Bikers

SPUGGIE J · 24-07-2007, 00:12

There has been comments made about car drivers of all ages so what about all those born again bikers that jump on modern bikes after 20 years and think that they can handle them? Bikes power has more than likely doubled per cc since they past the test originally and think they can handle them. Yet I havn't seen them needing retests despite the fact they are more likely to be in an accident than older motorists. So is it not time these people were targeted as well.

cashman · 24-07-2007, 00:18

used to get a lift to work in mid 70s on a Kawasaki 1000, have they doubled in cc? as far as re-tests go,it should apply to any bike or car driver if it was going to become the norm.

beechy · 24-07-2007, 05:10

i think its about time we all picked on the humble
cyclist slowly meandering along creating havoc
amongst our crazy drivers of all ages sexes
oh and sizes

entwisi · 24-07-2007, 07:27

Spuggie I agree wholeheartidly. They get 'proper' bikers a bad name, falling off every two minutes

Cashy, your mid 70's 1000cc kwack(z1 by any chance) would do ~120 maybe a bit more, the frame bent like mad when you braked or hit any potholes and the tyres and suspension were from the ark. Todays 1000cc Kwack will wheelie at 130+ top out at 186(300km/hour, gentlemans agreement) do 0-95 in 1st gear and produces ~150bhbp. Tyres, suspension, brakes are in a different universe nowadays to even 15 years ago

I daren't get on one of todays 1000cc sports bikes as I have very little self control when I get going and I'd either be in jail or dead within the hour.

The only thing I will say is that of all classes of motorist, bikers spend a LOT more time analysing their riding and how they can improve than any other group so BABs will quite quickly improve to the point of being competant.

SPUGGIE J · 24-07-2007, 15:46

I road motor bikes when younger but wont ride them now because they are too powerful. I see more and more people riding big powerful bikes and they get on the motorway and just open them up like they are invincible. Its bad enough that seasoned bikers suffer because of the ones that are stupid enough to go for it at speed and have accidents. See plenty of tourers on the roads passing through here behaving like they should yet they to suffer because of the minority the same as with cars so maybe its time for a change.

entwisi · 24-07-2007, 15:49

I have a T shirt I bought when I was younger, its got a picture of a biker knee down round a bend, hanging off etc. The words "I'm Immortal !!!" in big letters and "Well, so far...." in tiny writing

Sports bikes are fun too, there is no law about how fast you can accelerate you know.

SPUGGIE J · 24-07-2007, 15:54

On the M9 I think they forget to stop accelerating and all you see is a black clad body flash past on a 2 wheeled rocket. The bikes may be up to it but is the rider?

Is the T shirt a reminder to stay safe by any chance?

ukcowboy · 24-07-2007, 18:23

I used to ride in the early 80's, back when you could ride a 250cc bike on 'L' plates, but gave it up when I learnt to drive a car.

Six years ago I suddenly had the urge to get back onto two wheels, however after test riding about 4 different bikes I realised that my riding skills were completely out of date, so I decided to take a weeks bike riding course to 'refresh' my technique........What an eye opener that was, and , I have to say the best £250 I have spent, I learnt so much about riding modern bikes on modern tyres as so much had changed!

I am now the proud owner of a Honda CBR 600 and consider myself to be a much better rider than I was all those years ago. IMHO EVERYONE who wishes to get back on to two wheels after such a long break should HAVE to take a refresher course.........it sure as hell worked for me!!

Eric · 25-07-2007, 18:50

I think that bikes, like clothes and music, have settled down into age groupings .... crotch rockets for the young, dressers and baggers for guys my age, and if you are in bletween, a sports touring bike. I ride a '78 Yamaha 650 Special; and that is snotty enough for me downtown. If I am slabbing it, or going on a long trip, I ride my 05 Yamaha V-Star Classic ... a fairly sedate old f**t's bike. But I do agree on the refresher course idea. The local community college here has a good one for all levels of skill (or lack of it) for only about $350.