Question for bikers over 30 - Born again? Coming to it late? Never stopped?

[McJim]

Given comments made by a certain Mr Kirk recently (and perhaps misinterpreted by some). I was hoping to use the wider KB community as a kind of cross section of the NZ biking community at large.

So the poll will be along shortly (those in the know know that you have to post the thread and THEN attach the poll so patience please ladies!).

The question for us slightly older riders is this:

Do you fall into the "Born again biker" category where you used to ride bikes but stopped due to work, an attack of common sense, to raise a family, coz you ran out of "Toy" money etc.

or

Did you come to bikes late? Always wanted one, couldn't afford one, didn't have the balls to buy one, didn't get around to buying one etc.

or

Have you ridden when younger and quite simply haven't stopped riding except to sleep, eat, but a packet of smokes pouch o' baccy etc.

[ArcherWC]

came too it late. get to sit my full in about a month

[Edbear]

A "returnee", me!:rockon:

[McJim]

came too it late. get to sit my full in about a month

Thought you got one o' them Cook Island specials?

[arj127]

Ridden since i was knee high.
Mucked around with cars upto about 22. Had some road bikes for a while then discovered motocross. Enjoyed that for as long as my body could hack it, now back to road bikes again (got to get my fix you see).
Think i will always have a bike of some sort in the garage.

[sinned]

I have just posted on my 43 years span of riding and this is my third return to motorcycling.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=72027

[200BUSA]

Have been riding for over 35 years now and wont stop till i drop.Even the Hen used to ride bikes-but kids put paid to that until they leave home then shes back into it.

[homer]

about 9 years break
back again now

[Trudes]

Been riding for about 3 years, so was a late starter.

[ArcherWC]

Thought you got one o' them Cook Island specials?
never got round to coverting it before it was removed from my person by Mr Plod, unfortunatly they didnt think it was necesariy to return it once my suspension was over

[sugilite]

Started at 16, always had a bike or 2 since :yes: I'm 41 now with 1.5 bikes, will fix kx500 when $$$ come available, I really miss it too :cry:

[Dino]

"Used to ride bikes, gave up for a few years and have come back to riding motorcycles."

As above, thats me. Talked into it by my brother, only needed a slight push. :chase:
.

[pete376403]

Age 55 Started at 17, trail bikes initially, then speedway. back into road bikes after the skids, plus an IT400 on the side. The ITs been replaced with the KLR but still have the GS1100GK. (I keep bikes for a very long time)

[Gman71]

realised that the only way to get a Harley and for my mid life crisis was to do it the proper way, get my license, get an L plate, learn to ride....and fuck is it fun!

[MIXONE]

Been riding since I could get my leg over .Went without a bike for a while..Worst two months of my life.You can nail down the lid once I'm too old to get my leg over.

[klingon]

Came to it late - so ticked the corresponding category. But didn't always want to ride. Every other member of my family has had a bike at one time or another, but they never interested me. Never even went out as a pillion with my brother or my sister when they had bikes.

Then a couple of years ago I decided a bike would be an excellent means of transportation, now I'm hooked on the whole experience.

[Hitcher]

Did the L-plate thing astride a Yamaha FZX250 Zeal at age 45.

The best decision I've ever made.

[Skunk]

Do you fall into the "Born again biker" category where you used to ride bikes but stopped due to work, an attack of common sense, to raise a family, coz you ran out of "Toy" money etc.

or

Did you come to bikes late? Always wanted one, couldn't afford one, didn't have the balls to buy one, didn't get around to buying one etc.

or

Have you ridden when younger and quite simply haven't stopped riding except to sleep, eat, but a packet of smokes pouch o' baccy etc.No category for me... Started in my mid 20's when I met this girl* (again) who rode. She 'made' me get a license and my own bike.

*She's so good I married her.

[McJim]

I always wanted a bike but never had enough money in one place at one time in the UK to actually get a licence sorted out. The licencing is so much cheaper over here and the tests are a bit easier to be honest too. So I started at the age of 35 after I moved to NZ.

[Ocean1]

Multiple regressions here too, not sure how many episodes or bikeless gaps but there's been a few.

[T.W.R]

Been around bikes all my life, started riding on my own at 6-7, did the MX thing from 10 to early teens then got on the road a soon as was possible. Had a forced break from riding for a couple of years due to injury but have never been without bikes :Punk:

[Dodger]

Just late.
Was something I kept putting off.

[Sensei]

Started at 6ys & still going at 42 life has been good :niceone:

[backinthesaddle]

Back into it afer fifteen long years without. Both the missus & I really enjoying it, even our thirteen yr old gets on whenever he can. Good scene, great people, great fun.

[chanceyy]

Late starter here .. used to pillion for yrs .. one weekend pillioning after about 25 yr break got my blood going again .. now 14 months later have my full & now upgrading :)

[gunnyrob]

Aged 42. Rode from 1985-1994, had a break when I got married, bought a station wagon & had a Son. Got divorced, went on a BMW return to riding course, got hooked again, rode Krayys VTR250 around, then bought the R1200GS last year, have been dead keen ever since.

[Forest]

Started riding on the road when I was 17 (got a bike so I could sleep in a bit more before the morning University lectures began).

Got my learners license at 22. Been riding on and off since then (my work takes me internationally - so tend to rent bikes rather than buy them).

[Biggles2000]

Well I,m 44, got my first bike at 14 (Honda C100). Got my licence at 15 and have always had at least one road legal bike in the garage. So far 30 years and still lovin it.

[cowboyz]

Been riding as long as I remember. But gave up riding on the road when I was 17 due to a bike Vs car accident. Rode dirt for many years. Back into road riding for the last 4 years.

[sinfull]

Day i turned 15 i was in doing my test ! Road till kids and buying property got in the way, so it was maybe a 8 yr break till i traded the wife on a harley !
Some of us take a while to learn and again i traded riding for a Mrs and property after 3 or 4 yrs and spent 14 yrs off the road !
Been back into it now about a year, Two newish bikes, New(ish) Mrs who only pilioned half a doz times, before she decided she wanted her licence (nothing to do with my riding i'm sure) She's due to sit her restricted now and already trying on new bikes to replace the scopio !

[DingoZ]

Always wanted a road bike.

Had a few dirtbikes when I was living and working on the farms in Aus

Never been in the financial position before to be able to get a roadbike, so had to wait until I was...And that time is now


Better late than never...:)

[Motu]

38 years of motorcycle ownership,there has never been a time in those 38 years that I haven't had a bike - it may not of been running....but I was working on it.

[martybabe]

33 years now,never been without,well perhaps a few weeks, it's more than what I do it's who I am. Thought about hanging up my helmet for good a few times but it's like an incurable virus,Hell sometimes I don't even enjoy riding but I just can't imagine not doing it.me and biking are mates from wayback. :ride:

[mstriumph]

started when i was about 7 .... other people's

first bike of my own at 14

there's been the ocassional gap of a year or two, changing country and suchlike .... but basically been riding a loooooooooong time

just got back on after a two month gap whilst she was in the repairers --- was like coming home :hug:

[MaxB]

Started when I was 16 had a bike ever since (28 years). Only break was 6 weeks in hospital due to a bike accident. Always had a bike in the garage.

It sure was tough when the kids were small with all the bills coming in but somehow you just manage.

[awayatc]

Rode bikes as sole mode of transport when I was young, and when son wanted a bike when he was 8, I "needed" something to keep up with him...:scooter:
So we gradualy progressed to roadlegal bikes.......:chase:

So born again both because of And thanks to raising offspring.....:baby:

[Nasty]

Years ago was a pillion .. always wanted to ride, but outta respect to my parents I didn't ... my sister almost lost her leg and did lose her partner in a motorbike accident. Finally decided that was just dumb ... so bought a bike and told them about it later ... now both me and my big brother ride .... and I am just loving it ...

Not long after getting my first bike Grub decided that it was something he would get back into since he loved riding my little bike ... so went and got himself a CBR600 ... so that is the story so far .. long may it continue!

[Ghost_Bullet]

Rode when I was a small boy round the paddocks for around 6-7yrs. Moved to Chch, and used to run about on an ole vespa, always wanted a proper bike, but the folks were in the "Hell NO" land. so waited until one of a cars blew in 96, I was 26, bought a bike got license, and aint turned back since.

[fizbin]

took me five years to convince th wife to let me have one!
have wanted to ride as far back as i can remember. my old man rides, and my step farther used to.
I should really get around to telling the old lady i have got a bike, but hey the lecture can wait

[helenoftroy]

Started riding my brothers bikes at about 14...

At 15 got my license and had my own bike.Got married(meet him when he was my patient in the Spinal Unit/motorbike accident)Sold my XL500S when very pregnant:crybaby:

17 yrs later,husband now the ex,2 teenagers that needed to learn to ride.Finally bikes in my life again:devil2:

And my son Casualty loves bikes too:jerry:

[Fryin Finn]

Been riding since 1972 stopped for 5 years while overseas but had a mountain bike to hoon about on and went to superbike races at Brands Hatch and Donnington - does that count as continuous service.

[Owl]

I bought my first bike in 94 and sold my last one in 01 after a nasty foot injury, which gave me shit everytime I rode. Surgery in 06 got me thinking about bikes again, and I bought my current one last year.:2thumbsup

[Dooly]

Born again...

Got bike & car licence at 15, rode bikes on/off road till about age 24, had a break till 30, rode till about 35, then another break to about 40, then back again!!!!
Never to stop now!!!!

[Maha]

September 03' we were in Rarotonga and hired scooters. I had always loved the bike racing, through the 90's would always stay up and watch the 500's race...Doohan/Rainey/Schwantz and co...My fathers cousins used to race here and oversea's and boxing day TV was always a must. So when we returned form our holiday I started buying Motorcycle Trader and by early March 04' I had ordered a brand new GN 250, then went and did my BHS the following sunday and passed.

[Oakie]

First bike a month before my 18th birthday ... 6.5 years, 5 bikes,one wife and a daughter later I sold bike number 6 and bought a push-bike. About 19 years later came bike number 7 and now on bike number 8 approaching my 48th birthday.

And I've been going to post up a poll similar to this for about 2 months but never got around to it. I was also going to include an option for young'uns as my idea was to get a picture of the spread of younger and older bikers here.

[scumdog]

always wanted a proper bike, but the folks were in the "Hell NO" land.

Same here - when it came to hot-rods and motorcycles the old man was in "Hell NO" mode too.:pinch:

Once I got to 21 and was free of his hold I started the riding and rodding thing.

Had a bike gap while the kids were little and then back into it about 20 years ago:niceone:

[RantyDave]

Late starter. I used to have a scooter to get to work, but then it got nicked. I fancied a bigger one but had to get my L's. Once I'd done my BHS I was, like, ohhhhh - perhaps a bike would be more fun.

That was about three years back.

Dave

[YellowDog]

Past my test in 1984 or 1986 (can't remember which). Never send off certificate, which invalidated my pass, and found myself having to take a 4 day Direct Access course. I got back into biking (apart from a runabout 80kph scooter) in 2004.

It maybe a mid-life crisis or something however it's loads of fun and I wouldn't now be without a motorbike.

[TimeOut]

Started at 10 dirt bikes, licence at 15, dirt bikes on and off road till 18, never had a road bike (always wanted one) after a 30 year gap my son bought a ZXR 250 so convinced my brother we should join him.
I've always ridden mainly quads on the farm (not that this has helped the road riding)
Done 12000km since October slowly getting better and loving it.

[megageoff76]

Started riding a scooter to school when i was 14. I got my licence as soon as I could (car and bike) and have been riding ever since.

[Maki]

Rode a rented 125cc 2 stroke for 2 days when I was 19. I didn't have any license. I rode with a pillion. We wore T shirts, shirts and no helmets and blasted around on a Greek island. No riding after that till January this year when I did my basic handling test. I am a lot older now and I am doing everything right, have an L plate and will go through the correct process to get my full license.

[MSTRS]

Got legal the day I turned 15. Bikes were my only form of transport, until I discovered girls (and their parents who wouldn't let their preciouses pillion). Had bikes on and off as second form of transport for a 'few' years. Then after a big gap of around 13 years, I got my first real toy. 50 now, and on my second toy.

[Goblin]

First ride was on cousin's Honda50 then family friends farm bike. Pillioned with who ever would take me, good mate had RZ500 then RG500(oh the fun of wheelies and stoppies!) Boyfriend had a TT500 in RM400 frame with road tyres and gearing then bought a Katana 750 and let me ride them. Got license at 15 and never looked back. Got hit head on in '95 and wasn't able to get another bike for 16 months. Longest Ive been without a bike.

[007XX]

Personally, I was a pillion behind my Dad for as long as I can remember. Then got a scooter as was the custom in my country at age 14.

Came to NZ and other priorities came along, but it was always on my mind I would one day have my own bike. Then I pillioned with my lovely 007XY for a few years until he got a bike too uncomfortable even for me to pillion on :lol:

So I finally decided to get my arse into gear and do it for myself...I miss pillioning sometimes though.

[Max Headroom]

I don't fit into any of the categories either. I was more into cars when younger, and didn't get a bike until I was 25, and had been married for two years already. We got the bike after doing a swap for a car we were selling, and both we and the bike owner felt we'd solved a problem! Got my bike license straight away, and have had a bike or two (or three...) ever since. That was 23 years ago. My wife came as pillion for three years before she decided to get her license and her own bike.

Ironically, we got into motorcycling just BEFORE our first child, and he grew up with road-riding from two years old. I would take him to daycare on the bike wearing his helmet & jacket at a gentle 20-30kph, to the absolute horror of other mothers.....he did his first Toy Run when he was three.

[oldrider]

Got really interested in bikes when I was about fourteen.

My father hated them with an almost equal passion.....! (almost because I won)

Bought my first and the war of attrition began. :argue: :argue: :mad:

There were some less than endearing moments between us but :calm: prevailed in the end. :whistle:

I am still riding them 54 years later and the passion is just as strong. :ride:

The only notable real change has been global "hardening", ouch! :thud: John.

[Jimmy B]

Rode constantly for 20 years then hopped off for a breather and a cuppa. 3 or 4 year break, hopped back on 18 months ago....

[Blossom]

first rode pillion on my bil indian at age 4 onwards
Rode my first bike at 14 (and it was a honda...urgh...at least they wernt gey back then)
Brought my first bike a gn250 back in my late 20s. Sold 3yrs later due 4s emminant arrival.
Finally finished breeding and got my latest toy and a learners licence at age 36.
Not sure what I am gonna do for my midlife crisis yet. :lol:

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Edit: Looks like the original post I quoted was subsequently removed by a mod. Thanks

[Blossom]

Just because we signed a Free Trade Agreement with you doesn't mean you come on here and try to trade freely with us. Piss Off!
I agree :Oi: stop spamming the board. sheesh...

[slimjim]

dad and mum owned a sunbeam with sidechair, me still remember's going to auckland when i was about four , sitting between mum, stargrazeing at the big bloke above me , raced solo's with me dad,was a swinger for dad ,did motocross ,then got bike linecee and car sameday 1975 never not been without both too date ,

[JMemonic]

Stupidly gave up to alleviate the fears of the person who was at the time my partner, although during that period I did manage to get on a bike or two and ride, always knew that I would be riding again, I look back on the missed years with regret. By the same token I did not go out and buy the biggest fasted machine on the market to restart my riding, common sense (yeah yeah I know there is no such thing) dictated a steady return.

[sels1]

Rode older brothers trail bike at 14, bike +licence at 15, sold up before getting married, 20something year gap, been back around 4 years, and dont intend being without at least one bike for as long as I am vertical

[SPman]

License in '67 - rode until 1981 when had to sell bike to get a car for the family, (Morris Minor Convertible),with the promise I could get another bike within 2 years - never happened! 15 discontented years later, along came a little AX100, the smoldering ember was reignited, the family went and bikes came back into my life, never again to be removed - well - only out of my cold dead hands!

[Hitcher]

A brilliant selection of short, insightful stories here. Please keep them coming, folks. I'm enjoying them greatly.

[Lissa]

Always loved bikes, was a pillion on the back of friends in my younger teenage years. Rode a scooter once (dangerous things) and hit the washing line hard, didn't want to get on two motorised wheels again.... until I started seeing bikes everywhere and felt this crazed feeling, until I finally talked myself into getting my learners about 15 months ago and here I am now. (still on my learners!) :rolleyes:

[yungatart]

Went out with a guy when I was in my teens, primarily (I am ashamed to admit) because he had a bike..I think it was a CB 175...well, teenage girl, what more can I say?
I got the bug and decided that one day I would get my own two wheels and ride the South Island...dream was duly nurtured in the back of my brain somewhere for 30 odd years. I started riding about 3 years ago and still intend to do the Sth Is..just let me get rid of the last of the kids first...

[Maha]

I got the bug and decided that one day I would get my own two wheels and ride the South Island...dream was duly nurtured in the back of my brain somewhere for 30 odd years. I started riding about 3 years ago and still intend to do the Sth Is..just let me get rid of the last of the kids first...

If and when this happens, let Ya' Daddy know cos thats sommet weez wanna do tooooooo.

[helenoftroy]

I look back on the missed years with regret.

Me too - realize now that if I could have just gone for a ride now and then,a dirt bike at the riverbed would have done....that I would have got through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life with a lot more flair and determination:oi-grr:

Oh well,no going back,plan to stay on two wheels for a very long time this time :woohoo:

[yungatart]

If and when this happens, let Ya' Daddy know cos thats sommet weez wanna do tooooooo.

Oooh, company!
oooh...late nights.....

[Patrick]

Gave up at 18 after 4 close calls in one day, the last being a bus, which I kicked a number of times... Lived on the old "Provisioonal" LIcences....

Came down from Auckland to the Naki and found the roads much more user friendly and a mate got back into it, showing me the ways of the good old days again...

Had to start all over again, quarter of a century later, 250cc Bandit Learner, restricted and full...

[Blossom]

Went out with a guy when I was in my teens, primarily (I am ashamed to admit) because he had a bike..I think it was a CB 175...well, teenage girl, what more can I say?
I got the bug and decided that one day I would get my own two wheels and ride the South Island...dream was duly nurtured in the back of my brain somewhere for 30 odd years. I started riding about 3 years ago and still intend to do the Sth Is..just let me get rid of the last of the kids first...

Oh mee tooo...me too.... just gotta wait for kids to grow up.

[blossomsowner]

started riding at 16 ......got into nice big road bikes but then swapped bikes for yachting for a while (lived up north)....now most of the kids are big enough to pillion we are both back into it.

[Rhino]

Been riding for 40 years. Hope to do it for another 30+ or so.:)

[PrincessBandit]

I'm one of the late comers who finally pulled finger and did it. So glad I did! Was just speaking with an acquiantance last night at rehearsal who said she'd love to learn to ride but she thought she was too old now (probably only 10 years or so older than me). Anyone have any thoughts about what age is kinda truly too late to start? I told her she wasn't.

[davereid]

Mum had a scooter, so I was riding it as a kid. Got my licence the day I turned 15 - but it was easy then - you just handed over a fiver and you were legal.

Rode 50cc motorcycles for years, just didn't need anything bigger, and still love my moped reg. bikes. My old A50 took me around the country several times. The open road speed limit was 80km/hr, and my A50 was good for that unless an unforgiving head wind got me.

http://www.eslnz.com/motorcycles.html tells the story.

[BiK3RChiK]

I rode bikes as a teenager on the farm but when I left the farm I stopped riding, had kids and have just got back into riding and am going through the licence process.

[gismo]

Rode a 50cc on the country roads when i was about 14ish. Always wanted a bike but never got round to getting one.. or no dollars to get one. Been a pillion on my partners bike for the last year and am now looking at getting my own.

Have to look at getting my L plate too.

[sinfull]

Mum had a scooter, so I was riding it as a kid. Got my licence the day I turned 15 - but it was easy then - you just handed over a fiver and you were legal.

Rode 50cc motorcycles for years, just didn't need anything bigger, and still love my moped reg. bikes. My old A50 took me around the country several times. The open road speed limit was 80km/hr, and my A50 was good for that unless an unforgiving head wind got me.

http://www.eslnz.com/motorcycles.html tells the story.

If only you had kept them all !! Sigh
Did my licence on my old ladies step through and rode it till i killed it ! Trail bikes took pride of place for the next ten years till i hopped on my first cruiser xs750 special !!

[mowgli]

Rode an XL200 trail bike though my teens. Then went overseas and cash dried up. Got my license and bought my first road bike 16 years later (Dec 07) and can't believe I waited this long. Never look back

[geoffm]

Been riding since 6 weeks after the start of Uni in 1987. 6 weeks being th etime then than the Bursuary payments came through.
I would like to thnak the NZ taxpayer for finaincing my Suzuki B120. My parents found out when they opened th eletter with the rego papers in it (oops). Words were said, but the bike stayed and they have accepted that they are part of me. The mighty B120 cost $500 out of the T&E, I knew nothing about bikes. Reliable, economical and slow, it was bend from a crash, with a square Cheng Shin rear tyre and Kenda front. I had it for a year or so and then wanted more power. Got a Suzuki GT250X7 for $1000. I wanted a RD250LC but couldn't afford one, and it was problbly a good thing. It was a parts bins special, and another learning exparience. My first ever rebore and piston change...
THe X7 got sold a couple of years later for a RZ350, which I put Ledar expansion chambers, new pistons etc into it. I wish I still had it. I had this for 3-4 years before buying a GSXR750L that I saw advertised as an unwanted tradein at a car dealers - cost $8k at the time Cyclespot had one for $10k. I did lots of miles on it and it is another bike I wish i had kept, I had it until the Other Half pursuaded me to trade it in for the BMW as she couldn't stand the pillion seat, not that she goes on the bike now anyway :-(
The RG500 I got as a kitset around 8 years ago, and it has sucked up money like a sponge since. I lusted after oen when they were new and I used to get PErformance Bikes religiously every month.
The RD350LC was similar - PB used to have hot RDs every month. THis one I got for parts fo rmy race bike, but it was to good to wreck. It is bent (or something) and is on hold untill finances allow me to fix it.
My wife knew that bikes came as part of the package, and has never mentioned selling them, even though they have taken money over the years we haven't always had. :2thumbsup Watta girl!

Geoff

[ynot slow]

Started at 6ys & still going at 42 life has been good :niceone:

Wasn't you out riding up Mt Messenger about 12.30-1.00pm yesterday?Heading to Mokau/Awakino way,almost knee down around a righthander?

Not going excessively quick,just smooth,maybe 60 km around 35km bend,didn't cross the line whoever it was.

Started with car license,then got bike license about age 17 or so.Had variety of off road bikes,then had a few $$$ from house sale and got back into the bigger road bike scene.All up maybe 16 yrs between present bike and last one.Also one marriage as well.Midlife is good.

[ynot slow]

If and when this happens, let Ya' Daddy know cos thats sommet weez wanna do tooooooo.

It is a must do item for bikers,the more the merrier,need to do a calender link for a tour in 2009 ish,should have my last trip paid by then hopefully.

[Oakie]

Anyone have any thoughts about what age is kinda truly too late to start?

Any time after you die I guess is too late. Prior to death is fine...

[banditrider]

Had my bike licence for nearly 10 years before I finally had to get a car. Planed to sell road bike & keep dirt bike but couldn't do it - ended up selling dirt bike so I could keep road bike.

Have done just under 18,000km on the 14 in the 8 months I've had her - would take me nearly 3 years to do that in the car. Currently thinking about a 2nd bike - car will stay in the shed even more if I do that....

[McJim]

WOW! Nearly half of the respondents have had a break from riding for a while. Knew there must be a few in that position but didn't realise it was quite that many. Also interesting to see some of the names of some of the people like me who came to bikes in their thirties and later.

As Oakie said - the only time it's too late to get into bikes is when you're already dead.

[martybabe]

Yeah, nearly 50% born agains. where ya been fellas,it was great out.

[DougB]

Started riding in 1953, have never been without a bike since. That is about 56years riding. Purchased my 12th bike last year.

The oldest fart on this forum.

[Bonez]

Always had a m/c or two in the shed since I was 18. Getting married, family, health issues and stuff slowed the riding a bit but never completely stopped.
Having a fab time on the mighty GB. Days seem to be going quicker, must get out more often :scooter:

[TimeOut]

Went out with a guy when I was in my teens, primarily (I am ashamed to admit) because he had a bike..I think it was a CB 175...well, teenage girl, what more can I say?
I got the bug and decided that one day I would get my own two wheels and ride the South Island...dream was duly nurtured in the back of my brain somewhere for 30 odd years. I started riding about 3 years ago and still intend to do the Sth Is..just let me get rid of the last of the kids first...

Hey perhaps you could a mid lifers tour of the South Island, let us know when you came down.

[Rob Taylor]

Started riding at 13 ,now 51. Always had a bike to ride.Went to dirt bikes during kiddy time then back to the road.Yeehaa:banana:

[jim.cox]

I'm another of the "never stopped" brigade :)

[Beemer]

Always loved bikes, wanted one when I was a teenager (two of my female friends rode bikes and I was green with envy) but wasn't allowed one, so I made do with having boyfriends with bikes. Never crossed my mind to ask any of them to teach me, and they all had large bikes anyway so it probably wouldn't have been an option.

Fast forward to my late thirties. Working as a journalist and photographer and doing some work for Kiwi Rider. Got given arseholes for not riding a bike myself, so I learned to ride and bought the famous RG150. Went to a WIMA rally a year later where I met the poor sod who is now my husband, so it was worth it in many ways!

I've had my full licence for nine years now and really wish I'd been allowed a bike when I was 15. Who knows where I'd be now - I may have loved trail (or even trial) riding, and could have been having fun for 20 more years!

[Rogue]

Been riding for 34yrs never stopped :scooter:

have no intention of stopping but I guess I might have to get a three wheeler some time in the very distant future :doctor:

[Ixion]

Fark! That's old ! Are you going to frame the letter from the Queen?

[Mike748]

Once upon a time ...... I was mistakingly allowed to be pillion on the back of a cousins big black sportsbike:woohoo:, then to make sure I hadn't forgotten them I worked on an uncles farm during holidays and fooled around with bikes there.

A few years later I had my full licence but wanted a bike and found I had a snowballs chance in hell of getting one while living at home:no:. This of course may have been because I had a problem keeping cages rubber side down and out of ditches.:doh:

15 years later my lovely new wife has a bike that needs selling so I fix it up. Hmmm best I get a licence to test it out .............

[BAD DAD]

Started riding to school at 16 and kept on untill early 20's when I sold out for OE. Housing and breeding took priority except for a couple of years ( I tend to be the last owner of roadworthy vehicles ). This was followed by a depressing period of approx. 9 or 10 years of hardly ever scoring a ride untill I finally got my hands on the '57. Soon after that I walked into a shop and bought a new bike. Compared to the past I ride at lot less than I like , but then I've managed to crash a lot less than I used to. So the last 4 or 5 years have been a highlight really. It's good to be back .

[biggles1]

I started ridding at 17 the cop rode behind me after telling me to ride halfway up Majoribanks St(a slight hill in Wellington) and do a full 360 without putting my feet down.Rode back to Peace House and wrote the licence.10 schillings!!!!Had a break for 33 years and came back 3 and a bit years ago.Will never stop!!!:2thumbsup

[Insanity_rules]

Rode from 8 (mini dirtbikes) till 22 (Road). Got the guilts from the ex wife when my daughter came along. Divorced, married again, then on our honeymoon rented a bike and the addiction began anew.

Not long licensed though, thought if I'm gonna do this I'll do it right and legal.

[Gareth51]

Only allowed to have a car for school, left school and brought my first bike at 16, a BSA 350 and then a AJS 650 with straight thru pipes the noise must have pissed off the neighbours one was a traffic cop with another 1 street down and a policeman in between,all family friends, so I would get the friendly visit after the mad burn up around the block. Put a valve thru a piston trying to race my mate on his Bonnie up the main road in Newlands.That was the last bike I owned for 40 yrs. would ride my younger brothers bikes from time to time (wayne708 and Sels1)who finally talked me into buying a bike last year.Now loving it.Wife tells me every time I get a little bit grumpy it must be time for a bike ride, cus it makes me feel good.

[MsKABC]

15 years later my lovely new wife has a bike that needs selling so I fix it up. Hmmm best I get a licence to test it out .............

Of course it had nothing to do with the fact that she was further ahead in the licence stakes and you had to catch up? The excuse you always needed, heh heh. Thanks for the compliment btw :hug: (And he did fix it up a treat - it never ran better in fact!)

I started riding as a pillion with a boyfriend, ditched the BF but wanted to keep riding, so bought my own 2 wheels. Stopped for a few years but kept the bike, poor thing rotted away in a shed for a while :Oops: Met Mike748 and twisted his rubber arm into getting it back on the road.

P.S. I did get my full before him, and yet I still haven't ridden the 748. What's THAT about???

[sels1]

Only allowed to have a car for school, .

Haha - and I was allowed a motorbike for school - some advantage to being the youngest eh bro??

[dave46nz]

Havent heard that one before......bought a smile without the throttle, but I get a big shit eating grin when I wind it on.....good one

[old git]

Started at 14 and 30+ years later , over 1,000,000 k , 17 bikes, 2 long stays in hospital and a few minors i'm still going!!. And mainly on a xs1100 that is 28 years old with 300,000+ k's on the clock.
But just ordered a gsx1400 that if looked after should just about make me feel like retiring to a cage by the time i've done with it in about 300,000 more k's. So for now while i can turn the right wrist i'll give it some and Have FUN rain or shine.....................

[CHOPPA]

My old boy started riding 4 years ago after a a 25 year break as soon as i got a job and could afford to pay for mx myself!

He is 56 and has just bought a new gsxr1000 (hes letting me ride it a taupo saturday) he just crashed his zx14 before that he had 2 hayabusas and a gsx1400!

[MarkW]

I'm 52, licenced at 16 and have ridden ever since. Addicted to motorcycles and motorcycling and they are my main form of transport and recreation.

[NordieBoy]

Started riding at about 9 on a TS125 (towing my brother around the paddock on a sled.
No riding from 12-16.
17-23 or so occasional road riding.
29- riding every day.
My 1st race was in 2004 on my 1979 XR250 that I still race in classic MX and cross countries.

[Conquiztador]

Started at about 12 - 13. Always had a bike or two. At times no road bike but a dirt or speedway one. Now 50+ and apart from no speedway anymore the picture is the same.

When my KiwiSaver matures and I retire, my kids will be living their own life. I then sell all I have, buy a new decent bike (my first new bike!!!) and spend the rest travelling the world again. I even have this reoccu...recur...re-acc... ahh, dream that comes back where I fly with my bike off the road and there is a loooong way down. So I sort of have an idea how it will all end. But I am OK with that.

[NordieBoy]

I even have this reoccu...recur...re-acc... ahh, dream that comes back where I fly with my bike off the road and there is a loooong way down. So I sort of have an idea how it will all end. But I am OK with that.

Is there a pickle involved?

[SVboy]

When I was 15 I lusted after the Honda xl100,s and "gasp" xl125's that my friends had. My parents distracted me with a loan to buy a mach 1 ford cortina, with only 26 previous owners!! My first bike was a modified tm 125! I spent 0000s of kms as pillon bitch on mates 500 singles and space age bikes like Yammie xj 650s. I owned a series of small xts and xrs, before owning my first road bike,a near new cb250rs![in black/blue-what a honey!] By then I had said "I do" and the die was cast........marital poverty decended! fast forward 20plus years,throw in a divorce, and I had the arrogance to consider that the limited skills of my distant youth would not be dimmed by the passage of time! I launched in and got the massive sv650s beast!! Through good luck,good advice from friends[special thanks to Farqueue]and off KB, my return to bikes has not be too fraught, and the passion grows......along with the bills! I am loving the bikes,and the friends I make....long may it continue.:headbang:

[JATZ]

Missus had 1 when I met her and I talked her into giving it up, she got a beemer about 18 mnths ago and I couldn't stay off it so had to get my own, so I guess I fall into category 2, trying to make up for lost time now though

[Horse]

I grew up riding bikes on the farm, but never quite got around to getting my licence. Always meant to, just never quite got there. Then last year I was watching this episode (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autopsy_%28House_episode%29) of House (Season 2, Ep 2) on DVD and got inspired, realising I needed to extract the digit and make it happen. Go for my 6R in a month.

[cynna]

im 33 had bikes since i was 15 and never given up but have recently got a new lease of life when i brought a trail bike and a motard. now the softail is sitting in the garage gathering dust.

next on the list is the new vmax when it finally comes out and a bigger trail bike

[Tony.OK]

Had bikes on and off since 14,normally with 3-4 year gaps,started properly at 30ish,now couldn't not have one,trouble is the one I've got costs too much:shit:

[mctshirt]

Learned to ride on a stepthrough Honda 50 out on a farm at about 12 years old. Had a Suzuki TC100 and licence at 15 years old. Things got a bit hazy after 18 till late 20's and never even looked at bikes until over thirty when I returned from the UK. Saw an ad in the paper for a job: "Motorcycle and firearms licence an advantage" Next ten years spent wringing the necks of various Yamaha Ag 200s and Suzuki DR200s and getting paid for it. Bought a 400 Bandit about a month ago so according to the criteria I'm BORN AGAIN! Hallelugah! Do I hear an Amen?

[What?]

Started at about age 8, got first own bike at 15 and never stopped. Been riding on the roads for 31 years now.

[pritch]

Multiple regressions here too, not sure how many episodes or bikeless gaps but there's been a few.

That's about like mine. None of the three categories quite fits, maybe there shoulda been a "keeps coming back" boomerang category.

[jafar]

That's about like mine. None of the three categories quite fits, maybe there shoulda been a "keeps coming back" boomerang category.

+1
I've lost track of how many bikes & when:argh:

[gijoe1313]

I'm having a mid life crisis at this point, think I may have to get rid of the bikes and start doing something else ... Tui ad!

Been over 10+ years since I wanted to get into biking, my younger bro and I started off at the same time, but saw mum having conniptions when she found out both her sons were going to be bikers.

Being responsible older bro, I let young bro have his way and ride on ... :weep: I was so jealous of his CBR250 and Fireblade that I really didn't want to know much about it or anything he was doing related to bikes. Too gut wrenching.

And now? I am making up for lost time with a vengeance. My mad hatter schemes are compressed into what seems like fantastical time frames to most normal people ... :blink: I still am only 10% about where I want to be ... :drool:

More roads to ride, more bikes to collect, more riders to meet, more events to attend, more spannering, more learning, more pointless KB posts, more more more and more!

Hmmm guess I didn't take my meds today :innocent:

Mid life crisis? I think it was a crisis that I am only just getting into biking mid life! :angry2:

Chill pill :cool:

[motodrummer]

Been riding pretty much since i was 15, never owned a car! ride every day. Got hit by a car for the first time 6mnths ago, thats not bad odds aye. Cheers!

[chubby]

Ok, now at the risk of feeling like I am at an alcoholics annon meeting with public pointing and sneering.

Too poor to afford a car when younger so rode AC100 (if anyone possibly knows what that is. Still remember getting the frame welded up because it split due to metal fatigue. Was I really that naive), T250 (could pull a wheelie in 3rd just changing gear, man that bike was death on wheels) and CB350/4 (god I thought I was christmas). Got rid of them due to sporting requirements (its hard to carry this sort of gear on a bike) and a family high on safe, cautious, sensible.

Always liked bikes and admired. Raised on the days when the Ep's were a real force and to see them ride down the road and hear the engines had me run for the gate.

Then I did OE, g/f, mortgage, marrage, kids. Just like the bikes I got rid of the marrage, but kept the kids.

Woke up one morning and said to my partner (she got excited), I'm gunna get a bike. Then i got excited and she lost all interest. Then she said what sort. I told her and she got excited. I was happy she was excited, but I was outta there (the room not her life) to see the bank.

I'm love the freedom and enjoyment of riding. takes me back to my AC100. I smile more, I'm happy.

I understand the sentiment of Mr Kirk (we have chatted over the net) but don't entirely agree with him. I take responsibility for my actions and I'm off to levels on Monday.

Mid life crisis? Yep and when you get to mid life you'll know what I mean, hey I'm honest. Rebellion? Noooo, just for once I'm doing something totally selfish for me (bike riding is selfish eh).

Oh and for those who may think it's image.... I don't wear leather (codura man), I don't have patches, I leave the company car at home most of the time and pay for my own petrol. I thought of all the reasons why i shouldn't and just did.

Now, who was it that mentioned alcohol????

[fLaThEaD FreD]

I used to get a ride to work with a friend on a 3TA triumph when I was 16 and at 18 rode with a mate in "A Club" as he put it then when they first started producing Triumph Tridents and that was the extent of my experience until now at age 52. I met a wonderful girl 2years ago and she and her family have had bikes all their lives, first hubby still a motorcycle cop,sons experienced riders and racer and late husband a well respected KB'r who passed doing what he loved dearly.
In February this year, after seeing the glint returning to her eye every time we saw a couple riding together, we discussed at length and she agreed, to let me get a bike and it's been absolutley fantastic.
Sadley I binned cupla weeks ago(my inattention/no pillion) and am nursing broken bones,but looking forward to getting back on the seat.
Although it brought the past all back to her, she's giving me space to continue and she's letting me continue my learning experience........a strong lady after what she has endured and I love her dearly. :doctor:

ps. My mid-life crisis was 4 years ago when I bought my Red SS commy..LOL

[BMW Grandad]

Got my bike licence 1955 on a Puch 125cc scooter (!) then rode various things till I went to the UK in 1961. Didn't get back into bikes till 1985 but have been riding virtually every day since then - Honda CBX400, Yammy XJ900, TZR250, FZR1000, Honda VF100R, 2 Triumph Sprints, 2 Triumph Tigers, BMW F650, and now a BMW R850R. Said I would never get a Beamer, but find it more accommodating to stiff joints at my advanced age (69)!

[Jerry74]

I had my learners since 94....

Finally did restricted 2 months ago...

Missed the riding a hell of a lot

[Kiwi Graham]

Started riding in schoolboy scrambling (motorcross) at 13yrs old, hit the roads on my 16th birthday on the legendry Yamaha FS1E and have owned a bike every day of my life since. Tis in ma blood :eek:

[spacemonkey]

Did you come to bikes late? Always wanted one, couldn't afford one, didn't have the balls to buy one, didn't get around to buying one etc.

This would be me.... With a healthy dose of saving money on petrol costs (bike currently saves me $60-70 per week with gas @ $2.05).

[alanzs]

Been riding something motorized on two wheels for about 40 years. Its a big part of my life and I like it that way!
Even these newfangled internet places where you can talk to other biker mutherfuckers.

[slofox]

First sniff of addiction was when I pillioned on the back of a mate's Triumph "Speedtwin".......there was a certain smell emanated from the engine that spoke to my soul........:mega:

Got first bike at university to avoid two hour bus commute across town - a 1953 Ariel 350.......iron everything including suspension.....then followed a series of bikes. Stopped riding for nearly 20 years and then earlier this year bought another bike for a welcome return to two wheels....:scooter:

[gammaguy]

first bike was a Suzuki GT250M,brought from Lawton Boyle Suzuki,Adelaide Road,Wellington.My old man rode it home for me,as i had never ridden a bike before.Next morning was a saturday,i was up before the sun,as it came up i was on the bike,wobbled off up the road.had a few hiccups but by the end of the day was riding it easily.i was 15.i have never stopped.that was 1976.here i am in 2008 and im still riding two strokes!:niceone:

[puddy]

Started riding at about 14. First bike at 16. Stopped riding for just under 4 years. Back into it for 10 years now. Finally got an off road bike too!

[Vtwo Fiend]

..Worst two months of my life.You can nail down the lid once I'm too old to get my leg over.

I can identify with your pain, I had a bike since i was 14 only reason i had to go without was some bastard took it and i had to wait for a payout before i could get another, that was the longest three months of my life.

[Hawkeye]

Came into it very late. Had a nifty fifty back when I was 17 but moved into cages. Much more fun in the back seat of a cage in the teenage years. And I needed to transport windsurfers etc.
Then married, family came along and before I knew it, I was coming up to my silver wedding anniversary and my 50th. Thought bugger it, so got my first bike at the tender age of 48.

Why the hell didn't I do it years ago......:crybaby:

[Mr Triple]

Always had a bike in the shed, weather road or dirt. When I used to be away for work a lot the bike sometimes would sit for months at a time, but was always there. In the last four years I've change jobs and don't do the hours any more so I'm always out and about on my bike.
I enjoy it so much now days I sold my trusty Ute about two years ago and my bike is my only means of transport. We do have a car that the wife users for work and we go out together in it. The only time I'm not to happy is when traveling to work about five in the morning after its been raining in the night and then clears up and freezes, hate that.:shit: