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| r_squared |
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r_squared
L Plate Warrior
Joined: 11 Dec 2016
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 Posted: 00:47 - 11 Jan 2017  Post subject: Returning to 2 wheels. |
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Thought I best introduce myself as I've been lurking for a bit. I'm officially a born again biker, I rode regularly until about 10 years ago, including a bit of dispatching back in the mid 90s, but I had to pack it in with second kid on the way and no cash for fun, but vowed I'd be back.
Now I've saved up a bit, got past 40, bought some new kit (my leathers appear to have shrunk in the loft) and leapt aboard the first half decent, cheap bike I could get to get me back on two wheels, and it's like a part of my head has slotted back into place.
Looking for something cheap and available, my mate had a mate selling a 98 plate vtr firestorm, and despite having the tank range of an asthmatic ant, I thought why not? It's cheap, it's sounds awesome and I can afford it. Tbh, I'm a bit over sports bikes, did all that as a yoof and into my twenties and early thirties, but this feels very forgiving. Stable and not too frenetic with power delivery, either that or I'm just not giving it the big handfuls I used too.
Skill fade is a big thing, so I've been taking it very easy, I'm in no rush, I've got a lot to relearn and I'm getting some extra training in march, but for now I'm happy to get out and about again and get some miles in.
I've missed this so much. Glad to be back, but I know things have changed over the years, so any tips for a born again biker? |
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| ZX-7R |
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ZX-7R
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Joined: 24 Jan 2016
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Posted: 02:20 - 11 Jan 2017  Post subject: Re: Returning to 2 wheels. |
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| r_squared wrote: | Thought I best introduce myself as I've been lurking for a bit. I'm officially a born again biker, I rode regularly until about 10 years ago, including a bit of dispatching back in the mid 90s, but I had to pack it in with second kid on the way and no cash for fun, but vowed I'd be back.
Now I've saved up a bit, got past 40, bought some new kit (my leathers appear to have shrunk in the loft) and leapt aboard the first half decent, cheap bike I could get to get me back on two wheels, and it's like a part of my head has slotted back into place.
Looking for something cheap and available, my mate had a mate selling a 98 plate vtr firestorm, and despite having the tank range of an asthmatic ant, I thought why not? It's cheap, it's sounds awesome and I can afford it. Tbh, I'm a bit over sports bikes, did all that as a yoof and into my twenties and early thirties, but this feels very forgiving. Stable and not too frenetic with power delivery, either that or I'm just not giving it the big handfuls I used too.
Skill fade is a big thing, so I've been taking it very easy, I'm in no rush, I've got a lot to relearn and I'm getting some extra training in march, but for now I'm happy to get out and about again and get some miles in.
I've missed this so much. Glad to be back, but I know things have changed over the years, so any tips for a born again biker? |
Congrats on getting back into riding mate.Been back about 2 years after a fairly lengthy break due to the usual family stuff and not having time and money for bikes.
Fancied one last sports bike before getting too old and unfit for the riding position,and the Ninja was a decent condition bike for a decent price.Yeah,you sure notice the skill fade,plus you are a bit more aware of your mortality as you get older and don't have the same fearlessness as a youth.
Getting my speed back but never gonna be like i was in my 20's,but the main thing is being out there on the bike and enjoying it.
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| grr666 |
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grr666
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| Posted: 07:45 - 11 Jan 2017 Post subject: |
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Born again death statistic here as well. Did my DAS at 40, I'm 44 next birthday and am now on a fire spitting MT09
after a couple of years riding a nice ER6f to relearn all of the old skills and feel. Really glad I did it. 
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| Rogerborg |
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Rogerborg
nimbA
Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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| Posted: 09:05 - 11 Jan 2017 Post subject: Re: Returning to 2 wheels. |
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| r_squared wrote: | any tips for a born again biker? |
Always ensure that the road ahead is clear.
You are in a high risk category, but it sounds like you're not bringing yoof attitudes with you, so you should be golden. I'd be a bit careful about riding in groups though - it's the fast track to losing your licence or the use of your legs.
How is the tank range on the Firestorm? Apparently the later, bigger tanks should fit the earlier bikes, but there's not many around.
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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 |
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| r_squared |
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r_squared
L Plate Warrior
Joined: 11 Dec 2016
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| Posted: 09:57 - 11 Jan 2017 Post subject: Re: Returning to 2 wheels. |
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| Rogerborg wrote: | | r_squared wrote: | any tips for a born again biker? |
You are in a high risk category, .... |
I appreciate that, and with skill fade, noticeably slower reactions and busier roads it's why I'm all over defensive riding, getting some time on the road, and looking to get some extra training from a pro. I have vivid memories of people splattering themselves all over the landscape all through London and around Box Hill on Fire blades and the like, that keeps me grounded.
Now I'm tootling about around rural Lincolnshire, there's a whole slew of new muddy hazards to contend with instead.
I'll take on board the group riding advice actually, I know quite a few bikers who are all much quicker than me, and have no compunction about giving it a big handful. Not been out with them yet as I think I'd struggle to keep up, I don't mind going into a bit of stretch, but I want to stay on 2 wheels, and thats a lot easier if I don't have to tell the missus I've had an off!
One or two have stepped off sports bikes and gone for cruisers and less aggressive enduro and touring bikes, and I am leaning towards that way myself, once I've got back into the swing of things, we'll see.
| Rogerborg wrote: | [How is the tank range on the Firestorm? Apparently the later, bigger tanks should fit the earlier bikes, but there's not many around. |
It's not all that bad really, i get to 100 miles and im keeping an eye out for a fill up, I've not been brave enough to push it to the reserve yet. In fact I've not checked it has a reserve. Nice tip about a tank swap, I'll keep an eye out for one.
The only thing about the firestorm I have an issue with is that It's a bit "vibey". If I forget myself, and let the death grip sneak in, my hands start to go numb. Never had that before, so stopping every 100 miles allows me to reset my head, relax my grip, and get some blood back into my hands. |
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 8 years, 343 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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