DSK Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 2 miles!!!! thats should not be the reason to buy a motorbike or a Ninja at that! why not just get a scooter? A few things you need to appreciate. Firstly motorcycling is a completely different game to driving! On bikes, you are more vunerable, you have pretty much all the odds stacked against you, you have no aids to prevent you crashing or over cooking it. First, as mentioned, you need to do a CBT. This will give you a vaugue idea if motorcycling is for you or not. After this do a Direct Access course over time, take a month, 2 months etc but don't do the 3-5day intensive courses, its just too much to take in for a newbie and its setting you up for trouble IMO. By all means, get a 600cc but, trust me on this, you NEED to respect it and allow yourself a lot of time to get to grips with motorcycling. The moment you get cocky coupled with a lack of skill & experience you are going to regret it! Take it easy, ride well within yourself and you will be fine. This is mine and owned since new not showing the modifications; I have kept this as IMO, it works a treat as a sports bike for the road. Decent ergonomics and practical too with excellent performance. Keep wanting to get 1000cc but the Ninja is still doing everything well. May try a ZX12R or new Firebalde/Hyabusa in a year or two. Are they cheap to run? Fuel wise they don't cost much at all but, consumables like chains & sprockets, tyres, bearings, brakes, shocks etc are expensive. Servicing isn't bad at all but do be aware that you will have occasional issues that need addressing such as road dirt clogging the gear linkage etc. Insurance & Security Insurance wise bikes aren't bad at all from my experience and for me they have always been very cheap! Bike theft is a big issue and you have to ensure your bike is well secured either at home or away with alarm/immobiliser, good quality chains, d-locks etc. Clothing You must invest in good quality leathers, 2 piece are easier and more versatile, a good fitting helmet, quality goves and boots are a must. This lot can easily come to around £800-£1K so budget for this! I also wear a back protector which cost £90. You can never cover yourself enough and its always the day you are not in protective clothing that you will regret not wear ing it. Invest in it - Wear It! Downsides - Motorists are generally oblivious to bikes so its easy to have a nut in a car take you out. - You have to factor in getting kitted up before setting off and getting out of the kit once you get to your destination and storing your clothing etc! - Carrying security chains/locks etc (I wrap mine around the rear of the bikes and through the grab handles). - You're always wandering if the bike is OK and not being nicked! - diesel spills can be a f*cking nightmare - I enjoy riding in the snow/rain/winter but this seriously is dangerous as other motorists are even worse in these conditons! - Cops don't like you - Too easy to get done for speeding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Agree with all of the above, very good post:thumbs: I don't know about other bikers on here, but I learn my road skills on a bike, learned to drive a car years later. I think if you come at bikes from driving a car, you are at a disadvantage as you perceive road situations differently in a car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Sensible post DSK... Everybody knows bikes are more dangerous than cars, but they are brilliant fun as well. I know that most people know somebody's mate that was killed etc etc, but there are people who have ridden for years and never had an off. I'm sure it can be partly down to luck, but also a big bit is just being sensible (which is often the hard part as bikes just egg you on to go round that bend a bit faster than last time). I'd say that if you really fancy a bike, get one - if you just need a cheap commuter, get a small car. IMO G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Gotta love a motorbike, nothining like riding a 1000cc sports bike in anger:cool: go for it i say but only if you can trust yourself not to be silly, be very carefull, good fun but very dangerous, i dont ride road bikes anymore as ive had enough of hurting myself. Ive had many bikes over the years, couple of pics of my favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSK Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Jamie - how tall are you? If 6ft or more, how do you get on comfort wise with the GSXR? Never tried a GSXR1000 but I fit the 2008 R1 & Firebalde quite nicely without any discomfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Jamie - how tall are you? If 6ft or more, how do you get on comfort wise with the GSXR? Never tried a GSXR1000 but I fit the 2008 R1 & Firebalde quite nicely without any discomfort. 6ft 5" yeah Gixer thou was fine, as was the ZX10r. All the 1000cc bikes have been ok for me, had a few R1's and all, most comfy bike ive ever had would be a C1 ZX9r, very underrated bike them, better than a R1 of the same year imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSK Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 6ft 5" yeah Gixer thou was fine, as was the ZX10r. All the 1000cc bikes have been ok for me, had a few R1's and all, most comfy bike ive ever had would be a C1 ZX9r, very underrated bike them, better than a R1 of the same year imo. I agree, ZX9R similar to my ZX6R I thnk make superb sports road bikes for the same reasons as my ZX6. Personally could not warrant trading to a ZX9R thought. Tried every R1 since 2004 but never bougt due to minimalist fairing and high speed wind discomfort. Thanks for that, I'll have to try out a GSXR1000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 DB screen will help a bit in the wind but they are all much the same imo, i bought a brand new G1 ZX6r in 1999 and loved it, i had a problem with the frame cracking though and got a full refund, thats when i went over to a ZX9r, the tank on them is huge but with a large faring its got to be one of the best bikes ive had, very comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adnanshah247 Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 very bad idea, the way the weathers beginning to act in this country its too dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewie Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 Hey JamieP, I luv those Nike biking trainers. [sHOCK][/sHOCK] Where did you buythem from? LOL!! [GRIN][/GRIN] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 Hey JamieP, I luv those Nike biking trainers. [sHOCK][/sHOCK] Where did you buythem from? LOL!! [GRIN][/GRIN] Ive heard it all before so dont waste your time;) motocross gloves, light jacket with jeans and trainers is perfect biking wear for me:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.