Davidtav

I think we may be the last generation with the opportunity to ride a motorcycle on public roads. I say that because we are, I think, at the beginning of a transition to self driving cars. I have read that, in testing, self driving cars have difficulty in identifying solo motorcycles. Of course these difficulties may be overcome to an extent. But I have a gut feeling that in 20 or 30 years time motorcycling will become a track only pastime. If at all.

Not particularly. Although I’m sure it would have been fine.

Well I have returned to biking after a break of about 20 years. I haven’t actually ridden many bikes. … I wasn’t sure what bike would suit me. I was tempted by the Royal Enfield Interceptor.… I’m afraid I was a bit put off them by memories of RE as old fashioned technology. I think I may have been wrong. I was looking at the Honda CB500 and I think that would have suited me. But I tried a Kawasaki Z650 and it seemed to fit and just feel right. … I’m quite sure I would have felt the same if I had ridden an MT07 or maybe the SV650 … I’ve never ridden a bike with a fairing so I don’t know if I would like that or not. … my riding is such that I can’t imagine wanting more than 70hp. It’s quite sufficient for me … yeah so my rambling is really saying just get the bike that feels right at the time.

I’m not a fan of correcting spelling on Internet forums but unless you are American then Grandad is the correct spelling

That definitely sounds like a plan. The only flaw I can see is that surely you will need to have furniture etc in a house you buy? Just as you need in the one you rent.

I used to work with someone who claimed that he and his partner maxed out their credit cards to use as a deposit for a house purchase … it was a few years ago and they might have tightened up on that sort of thing

Thanks guys. And gals … appreciate the advice

So after returning to motorcycling after a long break one of the things that seems to be recommended now is that helmets need to be replaced every five years. … I don’t remember this from my previous biking. I remember that they shouldn’t be dropped. Or have stickers applied. But replacing if it all seems perfectly ok is new to me. Now I probably will replace the helmet when the time comes. But to be honest I’m not convinced on the science. I’m thinking it’s bullshit to sell more helmets … what do others do? Does everyone replace their helmet regularly?

I used to have a Yamaha SR 125 and it always sounded just like the clip. From new. … I think it’s the same engine? I personally wouldn’t worry too much.

I’m surprised aggressive riding. Wheelies etc are actually allowed in an advertisement … bike looks great though

Thanks for this. Watched them today.

It looks very nice but they seem to have put the AGV sticker on back to front

Hi Fastbob … no actually. I’ve just looked at the map to check those roads … my destination is Portavadie. And I travel from Ripon. Several times a year … so I cross from Scotch Corner on A66. M6 to Gretna. Then A75 and A76 up to Irvine. Route through Largs to Erskine Bridge. Then the roads get interesting. … might try your suggestion up to Glasgow next year

Hi. I have been on here a little while now and made a few posts. Thought I should introduce myself properly. Had the ubiquitous FS1e at 16 (wish I still had it!) In my 30s I commuted into London from Essex on a Yamaha SR125 and later a Kawasaki ER5 Sold the ER5 in 2003 … didn’t need it for commuting and I thought motor biking for pleasure was probably a bit irresponsible with wife and teenage children (just my thoughts at the time) Fast forward till 2019. My circumstances have changed dramatically. I’m retired. Widowed. And my children are adults (well supposedly lol) … so one day I wandered into a motorcycle shop and thought why don’t I get a bike again? Couldn’t think of a good argument against. Quite fancied a Honda CB500 … anyway I thought I should try a bike again before taking the plunge. So I booked a half day with a local school to see if I still did really like it … well yes I loved it. They put me on a Kawasaki Z650 which I felt really at home with. Reminded me of the ER5 … so I bought a new Z650. Which I’m really pleased with. I spend time between North Yorkshire and West Scotland. The Kawasaki has been brilliant for those trips. I just love some of the roads in Scotland. So that’s a little bit about me

I’m thinking this should be the way forward. Good range and replaceable batteries. And it’s a British invention I believe https://steelguru.com/auto/uk-inventor-mr-trevor-jackson-inks-deal-for-electric-car-battery-with-austin-electric/551716

I’ve owned the bike from new. It’s just over a year old. … there has been some very good advice to me on this thread. And I appreciate that … I’m certainly not going to dwell on it. … I think the most likely explanation is that I matched a description and they were checking me out … little realising it was an old codger playing with his toy!

Laughed at Six30 comments. Funny! … I thought maybe police car was trying to hide in my blind spot. But I don’t know.

Thanks for all the comments. Guess they just had nothing else to do

I’m fairly new back to biking after 20 years … so anyway sunny day today so took my Z650 out. As I was exiting a roundabout. Very safely. On to an A road there was a police car approaching. No other traffic. I just had a feeling that the police vehicle was going to go round the roundabout and follow me. Indeed he did. And for a few minutes seemed to hang right back. I made sure my speed was below 60. The police car then caught up with me and pulled completely out in to the opposing lane. Thought he was going to overtake and I slacked off the speed to 55. However police didn’t overtake. Just stayed in the opposing lane. Just off my right shoulder actually. I found it a bit strange. Stayed there for what seemed like ages. Until a vehicle came from opposite direction actually. Then pulled in right behind me. Still followed me for a couple of miles. I just kept speed at 55ish. I wondered if I should pull over. But there were no sirens or blue lights. Eventually police car overtook … I found the whole thing bizarre. Especially the driving on the wrong side of the road. I don’t get this sort of thing when I’m driving the car.

I’m encouraged that everyone so far seems to agree that I was livid about this. I think it’s best there was no confrontation in honesty.

Yeah. I kind of stood up and froze while this was happening. To be fair there was zero damage. And I have done similar myself with my mates kid recently. With this bike. But that was different. I don’t know these people. Yes I don’t blame the kid. The Dad was at fault

So. I went out today on my almost new Kawasaki z650. Parked in a cafe and went inside for a burger. I’m probably over protective but chose a seat where I could see my bike. Anyway I could see this young family return to their car parked next to my bike. This kid started touching my bike. I was about to get up but then I could see Dad walking towards youngster. I thought that’s ok he will sort it. However what he did was lift the kid on to my bike and take pics on his phone. I was livid but they all left quickly before I could have a word. Probably just as well

Well this article implies that it was legal until 1990 for a learner to carry a pillion if the pillion has a full licence. Not sure if it’s right though. But I did think it was legal back in the 70s https://www.lightningpass.com/changes-motorcycle-learner-law

I don’t know but check the fuses?

Used to be legal though. So when did they change the rules?