FabSwingers.com > Forums > Bikers > Returning to a big bike after years out
Returning to a big bike after years out
Jump to: Newest in thread
I stopped riding quite some time ago after a big off ( was skittled by a car, when stoped at a stop sign and was thrown under a lorry , was very lucky how I landed )
Anyway.. I wasn't badly hurt but it frightened me. However... call it midlife crisis or just need.. I've decided I want to get a new bike next year( currently have a young baby staying with me so no point and need to save)
So should I perhaps get a smaller bike to get me used to the roads again. Is there a course like the cbt for a refresher course as its been a while...
Anyone done the same and got any advice x |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Lots of nice middle weight bikes that are easy to ride… SV650 is a cracking little bike. Great on the road and sporty enough. I’ve ridden them for years.. raced them and on the road. Cheap to buy abc fix too  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Lots of nice middle weight bikes that are easy to ride… SV650 is a cracking little bike. Great on the road and sporty enough. I’ve ridden them for years.. raced them and on the road. Cheap to buy abc fix too "
I have had the sv1000s it's what I was knocked off. I already know what I'm getting as a big bike. It's more best ways to get back on the road with one.
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Get something that fits you and is comfortable for you to ride at 70mph
Then something with service history and no damage or mod’s "
I giggled at a part of this. I as i said already know what I'm going to get... and to be honest not so bothered about history as long as its not been down the road. Would be fixing it myself if something went wrong |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
 |
By *ay-89Woman
over a year ago
Norwich |
I cant say for where you are but I know that training schools in my area offer a refresher course. Kinda like a lesson but helping you get your confidence back up without the pressure of re doing a test again.
Good luck in what you decide.
I've not been out for 2 years now. No mot and she's in the garage gathering dust not miles.  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Might be worth messaging your local riding school and explain your situation to them and they should be able to book you in for a few hours "
going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.
Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.
Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Depends I think on what you've got your mind on getting ??
What ever you get just take your time to get used to.it don't carry on like your 20 again lol,I did the same been off bikes for a few years had saw a bike I liked brought it dug out my old leather jacket that didn't fit to well and off I went ,biking though has changed no one let's on to you like they used to , |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Depends I think on what you've got your mind on getting ??
What ever you get just take your time to get used to.it don't carry on like your 20 again lol,I did the same been off bikes for a few years had saw a bike I liked brought it dug out my old leather jacket that didn't fit to well and off I went ,biking though has changed no one let's on to you like they used to , |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
I had a break of 10 years from riding. And when I was looking to buy I had some refresher lessons from a Rding school. A lot offer courses or sessions for people returning to two wheels. And helped me a lot and practice is another tip. Took me ages to get use to corners again. When you do get one Ride Safe. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *not69Man
over a year ago
Lancashire |
IAM or RoSPA, I've done them both and I highly recommend both of them. I did IAM 10yrs ago and RoSPA last year after a 7yr break. You could start off with a bike safe course if you don't want to go straight for an advanced course.
I can also highly recommend i2i MCAs machine control courses |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy. 
+1 for this one"
Has angel got her wheels yet ? We going to see you out and about soon ? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy.
+1 for this one
Has angel got her wheels yet ? We going to see you out and about soon ? "
hi violet...no yet...but she has her own kit noo....getting there |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I stopped riding quite some time ago after a big off ( was skittled by a car, when stoped at a stop sign and was thrown under a lorry , was very lucky how I landed )
Anyway.. I wasn't badly hurt but it frightened me. However... call it midlife crisis or just need.. I've decided I want to get a new bike next year( currently have a young baby staying with me so no point and need to save)
So should I perhaps get a smaller bike to get me used to the roads again. Is there a course like the cbt for a refresher course as its been a while...
Anyone done the same and got any advice x"
When I came back from Kosovo, I split up with my then wife. In rebound mode I did a DAS course and got a ZX12! I rode it like a scooter to start with, but learned and learned and loved it.
When I was doing my DAS course though, age 30, there were a lot of older guys coming in for refresher courses, all looking to get back on a bike after a long lay off. My instructor explained that bike technology constantly grows and the bike they remember is nothing like a modern machine. Advice that’s stayed with me and I’ll utilise if I ever get back on one |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
" going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.
Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.
Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol "
i think this is a good idea. Get used to the controls again on the 125 and then if son is wanting it after then win win . Meanwhile you can be deciding what bike you want |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
" going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.
Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.
Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol i think this is a good idea. Get used to the controls again on the 125 and then if son is wanting it after then win win . Meanwhile you can be deciding what bike you want "
the decision on which bike is already decided.. I want a ducati monster 696... to go with the Italian cars |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I had a few years away from bikes went for a 650 trail bike after a year bought a firestorm. But have had all sorts in the past including fireblades.
Mates cot one if those Benelli 125 had a ride on it cracking bike for the price. The Suzuki SV 650 a cracker as well as the Kawasaki.
Love Ducati but not the running costs |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Size might be important but what matters most is control and that you get your feet firmly in the ground. After than modern bikes are so well balanced that engine size doesn’t really matter that much. Register for an IAMs course perhaps. This will really help I am sure and you will meet others near to where you live and get riding with like minded people. Happy riding ! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Size might be important but what matters most is control and that you get your feet firmly in the ground. After than modern bikes are so well balanced that engine size doesn’t really matter that much. Register for an IAMs course perhaps. This will really help I am sure and you will meet others near to where you live and get riding with like minded people. Happy riding ! "
I already know which bike I'm getting for a big bike. May need a few adjustments |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Check out the Curvy Riders.
They're all over the country. They have regular ride outs and cater for all abilities.
Getting out on your bike, and riding with others, initially in small groups, will help build your skills and confidence.
A track session, specially for first-timers is a great way to build your ability.
Think of it as a big one way street, without the road furniture, ironworks, or on-coming vehicles. Added bonus of a good surface, great visibility, and forgiving run-off areas.
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Tbh honest you won't need it. Once you get back on. It will all come back to you. Or you will shit yourself and think it's not for you. Just book a lesson on a bigger bike for a day. That will tell you if you still have it |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Ducati are great , but very expensive on service and parts etc . Get the bike you want personally as you’ll only be frustRted riding something smaller even for a short period . Go do your cbt again if it’s just a want to get back on due to nerves |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Might be worth messaging your local riding school and explain your situation to them and they should be able to book you in for a few hours going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.
Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.
Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol "
If going a 125, the cb125, ybz125 and the slightly larger big bike feel twin, XL 125. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Check out the Curvy Riders.
They're all over the country. They have regular ride outs and cater for all abilities.
Getting out on your bike, and riding with others, initially in small groups, will help build your skills and confidence.
A track session, specially for first-timers is a great way to build your ability.
Think of it as a big one way street, without the road furniture, ironworks, or on-coming vehicles. Added bonus of a good surface, great visibility, and forgiving run-off areas.
"
I often marshal track days... I don't fancy one at all |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet if you read the op, my child would have a 125 after me if I go that route x"
I did read and it says you were tempted as your son may have it after you sorry if I misread or perhaps you don’t really want any genuine answers  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet if you read the op, my child would have a 125 after me if I go that route x
I did read and it says you were tempted as your son may have it after you sorry if I misread or perhaps you don’t really want any genuine answers "
I've had lots if answers that have been great.. but if I don't go straight back to a big bike it would be a 125 as 259s, 400s etc work out quite costly. And my kids couldn't use it after me but thanks
I've kinda worked out just get on a refresher course from talking to people via this thread... I've got 6 months to work it out as this is not the time of year to buy a bike |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
