(RE)Learning to ride a motorbike again

akr

akr

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Al
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Hello

So in my early 20s I had a motorbike (can't remember now is it was 125 or 250cc but certainly nothing bigger), for around a year. Passing my license then means I can technically buy any motorbike now.

I'd like to get a bike again (early 40s now) bt was wondering how people had got back into it after a long break.

I probably need to start again from scratch but I'd prefer lessons that teach me how to ride as opposed to pass my test which I don't need. Anyway has anyone done this?

I don't have a bike at present, want to investigate lessons first. I have however been extensively researching bikes and am unsure what to start back on, the prices of some 125s seem high, especially compared to some 300\400cc bikes (I likely won't go above 400cc for now). Sensible options for what I want seem to be the Honda 300s or maybe even a KTM Duke 390 but so much to choose from and easy to get carried away.

Also if anyone has any ideas on where to buy protective gear that would be great (no track days for me, just commuting and the odd trip).

Thanks

Al
 
Just jump back in the saddle and take your time. It's like riding a ........ Never mind ;)
 
lol Bruce I should have expected that one. I'm fairly road aware, ride a (pedal)bike into town, drive a car etc but from that I know London traffic can be 'interesting' so I think I'd like to be back up to speed first. I expect I'd do as you say alongside some lessons.

Plus I probably won't even know how to start one of these modern ones! :-)
 
Seriously, if you lack confidence I'd suggest local bike school. I'm sure it's common for older blokes to go back to bikes after a long break, and if nothing else you usually get a laugh with the trainers. I'm sure it's legislation they have to be slightly bonkers :)
 
Press the button that looks like the refresh symbol!!!

More seriously, visit a second hand dealer locally and see who they recommend. If that fails, ask a new bike dealer! (Dealers are supposed to see a CBT certificate or full license before supplying a learner bike so should be able to put you in touch with a CBT centre.) Or Google CBT centres in your area.
 
BruceMo said:
Seriously, if you lack confidence I'd suggest local bike school. I'm sure it's common for older blokes to go back to bikes after a long break, and if nothing else you usually get a laugh with the trainers. I'm sure it's legislation they have to be slightly bonkers :)
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It's not so much lack of confidence, but I'm sure there are good habits I will have forgotten that will keep me out of trouble. But you right, practice makes perfect as they, it's the only real way to learn.

Nod said:
Press the button that looks like the refresh symbol!!!

More seriously, visit a second hand dealer locally and see who they recommend. If that fails, ask a new bike dealer! (Dealers are supposed to see a CBT certificate or full license before supplying a learner bike so should be able to put you in touch with a CBT centre.) Or Google CBT centres in your area.
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I nearly pressed refresh on the browser :eek: :)

I tired emailing my local training centre but their system is not working, will try and call them.
 
One good habit is not getting on one!

I stopped after an accident in '85 (caused by a car driver :) )

Remember, the other name for a bike rider is 'donor' :D
 
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kendo1 said:
One good habit is not getting on one!

I stopped after an accident in '85 (caused by a car driver :) )

Remember, the other name for a bike rider is 'donor' :D
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Ermmm thanks....:eek: :)

Had a few close shaves on the pedal bike with cars and buses, ironically on a pedal bike people think they can just pull out in front of you (not a case of not seeing you), though of course you then have to slam on the brakes. Also been doored once by someone getting out of a cab. Cabbie checked his door after giving me a dirty look :confused: - not a word to his passenger who opened the door out of nowhere (they had not just pulled over, were just stuck in traffic).

Biggest issue I guess will be people not seeing me, and cars (yes cars not bikes) going through red lights, see it quite often, and some the the junctions are badly done timing wise. One is terrible the lights on one side are pretty much already green by the time they are red the other way, but it gives cars no time to turn right, which they can only do once the lights have changed + poor visibility. Aghh well at least I know where it is.
 
What Ken said
Few years ago I was In Australia and saw some blokes on motor bikes, bloke I was with told me they were temporary Aussies, sadly know of a few people/work colleagues who are no longer with us after motor bike accidents. Had a bike for 2 years when I were a lad, was pretty stupid and rolled down the road a few times before getting a car. In your 40s so you should be a bit more responsible hopefully. I live in North Wales and we have quite a lot of bikers come up here in the Summer, quite a few are born again bikers with spare cash to but some don`t get home. Sorry to be a bit of a drame queen but just my opinion.

Just look at the statistics, bike miles versus car miles and injuries/killed.
 
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nog said:
What Ken said
Few years ago I was In Australia and saw some blokes on motor bikes, bloke I was with told me they were temporary Aussies, sadly know of a few people/work colleagues who are no longer with us after motor bike accidents. Had a bike for 2 years when I were a lad, was pretty stupid and rolled down the road a few times before getting a car. In your 40s so you should be a bit more responsible hopefully. I live in North Wales and we have quite a lot of bikers come up here in the Summer, quite a few are born again bikers with spare cash to but some don`t get home. Sorry to be a bit of a drame queen but just my opinion.

Just look at the statistics, bike miles versus car miles and injuries/killed.
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Hi Keith, no issue with your and Ken's advice - it's appreciated. I have looked into the stats and they are not pretty.

I had a look at one site where the top 5 collisions were bends on country roads (not likely to do many of those), overtaking at the wrong place, collisions at junctions (T junctions in particular) - this will be I think my most likely case of accident and not being seen. I have experience of this from my cycling and from car driving but there is of course always a risk, you are far more exposed on a bike and you can be best biker and still have an accident that's not your fault.

It's a concern but I'm not going to be a boy racer, or overtake like I see some. It's all valid but then I probably should not have gone skydiving, bungy jumping, diving, leaving my job and going travelling for a year, trekking (a well known path) on my own for 17 days in the Himalayas. Sometimes you have an itch you just got to scratch, you just got to try and do it sensibly!

I'll probably get a bike, realise it's not as enjoyable as I think, and sell it after a few months!
 
As long as you are forewarned :)

I know several friends about the same age who still drive bikes. They are just careful and haven't had any issues.
Age and experience of the road does help. Driving defensively and knowing that everyone else is a complete plonker helps!
 
I've been riding motorbikes since 1977.
Had a few minor offs and a couple of hospital "holidays" the last one 18 months back and has left me with a leg that's a work in progress and a limp.
The consultant who fixed me up said they get more road cyclists than motorcyclists in. Bad news for me as I ride them too!
I'd have another tomorrow if not for family threats (and I'm working on them;))

Definitely do the refresher training as it will give you a chance to see what it's like riding in modern traffic and most training schools have 500cc+ bikes for direct access clients so you can see what recent bigger bikes are like too.
2 of my neighbours in the last 18 months have done the direct access and now riding 600cc bikes and enjoying life on 2 wheels.
I'm missing it like crazy..... sigh.
Just take it steady and ride safe.
 
I ride a bike most days, have done for the last 35 years, just work and the need to carry a laptop in the rain means I sometimes take a car.

Ignore all the people trying to put you off, realistically, provided you ride sensibly and defensively then you'll be fine. On a bike you have so much more visibility you spot all the little nuances, learn to read the road and what other drivers are about to do. Mostly it's about your decision to put yourself and your vehicle in that position, so its best position on the road to be visible, make sure you're in the mirrors, a quick toot toot of the horn to make a driver aware of your presence, observing the road conditions and riding accordingly and also leaving a suitable distance or an escape strategy. Bikes brake a lot less rapidly than cars.. Some may say it was all the drivers fault, but I'm of the opinion that you also put yourself in that position so share some responsibility

Refresh training is a must, pick one over several weeks, not just a single day one. Does your local police run a bikesafe course? If so book onto that, it's a full day but some really useful classroom work and riding techniques (including positioning).

Biggest advantage of being on a bike is the viability and making progress. Safe filtering and the ability to get through traffic is a great plus as is the lower costs of transport. And then theres the fun
 
Good for you, I have ridden for about 14 years now, not as often as I would like but the answer is exactly as above @Byker28i just relax and enjoy riding and its easy to be safe.

The tards that MORE often get punted off are you ones pushing there skills (that's what they will say) and the bikes to more than the conditions and roads allow.

bikes are soooo much faster than cars and you have to factor that in as the people in cars operate at a much slower speed also :-)
 
I haven't ridden a motorbike since 1989, but if I was ever tempted then I would go for a non sports bike around 600cc to 750cc, simply because of the power and also the fact that I am not as supple/flexible than I once was.
When I passed my test back in the early eighties, I went from a Kawasaki AR80 to a GPz 550, and despite the leap in power, the big bike was a lot safer, handled better and generally gave a lot of confidence from day one.
 
loads of great bikes out there now, the adventure sports area is great, loads of upright position, great power and brakes, fuel injection and Japanese reliability :)

I did Direct access and this ER5 was my first bike

 
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I'd spend the money on IAM training. Your local IAM biking group would be able to tailor the training to ease you back in to riding and build your skills to eventually pass the advanced test. It's the best money I've ever spent on my bike. I passed my advanced driving years ago then, after a motorbike accident I was lucky to escape from virtually injury free, took the advanced riding training/test.

The observers will quite often be ex-police riders (at least they were in my group) who are the best road riders out there. They always know the best biking routes in your area too!
 
ER5's are great bikes, update to the GPZ500S. Light, great commuter and good for people with short legs also :) I did 108K miles on a GPZ500S commuting without ever taking anything on the engine apart, just oil changes and the usual consumables of brakes, tyres and chains/sprockets

So OP - how big are you and what's your rough budget. Are you thinking new or secondhand. Personally to start again I'd recommend a decent cheap secondhand bike whilst you get used to riding again.

Times to be aware of, so you dont drop the bike (get it past that point of no return when stopped).
1. Always check the side stand is fully down. Lower the bike gently onto it and test, don't just expect it to be there and work.
2. Always raise the sidestand fully. Check before moving off. Don't ever rely on so called springs that pop it up.(I take mine off)
3. If turning around on a hill, or stopping on a gradient, be aware that one side of the bike will be lower than the other, so if you need to put your foot down, expect it to be a lot lower than you think.


Always embarrassing getting the bike to a point of no return and having to gentle lower it onto it's side as you cant hold it.
 
I only ride a Yamaha 125 and its cheap as blooming chips to keep and run, free parking(in Leicester City Centre anyway).. and its light and slim so you can whip around the City no problem.. I have been on a 250 mile round trip to the coast and back and it was alright, wouldn't want to do it every day but for the 1/2 a dozen times I do it in a year its okay.
 
it has to be said a modern 125 is a different beast to the old 60s stuff.
my missus learnt on a yam YBR125 and it was a mazing.
 
Most modern 125s would knock the socks of my "modern" 500! Then again, my 500 is a rather ancient design, even if it has been updated.
 
Hi everyone

Thanks for everyone's input so far, I really appreciate it (the good and the bad!)

Re my height I'm around 5'10.Budget wise not sure, probably £2-£3k on the bike but I need to look at the cost of helmets etc which I don't have. I don't mind new or used, lot of advice says get used to start off with but I'm open to either. Can possibly get more expensive bike on the finance type deals. I quite like the look of the Kawasaki Vulcan but it's possibly not ideal for commuting, I'll need to go and sit on some bikes I think. I don't think I want a sports bike though.
 
Google your local IAM motorcyclist group.

They will give you all the training and advice you need, for the price of joining the group, usually.
 
If you are looking at commuting at 5'10' I reckon check out a used Kawasaki 6N also an older Honda CBF600 (Not R) both mega bikes for what you are looking at and easily fit your budget.
Helmets and clothes check out J and S and don't bother with leather stuff, go with goretex type nylon jackets, cheap boots are fine as long as they go up and cover your shins.

Oh and budget for a back protector

helmets loads of good ones for very little money.

Also gloves, get good gloves :)
 
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Thought the leather was good for protection when/if sliding down the road
 
nog said:
Thought the leather was good for protection when/if sliding down the road
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it is but for commuting it just lets the water in and gets blooming cold.
the nylon stuff is pretty damned good at keeping you warm :-)
 
So leather with nylon on top, IIRC have heard of the nylon melting as biker is sliding down the road, could google it but think I will have a little nap as its not fit fpr anything outside - especially biking:)
 
nog said:
So leather with nylon on top, IIRC have heard of the nylon melting as biker is sliding down the road, could google it but think I will have a little nap as its not fit fpr anything outside - especially biking:)
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I think the older stuff was pretty ropey, most of the modern stuff is ballistic nylon or gortex and has a lot more technology in it. I wear a hein gerricke jacket which is also fluorescent yellow, the great thing about the newer nylon jackets is you can wear layers underneath much easier.
 
I'm getting back on 2 wheels in march time. I had a CBR125R about 5 years ago but losing my job put getting my proper licance on the back burner. I'm eyeing up a Triumph Street Triple due to having short legs so being limited to something I can get my feet flat doen on :)

I'll be doing my CBT and theory in the next month so am busy atm on http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
sorting my gear , winter gloves at the top of my list
 
If you are really looking at riding in winter look at heated clothing especially garbing gloves :-)

they just change your whole outlook on cold weather riding.
 
As Byker28i says, if you want to do it then go for it - we are all a long time dead, and I know a lot of people who may be breathing but rarely show any other signs of life..
I could give you the my long and still ongoing saga of my bike accident back in 1986 and the 14 ops I have had since, how it changed my life in all sorts of ways - lost my business and house, I still live with pain etc etc, but the other side is that I met my wife who nursed me as a result.
I have had several bikes since then, and only don't have one now as I can't afford one. My kids, who have both ridden pillion and seen me post op and living with crutches for 6 months at a time would love me to get one.
Take heed of the serious advice - good gloves, in case you come off (people put there hands out to stop a fall) along with all the other gear, and any refresher course has to be money well spent.
From what you say, you enjoy your life, so keep on doing just that and have fun !
 
nog said:
Thought the leather was good for protection when/if sliding down the road
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The new fabric stuff is really good, fluffs up like the chainsaw protection clothing when damaged for additional protection. Warm, waterproof, washable, foam type armour - it's really good stuff these days.
 
Mr Bump said:
If you are really looking at riding in winter look at heated clothing especially garbing gloves :)

they just change your whole outlook on cold weather riding.
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http://www.exo2.co.uk/

I've had one of their waistcoats since they started, I was one of the initial testers. Wore it out after about 8 years so bought another at full price I was so impressed.,
 
@stevewestern my wife and I know a young lad who has just had a massive accident also, out with his mates on a sunny sunday afternoon last year.
bottom line he is 25 and he now has an arm that doesn't work :-(
 
As has been said, helmets can be had pretty cheaply and offer very decent protective qualities even when compared to more expensive models (if you believe the SHARP ratings). I've got an expensive Shoei and a cheapish flip-front. The major difference is wind noise and weight - reducing both is where the money goes.The cheapo is incredibly noisy at motorway speeds and weighs roughly a kilo more.

In this country get some heated grips too. I've been known to use them in the summer when I've had my summer gloves on and it's got a bit chilly at night. But I am a big southern softy.
 
I'm a leather man (fnar, fnar!), although for winter riding I have a real Irvin flying jacket. Since I now ride purely for pleasure, waterproofing is fairly low on my list of priorities but I do keep a set of waterproof overalls on the bikes just in case! Like anyone whose been riding for a while, I've got mates in assorted states of disrepair and been to too many funerals :(. To all of you still enjoying 2 wheels, ride safe!
 
I can't answer the question, but I think it's a no-brainer, go and get some professional tuition!

I had quite a nasty bike crash 50 years ago, never ridden one since, at least not on the road. I still have a licence and no doubt am considered to be an excellent risk as I haven't had a claim for 50 years:)

One of the guys who works here had a very minor prang on his bike a few weeks ago - his very expensive bike is a write off, he suffered concussion, severe bruising and some soft tissue damage. The taxi that hit him has a small scratch on the bumper - so any training that can improve the chances of survival has to be a good thing.
 
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