[Closed] Should I try motor biking?

Contact one of the training places and book a try out session, they'll do it in a closed car park or similar

Motorcycling is truly incredible at times

I love the look of them but too many idiot car drivers on the road ready to kill you in my opinion.
So no.

A chap down the road bought his wife a motorbike for her 40th, sadly and tragically she didn't make 41.
A bloke I used to drink with in the pub was killed on his motorbike a week last Friday.
My mate accidentally ran over and killed a motorcyclist who was going too fast, the biker tried a crazy overtaking manoeuvre, got catapulted off and ended up with his head underneath the wheels of said friends car.
My dad was knocked off his motorbike twice by shite drivers before he gave it up.
Shall I go on?

I have thought throughout middle age and beyond that I ought to give it a go. I just have the idea though that I might not be content with poodling around and would want to get my knee down, becoming a Cat and Fiddle statistic. Something to do with my youthful rallying involvement I suspect. So I don't think I will bother now.

Still, if someone would like to offer me a ride on a sidecar outfit, just for fun. I've always fancied that.

I can honestly say that passing my bike test was the best thing I ever did. It opened up a whole new world of friends and experiences. The roads I'd traveled along and places I'd been to were completely different from the seat of a bike.

I took 4 days off work with lessons on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then my test on the Thursday.

If you get the bug, invest in further training and get the best clothing you can. Rubbish or ill fitting clothing and helmets can make make or break it.

I would not do it and in the case of your mrs who isn't the most observant then that is a definate no (very steep learning curve).

Nah It's the loss of control I hate...

Every little old lady, or hung over bloke waiting to come out of a T junction is an arse clenching moment
You wait/hope for them to notice you before they pull out, rather than when you are cart-wheeling, over their bonnet.

On a MTB if you get hurt its usually something you've done to yourself

No. [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/femoral-head-disclocation-to-the-scrotum ]Look at the link in here.[/url]

Getting on a bike may possibly improve your wife's observational skills. I think that being out in the open makes you more aware of what's happening around you.

Experience on the bike definitely made me more aware as a driver.

Not everyone likes bikes though, but its definitely worth a go. If you click with it, then its a really fantastic experience.

Nah It's the loss of control I hate...

Every little old lady, or hung over bloke waiting to come out of a T junction is an arse clenching moment
You wait/hope for them to notice you before they pull out, rather than when you are cart-wheeling, over their bonnet.

That's not motorcycling as I know it
Sure you keep an eye on other road users more than you would in a car, but I certainly don't spend the whole ride with my arse going like a rabbit's nose

Ignore the negativity here, motorbiking is awesome!

If you want to try it for free, i believe you can.

http://www.geton.co.uk/free-motorbike-scooter-experience/

I loved it, it was a lot of the time the biggest thing in my life, had so many great times on my little "learner bike" 650. It's not moved for 4 years now though, I found it impossible to make time for pushbikes and motorbikes, and mountain bikes won the fight... But so totally worth it.

Had a couple of crashes, have to say mostly at least partly my fault (sliding along tarmac at 70mph makes you appreciate cows more, not to mention smooth tarmac and gravel traps), a bunch of near misses most of which were not my fault... Yes it's more dangerous than a car. So is a road bike, or dating a call girl. I won't tell you whether you should do it- that's your own risk/reward assessment. But I put IIRC 60000 miles on 2 bikes, massive amounts of that was urban, and I ain't dead.

But doing your CBT isn't massively expensive (it's not throwaway cheap) and would give you a better feel for it, if nothing else you could just treat it as an "experience day" but it might lead to something fantastic.

Self control... Well are you thinking about doing the Long Way Round thing and getting a bavarian tractor? They're not slow but they're not sports bikes, they don't encourage bellendery in the same way a sports bike can. It's a tricky one this as the vulnerability and experience of riding a quick bike made me more restrained than I'd thought, but it could have worked out different.

Your wife's obs may or may not be a problem, being on a bike imo feels very different to being in a car, you're more engaged with your surroundings, there's not many oblivious motorcyclists.

Agree with the comment about kit btw- much more so than pushbikes in fact. It took me a long time to build up my stuff til it was all how I wanted and I reckon it cost more than the bike did in the end.

Yes.

You have to follow your passions, do it.

I have been riding motorbikes on and off (family commitments and lack of undos stopped me when the kids were young).

Tricky. I love bikes and have ridden on the roads since I was sixteen (forty six now) and done track days etc but I know there are risks and for that reason I say its your choice entirely.

Ex motorbike courier here. I never [i]encourage[/i] people to ride a bike, largely because it is very easy to get yourself into deep, deep trouble on a motorbike. I would not like to have someone else on my conscience. If you trust yourself to do it, then do it, but don't take anyone else's advice on the matter. Make an honest appraisal of your skills and abilities before taking the plunge.

Ignore the negativity? I would think that knowing people who have died riding motorbikes is more than enough reason for negativity.

Every time you go out on a motorbike you have to accept you might not come home again, not something you would ever think about when going out in your car.

Go green laning, all the thrills of the motorbike without running the risk of being killed by some div texting or facebooking while driving.

Driving a car is still a risk just not as much of one. Trains planes and ships even less. Everyone draws their line in a different place.

Riding a motorcycle makes you feel alive, possibly more so than anything else.

The thing you've got to get your head around is; it's not if you're going to fall off, it's when you're going to fall off. If you can get you head around this and are prepared to accept the consequences then ride and enjoy the buzz.

mitsumonkey - Member

Every time you go out on a motorbike you have to accept you might not come home again, not something you would ever think about when going out in your car.

You're more likely to be killed on a bike than in a car. But the likelihood of having an accident on any given ride is still bugger all- it's just a higher level of bugger all.

Best thing I ever did was get my bike license. Accept there's an element of risk and do all you can to reduce it.

I.e. Further training, riding within your limits, investing in proper quality kit (and WEARING IT ALL THE TIME!!!) and keep your wits about you.

Riding a bike makes you a hugely more observant road user, and you do develop a bit of a sixth sense to other idiots on the road.

Ride like a bellend wearing jeans and a hoody and yeah, you're very likely to become a statistic, but for all the unfortunate souls that Mitsumonkey describes, there are many, many others that ride for the sheer enjoyment it brings and come home safe and sound every time.

Do your CBT, 1 days training, and make up your own mind,

Do your CBT and then a 4/5 days course, it'll give you a good idea of what being on a bike is about, rather than an hour a week or thereabouts.
I'm actually picking up my new toy tomorrow.

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I'll be like a kid on Christmas Eve in bed tonight.

Yes.
One of the best things I ever did.
But like Northwind says being able to do this and ride push bikes is a tough call - in my case MTB's won.
I miss having a motorbike but it would sit waiting to be used for weeks at a time if I still had one.
Try it though, unlikely you will regret it.

**** yea!

Ignore all the keyboard warriors who haven't tried it but tell you not to. I started motorcycling late (in my 30's), I just wish I had started earlier.
Everyone should be taught to ride a motorbike - the standard of driving would go up immeasurably.

Do it!

[i]Ex motorbike courier here. I never encourage people to ride a bike, largely because it is very easy to get yourself into deep, deep trouble on a motorbike. I would not like to have someone else on my conscience. If you trust yourself to do it, then do it, but don't take anyone else's advice on the matter. Make an honest appraisal of your skills and abilities before taking the plunge.[/i]

This.

I rode from 16 to 48 and the only reason I don't have a bike at the moment is I don't need one - when I discovered MTBing I found that I only used my bike for commuting (in and around the SE), rather than just riding. Where I live now there just isn't the traffic to justify needing one.

And for all the folk who seem to know folk killed/maimed on bikes, I've never known anyone.

mitsumonkey - Member
Every time you go out on a motorbike you have to accept you might not come home again, not something you would ever think about when going out in your car.

Don't be so ****ing melodramatic, no one ever thinks that, purely because it's very (very,very) unlikely

You're more likely to be killed on a bike than in a car. But the likelihood of having an accident on any given ride is still bugger all- it's just a higher level of bugger all.

Bugger all higher on any one ride but over a few years of riding 38 times higher than a car occupant. Motorcyclists are 1% of traffic and 19% of deaths. More than bugger all difference.

http://think.direct.gov.uk/motorcycles.html

Its a definite from me.
Step by step though, get your training and test out of the way first.
That will open your eyes to a whole new world and you will learn how to drive properly. In my ideal world everybody would take their bike test before they do the car test. Only bikers will understand that and they will all agree.

Melodramatic, I like it, I may join RADA with that commendation.
Anyway,
I've ridden motorbikes mainly off road.
Been on the back of motorbikes at 120mph+ on the road in my youth. It's exhilarating, bloody awesome, but not for me though now I'm a dad.

Anyway it's up to the op at the end of the day they just asked our opinion and that's mine what with the guy I know getting killed on his motorbike last Friday.

I've ridden motorbikes mainly off road.
Been on the back of motorbikes at 120mph+ on the road in my youth. It's exhilarating, bloody awesome, but not for me though now I'm a dad.

You should have mentioned you were an expert

I avoided riding a bicycle on the road for years, as I don't have the temperament for it. But for the best park of a year I did about 150 miles a week in city traffic. Really opened my eyes to just how shit and inattentive a lot of drivers were.

I'd still love a supermoto or some kind of enduro bike but the idea of a minor disagreement with a car is scary, and having messed about with motos off road, as exciting as they are mtb is an equally exhilarating and purer experience.

mitsumonkey - Member
I love the look of them but too many idiot car drivers on the road ready to kill you in my opinion.
So no.

A chap down the road bought his wife a motorbike for her 40th, sadly and tragically she didn't make 41.
A bloke I used to drink with in the pub was killed on his motorbike a week last Friday.
My mate accidentally ran over and killed a motorcyclist who was going too fast, the biker tried a crazy overtaking manoeuvre, got catapulted off and ended up with his head underneath the wheels of said friends car.
My dad was knocked off his motorbike twice by shite drivers before he gave it up.
Shall I go on?

Yawn. Heard endless tales of woe since I started riding motorbikes in the early 80's. It's tedious and predictable.

Funnily enough, people die before their time for many reasons, not just motorbikes.

Motorbikes provide a ridiculous amount of pleasure, but there's a big risk involved too. Weigh it up and make your decision. I can't see myself giving them up though.

Yes you really should try it. I've ridden bikes for the last 30 years or so & really can't imagine life without a motorbike .
Surrey based you say? Shameless plug for my mate Andy who runs AJH Surrey motorcycle training. He's good.
http://surreymotorcycletraining.co.uk

I rode for 3 years, purely inspired by Long Way Round. Even ended up with an R122GSA. Absolutely loved it, but really dangerous. I was a traffic cop at the time - every bike RTC I attended there was a factor that I convinced myself that 'I wouldn't have done in the circumstances' - excess speed, poor positioning etc. Eventually I went to a collision where the I wouldn't have done much differently, which rather killed my enthusiasm (excuse the poor pun).

Don't get me wrong - I loved riding and was completely passionate about it. Fine if you are free of dependants - I'd not think seriously about riding with bairns on the scene (as we hope to have next year).

Sorry if this puts you off - just my experiences.

irc - Member

Bugger all higher on any one ride but over a few years of riding 38 times higher than a car occupant. Motorcyclists are 1% of traffic and 19% of deaths.

But still rare. "38 times more likely" sounds terrible but it's still extremely unlikely, just like it's extremely unlikely you'll die in a car crash- something like .25%, you're more likely to die of motor neurone disease. "X times more likely" is just not a very good way to understand risk. Or rather, a good way to misunderstand it

Here's a better one- in the UK, 125 motorcyclists die per billion miles travelled. How many million miles do you expect to ride each year?

Of course riding motorbikes increases your chance of serious injury or death over a life spent in front of the TV, in the office, and driving everywhere.

So does road cycling.

So does horse riding.

So do an awful lot of things that give you a serious buzz and (importantly) make you feel alive and love life.

Weigh it all up, make your choice, but ignore the people who feel the need to throw in (possibly spurious, I've been around motorcyclists all my adult life and only known two killed. Known plenty died young through cancer, heart problems etc) tales of death or destruction. Get trained, get advanced training once you have a licence, never stop learning, treat your bike with respect, and get a crowbar to prise that grin off your face 🙂

Do it.

I rode motorcycles for years - commuting, camping, touring across Europe. I met some really great folk and had a fantastic time. It was much later that I "discovered" cycling and that's what's stopped me getting another motorbike; that I'd likely spend my free time on a push bike instead.

Is it "relatively" unsafe? I guess it is depending upon what you compare it to but a lot of that is in your own hands. Handling skill, reading the road, observation, all of these things will help you to stay a safe rider and knowing this in advance you can prepare for it.

Off road? Yes

On road **** right off.

On that one off chance another car crashes into my car- I could possibly walk away.

On a bike- that same one off will be bad news. Very bad news.

Another thumbs up for AJH Surrey motorbike training here.

Do it! Get your cbt booked and see how you get on then you have the option of getting a 125cc for 12 months or so or you can go on and do your Direct Access (full licence for big bikes)
Do not do your direct Access and go out and Buy a 180 Bhp 1000 Sports bike.
If you do your direct access find yourself something Learner friendly second hand like a Suzuki Bandit 600 or one of the other Japanese Naked Middleweights and get some experience under your belt.

I've been riding 11 years now, 6 years with a full licence 5 years on various 125's.
I ride daily apart from in snow, ice and extremely windy days. I ride a Suzuki GSR 600 from April till October and then a Honda CBF 125 the rest of the time.

It does have a element of danger but then again so does road cycling and mountain biking. If you ride defensively and expect the unexpected you should avoid any accidents. But the benefits for me are, cheap insurance, a feeling of freedom and the amazing feeling of acceleration even from a little 125 when you wind them on. Its hard to explain in words the enjoyment they bring, you just have to try it. Driving a car is dull in comparison.

The bad points, you get cold in winter, higher risk of injury IF you have an accident and the learning curve is steeper than driving a car. And also the safety equipment is expensive. I have low range Spada Textile jacket and pants (£370) RST Leathers (£200) Sidi Boots (£170) RST Summer Gloves (£40) Spada winter gloves (£50) Shark Helmet (£200)
You can get cheaper and more expensive but don't forget to factor in the above with any bike purchase.

Tyre replacement and servicing is more frequent than on a car.
Every 5,000 miles on the Suzuki (£100) Every 3,000 miles on the CBF 125 (£50) and tyres £200 a year on the Suzuki and £150 a year on the CBF 125.

But the above prices are because I ride nearly every day of the year.

Accident wise I have had two serious, One where I suffered a fractured Neck of Femur and the most recent 2013 Fractured fibula and knee damage. One none fault and the most recent my faulty (too much throttle for frosty conditions)

Dropped my bike once which again was my fault, trying to do a U Turn on a hill and fell over in slow motion.

I will continue to ride motorbikes till it isn't physically possible to ride one anymore. I love it, and my mates love it. Infact I have met some great mates through the love of motorcycling, also lost some great mates due to motorcycling. But I won't give up till I have to.

Try it you'll either love it or completely hate it. But a lot of my motorcycling friends are die hard Mountain bikers and/or road cyclists. It must be the whole two wheeled thing.

One where I suffered a fractured Neck of Femur

I'm sure I've seen your x-rays recently.

Not the twisted ball sack one I hope!!!!

No the fractured neck of femur one:
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/femoral-head-disclocation-to-the-scrotum ]This one[/url]

🙂

I've thought about it purely because I'd love to do a long tour around the continent/Balkans/Scandinavia. The only thing stopping me is that I can't afford a bike

Of course there is danger involved, but it's there when you cross the road

I find it a bit strange that lots of people are telling you not to because it's so dangerous, but they'll happily cycle on the same roads..

You should try it yourself, book a lesson, then see if you have a burning desire to take it further

My dad has ridden motorbikes since being 14,and my brother since he was about 17. I've ridden off road, and when I was younger we used to go out around the farm tracks near our house. I did hire a scooter in France and it was a bit scary, but also exhilarating and such a feeling of freedom

Love my motorbikes and have been riding off and on since I was 16 ie. a long time!

Sold my last one 9 months ago and still miss it. Luckily, I have a mate who is happy to let me take his tweaked GSXR1000 out occasionally to scratch the itch and it's fantastic.

As has been said above, life is too short to constantly worry about what 'might' happen otherwise we would never go past the front door. Get some proper training, build your confidence slowly and ride defensively. There is nothing quite like it 😉

I wouldn't warn you off, it's like anything get good at it be aware, don't go out on fast club rides etc. In fact I rode mainly touring with gf on back for a few years. It was great! Especially going to Scotland.

But you have to remember the downsides which for me were; taking ages to get dressed up, being hot and cold at the wrong times, buffeting from the wind, having to stop for petrol, crap roads and journeys like the run to France on the UK side. All the things that don't bother you in a car really annoy you on a bike.

That said when it's good , it's very good!

I did my cbt in 2012, rode around on a little CG125 for a couple of months, then took the full test. Upgraded to a CBF500 a year or so later. I did it to get out of the train journey into London from Surrey, and have ridden almost every day since. I love it.

I've had one off (lost the front braking on a corner - lesson learned there) and occasional moments of mild panic when it looks like someone is about to do something stupid, but keeping calm and relaxed and accepting that there are good reasons not to push on all the time helps to keep things safe.

It's incredibly enjoyable. As others have said, keep warm and comfy, and ride defensively, and it's the best way to get around.

I've thought about it purely because I'd love to do a long tour around the continent/Balkans/Scandinavia. The only thing stopping me is that I can't afford a bike

Anything will do for touring, even a Honda Cub
You just have to adjust your timetable to suit, or -better still- don't have a timetable.

Ridden since I was 17. (now 46). If I had to choose between my bike and my car the bike would win every time. It definetely makes you a better car driver and off road riding makes you a better road motorcyclist. Decent kit is a must so factor that in. I've had a few spills over the years and lost a mate many years ago. If it's for you you'll know. Advanced training is very worthwhile cause you'll gain a lot of experience in a shorter time. I like to go fast sometimes and I can't afford a quick car 😈

It's surprising what motorcycling is less dangerous than...

https://rideapart.com/articles/things-more-dangerous-than-riding-a-motorcycle

It's persuaded me anyway. Triumph, here I come :demon_face:

Fair bit of negativity floating about, and some of it perhaps for good reason. However, riding a bicycle on the road is a whole lot more dangerous because of the speed differential among other things. I've had multiple near death experiences cycling on the road, and in consequence I hate it, - and that's riding in the Highlands. Maybe we just have really shite drivers up here.
I've busted at least 12 bones on the MTB, and most of you wil have experienced similar levels of carnage.
As for my motorbike, I've been riding for nearly 30 years, I have had my 750 Suzi for 12 years almost from new, and it costs less to run than my mountain bikes.
Now I could prattle on about how amazing motorcycling is, but frankly if you haven't got the idea from all the other positive posters, then I won't change your mind. Just don't get to 60 years of age and go, " I wish". For me anyone can be negative, and your experiences will shape your attitude to riding, - do it, don't do it, - it's up to you.

However if you ride a bike from Ullapool to Durness on a summers day with no traffic ( that'll be every day then), you would sell everything to keep doing it.

I did the DAS a few years back and had no previous interest or any experience. Got the license 4 days later and worked my way up over 2 years to a big bike from a scooter.

Much like riding a bike you can get into problems fairly quickly. Hard to say whether it'll be sutiable long term but where is the harm in trying it out. I did twice the mileage on the push bike that the motorbike last year 🙂 but the motorbike brings a smile to my face everytime I go out and for that its worth the parking space in the garage.

I've busted at least 12 bones on the MTB, and most of you wil have experienced similar levels of carnage

No we won't!! You sound like a liability!

Several friends have come to bikes later in life and bought stupidly big and/or powerful bikes. They're all still alive. I don't think any of them have even come of, or been banned. Much to my amazement.

Go for it.

A mate of mine did his test at 61, that was 5 years ago, he now rides a ZZR1300 😀

Loved my bikes, rode for 20 years with no accidents by riding defensively and not pushing things too far. At 27 with no kids I never gave it a second thought but years down the line and as the sole earner in the house with young children the cbr was sold last year. When they're self sufficient I will quite likely get another.

More of my motor biking friends have died in car crashes than on their bikes.
To be fair it's cars 1 ,bikes nil.

I'm 53 & had a moped to get to work when I was 16.I had bicycles as a kid but no interest in motorcycles.That moped changed everything,got a 125 on my 17th birthday & passed my test 6 months later.Motorcycles & the friends I made through them have been a massive part of my life ever since & I'm so glad I got into biking.
That said I would never encourage anyone else to take up motorcycles, it's a dangerous hobby with a steep learning curve,I've hit the deck over a dozen times & been knocked off once.However as long as your aware of the dangers it's an acceptable risk & one hell of a buzz!
Regarding the inevitable 'I know someone who got killed on a bike'comments,two of my mates were killed on bikes,pilot error both times I also knew two people who were killed in cars but no one ever said to me 'don't drive a car they're dangerous'..

Yes, you should do it.

If you don't like it, at least you've given it a try and you know for sure instead of second guessing yourself.

I rode motorbikes for ages, they were great fun. Decided to go all sensible now and have an MX5 instead....

More of my motor biking friends have died in car crashes than on their bikes.

A generation later my lad's mates all had cars. I lost count how many died. At least four.

Regarding the inevitable 'I know someone who got killed on a bike'comments,two of my mates were killed on bikes,pilot error both times I also knew two people who were killed in cars but no one ever said to me 'don't drive a car they're dangerous

Cars 27 deaths or serious injuries per billion miles. Motorbikes 1659 deaths or serious injuries per billion miles. Why would anyone say bikes are dangerous?

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-15975564

Some corking tales of death and serious injury on here 😀
You'll always get folk wheeling out a list of names who've been best mates and were killed riding motorbikes, never if you want to get a car tho which I always find strange
Ignore them all and have a go 🙂 I love my bike and it's given me many smiles per mile and taken me all over the Alps and various countries around europe in perfect safety. Just learn how to ride it properly, countersteering to get you around bends etc. I did a course with http://www.i2imca.com/ very good even if you've been riding for years

They also learn you how to brake in a corner as well. It was great, I did it in the wet with the gf on the back 😀

I've been riding for 16 years, have ridden road bikes, raced off road in various disciplines. Additionally have been MTBing for similar amount of time.

Have done the commute on the MTB for years and also years on a motorcycle commuting, I don't know the stats but I always feel much safer on a motorcycle on the road than a pedal cycle.

As for injuries, there is not much between riding off road on a MTB (trail riding) and motorcycle off road, for me anyway.

I love riding 2 wheels and would not get rid of my motorcycle or MTB, taking time to learn and be safe is crucial though. Just like the guys who cycle commute safely despite all the idiots on the road, you can learn the motorcycle road craft to reduce the risks you are exposed to.

One last aside is that riding a dirt bike will increase your skills and confidence in a way that's almost impossible to do on the road in a much safer and controlled way, so when you need those control skills on the road you have them. There are places you can go to have a days try out as a total novice.

I'm off to finish changing the shock on my old 750 Honda now 🙂

Cars are just transport

Cars move your Body

Motorbikes move your Soul !

Been riding motorbikes over 30 years now, its mainly just for the commute nowadays. but it still gives that extra "something "
Planning on more touring when retired, the highlands of Scotland and the High Alpine passes are on the bucket list.

Many times I have come home after driving from work in the Car and I cannot recall a simple thing about the journey.......that never happens with a Motorcycle, where I can relive almost all the time and miles which I have just covered. The experience is just that much better and your senses are heightned

I passed my test when I was about 27. Now 44. In that time I've done roughly 150,000 miles on motorbikes.
Last year I did 12,500 miles commuting (rush hour London bound traffic) on one. It saves me around an hour a day compared to a car and the total running costs are less than just the fuel in the car.
An hour a day is roughly 240 hours or10 days a year.
For that alone it's worth it.

Regarding injuries during my recovery I thought about nothing but when I could get back on the thing. During my recovery I was so bored I dragged my bike pants on over my knee brace and went for a short ride.

Someone said it above that motorbikes move the soul. They certainly do, I don't think I could ever be without one.

I'm a regular on many motorbike forums, I've known 6 people from them die, 2 on motorbikes and 4 non motorbike. Considering how many bikers I know, that's not bad.

chojin - Member
Ignore the negativity here, motorbiking is awesome!

I rode motorbikes, fast ones, for over 20 years and eventually stopped not because bikes aren't brilliant, they are, but my personal decision was that the level of risk outweighed the enjoyment I got from riding.

I know it's very STW to be black and white, but my take is somewhere in the middle: yes, riding motorbikes is great, really good fun, the closest thing you can get to flying without actually taking off, but you also need to understand that you are vulnerable on a motorcycle and ride accordingly.

You also need to accept that there's a small chance that something random can happen regardless of how good a rider you are, a car coming round a blind bend on the wrong side of the road for example and if that happens, there's a good chance you'll get hurt.

Ironically, being aware of the risks will help keep you alive, it's what controlled fear is for. Same as with climbing or mountain biking.

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that if you do go for it, just be realistic about the level of risk. It's not certain death, but equally it's not particularly safe either, it's somewhere in the middle and by riding well you can reduce the risk to an acceptable level, but there's always the risk that something outside your control can happen. You can also improve the odds massively by not riding like an idiot...

Do the direct access, get your licence then make the decision - its a fun way to spend a weeks holiday, the test will only get harder to get in future, and it's the only way you'll get to see what its like riding a big bike on the road (and I include a twin pot, 500cc knacker in this as its still a world away from the 125cc experience).

i know i'll get hissed at by the hardcore bikers 😉

but this is my 5p worth... about 5 years ago i sold the car and got a motorbike for 18 months to save money before the little one came along.

(after talking to my brother who is a long term biker)

i did my CBT and bought a Honda Varadero 125, all the gear.

and if im being honest i hated every minute of it and will never forget the day i got shot of it!

i was totally invisible to 90% of other motorists, riding in the rain was a nightmare.

luckily i never had a crash but i came close on many occasions due to idiots on the road, oh and a wet man hole cover which was my fault.

the only advice i would give is dont rely on the CBT alone it's b*lox, in my eyes it does not give you anywhere enough training to hit the road and i would suggest doing the full monty access course then decide as others have said.

i think i just wasnt cut out to be a biker as i think you do need a bigger set of b*lls which if im honest i didnt have!

i still cringe when im in the car and see a 125 with L plates on flying along..

best of luck whatever you decide!

I would rather ride a motorbike on the road than a bicycle!

For me the reason I sold my Ducati was that I got more thrills mountain biking.

As others have said give it a try. I still like motorbikes but recognise that I gave it up at the right time.

Now a nice RD350LC might tempt me back!

Swing a leg over one and you'll die. Immediately. Straight to hell. Puff of smoke.

Or, you could have your wits about you and avoid dickheads (which are easily spotted and avoided). Ride within your limits and you'll be fine. The only time I've been decked (twice in 21 years) is in icy conditions when I was 16 with not a car in sight, and when I was spanking it down a country road, hit a 90 degree bend too fast and did a roly poly in a farmer's field, I was 22 and again not a car in sight. Lesson learnt, many years later I'm still here. Gonna get me a new bmw s1000rr this year.

Is there really the space to have much fun on a bike in this country anymore?
A group of friends and myself decided it was too congested 20 years ago and all went racing, it must be an awful lot worse now.
Off road sounds like a good idea, or moving to France!

hora - Member
Off road? Yes

On road **** right off.

But if you never ride on the the road then you'd be limited to circuit racing, motocross or closed course (totally on private land) trials surely?
Most enduros and trials will include liason sections on public roads.

I was riding on the roads at 16 but never owned a "road" bike - only trials and enduro bikes (including road legalised MX bikes). In fact, I passed my test on a trials bike.
In spite of being on the Isle of Man the whole road thing never interested me - although I did used to enjoy ragging trials bikes round on the road during runaround trials. 😉

Had a few bikes, the last being a R1100GS which is an earlier version of the one they used in "long way round". Had several amazing holidays, riding all round France, Italy and Spain with the misses on the back not knowing where I was going to end up each night.

Much preferred riding on the continent, less traffic, better weather and people more aware of bikers. When kid no.1 came along realised the long trips abroad would end and also my risk threshold changed so I sold it. Still get that longing on a warm sunny day.

If you do get one make sure you get over to France. Many of the A/B roads run parallel to the motorways so are basically deserted.

singlesman - Member

Is there really the space to have much fun on a bike in this country anymore?

Absolutely. Obviously how much there is depends a lot on where you are though.