very little torque, I test rode an Africa twin a few weeks back and with a bit of acceleration up a slip road the back slid a little, the TCS caught it and it wasn't a big deal.

If you'll only be riding in decent weather, then it's not a must have. When it's dry and warm breaking traction with normal road riding is hard.

whyscotty · 18 Feb 2017 at 16:43

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.

TallPaul_S · 18 Feb 2017 at 16:51

On a litre bike, in all weather, in winter - then yeah I'd want TCS if I had the choice. With loads of mid-range torque it'll be easy to spin up the rear when you want a bit of acceleration.

atpbx · 21 Feb 2017 at 04:51

TCS generally won't save you from a situation you could not save yourself from with appropriate use of the throttle, so bare that in mind when you decide to go for a ride in 6 inches of snow.

The_Abyss · 21 Feb 2017 at 08:24

If money isn't a significant barrier (and the options aren't normally too expensive) I really don't see why you wouldn't have TCS and ABS on a modern, powerful bike. They're not a solution to bad riding or terrible conditions but they make the bike safer.

Kreeeee · 21 Feb 2017 at 08:34

atpbx said:
TCS generally won't save you from a situation you could not save yourself from with appropriate use of the throttle, so bare that in mind when you decide to go for a ride in 6 inches of snow.

That's the same with abs, but they will both perform better than 95% of riders.

whyscotty · 21 Feb 2017 at 10:02

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.

IC3 · 21 Feb 2017 at 12:03

10% off DemonTweeks code: EBAYMC17

Might come in handy, as you probably need new gear.

a66as · 21 Feb 2017 at 12:12

That bike makes me want to get into biking too!

I would actually love to get a bike the only thing putting me off is not my own stupidity but other drivers on the road and their stupidity

IC3 · 21 Feb 2017 at 12:20

a66as said:
That bike makes me want to get into biking too!

I would actually love to get a bike the only thing putting me off is not my own stupidity but other drivers on the road and their stupidity

Just think that everyone one the road wants to kill you... oh and don't only think for yourself, but also for them too.

misterjingo · 21 Feb 2017 at 12:49

a66as said:
That bike makes me want to get into biking too!

I would actually love to get a bike the only thing putting me off is not my own stupidity but other drivers on the road and their stupidity

Just don't trust anyone to do the right thing. Don't trust people not to pull out etc

I ride on crazily busy roads, but I have no fear regarding safety. I guess I know it's all down to me (outside of crazy acts of "god".)

Diddums · 21 Feb 2017 at 13:07

As above, rule no. 1 is quite simple:

Everyone else on the road is a moron. Live by that rule, hopefully not die by that rule.

whyscotty · 21 Feb 2017 at 13:49

IC3 said:
10% off DemonTweeks code: EBAYMC17

Might come in handy, as you probably need new gear.

Cheers for that but all gear now sorted.

As for treating other drivers as morons, always have.

TallPaul_S · 21 Feb 2017 at 14:30

You develop 'spidey senses' as a biker, stuff like a car parked on a driveway with a bit more sticking out than normal, or lights coming from a side road, or someone's wheels turning slightly when filtering all trigger my 'ok, what are you going to do?' sense. Even parked cars do this when they're parked with the wheels turned towards the road...

Snaggle · 24 Feb 2017 at 09:11

This thread has MT10 written all over it ... DO IT !!

whyscotty · 25 Feb 2017 at 06:54

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.