Return to biking

[Jack86]

Hi all, just thought i'd say Hi as i plan to be on here alot, after advice and looking to join in with the community!

About 2 years ago, i had a pretty bad accident on my GSXR after riding for about 2 years, which although wasn't serious injury, had me shaken, and i've been driving a focus around from then. since i came off i've never been back on a bike, but a friend of mine had bought a beauty zx6 on a 2004 plate a few weeks back and i took it for a ride last night. To say i loved it would be an understatement, It made me realise what i'd given up, and i want back in asap!!

Although i'm not new to riding, i think it'd probably be beneficial to take a refresher course, would anybody have advice on this?

Also, i obviously need a bike again, my GSXR was awesome, but looking back now, wasn't the best choice for a first bike.

I want something i'll be comfortable with, probably a 600, but something more sensible that'll be a bit more gentle with me than the GSX. Been looking at possibly a Suzuki bandit, good on the insurance too. Or even a FZR600 i like the look of which i've found some good bikes for £1,500 ish, plus insurance cheap on these too

I'm on a budget of roughly £2,000 (not alot i know, but figure it'll be enough for something decent on maybe a 1996 - 2001 plate bike) Insurance i'd pay for monthly, so 2k dedicated for the bike.

Any advice would be greatly apperciated guys.

Thanks,
Jack

[wizzzard]

Firstly welcome to BCF and welcome back to the biking fold

A refresher course may be of some use but maybe just getting out and riding with your mate will be enough. If you had already been riding for two years I'm sure it will all come flooding back in no time and if it doesn't then you can book yourself on one.

I'd like to throw a zzr600 into the mix of bikes to think about, mostly because I have one and love it They are calm and easy to ride under 6000 revs and still enough over that to make an enjoyable ride.

Just out of curiosity what made the GSXR the wrong choice for your first bike? If it was all the extra looniness then I'm sure you would be much more sensible on it now.
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Zeitgeist / Addendum / Moving forward

[Jack86]

Thanks wizzard

Good call on the zzr, i've added it to my list!

Well, i was 21 back then and ploughed through my DAS and went out and literally got the bike i wanted the same day, i should of done more research and got a more sensible machine really.

I suppose it was a bad choice for myself really, i mean it may be suitable for some people, but for me it probably wasn't the best first bike, can't put my finger on what it was, but it just seemed a bit mental - like you said the looniness yup lol. If i still had it, i'd of just whacked the insurance on it, and be out there now - but i sold it after the accident.

Looking forward to picking up a new bike aswell actually

[Bubbs]

Hey wizzard, sorry to hijack this thread, but what's the ZZR like for pillion? Is it comfortable for long distance riding and touring capability. Looking for a sports tourer and not really looked at the ZZR.

Good luck with your next bike 'Jack86', bet your itching to get back in the saddle.
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[wizzzard]

[deanoet]

Ring up a good riding school, they will do a refresher course for you

If you dont know of any good ones in the area ask at a few local Main Dealers and see who they use for CBTs and the like. Most have a school they send people too / have deals with. Chances are they wont be crap ones.


If you like the Bandit consider the Hornet as well. Nice bikes (yes i am biased).
Got mine as my first big bike and I am loving it 18 months later
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[Jack86]

Small update, had 3 refresher's with an instructor, looooooooooooved it. went out on a kawasaki ER5 for 3 days - bit wobbly at the start, but after that everything just came flooding back to me and riding became normal again.

So now... time to get the bike. I've been looking mainly at Suzuki Bandit 600, also looking at the Yamaha Fazer too - can get a decent machine for a fairly reasonable £1200 give or take a few quid. and been quoted £150 for the year on insurance

Now just to sell my car, which'll be on ebay as of tomorrow and takings from that will be for my bike & some gear

Would love to come out on some rides once i get my bike and am out riding (Probably a month at least due to working away atm) so if any of you are in the Bristol / South west region, any advice on rides going on much appreciated

[willi]

welcome
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wat goes around comes around.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Welcome back to the fold.
I can't see me getting a car again.


Pat
Happy Birthday deanoet (He always offers good advice to new bikers)
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[Jack86]

So i've picked up a Kawasaki ZX6R for an absolute bargain, it's a bit older on a 1996 N plate, with 26k on the clock, but about right for the age. Well chuffed!

Color scheme's a bit bright but i think i'll enjoy it

Picking it up on thursday then a 150 mile ride back, hope the weather holds up!

Decided to spend a bit less on the bike than i originally planned, so i can spend more on some decent gear to buy for riding.

Got my new toy in time for christmas!!!

[DanHam]

Looks like a nice buy Jack, and welcome back to the biking scene
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Previous - 2004 Aprilia RS50 - 2006 Honda CBR 125 R
A2 Passed - 12/11/09
Current - 1992 Honda VFR 400 R

[ClaireBear]

Lovely bike! Nothing wrong with the colour scheme either

Just read through this thread- good on you for getting back on two wheels and doing it in a sensible way too with the refresher course

Enjoy it and I hope the weather stays decent for you!

[Kimmington]

Well done Jack. I went out on a lesson when I went from a 250cc to a 600cc many moons ago as I needed to be sure that I was doing everything 'right'. It improved my confidence and also got me focussed on new things as the chaps knowledge was far better than my own.

That is a pretty bike... I do like Kawazaki- only had one of them but they are really lovely to ride. Well done and enjoy yourself. (A wise option with the gear too- it can really spoil a good day out to feel the wind and cold getting in)

be safe
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Make love not war.... and if you can do that on a bike then all the better.

[borolad]

I respect you for taking refresher lessons, and well done on getting back to the bike scene

I have a bandit 650 which I enjoy, but looking at that bike you bought I would happily have that aswell! nice choice.

Take care and enjoy your new toy
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Suzuki GSF650SA