Getting a motorcycle

tbourner

Demonicomelette wrote: »

And get a bike, not a scooter. Scooters are for chavvy kids and mods, bikes are for rockers.

Mopeds are for chavvy kids and mods, scooters are completely different!

de1amo

i rode for years back in the 80s--i eventually peaked with a gsx750--i used to hate the dressing up and down and the consequent sweating under the one piece nylon suit--very fething i know--touch wood i have never come off a bike --i always ride very defensively--i live in a large city in turkey now where pulling out infront of me seems acceptable---its like russian roulette--i see them emerging and slow slightly as a reflex and they take this as an invite to pull out--i only did 2000kms last year but in the back streets but have still managed to keep upright!!--pot holes are another thing!!--i did the same sort of mileage on a push bike before i got my mondial and excperienced the same dangers---the biggest worry i have is with the cheap technology of the bike i actually ride--the braking isnt good without gears as i said --and i dont rate the manufacturers standard tyres-they feel slidey on tarmac that becomes like ice in the hot climate---i would recommend spending money on the bike you buy and not going over the top on the clothes/boots you buy
i actually go a lot slower for not wearing a helmet and gear because of my self preservation instincts kicking in!!

missile

tbourner wrote: »

Also, I do appreciate the advice, I'm not a clown honestly I am taking it on board. Just when you see people on pushbikes doing 25 without anything it seems odd that adding an engine makes so much difference. My average speed on route to work is 22, like I've said if I get a bike (eventually I'll go for a 250 and maybe more later) I'll get the best kit I can, at the moment I think I'll do a few commutes and see how it feels. Another thing putting me off is having to get changed at both ends!! Maybe some kevlar jeans that I can wear at work? Or are they too uncomfortable?

That seems a very sensible attitude. :A

I had a pair of cordura jeans (from Hien Gerrike ) which had CE armour, were very comfortable and could be worn all day. You might want to ask for advice and look out for sales at your local bike shop.

Tinks74

tbourner wrote: »

The bloke in Hein Gericke was completely uninterested in helping me, I guess because i rolled up in my 'cage' rather than an R1 like all his mates.

I've had similar experiences in Hein Gericke, a certain aloofness that makes you wonder if you have just stepped in something and walked it around the store. Wonder if it is because I'm female and ride a cruiser (VN900).

mkirkby

Best thing to get for the bottom half is overtrousers with ce protection.

Mine are large enough that I can pull them on with my boots still on. (put a plastic bag over the boots and it makes the job much easier). If you are travelling just 3 miles you will save time changing in and out of special jeans and they'll keep you warmer as the colder days draw in.

I think I've said this before but the best bit of advice I ever had and what I always tell new bike riders is always look where you want to go and never where you don't.

If you see a pothole...DON'T LOOK AT IT! Chances are you will hit it. Same with cornering a bit too fast. If you look at the kerb on the exit thinking you will hit it, you probably will. Look ahead round the corner and you'll be fine.

de1amo

in the short trip i do between work and home i have memmorised every hazard(pot holes) and defensive avoidence route--its 2,5 km and there are 7 cross roads and one roundabout where for some strange reason emerging traffic takes preference-its a local thing because no other roundabout in the area is like it! many people generally ignore the red traffic light and i go down 1 one way street the wrong way for a short distance---i was talking to a rep who comes into my company who rides a bike for fun and he says he has only had one accident and he broke his leg--no gravel burn or head injury--it was in the back streets and he rides a big bm--a car emerged on him so he didnt slide and no amount of protective wear would have saved him.-i guess in the world it is probably the cause of most of the serious accidents for bike riders---and never encountered by GP riders doing 300kph

BikerEd

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

are you really going to get dress up in all your bike gear for a 3 mile ride to work?

I do regardless of whether I'm doing my current 2 mile commute or riding 350 miles to see a client. I always wear protective gloves, jacket, boots and trousers. If it isn't going to rain I wear leather trousers. If it is then I have some new waterproof Draggin jeans - the best thing I've come across in a long time. It takes me 2 minutes to change into my suit when I get into work.

epz_2

As a former biker(1) I would impart the following.

a)Get good Gear, injuries cost money as well as blood. you can get nice armoured over trousers that pull on/off etc that will keep you dry.

b) get used to bad service, it is a weird industry and some of the guys running them seem to do it as a hobby.

c) dont ride in winter if it gets icy round your way, it will kill you bike, possibly you and make you miserable.

d) small bikes wear out faster and cost more, if you are over 21 a quick search shows £999 will get you a clean looking cb500 or sv650 which are pretty immortal


(1) gsf400, sv650s and tl1000s in that order

AlwaysPondering

Ok I'm late but

tbourner wrote: »

I would do if I got a geared bike, I was thinking jeans and normal boots would be OK on a scooter as you're not likely to trap your leg under it!

True I guess, but your weight coming down on your knee at 30mph, then sliding down the road will still hurt

tbourner wrote: »

but on a scooter I won't bother, just jeans and my hiking boots. Not worried about looking a twonk just don't see the need for trousers and boots on a scooter, you're more protected than on a pushbike!

Again true, you are more protected than on a pushbike.. but having taken the skin off both knees when I was younger having come off a push bike - that hurt.

de1amo wrote: »

in the short trip i do between work and home i have memmorised every hazard

Apart from everything that changes from day to day, like the other cars, people, bikes, dogs, cats etc that will be on your route.. and that car have hasn't seen you and will pull out in front of you..


From reading the replies, no-one is trying to put you off, just most of us have been around a while and seen a number of accidents - doesn't matter whether they are your fault or not.. But the better your kit, the better you'll be in the event of it going pear shaped.

Two examples -

my wife (wearing full kit) was knocked off at 50mph - slid down the road along way - ambulance, helicopter was on standby (as I was talking to the police that turned up).. spinal-boarded into A&E, x-rayed..
result = slight cut to her knee, with brusing to her knee and elbow.

guy at work (wearing jeans) came off at 20mph - slid down the road result = now has a large part of his knee cap missing

As they say the choice is yours,

ts_aly2000

You MUST wear gear. Even coming off when stopped can cause some pretty nasty injuries.

This is why you don't mess about on motorbikes. Ignore at your own peril. Justify as you wish.



For something a bit more gruesome : http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=96269

Someone who doesn't wear gear is known as a squid. It's lower than newbie.