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Post by romily on Jan 16, 2024 10:25:15 GMT -5
Anybody here rides a motorbike, or has done in the past?
I was recently thinking I wold like to do something fun and new and different this year, and recalled the rides I took with an ex when I was in my early 20s, and what a rush it was.
Seems in the UK you can get a very basic license with even a one day course, although I think I would want more to be comfortable on the road. There are also many clubs, some for only female riders, so it could be a social thing as well.
One of my friends lost it and said he will disown me as I will be ending up as roadkill - a co-worker who has there bikes bombarded me with links...
It's definitely a spring thing nothing for tomorrow, but it's an idea that kind of gets me excited - even if I only do the course and decide it's not for me, it's something new to try?
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Post by sophie on Jan 16, 2024 10:27:26 GMT -5
I had a small one in my late teens and my then fiancé drove a big one.. but nothing since then. My nursing friends call them donor- cycles.
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Post by jimm on Jan 16, 2024 15:58:07 GMT -5
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Post by Liiisa on Jan 16, 2024 16:38:09 GMT -5
Well that's not for me: anything other than pootling around a parking lot at 10 mph would be terrifying for me. But everyone is terrified of different things, so if you aren't, go for it.
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Post by crazycat on Jan 16, 2024 16:44:45 GMT -5
MrCat has his license and a bike but he rarely rides since we've had kids. He as a dirt bik at his Uncles farm which he probably uses more when he visits.
I used to ride as a passenger before we had kids. It was OK but I wasn't a huge fan. I think I've become more risk averse as I've got older.
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Motorcycle
Jan 16, 2024 18:36:48 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tinaja on Jan 16, 2024 18:36:48 GMT -5
Not a fan of motos. One crashed into my jeep head on when he decided to pass on a blind hill/curve. Totaled my jeep and broke my foot. In the old days I would ride with anyone.
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Post by Webs on Jan 16, 2024 18:40:08 GMT -5
It can't hurt to learn. Do you like speeding down roads with no protection and being buffetted by winds that could be anything from freezing cold to sandfilled hot.
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Post by wombatrois on Jan 16, 2024 18:43:19 GMT -5
I had a pact with myself to get a licence by a certain age, but it never happened. I've been thinking about it again, strangely.
Although I did ride a scooter for years and loved it - only 50cc so no motorbike licence required, so I kind of fulfilled by dream. Sadly I no longer have it.
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Post by Phar Lap on Jan 16, 2024 19:01:07 GMT -5
My eldest son (the Sydney Mob) and his then fiancée, had a motorcycle. He was involved in an accident, ended up sideways under a truck and the only thing that saved him were the very expensive Italian leathers he wore. On a trip to the Alice, I had the good luck to ride on the back of a Harley - twice on the open road. There’s nothing like it. So, get your licence and go from there. If you go ahead with it, have a ball, if you decide it’s not for you, you’ve not lost anything!
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Post by groo on Jan 17, 2024 0:30:22 GMT -5
Exhillerating! But I still bear the scar where the clutch handle of a BMW R60 embedded itself into my left leg after a head on meeting with a Ford Falcon. I'd been fishing and the police later told me that there were fish scattered the width of the road.
I spent more time in my VW 1200 after that.
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Post by romily on Jan 17, 2024 3:19:10 GMT -5
I might do the one day introduction course later this year (aka when it's not freezing and my holiday is paid for) and see how it goes. And if I even gain the confidence to rent a scooter when on holiday (small islands in Thailand for example) that would be a bonus.
I think I would love it - but not sure my body is up to it anymore ( hips and knees and so on)...
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Post by ozziegiraffe on Jan 17, 2024 4:12:13 GMT -5
I’ve only tried in an outback paddock. Loved it, but wouldn’t do it on the road. Like Tinaja, I had a nasty accident when a bike coming over a hill too fast hit me when I was making a right turn.
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Post by sprite on Jan 17, 2024 11:55:56 GMT -5
Definitely go for it--I grew up riding the back of my dad's, and sometimes go out with my parents if I'm home during club-ride season. It's special.
If you enjoy it, go to some bike shows and try out different bikes. My mom has shorter legs, and she really struggled with balance--then she got a Spyder (two front wheels, one rear, very low), and she only ever uses a car in winter now.
Having a touring bike also opens up all sorts of travel possibilities, and the electric motorbikes are really coming on.
Safety is definitely a thing, but given how many people die on the roads and sidewalks in the UK every year, wouldn't you at least want to be having fun when you go?
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Post by psw on Jan 17, 2024 14:45:27 GMT -5
Years ago I was a passenger, but have never driven a bike. Too late for me now.
I agree with taking a short course and getting a license - add one more life-skill. You never know when it may come in handy.
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Post by Phar Lap on Jan 21, 2024 4:27:45 GMT -5
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Post by romily on Jan 22, 2024 6:10:31 GMT -5
I just wanted to say "keep the racist shit out of my threads"...
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Post by mod on Jan 22, 2024 10:13:16 GMT -5
Phar, if you cannot moderate yourself you will be blocked for a month.
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Post by Phar Lap on Jan 22, 2024 14:08:48 GMT -5
"Aborigines you know"? Yikes Liiisa, I repeated her words verbatim. I realise now, I shouldn’t have done so.
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Post by Phar Lap on Jan 22, 2024 14:10:14 GMT -5
Phar, if you cannot moderate yourself you will be blocked for a month. My apologies to this board and all the members. I repeated verbatim what my daughter had said. I realise now, I should not have done.
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Motorcycle
Jan 22, 2024 15:16:39 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Liiisa on Jan 22, 2024 15:16:39 GMT -5
I appreciate your apology, Phar; thank you.
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