Getting a motorcycle

HoolyNI

I picked up an 11 year old 125 suzuki epicuro with 6k on the clock for £500, great fun to ride on the 4 mile trip to work, actually look forward to the mornings now

My other bike is a 1450cc harley [fxdci] and it jeans for me too i'm afraid, haven't fell off in 25 years of riding so i guess that where the complacency comes from.....though i do remember one of the mates coming off on a gravel patch wearing nothing but shorts :shocked: it wasn't a pretty sight.

adouglasmhor

My mate just MOT'd one of his projects today a Suzuki GT250A Just needs the coach lines on the tank done. Fantastic renovation.

BikerEd

HoolyNI wrote: »

My other bike is a 1450cc harley [fxdci] and it jeans for me too i'm afraid,

Invest in a pair of Draggin jeans (or one of the other copycat brands). They will save your bacon one day!

Nixer

tbourner wrote: »

Yeah but studies only look at facts and figures, obviously you're right and in the eyes of the law the car driver is in the wrong for pulling out or whatever, but like I said in my brackets; if the rider was paying attention he would have seen the car driver, probably recognised the signs and slowed down or been ready to move. Bike riders know the problems with not being seen, they know drivers are half asleep, so it's up to them (in real life terms) to look out for themselves and be more aware of what's going on. It's no use lying in hospital waking up from a coma saying "He wasn't allowed to pull out there, I hope he got 3 points.".

I think we are actually in agreement. When you posted that you thought most bikers were the cause of accidents I thought that you were being complacent in implying something along the lines of "well lots of idiots whizz round blind bends at 90 etc but I'm not going to do that so I'll be fine". Which is why I posted about the stats and about defensive riding. But it's clear from your subsequent post that you do have a good awareness of defensive riding, which is good and sorry for misinterpreting you.

On a different note, I cannot believe how many bikers I see when we go to biking type events that just do not do even the basic safety stuff like the lifesaver, let alone riding defensively. Is it some sort of not wanting to look a cissy thing?

adouglasmhor

Nixer wrote: »

I think we are actually in agreement. When you posted that you thought most bikers were the cause of accidents I thought that you were being complacent in implying something along the lines of "well lots of idiots whizz round blind bends at 90 etc but I'm not going to do that so I'll be fine". Which is why I posted about the stats and about defensive riding. But it's clear from your subsequent post that you do have a good awareness of defensive riding, which is good and sorry for misinterpreting you.

On a different note, I cannot believe how many bikers I see when we go to biking type events that just do not do even the basic safety stuff like the lifesaver, let alone riding defensively. Is it some sort of not wanting to look a cissy thing?

When I learned to ride a lifesaver was called a suicide check. Sticks in your head better I think.

tbourner

Nixer wrote: »

I think we are actually in agreement. When you posted that you thought most bikers were the cause of accidents I thought that you were being complacent in implying something along the lines of "well lots of idiots whizz round blind bends at 90 etc but I'm not going to do that so I'll be fine". Which is why I posted about the stats and about defensive riding. But it's clear from your subsequent post that you do have a good awareness of defensive riding, which is good and sorry for misinterpreting you.

Ah cool, I don't like to think I'm a div and when it comes to things like driving I think I'm pretty good - overconfidence can be dangerous but I think I know where I should be and what I should be looking for etc.

Nixer wrote: »

On a different note, I cannot believe how many bikers I see when we go to biking type events that just do not do even the basic safety stuff like the lifesaver, let alone riding defensively. Is it some sort of not wanting to look a cissy thing?

I'm starting to realise how much more important it is on a scooter! It seems car drivers get some kind of fog in their head when behind them, they don't seem to register that I'm doing 50 in a 40 zone they still hassle me to move over! Went wide on a corner this morning and the bloke behind took it as an invitation!!! He eased off when I'd looked over my shoulder but still rode on my rear wheel the whole way down the road. Bloody cage drivers!

missile

tbourner wrote: »

It seems car drivers get some kind of fog in their head when behind them, they don't seem to register that I'm doing 50 in a 40 zone they still hassle me to move over! Went wide on a corner this morning and the bloke behind took it as an invitation!!! He eased off when I'd looked over my shoulder but still rode on my rear wheel the whole way down the road. Bloody cage drivers!

You are even beginning to sound like a biker

dizzybuff

Just want to Post Something on here sorry to hijack the thread

My mate had his white CB 1000 r stolen this morning around 3:10 am by 3 blokes in a van . They didnt even bother taking the cover off

It was stolen from the Birmingham area . Reg ML09 XKK

Arrow can ,It had the rear pegs removed and a rear seat cowl fitted. It also had after market mirrors, hugger and R and G plate holder.


Please keep an eye out and report any sightings . Looks like was a proffessional job , but all. bikers in unison Spread the word please if you are on any other forums .

Badger_Lady

I've got a Vespa 125... I found it on Freeads at one year old with just 40 miles on the clock :eek: I paid £1,200 for a model that was still being sold brand new for £3,600 - chuffed to bits with it.

Mine is also just for commuting to work on the odd occasion, or stopping at the supermarket. So I find the auto really nice and easy to use, plus the Vespa has a lot of storage for shopping bags (I've got a top box as well as the underseat compartment and a hook in front of the seat). I can also park it for free in the city centre carpark whenever I like - bonus!

The most annoying things for me though are:

1. Heaving it up and down from my front garden - I have to take it round a tight corner up some steps and even though a neighbour kindly donated me her ex's motorbike ramp it's still very hard work and the bodywork often gets a little scrape

2. Dressing up in all the gear just for a 13 mile ride! I wouldn't dream of going without it but it doesn't half put you off going out... I can't imagine ever botheing for 3 miles, I'd rather cycle that distance in my pencil skirt and stilhettoes

But I'd fully recommend the bike - love it to bits. Classic styling, easy and comfortable to ride, practical in every way.

AlwaysPondering

tbourner wrote: »

As I've noticed in my first few commutes that my head, body, hands and feet are all fine but my legs get bloody freezing!! Would be worse on a geared bike as well.

Get some thermals...

If money is tight I've been told that ladies tights (the thicker the better) will do the same job..