Virgin Biker

Hey guys,

I found this club through a member on the Focus ST Owners Club - yes I own one.

Anyways, i've decided to take the leap this year and get my license and then...an SV650. Admittadly I've never been on a bike, not even as a pillion passenger. mainly because of a death in the family some 20-odd years ago so its a taboo subject - as is me getting a bike (nobody knows).

Anyways, do you guys have any tips at all on my new experience?? One thing that frightens me to death is the possibility that sooner or later I'll be involved in some form of incident. I know most here have prob been involved in an accident so again, any tips of avoiding this will be welcome.

The bike will only be used for good weather fun.....and some tours to Ireland and possibly France later in the year.

[TSM]

Right would that be a honda bike owner?

[timwilky]

Who lives in the souf and has to come up norf for decent biking roads

and proper beer of course

and who owns a crap car

Firstly, Welcome to the site. You'll find everything you need to know and more in hear.

Secondly, Biking is something to embrace and enjoy. The others will touch on this in more detail.

Thirdly, Accidents. Life is a danger no matter what path you take. You cross the road you look both ways. You ride a bike you wear protection.

Personally, when I ride my bike I expect to come off at every junction, every turn. I expect that car to do a U turn or that kid to run out infront of me. It makes you more aware and vigilant.

Above all just relax and enjoy it!

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Craigster

Anyways, do you guys have any tips at all on my new experience?? One thing that frightens me to death is the possibility that sooner or later I'll be involved in some form of incident. I know most here have prob been involved in an accident so again, any tips of avoiding this will be welcome.

Relax and enjoy it. Its supposed to be fun. The secret to it, Is forward planning, observation and always having an escape route in mind, my golden rule number one is always expect that unexpected. Extra training such as IAM or a bikesafe once you've passed your test will help to.

Sometimes, though sh*t happens and there isnt anything you can do about it. Your only hope then is the kit that you have invested in and that somebody is looking out for you that day.

I never get on the bike and think today I might crash. I just don't ever think like that. Trust yourself and the bike, and you will get out of most situations. If I have a close scrape or ride like a tw*t ( which I do sometimes ) I stop and have a think or I think when I get home, how could I have done that better or avoided that in the first place. Every time you ride you learn something.

Welcome to the site, good luck with your test.

enjoy biking and welcome to sv650.org

[mister c]

Been riding for nearly 30 years & can count one 2 hands how many incidents I've had. I ride nearly 7 days a week every week, so it is a lot of miles.
As a bike instructor, my advice to you would be Ride defensively, but not like a scared cat, look well ahead and ride to your limits and not the other riders you go out with, there is always someone out there faster than you & you will not find the bikes limits as easy as you will find your own. (if that makes any sense)

I'd class myself as a confident driver - i know its different - but I always drive like you guys suggest riding. i.e. anticipating hazards etc

I've been on a few advanced driving days with ex-police etc so I'm sure it'll all be fine, I'll be doing the same with the bike. Looking forward to getting on something different though for a bit more thrill.

Most accidents you WILL walk away from. Those you dont walk away from, you have a very high chance of recovering well in hospital.

PROVIDED you protect yourself; i worked out last night that my kit has cost me nearly £900 (and some of it was discounted stuff at bike shows). Do i mind i spent all that?

Nope.

Because if I have an accident, The chances are I'll walk away. Or at least recover fully in hospital.

Yea, bikes are dangerous, but you can reduce the risk.

Oh, and good luck!

Matt