Motorcyclists: Have You Got An Urge To Be Out On The Roads Yet

[AB Editor]

Afternoon All & bikers in particular,

I just wondered if you've considered heading out on the bike yet this year? And if so what are the main things you think about before getting on the bike?

Is it just the weather, or do you need something else - a goal?


Thanks in Advance,

Spare Ed

[woofgang]

My DH is a biker...he goes out for fun all year unless there is ice on the roads or it's persisting down.

[albaqwerty]

There's been a few out and about over past week in this neck of the woods. Some appear to be heading off to work and at the weekend it looked as if they were heading somewhere.

[AB Editor]

Thanks for your answers guys.

Ah, another thing, does the "gang" element help you get out on the roads?

Spare

[Toureman]

I have been out on my bike several times this year, mainly trips to the gym or shopping and the odd ride for fun but like woof not when it's icy, usually enjoy it so much i usually go the long way home.

What's the gang element? Do you mean a ride-out with friends? Are you frightened of all bikers and think their all axe murderers or something like a lot of motorist do?

[woofgang]

Rideouts.....don't get me started.....DH tends to avoid them unless he knows all the participants. We have been on a few that have scared the sh1t out of him and me, I go pillion by the way.

[AB Editor]

///What's the gang element? Do you mean a ride-out with friends? Are you frightened of all bikers and think their all axe murderers or something like a lot of motorist do?///

Yes, I mean as a group of friends. I don't think anyone thinks all bikers are in any way unpleasant - pain in the arse, yes, but not particularly awful human beings.

I do like that you think that everyone else is looking on your bike thinking "Cor I bet he's a axe murder or something dangerous and probably exciting". I promise you this is not what the majority of non-2-wheeled motorists think!

[Toureman]

Why are they "a pain in the arse" do you not look at car drivers in the same way?

[milly143]

The past couple of days I have been wishing so much my Dads bike wasn't currently sorn'd. He's very much a fair weather rider and me a very willing passenger. We've got some great roads around here and it's perfect at the moment for hopping on the bike and just having a ride for the sake of having a ride.

Sunday mornings in the summer are often filled with little trips up to the Ace Cafe in London where you will find 'gangs' of bikers having a bacon butty and a chit chat. Can't wait til he gets the bike sorted!

[redcrx]

OH got the bike out on saturday, took it for MOT and has been riding it to work since.
I saw lots of groups on ride outs on sunday and yes i am now waiting for a chance to get my leathers on and head out. Its pretty rare though as now we have kids we cant go out that much on the bike :(

[AB Editor]

Yep, most people on the road are a pain in some part of the body.

I am also sure that when I used to ride I was an absolute pain as well!

For most car drivers though there is a problem of motorcyclists over-taking & white-lining in what looks like a dangerous way. Currently my main aim when there is a motorcyclist near me on the roads is not to commit manslaughter! I think it is more to do with intentions not always being clear (I can't remember the last time I was overtaken by a motorcyclist who signalled first!).

All the best,

Spare Ed

[dotty.]

there was a large group in St Annes last night when we left work, all middle aged blokes with very very smart looking bikes. They apparently ride in on the coast road on pleasant evenings and have coffee then go away again, excellent stuff.

[joggerjayne]

Oooh, yeah ... I fancy a bit of a blast.

Sorry, I mean a "gentle ride".

=0)

It's so long since I had my bike out, I'm not sure if it would start.

[albaqwerty]

A friend of mine used to enjoy cleaning her bike and getting ready for the Charity Ride (for a children's hospital) but due to a car accident she can't ride her bike anymore :(

She also found it much easier to get to work on her bike than driving her car.

Motorbike gangs? Nicest bunch of people :D

[joggerjayne]

Yes, I agree with alba.

Everyone judges "motorbike gangs" on their own preconceptions, usually based on old movies about bikers. Those were the same sort of movies that always portrayed native Americans (err ... "Redskins") as the baddies.

[gsr600]

Like Toureman i have been out a few times & yesterday as it was sunny, a bit cold but OK for 40/50mile run,
Main thing to think about is your skill level needs to be re awoken & watch for those potholes & stupid car drivers, otherwise ride safely.

[Dris]

My Dad and brother only insure their bikes May until September.Dad is a 'tootler' now with his BSA 500 and Panther -both of which he rebuilt,He goes out at silly o'clock Sunday morning and buts the Sunday Post and stops for a flask of coffee on the Moulin Moors
Brother- Mike Hailwood Replica Ducati main bike and rebuilding a couple others.
Sheds are like holiday homes lol
Bikers have a problem resisting the urge anytime but as someone said the roads are not in a fit state for any bikes atm.
LOL @ gang -I love seeing the boys on a Sunday morning congregating for a ride-out on a Sunday morning-dont think even after all those years i'll ever get rid of 'that' feeling of excitement in the pit of my stomach when I hear and smell them....

[gsr600]

People may not be aware but the law has changed regarding road tax on an uninsured vehicle. You can now be prosecuted if you have a vehicle taxed but not insured, if you intend -

keeping your vehicle off the road without insurance you will also need to surrender the road tax and SORN

but everyone SHOULD be aware of this law change.

as this may affect the biking fraternity