FabSwingers.com forum: Returning to a big bike after years out

By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

I stopped riding quite some time ago after a big off ( was skittled by a car, when stoped at a stop sign and was thrown under a lorry , was very lucky how I landed )

Anyway.. I wasn't badly hurt but it frightened me. However... call it midlife crisis or just need.. I've decided I want to get a new bike next year( currently have a young baby staying with me so no point and need to save)

So should I perhaps get a smaller bike to get me used to the roads again. Is there a course like the cbt for a refresher course as its been a while...

Anyone done the same and got any advice x

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By *inky_KarpenterMan
over a year ago

Alton and London

I'd always go for a bike that's the right size for you. Getting a 'small' bike will just wind you up

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

Best advice is to go on an advanced riding course. That will teach you much more than any basic CBT stuff. IAM is worth every penny. We have both done it

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Best advice is to go on an advanced riding course. That will teach you much more than any basic CBT stuff. IAM is worth every penny. We have both done it

"
I've done it in the past... x

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By *urrey_2011Man
over a year ago

Dorking

Lots of nice middle weight bikes that are easy to ride… SV650 is a cracking little bike. Great on the road and sporty enough. I’ve ridden them for years.. raced them and on the road. Cheap to buy abc fix too

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By *ichi_acerMan
over a year ago

notts

Get something that fits you and is comfortable for you to ride at 70mph

Then something with service history and no damage or mod’s

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Lots of nice middle weight bikes that are easy to ride… SV650 is a cracking little bike. Great on the road and sporty enough. I’ve ridden them for years.. raced them and on the road. Cheap to buy abc fix too

"
I have had the sv1000s it's what I was knocked off. I already know what I'm getting as a big bike. It's more best ways to get back on the road with one.

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Get something that fits you and is comfortable for you to ride at 70mph

Then something with service history and no damage or mod’s "
I giggled at a part of this. I as i said already know what I'm going to get... and to be honest not so bothered about history as long as its not been down the road. Would be fixing it myself if something went wrong

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

"Best advice is to go on an advanced riding course. That will teach you much more than any basic CBT stuff. IAM is worth every penny. We have both done it

I've done it in the past... x "

IAM do refresher stuff as well, they are always there for anyone needing an observed ride to refresh their skills

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By *ay-89Woman
over a year ago

Norwich

I cant say for where you are but I know that training schools in my area offer a refresher course. Kinda like a lesson but helping you get your confidence back up without the pressure of re doing a test again.

Good luck in what you decide.

I've not been out for 2 years now. No mot and she's in the garage gathering dust not miles.

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By *aughty_couple_97Couple
over a year ago

crosby

Might be worth messaging your local riding school and explain your situation to them and they should be able to book you in for a few hours

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Might be worth messaging your local riding school and explain your situation to them and they should be able to book you in for a few hours "
going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.

Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.

Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol

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By *ean counterMan
over a year ago

Market Harborough / Kettering

It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy.

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By *lim and louiseCouple
over a year ago

dromore

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By *lim and louiseCouple
over a year ago

dromore

Depends I think on what you've got your mind on getting ??

What ever you get just take your time to get used to.it don't carry on like your 20 again lol,I did the same been off bikes for a few years had saw a bike I liked brought it dug out my old leather jacket that didn't fit to well and off I went ,biking though has changed no one let's on to you like they used to ,

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By *lim and louiseCouple
over a year ago

dromore

Depends I think on what you've got your mind on getting ??

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By *ikerdude2017Man
over a year ago

Rotherham

I had a break of 10 years from riding. And when I was looking to buy I had some refresher lessons from a Rding school. A lot offer courses or sessions for people returning to two wheels. And helped me a lot and practice is another tip. Took me ages to get use to corners again. When you do get one Ride Safe.

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By *iker BullMan
over a year ago

leeds

Trackday,,Caldwell park,fast group,,preferably damp,,that will sharpen you up

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By *not69Man
over a year ago

Lancashire

IAM or RoSPA, I've done them both and I highly recommend both of them. I did IAM 10yrs ago and RoSPA last year after a 7yr break. You could start off with a bike safe course if you don't want to go straight for an advanced course.

I can also highly recommend i2i MCAs machine control courses

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By *ugyukMan
over a year ago

dundee

"It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy.

+1 for this one

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By *oShrinkingVioletWoman
over a year ago

the land of unicorns and fairytales

"It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy.

+1 for this one"

Has angel got her wheels yet ? We going to see you out and about soon ?

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By *ngelnfugyCouple
over a year ago

Dundee

"It's like riding a bike! Literally!! Get a bike, go out early on a Sunday morning whilst the roads are quiet, take it steady and enjoy.

+1 for this one

Has angel got her wheels yet ? We going to see you out and about soon ? "

hi violet...no yet...but she has her own kit noo....getting there

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Trackday,,Caldwell park,fast group,,preferably damp,,that will sharpen you up"
I marshal track days... I wouldn't even manage a novice group on track

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I stopped riding quite some time ago after a big off ( was skittled by a car, when stoped at a stop sign and was thrown under a lorry , was very lucky how I landed )

So should I perhaps get a smaller bike to get me used to the roads again. Is there a course like the cbt for a refresher course as its been a while...

Anyone done the same and got any advice x"

When I came back from Kosovo, I split up with my then wife. In rebound mode I did a DAS course and got a ZX12! I rode it like a scooter to start with, but learned and learned and loved it.

When I was doing my DAS course though, age 30, there were a lot of older guys coming in for refresher courses, all looking to get back on a bike after a long lay off. My instructor explained that bike technology constantly grows and the bike they remember is nothing like a modern machine. Advice that’s stayed with me and I’ll utilise if I ever get back on one

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By *ustme34Man
over a year ago

Bradford

" going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.

Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.

Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol "
i think this is a good idea. Get used to the controls again on the 125 and then if son is wanting it after then win win . Meanwhile you can be deciding what bike you want

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

" going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.

Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.

Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol i think this is a good idea. Get used to the controls again on the 125 and then if son is wanting it after then win win . Meanwhile you can be deciding what bike you want

"
the decision on which bike is already decided.. I want a ducati monster 696... to go with the Italian cars

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had a few years away from bikes went for a 650 trail bike after a year bought a firestorm. But have had all sorts in the past including fireblades.

Mates cot one if those Benelli 125 had a ride on it cracking bike for the price. The Suzuki SV 650 a cracker as well as the Kawasaki.

Love Ducati but not the running costs

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By *rincess and her FrogCouple
over a year ago

congleton

Most bike schools offer a refresher course for rusty riders. Tell them your story and they will tailor it to suite your needs

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Riding schools are now offering a back to biking course, I am looking at this as I haven't been on a bike in 5 years.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Size might be important but what matters most is control and that you get your feet firmly in the ground. After than modern bikes are so well balanced that engine size doesn’t really matter that much. Register for an IAMs course perhaps. This will really help I am sure and you will meet others near to where you live and get riding with like minded people. Happy riding !

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Size might be important but what matters most is control and that you get your feet firmly in the ground. After than modern bikes are so well balanced that engine size doesn’t really matter that much. Register for an IAMs course perhaps. This will really help I am sure and you will meet others near to where you live and get riding with like minded people. Happy riding ! "
I already know which bike I'm getting for a big bike. May need a few adjustments

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By *ugyukMan
over a year ago

dundee

" I already know which bike I'm getting for a big bike. May need a few adjustments

do tell

about the bike....no the adjustments

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

Ducati monster 696 keep the Italian theme going at home. It Can keep the alfas happy.

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By *edLionScotMan
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Check out the Curvy Riders.

They're all over the country. They have regular ride outs and cater for all abilities.

Getting out on your bike, and riding with others, initially in small groups, will help build your skills and confidence.

A track session, specially for first-timers is a great way to build your ability.

Think of it as a big one way street, without the road furniture, ironworks, or on-coming vehicles. Added bonus of a good surface, great visibility, and forgiving run-off areas.

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By *ugyukMan
over a year ago

dundee

"Ducati monster 696 keep the Italian theme going at home. It Can keep the alfas happy. "

nice!

a lovely nimble bike

you'll love it

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By *ay-89Woman
over a year ago

Norwich

"Ducati monster 696 keep the Italian theme going at home. It Can keep the alfas happy. "

Love the monsters. I have an old 600.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tbh honest you won't need it. Once you get back on. It will all come back to you. Or you will shit yourself and think it's not for you. Just book a lesson on a bigger bike for a day. That will tell you if you still have it

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By *it_filthyMan
over a year ago

luton, london

Ducati are great , but very expensive on service and parts etc . Get the bike you want personally as you’ll only be frustRted riding something smaller even for a short period . Go do your cbt again if it’s just a want to get back on due to nerves

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Might be worth messaging your local riding school and explain your situation to them and they should be able to book you in for a few hours going to get the bike and do a few quite rides on the cul de sac and book a refresher course too I think.

Tempted to buy a 125 for a brief while ( as my son is looking to get a 125 next year.. ) so can just sell it on to him.

Was going to take my daughters 50cc moped out earlier but after moving it and getting it off the drive I decided I don't like rev and go lol "

If going a 125, the cb125, ybz125 and the slightly larger big bike feel twin, XL 125.

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Check out the Curvy Riders.

They're all over the country. They have regular ride outs and cater for all abilities.

Getting out on your bike, and riding with others, initially in small groups, will help build your skills and confidence.

A track session, specially for first-timers is a great way to build your ability.

Think of it as a big one way street, without the road furniture, ironworks, or on-coming vehicles. Added bonus of a good surface, great visibility, and forgiving run-off areas.

"
I often marshal track days... I don't fancy one at all

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By *oShrinkingVioletWoman
over a year ago

the land of unicorns and fairytales

Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet "
if you read the op, my child would have a 125 after me if I go that route x

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By *oShrinkingVioletWoman
over a year ago

the land of unicorns and fairytales

"Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet if you read the op, my child would have a 125 after me if I go that route x"

I did read and it says you were tempted as your son may have it after you sorry if I misread or perhaps you don’t really want any genuine answers

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"Why don’t you get a wee 300cc if you’re not sure about going big yet if you read the op, my child would have a 125 after me if I go that route x

I did read and it says you were tempted as your son may have it after you sorry if I misread or perhaps you don’t really want any genuine answers

"
I've had lots if answers that have been great.. but if I don't go straight back to a big bike it would be a 125 as 259s, 400s etc work out quite costly. And my kids couldn't use it after me but thanks

I've kinda worked out just get on a refresher course from talking to people via this thread... I've got 6 months to work it out as this is not the time of year to buy a bike

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

Excuse the typos

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By *asher11Man
over a year ago

market harborough

just follow me you will soon get your confidence back when you go whistling by me on your 125 i'm that slow

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By *ittleMissCali OP Woman
over a year ago

all loved up

"just follow me you will soon get your confidence back when you go whistling by me on your 125 i'm that slow

"
hahaha

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