I'm thinking of giving up bikes.

[lazarus]

Had an accident last year that wrote off my modern bike and most of my gear. But despite having the insurance payout and having recovered enough to ride, I cant wind myself up enough to buy another bike. Looked at enough bikes in enough dealers, but just dont want to ride strongly enough to sign the cheque.

Part of it is the safety issue even though I've ridden my classic bike a few times recently, and am not afraid on the road. Its just that the accident risk is somehow a lot more real having had one. But its also the convenience - the gear, discomfort in hot weather, cold weather, when raining heavily etc. And in reality a bike is no more fun than a sports car.

But having said all this, I still watch the bike racing, still buy the mags, and still look up when a bike rides past. So I'm so firmly sat on the fence that I have splinters in my ars*e

Any body else felt like this about bikes?

[Kwackerz]

and still look up when a bike rides past.

Maybe your RS title is the way forward?

lazarus
Track Day Addict

A few occasional TD's on a cheap fun bike (CBR600 maybe?) to 'keep your hand in' ?

MUCH more fun than a Sportscar, even more fun than Sex in a Sportscar. And cheaper than either too... well, maybe..

[Paulh]

I finally gave up road riding totally last year as fun had gone out of it, and the bike (Mille) was too impractical to be any fun IMO.

I was also concerened about being involved in someone else's accident, and felt the consequences weren't worth the risk for me.



I just go racing, with a few trackdays and the odd offroad day now and have no regrets - dont miss road riding at all, but probably enjoy my riding more than ever.


Funny part is though I never broke a bone in about 20 years of road riding, but have done a couple in my two years on track already - but I'm still convinced its safer.







Only downside is its costing me a fortune

[Samray]

But its also the convenience - the gear, discomfort in hot weather, cold weather, when raining heavily etc.

That I can certainly empathise with.
Oh for those good old days when you could just sling yer leg over and go ... even if those bikes never went far without some mid journey fettling. I positively hate my helmet.
It's the one thing that could put me on 3 wheels.

[Gio]

Had an accident last year that wrote off my modern bike and most of my gear. But despite having the insurance payout and having recovered enough to ride, I cant wind myself up enough to buy another bike. Looked at enough bikes in enough dealers, but just dont want to ride strongly enough to sign the cheque.

Part of it is the safety issue even though I've ridden my classic bike a few times recently, and am not afraid on the road. Its just that the accident risk is somehow a lot more real having had one. But its also the convenience - the gear, discomfort in hot weather, cold weather, when raining heavily etc. And in reality a bike is no more fun than a sports car.

But having said all this, I still watch the bike racing, still buy the mags, and still look up when a bike rides past. So I'm so firmly sat on the fence that I have splinters in my ars*e

Any body else felt like this about bikes?

Its the major reason I'm giving up road riding.

I'll more than likely do 3 or 4 trackdays a year and get more from it.

I'll not go the 3 wheel route.

[Kwackerz]

I positively hate my helmet.
It's the one thing that could put me on 3 wheels.

And one of the only things that kept you on two

[falcomunky]

The few things you feel passionate about in life should never be usurped by any practicalities they might offer...

[Tweaker]

I did my first track day at Mallory last Friday and had a brilliant time but..... it's left me wondering if the road riding is still worth the effort. Normally, I would have been out at the weekend but the urge just wasn't there so, like you, I'm wondering if a few track days a year will satisfy my riding needs.
I've got a '66 Honda 305 in the garage to restore and, TBH, a bimble on that on a sunny Sunday might well be enough.
I'm not going to rush into anything yet but I'll see how much riding I actually do over the summer.

[Tweaker]

Wey Hey - that makes me a Track Day Addict now too (must be an sign). Guess it's my turn at the bar

[snapdragon]

always have a spare - and always get back on as soon as I'm able (after an off)

but then I have a lot of riding to catch up with

[woody]

I don't get it!! your thinking of giving up bikes cos they are dangerous but you're still going to do track days, dont you still have to ride a bike??




What if you crashed your car, would you give up driving??

[Tweaker]

Can't speak for the others but, I'm not giving up bikes, just considering where to ride them - and fear of crashing isn't the reason. Driving a car is something I do to get from A to B and is rarely a pleasure. Riding a bike is - or should be - completely the opposite. As my tag line said, the ride is the reason, the destination is just the excuse.
However, most of my favourite roads round here have been double white lined, had 50 (or lower) speed limits posted and are well covered by Plod. The last few times I've been out, I've returned feeling less than satisfied with the experience. Of course, there are still the occasional times when it all comes together and I come back feeling all is great with the world - but they're fewer and fewer. The track day opened my eyes to what a great buzz I can still get from biking and has set me thinking - time will tell.

[Fausto]

I agree that every year it gets harder to enjoy yourself on the roads. However it also gets FAR HARDER to actually get anywhere in a car without being driven mad and wanting to kill everyone!!

So - if for that reason only - I hope to always have a bike. It may not be a biggie but it's just so damn convenient nipping into town - parking right outside the shops - and nipping home again on 2 wheels

I suppose it also depends on where you live. We still have some decent quiet roads round here that are tight enough to enjoy at nat. speed limit anyway (or nearly) and this is usually enough for me.

Plus - trips to France in a car??????

[lazarus]

Bought my wife a Smart roadster. Now you may well laugh at its power output and top speed (something like 80bhp and 120mph) but its very light weight, a wheel at each corner and an absolute hoot to drive down a twisty B road. Definitely faster round a corner than a bike, though it gets eaten for breakfast on the straight.

I suppose what I'm getting at is that cars can be fun too, whilst being significantly safer , slower, and a damn sight more comfortable than a bike. So I'm toying with replacing the bike with something like an Elise.

But I still bought another bike magazine in WHS today.

Interesting that so many people have exactly the same thoughts.

[Gio]

Bought my wife a Smart roadster. Now you may well laugh at its power output and top speed (something like 80bhp and 120mph) but its very light weight, a wheel at each corner and an absolute hoot to drive down a twisty B road. Definitely faster round a corner than a bike, though it gets eaten for breakfast on the straight.

I suppose what I'm getting at is that cars can be fun too, whilst being significantly safer , slower, and a damn sight more comfortable than a bike. So I'm toying with replacing the bike with something like an Elise.

But I still bought another bike magazine in WHS today.

Interesting that so many people have exactly the same thoughts.

You saying that, I rather fancy this



Its a Wolsey Hornet Special from 1932