Would you give up biking?

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lazarus · #1 Post by **lazarus** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:28 pm

Common sense tells me that the combination of bikes and my love of speed is a recipe for disaster. And there's no point in pretending I can not wind the throttle open / not race the guy ahead of me etc - because I cant, no matter how much I try to be sensible. So today I went off to have a trial ride in a Lotus Elise with the idea that a few track days in a car might do the necessary. Fulfill the "need for speed" without being quite so risky.

Lovely car, sticks to the road like sh*t to a blanket, nice gearbox, makes the right noises, even seems well built - but somehow doesnt do it like a bike does. Undoubtedly faster through the corners than any bike but nothing like as sensuous doing it.

I suppose its the classic conflict between common sense and what you really want to do. What do you reckon - could you give up biking? Even after an accident? Which would you chose _ Elise R or bike?

Or is this a daft question to ask on a biking forum?

Samray · #2 Post by **Samray** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:46 pm

Common sense tells me that the combination of bikes and my love of speed is a recipe for disaster. And there's no point in pretending I can not wind the throttle open / not race the guy ahead of me etc - because I cant, no matter how much I try to be sensible.

Agreed, and I've been lucky so far.

Lovely car, sticks to the road like sh*t to a blanket, nice gearbox, makes the right noises, even seems well built - but somehow doesnt do it like a bike does. Undoubtedly faster through the corners than any bike but nothing like as sensuous doing it.

Not faster through the traffic though, in fact just one mobile chicane on the road gives a bike the edge.

I suppose its the classic conflict between common sense and what you really want to do. What do you reckon - could you give up biking? Even after an accident? Which would you chose _ Elise R or bike?

Doubt I could live without a bike no matter how little it gets used, in fact only been out about twice a month lately because of health matters and pressure of work.
Wouldn't consider a car to be a substitute though I might be forced to get a bike that was less responsive to the noise making hand.
At that stage might even decide on a tr*ke so I can dump the helmet too.

#3 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:50 pm

I find I suffer withdrawl symptoms if I cant be ....involved... with biking in some fashion. Either fixing a bike or riding a bike, etc I ended up getting a 'ped just to slake the desire to twist a throttle and be propelled down a road on 2 wheels.

Elise R or a Bike?

If I was trying to slow down reduce the risk but still get the thrill, I guess I would simply downsize to something that that you have to thrash to get anywhere.

RGV250? Less of a licence loser but still shits and giggles.

I'd definately choose an old knackered stroker over an Elise R

Paulh · #4 Post by **Paulh** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:03 pm

lazarus wrote:Common sense tells me that the combination of bikes and my love of speed is a recipe for disaster. And there's no point in pretending I can not wind the throttle open / not race the guy ahead of me etc - because I cant, no matter how much I try to be sensible.

I suppose its the classic conflict between common sense and what you really want to do. What do you reckon - could you give up biking? Even after an accident?

Or is this a daft question to ask on a biking forum?

Maybe your second sentence gives you the answer - sell the road bike and go racing

I'm in my 4th season, had more crashes in that time than in 20+ years on the road, I'm never going to win anything, I'm skint, too old, but its the best thing I ever did. Also slightly cheaper than a Lotus Elise.

Why go with common sense ??????

#5 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:10 pm

Dont believe the nasty man....

Also slightly cheaper than a Lotus Elise.

yeah riiiight!!!

Paulh · #6 Post by **Paulh** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:12 pm

Kwackerz wrote:Dont believe the nasty man....

Also slightly cheaper than a Lotus Elise.

yeah riiiight!!!

I'm assuming he means a brand new one

every couple of years

#7 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:16 pm

Nice one here for 27k

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/341190.htm

I suppose it depends on WHAT you want to race. Not everyone is suited to an MZ or old Yamaha. Get a steel framed CBR and youre instantly into the realms of costing Elise money

BikerGran · #8 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:31 pm

I'll never give up riding till I'm forced to - that's why I'm on a trike. Having a leg that's likely to let me down at some point, I need the 3rd wheel to stay on the road - contrary to what many bikers think, a trike does NOT have all the disadvatages of a car and non of the advatages! Mine may not be very fast but it's fun! And fairly hairy round tight corners!

Wouldn't mind having the Lotus Elise as well tho.

fastasfcuk · #9 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:44 pm

i'd never give up unless forced to, life is a risk, true bikes are a big one but where do you draw the line and stop living.you could be the most sensible person in the world and drop dead at 58 like a friend of mine as just done. besides i think you could only give up bikes when you've had enough, we all think it's never going to happen to us.

Paulh · #10 Post by **Paulh** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:56 pm

True, but where you live also has a lot to do with it.

There's not a lot of fun to be had riding around South London on anything.

I know I'd feel differently if there were a few empty roads to play on.

BikerGran · #11 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:59 pm

Doesn't take all that long to get out of south London on a bike does it?

Paulh · #12 Post by **Paulh** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:03 pm

BikerGran wrote:Doesn't take all that long to get out of south London on a bike does it?

No - but then its Surrey with all the Gatso's, speed traps etc.

And the roads are just all full up

Tweaker · #13 Post by **Tweaker** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:35 pm

Can't ever see me giving up unless health forces the issue. The thought of not having a bike in the garage for those days when I just need 'Fix' is too horrendous to consider.

That said, a friend of mine, who lived and breathed bikes, witnessed a fatal bike accident a few years ago - nothing to do with him. It shook him up so badly, he rode home, sold the bike a few weeks later and never rode again.

So I guess what I'm saying is, you never know.......

Pierre · #14 Post by **Pierre** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:40 pm

I agree with paulh. Youve mentioned going on the track in the car, why not a bike? Although racing straight aways a big step, theres nothing to stop you riding a cheap piece of crap on a trackday to test the water.

I havent ridden on the road since last may and like kwakerz I live eat and breath for bikes, but falling off once a month on a track quenches my desires.

And trikes are slightly less scary than parachuting onto a helecopter with razorblades for rotors but its a close call.

woody · #15 Post by **woody** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:41 pm

Give up biking!! No!!

I love the whole scene, not just riding a bike.... when I can't ride a bike, I will ride a trike ala Bikergran.....

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