Finally got out for a ride.

kernel gadaffi · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 02 May 2016 Karma :

Two months since I bought the Suzuki Bandit 600, got insured, sorted the thumb brake and brake light switch and retested it so it conforms to my condition, I finally got out for a ride today. Out of the garage, turned right at the top of the street, went to turn left onto the main road and was met with a prick in a Fiesta cutting the corner, I stalled it and stopped, but that was all, I was expecting to be launched towards Mars, he quickly swerved out of my way and kept going. Not a good start, but I was fine, I went on my way, tentetively at first, within 3 miles it was like I'd never been off a bike, took me until about 10 miles until I was happy to go past 50mph and cornering was a bit scary, the bike felt like it wanted to go straight on, another 10 miles had me, as "one" with the bike and I felt the confidence building all the time. Returning home, my instructor was happy with my riding and apart from a couple of minor problems, he saw nothing that was a glaring or outstanding issue.
All in all I'm a very happy camper and can't wait to get out again.

At 55 years old I am a returnee to 2 wheels after a 30 years gap and am enjoying myself.
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I've nothing against my left leg.

1996 Mark 1 Suzuki Bandit 600.

carpe_diem · Trackday Trickster Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Karma :

That's great to hear, Kernel! Good work - glad it's working out for you Smile

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Currently riding: Suzuki EN125 | Previous rides: Vespa 125PX, Yamaha SR125

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I reckon a Bandit could take a Fiesta.

Great work, glad to hear it's working out for you.
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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

Jaykun85 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 03 Oct 2016 Karma :

Great work.

I found that on my Day lessons i just have to relax into it and i feel great, have a days ride down to Shrewsbury on sunday for my Mod 1 Practice then test on Wednesday ..

I hope to be out on my Bandit soon, also got a 600 .. just need to pass my test Sad

Saraya · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 May 2016 Karma :

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

Well done mate, I had over 20 years away from bikes as well. Just had a couple of incident free years on an ER6f and
am collecting a brand new bike tomorrow. There's nothing quite like riding is there? Not sure why I ever stopped apart
from lack of money to be able to drive and ride.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off. Thumbs Up

Snowdonia Rider · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :

Well done for persevering Thumbs Up

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I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
~~Suzuki GP125~~ ~~Suzuki GSX600F~~ ~~Suzuki SV650S~~ KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider

talkToTheHat · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Feb 2012 Karma :

if you're nervous and tensing up you'll be getting some bike goes straight on action

if you feel tense waggle your elbows. Remember you initiate a right hand turn by pushing the right hand bar away from you. It's the opposite to a car and whilst intuitive enough if you worry about how you're doing it it suddenly gets hard, and your panic reaction is wrong. Practice this.

I am finding my bandit a bit slow steering on my current Michelin PR4s but it's predictable and quite capable.

I'm glad you've found an adaptation that keeps you riding.
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Bandit. does. everything.