Back on 2 wheels after 10 years

[FF68]

Any advice lads?
Should I start on something small and get used to the roads?
Should I take some training lessons again first before buying another bike?
Bit nervous TBH.
Thinking about getting a 600 sport.

[RevMonkey]

Nerves are expected. I am back now after a break of a few years, after being banned by my missus

She is NOT happy but my new bike comes in 2 days time.

In answer to your question what I have done is booked up advanced riding course which is 6 ride-outs with instructors. I am also looking to do an evening session trackday , hopefully at Brands if they do them.

These two things plus simple and steady miles on the bike anyway will quash any new bad habits and give me confidence.

Only then will I push on (he says but I know what I am like...)

[to v or not to v]

just get a bike and go have some fun. a 600 isnt going to be too much to handle.
try to get test rides first if you can.
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[blurredman]

[panrider_uk]

I've just started back after 10 years.

I bought a Honda Forza 750 scoot as something sensible but with a reasonable turn of speed.

It didn't take long to get back into it (still a bit slow on the corners though).

I'm planning to get the Pan Euro back on the road again this summer
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[MarJay]

By sport 600 do you mean like a CBR600F, or a CBR600RR? I'd recommend against a supersport/race rep, but something a bit more upright, a bit more comfortable but still with immense capability (like the aforementioned 600F) would be ideal.

Alternatively, something like a GSX-8S or GSX-8R if you want a bit more modern, or maybe a Hornet 750 or maybe a Triumph Trident 660 or a Tiger Sport 660.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[FF68]

[Villers]

I did exactly this, almost 10 years to the day I sold my RSVR and took all my old gear to the local tip. I bought myself an SV1000 and got the guy to drop it off for me because I was weary of his gravel driveway. Pushed it into the garage and sat and worried for a while. Few rides and everything started coming back, roadsense was still there but confidence wasn't. I sold it in 12 months and got my street teiple which I love and I'm gaining confidence.

One thing I've had to admit to myself is that while it's been ten years off the bike I've got ten years older. And not a good ten years like 24 to 34, no this was 32 to 42 and my physical condition had changed a lot. A race rep is out of the question for anything other than a few mile hoon these days.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, take it easy and be progressive.
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[Capt Sisko]

I'd contact a bike school, explain where you're at and say you want a half day 1 to 1 appraisal, maybe even hire one of their bikes for it. After than and you've got your own bike IAM or ROSPA are both good value and if you don't want to, you don't have to take the test at the end.

Ref bike: Initially I'd go for a new(ish) used bike, something that someone has taken the initial hit on and something not too taxing to ride. If after six months and if the bugs bitten again you'll then have far better idea of the type of bike you now like and won't have lost so much compared to if you'd bought new.

Good luck

[Zen Dog]

Buy whatever you fancy, just take it easy and you'll be back into it in no time, it's like riding a bike innit...
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Current - '94 VFR750FR (Dead), '00 VFR800FI, 2011 CBF125 Previous - '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win (chinese copy of an old Honda design with a C90 engine)
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[Polarbear]