All this money........ Is it worth it?

[Leezers]

Hey, ok so Ive done my mod 1, will be passed pretty soon I think. My problem is that I'm not sure ill enjoy riding when I pass :/ I don't know if I enjoy my lessons at the minute tbh, I get quite nervous tho

Obv spent a good chunk of money on DAS, I've bought all my gear, I want a newer ish model of sport bike when I pass I'd say around the 4 grande mark, then insurance plus a store to keep the bike. I'm prob asking in the wrong place lol but is it all worth it in the end??

I am doing my lessons in this crappy weather so I know summer ect will be better.

Feel like I'm talking myself out of it all lol and looking for the easy option that is keeping my savings lol


Not looking for silly answers, just personal experiences or stories about the good things about riding

Keep trying to remember why I went for my licence in the first place, cos seeing a guy on a bike just looks cool as fukc lol

Cheers

[-Matt-]

Crack on with it. I don't know many people that would say they enjoyed their training and examinations, the training can be a bit enjoyable if you're comfortable with a few years riding behind you for example and its not so daunting, but the tests etc are going to stress most people regardless.

Riding on your own where and when you want is totally different. I forced myself through each time i've upgraded each bike as it was easy to just be content and bob around on the cheaper slower bike for 'another few weeks/months' but each time i've upgraded my bike its been majorly more enjoyable than the last.

Do you have any riding experience already or have you jumped straight into the DAS. If you are someone thats really un-nerved by it maybe get something a bit smaller to ride for a year or so first to get your confidence up. Its perfectly possible to ride a sportbike straight off if you're cautious on the throttle but it might be a bit un-nerving if you're already uncomfortable.

You will enjoy, persist

[groovylee]

best thing I ever did. apart from having my kids, and on some days better than them

got my first bike, got a 4000 mile limited mileage insurance policy thinking that would be enough. then hit 4000 miles in about 3 months

keep at it, it is well worth it in the end
____________________
Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6

Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R

[wr6133]

You've done the hard bit (mod 1) so don't quit now!

If you are unsure don't go in at the deep end with a 4k bike, pick up a cheaper cb/bandit (or even a 125) with some tax and test left and run it while the weather is crap or till you decide you love it and want something better. If you go the other way and don't really enjoy it no big loss, sell it on take the couple of hundred loss at most and chalk it down to experience.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

I don't often queue. I'm usually at the front.
Even on the 250 my 0-50mph is better than most cars.

A helmet covers a multitude of sins.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Leezers]

Great replies already guys thanks!

I've thought about getting an older bike but tbh, I don't want to ride around on an old heap, would prefer a head turner you know?

[-Matt-]

Totally get it, although the other thing that would make me a little cautious is most people tend to have at least a small off/drop in the first year.

Do you want to be scratching a shitheap, or a 4k sportbike with pricey fairing

R&G crash bobbins or similar would be a must for me if you did go with a nicer bike.

[Mark_F]

I learned in winter, kinda enjoyed pootleing about on a 125 but it really depended on the weather. I soon lost some of the enthusiasm though.

When spring came along, at first it was hard to break out of the "at least it's easier commuting" mindset. but a mate eventually pestered me enough to pop out with him on a weekend. Rode around to a few spots that attract bikes, ate burgers, chatted to a few unknown folk with nice bikes, and did more mileage on that day than a usual full week commuting. Enjoyed it a LOT (must admit I was very tired after it though).

After that it was me pestering him! Have to say that when winter came back around, I kinda enjoyed the change in circumstance, the cold air on my face etc.

I find being on 2 wheels is the most enjoyable way to get around. Sure there are some inconveniences, but so far they just add to it IMO (wondering where you'll end up etc while you're getting your gear on).

I think part of it for me (at first) was that I enjoyed the actual riding, but once I'd put the bike away I started to wonder if it was worth it. Have to say, it really is worth it.

When nicer weather comes, get out on it, you'll have a ball

[Leezers]

[Furrybiker]

Stick with it, not riding my bike is the only thing that gives me withdrawal symptoms.

It can become a central part of your life, I even met my wife through biking.

Good luck, and agree with starting with an older heap, almost everyone drops it in the first year.

[-Matt-]

Over time most people get bored, in the first year or two though it would probably still be plenty enjoyable unless you're a real speed-chaser.

I plodded around on a 100cc ped for 2 years then a 125 sport-styled bike for another 2 years before getting my ZX6, was only bored of each in the very last couple of months each time.

Personally i'm glad I stepped up semi-progessively rather than diving straight on a big bike I think it might of taken the enjoyment out of it for a while due to having to be so overly cautious at first when i'd had no experience - but plenty of people do it and are fine and enjoy it on the other hand.

The other thing is money - you may save yourself an awful lot of cash insurance wise if you can take a year or two on something slower and cheaper. Mine on the ZX6 TPFT dropped from 800, to 575, to 400, to current quotes of 150 over the last 4 years. But that also will vary a lot depending on age and location bla bla bla.

[c_dug]

Old isn't necessarily ugly or bad, this was my 1993 cbr600f:

https://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee81/paddy2007dug/CBR600F/Picture020.jpg

It's not got the sharp lines of more modern bikes but it was definitely a head turner.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Leezers]

Must admit mate that is a nice bike!

[wr6133]

[AlanC]

I didn't enjoy learning at all. I needed a second session to complete CBT, I struggled at doing u-turns (this was back before mod 1 so it was on the road, and some examiners were known to pick narrow and/or steeply cambered roads) and I wasn't very confident.

I stuck at it, though, and it really was worth it when I could get on the bike I wanted and, it turned out, really enjoyed riding.

But a supersports immediately after DAS? If you feel at all nervous then that might not be the best choice: I bought an '08 R6 two years after passing and I'm really glad I didn't go for one straight off because it'd likely have put me off completely: they're not particularly noob-friendly.

[Leezers]

Very true mate. Although when I start out, am I going to get the bug better with a crackin new sport bike, or an older past it one? Lol I know which one I'll enjoy more already

[Leezers]

[-Matt-]

Another thing to bare in mind, before you pass/get the bike all you've been doing I imagine as many do is looking at pictures over and over again of all the bikes you can get. Once you're actually riding your first bike most of the time you'll completely forget about and not notice what it looks like as you'll be too busy actually riding the thing enjoying it.

Its a lot of extra cash [insurance wise particulary] the first couple of years for essentially just seeing it looking nice n shiny in the garage every so often and other peoples benefit. Not trying to put you off, I got my ZX6 for similar reasons to you that I just simply liked how it looked, but that was after a few years riding/fuck ups on less flashy bikes to bring the costs and risk of damaging it down a bit.

[wr6133]

[AlanC]

[Leezers]

[Nobby the Bastard]

I passed in November 1991. At some point you need to learn how to ride when the weather is bad. It may as well be when you first start.

I passed my car test in 1989 and also have a car.

The amount of time and money that I save just going to work every day is rediculous. I save probably a minimun of an hour a day riding my bike to and from work as opposed from driving or getting the train.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Leezers]

[c_dug]

I get the sportsbike thing, a naked bike won't hit that spot.

I think what you need really is a sports tourer, plenty of people do get a supersports as a first bike but it isn't ideal. My recommendations would be along the lines of:

Vfr800
https://www.ixilsilencers.co.uk/6066-HONDA%20VFR%20800%20Fi.jpg

CBR600F/FS
https://www.motorbikespecs.net/images/Honda/CBR_600_FS1_FS2_Sport_01-02/CBR_600_FS1_FS2_Sport_01-02_1.jpg

Something a bit less hardcore but still with the looks.

As for the not enjoying it, I can't imagine life without riding, once the bug bites you'll be hooked forever.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Rogerborg]