John G
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| posted on 24/10/24 at 08:10 PM |
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looking to getting back in to motorcycling after 20 years
As the title says. last had a GPZ 750 R1 in the 80's. Now in E Sussex with some nice roads and am aware of the increase in traffic etc. Any
ideas? quite like sports bikes . What to look for and what to avoid. Happy to look at Fireblade era type but any advice welcome.
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JoelP
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| posted on 24/10/24 at 08:43 PM |
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My advice would be to do what you need to enjoy your life to the fullest, but always keep in mind the risks you take. We lost a forum member in a bike
accident recently, and he had years of regular experience.
I always fancied a bike, but know I test limits too much for a sports bike.
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cliftyhanger
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 08:50 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by John G
As the title says. last had a GPZ 750 R1 in the 80's. Now in E Sussex with some nice roads and am aware of the increase in traffic etc. Any
ideas? quite like sports bikes . What to look for and what to avoid. Happy to look at Fireblade era type but any advice welcome.
I hate to break this to you, but the 80s are 40 years ago! Worth a thought re comfort etc.
[Edited on 25/10/24 by cliftyhanger]
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motorcycle_mayhem
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 09:02 AM |
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Depends what your passion is.
I absolutely loved my GSXR750 (K2), nice balance between power, handling and survivability. Engine willing and bombproof, simple FI, etc. I still have
the 813cc engine (race build), from the Westfield, but I just can't bring myself to risk riding another bike. I also still have that silly 300bhp
GSXR750 turbo engine in the living room...
My 955 Tiger, also a lovely thing. Comfortable riding position, plenty of low end torque. Sold that simply because of the risk imposed by others.
I went around (and through) Australia on a R1100GS, very reliable, very heavy, but a superb tourer.
I love motorcycles, but yes, I gave up road riding a few years ago. It's just way too risky. Driving standards are appalling these days, way to
fast, way too inattentive and a complete indifference to vulnerabilities. Scrolling through screens, driving a 2-3 ton killing machine, oblivious.
Impatient BMW driver just sentenced locally, overtaking a van and slamming head on into a rider. May he rest in peace.
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 11:06 AM |
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I used to have bikes back in the very early 70's, Norton 850 Commado in 1973 aged 21. I carried on using them for many years but mortgage etc
meant I had to stop owning one. The kids grew up and we had some spare cash - I went back to having a bike. They had got a lot faster so I went for a
BMW K100RS. Still very quick but better suited to older age. I got used to bikes again and changed to a Honda Pan European ST 1100. Brilliant bike, in
all weathers. But - I was getting older - and didn't fancy bad weather driving. Suddenly I had an attack of common sense! I sold the bike and
built a kit car! Yes I like bikes and part of me still fancies one but I have never come off one and had never gone through a speed camera above the
limit and didn't want to break that record.
To anyone of mature years I would say have one if you must but realise that they are much faster machines now. Think carefully about just how big a
bike you need/want. Those of us who used to ride 650 Triumph Bonnevilles years ago should not expect to be proficient on a modern 600. So take great
care choosing the bike you get - or - get a kit car!
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Sarah
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| posted on 25/10/24 at 12:10 PM |
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Whereabouts in East Sussex are you? Kent Advanced Motorcycle Group meets at Brands on last Thursday of the month and would be a great way of improving
your riding.
Though I think you'll have to see how you get on.
I went 10 years bikeless then bought a new Hayabusa in 2018.
It all comes back
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