born again biker - maybe

[jamesfuller]

I've always liked the Idea of a Ducati Monster in black with red frame, Ohlins forks, Renthal bars and Termignoni's

A 748 would be quite good but not too quick, very ar*e in the air riding position though.

 

[Piff]

I got a full bike licence when I was 18 (that's a few years ago!!!) My mother hated bikes & she would turn in her grave if I got another.
Top down on the SLK & hit the S button on the gearbox - wind in the hair & a bit of performance? Much safer than 2 wheels!

 

[Vlad]

I had a Triumph Speed Triple for many years. Great bike with an awesome sound when fitted with race cans. Great handling and stand out styling and above all British built and it never went wrong.

 

[Andopose]

I have just read through all the posts on this thread and would comment as follows. A decent 600cc four stroke (Probably not Race rep) would seem a good starting point. It will have sufficient performance to entertain any rider without being too much. I would not rule out bigger 1000cc bikes such as Yam Fazer either as the performance will not intimidate.
Get some miles under your belt and then try a few other demonstrators when you feel the need to change.

But one thing i would definately recommend at an early opportunity,would be Level 1 California superbike school at Silverstone. I cannot stress enough how important this course will be. I fact you can do this course on one of the school bikes before buying your own !!

I guarantee you will have your eyes opened. In the meantime buy a book called 'twist of the wrist 2' and read it cover to cover, it will be the best £15.00 or so you spend.

I hope this helps.
Andy

 

[Darrell]

I have just read through all the posts on this thread and would comment as follows. A decent 600cc four stroke (Probably not Race rep) would seem a good starting point. It will have sufficient performance to entertain any rider without being too much. I would not rule out bigger 1000cc bikes such as Yam Fazer either as the performance will not intimidate.
Get some miles under your belt and then try a few other demonstrators when you feel the need to change.

But one thing i would definately recommend at an early opportunity,would be Level 1 California superbike school at Silverstone. I cannot stress enough how important this course will be. I fact you can do this course on one of the school bikes before buying your own !!

I guarantee you will have your eyes opened. In the meantime buy a book called 'twist of the wrist 2' and read it cover to cover, it will be the best £15.00 or so you spend.

I hope this helps.
Andy

I did the above course at Rockingham about 8 years ago on my GSXR 600. Great day, fab instructors and learned alot.

 

[Oli]

I had given some thought to doing the California Superbike School but the Ron Haslam one I did was great and was better value as you use their bikes.

 

[Darrell]

I had given some thought to doing the California Superbike School but the Ron Haslam one I did was great and was better value as you use their bikes.

I think the CSS was a bit steep but I liked the idea of using my own bike as I had only recently passed my test and so it was a good way to get used to my own machine. As it was a course for instruction rather than an all out track day we thought it would lessen the chances of me caning it and having a crash.

 

[kinaero]

After a plethora of 4 cylinder sport bikes, my first V-twin was Honda SP1, and I was hooked on it!! Tonnes of low end grunt!
So personally I would recommend a V-twin, may be Ducati Monster as someone has suggested.

I'm now an ex-biker for at least 6-7years (I think?)
BUT! I would be extremely tempted by this if it ever going into production??(been waiting for a couple of years now )

Mac Motorcycles - Rediscover the Joy of owning a Motorcycle

 

[kinaero]

I think the CSS was a bit steep but I liked the idea of using my own bike as I had only recently passed my test and so it was a good way to get used to my own machine. As it was a course for instruction rather than an all out track day we thought it would lessen the chances of me caning it and having a crash.

I did Ron Haslem in Donnington, excellent, and Touring car champion was there too(Tim Harvey).
I think you would learn more riding someone else's bike rather than using your own as you would not be afraid of falling off banking their bike over, and you would soon realized that the bike could lean far steeper than you think possible!

 

[wemorgan]

My ducks are lining up nicely. I've had an offer on the flat I selling. The NEC bike show is in the few weeks. Insurance for all the bikes I'm considering is <£200.

 

[wemorgan]

Refresher lesson now booked for next week

 

[Sp!ke]

It is going to be bitterly cold next week - how good is your bike gear?

 

[wemorgan]

It is going to be bitterly cold next week - how good is your bike gear?

I'm in to mountaineering, so I'll have to wear that kit until I can buy some bike specific stuff, hopefully at the NEC show in a few weeks time.

 

[V12]

Whoever you're doing your refresher course with may be able to provide you with gear.
I'm on my pedal bike at the moment and it has been pretty chilly in the morning this week.

 

[Sp!ke]

Motorcyling is pretty static so you dont generate any body heat unlike climbing or cycling.

Hands and feet get especially cold in my experience without decent gear. Keeping your core temperature up helps loads though.

 

[Oli]

I think the CSS was a bit steep but I liked the idea of using my own bike as I had only recently passed my test and so it was a good way to get used to my own machine. As it was a course for instruction rather than an all out track day we thought it would lessen the chances of me caning it and having a crash.

For me I would rather not use my bike, using a CBR600RR/Fireblade actually made it better compared to my own bike as they don't have the electronics package, I still can't get my head around being able to pin the throttle while lent over and let the traction control sort it out!!.

 

[joecash]

With the amount of inattentive drivers on the roads these days, I wouldn't have a motorbike. Sorry...

+1 - death traps - too many out there on 4 wheels that will get you today - if you need to fulfil the desire go on a track day and wear all the gear including the "blow up" leathers. old man's view maybe, but still alive, just!!

 

[wemorgan]

Can anyone recommend a decent general motorbike forum? Thanks.

 

[jotter22]

Funny time of year to be buying your first bike?...But then again if you can handle the winter summer will be a bonus!
I stay away from bikes now i have collected sufficient broken bones to guarantee creaky old age.

Tony.

 

[Ted]

Actually a GOOD time of year to be buying a bike (but not riding one).
Buy cheap in the winter. Do any servicing/modifications/customising/deep cleaning over the winter (good excuse for a man cave). Nice shiny bike, come spring!!

Can't help with any bike forums though, Will - I just use a (mainly) American forum for my bike model.