Another newbie

Shall78 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 04 Sep 2011 Karma :

Hi all,

I'm a bit late to biking, 32, passed my cbt yesterday, woke up a few weeks ago and just felt like doing it, my mate has been into bikes for years and I never saw the appeal. I went with no experience of being on a bike before and was not expecting to pass but thanks to a fantastic instructor I managed (think having a full driving licence helped on the roads with perception)

Bought a second hand CBF 125 and I have to say I am hooked, in the last 24 hours I keep popping around the country lanes, I have been up to 50mph once (felt like 100)

I am still getting used to the gear changes, people driving up my backside and stopping/starting. I intend to keep nipping out after work ( work in London and don't feel I can commute just yet) I want to go out for a long ride in Kent next weekend to try and perfect my skills and get my confidence up, any tips from the pro's and other newbies.

Thanks

FerretFing · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Karma :

Welcome

andy_uk · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Aug 2011 Karma :

Welcome along!
A bit late to biking? Not as late as me Wink

(44!)
Obviously I'm not in a position to hand out hints'n'tips yet as I'm still learning...apart from get out on it as much as you can! Smile

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Aprilia Classic 125, GS500E, ER5-A1, ER5-C4, ER6 & an XJ6 project frame...

Muscle Bike Rider · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

I was 47 when I started riding again, age should be no barrier, just get out and practise, dont be scared of the London commute, just ride your own ride, keep your eyes peeled and you'll be fine. Maybe have a ride out with some of the members here to pick some pointers up, theres quite a few of us in London / Essex / Kent.

Enjoy.
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

Sherwood Bambi · Nova Slayer Joined: 22 Aug 2011 Karma :

Bit late to biking ? I have got back into it this year after 30 year gap - I'm now 50 !

Best of luck !

trikeschick · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Mar 2010 Karma :

32! Just a youngster lol. Welcome and here's to many miles of fun
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"Light travels faster than the speed of sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak"

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Heh, lots of us come to it late. Great to hear you're enjoying it.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

A272 is one of the good biking roads around the south east, gives you lots of twisties, changing road surfaces, spectacular scenery, excellent over taking opportunities... go and have a play and get that all important experience and stay rubber side down. Thumbs Up

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

There's nothing more exciting than London commuting on a bike, I love it.
Go for it and make going to work a pleasurable experience.
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They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

Alex_B · Brolly Dolly Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Karma :

I did the Kent thing on Friday morning, really enjoyed it. I'll be looking for a bit of fun on the A272 clanger Thumbs Up

Shall78,
I'm in my forties mate Rolling Eyes

but I just got a bike as well. CBT was week before last.

I think if the weather is none to shabby next weekend I'd do a rideout with you if you like?
I'm in SE London and love the Kent thing so I'd be up for it. I'm just as new to this as you so it's all good practice. Plus I'm a sad git and have no biker friends at all Laughing

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My Lane Position is always AWESOME!!

Shall78 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 04 Sep 2011 Karma :

Thanks for the welcomes, you all have made me feel young

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

banditjohn · Nova Slayer Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

Your never to old as long as you still get the grin when you get off Laughing

SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

32 is definitely not too old! I was still dithering about doing my test etc at 32 and didn't do mine till I hit 40.

As said before there's a few of us in London and the surrounding areas who'd be happy to ride out with you, weather (old bones Laughing

) and time permitting. If you're that nervous commuting in London then the best time is when the schools are off as the roads are much quieter so if you haven't done it by October Shocked

try it in the half-term.

Clanger I don't think I've tried the A272 yet so I may just check that out soon.

Have fun and safe riding Thumbs Up

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Current ride - 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600 K4 - 2x 2014 Honda NC750s long term courtesy bikes - 2003 Fazer FZ6 written off as idiot reversed into me - 2009 YBR125 - still have from new

Angel Girl · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jul 2011 Karma :

Having only had my licence a week the only advice I'm in a position to give you is this:

Do what I'm doing, do lots of short journeys as often as possible. It's helping me to get used to the bike, the handling, and getting my hands and arse and back used to the riding position. I'll be doing this for a while before I attempt a longer trip, and hopefully it won't be too uncomfortable Smile

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Rides Honda CB500S aka "The Orange Peril"