Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

Matt's (dizzys feller) raptor feels really tiny, and TLS engine note ... mmmmm

I'd love one if it wasn't Italian (due to the parts situation)

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

Oh they are teensy little bikes which is one of the reasons I had one (I'm about 5'2"). Mine was probably the best bike I've ever owned, and the one that suited me the most but I got rid because of it was giving trouble and no-one could fix it :(

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

Let me guess, electrics?

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

I dunno really. From what I've learned since, the clutch switch breaks on them causing it to run the wrong map when it's cold or something, leading to bad running. Cost me a fortune to not have it fixed too :rolleyes:

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

maybe if it were a 650, but the sit up bars and the weight make it difficult to shift. I'm hypermobile, and got scores of dodgy muscles n joints, especially my shoulders, which are unstable. The Sv clip ons give me a chance to oomph it round without having to get my shoulders in positions that give me masses of pain, plus I have to lean it against my hip in an odd way to counteract my back giving in. I'd have nochance lifting it if it went and thats jus the SV. I'd love to give her a go, but i'd only get more deaf with them M4's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! plus he's not very often here, so I don't get chance

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

Nah that's rubbish I'm afraid. The test is harder now than it used to be yet more kids are parking their cars in brick walls.

It's not a problem of power, speed or training - simply attitude.

This is something the police already know - your attitude towards them once pulled over is as much likely to determine if you get a ticket than whatever it was you did to get pulled over in the first place. Probably why we used to have the safest roads in the world. Now with all the governments 'improvements' which seem to rely solely on technology and beaurocrasy to we're falling behind.

Anyway - road safety is as much to do with people attitudes than anything else, something for which there is no quick fix.You can try to socially engineering it out, but as this governments done a good job of demonstrating, it often causes more problems than it solves.

But mostly, other peoples safety simply isn't anyone else's business.

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

So we should do away with zebra crossings and lollipop crossing attendants? Free for all on the roads? I always watch out when I see small childre playing by the road - their safety is certainly my business. What a lot of nonsense.

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

A wee bit harsh ejohnh.

I'm going to fall somewhere in the middle on this one. Other peoples choices on their own safety are nobody elses business. If I want to ride in shorts and a T-shirt I bloody well will. It only affects me so we don't need a law which says I must wear protective gear.

However when a safety issue starts to have an impact on the wider society, I think society has a right to demand laws be made. Speak to the parent of the 14 year old who was killed when the 17 year old parked his car in a wall whlist "cruising" on a Saturday night, and they will think they have a right to be concerned about what other peoples 17 year olds can and cannot drive. I happen to agree.

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

Claire. Great story. Made me smile. I know the area that the test ride was in and its great. Obviously spoilt on Hugh Heffner though.

Why do some people think it is big and clever to go out and buy the biggest, fastest bikes on the market. Have they got a screw loose. What are there DA instructors teaching them.

Heard a great quote on Top Gear recently (yes, I am into cars as well). A car (can't remember the type) was designed and built to be easy to drive cos, as the manufacturers put it, all the money in the world can't buy talent.

I had the offer of a GSX-R750 from a guy I work with recently. I told him that I'm more than happy with my SV at the moment but to come back to me in 2 years when I have got a few more miles under my belt. He ended up selling it to someone else I know. The guy that bought it told me that I ought to get the GSX-R750 (or a similar sports bike) as a first bike as it will help me learn quicker. When I told him I had only been riding a month or two and that I wanted something that was a bit forgiving of my supreme lack of talent his only comment was that it makes no difference what you ride, its all about how you move your right hand. He has offered to take me out later on in the year to show me how fast a bike can be ridden. I think I'll call in sick that day.

Here's hoping you see and old guy on a GSX-R1000, just to prove we are not as bad as we think we are.

Have a great year to you all and ride safe.

Stradders.

Re: New Riders and Big Bikes?
 

:laughat:
"Help you to learn quicker"

Thats a classic. Never heard that before.:)

This thread is as mad scary as the "I don't use the front brakes in the wet" thread.

Laugh or cry , I'don't know.:(