Hello from Sussex in the UK

[Whaleblue]

Hi,

I passed my bike test in 1996, and had a 600 Bandit for a year or so.

I enjoyed it, but with a young family I didn’t have the time to enjoy it beyond a busy local commute, so ended up selling.

Approaching 60 I’m considering the possibility of getting back to bikes.

I’m planning to do a refresher course. I’m also wondering whether aiming to get IAM qualified is a good route to take?

I really need to lose a little weight too, as at the moment I don’t want to be buying expensive clothing in my current size!

BMWs appeal, but I guess part of the reason for joint some bike forms is to discuss that

Anyway, Hello!

[arry]

Hi

Clothing wise just get yourself some second hand stuff from eBay for the moment - lid being the exception, of course. You can then always knock it on, on eBay, when your new super diet takes hold and you're back to the meagre version of yourself.

Refresher course a very good idea. Bikes have changed loads and at the same time......not at all. These days everything modern has ABS, which is a decent addition IMO (others will disagree), and a lot of bikes come with riding modes that help blunt throttle response / power delivery in tricky conditions - I don't like these, personally, but others do.

BMW's - well I have a BMW, but it's a beard oil and hipster jacket type BMW. Are you thinking a Charlie and Euan type?

IMO, don't plot too much out on what you want until you've done your refresher. Take the seat time experience of the bike you end up doing that on, and work out from there what you like / dislike about it. Then go get some first hand experience of actually riding motorcycles - test rides are there for a reason. Go to a few dealers, get a feel for what suits you. And most importantly, think carefully about what you're going to do with it. There are a lot of GS owners lugging around 250kg+ armchairs just to nip down to the local biker cafe on a Sunday morning. They'd have a lot more fun on something smaller, lighter etc, most likely. Loads of nice new bikes out there these days IMO; so take your time and pick something you'll enjoy.

And if you don't enjoy it, life's too short for crap bikes so just chop it in for another one and take the hit

Good luck

[Whaleblue]

Thanks arry.

That all makes sense - I’m thinking more R1250R - with a small screen.

The modern safety systems are, in my head, an excellent advance over the Bandit that I had.

Comfort is probably very near to the top of the list too!

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

IAM is all well and good but it takes a bit of commitment (an observed ride per week - or fortnight at least - practising guidance points in between, swatting up on Copper Roadcraft, etc.). Plus also, if you've been out of the saddle for a while, it might be better to get a few thou under you belt before signing up.
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Whaleblue]

Thanks For the thoughts Trevor.

Definitely an instructor led back-to-biking course is the first priority.

[BK2021]

Hi and welcome I'm in Sussex also
Much like myself I had a 20 year gap and hit 20stones I had no probs getting back in the saddle like duck in the desert just take it easy.
RST fit me ok 56in chest quality and price is good also Richa fit well.
Good idea take the refresher course it makes sense.