[Drivingforfun]

Always wanted to ride a bike but not been able to. Think I might be over the worst issues now. Still won’t be riding cross continent but should be able to have a blast along local country roads.


I have read all sorts of tips for first time bikers but just wondering, for the bikers on here, would you care to share any tips for a novice?


I have never sat on a bike let alone driven one. Have watched countless YouTube videos and lived vicariously through them, though. 😂


I have read all about the tests and restrictions. Am planning on doing “Direct Access” on the biggest bike. Doesn’t necessarily mean I will be buying a huge bike after the test but nice to only have to do the test once and have a license without restrictions on it. Unless anyone has reason to disagree.



Thanks.

[Marc]

It's interesting that you post this @Drivingforfun because I've been toying with the same idea.
I'm still without wheels since the 'Suzuki incident' and I've been wondering about the two-wheeled option.
Partly because it'll be cheaper, and also partly I think I might be having a mid-life crisis!! 🤣

I did the CBT day course about 25 years ago but never got around to getting a motorbike. Like you, if I decide to go for it now, I'd be interested in doing one of those week-long courses where you're fully qualified to ride any bike at the end of it.

There's a small, lingering bit of doubt in my mind though. Which is whether I'd still want to go out on it when it's the middle of winter.

[Drivingforfun]

Yeah, I couldn't give up cars for bikes. Winter, shopping, rain, etc. all call for a car to me. It would be more of an addition than a replacement - a toy, almost! If you have a partner with a car, maybe you could just about get away with it?

That said, I may be way off here, but I think taking up biking as a cost-cutting scheme is probably a fools' errand - once you pay for all the training, leathers and helmet, etc. you would need to do quite some miles to break even. And that's if you don't get to Winter and just buy a car again anyway!!

One thing I wonder is I'm quite a "nervous" driver...I have fun behind the wheel but only after risk assessing the situation, if there's any reason at all not to put my foot down, I don't. I often notice bikers are quite confident, almost assertive, not sure if that's a requirement to be a decent biker, but not sure that's the driving style for me...

[Marc]

Have you thought about looking at an electric motorbike @Drivingforfun ?
The acceleration must be incredible!

[Drivingforfun]

Marc - that's a fantastic idea, actually. I wouldn't be venturing all that far from home on a bike, more just exploring the local countryside, range is not really an issue. Electric might well be ideal. 👍

[Marc]

Are you still planning on the direct access course @Drivingforfun
Or has all this rain made you think twice about motorbikes? 😉

[Rolebama]

My son-in-law works for a motorcycle dealership. They are not allowed to work on the range of electric motorcycles. They have to be transported to the only dealership which is allowed to work on them in London. All costs are passed on to the customer. He has assured me that, yes, they are indeed very quick, but not as fast as petrol equivalents, although some can be charged on a standard three-pin plug at home. Overall; expensive to buy and expensive to maintain.
Dringforfun: The dealership moved from Hertford to Welwyn before covid.

[Drivingforfun]

Sorry for the late reply. Been really busy!!

Not made any progress yet.

Still something I am interested in, but reconsidered electric and I would like a petrol bike, mostly for the reasons Rolebama states. Also, even a "thirsty" bike I believe does 30-40mpg? So, still quite reasonable to run.

[Rolebama]

A few years ago I borrowed a bike for a day and went around Cardington. Shuttleworth, Croydon, Potton etc an the lanes. Hadn't had so much fun for years. Did it on a weekday so very little traffic about. I am tempted to try again.

[Drivingforfun]

Some great roads around there, I agree Rolebama!